Local home and fashion manufacturers display their best in Japan

By Pia Lorraine V. Yater
(Written for the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions)

World-class manufacturers from the Philippines will showcase their unique and exciting home and fashion pieces in a special two-week exhibition entitled Philippine Fashion Accessories and Interior Goods with Business Meetings this July at the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) Hall in Tokyo Japan.

Sponsored by AJC in collaboration with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Philippine Trade Investment Center (PTIC) Tokyo, the special exhibition - trade mission opens various business possibilities for local manufacturers to carve a niche in the discriminating Japanese market.

The 10-day exhibition started on 13 July 2010, and will progress to intensive business meetings with invited Japanese buyers from 20-22 July, still at the ASEAN-Japan Centre Hall.

"Our constant quest to develop has led us in manufacturing quality interior goods that fit the taste of the Japanese market, thus we are looking forward to meet new buyers and introduce our latest products," said Gigi Gonzales, Chief Operating Officer of GSG by Flora Creatives, one of the participants of the exhibition.

GSG through the years, has innovated on the use of handmade paper, in the process garnering many design awards such as the 1995 Golden Shell Award, the 2005 G-Mark Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO), and the 2008 Katha Hall of Fame Award.

For this 2010 Philippine trade mission, GSG will display woven abaca paper materials transformed beautifully into various bags and totes, runners and placemats, and laminates for storage boxes and other houseware and gifts items.

"We are hopeful that the Japanese market will patronize our products, especially as our main inspiration for producing paper has always been the Japanese “washi” or handmade paper – creating abaca paper in all possible forms and coming close to what is inherently beloved to Japanese sensibilities," Gonzales ended.

Meanwhile, other participants also expressed their insights on the Philippine trade mission in Japan, Celia Jiao of Kalikasan Crafts shared that the true measure of product quality is when you meet the Japanese standard. "Its a good benchmark to aim for and I strongly believe that we Filipinos can achieve it," she added.

On the other hand, Wilma Benitez, Assistant Manager of TN Philippines another prime manufacturer of home decors, shares that they expect to meet new steady clients and renew trade ties with the old to further strengthen their niche in the Japanese market.

The demand for storage items such as cabinets has remained comparatively firm as dictated by the Japanese lifestyle of order and efficiency. Meanwhile, there is the ever-present and lucrative Japan giftware market which amounted to JPY 17 billion in 2008. This reflects the age-old Japanese practice of gift-giving as a means of communication and definitely a market Philippine manufacturers can further exploit.

With the guidance of a Japanese market expert dispatched to the Philippines from Tokyo, the Philippine Trade Mission delegates were chosen from a roster of the best of Philippine manufacturers and exporters featured bi-annually at the CITEM-led design trade show Manila F.A.M.E. International. As a significant Philippine market, Japan is also the first-ever partner country for the Manila F.A.M.E., incorporating Japanese-inspired theme for its settings showcased last April and soon on the 18 - 21 October edition of the show.

Other participating companies in the Philippine Fashion Accessories and Interior Goods with Business Meetings include 33 Point 3 Exports, Inc. and Craft Mill, Inc.for home decor; while Anjo Accessories, Inc., Cebu Intertrade Export, Crystal Seas, Cyprea International, Inc., Ferimar Import-Export Inc., Indian Summer Gifts & Accessories, and Mich Dulce will represent the fashion accessories sector.

Pink vs. Blue

By Pia Lorraine V. Yater

Men and women are created equal.

Different in many aspects but generally alike in most ways. Debates on who’s the greater sex never ceased but the contemporary working professionals have proved that there should be no gender issues when it comes to business and society interactions.

Role reversal is better explained as other genders assuming the roles that are only meant for a specific sexual category.

In business and society, the girls are now performing job descriptions and activities that are usually fitted only for men and they proudly do it with flying colors. Men on the other hand, also developed fondness on the girl’s side of the universe.

Its been noted that women can accomplish some “men” task better than actual males and vice versa but endless talks on whose the best remains unsolved. Here’s a quick list of some points from Metropost dear readers that might add more spice to the eternal battle of the sexes.

