Vibal Group’s 2021 Year-End Roundup

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

“Life goes on” has been the theme of 2021, a year that began in hope and which Vibal is about to miraculously end on a high note. Despite the pandemic, Vibal Group, Inc. (VGI) continued to serve clients with amazing products and services. VGI launched several new titles and products and still provides quality webinars for its loyal viewers. Let’s have a rundown of VGI’s highlights this year.

A Year of Online Tertulia

Since December 2020, Vibal Foundation (VFI) has hosted a virtual tertulia where VFI honors the life of its matriarch, Mrs. Esther A. Vibal. The monthly tertulia features a wide range of songs, dance, and even theatrical performances.

e-Turo

The revival of e-Turo is a testament to VGI’s mission to help teachers in every way possible. The website offers webinars, online courses, and teaching materials that assist teachers not only in their teaching but also in their professional development.

NEAP-accredited

VGI took another step in providing professional development for educators. VGI has been accredited by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) to provide professional development for teachers and school leaders.

Online Shopping

The increase of the demand for Vibal books has increased. This year, VGI answered their customers’ calls and opened online shops in Shopee and Lazada. The Vibal online store has been active for years but with the addition of the Shopee and Lazada channels, avid Vibal readers may order their books through these platforms. Earlier this month, VGI had their first live selling of beloved titles. Due to the good response of viewers, VGI will schedule a second live selling session on Facebook soon.

TikTok Paaralan

After launching Podcast Paaralan in 2020, VGI took a step further and started its TikTok page where VGI can continue entertaining its viewers as well as educating them about a wide array of topics and issues.

VSmart Upgrades

VGI’s learning management system (LMS), VSmart, had some major updates. The addition of VSmart Analytics, VSmart Games, and VSmart Library shows how versatile the LMS is.

VSmart Quiz

The VSmart ecosystem continues to grow with new applications and products schools may use in teaching and learning. VSmart Quiz was introduced earlier this year to help students keep their mind sharp with different topics and subjects while having fun.

More Webinar Seasons

The online webinars of VGI continue to serve teachers on Facebook and YouTube. Webinar series such as Kasaysayan, Kaysaya, Speaker’s Demo Reel, and Teacher Vibal are now in their second season that focuses on a wide range of topics.

Book Launches

The pandemic did not hinder VGI and VFI from producing high-quality books. The launch of The Art of Window, Display, & Design, More Tomboy, More Bakla than We Admit, Sisa’s Vengeance, El Filibusterismo, Pugot, Philippine Cartography, 4th Edition, Old Jolo and Zamboanga, Imprenta de Ramirez y Giraudier, Philippine Genealogy and Art History: The Luciano Santiago Reader, and Boxer Codex, Second Edition shows how active VGI and VFI have been in releasing books for the mind and the eye. 

Success in the Time of  COVID

This year, VGI received recognition for different products. The Chikiting Book Sari was awarded as an Honorable Mention by the Mindanao and ASEAN Children’s Literary Festival. The Chikiting Book Palaruang Bahaghari was a finalist in the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards. The Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) named VGI as the Best Publishing Company in the 5th GEMS Awards. VFI’s Philippine Cartography, 4th Edition won the 2020 Gintong Aklat Awards for Social Sciences. Another success not only for VGI but for all Philippine publishers was VFI’s Boxer Codex which claimed the number one spot in Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” under the Historical Study reference category.

VGI and VFI salute their authors, illustrators, the teams involved in publishing these titles, and the loyal readers who continue to support these books.

In 2022, VGI has a lot more in store for everyone. The possibilities are endless with VGI. Let us continue looking forward to the next year, the new now.

Law Group Lauds FDA’s Ban of Toxic Industrial Trans Fat in Processed and Pre-packaged Food

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Law group ImagineLaw commends the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for protecting consumers’ heart health amid the COVID-19 pandemic through the issuance of FDA Circular No. 2021-028 entitled “Guidelines for Prepackaged Processed Food Products Containing Trans-Fatty Acids (TFA).”

The circular implements the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2021-0039 or the National Policy on the Elimination of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases issued on June 18, 2021. Under the policy, FDA prohibits the production, manufacture, trading, importation, and distribution of processed and pre-packaged food items with partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) and high TFA content.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a diet high in toxic trans fat is one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), a type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and known comorbidity that increases COVID-19 risk. Industrial TFA is unsafe as it builds bad cholesterol in the arteries and may lead to heart attacks.

