National Artist Napoleon Abueva Receives Award at DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The late National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva was honored with a special tribute by Directories Philippines Corporation (DPC) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) during the awarding ceremony of the DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition 32 (VAC 32) held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines recently. DPC and PLDT presented a special plaque of appreciation for the late national artist to Dr. Sergia Abueva, the National Artist’s widow and his daughter, Amihan Abueva. Dean Abueva, who passed away on February 16, 2018, helped establish the foundation for the VAC, along with deans of other Fine Arts schools in the Philippines. 

As part of the tribute, replicas of the original trophy designed by Dean Abueva in 1990 were given to the schools of the top three winners of VAC 32. Above, DPC Chief Operating Officer Arturo Diago (left), founding VAC Project Director Fred Amat, and long-time VAC Coordinator of PLDT Robert Sarte present the award to Dr. Sergia Abueva and Amihan Abueva. 

Fittingly, too, the unique ceramic trophies for each of the VAC 32 major prize winners had been designed by Lanelle Abueva-Fernando, niece of the late National Artist.

Three Amazing Endemic Animals Of The Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines has always been considered an oasis for nature lovers from across the globe, with a plethora of islands and rainforests appealing to those who wish to de-stress and reconnect with Mother Earth. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the tourism direct gross value added to the GDP is estimated at an impressive 8.6 percent. With 7,641 islands to tempt sea lovers (including Palawan, frequently topping prestigious Best Island lists from across the globe), the Philippines also boasts a rich biodiversity, with an array of sea and land animals fascinating the scientific community and tourists alike. Unfortunately, some of these creatures are in danger of being wiped out, and they need to be protected before it's too late. Here are three fascinating Pinoy animals which are in danger of extinction.

The Mindoro Crocodile

If you’ve ever heard a Mindoro croc hiss, then you know it’s an eerie experience that stays with you for a lifetime. Of course, the Mindoro crocodile isn’t the Philippines’ most famed reptile. That honor goes to Lolong, an ancient crocodile who defied the odds by living to the ripe old age of 50, dying only because he was hunted and kept in captivity. The Mindoro crocodile is a small freshwater crocodile with a broad snout and a thick bony armor. Although once found in abundance throughout the Philippines, it is now in danger of extinction. In 2013, around 36 captive crocs were released into the wild on Siargao Island, in an attempt to boost the population.

The Negros Bleeding Heart

This bird exists only on the islands of Negros and Panay. It feeds on the ground rather than in flight, making it easy prey for poachers. Its most characteristic trait is a small scarlet patch in the middle of it feathery white breast. Its crown is covered in emerald green tufts, and its inner wing bears touches of grey. Continued deforestation and hunting are endangering the beauty of this stunningly hued bird. Similar birds in Mindoro, Luzon, Mindanao, and Sulu are under similar threats. Conservation efforts include captive breeding; the first successful captive breeding of the Negros Bleeding Heart occurred in the CenTop zoological and botanical garden. These birds continue to be bred in captivity as are other native animals such as the Philippine Eagle.

The Philippine Forest Turtle

Located on the serene Palawan islands, this turtle, also known as the Palawan Turtle or the Leyte pond turtle, is under the protection of several conservation programs to increase numbers and protect it against the actions of poachers. Exploitation and habitat destruction are its two main threats. Thankfully, scientists at the Philippine Freshwater Turtle Conservation Programme are working hard to breed turtles in captivity, protect freshwater habitats and promote sustainable development in priority areas, and assist in the enforcement of laws and dissemination of information.

A country with such a lush forest and sea life logically has given rise to a plethora of beautiful species. As is the case in other parts of the world, many endemic species are at risk of extinction owing in no small part to the loss of their habitats. Conservation efforts are being carried out across the country to save one of the most invaluable jewels of this Pacific country: its animals.

Let's Build This Country!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippines has become one of the world top countries to invest. Let’s Build this Country together and lead it first world status.

As the largest event of its kind in Southeast Asia, Asia CEO Awards, in its 9th year,
highlights Filipino excellence and world-class leadership through this premier
celebration business success. Join the leading visionaries of the nation on October 16,2018 at the country’s grandest event facility, the fabulous Marriott Grand Ballroom.

