Thursday, December 20, 2018

ZOOMANITY for HUMANITY


ZOOMANITY for HUMANITY

 

“Christmas is for the children” quotes Robert L. Yupangco, CEO of Zoomanity Group, one of the leading companies in the theme park industry. With this in mind, the company is taking the opportunity to give back the happiness and blessings to less fortunate children this season of sharing and thanksgiving. Mr. Yupangco emphasizes that the kids of team shall be the one who will personally give the gifts to teach them to help at a young age. He believes that this will start a ripple effect and will further impact the future of the kids. Aside from promoting their advocacy which is called the 4 E’s (Education, Environmental Conservation, Exhibit and Entertainment) the company believes that it is part of their corporate social responsibility to give happiness to those kids who need it the mon  st. Through one charitable activity called “Christmas Gift Giving”, Zoomanity Group chose sets children from different foundations, annually to experience a whole day of fun, love and care in their theme parks.
 
Frontrow Enterprise Team

This year, over 500 kids will get a chance to have a free entrance to all Zoomanity Parks and enjoy one exciting day of interaction with their favourite animals. Different gifts will be given away plus exciting shows will be held. From Ruins at Metropolitan Avenue this coming December 13, to Zoocobia Fun Zoo and Zoobic Safari on December 15 and Paradizoo and Residence Inn on December 16, we will make sure that these less fortunate children will really feel the essence of Christmas and that is to be loved and cared for.
 
Children at Zoobic Safari


None of this would have been possible without our generous sponsors including:

 

1.   Kiwanis International Corp

2.   Frontrow Enterprise

3.   Jollibee Foods Corporation

4.   HMR Philippines Inc.

5.   Mega Global Corporation

6.   Haverson Enterprises

7.   Kettle Foods Corporation

8.   Philex Mining Corporation
 
Kiwanis Club with Robert Laurel Yupangco

 

Zoomanity would like to thank everyone including the family and friends of Sir Robert who supported and helped make this Christmas Gift Giving such an exciting, rewarding, and productive event.
 
This series of activities will surely give them a lasting memory of happiness. For more details, call 2193503 or visit our website www.zoomanity.com.ph.

 

 

 

Monday, September 3, 2018

PRRC, LIAC relocate more ISFs in Estero de Magdalena to Cavite




 The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), in collaboration with the Local Inter-Agency Committee of Manila, relocated more informal settler families (ISFs) along the stretch of Estero de Magdalena, Manila today, July 3.

According to PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio "Pepeton" E. Goitia, up to 40 families would be initially transferred to the relocation site in Trece Martires, Cavite.

While the remaining 60 families were scheduled to move on July 10 to their new houses in Summer Home, Trece Martires, Cavite.

Goitia said that before the relocation, the families were accompanied and assisted by PRRC in various community dialogues and ocular inspections as part of their social preparation.

They were also provided with 40 trucks and vans as they move to the relocation site.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Manila likewise provided each family with food supplies such as rice, canned goods and coffee.

Other entitlements included livelihood assistance and disaster preparedness training.

From November 2015 to September 2017, PRRC already transferred 1,009 ISFs out of the target 2,015 to various relocation sites in Bulacan.

Goitia said it was important for the ISFs to leave the estero because they had been long exposed to the dangers of leptospirosis, diarrhea and other waterborne diseases.

In addition, they caused heavy pollution of Estero de Magdalena, which flows to the Pasig River, that no amount of cleanup operations solved the garbage problem in the area; hence, the relocation.

It was only last June 13, 2018 that the PRRC conducted a massive clean-up operation with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local government unit of Manila and several ISFs in Estero de Magdalena to prevent the flooding in the area.

"So these ISFs really must be relocated because they are also causing the mountains of garbage here," Goitia said.

Once all the ISFs are removed, the PRRC can already begin the construction of the linear park along the estero as it did in Estero de Pandacan, Estero de Paco, Maytunas Creek, Estero de San Miguel and many other once-polluted waterways.

The government allotted P 17 million for the rehabilitation of Estero de Magdalena into an environmental protected area.

Furthermore, the PRRC and MMDA jointly dismantled their informal settlements with consent from the families to ensure that they would not return to Estero de Magdalena.

