Celebrating Partnerships: From Connections to Collaborations: How This Game-Changing Event is Redefining Networking in Cavite

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A Historic Gathering of Business and Community Leaders in Imus, Cavite

On February 8, 2025, YES! Hotel in Anabu, Imus, Cavite, became the epicenter of business collaboration and community leadership as BNI Inspire Cavite One hosted “Celebrating Partnerships: From Connections to Collaborations.” The event brought together some of the most influential business networks and community organizations in the region, creating an unprecedented platform for networking, learning, and forming strategic alliances.

Uniting Powerhouses: BNI, JCI, Lions, Inner Wheel and Kiwanis, Join Forces

The event was spearheaded by BNI Cavite One in collaboration with JCI, Kiwanis, Inner Wheel and Lions Club underscoring the importance of unity in fostering business growth and community impact. This rare convergence of organizations provided attendees with valuable opportunities to expand their networks, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations that could drive both economic and social development.

The significance of this gathering was further amplified by the presence of distinguished speakers and guests, including:

Featured Speakers and Guests:

Antonio Luis Mercado – Regional Director, Cavite One, BNI

Earl Joseph Estrera – Regional Director, Cavite One, BNI

Jhon Dexter Tañedo – President, Inspire Chapter, Cavite One, BNI

Joy Jabile-Ejercito – South Luzon District Director, BNI

Angie Ng Ying Ping – Global Connector, Director, BNI Malaysia

Ace Peng – BNI North Taiwan

Emoy Francisco – Imus Dambalasik Lions Club

Rian Zibrid Cabildo – Executive VP, JCI Imus Wagayway

Rose Baguio – Kiwanis Vermosa Imus East

Val Baguio – Kiwanis Bahayang Pag-Asa

Leah Ordoñez – Inner Wheel Mutya ng Imus

Each speaker brought valuable insights on business networking, leadership, and collaboration, sharing real-world strategies to maximize partnerships across industries and organizations.

Signing of a Game-Changing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

One of the most groundbreaking moments of the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among key organizations. This agreement solidifies a year-long commitment to working together on training, development, and community projects that benefit entrepreneurs and social enterprises.

The MOU was signed by:

✔ JCI Imus Wagayway, Inc. – Represented by EVP Mark Rhian Cabildo

✔ Imus Dambalasik Lions Club – Represented by Charter President Jose Elmer "Emoy" Francisco

✔ BNI Cavite One – Represented by President John Dexter Tañedo

✔ Inner Wheel Club of Mutya ng Imus – Represented by its Leah Ordonez

✔ Kiwanis Club Bahayang Pag-Asa – Represented by District Treasurer Val Baguio

✔ Kiwanis Club Vermosa Imus – Represented by President Rose Baguio

The MOU establishes the following commitments:

Sharing training and project lists to maximize opportunities for collaboration

Providing financial or in-kind support to ensure successful implementation of initiatives

Incorporating each other's logos in marketing and promotional materials

Ensuring transparency and accountability through post-event reports

This agreement, effective for one year, supersedes all prior informal agreements, ensuring that participating organizations stay aligned in their vision and mission.

A Milestone for International Networking and Collaboration

As part of International Networking Week (INW), the event also highlighted the role of BNI platforms in global business expansion. International BNI leaders, such as Angie Ng Ying Ping from Malaysia and Ace Peng from Taiwan, emphasized how local entrepreneurs could leverage BNI’s global network to access new markets, build international partnerships, and enhance their competitive edge.

The event’s success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of BNI Cavite One, with special recognition given to:

Regional Director Antonio Luis Mercado for his visionary leadership

BNI Inspire Chapter President Jhon Dexter Tañedo for his unwavering commitment to uniting business leaders

Regional Director Earl Joseph Estrera for helping bridge connections across multiple organizations

A New Era of Business Collaboration in Cavite

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and optimism. Attendees left not just with new contacts but with genuine partnerships, shared visions, and a renewed drive to make a lasting impact.

This gathering was not just another networking event—it was a turning point in how organizations in Imus, Cavite, and beyond will connect, collaborate, and create meaningful change together.

For those who couldn’t attend, stay tuned for future events and opportunities to be part of this growing movement of collaborative success!

