9 Food Startups Worth Checking Out

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Some of most innovative food startups from all over the Philippines were gathered in a global gastronomic showcase at IFEX Philippines. Theyw ere seen, and their products tasted, at the country’s largest food show on May 20 - 21, 2017 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

1. Take Root

Partners Monica Mendiola and Aileen Payumo-Whisnant will be presenting their flagship product, Kale Chips, which started a kale-munching craze in the Philippines. Founded in 2014 with the goal of providing junk-free, whole food, plant-based snacks to Filipinos using locally-grown produce, Take Root makes healthy eating as accessible and enjoyable as possible. Their Kale Chips are made from pesticide-free, dried kale leaves grown by family-run farms in the Philippines.

2. 7 Grains

Embracing the healthy food revolution, 7 Grains Pantry caters to food alternatives. The company produces Skinny Carbs, popular with the young and health-conscious market. It uses konjac or shirataki noodles which has been dubbed the “Holy Grail” of dieting in Japan and US whole food stores. The company also makes Skinny Veggie Chips, a crispy snack made of cassava, moringa, squash, carrots and spinach; Skinny Tomato, a healthy version of ketchup using real tomatoes, organic coco sap sugar, and less sea salt than commercial brands; Skinny Seasoning, using gluten-free liquid aminos which is a nutritious alternative to high-sodium soy sauce; and Skinny Soup Base, an alternative to bouillon offering less sodium and less calories.

3. Coco Dolce by The Free Food Co.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy chocolate fix. Coco Dolce chocolates are sweetened using coco sugar making them a better alternative to the chocolates you usually crave. Made by Davao-based company The Free Food Co. these rich and creamy Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate bars come in Chili, Pili Nut and Rice Crisps variants. Coco Dolce sources their cacao from Davao farmers at fair trade prices and works closely with farmers who are committed to produce quality organic products that adhere to international standards.

4. Natural Health

This newcomer makes a range of tropical-inspired fun snacks and supplements including Superfood Trail Mix, Fruit+Nut Bar, Coco Sugar-Coated Cacao Nibs and Toasted Coconut Chips. The snacks feature ingredients sourced within the country. According to Brand Manager Ria Villanueva, their easy-to-use pantry substitutes such as Coconut Flour, Stevia, Coconut Oil and Coco Sugar, are sought after for their low-glycemic and gluten-free properties.

5. Coco Wonder

Promoting many different products made of coconut and cacao for a healthier life style, the aptly named Coco Wonder under its founder Andy Albao, works directly with farmers to produce a wide range of organic food. Watch for new snacks like coconut chips, coconut nachos, coconut pita bread, coconut wrapper and coconut water, in addition to its staple products Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Balsamic Vinegar, Coconut Cider Vinegar and Coconut Liquid Aminos. It also makes Coconut Worcestershire Sauce, Coconut Barbeque Sauce, and Coconut hot chili sauce.

6. Raw Brown Sugar Milling Company

The Dumaguete-based company produces organic muscovado sugar, now available in several forms – powdered, cubed, rocks and syrup. In less than seven years, the products have penetrated markets with highest and strictest food safety standards, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the United States and several countries in Europe.

7. Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory

Recognized for their vibrant packaging of chocolate bars that heralded the boom of the local chocolate maker movement a few years ago, this brand is now setting its sights on foreign markets. In addition to the classics, the brand’s unique local twists on flavors including labuyo, green mango and salt, barako and dark chocolate with calamansi.

8. Hacienda Macalauan

This small-scale dairy farm has been around for a while but its premium quality dairy products are now available to more people. Known for milk, cheese, cream and yogurt, their products also expanded into white cheese or kesong puti, ricotta and cottage cheese. They now make coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water and organic flour.

9. Chocolaterisa 

Owner Pam Cinco makes elegantly packaged Risa Chocolates using the purest chocolate-making standards. Meticulously handcrafted with the finest ingredients, the product line includes bars, pralines and truffles in classic as well as innovative combinations.

Cover Photo: 

One of Take Root’s owners and 2017 Katha Award for Food winner in the Snack category, Monica Mendiola welcomes every foodies and health enthusiasts to taste their kale-munching goodness at IFEX Philippines.

Hontiveros to Gov't: Identify Aid with Unjust Conditionalities

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday challenged the Duterte government to show to the public aid, grants and loans that it deemed had unjust conditionalities and could interfere with the country's state of affairs.

Hontiveros issued the statement after the government decided to reject aid from the European Union (EU) citing unfair conditionalities that could possibly interfere with domestic affairs.

