SSS announces appointment of Diana Pardo Aguilar as acting member of Social Security Commission

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The Social Security System (SSS) announces the appointment of Commissioner Diana Pardo Aguilar as Acting Member of the Social Security Commission (SSC), representing the Employers’ Group, last 25 April 2023.

Commissioner Aguilar will continue to serve as a member of the SSC, the highest governing board of the SSS, from her first appointment in August 2010 and earlier reappointments in September 2013 and November 2016.

“With her continued presence in the SSC, she is able to provide meaningful and relevant context to various initiatives, especially those that have been initiated in previous administrations,” SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

As part of the SSC, Aguilar serves as the chairperson of the Risk Management and Investment Committee that sets directions in making strategic initiatives and policy reforms that contribute to generating a higher return on investment for the SSS. This includes synchronizing the renewal of accreditations and amending pertinent policy guidelines to enhance transparency in the selection of brokers and governance of investible funds.

She is also a member of the Audit Committee of the SSC.

Aguilar holds concurrent directorships in the field of banking, investment, and energy, among others. She has been a director and/or senior advisor for Security Bank Corporation since 2010 and is currently the Chairperson of its Trust Committee and SB Capital Investment Corporation. She is also a Director in PXP Energy Corporation.

Moreover, Aguilar serves in various capacities in socio-civic and non-profit organizations such as Governor of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines and Chairperson of its Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of La Salle Green Hills since 2021, Member of La Salle Philippines Investment Committee since July 2018, and Member of La Salle Institute’s International Economic Council in Rome.

Aguilar earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Studies from De La Salle University. She graduated with honors from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, USA, with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Major in International Business and Finance.

Other members of the SSC are Secretary of Finance Benjamin E. Diokno (ex officio Chairperson); SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (Vice-Chairperson); Secretary of Labor and Employment Bienvenido E. Laguesma (ex officio Member); and Commissioners Anita Bumpus-Quitain, Jose C. Julio, Manuel L. Argel Jr., Robert Joseph M. De Claro, and Eva B. Arcos.

The Faces of Everyday Life with Hope Baylon

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What does it mean to make one’s dreams come true? How do we get there? For Oslo-based Filipina artist Hope Baylon, Nawong is an invitation to discover her artistic journey, where she brings her dreams, memories, struggles, and experiences to life through her work.

Nawong is Hope's first solo exhibit in the Philippines. For this exhibition, Hope showcases portraits of people from various backgrounds. Hope’s work is spurred by fragments of her memories, reflective images, and colors that deeply resonate with her. She utilizes repetitive line work as her primary artistic style. "Each line is a mark of one's wisdom and experience, and I aim to convey that through my work," shares Hope. As a result, her portraits are rich, textural, and full of depth—reflecting her struggles, triumphs, and passions from her lived experiences.

Hope's journey as an artist started in her hometown of Iloilo. When she was a child, her older sister inspired her to pursue art. Her sister was a talented artist in her own right, and Hope wanted to do the same thing. However, as she got older, her circumstances made pursuing an artistic career challenging. Despite her situation, Hope remained determined to pursue art and fulfill her dream. After finishing college, she worked at a Japanese company's research and development arm. Following her first job, she decided to move abroad. Hope first moved to Denmark as an au pair. In a conversation with her host family, she shared that painting was a dream of hers. Eventually, they supported her passion for art by enrolling her in an art workshop. There, she started to paint. Hope’s time in Denmark became the beginning for her to pursue her dream as an artist again. After living there, Hope moved to the Netherlands for a year.

Hope then moved to Norway, where she continued as an au pair. After a year and a half, she decided to enroll herself at ESMOD Oslo to study fashion design. During her time there, she realized she wanted to return to art and pursue it as a full-time career. She had to work multiple jobs to pay for her education at Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute), which she attended for two years. Her mentors, Rus Mesic and Julio da Silva, were instrumental in developing her art style. While there, Julio da Silva described her as a dedicated and hardworking student with a deep interest in painting. Hope continues to expand her artistic goals, while counting artists like Kenneth Blom to be a key mentor in her artistic career.

After ten years of living in countries like Denmark, Netherlands, and Norway, this show is a homecoming for her. This show is also a labor of love and a gesture of gratitude for the people who supported Hope in this journey. Like her name, Hope, this exhibit can be an eye-opener for dreamers everywhere.

Hope's first solo exhibition, Nawong, will be at the Super Duper Gallery in Quezon City from May 14 to June 7, 2023. Hope is currently open to doing commissioned work. For more information, visit hopebaylon.com or follow her on Instagram at @hopebaylonart.

Photos: Emmelot Grace Photography

Celebrate every MOMent with Mom at Sheraton Manila Bay

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Make mom feel special this whole month of May. From exquisite celebratory feast to relaxing family staycation, Sheraton Manila Bay has something for every mom.
Gather the whole family for a memorable celebration at Manila Bay Kitchen on all Sundays of May. Indulge in a sumptuous Sunday Brunch buffet for only Php 2,800 net per person and enjoy a hearty selection of international cuisine with live cooking stations. Elevate your dining experience further with a special beverage add-on of Php 600 net per person inclusive of free-flowing house red and white wine, local beers, chilled juices, and sodas.

For those looking to spend some quality time with their moms, Sheraton Manila Bay is offering a Mother’s Day staycation package with rate starting at Php 10,700++. Room package is inclusive of an overnight stay in a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids (5 years old and below), one complimentary Sunday Brunch buffet at Manila Bay Kitchen with exclusive 10% discount on additional diners, access to swimming pool and Sheraton Fitness, high-speed internet, welcome drink, and a special surprise for mom. Room offer is valid until May 27, 2023.

For reservations, please call +632 5318 0788 or email reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com. Sheraton Manila Bay is located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay.