"How to Invest in the Right Franchise Seminar": Welcome Remarks by the Consul General Adel Cruz

March 7, 2019. Philippine Consul General Office at Los Angeles.

Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz delivers his welcome remarks at the "How to Invest in the Right Franchise Seminar" organized by the U-Franchise and the Federation of the Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC). Left Inset Picture: Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz with Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine Managing Editor Roy Rodrigazo Luga at the Philippine Consul General's Office, Los Angeles. [Video by the Consul General's Office, Los Angeles].

Corazon Yellen Armenta's: Los Angeles Tour the Series Soon!

“Because of its multi-cultured society, Los Angeles’, California’s capital city, may be considered as the world’s number one tourist destination for Asians. Asians can feel that they are at home while enjoying their vacation at Los Angeles and the State of California per se especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas season. There are lots of sales!  The train, bus and public utility vehicle system at LA is very convenient. Tourists can enjoy riding on a bicycle and other mode of private transport other than a car when touring the City.  It is also very safe in LA. You can see police cars in almost every street corner of the City. People from all races are friendly living at peace with each other despite different culture, tradition, and belief.  Los Angeles: The City of Angels.”

Corazon Ugalde Yellen Armenta

Mrs. Asian USA, California 2019

I have been to more than 100 countries all over the world, but  I never imagined how wonderful and convenient it is to take a tour at Los Angeles just by walking and taking a train ride until lately.  I never thought to conquer the peak of Los Angeles City if not upon the prodding of a friend to come and take a look at the City just by walking and riding on a train.   I never knew that the peak of the City Hall Building is open for public viewing.  I was hesitant to go as we might be questioned by the policemen on guard considering that we are bringing all sort of cameras. 

It was a sight of relief when the LAPD policemen offered not just one, but many boxes where we can place our cameras and all sorts of equipment for x-ray security check.  Policemen on guard and City Hall employees were hospitable. They are approachable if you have a question and even offered help.  Upon entering the building,       we have to take two elevators to the peak of the building.   One from the  1st to the 22nd floor and another from the 23rd to 26 floors. We then used the stairs to the 27th; and, finally, the 28th floor to conquer the peak of the City of Angels.

The September 2018 Issue of Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine Volume XIII

The Untold Story of PGMA's Presidency:
The Ongoing Legacy of GMA

by: Wendell Gaa

It's a gargantuan task to stir the Presidency and to be a President.  Almost half of her cabinet members already resigned and the government was under imminent threat of coup d' etat.  Despite the political turmoil, however, the country's economy remains stable. Resignation at the height of an impending coup d' etat, just after another people power revolution with a divided military under threat of being siege by the loyal followers of the the former  Commandar-In-Chief ousted through People's Power Revolution and an unpopular successor to  partisan politics might lead to anarchy, chaos and the debacle of the country's economy.

How Wendell Gaa described the Presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is a story worthy to ponder . . .

FREEDOM FROM THE BONDAGE OF POVERTY : JAYVEE HINLO

"We have to have new ideas, 

we have to have new policies . . ."

JAYVEE  HINLO

President

Partido Federal ng Pilipinas

Jayvee Hinlo have not changed the idealism in him through the years.  During his college days in the early 80's in Bacolod City- Negros Occidental was considered the hotbed of NPAs. The Communist Party of the Philippines were very active in the province.  Those were the days when   student activists, laborers, farmers and other sectors of the society joined hand in hand organizing activities to protest the "alleged" atrocities of the military, corruption in government  and the alleged ill gotten wealth of the Marcos family.   Philippine economy slumped.  Rallies, long marches and people assemblies was an ordinary sight in Bacolod City.  

On the other hand, the moderates - student leaders and volunteers are busy organizing neighborhood associations training its members in backyard farming, food processing, soap making and other means of livelihood.  They espouses economic empowerment and self-governance.  Jayvee Hinlo belongs to the moderates.  After almost four decades, JV Hinlo remains the  same, an independent thinker,  idealistic  person who speaks with passion  advocating for  economic empowerment and self-governance, to free the people from the bondage of poverty and the dictates of the politicians and the central government.