Four questions

"I have four basic questions for the government. First, which of the EU aid packages had unfair conditionalities? Can the government provide the public a list? Second, what exactly were the unjust conditionalities in the said grants and/or aid that could interfere with our national affairs? Third, how could the said conditionalities possibly interfere in our domestic affairs? Fourth, what audit mechanism was used by the government in rejecting the said aid?" Hontiveros asked.

Hontiveros also asked the Duterte government if the billions of dollars in loans acquired from China are free from any conditionalities. The senator said that in the spirit of fairness and transparency, the government should divulge all the details regarding the Chinese loans.


Tied Chinese loans?

"Since the government said that it is their policy to reject all aid and loans from countries with unjust conditionalities, I therefore ask, are Chinese loans without any conditionalities? Are they not tied loans? Are they not tied to Chinese companies, contractors, supplies, technical experts and manpower? Were Chinese loans given with the condition that the Philippines will not enforce against China the UN-supported arbitral decision of the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal? Can the government provide the public the loan contracts and other documents to ascertain that they, too, will not interfere with our national affairs? Are Chinese loans in accordance with the principles on promoting responsible sovereign lending and borrowing by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)? Hontiveros further queried.

Hontiveros said that unless the government can provide the public more information about the supposed unfairness of EU aid, its decision appears to be a retaliation for the criticisms that the regional bloc aired on the human rights situation in the country.



"Walk the talk, conduct a debt audit"

"To answer all these questions, I call on the government to walk the talk and conduct a comprehensive debt audit as called for by Senate Resolution 253 and the debt audit provision we've managed to include in the 2017 General Appropriations Act. There is a strong need to scrutinize all the loan agreements the Philippines has entered into, if they are legitimate and not riddled with questionable processes, contractual obligations, purposes and use. These include the recently acquired loans from China," Hontiveros stressed.

"If the government is serious in rejecting aid and loans with unjust conditions, it must be based on the appraisal of a debt audit process conducted in partnership with social movements working on debt and development issues. The principle of rejecting aid and loans with unfair and onerous conditions should apply to all, whether they are from EU or China," Hontiveros concluded.

Thousands Attended Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 PH Audition

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The most creative and aspiring Pinoy acts turned out in full force today as AXN kicked off its open auditions for the second season of Asia’s Got Talent.

Thousands of talented performers – from magicians, singers and acrobats to dancers and variety acts – headed to QCX: Quezon City Experience to audition for a coveted spot in the record-breaking talent contest and a USD100,000 cash prize.

“Asia’s Got Talent celebrates performers of any age and with any dream and that was certainly the case here in Philippines today. Our first season was won by the Filipino shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, and this has inspired the entire nation to pursue their dreams. I wish all performers who auditioned for Asia’s Got Talent today the very best of luck and I hope to see them shine on Asia’s Got Talent later this year,” Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Billed as the world’s greatest talent competition, “Asia’s Got Talent” welcomed individual and group performers of all ages, who took to the stage with dreams of making it to the next round. 

Pioneer Adhesives, Inc. Launches Pioneer Contact Bond Grupo Sapatero

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Pioneer Adhesives, Inc., makers of Pioneer Contact Bond,  successfully launched Grupo Sapatero on March 17, 2017, an association of local shoemakers and manufacturers, in a bid to help uplift the shoe industry in Marikina City.

The local shoemakers who gathered at the event launch were declared to be the first members of Pioneer Contact Bond’s Grupo Sapatero. This event was held at the historic Kapitan Moy Events Place, the 200-year-old house of Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra, the founder of the city’s shoe industry.

According to Camille Fernandez, Asst. Product Manager of Pioneer Adhesives, Inc.—the said association was initiated to not only provide assistance to the members, but also mount programs like free training and workshops. This effort was greatly supported by local government of Marikina City through the Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MASIDO)..

“Pioneer Adhesives Inc., as a leading Filipino-owned company, has always been dedicated to helping the local industry because we also believe in the quality of Filipino craftsmanship. We saw the need to support the shoemakers and manufacturers, who are continues to craft dikit-tibay and tatak world-class products. They have also been doing their best to revive the glory of the Marikina shoe industry,” Fernandez added.

With stiff competition due to the entry of cheaper imported brands, the country’s Shoe Capital has experienced a decline in production. The industry also had to contend with a decline in the number of expert cobblers. Many of them having been forced to look for other forms of employment.

Despite these realities, the local shoemakers remain resilient in making world-class quality footwear. Most of the small and micro-scale manufacturers, also continue the art of crafting quality shoes passing on the legacy to the next generation of cobblers.

Katha Awards for Food Spotlights Innovative, Export Competitive Products at IFEX Philippines

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The 11th edition of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, through the 2017 Katha Awards for Food, once again pays homage to newly developed Philippine food products and applications yesterday at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

The awards aim to strengthen the reputation of the Philippines as a go-to destination for globally competitive Asian food and ingredients by recognizing companies that explore new galleries of flavors, original brand ideas, unique food fusions, and creative packaging methods.

The competition is open to all Philippine-based food manufacturers and suppliers participating in IFEX Philippines 2017. The winners are hailed from six different product categories: Food Ingredients, Marine and Meat Products, Snack Foods, Beverages, Processed Fruits and Vegetables, and Confectionery and Biscuits and Pastry. The company with the most creative booth exhibition is also recognized.

Katha Awards for Food was judged by SM Supermarket Senior Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon, ZOMATO Philippines Country Manager Anton Ojeda, Philippines Airlines Manager for Food Planning and Standards Division Maria Criselda Abantao Rayos, and Food Packaging and Labeling Expert Abner Villahermosa. They chose the winners according to Market Demand, 25%; Packaging Design and Innovation, 35% and; Product Innovation, 40%.


Here are the category winners of the 2017 Katha Awards for Food:

Food Ingredients: FIERY LABUYO BARBEQUE MARINADE of Mama Sita’s

Instilling innovation while keeping its century-old culinary tradition, Mama Sita’s has newly concocted to perfection the Fiery Labuyo Barbeque Marinade for lovers of spicy food fusions.

Bold and fiery, the native labuyo chili pepper offers a truly unforgettable barbeque experience without the monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other preservatives.

Marine and Meat Products: FISH SAUSAGES of Fisherfarms, Inc.

Fisher Farms All Natural Fish Sausages are free from artificial ingredients and chemical preservatives. Made from 100% fish meat, they provide around 10% of the recommended daily allowance of protein, contain Omega-3, and have 0 trans fats.

Free from gluten, casein, nitrites, and MSG, Fisher Farms All Natural Fish Sausages are perfect for health-conscious gourmets and sausage aficionados.

Snack Foods: KALE CHIPS of Take Root Food Corner

Imagine a completely guilt-free, vegan chip that combines the taste of tangy sour cream with freshly cut chives!

Take Root Food Corner’s Kale Chips is made with all-natural and organic ingredients. No oil, dairy, sugar or any preservatives. Made from nutritionally dense leafy greens available, these addicting kale chips are never baked or friend, but dried at low temperatures to preserve its essential nutrients and enzymes.

Beverages: TURMERIC TEA WITH CALAMANSI of Muy Bien

Turmeric Ginger Lemongrass is a sweetened tea drink made by the Negros Occidental-based Muy Bien Ventures Co. Inc. from the natural and organic extracts of turmeric, ginger, lemon grass and calamansi

Turmeric comes from the root of Cucuma longa plant. Called in the Philippines as "Luyang Dilaw," turmeric has a tough brown skin and deep orange flesh. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and a very strong antioxidant.

Processed Fruits and Vegetable: PUSO NG SAGING of KAPFER AND RIVERA UNITED INC.

Also known as “Ginataang Puso ng Saging,” this ready-to-eat Philippine dish satisfies the cravings for a heartyand savory meal—perfectly served on a hot cup of rice or as an appetizer paired with toasted bread and melted cheese on top.

Puso ng Saging is high in fiber and rich in taste, while completely being pork and chicken free.

Confectionery, Biscuits and Pastry: 85% NATULE CHOCOLATE DARK of MALAGOS AGRI-VENTURES CORP.

Developed to cater the taste of the high-standard Japanese market, the 85% Natule Chocolate Dark is an all-organic treat lets you experience the true essence of cacao, enriched with the subtle sweet aroma of coconut nectar.

The product was made under Malagos Chocolate’s single-origin chocolate production or what they call the “tree to bar” process, which involves the planting, harvesting, fermenting, solar drying, roasting, and processing of the cacao beans into fine-flavored chocolates.

Best Booth: Fisherfarms, Inc.

As a pioneer in aquaculture products processing, Fisherfarms, Inc. stages this year’s IFEX Philippines with a bright and modern scenography, highlighting the interesting insights on the Philippines’ seafood products, as well conducting on-site cooking and food sampling activities.

Fisher Farms, Inc, has one of the country’s widest range of premium quality fresh, frozen, value-added, and completely processed seafood products to clientele and institutions such as supermarkets, groceries, fast food chains, restaurants, distributors, and hotels all over the world. The Philippine seafood innovator is currently present in key markets such as USA, Canada, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe.

Cover Photo caption: DTI-CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon (leftmost) and DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado (rightmost) introduces the winners of the 2017 Katha Awards for Food at IFEX Philippines.