Asia CEO Awards welcomes many of the most important contributors to this nation’s success as sponsors. Title Sponsor is PLDT Enterprise. Award Sponsors include:

Healthway Medical, ICM, iRemit, JLL, LBC Business Solutions, Regus, Sitel, Smart Enterprise, SPI Global, United Neon Media Group and White & Case. Cocktail Sponsor: Trends and Concepts. Official Knowledge Partner is PwC. Event partner: Espinosa Arts and Design (EADE). Official Venue
is Manila Marriott.

Nominations are officially open for Asia CEO Awards 2018 May 1st. The deadline for
nominations is midnight on Monday, September 3, 2018.

The categories of the awards this year are the following:

Healthway Wellness Company of the Year
Gil Buensuceso - President, Healthway Medical

ICM CSR Company of the Year
David Sutherland – CEO, ICM

I-Remit Heart for OFW’s Company
Bansan Choa – Chairman and CEO, I-Remit

JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year
Christophe Vicic – Managing Director, JLL Philippines

LBC Business Solutions SME Company of the Year
Michael Camahort – President and CEO, LBC Business Solutions

Regus Entrepreneur of the Year
Lars Wittig – CEO, Regus (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia)

Sitel Service Excellence Company of the Year
Craig Reines – COO Asia, Sitel

Smart Enterprise Global Filipino Executive of the Year
Jovy Hernandez - Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Groups for
PLDT, SMART

SPI Global TECH Company of the Year
Ratan Datta – President, SPI Global

United Neon Most Innovative Company
Danny Lim – CEO, United Neon

White & Case Top Employer of the Year
Carlo Mata – Managing Director, White & Case Green Company of the Year
Young Leader of the Year
Executive Leadership Team of the Year

Asia CEO Awards 2018 announces the addition to 2 new judges:

Cesar Purisima - Former Secretary of Finance for the Philippines when the country achieved its first-ever investment grade credit from the three major credit-rating agencies. He was named Finance Minister of the Year 5 times by various awarding bodies and is a recipient of the Lifetime Contributor award at Asia CEO Awards 2017

Marife Zamora - Previously Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Convergys, the country's largest private sector employer at the time. She is past president of the Philippine Software Association and the 68th President of the Management Association of the Philippines and winner of the Global Filipino Executive of the Year at Asia CEO Awards 2011.

Zamora and Purisima will be joining a prestigious line up of judges:

Distinguished Economist Dr. Bernie Villegas;
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza;
Former President of American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Don Felbaum and;
Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States Jose Cuisia;
principal architect Jun Palafox;
and former Lifetime Contributor recipient Oscar Sanez

Due to the increasing woes of Filipinos concerning traffic, transportation systems, health facilities and other public necessities, the government recently launched the “Build, Build, Build!” program which aims to resolve the common problems experienced by all Filipinos.

There is definitely a lot at stake. The end goal is for the greater benefit and overall
economic progress of our country. We give our full support to this program, and even
more so, take our own steps to contribute to the Philippines’ further development.

The role of the Asia CEO Awards has always been to bridge the public and private
sectors, and to empower more Filipinos to help build the Philippines to become a first
world nation. With the Build, Build, Build program and the nation’s enormous economic and business potential in mind, our role has become much more important this year.

Thus, we hope for your full support in helping us with our commitment to the country. Let us unite with the elite of Asia at the Asia CEO Awards 2018 and together, Let’s Build This Country!


NOMINATION ESSENTIALS

Why Should You Nominate?
The purpose of the event is to highlight the accomplishments of your organization and
support your efforts to expand your business and develop the capabilities of your workforce. In doing so, you help to promote the nation as a premier business destination to senior decision makers across the world.

Who Can Nominate?
Any person can nominate candidates for the awards. Individuals and organizations can certainly nominate themselves for awards. Members of the Board of Judges of Asia CEO Awards are excluded from nominating candidates. Go to www.asia-ceo-
awards.org for details.

Is There a Cost?
There is NO FEE to submit nominations. Organizations and individuals are asked to
attend the event and join us to advance Philippines and the ASEAN region as one of the world’s premier business destinations.

How Legitimate is the Judging Process?
The judging process is scrutinized by PwC. Judges with commercial involvements with
any of the nominated organizations and individuals inhibit themselves from voting.
When is the Deadline for Nominations?
The last day for nominations is Monday, September 3, 2018.

When are Finalists Announced?
The Finalists of each award category are announced after the judges have arduously
agreed upon the short-list.

When are the Winners Announced?
Winners are announced on the night of the grand night on Tuesday, October 16,
2018