Since men and women can now work together, men don’t have to shoulder all the family expenses. But I would still prefer my wife to take care of my children even just on their early years. – Rommel, architect, 25

Role reversal in the society and business is fine but I’m not really on it when it comes to raising a family. Maybe up to some extent, but alternating maternal and paternal duties/concerns really have an impact in more ways than one. Apple, writer, 27

My wife is a tigress in the office and I on the other hand is a chef who loves to cook for my family and my little kids. We are not following the norms of the society but still our family is as normal as the others. – Lloyd, househusband, 33

For me, gender issues don’t have bearing at all. Especially that were all finding a peaceful place in the planet where we can earn and do what we love regardless of gender issues. As long as there are no harassments involved, role reversal is really not an issue. -Rico, Senior Logistics Manager, 27

Everybody should do things on their own accord, like me I’m an engineer and work with lots of men but still I maintain my femininity. – Lee, engineer, 30

Even other girls are far more aggressive and expressive than other boys and I don’t see anything wrong with that. Welcome to generation X. – wolverine, web designer, 22

It’s cool to see girl’s dong the same stuff as ours. No one should be limited by his or her gender. – Patrick Lawrence, performer, 25

I grew up with my dad since my mother is in abroad working, my dad acted as my mother while she’s gone. Although it’s awkward to discuss with him the things that I should be learning from my mom it still worked. I guess my dad and other men out there can do good in the female arena as well. – Gem, housewife, 26

Role reversal is okay. At least we are not confined to the work of the sexual category we supposedly belong to. But I strongly believe that there are still roles that the opposite gender cannot do. – Papa Bear, Data Controller, 25

Role reversal between the sexes and the strive to determine whose the best is just like the pink vs. blue discrimination. Appointing colors according to gender. But since changes like acceptance and liberty to do what you will is gradually picking up, maybe its time to erase the word sexist in the dictionary.

Philippine company is ‘best-kept secret’ of global chocolate brands

By: Pia Lorraine V. Yater
(Written as a corporate Press Release for the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions' IFEX Philippines 2010 Event)


For local company, Primex Coco Products Inc. manufacturer of coconut by-products success is sweet when you know the right market for your products.

“Our company is an accredited supplier of big chocolate and confectionary companies all over the world,” said Fatima Velasco, Marketing Manager of Primex Coco. “Popular brands with the likes of Masterfoods, Hersheys, Cadbury, Arnotts, Ferrero Rocher, Nestle, and Kraft source their coconuts needs from Primex,” she added.

Primex Coco is a family owned corporation that ventured into coconut business because of the abundance of coconut in Candelaria, Quezon, a municipality south of Manila. From its simple beginnings the company now has manufacturing plants based in Quezon and in Davao.

“We export our products to all parts of the world but our biggest client is the European market,” Velasco added. Because of the large market share that they enjoy the company is considered as the biggest supplier of desiccated coconut in the world.

Since 1991, Primex Coco produces 24,000 metric tons of world-class desiccated coconuts for discriminating customers across the globe. Their product expertise, state-of-the-art equipment and committed staff of 1,300 who adhere to the strictest sanitary conditions, have yielded multi-granulated desiccated coconut that carry the mark of global excellence.

Known for their delectable products derived from coconuts, Primex Coco will once again let the world taste the difference of Philippine made food brands as they join the Philippine participation to the 2010 edition of Gulfood Dubai this February 21-24.

“This is our 3rd participation to Gulfood and it’s an excellent venue since the visitor profile of the fair is not limited to Middle East buyers only. Through our participation in Gulfood we even met a good buyer from Uruguay,” shared by Velasco.

Aside from the coconut by-products, Primex Coco is also expanding to other products such as coconut milk powder and banana chips.

The Philippine participation to Gulfood 2010 is led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), to promote the Philippines as a major source of quality food in Asia and to maintain old and develop new relationships with the big players in the region.

“CITEM gave us the opportunity to meet buyers in one venue, thus we enjoyed global exposure while being cost-efficient,” Velasco shared when asked about the assistance of CITEM in joining international trade fairs.

CITEM will also promote the country’s trade show for food, the International Food Exhibition Philippines (IFEX). IFEX Philippines is the country’s premier trade event for quality and delectable food ideas scheduled on 6-8 May at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City.

Gulfood is the Middle East’s leading food event and strategic business platform for the major movers of the food industry. Manufacturers, distributors and suppliers from different parts of the globe are represented in this world-class gathering of the key sectors of the food industry.

