“I Am Forest Lake: Celebrating the Stakeholders Behind Its Remarkable Success"

 Forest Lake Development Inc. capped the year 2024 by presenting an initiative that aims  to celebrate the success-driven people behind Forest Lake, the country’s leading memorial park developer.

Life Achievement Award Presentation

From left: President & CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, Mr. Antonio V. Syyap (2nd from left), receiving the Life Achievement Award, and Chairman, Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr.

Aptly called “I Am Forest Lake,” the program takes immense pride in the employees, sellers, and sales leaders who continue to propel the company to its coveted status in the industry. Byshowcasing their stories and their vital roles in Forest Lake’s growth, the initiative affirms how the company values its people, builds their morale, and fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging among them. 

 

For one, “I Am Forest Lake” motivates the company’s sales leaders by acknowledging their accomplishments, stressing on their crucial role in Forest Lake’s success.

 

“I Am Forest Lake” likewise spurs clients and customers to share the trust and satisfaction they experience as they avail of Forest Lake’s services, highlighting how the company offers comfort and support in meaningful ways.

Life Achievement Award Presentation

From left: Chairman, Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., President & CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, Mr. Antonio V. Syyap (3rd from left), receiving the Life Achievement Award, Treasurer & Managing Director, Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgos, and Group CFO, Rupert L. Rivera

At the event held last December 3 at the luxurious Okada Hotel, 

“I Am Forest Lake” validated the company's commitment to fostering deeper emotional connections with their stakeholders. This was achieved by relating the personal success stories of employees and sellers and through testimonials that reflect on Forest Lake’s mission on families and communities. These in turn revealed the heart and humanity that lie at the center of any successful business.

 

Forest Lake President and CEO Alfred Xerez-Burgos III underscored this point, saying, “At Forest Lake, our success is built on the dedication of our employees, sales leaders and sellers, and the trust of our clients. Through ‘I Am Forest Lake,’ we celebrate the people who make our mission of care and service possible.”

 

Among the many people who were honored at the event was Ruperto Rivera Jr., Group Chief Finance Officer for Forest Lake. Rivera was awarded for his twenty years of service with the company, a tenure marked by excellence and loyalty. 

Exhibit Gallery: I Am Forest Lake 2024 Service Awardees

President & CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, takes a moment to appreciate the gallery honoring Forest Lake's 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year service awardees. Their dedication and contributions remain an integral part of the company’s success and legacy.

Rivera expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “As someone who has been part of Forest Lake for two decades, I am deeply honored to be part of this celebration. It reminds us all that our work is not just about numbers—it’s about people, families, and the legacies we help create.”

Forest Lake’s clients were equally jubilant as they spoke at the event about the positive impact Forest Lake’s services havehad on families and communities.

 

Hailing the contributions of all these stakeholders is an act of gratitude on the part of Forest Lake. “Our employees and sellers are the heart of Forest Lake,” HR Director Jose Antonio Xerez Burgos asserted. “Their stories of perseverance and dedication inspire us to continuously improve and create a workplace where everyone feels valued.”

 

All in all, “I Am Forest Lake” empowered everyone in attendance to stay on track as they make Forest Lake not just a memorial park developer, but a “community built by people, for people.”

 

For more information, interested customers may view Forest Lake’s official Facebook page at fb.com/forestlakememorialparksand Instagram @forestlakememorialparks.

Women Take the Lead in High-Stakes Spy Thriller ‘The 355’ on Lionsgate Play

What happens when four powerhouse actresses team up in an action-packed spy movie? You get The 355 – a star-studded thriller that delivers high-stakes suspense and heart-pounding action. The film follows a group of international agents who must put aside their rivalries to keep a top-secret weapon from falling into the wrong hands and triggering World War III.

CIA operative Mace (Jessica Chastain) is tasked to retrieve a top-secret weapon – a flash drive that can hack into any computer with a few keystrokes – and recruits the help of her colleague, retired British MI6 operative Khadijah Adiyeme (Lupita Nyong’o). The mission gets messier when DNI agent and psychologist Graciela Rivera (Penelope Cruz) and rival German BND agent Marie Schmidt (Diane Kruger) join the hunt, each wanting to claim the program drive for their respective agencies. But a group of four head-strong heroines clashing heads isn’t the end of their problems, they must work together to make sure the weapon doesn’t fall into the hands of international crime entrepreneurs.

The 355 is an original action thriller conceptualized by Jessica Chastain herself and written by Simon Kinberg and Theresa Rebeck. Featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, The 355 is sure to be an exhilarating ride for fans of high-octane espionage. 

