SM Group to Build New School Buildings in Laguna, Batangas

Continuing its commitment to helping elevate the country's education system, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) and the Department of Education (DepEd), have recently collaborated to construct two new school buildings in Laguna and Batangas.

Upon the completion of the joint initiative, two two-story four-classroom school buildings will be donated to the Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro City, Laguna and the San Antonio Elementary School in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.

Each of the school buildings is set to be equipped with learning materials, armchairs, handwashing facilities, emergency equipment, and PWD-friendly facilities to ensure that students, especially from low-income communities, gain access to modern, safe, and conducive learning facilities.

Formalizing the partnership, representatives from the SMFI, DepEd, and the local government units of said provinces attended the memorandum of agreement signing last April 28, 2023, at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) in Malvar, Batangas.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd in various educational programs. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.

Basic Occupational Safety and Health and Its Importance to Business Sustainability

Pila, Laguna — To continuously provide its information and advocacy services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry - Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) through the Negosyo Center Pila conducted a webinar on Basic Occupational Safety and Health via the Zoom conferencing platform last March 19, 2021. The webinar was attended by twenty-two (22) potential and existing MSMEs.

Engr. Edelyn Aireen P. Muñoz, a licensed Electronics and Communications Engineer and a Senior Business Counsellor assigned in Municipality of Pila, served as the resource speaker for the said event. She introduced the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) by showing demographics of the Global and the Local Scenario of OSH Situationer.

To broaden the webinar participant’s idea of OSH, Munoz discussed the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) Process. She provided the participants with details of the step-by-step process in conducting the HIRAC Process. Muñoz further discussed thoroughly the different health and safety hazards found at work and the possible adverse effects on the health and well-being of the workers. More so, she explained the Risk Assessment Process by giving participants samples of Likelihood Matrix and Consequence Matrix then how to select controls depending on the level of risk found during the Risk Assessment Process. She also provided the participants with a sample of documentation of HIRAC Process.

As the program continued, Muñoz explained the common types of accidents at work, accident causation, and the cost of accidents. Through these topics, she was able to give an idea to the participants on why seminars and training on OSH are important to the business’ sustainability.

The webinar concluded as Muñoz explained the following OSH points to ponder: (1) every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace; (2) an accident is an unexpected, unforeseen, unplanned, and unwanted occurrence or event that causes damage or loss of materials or properties, injury, or death; (3) most accidents at work could have been prevented; (4) every workplace has different hazards, risk, and levels of exposure. Tailor fit your OSH response; and (5) conduct workplace risk assessment through hazards identification, evaluation, and control.

YDA Laguna, DTI-Laguna, SLO, SK, AYDOL award livelihood kits to YEP Beneficiaries

Santa Cruz, Laguna — To engage the youth in entrepreneurship and help them cope up with the problem of massive economic recession, the Provincial Government of Laguna - Youth Development Affairs Office (YDA), in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Special Livelihood Office (SLO), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the Association of Youth Development Officers of Laguna (AYDOL), launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) on October 17, 2020.

A total of fourteen (14) youthpreneurs were given Negosyo Packages each ranging from worth Php2,000 to Php5,000. These youthpreneurs have successfully finished a series of four (4) webinars (How to Start a Business, Online Selling, Business Opportunities, and How Businesses Cope Up with the Pandemic) via Zoom conducted last October 17, 2020 to November 28, 2020. The awarding of Negosyo Packages held in Pagsanjan, San Pablo City, and Santa Cruz, Laguna, was held last January 19, February 3, and February 8, respectively.

YEP, with its official tagline "Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth!", supports the government’s growth agenda of doubling the number of entrepreneurs in the country by 2022 which, in turn, will broaden the gains of economic development, address inequality and uplift the quality of life of Filipinos, particularly the youth. (DTI-Laguna)

DTI, DOLE Monitor Establishments in CALABARZON Allowed to Operate amid Prolonged Quarantine

To ensure that business establishments and workplaces are following safety and health standards in the continuing battle against the pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry Region (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of CALABARZON joined forces to monitor 197 establishments. Businesses that are located in the malls, economic zones, manufacturing companies, and Business Process Outsourcing companies simultaneously in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon on June 10-11, 2020 in relation to the DTI-DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19.