The Philippines’ food and beverage industry also identified consumer trends to help Filipino food brands cope with the demand of the market. Consumers now look for various products that comply with food safety regulations and standards, like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Fair Trade to name a few. Patrons also prefer food options that tap emerging specialized markets, with the likes of Kosher, HalaL among others, while other factors considered by the market today are convenience, (ready to eat, ready to drink and ready to cook), cheap (sachets, single served), better packaging and healthy, natural or organic foods.

The Philippine food exporters have an edge over other competing countries in the Middle East market since UAE is also a home for thousands of immigrant Filipino workers which serve as ready market for Philippine food products.

Primex Coco will be joined by 11 other local food exporters and manufacturers, they are: Celebes Canning Corporation, (canned tuna); Florence Foods Corp., (fermented marine products, veggie noodles and frozen products); FCG Trading Philippines Inc., bottled tropical fruit preserves, sauces and mixes, condiments, dried noodles, confectioneries and snacks, dried fish, frozen vegetables, health and personal care products; Global 88 Intl. Trading Corp., (mixes, condiments and seasonings); Mega Fishing corporation, (sardines); Monde Nissin, (noodles, biscuits and crackers); Market Reach International, (processed foods); Atson-Tropicana Food Products Inc., (nuts and coconuts); Ngosiok Marketing, (Super Q noodles); Q-Phil products International, (noodles, sauces and condiments and marine products) and Oceanic Exports Inc., (snack foods, sauces and condiments, and processed fruits).

For information, log on to www.ifexphilippines.com/gulfood2010

(END)

Metropost Cover story for the 2nd Quarter edition :)

Phoemela Baranda
Underneath the glam

By Pia Lorraine V. Yater

From different career ventures, frenzied mishaps and sizzling controversies a woman coated with glamour bares it all, exuding grace under pressure even at the most crashing intrigues or heart-pumping stunts.

Host and Model Phoemela Baranda, Glam Goddess to many is not just sugar, spice and everything nice. She’s a gladiator and a goddess rolled into one.

Phem as usually called by her colleagues in the industry is the beautiful face that serves the latest entertainment news every night on TV Patrol and every Sunday afternoon on The Buzz. But before being the mature and focused star news patroller that she is now her world took a complete turn around after stepping down into the modeling pedestal.

Her first walk into the glamorous world of modeling was when she was 13 years old when she was chosen as one of the models for the Pink Soda Club, then the rest is history, there was no stopping Phem in making a name for herself in the modeling industry. She appeared in numerous commercials and endorsed variety of products.

“I’m proud that I was able to crossover from being a model to a showbiz host,” she claimed as she relates her humble beginnings on a totally different field than what she was accustomed since. “From chic clothing and runway stints, I am now being mentored by the best hosts in the industry with the likes of Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda,” shared by Phem.

“It was a tremendous adjustment for me, considering na magkaiba ang discipline ng modeling at hosting. In a business kasi where everybody is talented and everybody is pretty, you have to always come up with something new, rediscover yourself in another light, that’s where I can fuse in what modeling has really taught me, aside from being beautiful you have to show some flair,” she enthused.

Phem is now on her fifth year as a TV host but she refuses to be stereotyped as just the host, she intends to take further studies so she’d be able to write her own stories. “This is still part of my efforts to reinvent myself, acquiring new skills would keep the element of surprise, which is a necessity in this kind of industry,” the supermodel turned host said.

Fear is not a Factor

The sexy and alluring Phem has graced the covers of myriad magazines and billboards. But Phem doesn’t want to be identified as just a mere celebrity she deems that there is more beneath her face and body. Her sugarcoating is not all what you can get. More than being attractive, Phem is also a strong lad eager to flaunt what she got.

Aside from developing new skills and innovating herself, Phem took a major decision that again – surprised everyone. Her glamorous face was unmasked as she billed with other adventure seekers on the pinoy version of Fear Factor.

“I was always boxed as serious, formal, glamorous and mature so I can say that Fear Factor showed the other side of Phem. Hindi naman ako lagi naka make-up, natural beauty is still the best.”

Even though Phem only stayed in Argentina after the third elimination, the stunts she was able to pull through was enough testament than being born with brushes and stilettos doesn’t mean she’s faint-hearted. “Atleast napatunayan kong hindi ako lalamya-lamya,” she shared while laughing heartily.

“Uy Phem matapang ka pala,” she beamed while recounting the reaction that she got from the viewers of the program. “Joining Fear Factor was really the highlight of my 2008,” she added.

The Star Shine Down

Looking back, it was supposedly the height of Phem’s hosting career when she was bombarded with troubles.