In an interview with Screenrant, Jessica Chastain, who plays Mace and is also one of the film’s producers, talks about what excited her most in creating the movie, “Well, I like the idea that the actresses are all the bosses of the film. They're the owners of the film. We raised the money on our own. We developed the script together, the characters together, we are the owners. It was made outside of a studio system, independently. We made it for a fraction of the cost of what a normal movie like this is made for. So, it's exciting to me that the artists are now the owners of the work, and especially women. It's exciting to me that the actresses are the ones in charge of the film.”

Director Simon Kinberg shared with CBR what drew him into directing the film, “I'm a huge James Bond fan and I love the spy genre in general. The first script I ever wrote was Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The 355 is a different kind of spy movie, but it is a love letter to spy movies. So, I was intrigued by the fact that it was a spy movie. I loved the idea of a female-ensemble spy movie. There are two things in there that are novel. One, there's not a lot of female spy movies. But two, there are even fewer ensemble spy movies.”

Buckle up for a thrilling ride when The 355 comes to Lionsgate Play on January 31, 2025.

Landco Pacific and AIM Unveil New Student Lounge to Empower Future Leaders

 Asian Institute of Management and Landco Pacific Corporation officially unveiled the Landco Pacific Student Lounge at the AIM campus in Makati City. The ceremonial event was led by Dr. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean of AIM, and Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO of Landco Pacific Corporation.

“We are thrilled and grateful for the donation of Landco Pacific in providing a space designed to enable our students to connect and engage in meaningful discussions and strengthen their bonds,” said Dr. Kang, President and Dean of AIM. 

Manzano highlighted the support of Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Landco Pacific Corporation and its parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), in making the student lounge a reality. “This initiative wouldn't have been possible without the vision and support of Mr. Pangilinan. Our donation of the new student lounge reflects our commitment to education as a vehicle for progress and aims to enhance the learning experience for AIM students, helping them become the next generation of innovative leaders.”

The collaboration between AIM and Landco Pacific further reinforces both institutions’ shared vision of fostering the growth of future leaders who will drive sustainable change in Asia and beyond. AIM continues to be a pioneer in management education, committed to producing transformative leaders who are equipped to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly evolving world.

As one of the premier business schools in Southeast Asia, AIM has maintained its reputation as a leading institution for business and management education. Its MBA program is internationally recognized, and its alumni network spans across the most influential sectors in Asia.

“My time at AIM played a crucial role in shaping my leadership abilities. The case study-based learning approach and real-world problem-solving experience provided me with invaluable skills that I still apply in my career today. I hope that with our donation of the lounge, AIM students will appreciate its value as a platform for exchanging ideas, sparking creativity and forging lifelong friendships,” Manzano shared as an alumnus of AIM. 

In recognition of his leadership and contributions, CEO Insights Asia Magazine named Manzano as one of the Top 10 Best Alumni Leaders of AIM in 2023. This prestigious recognition put into spotlight his outstanding achievements in the business and real estate sectors. 

Landco Pacific is acclaimed for pioneering premium developments for more than 30 years, and has a long-established reputation for creating valuable developments, a legacy that continues to ring true since its first development, Punta Fuego in the 1990s.  

Under Manzano’s leadership, Landco Pacific has been at the forefront of the development of innovative and sustainable Leisure Resort Estates – CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) and Club Laiya in Batangas and Costa Azalea in Samal Island, Davao; and The Residences at Terrazas de Punta Fuego, the luxury residential beachfront condominium as the last call to be part of the exclusive community of Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas. LandcoBeachTowns are master planned and mixed-use developments featuring cutting-edge designed beachfront condominiums, sprawling estates and resort attractions in premier tourist and leisure destinations. These developments complement Landco Pacific’s premium residential and commercial communities in key locations across the country. 

For more information about AIM and its programs, please visithttps://aim.edu/. For information about Landco Pacific Corporation, please visit https://www.landco.ph/.

Dilaw Drops New Single 'Mahal' and Launches 'Lawdian Nights' Event!

Dilaw is starting 2025 with a bang. Kicking off the year with back-to-back gigs and performances, the “Uhaw” hitmakers are also set to release their latest song, “Mahal”, on January 24, 2025. The song talks about how priceless true love is and someone’s commitment to unwavering devotion, the willingness to bet everything on the relationship even against the odds. It is the last song to be released from their Love Trilogy series, along with Nilalang and YIEE. These songs talk about the stages of love, from seeing your beloved as the most beautiful creature, feeling the kilig from your beloved, and finally experiencing that love with your beloved—the perfect soundtrack for the upcoming Valentines Day celebration next month. 