The guidelines are issued to assist private institutions that are allowed to operate during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in compliance the minimum health protocols and standards.

“Our objective is not to penalize the establishments but to assist them in complying with the guidelines. Instead of monitoring the wages of employees and prices of basic necessities like what DOLE and DTI usually do, our focus today is on health and safety measures in the workplaces and business establishments,” said DOLE-CALABARZON Director Henry John Jalbuena.

DTI and DOLE require that the businesses in operation should observe some of the following measures: signages on COVID safety measures in the premises; employees wearing face masks all the time; temperature checks for both workers, clients, and visitors; spraying of alcohol/sanitizers on both hands; availability of disinfectant footbaths at the entrance and sanitizers in all areas where workers pass; disinfection of equipment or vehicle entering the premises; proper waste disposal; and clean water and soap in all washrooms and toilets, among others.

To minimize contact rate among workers, the agencies checked the implementation of alternative work arrangements such as work from home arrangement for vulnerable workers, minimum number of participants in meetings needing physical presence, video-conferencing, number of people in enclosed spaces (rooms, stores, halls, elevators, etc.), observance of at least one meter physical distancing, appropriate PPEs provided to cleaners, etc. The agencies also inquired about the establishment’s budget allotment for the implementation of COVID prevention and control program and the process for reporting and referral system.

The team found minor lapses such as no directional signages posted for one-way out in walkways and absences of footbaths at the entrances. The store owners and representatives, however, have signified their intention to immediately correct the shortcomings.

“We thank the business owners and operators for their cooperation and willingness to comply with the guidelines. This is one of the ways where we can keep our economy moving and securing the public’s safety at the same time,” said DTI-CALABARZON Director Marilou Toledo.

The DTI-Regional Operations Group headed by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona ensures that the business operations in all the regions and provinces are compliant to the guidelines.

You can view or download the guidelines in this link: https://www.dti.gov.ph/advisories/dti-dole-release-guidelines-workplace-prevention-control-covid19/.

SB Corporation Taps 3 Loan Collection Firms for Efficient Loan Collection

The Small Business Corporation (SB Corporation) partnered with three loan collection firms to aid the government lending agency in collection/recovery of accounts receivable payments from SB Corp micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) borrowers in the Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) area, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (CALABARZON) Region, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (MIMAROPA) Region, and Bicol Region. To ensure efficient and seamless collection of payments from MSME borrowers SB Corp tapped the services of Receivers and Liquidators, Inc., Anchor Collection Services, and Alexis A. Molaer Law Offices. “We welcome the partnerships and we thank our new partners for joining us and helping us in our loan collection activities. We hope that this relationship will be beneficial for all parties and will last for many years,” SBCorp President and CEO Ma. Luna Cacanando said.

In photo are (from L-R): Receivers and Liquidators Vice President & COO Susima Yngson, SBCorp President and CEO Ma. Luna Cacanando, Anchor Collection Services President and General Manager Imelda Ebora and Alexis A. Molaer Law Offices General Manager Jonathan Molaer.

Mang Inasal Launches ACE QSR Scholarship for Deserving Young Women of Lipa!

Mang Inasal launched its participation in the ACE Scholarship Program for Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Operations of Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF). This was part of the recent inauguration of Mang Inasal’s milestone 600th Store in Lipa, Batangas,

The ACE QSR program seeks to give underprivileged youth from Lipa the chance to develop the skills they need to be gainfully employed in the QSR industry.

Through the network of Pondong Batangan Community Foundation, Inc. in the Archdiocese of Lipa, four scholars from Lipa will be selected and join a class of students who will undertake a QSR Technical-Vocational Course in Anihan Technical School in Calamba. This includes six months of in-school instruction and six months of on-the-job training.

Here, the scholars will learn the rudiments of food preparation and food service. They will earn three TESDA certificates/qualifications at the end of the Program.