Join All the Action this Jam-packed June on Animax!

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Anime fans across Asia will enjoy what’s in store for the month of June, jam-packed with all the action and mixed with science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural as four of the highest-rated anime series from Japan make their debut on Animax.

Assassination Classroom

Students of Class 3-E at the Kunugigaoka Junior High School find themselves in an impossible mission as assassins to eliminate their homeroom teacher – a tentacled, smiley-faced creature responsible for destroying a part of the moon and threatens to destroy the earth within a year.

With the government offering a reward of 10 billion yen to whomever among the students succeeds in killing the monster, Nagisa Shiota and the class of academic underachievers take on the challenge to redeem themselves and finally earn the respect they deserve.

Despite the unattainable task before them, Nagisa and his band of social misfits must race against the clock, not only in time for their graduation, but also in time to save the world.

Assassination Classroom starts on 04 June, every Sunday at 9pm, with 4 episodes back-to-back, first & exclusively on Animax.

Hand Shakers

High school student Tazuna Takatsuki was just on his way to repair something as a mechanic when he finds himself in another world.

He meets Koyori Akutagawa, and the two become one as Hand Shakers – partners who can summon weapons called “Nimrods,” which are born from their deep psyche by joining hands.

With their newfound power, Tazuna and Koyori compete with other Hand Shakers for the chance to meet and challenge “God” and make their wish come true. But to do so, they should keep on holding hands at all times and not let go.

Hand Shakers premieres on 15 June, every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm, with 2 episodes back-to-back, first & exclusively on Animax.

SERVAMP

Sixteen-year-old Mahiru Shirota lives a simple life and dislikes everything that is difficult. But when he rescues a black cat he named Kuro, his life suddenly becomes complicated.

Kuro turns out to be no ordinary feline but a Servamp – a servant vampire who happens to be in the middle of a sibling rivalry.

In an instant, Mahiru is dragged into a war among vampire brothers and pulled into a world completely unknown to him, realizing that his once simple life will never be simple again!

SERVAMP premieres on 15 June, from Monday to Friday at 6:30pm, with 2 episodes back-to-back, first & exclusively on Animax.

Terra Formars: Revenge

In 2620 A.D., the earth is being ravaged by a deadly pathogen called the Alien Engine Virus. In order to find a vaccine, Akari Hizamaru and his crew travel to Mars to get a sample of one of the giant humanoid cockroaches known as Terraformars.

But on the red planet, an unforeseen accident occurs, which forces them to engage in a fierce battle with the alien creatures.

Fighting for their survival, Akari is fully aware that he and his men should triumph against all odds to save humanity from the looming threat of extinction.

Terra Formars: Revenge premieres on 20 June, every Monday and Tuesday at 10pm, with 2 episodes back-to-back, first & exclusively on Animax.

Animax is available on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Channel 73, Dream Satellite TV Channel 07, Destiny Digital Channel 46 and G Sat Channel 24.

One Championship Partners with GoDaddy

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), has announced a partnership with GoDaddy, the world’s largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures. Both companies will work closely together to bring mixed martial arts in Asia to greater heights. GoDaddy branding is set to be featured at ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES which will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 26 May. The main event of the card will feature ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee as she defends her title against Brazil’s Istela Nunes. In the co-main event, ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren takes on rising young star Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Malaysia.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with GoDaddy as our partnership signifies another monumental moment for the sport of mixed martial arts and for ONE Championship. GoDaddy has a great history of working with other sporting organizations and it is a privilege for ONE Championship to announce this collaboration. Singapore is set to witness the biggest mixed martial arts event in history on 26 May, and we are delighted to have GoDaddy on board with us in delivering world-class MMA action to fans all over the globe.”

Roger Chen, Vice President of Asia, GoDaddy, stated: “GoDaddy is committed to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs get online and grow their ventures. We have a successful track record of partnerships with global sporting bodies and we’re delighted to partner with one of Asia’s largest sports media properties, ONE Championship. ONE Championship provides a great opportunity for GoDaddy to build relationships with people across Asia and bring attention to the importance of having a strong online presence.”

GoDaddy powers the world’s largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures. With more than 17 million customers worldwide and more than 71 million domain names under management, GoDaddy is the place people come to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers and manage their work.

ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES features the absolute best in local and international mixed martial arts talent. The card is headlined by a tremendous matchup between ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee and Muay Thai champion Istela Nunes. Lee won the title in 2016 at just 19-years of age, becoming the youngest world champion in the history of mixed martial arts.