When asked about what he thinks about the Duterte Administration, he replied: "The Duterte Administration must now focus on economic reforms. The Build, Build, Build Program  of the government is not enough. Our people should be empowered economically.  We must free them from the bondage of poverty!  A typical JV Hinlo, an independent thinker and a visionary.  He has not changed through all these years . . .

Inspiring Stories of Success: "Ang Ulirang Ama . . . "

Centerfold Feature Story

June 2018 Issue. Volume XII

His father replied when he asked him about his work when he was 9 years old: "I am an employee in the company". He told his father: "I will be the employer of the company and provide work to the workers", someday  (Italics supplie).  In his 40's, his wife died leaving a small business with their four children to take care. He never re-married, took care of their family business, sent his children to school and built his business empire with his children . . . 

"Ang Ulirang Ama  . . . "

Isauro "Boy" V. San Pedro

by: Eric Norman Camungol

All Rights Reserved

Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine

  

Inspiring Stories of Success: "The Good Samaritan . . ."

Centerfold Feature Story.  March 2018 Issue, Volume XI. Part I.

Who would ever imagine that a boy with 7 brothers and sisters, who was a sidewalk vendor during the Japanese occupation wandering in the streets of Manila to sell his wares, shall become one of the most successful businessman in the country.

"Honesty is still the best policy. I make it a point to be straightforward all the time. I do not cheat or take advantage of people. I have always believed that the foundation of a person's integrity in his honesty", said Dr. James Dy.

It is an honor and a privilege for Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine to feature the
life story of Dr. James Dy.

Revised and re-written by Roy R. Luga from the interview of Dr. James Dy with Manila Times, September 2, 2013, with the permission of Dr. Dy for Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine. Images from Dr. Dy for Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine.

All Rights Reserved
Pilipinas Ngayon na Business and Lifestyle Magazine. 2018

Making a Difference in Local Governance: A Woman and a Mother . . .

Beyond governance is 

a woman and a mother . . .

By Roy Rodrigazo Luga 

The Re-Launching of Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine

Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine by Publisher Robert T. Rivera was successfully re-launched on November 30, 2017 at Aloha Hotel in Roxas Boulevard.  The event was attended by no less than former Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye and Robert Laurel Yupangco of the Yupangco Group of companies, among others. The magazine, which was first published as quarterly newspaper tabloid in 2005 has evolved into a glossy magazine being distributed in the country and in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas.

 The book "Victorious Secret Revealed"  by author Elyza Francisco Rivera was also launched in the said event.

     

The gathering was witnessed by the participants of the Wedding Entourage Photo-shoot  Event who entertained the guests and those present in the gathering in their beautiful gowns and wedding costumes.  The event was organized by Philipinas Ngayon Na Production.

The event was partly sponsored by Make-Up Director Janet Guasque Wen, founder of Make-Up Madness Philippines and Make-Up Director  of  Wen's Make-Up School, a TESDA accredited Make-Up School and probably the best Make-Up School in the country today that supports activities needing Hair and Make-Up Artists for fashion shows and various advocacy events on fashion and beauty as its social responsibility. Donabel Palmes Virtucion, Independent Sales Director and one of the top ten sales director of MK also partly sponsored the event.

   

Janet G. Wen with Usec. Robert T. Rivera and wife, actress writer Elyza Francisco Rivera

The event was also partly sponsored by RCA Digitech Inc., a photo store in Hidalgo Quiapo, Manila, owned by Ogie Almonina, one of the oldest photo store in Hidalgo located at 736 R. Hildalgo Street, with telephone numbers 733-0495.

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

We add value to your story . . .
Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business and Lifestyle Magazine
(Manila, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas) since 2005

Does the volume of likes or viewers in social media sites determine the effectiveness of your media campaign? Is it wise to spend your time, money and effort in social media marketing or apps (a device or a system) as your promotion and marketing media? To a certain extent, yes and no. The volume of likes or viewers means that your media campaign has created public awareness. Whether that awareness has transformed into a tangible result depends on the volume of engagement and conversion. This means the number of interaction or inquiry out of the volume of likes or views of your post and how many of those were converted to a concluded sale or the realization of the objectives of your information drive.

Another factor to be considered is the level of followings or viewers. Your site may have only one or five likes or views, but they are decision makers or somebody influential, who can influence thousands.  They may also be financier or investor who is just silently following your posts. Thus, their like or concluded transaction could be transformed into hundreds or thousands of transaction.