Being considered for the scholarship are single women aged 18 – 21, senior high school graduate with at least an 80% scholastic average, coming from a household with a combined family income of P200,000 or less, and willing to study and stay in Calamba City, Laguna for one year.

The scholars supported by MI will begin in June 2020 and their program will run for a year.

“As Mang Inasal grows as an enterprise, it also wants to do its share in building strong host communities whose residents are provided the chance to become more productive members of society. This is the least we can do to reciprocate the support we have been getting from our communities,” said Jojo Subido, MI Business Head.

DTI Lauds Most Competitive LGUs at 7th Regional Competitiveness Summit

The Department of Trade and Industry recognizes the highly competitive cities, municipalities and provinces during the 7th edition of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), commending the local government units’ efforts to enhance the competitiveness at the local and regional levels.

For the fourth year, Quezon City is the overall most competitive Highly Urbanized City (HUC), making it to the CMCI Hall of Fame. Manila ranks second followed by Davao City in 3rd place. Antipolo City tops the overall most competitive Component City (CC), with Calamba, Laguna and Santa Rosa, Laguna in 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.

Cainta, Rizal reclaimed its top spot as overall most competitive 1st-2nd Class Municipality, while Taytay, Rizal slipped to second spot, followed by Baliwag, Bulacan in 3rd place. For the 3rd-6th class municipalities, Mambajao, Camiguin topped this category followed by San Remigio, Cebu (2nd) and Baler, Aurora (3rd). The three most competitive provinces are all coming from the Calabarzon region, with Rizal Province as 1st place for fourth consecutive time, Laguna as 2nd place and Cavite as 3rd place.

"I am glad to hear that more and more Local Government Units (LGUs) are seeing the importance of the CMCI project," said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“The CMCI now has 1,518 cities and municipalities, from 122 cities and 163 municipalities in its pilot run in 2013. Beyond being an annual ranking event, it is a vital opportunity for policymakers and public officials to see where things are, compare it to past performance, and relate it to the experience of other localities. As such, the program serves as a driving force to do better, to be more innovative, and to utilize and manage resources more effectively," he added.

Most economically dynamic LGUs

The Economic Dynamism Pillar of CMCI measures the economic activity and productivity of an LGU, which include the size and growth of the local economy (business registrations, capital, revenue, permits), capacity to generate jobs, cost of living, cost of business, etc.

Pasay City landed in the top spot for the HUC category, as Davao City improved to 2nd place, while last year’s no. 1 Quezon City dropped to 3rd place. For Component Cities, Gen. Trias, Cavite moved to 1st place, followed by Calamba, Laguna (2nd) and Batangas City, Batangas (3rd). Plaridel, Bulacan emerged as no.1 in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, with Sta. Maria, Bulacan in no. 2, while last year’s top performer Cainta, Rizal fell to no.3. Mambajao, Camiguin led the 3rd-6th class municipalities together with Bacolor, Pampanga (2nd) and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao (3rd).

Most efficient LGUs

In the Government Efficiency Pillar, competitiveness of LGUs is determined through the reliability and quality of government support for effective and sustainable expansion, and absence of corruption.

In this pillar, Quezon City ranked best in the HUC category followed by City of Manila (2nd) and Davao City (3rd). For the Component Cities, Antipolo, Rizal is no. 1, while last year’s top LGU Tagum City eased to no.2, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna is no.3. Cainta, Rizal reclaimed its top rank in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, while Taytay, Rizal and Silang, Cavite landed in the 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. San Simon, Pampanga got the 1st place in the 3rd-6th class municipalities, followed by Taal, Batangas (2nd) and Mambajao, Camiguin (3rd).

Infrastructure-sufficient LGUs

This third pillar measures the availability of necessary physical building blocks that connect and sustain a locality and its surroundings to enable provision of goods and services. Data involved includes existing road network, distance from major ports, availability of basic utilities, internet connection, etc.

