OF TREES AND FOREST Coffee Project was a passion project for Camille and myself. Before, we would visit Vista Malls and our other projects and lament the lack of a nice, cozy coffee spot where we can meet while enjoying a cup of Joe. So we thought about putting up the coffee shop of our dreams. It...
OF TREES AND FOREST Whenever I travel abroad, in Europe or anywhere in the world really, I am always amazed at how the other peoples of the world are crazy about football. It is regarded as the world’s most popular sport in the world with an estimated 3.5 billion fan base. One of the reasons for...
OF TREES AND FOREST One of the proudest moments of my political career was being elected Senate President, first, during the latter part of the 13th Congress, and later at the beginning of the 14th Congress. It was truly an honor to be chosen by my esteemed colleagues to lead the upper chamber of...
OF TREES AND FOREST The hardest part of any journey is the first step. This is true in every aspect of life: Your baby’s first step; your first bike ride without anyone helping you; your first date; your first day in school. It is terrifying simply because of our fear of the unknown and...
OF TREES AND FOREST When I officially announced Villar City to the public, I called it my legacy project because I believe that this is part of my dream for our country — for our country to be truly world-class in every way. As I have always endeavored, whether in business or as a public servant...
OF TREES AND FOREST I was part of the high-level private sector delegation during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan in February 2023. It was a smashing success as the trip produced numerous commercial deals and defense and political arrangements between the two Asian...
OF TREES AND FOREST Araw ng mga Bayani or National Heroes Day was originally commemorated every last Sunday of August. This was based on Republic Act No. 3827 which celebrated the first National Heroes Day on Oct. 28, 1931. When I was Senate President, we passed Republic Act No. 9492 which...
OF TREES AND FOREST One of the distinct advantages of being taught by my mother the virtues of hard work and perseverance at an early age was that I generally stayed away from all sorts of vices. By making me focus on the virtues of earning your keep and helping me develop a strong work ethic when...
OF TREES AND FOREST Huge congratulations to all the Filipino athletes who just finished the country’s most successful stint in the Olympics. Their talent, hard work, and perseverance produced a total of four medals — two golds and two bronzes. Filipina boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas...
"Unity is the key for us to move forward." This was how President Marcos explained why his party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) allied with the Nacionalista Party (NP), saying leaders who will emerge victorious in the midterm elections next year must know how to rise above political...
OF TREES AND FOREST The story of Carlos Yulo is the story of the Filipinos. Despite unimaginable challenges, painful defeats, and countless hardships, Caloy made the country proud by winning not one, but two Olympic gold medals. After Hidilyn ended the Philippines’ 97-year Olympic gold-medal...
OF TREES AND FOREST Let me begin by sending my prayers to fellow Filipinos who were affected by typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon. According to the initial report by government agencies, 21 people from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon died while more than 200,000 people,...