Trece Martires Mayor Melandres G. De Sagun welcomed the families in Cavite and ensured that their houses were in good condition, and accessible to important facilities like hospital and school.

PRRC praised for Maytunas Creek rehabilitation





Mayor Carmelita "Menchie" Abalos expressed her gratitude to PRRC Executive Director Jose Goitia and to all PRRC employees for their efforts in cleaning and developing the Maytunas creek.



The developed Maytunas creek linear park has been opened to the public since February 24, 2016.



The PRRC installed waste water interventions at Maytunas creek such as bioremediation and interceptor canal.



According to Goitia, the said creek's 1,368 linear meters of recovered easements also feature solar-powered and electric lighting fixtures, paver blocks, concrete bench, railings, and ramp for persons with disabilities.



Prior to its rehabilitation, Mandaluyong LGU's environmental management department head Emmanuel "Sonny" Oblea shared that they used to receive numerous complaints about the massive volume of wastes in Maytunas creek.



Mandaluyong City likewise installed trash traps before but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the massive amount of garbage to clean.



"Hindi pa 'to [inter-city installation of trash traps] nagagawa, naglalagay na kami ng trap. Sa loob ng isang buwan, apat na beses na naglilinis kami because of numerous complaints," said Oblea.



Oblea pointed out the important role of PRRC's leadership and interagency cooperation in rehabilitating the creek that has prevented the flooding in the area.



"But because of the project of the PRRC again, inayos nila yung aming Maytunas creek. I think last year, wala na akong natatanggap na reklamo tungkol sa mga basura na nagka-clog doon sa aming part of Maytunas," Oblea stated.



 Maytunas creek is one of the 47 identified tributaries of the Pasig River system.





Over 200 Pasig River relocatees receive free medical aid from PRRC

 The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in partnership with St. Joseph Academy of Valenzuela Alumni Association, Salcres Physical Therapy Foundation International Inc., Myshare Foundation and Wow Health and Wellness Optical Clinic, spearheaded a medical mission on June 2, 2018 at Jaime Cardinal Sin Village (JCSV), 728 Housing, Punta Sta. Ana, Manila City.



This free medical mission was given to at least 200 individuals relocated from the banks of the Pasig River into one of the country's first in-city relocation sites in Metro Manila.



To be recalled, PRRC and Serviam Foundation Inc, relocated these families living in shanties and makeshift houses beside the Pasig River last quarter of 2008 to first quarter of 2009 to improve the health and living conditions of our fellow Filipinos exposed to polluted waterways help and to improve water quality through the reduction of untreated solid and liquid wastes dumped by the informal settlers.



The objectives of this medical mission are: (1) to provide the JCSV community medical care to those who needed it, who have limited or no access to it, and who cannot afford it, (2) to provide health assessment so that the community attains a greater degree of self-sufficiency, and (3) to intensify PRRC's Information, Education and Communication Campaign by providing high level of public awareness in taking care of the environment.

The activity was participated by medical doctors, physical therapists, optometrists, nurses, PRRC, partner agencies, and JCSV relocatees as recipients of the said project.

"These health missions are significant because it does not only provide healthcare services to our relocated families even after nine years since they were rescued from the banks of the Pasig River, but most importantly, it also encourages the community to assume responsibility for their health and their environment", said PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia.

PRRC, NHA relocate another 60 ISFs from Estero de Magdalena






Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) relocated another batch of informal settler families (ISFs) along the stretch of Estero de Magdalena in Manila on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 with the help of the Local Inter-Agency Committee of Manila and the Local Government of Trece Martires, Cavite.


PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio "Pepeton" E. Goitia said 60 families were transferred to their new houses in Summer Home, Trece Martires, Cavite.


From November 2015 to July 3, PRRC already transferred 1,049 ISFs out of the target 2,015 to various relocation sites in Bulacan and Cavite.


Goitia said that before the relocation, the families were accompanied and assisted by PRRC in various community dialogues and ocular inspections as part of their social preparation.


They were also provided with trucks and vans as they move to the relocation site.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Manila likewise provided each family with food supplies such as rice, canned goods and coffee.


Other entitlements included livelihood assistance and disaster preparedness training.

Goitia further added that Mayor Sagun would spearhead series of job fairs for the families in addition to livelihood training assistance.


