Forest Lake Honors Top Performers as 2025 Delivers Strongest Growth Yet

 Forest Lake Development Inc., the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer with Total Memorial Care, gathered more than 550 guests at Okada Manila on April 21, 2026 for its 12th National Sales Convention, a celebration that honored its people, partnerships, and shared values behind the company’s continued nationwide growth and record-breaking achievements in 2025. 

Agency Managers Awardees — Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc. (left), and Marc Victorius O. Encarnacion, Chief of Staff to Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr. and the Office of the President(right), present awards to Top 1 Ernesta D. Ibañez, Top 2 Editha F. Basa, and Top 3 Mary Jane D. Manalastas during Forest Lake’s THRIVE: Ani ng Tagumpay National Sales Convention, recognizing their exceptional leadership, outstanding sales performance, and significant contributions to the company’s record-breaking success in 2025.

 Carrying the theme “THRIVE: Ani ng Tagumpay,” the convention highlighted Forest Lake’s historic ₱5.5 billion sales production in 2025, a significant increase from its ₱3.8 billion sales performance in 2024, and the company’s strongest milestone to date. The theme symbolized the harvest of success made possible through teamwork, perseverance, dedication, and the collective efforts of Forest Lake’s nationwide organization. 

 

Serving as a tribute to the hardworking sales agents, sales leaders, sales support teams, regional sales groups, employees, executives, investors, banking partners, and stakeholders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the convention celebrated sales achievements, and recognized the efforts that helped expand Forest Lake’s nationwide presence, strengthen customer trust, and deliver compassionate memorial care solutions to Filipino families. 

 

“This celebration is not only about record-breaking sales–it is about the people behind those achievements,” said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc. “Our sales agents and leaders are the heart of Forest Lake’s success, and their dedication allows us to continue serving Filipino families with dignity, compassion, and care.” 

Sales Consultants Awardees — Juan Carlo Xerez-Burgos, Managing Director for Business Development (left), and Emmanuel Leonardo, Chief of Staff to the Managing Director for Business Development of Forest Lake Development Inc. (FLDI) and its subsidiaries (right), present awards to Top 1 Jasmine Drika D. Lievaart, Top 2 Glenn M. Palencia, and Top 3 Teemee I. Miguel during Forest Lake’s THRIVE: Ani ng Tagumpay National Sales Convention, recognizing their outstanding sales performance and contributions to the company’s record-breaking success in 2025.

Likewise, Forest Lake used the momentous occasion to reinforce its transformation from the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer into the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer with Total Memorial Care, highlighting its growing ecosystem of memorial care services designed to provide Filipino families with compassionate support during life’s most difficult moments. 

 

Among Forest Lake’s enhanced services are Libre Burol or Libre Haya nationwide, Libing Anywhere, memorial chapels, cremation services, columbarium developments, interment services, and future-ready memorial innovations. 

 

Forest Lake now has 41 accredited funeral homes nationwide supporting its Libre Burol services, making total memorial care services more accessible for families across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Additional accredited providers are also being added as the company continues to strengthen its Total Memorial Care network nationwide. 

 

“Achieving ₱5.5 billion in sales reflects the trust our customers place in Forest Lake and the commitment of our teams nationwide,” Xerez-Burgos III added. “As we continue to expand our Total Memorial Care services, we remain focused on providing meaningful solutions for every Filipino family.” 

Gary Valenciano takes the stage for a special performance at Forest Lake’s 12th National Sales Convention, delighting attendees and helping commemorate a year of record-breaking success and outstanding accomplishments.

 

The convention also showcased Forest Lake’s continued nationwide expansion and operational milestones, operating 42 memorial parks nationwide–including recently launched developments in Bacnotan, Gapan, and Rosario, which collectively generated hundreds of millions in sales within months after opening.

 

Forest Lake also announced the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of its increase in authorized capital stock from ₱1 billion to ₱4 billion to support further nationwide expansion (new memorial parks and chapels), infrastructure development, and investments in technology and operational systems. 

 

“What began as a small memorial park business has grown into a nationwide organization because of our people, our values, and our commitment to service,” said Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., Chairman of Forest Lake Development Inc. “The success we celebrate today belongs to every sales agent, leader, employee, and partner who believed in Forest Lake’s vision.” 

Top-performing Forest Lake sellers enjoy an all-expense-paid incentive trip to Bangkok, Thailand, rewarding their outstanding contributions and celebrating the dedication that helped drive the company’s record-breaking success in 2025.

 

“We continue to grow not only by building parks, but by building trust with the families we serve,” he added. “Through Total Memorial Care, we are creating meaningful and lasting impact in communities across the country.” 