Former 2x Olympian and one of the best welterweights in the world pound-for-pound, Ben Askren, will grace the ONE Championship cage in the evening’s co-main event opposite the awe-inspiring Agilan Thani. Thani earned the right to challenge Askren after going unbeaten in his professional career, winning seven bouts in a row by spectacular finish.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

For more information about GoDaddy, please visit: sg.godaddy.com/.

TECHtonic Premieres in July as the Philippines’ Largest Tech and Innovation Conference

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The vibrant startup scene in the country has encouraged more and more young entrepreneurs to venture into the world of business, risking the stability of corporate jobs for time freedom that entrepreneurship forebodes. Fortunately, access to capital and resources to start a business has never been easier, all thanks to the support of private venture capital groups and angel investors, business accelerators, and select government institutions. Mentorship opportunities are also very much abundant and readily available for young business owners to draw advantages from. In addition, corporations big and small alike are even more bullish in investing in tech and introducing innovative solutions to improve their business processes and capacity.

With a tech scene as energetic as ours here in the Philippines, one can say that business conferences that convene startups, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, corporate groups, and investors that have technology as focus are long overdue.

Having this in mind, PMCM Events Management leads the staging of TECHtonic 2017: Manila Tech Convention with theme, “Culture for the Future.” TECHtonic takes aim to be the country’s largest startup conference, inviting international startup groups and investors from all over the world in one big event that highlights new technologies and innovation in the space.

Startups that qualify to join are given the chance to pitch their business ideas to a group of renowned local and international investors in a pitching competition headlined as “Startup Arena.” Winning startups get to take home a guaranteed prize money and the opportunity to be mentored by the biggest names in the tech startup scene. Investors and corporate executives shall be treated to a private networking lunch and dinner hosted by the event organizers.

The event will also feature exhibits and activities from corporate partners and sponsors, talks and panels from key people in the tech startup scene, and – where the real fun is – an after-party city tour and pub crawl. Truly, this event is one that cannot be missed, especially for tech aficionados.

TECHtonic 2017: Manila Tech Convention takes place on July 29-30, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For more information, visit TECHTonic’s website: www.techtonic.ph


"REGISTER for FREE by visiting the #TECHtonicPh2017 Website at www.techtonic.ph


Exhibitors are still welcome to join! CALL 505 3746 or 0995 281 3320"

PTCI to Deploy ERP with Campus Network for PNP

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Perl Tech Consulting International (PTCI) Inc. will be deploying a state-of-the-art wireless “campus network” with Fiber Optic redundancy for the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the PNP’s modernization program. The network will provide data and internet connectivity for the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame up to the Quezon City Police District Headquarters in Camp Karingal.

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is currently under development and will utilize the Campus Network. The ERP system will be used by the PNP to manage Human Resources, Financial and Management Accounting, Materials Management as well as Enterprise Asset Management.

The first stage in the development of the ERP system is the development of the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) which will integrate fire critical information systems related to Human Resources and Logistics.

“The ERP and Campus Network will significantly help the PNP in its mandate and programs; we are looking forward to extending this network to other PNP sites nationwide,” PTCI President Roy Del Rosario said.  “The HRMIS is expected to accelerate recruitment of new police officers as well as provide convenience for PNP retired personnel, allowing them to process their documents and receive their benefits without going to several offices,” he added.

The PNP Campus Network will primarily be utilizing TV White Space (TVWS) Technologies to provide connectivity to the various nodes of the campus network.

TVWS refers to the unused television frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands.  In 2010, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of TVWS for data communications.  The PNP campus network to be installed by PTCI will be the first commercial deployment of TVWS in the Philippines.

Police Chief Superintendent Edwin Jose Nemenzo, the Director of the PNP Information Technology Management Service (ITMS) is looking forward to the network and ERP Solution deployment:

“I believe it was Sun Tzu who said that the line between disorder and order lies in logistics.”

“Operational effectiveness is dependent on logistics or the effective management of resources; we can expect the PNP to be more efficient with the deployment and implementation of the HRMIS.” Director Nemenzo added.

About PTCII, Perl Tech Consulting International, Inc. is an IT consulting firm that assists organizations to maximize the value of their information technology investments. With a team approach to most engagements, PTCI drives projects alongside its customer-partners to execute creative solutions for tactical and strategic IT initiatives.

Marriage and Property 101: Prenuptial Agreements

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Myproperty.ph explains what is a prenuptial agreement and why couples about to get married should have one.

Many couples who are into their nth year (even month) of being together decide to get married because they feel, in all aspects, that they’re ready for the responsibility. Mentally, they believe it’s the most logical next step once they’ve reached a certain point in their relationship.