Consistent top performers in the HUC Category are Quezon City (1st), City of Manila (2nd) and Davao City (3rd). Legazpi City remained as top Component City followed by Antipolo, Rizal at 2nd place, while Naga City, Camarines Sur slipped to 3rd place. Baliwag, Bulacan improved to the top spot for the 1st-2nd class municipality, with Cainta, Rizal (2nd place) and Taytay, Rizal (3rd place). Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija entered for the first time as top placer in 3rd-6th municipalities, together with Ronda, Cebu (2nd) and Jimenez, Misamis Occidental (3rd).

Most resilient LGUs

The fourth pillar measures the capability of an LGU to sustain competitiveness. Resiliency at the context of local level is defined as ability of the people, households, communities, countries, and systems to mitigate, adapt to and recover from shocks and stresses and manner that reduces chronic vulnerability and facilitates inclusive growth.

Iloilo City secured the top spot for the HUC Category followed by Cagayan de Oro (2nd) and Davao City (3rd). Antipolo, Rizal led the Component City Category with Koronadal, South Cotabato (2nd) while Calapan, Oriental Mindoro slipped to 3rd place. Liloan, Cebu emerged as best in the 1st-2nd class municipalities, followed by Binangonan, Rizal (2nd) and San Mateo, Rizal (3rd). Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur is 1st place in the 3rd-6th class municipalities, with Pagsanjan, Laguna (2nd ) and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur at (3rd ).

Most improved LGUs

DTI also recognized local government units that significantly improved their performance in the CMCI. For HUC Category, Valenzuela and Malabon shared the top spot, followed by Angeles, Pampanga (2nd) and Paranaque and Caloocan (3rd). For Component City, Meycauayan, Bulacan topped the list, while Tangub, Misamis Occidental and Toledo, Cebu tied in 2nd place. San Jose del Monte, Bulacan ranked 3rd. For 1st-2nd class municipalities, Plaridel, Bulacan is 1st place followed by Pandi, Bulacan (2nd) and Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija (3rd). For 3rd-6th class municipalities, Poro, Cebu is the top placer, followed by Penaranda, Nueva Ecija (2nd) and Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur (3rd).

Partnership for Build, Build, Build

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and ATN Holdings recently forged a partnership for Quarry Priority Supply Project to North Luzon Expressways (NLEX) projects. The partnership will ensure steady supply of quality construction aggregates for the following projects: NLEX-Harbour Link, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the NLEX expansion, the Manila-LRT Line 1 Cavite extension, and NLEX-SLEX Connector Road. Photo shows MPTC President & CEO Rodrigo E. Franco and ATN Holdings President & CEO Arsenio T. Ng (2nd and 3rd from left) joined by Department of Public Works and Highways chairman of Build, Build, Build Anna Mae Lamentillo (rightmost) with (from left) MPTC Chief Development Officer Raul Ignacio and ATN Holdings Director Hilario T. Ng

Eton City: The Gateway to the South

In the last few years, an increasing number of people are moving into the peripheries of Metro Manila to settle into a more peaceful and less stressful suburban life. More and more offices and commercial centers are setting up in major growth corridors such as Laguna, Cavite, and Pampanga. However, this rapid urbanization also exponentially increased vehicular traffic in these rising districts. Because of this, finding a neighborhood that is centrally located and easily accessible from major road networks makes a meaningful and wise investment for those looking to purchase a property in these areas.

In Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Eton City makes a strong case for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living in a suburban community, like having access to wide and serene natural spaces, but still want to be close enough to the urban comforts and conveniences that surround the area. Before getting into the inner business districts and residential areas in Sta. Rosa, Eton City welcomes you to the South with its own exit along the South Luzon Expressway. It still offers a faster and safer route going to Tagaytay. With this exclusive exit, the Alabang CBD is approximately 25 minutes away and the Makati CBD about 45 minutes away.

Low-Density Residential Villages

Developed by Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the real estate arm of the Lucio Tan Group, each village in Eton City takes inspiration from various architectural influences, creating premium-themed communities that give way to elegant living.

Combining unique homes, verdant surroundings, and open spaces in distinguished village concepts, Eton City is envisioned to be a vibrant and accessible community. Strategically located with easy access to education, business, and lifestyle hubs, the themed residences and premium amenities of West Wing Residences, TierraBela, Riverbend, and South Lake Village will be investments that grow as individuals, families, and communities do.