Bato Dela Rosa’s Disgraceful Attack on a PWD Legislator: A Moment of Power or a Lack of Decency?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a shocking display of arrogance and insensitivity, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has once again found himself at the center of controversy—this time for making offensive and derogatory remarks toward Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña, a known stroke survivor. The incident has ignited a wave of public outrage, with advocates, netizens, and organizations calling for his immediate apology and accountability.

The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm

During a discussion on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Dela Rosa threatened to slap Representative Cendaña. But it didn’t stop there—his comments allegedly mocked Cendaña’s physical condition, a result of a previous stroke. Instead of engaging in a meaningful debate, Dela Rosa resorted to an aggressive and highly inappropriate outburst that targeted not just Cendaña but also the entire community of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This blatant display of disrespect did not go unnoticed. Almost immediately, the public erupted in condemnation, with many questioning how a senator of the Republic could behave in such an unprofessional and disgraceful manner.

An Outpouring of Condemnation

Calls for an apology and accountability have since dominated social media, with health advocates, disability rights organizations, and ordinary citizens denouncing Bato’s behavior. Akbayan Party has formally demanded an “immediate and unequivocal public apology” from Dela Rosa, not only to Representative Cendaña but also to the broader disability community.

"The words and actions of Senator Bato are not just offensive; they reinforce harmful discrimination against individuals with disabilities," Akbayan stated in a public statement.

Medical and disability rights advocates also joined the call, emphasizing that mocking a person’s medical condition is unacceptable in any setting, let alone within the Senate. Critics insist that Dela Rosa must not only apologize but also be reprimanded by the Senate’s Ethics Committee.

Public Outrage: "Not Fit for Public Office"

Social media platforms have been flooded with criticisms, with many users expressing their disgust over Dela Rosa’s words and actions.

“Disgusting boorish behavior. A disgrace to both the Senate and the Philippine military.”

“Tapos na ang political career ni Bato. He should never have been elected in the first place.”

“Bato’s remarks are proof that incompetence and arrogance can lead to utterly useless senators.”

“The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) should reprimand him. This is not the conduct of a true officer.”

Many netizens have vowed not to vote for Bato in any future elections, calling him “unbecoming of a senator” and a “bad example to the younger generation.” Some even pointed out his previous interview with journalist Karen Davila, where he was widely criticized for his incoherent and defensive responses.

A Pattern of Arrogance and Disrespect

This is not the first time Senator Dela Rosa has been called out for his problematic statements and actions. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by moments of questionable leadership, with many Filipinos questioning what he has actually contributed in terms of meaningful legislation.

Instead of focusing on policies that would benefit the Filipino people, he has been embroiled in controversies—often using his position to attack critics rather than engaging in productive discourse. His latest outburst only adds to the growing list of reasons why many believe he should not have been elected in the first place.

The Bigger Issue: Leadership Built on Respect, Not Bullying

At its core, this incident highlights a much larger issue: the kind of leadership we allow to thrive in the Philippines. Public officials are supposed to be role models, embodying respect, professionalism, and integrity. Instead, what we are seeing is a pattern of unchecked arrogance and a blatant disregard for basic human decency.

Leadership should be built on integrity and respect, not insults and threats. A senator, particularly one with a military background, should hold himself to a higher standard of conduct. But Dela Rosa’s behavior raises an important question—if this is how he conducts himself in public, how much worse is it behind closed doors?

Will the Senate Take Action?

The responsibility now falls on Senate President Miguel Zubiri and the Senate leadership. Will they simply let this pass, or will they take action and set an example that such behavior will not be tolerated?

The call for a public apology is not just about Perci Cendaña—it is about holding elected officials accountable for their words and actions. A reprimand from the Senate Ethics Committee would send a strong message that disrespect and discrimination have no place in public service.

Conclusion: The People Will Remember

Senator Bato Dela Rosa may believe he is untouchable, but the Filipino people have long memories. With every misstep, he erodes what little credibility he has left. His arrogance and lack of decency are now on full display, and the backlash is proof that Filipinos are no longer willing to tolerate his antics.

As the 2025 elections draw near, one thing is clear: the public will remember who stood for respect and dignity—and who did not. And for Senator Bato, the road to reelection just became significantly harder.