 

The gala evening featured performances by AZTER and a special mini-concert by Gary Valenciano, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the convention. Forest Lake also rewarded its top-performing sellers with an all-expense-paid incentive trip to Bangkok, Thailand from April 22 to 25, 2026, an incentive which included visits to Thailand’s iconic cultural landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and the Floating Market, alongside cultural tours, shopping experiences, and a luxury buffet dinner cruise. 

 

This incentive program emphasized Forest Lake’s continued investment in sales excellence, professional growth, team motivation, and long-term career opportunities for its sellers nationwide, aligned with the company’s belief that its people remain the driving force behind its continued success and evolution in compassionate memorial care. 

 

Xerez-Burgos III shares, “Forest Lake is evolving from the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer into the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer with Total Memorial Care–and our people are the driving force behind that transformation.”

 

For more information on Forest Lake Memorial Parks and their services, visit their social media pages: Facebook (@ForestLakeMemorialParks), and Instagram (@forestlakememorialparks), and explore hashtags #ABetterPlace, #ThriveAniNgTagumpay,  #ForestLakeNSC2026, #ForestLakeCares, #TotalMemorialCare, #ForestLake2026,

 

For over 29 years, Forest Lake has established itself as a leader in providing thoughtfully designed, family-friendly memorial parks throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These parks are more than places of remembrance; they are vibrant spaces where families gather, connect, and celebrate their loved ones' memories.

 

As the foremost memorial park developer in the Philippines, with 42 memorial parks nationwide, Forest Lake is committed to expanding its offerings to include total memorial care services such as chapels, columbariums, and cremation. This expansion underscores the company's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of Filipino families.

 

Guided by its mission to create "A Better Place," Forest Lake upholds values of innovation, creativity, teamwork, personalized service, value creation, and professionalism. The company integrates cutting-edge technology to enhance service delivery and foster a seamless, personalized experience for every client. Forest Lake’s collaborative approach ensures that each park is a testament to thoughtful design and professional excellence, offering significant value to both clients and investors through low-risk, high-yield opportunities.

 

Forest Lake Memorial Parks is headquartered on the third floor of Alexcy One Building, 51 President’s Avenue, 1718, Parañaque City. For more information, email info@forestlakeparks.com or visit forestlakeparks.com. Follow Forest Lake on Facebook @ForestLakeMemorialParks and Instagram @forestlakememorialparks. Check out the viral video on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

 

Join Forest Lake in its vision to provide spaces where the memories of loved ones are celebrated and immortalized, and where families can create new, lasting memories together.

 

The School Year Didn't Get Harder for Kids. It Got Harder for us Moms-- Here's the hack to make Back-to-School Less Stressful

 Every school year seems to begin the same way.

A few days before classes start, I tell myself that this year will be different. School supplies have been purchased ahead of time, uniforms have been washed and neatly hung inside the closet, and important dates have been written down in a planner. For a brief moment, everything feels organized.

Then reality arrives.

A message from the class adviser appears in the parents' group chat. A child remembers a requirement that was forgotten during enrollment. Someone needs a specific pair of shoes. Another child suddenly needs materials for a project. Before long, the familiar rhythm of the school year returns, bringing with it a long list of responsibilities that somehow seem to land on a mother's lap.

When I was growing up, back-to-school preparations were relatively straightforward. My mother made sure we had notebooks, pencils, and uniforms. Homework required textbooks and a trip to the library whenever additional research was needed. School announcements were written on paper and sent home inside notebooks. 

Life was hardly simple, but it was certainly less connected.

Today's students live in a very different world. Assignments often involve online research. Group projects are coordinated through messaging apps. School announcements arrive digitally. Educational videos supplement lessons taught in the classroom. Even communication between teachers and parents has largely moved online.

Not long ago, I found myself helping with what appeared to be a simple homework assignment. Within minutes, we were searching for reliable sources online, watching educational videos to better understand the topic, and organizing information for a presentation. 

As I sat beside my child, it occurred to me that the assignment itself was not necessarily more difficult than the homework I remembered from my own school days. The difference was that learning had become far more connected, and parenting had changed right along with it.

The school year has not simply become busier for students. It has become more demanding for parents, particularly mothers who are balancing family responsibilities alongside work or business commitments. 

Many Filipino moms today wear several hats at once. They are employees attending virtual meetings, entrepreneurs managing online stores, caregivers looking after family members, and partners trying to keep households running smoothly. 