Phem bagged the coveted Extra Challenge host against other recognized finalist such as Joanna Pesa, a former beauty queen; Josephine Canonizado, a host and also a former beauty queen; and Ethel Booba, a comedienne. This success is an authentication of her innate hosting prowess but fate turned against her. She suffered intrigues and gossips one after the other that led to her termination as a host at the said program.

“We’ll never know when the storm would hit our direction, but I remained firm and strong, its really how you rise up to the situation,” the words that parted her mouth as she narrate how her life was changed by the incident. “In retrospect, whew! I am just glad I surpassed that crisis,” shared by Phem.

Up and ready for more

“When ABS-CBN gave my career a second chance, I knew what I had to do, I need to be better in my craft and I will not let this opportunity be wasted,” she explained with pride for being a part of the news and current affairs of ABS-CBN.

“Life indeed taught me a lot of valuable lessons and to inspire all the women out there so to speak let me impart these life-saving essentials that I learned along the way, Live a healthy lifestyle, little balance of everything, always discover something new, look and stay good for the right reasons, be happy and reward yourself from time to time,” she stressed.

When asked about her life at the moment all she left was “my heart is happy, my family is blessed and my career is flourishing but still yearning for more improvement, who knows I might be a full time actress next.”

(end)

How to get over your EX in 10 days

Another article published in Metropost Magazine January - March issue

How to get over your EX in 10 days…
by Pia Lorraine V. Yater

The unrelenting cycle of love and pain.

As romantics put it pain is as inevitable as love. We all go through breakups, and they can be rough and tough for some and straightforward for others. But generally heartbreaks are major mood deflators and ego droppers.

Surely heartaches are unavoidable but it’s curable so here’s a ten-day guide of coping up after the break up.

Day 1

Rethink the issues and problems raised only to learn from them. But don’t ever blame yourself. Don’t act like everything was your fault. Just analyze and accept.
Its fair to be angry – you have to release you emotions anyway so why not deal with it in your own way, cry or scream for a day. Set that deadline, follow it and don’t over do it. Just let go of the tension and wash away the sadness it will do you good.

Day 2

Accept the pain. Once you’ve let it all up, its time for acceptance. Think about the times when you still don’t know him or her, this will remind you that you’ve live without him/her then you can certainly continue even without your ex partners presence.

Day 3

Talk to your family and friends. They are a good source of guidance and support. You need people that will remind you that you should love yourself more.

Day 4

Take a moment. Take a moment to unwind and be calm, talk to somebody you trust and feel good about yourself. Its torture to stay in a non-healthy relationship and bear in mind that being with the wrong person is worst than undergoing the pain of breakup.

Day 5

Clean up. Remove all mementos of his/her existence in your life. Keeping the things of your ex will only slow down the healing process. Think in the positive perspective you’ll soon be filling your closet of things from your next partner anyway so make way and be ready.

Day 6

Stay active. It’s scientifically proven that exercise perk up mood. Use this hobby as a diversion to keep your mind off the pain.

Day 7

Find happiness. Indulge in other activities that entertain you or start something new that can lift your mind off your worries and pain. Read a book; learn a new sport or travel and splurge if you must, pampering yourself will keep you moving on. There are many things to explore today so don’t miss out your chance to connect with the world and experience the beauty of life.

Day 8

Look good. Being loveless doesn’t mean you’ll forget about your own looks and appearance. Feel good about yourself and remember there are many fishes in the sea to look forward to.

Day 9

Let go. Accept that it’s pointless to be bitter or regretful. You may had a happy relationship with this past affair but since things didn’t work out good there’s still someone who’s meant for you, waiting to be found.

Day 10

Be optimistic. Now that you’re single, you get to find new people to hang out with. Don’t be afraid to love again, change for the better and always be true to yourself.

Along the way, you’ll also find these helpful hints will make you survive your misery.

Keep your distance – never contact your ex by any means, no emails, no calls, no unexpected visits and never stalk.

Refrain from checking his personal site - e.g. friendster, facebook or myspace if you think you’d be tempted to do so, use firewalls and blocksite that allows you to block the URL to that profile. The lesser you know about him or her the more chance you have for a speedy recovery.

Never take back your decision – On no account will you use your loneliness as a catalyst to take back what’s already said and finalized. If you overly romanticized the good times you shared it will only make you pity yourself for being alone so try not to dwell on these happy but PAST thoughts or memories.