WORLDBEX 2025: Pushing Beyond Sustainnovation to Redefine the Future of Construction and Design

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A New Era for Sustainability and Innovation

The Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX) 2025 is set to make waves once again from March 13 to 16, 2025, across two premier venues: World Trade Center Metro Manila and SMX Convention Center Manila. Ranked among the Top 10 Best Events in the Philippines by 10Times, this year’s theme, "Beyond Sustainnovation," challenges the industry to go further in integrating sustainable and innovative solutions.

As the largest and most influential construction and design exposition in the country, WORLDBEX continues to be the leading platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements while fostering industry-wide collaboration to meet the pressing demands of sustainable development.

With environmental concerns reaching critical levels, the expo aligns itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). This year, the event promises more than just discussions—it will take real, actionable steps towards sustainability through various exhibitions, competitions, and learning forums.

Event Highlights: Breaking Boundaries in Design and Innovation

1. PROJÉTO Interior Design Competition 2025

One of the most awaited segments is the first-ever PROJÉTO Interior Design Competition, themed "Spectrum: Renovating a Sustainable Diversified Primary Learners’ Public Special Education (SPED) Center." This competition aims to highlight the best young designers from various institutions across the country.

The winning design will be implemented in a school in Pasay, demonstrating WORLDBEX’s commitment to both innovation and social responsibility. This initiative not only showcases talent but also creates a meaningful impact on the community by providing an improved learning space for SPED students.

2. Philippine Garden Festival: A Green Revolution in Resort Development

Now in its 4th year, the Philippine Garden Festival (PGF)—a collaboration between WORLDBEX, the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA), and the Landscape Contractors & Industry Specialists Association of the Philippines (LACISAP)—aims to redefine resort development with sustainable innovation.

Ronnie Traballo, President of LACISAP, emphasizes that the festival will showcase the creativity, expertise, and sustainability-focused innovations of the country’s top landscape architects and contractors. Special seminars will further explore the role of green spaces in creating eco-friendly urban and resort environments.

3. The World of Interior Design: Pushing Artistic Boundaries

A treat for design enthusiasts, this segment will feature renowned interior designers such as IDr. Leo Almeria, IDr. Chat Fores, IDr. Suzette Cocuaco, and IDr. Tony Adriano, among others. This year’s exhibits will be bolder and more surprising than ever, according to IDr. Chat Fores.

A special highlight comes from IDr. Leo Almeria, who coined the WORLDBEX slogan "The Legacy Continues." He hints at an exhibition focused on sustainability through cultural heritage, proving that sustainable design is not just about materials but also about preserving history and tradition.

4. The World of Architecture: Pioneering the Future of Infrastructure

The World of Architecture segment will showcase the country’s top architectural firms, including:

Palafox Associates

Visionary Architecture Inc. (Visionarch)

WTA Architecture and Design Studio

DEQA Design Collaborative (DDC)

Fulgar Architects

This year’s exhibit will fuse sustainability with the latest technological innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of building and design in the Philippines. Expect groundbreaking concepts that address climate change, urban density, and efficiency in infrastructure.

5. WORLDBEX Likha: Honoring Filipino Craftsmanship

A new addition to the expo, WORLDBEX Likha, will celebrate Filipino artisans and traditional crafts. From weaving and pottery to paintings and sculptures, this showcase will highlight the fusion of culture, sustainability, and innovation.

For the first time, a comprehensive art gallery will feature works from both renowned and emerging Filipino artists, proving that sustainability and artistry can go hand in hand.

6. WORLDBEX Summit: A Hub for Industry Thought Leaders

Industry leaders, developers, and construction experts will gather at the WORLDBEX Summit to discuss the latest advancements and best practices in the real estate and construction industries.

A notable addition is the Developers Forum, spearheaded by PDP + Architecture President and CEO Ar. Cathy Saldaña, which will feature top real estate experts sharing insights on sustainable property development.

A Must-Attend Event for Industry Professionals and Enthusiasts

With its 28-year legacy, WORLDBEX continues to set the standard for excellence in the building and construction industry. Whether you’re a professional looking for networking opportunities, a student eager to learn from experts, or a homeowner exploring sustainable innovations, this event is not to be missed.

How to Register for WORLDBEX 2025

To learn more and register for this highly anticipated event, visit worldbex.com.

Join WORLDBEX 2025 and be part of a sustainability-driven movement that is redefining the future of architecture, interior design, and construction in the Philippines!