Once all the ISFs are removed, the PRRC could begin the construction of the linear park along the estero as it did in Estero de Pandacan, Estero de Paco, Maytunas Creek, Estero de San Miguel and many other once-polluted waterways.

The government allotted P17 million for the rehabilitation of Estero de Magdalena into a clear waterway with easements developed into a linear park useful for community access and recreation.


The families watched and consented to the dismantling of their informal settlements with smiles on their faces as they moved to Cavite. 


Trece Martires Mayor Melandres G. De Sagun welcomed the families in Cavite and ensured that their houses were in good condition, and accessible to important facilities like hospital and school.

PRRC, Los Angeles Public Works boost sister rivers partnership



The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission's (PRRC) and the Los Angeles County Board of Public Works (LACBPW) revitalized their "Sister Rivers" partnership on July 18, 2018 in Quezon City.

The "Sister River" partnership was forged between PRRC and the Los Angeles Department of Public Works to support the PRRC's efforts to rehabilitate Pasig River. 

Commissioner Joel F. Jacinto from Los Angeles Department of Public Works came to the Philippines to learn about the Pasig River Master Plan and to see esteros developed by the PRRC. 

PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia said there is a need to reinvigorate the "Sister River" partnership to help in their effort of rehabilitating the Pasig River.

"Commissioner Jacinto can help Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos and I fast-track the rehabilitation of waterways in Makati," added Goitia.

 After the ceremony at the PRRC office, officials from the Commission and LACBPW are scheduled to visit some of Metro Manila's rivers and linear parks. 

They will have a walkthrough at Ermitanyo Creek and San Juan River in San Juan City and Maytunas creek in Mandaluyong City. 

They will also visit the Poblacion Linear Park and Guadalupe Nuevo creek in Makati City. The Pasig Ferry Station in Guadalupe will also be visited by them and a tour of the Pasig River, from Guadalupe to Plaza Mexico in Manila will follow. 

In 2016, "Sister River" partnership was forged between PRRC and the LACBPW in Los Angeles to support the PRRC's efforts to rehabilitate Pasig River. 

The signing of the agreement marked the start of a multifaceted exchange between communities surrounding the Los Angeles and Pasig Rivers, that face similar problems.

Friday, January 5, 2018

When Leadership Is In The Blood: The Other Laurels

The years of genealogical research have enabled the Laurel family to trace their ancestry to a scion of the Sultanate of Brunei in the 15th century before the coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines. The Sultan’s eldest and heir apparent had refused the throne because he loved to explore, travel, and seeking adventures so he traveled before he settled in Batangas, Philippines.



So many years and histories gone by, the Laurels became not just the highest political leaders in the Philippines but also established the name in business. Being a leader is in the blood for these powerful family in the Philippines.
So much has been written with the descendants of President Jose P. Laurel who was the president of the Second Philippine Republic during the Japanese occupation. The same as other historical figures, we are curious about the descendants’ whereabouts or about their works and sacrifices, something of great value.
One Laurel particularly a soft spoken woman who is always behind the limelight unlike her popular siblings is Nita Laurel Yupangco, currently the only living daughter of President Jose P. Laurel. Her only daughter, Regina Victoria Laurel Yupangco De Ocampo currently manages Filremit Corporation, Manila Express and Manila Cargo Express , companies that serve the Filipino people all over the world.
Filremit Corporation services the needs of Filipinos around the world particularly paying out any need for their love ones in the Philippines.
Manila Express has been connecting overseas Filipinos in Canada to home since 1985 valuing the relationship with customers built on trust and reliability and offering money transfer and door-to-door cash deliveries to Metro Manila and other provinces in the Philippines nationwide.
Manila Cargo Express is a full service branches across Canada, offering sea cargo shipment from Canada and to any part of the Philippines and one of the largest balikbayan box businesses in Canada with the fastest lead time in sending sea cargo to the Philippines, upholding high quality from double ply corrugated balikbayan box to barcoding system for accuracy and tracking efficiency.

Cosplay Party For A Telecom Company

A blast to end the year with a Cosplay Party and Elabram Systems Team in Thailand chose to be daring this time which was recently held last month to celebrate the year end tradition. Activities includes the  Gift Exchange, Costume Competition, Performance Award and lastly, to belt out the voices for singing, a Karaoke time with the attendance of Elabram Systems Group Managing Director, Mikel Yaw.