OTOP HUB OPENS IN DTI MAIN BUILDING, OFFERS 600 PRODUCTS FROM 110 MSMEs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched its One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub at the DTI Main Building in Makati with a Blessing and Buyer’s day on 4 July 2019.

The store features 600 products from 110 local enterprises, mostly processed food, drinks, bags, and handicrafts. These products are developed from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under DTI’s OTOP Program.

DTI Secretry Ramon Lopez said that to fulfill the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte of better and more comfortable lives for the Filipino people, DTI continues to push for programs that aim to raise MSMEs from the grassroots to the national and international markets, creating more jobs and sharing the prosperity for all.

Buyers from major retailers like Duty Free, Robinson’s, SM, and Waltermart were present at the event to look for products for their stores.

The DTI Main OTOP Hub is open from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm and is managed by the Association of Laguna Food Processors (ALAFOP).

In the photo are (from L to R) DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Duty Free Philippines Chief Operating Officer Vicente Angala, DTI Assistant Secretaries Demphna Du-Naga and Blesila Lantayona, ALAFOP Chairman and President Clarke Nebrao, and Leon Flores of the Regional Operations Group.

Fiery Style Southwestern Flaming Grill Now Open in Southwoods Mall!

Hola! Fiery Style is now open down south, well it's down south of Luzon there is! This Mexican resto that has the Best Nachos in Town is the newest food pool in Southwoods mall that is the first ever full-scale lifestyle mall in the South that offers state-of-the-art cinemas, superb shopping stores and major dining destinations. Located in Binan Laguna, this is some resto that you can definitely go to to fulfill your craving for Mexican Food.

This resto is well known for there best tasting taco's but that is not just the only food or snack that you can dive into when you go there. I'm not a taco kind of person but the taco that they have is not only very enticing and instagrammable but delicious as well!

I was able to get first hand experience of the pleasant Mexican Ambiance and dining on their opening last January 12, 2019. This is probably one of the few times that I've seen a resto so jam packed on their start date. I enjoyed all of the dishes that we tried which I will share in a bit.

There is definitely something for everybody's taste bud, from sea food to steaks, from appetizers to dessert even from cocktails to beer.

Some of the dishes we tried are Surf and Turf, Galleon of Bones(shrimp of barbeque ribs, chicken wings, and meaty pork hammers, beef ribs served with southwest chips), Lord of the Wings(A 24 chicken wings set beautifully and uniquely presented with 3 flavors to choose from: the Hot Hot Hot Sauce & Jalapenos, Nacho Cheese Sauce and Bacon and Texan-style barbeque), Assorted Steaks from the family size steaks to my favorite 10 oz. US Rib Eye steak. All are very tasty and meets your expectation when it comes to steaks which is meaty and will sure make your belly full. I suggest that you order the Steak Ala Familia as "Pulutan" if you'll end up drinking cocktails or beer with your friends. I also like the combinations of buffalo wings particularly liked the Jalapeno and Naco cheese flavors.

When it comes to the ambiance and the place, in Southwoods mall alone the location is pretty classy and comfy so much more from the restaurant interior were you can feel the Mexican resto spirit from it, although the band playing is local, you will still enjoy the dining experience on your stay. 

Honda Commences Environmental Sustainability Projects in Romblon

Striving to realize a sustainable society, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., developed the Mobile Power Pack which can charge renewable energy as power source for electric devices that are necessary for people’s daily lives, including electric mobility products. Honda is expanding its efforts toward the realization of “local generation and local consumption of energy” and a “carbon-free society” by combining technologies to “generate”, “get connected” and “use” for energy.

Last 2017, Honda has conducted the demonstration testing of the Mobile Power Pack in Asia, and in the Philippines is Romblon Island, located in the Southern Tagalog region, particularly near the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Palawan. In Romblon, diesel power generation is the primary source of energy while it is therefore overly dependent on high-cost and high-CO2 energy. Aside from the fact that Romblon is also facing a challenge in ensuring stable power supply while accommodating electricity needs with large fluctuations in day-night demand.