However, you must remember that social media is only one of mass media platform. You have the print, radio, broadcast (TeleRadyo or Livestream), Television, Visuals (signages, moving ads, billboards) and events. Over and above these mass media platforms, is the brand, your value proposition; and, the marketing communication plan and execution, which include the mass media.

Pilipinas Ngayon Na Production's Business and Lifestyle Magazine considers all these factors to provide you with an effective media campaign.

Our print media, Pilipinas Ngayon Na Business, and Lifestyle Magazine provide your target audience with an in-depth presentation of your story.   The magazine is being distributed nationwide and in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Pilipinas Ngayon Na Tele Radyo being broadcasted via live stream (worldwide) at DWIZ 882 kHz every Mondays and Wednesdays provides your listeners/viewers with your personal appearance and views being broadcasted live. Our social media sites reinforce the distribution of your story to those who need to know your story, based on your branding and value proposition.  We also have events for a person to person engagement to establish relationship with the targeted viewers who needs to hear your story.

Over and above the media, we are composed of media practitioners who have been in the imaging, entertainment, news, media and public relations industry for more than two, three and four decades. With our experience and media platforms, imaging, copyrighting, content based approach in our mass media distribution channels,   you can be assured that your image and your story can get across to those who need to hear and know its significance to their lives.

June 28, 2017 Episode

PERA NG OFWs GINAMIT NG TERRORISTA!

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA! 

[Mula kaliwa: DWIZ Station Manager Ely Aligora; Lolly Acosta; dating kalihim ng DOH Janette P. Loreta Garin; Usec. Robert T. Rivera (dating Undersecretary ng Press Office); at, ang kanyang anak na si Stan Rivera.]

Isang kagimbal-gimbal na pangyayari ang sinapit ng ating mga kababayang OFWs lalong-lalo na ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim na nagtratrabaho sa gitnang silangan. Ang kanilang perang binabayad pala sa kanilang pagpapa-medical check-up bago mag apply ng trabaho patungong abroad ay maaring ginamit ng mga terroristang ISIS upang pondohan ang kanilang paghahasik na lagim sa Minadano.

Ang sapilitang pagpapa medical check-up ng mga OFWs sa mga klinikang dinidikta ng mga recruitment agencies ay matagal nang pinatigil ng batas. Nguni't bakit ito'y nasagawa pa rin na hindi na-monitor ng Department of Health ay dapat masusing imbestigahan.  Ito'y binunyag ng dating Kalihim ng Department of Health na si Kagalang-galang na Janette P. Loreta Garin.  Tunghayan ang panayam ni Usec. Robert T. Rivera at Lolly Acosta kay dating Kalihim Garin:

Mapapanood ang buong panayam ni Usec. Robert T. Rivera at Lolly Acosta saan mang dako ng mundo sa Pilipinas Ngayon Na!  DWIZ tuwing Lunes at Miyerkules 12:30 hanggang 1:30 ng hapon. Inyong tunghayan!  Laging tutukukan ang mga balita, kuro-kuro at makabuluhang panayam nila Usec. Rivera at Lolly Acosta sa mga piling panauhin, tumutok sa:

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA!  LIVE SA:

I - CLICK LANG PO:

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA! @ DWIZ PART 1

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA! @ DWIZ PART 2

TERRORISM! TOURISM! FEDERALISM! PILIPINAS NGAYON NA! BACK ON THE AIR LIVE! WORDLWIDE! @ DWIZ! WATCH OUR PILOT BROADCAST!

DWIZ PILOT BROADCAST! 

ROBERT T. RIVERA ONLINE! 

BALITAAN SA ALOHA!

[From left: Lolly R. Acosta; Usec. Robert T. Rivera; Tourism Assistant Secretary, Office for Public Affairs and Special Projects, FREDERICK ALEGRE; DWIZ Chair EDGAR A. CABANGON;  HRH SULTAN SHARIF IBRAHIM, Sulatn of Mindanao, Tribal Prime Minister, Mindanao; former COMELEC Commissioner ATTY. LARRY GADON; and, Citizens Crime Watch Representative WILLY QUITONGCO)

Pilipinas Ngayon Na!,  a Television Show at NBN PTV-4 hosted by former Deputy Secretary for Operation, Press Office, Office of the President and former President of RPN-9, Robert T. Rivera,  is now back on air! The program is being broadcasted worldwide LIVE! via livestream at DWIZ Facebook page and redistributed here and abroad at the Facebook page of Pilipinas Ngayon Na!  It is also linked to the different group pages in facebook and other social media sites, such as, Robert T. Rivera ON LINE! the personal blogsite of Usec Robert T. Rivera, which has been in existence for more than a decade.