Elabram Systems Group Managing Director Mikel Yaw and Super Mario

Cosplay, a combination of the words costume play, is a hobby in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character.

At Elabram, we take our recruitment processes seriously. We hand pick 'crème de la crème talent to match the skill set required by our clients and associates. More importantly, we evaluate and assess the capabilities of both parties to ensure compatibility and the ability of the talent in meet the job demand. Let's include now also talented and funny manpower. What we all need these days. Happy New Year!!!


For more information: Address: 128/113 , 9th Floor, Phayathai Plaza Building, Thung Phayathai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Mobile : +66 61 402 9775, Tel : + 66 2215 7988, Fax: + 66 2215 7989

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Robert L. Yupangco (RLY) of Zoomanity - Yupangco Group won in Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2017

 Robert L. Yupangco (RLY) of Zoomanity - Yupangco Group won in Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2017 recently held at Makati Shangri-la Hotel. APEA is the most prestigious award for entrepreneurship in Asia and Pacific Region given to business leaders for their outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial excellence in a specific field.

Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award (APEA) for Tourism, Hospitality and Food Service was awarded to Mr. Robert Laurel Yupangco (RLY), President / CEO of Zoomanity- Yupangco Group for his exceptional contribution in the tourism and hospitality business sector.

Through his knowledge and experience, RLY established the foundations of Yupangco Group such as Yamaha School of Music, Sound Publishing Corporation, YL Development (Real Estate), Yupangco Electronics Corporation and YL Finance Corporation (micro financing, consumer financing and remittance services) with the help of his siblings and his mother who is the matriarch of the family.
From music and finance sector, RLY saw the potential in tourism and hospitality industry, he expanded and build Zoomanity Group Corporation. With almost 2 million visitors per year it is considered as one of the leading companies in zoos and theme park industry with 8 local and international parks namely, Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zoori (Zoo at Residence Inn) in Tagaytay, Paradizoo Theme Farm in Mendez Cavite, Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark, Pampanga, Zoocolate Thrills in Bohol, Zootopia in Nagano, Japan and Animal Conservation and Breeding Center in Australia.

Having an extensive experience in developing and managing companies in tourism, farming and hospitality sector, he is now called "The Modern Day ZOOper Man" who has a vision of creating the Philippines as "One Big Green Resort and Theme Park", a complete tourism ecosystem that provides not just zoo tourist destinations but also tourism hospitality services such as hotels, restaurants and transportation.
He engages now in putting up different restaurants under Chefmate Corporation that operates the following: Jinsei Sushi Bar, Misono Teppanyaki Restaurant, Nanten Japanese Restaurant, Midori Japanese Restaurant, Samgyupsalamat by Korean Alley, Korean Lane Development Corporation, Unli City (Unlimited Meals) and Ruins City Garden. These restaurants offers fresh, wild and sustainable seafood that are distributed with the help of Alaska Seafood Philippines and Seaking Seafood Products/ Super Catch Inc.



RLY also take part in transportation industry thru his various motor projects under Zoomanity Wheelz that offers Vans, Coaster, Tram Rentals, Pitbull, Multi cabs, Pitcabs Golf cars, Zooper Cars and Chartered Bus transport and services thru his partner Bel Air Bus Charter Corporation.
RLY quoted Peter Draker's sayings "Our business is simply Marketing and Innovation." He is now also involve in developing innovative products in different sectors. In agriculture, a multi-million greenhouse project with Calata Group Corporation is in the pipeline. In entertainment sector, Modi, an all in one entertainment device is now launched in the market, a partnership project with Modtech Global. And of course Tourism industry, soon he will open "GlampZ" or glamorous camping at Zoomanity in partnership with Eunina Mañgio. He will create another legacy as he expands his business by establishing a 3-in-1 masterpiece called "Galleries of the World" in partnership with Pacific Concrete Product Inc. and WCL Solution Inc., which showcases the Wax Muzeum, La Galleria and FunZ.

The event will not be more meaningful without the attendance and support of Robert's family. His mother, Nita Laurel Yupangco came along with his only sister, Regina Yupangco De Ocampo.