For this demonstration testing, Komaihaltec which jointly conducted this testing with Honda, installed a wind power generator that generates clean energy. Honda installed an Exchanger where surplus electricity will be stored in the Mobile Power Packs to realize highly-efficient energy use, through which the two companies will strive to realize a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Soon in Romblon, Honda will utilize PCX ELECTRIC as an electric mobility product which can be installed with the Mobile Power Pack to collaborate with wind power generator as renewable energy source in the island.

The PCX ELECTRIC is an electric motorized scooter. Two Mobile Power Pack units enable the PCX ELECTRIC to travel up to 41km (60km/h steady state test) on a single charge. It maintains the PCX series’ easy-to-handle size and comfortable riding position to realize comfortable and elegant riding. It also maintains the advanced features such as the stylish All-LED lights, and Honda SMART Key System which allows the rider to unlock the main switch knob by simply approaching the scooter without removing the smart key from their garment.

Honda looks forward to the continuous innovation of its products to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and carbon-free environment.

For more information, visit https://hondaph.com/ or follow Honda’s official Facebook page at Honda Philippines, Inc.

Honda Philippines Concludes 14th National Motorcycle Mechanics Skills Olympic

Honda has always been the trusted brand with technologically advanced motorcycles and exceptional customer service. Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) and its dealer networks work hand-in-hand to ensure top quality services by training its dedicated workforce. This is Honda’s way to make certain mechanics are growing, alongside technological advancements and more importantly, customer expectations.

Every year, HPI holds a competition for dealer mechanics from all over the Philippines to gauge their expertise.  This year’s finalists was composed of:

1      Mr. Alberto Alabar of Du Ek Sam Talisay City2      Mr. Jun Mar Suplio of Jied Motohaus Mati

3      Mr. Jared Yanga of Guanzon Merchandising Caloocan City

4      Mr. Sherald Anthony Publico of Desmark Corporation Calinan

5      Mr. Arnyl Librea of Desmark Corporation Tagum City

6      Mr. Mark John Blas of Desmark Corporation Calamba City

7      Mr. Jussel Bargamento of United Motoliance Guihulngan

8      Mr. Henry Balais of Motortrade Topline Guimba

9      Mr. Regnes Arenas of Desmark Corporation Tuburan

10   Mr. Jester Monsanto of Summit Superbikes Candelaria

11   Mr. Norman Nueva of Desmark Corporation San Pedro Davao City

12   Mr. Lou Jaysson Landicho of Honda Prestige Traders Incorporated 

After competing in the National Finals for 3 years, Jun Mar Suplio of Jied Motohaus Mati reigned supreme this year and became the Grand Champion.  He received a Brand New CB150R and will be pairing up with last year’s winner to represent HPI in the Asia Oceania Mechanic Skills Olympics on December 2018 in Indonesia.  Mark John Blas from Desmark Corporation, Calamba City won 1^st Runner-Up while Lou Jaysson Landicho of Honda Prestige Commonwealth won 2^nd Runner-Up.

            The Skills Olympics is more than just a competition, it is a stage built for these mechanics to showcase their expertise and recognize their potentials to become the best in their field, uplifting the level of respect for these mechanics and strengthening its claim to not only produce world-class quality motorcycles but world-class quality mechanics as well.

            HPI partakes not just in the realization of every mechanic’s dream, but to every Filipino’s ONE DREAM. For more information, visit their official website –www.hondaph.com

SABLAYA ENDS THE PILIPINAS DREAM CUP WITH FLYING COLORS

It’s the season finale of the 2018 Petron National Motorcycle Championship, and the 6^th round of the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) has come. What better way to honor the occasion than to show off the HPDC riders their skills and talent at the track.

The qualifying round started early for the riders as they took off from the pit gate at 8:55 a.m., with Rider #6 Sean Barcial (P1) making the best time at 2:25.729, while Rider #1 Kervie Bergania made 2:25,995 which landed him on (P2). Rider #7 Jakob Sablaya, who lead the pack in the overall points, had a time of 2:28.052 which took him to (P3), putting him close to rider #8 Andrei Reyes and #2 Wyner Blente, who landed on (P4 and P5) respectively. Meanwhile, Rider #12 Jasper Cruz and #4 Sean Ondillo got (P6 and P7), respectively.