Right on the heels of this release, Dilaw will also launch the first of their “Lawdian Nights” fan events on January 24, 2025, at Lyf Malate Manila. A night filled with fun activities and music, the band intends for “Lawdian Nights” to be a regular event for them to meet, bond, and perform for their fans. Attendees may even get lucky and hear new, unreleased songs at one of these events. It is also an opportunity for their community to come together and share their love for the band and their music.

 

The band has a lot in store for 2025 that everyone can definitely look forward to.

 

Dilaw is a Filipino rock band formed in Baguio, Benguet in 2021. The band achieved commercial breakthrough with their singles “3019”, “Kaloy” “Orasa”, “Janice” and their hit track "Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)" currently with almost 200 million streams and one of Billboard Philippines’ Top Songs.

For the latest updates on your favorite musicians, follow Warner Music Philippines

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Be Financially Confident this 2025 with JuanHand

 As the new year begins, many of us set resolutions, often watching them waver by February—but no judgment, we’ve all been there! While sticking to goals can be challenging, 2025 offers a fresh opportunity to take control, especially of our finances. Following the hectic holiday spending on gifts and celebrations, it’s clear how financial choices during this time affect Filipino households. To manage these expenses more effectively, borrowing for planned, purposeful needs can be a helpful strategy, but balancing it with mindful spending is key.JuanHand encourages Filipinos to reflect on their financial habits and take meaningful steps toward building a smarter, more secure financial future.

“Understanding where your money went in 2024 is the first step towards creating a stronger financial foundation in 2025,” said Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, President and CEO of JuanHand. “Financial planning and smart borrowing can help Filipinos make the most of their resources without falling into unnecessary debt,” he added.

 

JuanHand motivates everyone to start 2025 with clear, realistic financial resolutions. The first step is to Review and Reflect:Take time to analyze your 2024 spending habits and identify areas for improvement. For example, track your spending on daily expenses like dining out, entertainment, or shopping, and look for opportunities to cut back—whether it’s choosing more affordable options, reducing impulse purchases, or simplifying celebrations. Next, Set Realistic Goals: Focus on achievable objectives like starting small on savings or an investment plan. This could mean setting aside a portion of your monthly income for an emergency fund, or starting small with mutual funds or government-backed savings initiatives. Finally, Plan Ahead: Use tools like JuanHand’s lending services to budget for significant expenses, whether personal or business-related. When planning a big purchase or launching that small business you've been wanting to put up, JuanHand’s flexible loan options can help manage costs and prevent financial stress.

 

JuanHand highlights the value of using loans strategically to build financial stability. Whether it’s for handling unexpected emergencies, seizing a business opportunity, or preparing for important events, leveraging credit wisely can offer both a safety net and a growth opportunity. The key is in thoughtful planning, ensuring borrowed funds support long-term goals rather than just short-term fixes.

 

Financial literacy is key to achieving these goals. WAGI (Wealth Advice for Growth and Inclusion), an innovative financial literacy app powered by JuanHand, offers practical content tailored to everyday Filipino life, covering topics like basic budgeting and stock investing. WAGI also rewards users for learning with redeemable points for prizes from top partner brands. By combining tools like JuanHand’s lending services with the WAGI app’s financial education, Filipinos can confidently set and achieve their financial objectives, for themselves and their families.

 

As the #1 fintech lending app in the Philippines, JuanHand has become a trusted financial partner for millions of Filipinos. With over Php40 billion in loans disbursed and more than 12 million registered users, it’s clear that JuanHand is the go-to solution for financial flexibility. Offering loans of up to PHP 50,000, affordable rates, minimal requirements, and a seamless application process, now is the best time to join this growing community. Download the app, submit a valid ID, and get approved in as fast as five minutes!

 

“At JuanHand, we are committed to providing responsible lending solutions that pave the way for Filipinos to achieve financial success,” said Mauricio. “With careful planning and the right approach, our services empower borrowers to navigate their financial journey with confidence. With millions already benefiting from our platform daily, there’s no better time to take control of your finances and experience the convenience JuanHand offers,” he concluded.

 

Looking ahead, JuanHand remains committed to equipping Filipinos with the tools and knowledge they need for smarter financial planning. By advocating mindful spending, strategic borrowing, and clear goal-setting, JuanHand is here to help every Filipino be “Juan-Step Ahead” towards a financially confident 2025, empowering them to take control of their financial future.

 

Download the WAGI Financial Literacy app on Google Play or visit www.wagi.com.ph to start learning and earning rewards. For more information, visit JuanHand’s website atwww.juanhand.com or follow them on Facebook and TikTok.