Empowering Filipinos through good health, quality education and sustainable livelihood – Dr. Mildred Vitangcol

From a respected medical professional to becoming the leader of H.E.L.P. Pilipinas Partylist, tirelessly bridged by Dr. Bridging the gap between health, education, and the economy, ensuring that Filipinos receive the support they deserve.

Dr. Vitangcol started in the field of medicine, where she specializes in gastroenterology. She spent the decade as a doctor treating and teaching her patients. But, addressing the larger needs to benefit small communities, especially those without access to basic services she aims to realize a true a systemic change.

Her effort and advocacy expanded as she actively joined international organizations such as Rotary, InnerWheel, and Zonta, where she promoted projects addressing access to health care, women's empowerment, and community development. As a leader in St. Peter Life Plan, she was recognized as one of the Empowered Women in the World, proof of her tireless dedication to public service.

Her leadership naturally evolved into legislative advocacy, which led him to found the H.E.L.P. Pilipinas Partylist, representing Health, Education, Livelihood, and Economy—the pillars of her vision for a more stable Philippines.

“We cannot talk about national development without addressing the basic needs of our people—good health, quality education, and stable livelihood opportunities. That's what H.E.L.P. is for. Philippines," said Dr. Vitangcol.

Under her leadership, H.E.L.P. Pilipinas partylist promotes a platform of transformative policies aimed at strengthening community health, expanding access to essential services, and empowering Filipinos through education and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Key initiatives include the Barangay Health Center Enhancement Act and the Mobile Health Clinic Act. 

The partylist is also prioritizing public health through the Tuberculosis Eradication Act, while simultaneously investing in the country's future through the Free Technical and Vocational Education Bill. 

Her leadership philosophy is simple but effective – “Real change begins with real action.” Dr. Vitangcol believes that real development is not only about passing laws but ensuring that the policies are effectively implemented and felt by the people.

As the first nominee of H.E.L.P. Philippines, Dr. Mildred Vitangcol devoted her lifelong commitment to service. Her story is a reminder that healing a nation is more than medicine – it requires vision, dedication, and courage to fight for a better future for all Filipinos. Rooted in feeling, strengthened by experience, and driven by action, with this kind of new leadership we can always win our fight without fighting and build a healthier and more stable Philippines.

Where Personal Style is Celebrated and Spotlighted

SM Mall of Asia, December 12, 2024 – The wait is finally over, introducing the Internationally- renowned fashion brand niko and …! The Japanese phenomenon that puts individuality front and center has officially opened its first location in the Philippines, marking a thrilling milestone for the brand. Turning heads with this new venture, niko and … hosted an exclusive grand opening event for special guests, where attendees got an early look at all things niko and …

A celebration of intrinsic creativity, the niko and … launch set the stage for this exciting new chapter of Filipino style and expressiveness.

niko and … is more than just a Japanese fashion brand—it is a catalyst that seeks to enhance the way we see lifestyle. Dedicated to designing looks that bring out the natural flair in everyone, every item finds its perfect match, empowering each person's individuality and unique sense of style.

While its core lies in fashion, niko and … brings together furniture, décor, food, music, and art, creating a dynamic space that feels like walking into the pages of an editorial magazine. niko and … is all about the thrill of discovery—that moment when you find something that fits effortlessly into your life like it was always meant to be.

niko and … crafts everything in their store on the foundation of the UNI9UE SENSES of life: clothes, food, live, hang out, know, health, travel, music, and local. These senses are infused in everything you buy at niko and …, creating items and experiences designed to harmonize with your unique needs, enriching every aspect of life.

The new store in SM Mall of Asia builds on these pillars; a thoughtfully designed space created entirely around the customer. It’s not just a place to shop—it’s a space to connect. The layout encourages guests to stay in the moment, fostering meaningful interactions rather than simple transactions.

As the holiday spirit fills the air, niko and ... brings their store to life with Christmas adornments, American-vintage style! With trees, ornaments, wreaths, and decorations, every corner radiates festive cheer, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who visit.

Following the ceremony, Mr. Daisuke Fujii shared his heartfelt excitement with the crowd: “We, at niko and … are inspired by the Filipino spirit that celebrates individuality, creativity, and meaningful experiences that help you express yourself in unique ways. Which is why our goal is to create a space where style and function come together, to elevate the way we live, with a concept we are thrilled to bring to the Filipino community where self-expression is deeply valued. ”

During the niko and … YOU store opening, esteemed guests put their personal style on display, showcasing outfits that not only matched their inner-self, but brought it out in a way no other can. Through the Customization Corner, attendees personalized their own tote bags with vibrant designs, giving them a space to explore every facet of niko and … and their personal approach to fashion.