Somewhere between all those responsibilities, they are also expected to stay on top of school schedules, monitor academic requirements, and help their children navigate an increasingly digital learning environment.

What often goes unnoticed is how much coordination happens behind the scenes. Keeping track of deadlines, activities, projects, payments, appointments, and family schedules requires a level of organization that previous generations of parents rarely had to maintain. 

It is not uncommon for a mother to begin her morning preparing breakfast, spend the afternoon responding to customers or attending meetings, and end the day helping with homework while checking school announcements on her phone.

For many of us, technology has become less about convenience and more about practicality. It helps us keep track of information, stay connected with teachers and classmates, manage family schedules, and accomplish tasks more efficiently. A few years ago, I relied almost entirely on notebooks and planners. 

Today, I still appreciate writing things down, but I have learned to embrace digital tools that help simplify everyday responsibilities.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that technology works best when it serves a purpose. 

Rather than chasing every new app or trend, I focus on tools that genuinely make family life easier. Some help organize schedules. Others assist with research, planning, or brainstorming ideas. Recently, tools such as Gemini have become useful for tasks that would otherwise consume valuable time. 

Whether it is helping organize information, preparing a list, summarizing a topic, or generating ideas for work, these tools can help reduce some of the routine tasks that fill our days.

Of course, technology is only as useful as the connection behind it. The reality is that much of modern family life now depends on reliable internet access. Schoolwork, communication, online businesses, digital payments, and even everyday household coordination often require a stable connection. When internet service becomes unreliable, productivity suffers and frustration quickly follows.

This is why dependable connectivity has become such an important part of many Filipino households. PLDT Home has long been one of the services that families rely on to stay connected, whether for work, education, business, or communication. 

During the school year, that connection becomes even more important as multiple family members often need access at the same time for different purposes.

Yet perhaps the most valuable resource any mother can have is not technology or connectivity, but support. 

Parenting has never been something we were meant to do alone. The challenges may change with each generation, but the need for guidance, shared experiences, and practical advice remains the same.

That is one reason communities such as Madiskarte Moms PH continue to resonate with so many Filipino women. Beyond offering practical tips and digital learning opportunities, it provides something equally important: a community of mothers who understand the realities of balancing family life, personal goals, and financial responsibilities. Sometimes knowing that other moms are facing similar challenges is enough to make the journey feel a little lighter.

As another school year gets underway, I remind myself that perfection is not the goal. There will be forgotten deadlines, last-minute projects, and days when everything feels overwhelming. That has always been part of parenting. What has changed is that today's mothers have access to tools, resources, and communities that can help make those challenges easier to manage.

The school year may not have become harder for kids. They have adapted remarkably well to the world they are growing up in. Mothers like us, however, have had to adapt too. Fortunately, we do not have to figure it all out on our own, all it takes is a good and reliable internet connection to make all these tools available to us in just a few clicks.

TCL Continues Global Momentum as the World's Top TV Brand

 

New names may capture attention. Real breakthroughs capture the eyes 

 

As the TV industry moves deeper into the premium era, the conversation is no longer only about better specs. What increasingly defines a leading brand is the ability to turn technological strength into a truly superior viewing experience.

 

This is where TCL stands apart.

 

Backed by deep display expertise and long-term innovation, TCL is bringing together technology leadership and experience breakthrough through its latest SQD Mini LED platform. Rather than making innovation feel technical and distant, TCL is making it visible where it matters most — on the screen.

 

At the core of this upgrade are three leading SQD technologies.：

 

Precise Dimming: greater brilliance, better balance

TCL’s Precise Dimming technology enables more precise light control across the screen. Through upgrades such as highly concentrated light, a new-generation super-condensed micro lens, optimized backlight design and enhanced light control algorithms, the picture gains stronger overall stability and clarity.

Whether it is a football match, a blockbuster film or an intense gaming moment, the image stays clearer, cleaner and more impactful.

 

Super QLED: richer and more accurate color expression

TCL’s Super QLED technology takes color performance to the next level. With improvements in color gamut, color purity and blue light energy optimization, it enables richer, more vivid and more accurate color expression. Instead of color that feels overstated or unstable, the picture appears more natural, more consistent and more visually rewarding across every type of content.

 

Ultra Color Filter: more refined color, more natural depth

TCL’s Ultra Color Filter further refines that experience by improving color precision and reducing impurities. Built on advanced materials and years of color filter development, it enhances subtle color transitions and restores more detail within every shade. The image feels cleaner, deeper and more premium, with stronger realism in everything from sports fields to cinematic landscapes.