 Race 1, Saturday, 11:00 a.m.

As the red light went off, the seven riders sped off for a 5-lap battle. Barcial Took the opportunity to lead from P1, but Sablaya did not make it easy for Barcial, making his way in the 1^st corner. From the 2^nd up to the final lap, Sablaya, Barcial, Bergania, Reyes and Blente, sliced and diced across the 4.2 km track, while Cruz and Ondillo were left behind with a total of 24.524 sec. gap.

Sablaya took the hearts of the crowd as he rode his CBR150R in the straights and corners like they were as one, taking the lead of the pack from Barcial and Bergania for the 2^nd and 4^th lap. However, Barcial managed to take the lead from Sablaya on the so called “Acacia” at the west course. Barcial charged on the chicane; while Sablaya was still trying to take the lead on the last stretch. At the last corner, Barcial managed to stay on the lead taking Race 1 for 1^st place with a total time of 12:10.286 with a fastest time of 2:25.708. On the other hand, Sablaya got 2^nd place with a total time of 12:10.719 and with a fastest time of 2:26.553; and finally, Bergania took 3^rdplace with a total time of 12:10.807 and with a fastest time of 2:26.506.

Race 2, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

With everyone’s strong excitement for the final leg of the season, the 5 lap race started. The first row of riders was composed of Barcial, Sablaya and Bergania competed to reach the first corner to get the lead and break away from the pack. As Barcial had the first corner, nobody gave in easily. Sablaya and Bergania were able to catch up quickly and steal the lead position while Bergania followed through, taking Barcial back to the 3^rd spot. On the 3^rd lap, Barcial has once again able to slice through the 4^th corner at the Acacia from Sablaya, but Bergania remained strong and was able to slip stream through Barcial. On the final lap, Sablaya was determined to take this race and finish strong, thus on the last straight, Sablaya has secured the lead, taking the last corner with the checkered flag raised, followed by Bergania for the 2^nd and Barcial in 3^rd.   

Jakob Sablaya:

“Masaya ako sa naging resulta ng Round 6 dahil nung race 1, magkakadikit kami nila Kervie Sean, Wyner and Andrei. Hindi ko nakuha ang Lead position sa Race 1, pero hindi ko pinakawalan ang race 2. Kahit nasa P3 ako, kinuha ko yung mga opportunity na nakita ko kung saan ako makaka lusot. Masaya ako sa resulta at performance ko sa buong season kasi nakuha ko ang championship ng 2018 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup.”

Sean Barcial

“Nung Qualifying round hindi ko  expected ang P1, pero nagulat ako na nakuha ko ito, kaya nung Race 1, Hindi ko pinalampas ang pagkakataon na lumaban at masaya ang palitan namin sa loob ng track. Nung Race 2, naging aggressive ako sa cornering ko and chicane, naging maganda ang laban namin nina Jakob at Kervie. Happy parin ako dahil malaki parin ang nakuha kong points.

Kervie Bergania:

”Masaya ako sa naging resulta ko this weekend. Naramdaman ko talaga na nag improve ang aking skills at napakita ko yun sa Race 1 and 2, consistent na ang aking takbo sa podium finish ko. Masasabi ko lang na malaking bagay na nakasali ako sa Dream Cup. Maraming Salamat Honda.”

Overall Results.

Honda Philippines, Inc. is proud to see the improvements of all participants skills and time at the track by an average of 5.0 seconds from the previous time they have joined the program, we also saw the improvement the riders skills and handling of the CBR150R.  In conclusion, the 2018 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup Champion is Alfred Jakob Sablaya with a total of 280 pts., Sean Barcial with 238 pts. and Andrei Samuel Reyes with 194 pts.

For more information, follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook – www.facebook.com/hondaph/ or visit their official website – www.hondaph.com