With Lolly R. Acosta, President of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Press Corp and former Host of Balitaan sa Aloha, the tandem, both veteran journalist, broadcaster and media personality for more than three decades,  delivers the day's hot news and issues being lively discussed on air for both Filipinos and foreign listeners and viewers worldwide to know the latest news, development and issues that confronts the Philippines.

During its pilot broadcast on June 5, 2017, the program discussed the present security concerns and its effect on the  tourism industry, it likewise tackles the issue concerning the proposed amendment to the Philippine Constitution for a shift from presidential to a federal form of government.  Among the guests were: HRH SULTAN SHARIF IBRAHIM, Sultan of Mindanao, Tribal Prime Minister, Mindanao; former COMELEC Commissioner ATTY. LARRY GADON; and, Tourism Assistant Secretary, Office for Public Affairs and Special Projects, FREDERICK ALEGRE.

Watch how Usec. Robert T. Rivera and Lolly Acosta with their guests lively discussed the issues and shares their views.  PILIPINAS NGAYON NA!

THIS IS A PILOT BROADCAST:

WATCH IT LIVE AT YOUR ANDROID MOBILE PHONES DOUBLE CLICK: DWIZ!

The 2016 FAMAS Awards Night Production Meeting

The Red Carpet Grand Entrance of the Stars to the 2016 FAMAS Awards Night!

The main organizers of the 20016 FAMAS Awards Night recently conducted its production meeting at Dulcenia Restaurant along Tomas Morato in Timog, on July 15, 2016 at 4:00 in the afternoon.  Among those present were, from right:  1 Usec Robert T. Rivera, Assistant Producer 2016 FAMAS Awards Night, Executive Committee Member and  Chairman of the Press Relations and Promotions Committee, 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, President of Pilipinas Ngayon Na! Production; 2 Ms. Elaine Lozano, Events Management and Marketing Group, 2016 FAMAS Awards Night; 3 & 4 Che and Eloy Padua, President and Chairman of the Board, respectively, FAMAS Awards; and, representative from the media.

Usec. Robert T. Rivera, segment producer of the Red Carpet Grand Entrance of the Stars for the 2016 FAMAS Awards Night mentioned that the promotion of the  “Red Carpet Grand Entrance of the Stars” shall be launched on August 14, 2016 at the 2^nd Anniversary of Picture Perfect Photography Group’s event: “The Wedding Entourage, an Open Photoshoot Photo Contest“ to be held at the Amphi Theater of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife.     The event, which shall be attended by more than two hundred  photographers, models, children and parents, frequenting the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife for the photo shooting session was sponsored by RCA Digitech Inc., Make-Up Madness - Philippines, Ariel Seña Andaya Haute Couture with Kodak Philippines as their major sponsor.

Usec. Robert T. Rivera welcomes the support of the the photographers as partners of the entertainment industry to promote Filipino produced films through the social media.  While he recognizes the contribution of digital photographers and artists, with the social media as their medium, he also mentioned: "let us not forget the importance of prime prints to preserve momentous events in everyone's lives, which can be displayed in our respective homes and offices to keep the memory alive as a living witness of our past to inspire the future generation of artists."    

(Mr. Jerome Nicdao, Country Manager of Kodak Philippines in light blue shirt with Ogie Almonina, owner of RCA Digital Inc. and President of the Photo Store Owners Association in Hidalgo, Quiapo, Manila with the representative of Pilipinas Nagayon Na! Production)

What is Love?

Usec. Robert Escaped Near Death! A Miracle!

God is good all the time! "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"(Jeremiah 29:9). How Usec. Robert escaped near death? Hear it from him personally.