 

Together, these three technologies do more than upgrade display performance. They reshape the viewing experience itself — with stronger contrast, richer color, sharper motion and a more refined overall picture.

 

What makes this progression even more meaningful is the strength behind it.

 

With TCL CSOT as a key technology backbone, TCL has built a powerful display ecosystem supported by manufacturing scale, global investment and forward-looking R&D. From production capability to next-generation display roadmaps, TCL’s strength lies not only in launching products, but in sustaining innovation over the long term. This gives the brand a unique ability to translate deep technology into real, consumer-facing breakthroughs.

 

This upgrade is backed by TCL’s strong global market performance. According to Omdia, TCL ranked No.1 globally in shipment market share for 75-inch-and-above TV sets in 2025, No.1 in global Mini LED TV shipment market share in 2025, and No.1 in global Google TV shipment market from 2021 to 2025.

 

In an increasingly crowded premium TV landscape, TCL is showing that real leadership is not only about how far technology can go, but how powerfully it can be felt.

 

With SQD, TCL is not simply introducing another display upgrade. It is turning technology leadership into a clearer, richer and more immersive experience — and in doing so, reinforcing its position as a brand shaping the future of premium viewing.

Vincent Co: Puregold’s Growth Strategy Starts With Affordability

 As many Filipino families continue to tighten their budgets amid rising prices and global economic instability, Puregold president Vincent Co is reinforcing the chain’s long-standing commitment to making basic necessities more affordable for everyday consumers.

Known for its low price and massive budget-friendly promos, Puregold recently launched “Always Price Packs,” a new product line to help shoppers cope with inflation. Products are sold at fixed prices of under Php 100, giving consumers a more predictable way to budget for daily needs.

 

For Co, the move goes beyond promotions—it reflects Puregold’s core mission of serving ordinary Filipinos in good or difficult times.

 

“Puregold understands how every peso matters to every Filipino,” said Co. “Our responsibility is not just to sell products, but to make sure essential goods remain affordable and accessible, especially during sudden shifts in the economy. Our ‘Always Price Packs’ are our way to ease the burden of consumers.”

The initiative comes at a time when inflation and volatility in global markets continue to affect the prices of basic commodities. With household budgets becoming increasingly stretched, Puregold’s fixed-price items aim to provide shoppers with a sense of stability.

 

“Always Price Packs reflect Puregold’s commitment to helping customers manage their budgets. The price printed on the packaging stays the same, allowing shoppers to plan their purchases with confidence without compromising on quality.” Vincent added.

 

When many consumers are becoming more cautious about spending, Puregold’s continued focus on affordability highlights the company’s effort to remain closely aligned with the realities faced by Filipino households.

James Reid, RabGel, and Thousands of Fans Turn HONOR 600 First Day Sale into a Celebration

Massive crowd excitement was seen as leading global AI device provider HONOR Philippines officially kicked off the first day sale of the highly anticipated HONOR 600 Series at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 30 – drawing thousands of fans, tech enthusiasts, and shoppers eager to get their hands on the newest AI smartphone sensation.

The celebration transformed the iconic venue into a full-scale fan fest, highlighted by a star-studded lineup of performers and celebrity guests such as the up-and-coming PPop sensations FINA and It All Started In May, newly-crowned The Miss Philippines queens Allyson Hetland, Jenrose Javier, Trexy Roxas, Marian Arellano, and Catherine Wardle, and reigning Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma as the host. 

The biggest young stars of Pinoy Big Brother were also in attendance – Sofia Pablo, Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento, and Rave Victoria with an electric performance by Carmelle Collado.

 
“We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support we have been getting for HONOR 600," said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. "The turnout at our first day sale event proves how excited Filipinos are about AI-powered innovation. HONOR 600 is designed to bring flagship-level AI experiences to more users, and we're thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our HONOR fans."

As for the main show, Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji delighted attendees with special performances and fan interactions. The crowd erupted even more as James Reid took the stage to serenade the thousands of fans who attended the event, while Mayonnaise capped off the celebration with a crowd-pleasing set that had the entire venue singing along.

 

Beyond the entertainment, visitors enjoyed immersive demo zones where they explored the HONOR 600's revolutionary AI capabilities, including AI Image to Video, AI Eraser, AI Outpainting, and its advanced portrait photography features.

The successful first day sale event marks another major milestone for HONOR Philippines following the successful launch of the HONOR 600 Series. With its powerful AI innovations, premium design, and compelling value proposition, the HONOR 600 continues to capture the attention of consumers nationwide.