In an era when individuality and self-expression are flourishing, niko and … believes people should wear their hearts on their sleeves–holding nothing back when expressing one’s inner creativity. By blending quality with accessibility, niko and … creates thoughtfully crafted pieces that click into place and adapt to the person's changeable energy, celebrating what makes each person distinctly exceptional. They are more than just a brand—their mission is to honor what makes you, you.

Joey Concepcion believes will mark a significant milestone for the Philippine private sector’s role in the country’s agricultural competitiveness and food security.

Yovel East Research and Development Inc., one of the pioneer “big brother” agriculture companies of Go Negosyo’s Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program (KALAP), signed an MOA with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and an MOU with Malaysia’s Bornion Green SDN BHD last January 14 and 16, 2025, respectively.

Yovel East’s agreement with LANDBANK combines the company’s expertise in farm clustering under its We Will Rice program and LANDBANK’s financial support through its Agrisenso Plus Lending Program. The signing with Bornion Green, meanwhile, leverages the complementary durian harvesting seasons in the Philippines and Malaysia and harnesses the expertise and resources of both countries.

Go Negosyo has been instrumental in strengthening private sector participation in the development of MSMEs through its various programs promoting MSME access to money, markets, and mentorship. Concepcion has shared this advocacy in the ASEAN region through his chairmanship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Philippines. “The connections made by ASEAN BAC Malaysia were crucial in paving the way for this important partnership in durian,” he said. “We look forward to facilitating similar agreements with the private sector of the other ASEAN member-states.”

Yovel East is one of Go Negosyo’s “big brother” companies under KALAP, which aims to integrate small farmers into big agriculture corporations' value chains to increase their productivity and profitability. It is also a participant in the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA), which encompasses several private sector initiatives to enhance regional cooperation on agriculture and food security and which was also formed by Concepcion as part of its planned legacy project for ASEAN BAC for the Philippines’s chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2026.

Concepcion remarked that Yovel’s agreement with LANDBANK is an encouraging sign that banks and financial institutions can be given the confidence to lend to farmers once assured of sustainability, predictability, and a dependable business model. He added, however, that it is time for financial institutions to change their mindset about lending to farmers and view agriculture as a profitable business.

Under its We Will Rice program, Yovel East was able to provide and finance farmers, supplying everything from seeds, chemical inputs, fertilizers, machineries, and even daily cash and labor costs to help the farmers survive. Eventually, Yovel was able to extend this service to buying back and marketing the farmers’ produce. Yovel East now has thousands of farmers in its fold.

Concepcion observed that the agreement with Bornion is timely, as Malaysia and the Philippines can now meet the global demand for durian year-round. “The plantations will be in the Philippines, hopefully giving employment to more Filipinos and putting to good use the many farmlands that are suitable for durian planting,” he said.

“With these agreements, we give the farmers under Yovel East’s management access to money, markets, and mentorship, the three essentials of successful entrepreneurship which we emphasize in our work at Go Negosyo,” said Concepcion.

Prepare to go beyond borders with unbeatable travel deals and exclusive offers at the 32nd Travel Tour Expo (TTE).

For the past three decades, the TTE has established itself as the ultimate travel and tourism event. This year’s edition promises to outdo itself, featuring over 300 exhibitors and drawing an expected crowd of more than 100,000 attendees.

From affordable flights to curated tour packages and luxurious accommodations, the TTE has something for every budget. Since the event is hosted by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), attendees will have the opportunity to gain expert travel advice and take advantage of exclusive deals for both domestic and international adventures.

PTAA President Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok underscores the advantages of working with professional travel agencies. "This is the perfect spot to avail of amazing deals, explore new destinations, and plan your dream getaway. Bring the whole family — there’ll be games, raffle prizes, and fun for everyone during the three-day event!"

“The great thing about the TTE is you will find everything under one roof — airlines, resorts, cruise tours, and more. So many options to choose from and you can even opt to pay by installment, depending on your bank,” added PTAA PRO Chal Lontoc-del Rosario.

Tickets to the TTE are now on sale — P100 for general admission and P80 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 

The 32nd Travel Tour Expo is happening on February 7-9, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center.