“The Philippines recently breached the 3-million mark of COVID-19 cases. People with comorbidities like CVDs have a higher risk of severe illness and even death from the virus. Thus, it has become even more relevant to implement health measures that will strengthen Filipinos’ cardiovascular health and consequently, build their resilience against severe forms of COVID-19. Banning TFA from common packaged foods is a timely and effective public health intervention to achieve this goal,” Atty. Sophia San Luis, ImagineLaw’s Executive Director remarked.

To ensure strict compliance with the policy, the FDA requires food producers to submit a Certificate of Analysis from an FDA-accredited laboratory showing the TFA content of the product per 100 grams or 100 ml of total fat. The FDA requires food producers to remove TFA from their products by June 18, 2023.



Trans fat in other food sources

ImagineLaw advances a holistic approach to trans fat elimination by advocating for the enactment of the Trans Fat Free Philippines Bill which will remove TFA from all types of food sources.

“The issuance of the FDA regulations is a welcome development in ensuring the availability of safe food for all. However, legislative support is still needed to completely remove TFA from the nation’s food supply. The Bill currently pending in Congress must be enacted into law to ensure that all types of food, including those from food establishments and informal markets, are also safe and TFA-free,” San Luis added.

The Trans Fat Free Philippines Bills are currently pending with the House of Representatives Committees on Ways and Means and Appropriations and Senate Committees on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.


Read the full FDA Circular here: https://www.fda.gov.ph/fda-circular-no-2021-028-guidelines-for-prepackaged-processed-food-products-containing-trans-fatty-acids-tfa

Why forward-thinking investors are making the wise choice with SMDC’s Ice Tower RES

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This newly-launched residential-office property at the Mall of Asia Complex quickly became a coveted asset.


Anyone who has had to work or run a business from home understands the importance of having flexible living spaces conducive to both work and life.

As part of its commitment to provide Filipinos with homes that are tailor-fit to their needs, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) introduced its first residential-office (RESO) development last year, where driven individuals can live, work, and succeed. SMDC’s Ice Tower RESO is located in the bustling Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, and offers spaces for success designed for modern entrepreneurs to start or expand their business from the comfort of their home.

A testament to the high demand for residential-offices, as well as to SMDC’s reputation as the country’s trailblazing real estate developer, is the remarkable sales performance of Ice Tower RESO. Since its launch six months ago, the development has already sold more than half of its inventory.

What makes this property one of the most sought-after developments in today’s real estate landscape? Let’s take a closer look.



Pursuing goals from home is here to stay

The trend of remote work and the rapid growth of online entrepreneurs is seen to outlast the pandemic, underscoring the rise of homes inspired by the new normal. SMDC’s Ice Tower RESO offers both the luxury and comfort of a premium condominium development, and the collaborative and prestigious environment an office provides.

From drafting inspired business plans to delivering ground-breaking client presentations, Fiber Optic internet technology and 100% backup power system ensures a smooth and uninterrupted workflow. No need to fret when things don’t go your way and stress levels shoot up, as there are amenities that will encourage you to live a balanced lifestyle. Perhaps go for a rejuvenating workout at the Fitness Hub, or have some fresh air either at the resort-styled Central Pool, or the Sky Lounge at the roof deck.

Ice Tower RESO also features facilities and amenities typically found in Grade-A office buildings, which truly sets the property apart. Behind the design of the property’s common interior spaces is Plus Architecture, an Australian-based firm that has worked on several cutting-edge projects, including those for WeWork. There’s a Business Hub with meeting rooms, a conference room and function hall designed for your every need. Meanwhile, an integrated Commercial Hub offers a variety of concessionaires that makes everything all the more convenient for you.

Business efficiency and opportunity, bustling at Mall of Asia Complex

Ice Tower RESO positions homeowners for success in the prime and strategic location of the MOA Complex. The area has evolved from a popular entertainment zone to a full-fledged global business hub. It also boasts convenient access to international airports, major thoroughfares like EDSA, SLEX and CAVITEX, and other key business districts in the metro like BGC and Makati.

Also within the MOA Complex is SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia. The buzzing district likewise has a wide range of hotels, convention centers, entertainment parks, residential condos, and office spaces that measure up against world-class standards.

According to Leechiu Property Consultants Inc., these factor significantly in the massive growth in value of real estate assets in the Bay City, surging by 947% from 2010 to 2020 at P450,000 per sqm.

Many investors have recognized this promising opportunity and have made the move with SMDC’s Ice Tower RESO. Take the leap now, and reap the sure rewards of your real estate investment.

To know more about SMDC’s Ice Tower RESO, visit https://smdc.com/properties/ice-tower/.