Pricing and Availability 

The HONOR 600 Series sees HONOR 600 5G priced at Php 28,999 for 8GB+256GB, Php 32,999 for 12GB+256, Php 37,999 for 12GB+512GB – and HONOR 600 5G Pro with 12GB+512GB for Php 49,999!

Run to any HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_H600_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_H600_PR).

For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

foodpanda PH Expands Panda-Malasakit Project with Libreng Sakay for Metro Manila Commuters

As commuting costs and everyday expenses continue to weigh heavily on Filipinos, foodpanda Philippines is stepping up its community support through its flagship Panda-Malasakit Project. The online food and grocery platform has launched a Libreng Sakay (free ride) program to help commuters ease daily transportation costs and make everyday travel a little lighter and more convenient.

Having rolled out on May 29, four pink foodpanda jeepneys are currently hitting key Metro Manila routes to offer free rides during peak hours until June 11. Available to the general public, the Libreng Sakay jeepneys are operating along major commuting lines, including SM Fairview-Cubao, Monumento-Baclaran, and Alabang-Mall of Asia. 

Passengers can also look forward to surprise treats and special onboard moments throughout the activation, turning ordinary commutes into more uplifting and rewarding experiences. Beyond supporting daily commuters, the initiative also extends crucial assistance to the participating jeepney drivers through fuel and grocery support.

These efforts are part of the Panda-Malasakit Project, foodpanda’s purpose-driven campaign focused on providing meaningful support across its community during a time of rising costs and everyday challenges. Built on the idea of shared community impact, the campaign combines on-ground activations and community-driven initiatives that help make life feel a little easier where it matters most.

As foodpanda continues to expand the Panda-Malasakit Project, the company remains committed to creating initiatives that respond to real everyday needs while strengthening support for the communities it serves.

Build Your Everyday Wardrobe with Grab-A-Fit's New Basics Collection

 Build any outfit effortlessly with the new Basics collection from Grab-A-Fit, available exclusively at all Robinsons Department Store branches

Forget the daily "I have nothing to wear" panic. Robinsons Department Store just made outfit-planning so much easier with Grab-A-Fit, Basics Collection.

Welcome remarks led by Robinsons Department Store AVP Men’s Fashion - Ed Dizon

On May 22, 2026, Robinsons Department Store hosted the official launch of Grab-A-Fit at Robinsons Department Store Galleria, transforming the store space into a high-energy fashion playground. The event also introduced the new Basics everyday wear collection of Grab-A-Fit, a brand exclusively available at Robinsons Department Store, all branches nationwide. 

Grab a Fit, New Basics Collection

The Grab a Fit Basics collection has casual, smart casual, and urban style pieces that you can mix and match to pull off any look for your daily grind. Whether it’s casual chic for weekend strolls or a polished business look for important meetings, Grab-A-Fit has trendy pieces for everyone.

Centered on exceptional affordability and versatility, the launch event made effortless style accessible to everyone. Curated mannequin displays and interactive fashion zones gave customers and guests plenty of inspiration to mix, match, and elevate their daily OOTDs.

Grab a Fit curated outfits by fashion and lifestyle creators (L-R) Alexa Viray, Anne Lopez, Ian Vivas, and Pat Sugui.

Finding your perfect ‘fit
The Grab-A-Fit launch showcased outfits curated by Ian Vivas, Anne Lopez, Alexa Viray, and Pat Sugui. Each look featured the fashion influencer’s personality and highlighted how anyone can effortlessly build multiple looks using the Basics collection pieces.

Grab-A-Fit also empowered fashion lovers to become trendsetters in their own right. Guests checked out pieces from the Basics collection in Robinsons Department Store Galleria and tried them on to create outfits that matched their unique style.

Unveiling of collection highlight by Robinsons Department Store (RDS) and Grab a Fit Representatives (L-R), Josh Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, Business Group Director, Eric Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, VP for Operations, Ed Dizon - RDS, AVP for Men's Fashion

Shoppers can join in the fashion fun. The Grab-A-Fit try-on display will be open to everyone at Robinsons Department Store Galleria. Update your wardrobe with new Basics pieces at an affordable price, exclusively available at all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide.

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Grab a Fit launch attended by Grab a Fit executives and Robinsons Department Store (RDS) executives (L-R), Stanley Co - Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., President & CEO, Carmina Quizon - RDS, Group General Manager, Eric Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, VP for Operations, Josh Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, Business Group Director, and Ed Dizon - RDS, AVP for Men's Fashion

Ready to find your ‘fit? Check out the Grab-A-Fit collection at Robinsons Department Store Galleria Atrium. Get updated and follow Robinsons Department Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.