The Workings of the Press Operation (2005-2008)

The Workings of the Press Operation (2005 - 2008) 

Usec. Robert T. Rivera

Usec. Robert T. Rivera is not only a God fearing person, but patriotic as well. He sets aside personal biases to serve higher interest and remains apolitical even to this day. Although he served under PGMA as a Deputy Secretary for Operations under Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye, Usec. Robert is a friend to everybody regardless of political affiliation or social status in life. Covering his events in his public, private life and in his unguarded moment for the past ten years, is a privilege. It was a decade ago, just after his youngest son was baptized, the country was in near chaos, the military was divided (some were allegedly preparing for coup d' etat, while others were proposing a military junta), political unrest is brewing. Then VP Noli De Castro neither have the political nor military backing or the popularity to take the place of PGMA in case of anarchy, to control the situation. On the other hand, President Estrada Erap have just been removed from office via people power revolution. President Estrada's return to power is unacceptable to the military, Meanwhile everytime PGMA appears in the news, the more the people react negatively. The Hello Garci Tape Scandal hits the headline. Fifteen (15) of GMA's cabinet men resigned. But, who shall take over the Presidency? Ultra rightist group in the military was allegedly forging unholy alliance with the left to overthrow the administration at whatever cost, while other military officers including retired generals are proposing a military junta. Adding fuel to the fire were the politicians insisting that PGMA should resign since move to oust her through impeachment failed. Despite mass resignation of cabinet members, Usec. Rivera stayed behind with his boss, then Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye. The government must have a mouthpiece to appease the nation in times of chaos and anarchy. President Fidel V. Ramos appeared at PTV-4 in the show of Usec. Robert, advocating to amend the Constitution and let the people decide whether to shorten the term of PGMA to break the impasse and provide a peaceful solution. The rest was history.

Usec. Robert T. Rivera Courageously Coping with Cancer!

The last time we had a gathering with Usec. Robert T. Rivera and her wife Elyza,  was during the renewal of their marital vow at Fernbrooks in Alabang. As usual, Usec. Rivera's affair, being apolitical person and a professional talent promoter and media practitioner, was attended by his close friends in the entertainment and the media industry. 

Regardless of which administration and political affiliation, past and present Press Secretaries attended the affair. Among them, Press Secretaries Rod Reyes, Ignacio Bunye and Sonny Coloma. Anthony Castillo rendered a song, while his long time friends at Pent House Live rendered dance number.   It was a joyful occassion marking another milestone in his life, until Secretary Bunye in his column at Manila Bulletin broke the news: Usec. Robert Courageously Coping with Cancer!        

Issue with Oneself . . .

"The Lord said in Psalm 139: 13 -14: 'For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works. And that my souls knows very well.' Whatever you think about yourself or whatever others says about you, the only truth is, you're beautiful." I would add, we are created before the image of our Lord.

Reading the passages of Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera's book: "Relationship Issues? Here is the Solution!", is meditating and an eye opener. It makes complicated issues we encounter in everyday life, simple.

"Usec. Robert T. Rivera: An Encounter with the Great Healer . . . "

"The pain was horrible that I thought I'm gonna die. So, I look at the window and then I kept saying, I needed the light.  Umaga na sana so that, at least I can see Elyza and the two kids. So, I talk to God . . . 

Edukasyon, the Premier Night . . .

[RPN 9 President Usec. Robert T. Rivera, far right with Elyza Rivera, in blue gown with  their two children. With them are Anthony Castillo and other TV personalities.  Photos courtesy of James Choa].

Edukasyon is a story of a teacher, Estrella, who preferred to teach in a remote barangay to help educate the children. Away from the love of her life, Arturo, an engineer, she dedicate most of her time in her passion helping the kids rather than her relationship with Arturo.  What happens next is something you must see. 

   

The movie was produced by Ms. Jovie Sebastian, JMS Film Production written and Directed by Bobby Benitez.  The lead actress was Dianne Medina, who takes the role of Estrella with Leandro Baldemor as Arturo.

Daria Ramirez and Tommy Abuel played the role of an older Estrella and Arturo.  With the cast are Elyza Rivera, known actress in soap of GMA 7, Rey PJ Abellana and Myrnell Vanessa.  The premier night was held on July 23 sa SM Cinema 1, The Block, SM North EDSA.  The movie is to be also shown in the different schools all over the country.