COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises brings back the authentic storytelling roots of Blogging, awards winners of Write to Ignite Season 3

Global award-winning communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises has finally concluded “UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Initiative Season 3” with the announcement of the program’s Top Storytellers in a virtual awards night held recently. 

Following the success of its first and second seasons, the initiative recently returned for a third season to continue empowering storytellers across the nation by collating and amplifying their powerful stories that champion the human spirit. Write to Ignite Season 3 brought to light amazing stories that were previously untold, unheard, or underrated.

By pushing participants beyond their comfort zones and asking them to feature tales of triumph, success and perseverance from other people they are connected to, work with or know, the initiative was able to pull back the mask of everyday heroes from various walks of life and to share their heartwarming journeys and inspiring perspectives in life.

Numerous participants from all over the Philippines participated in the challenge, with 40 finalists emerging to lead the journey. These finalists were invited to a Virtual Awarding Ceremony, where the top 20 storytellers were declared. 

Iris Acosta of Pinay Ads from Caloocan City emerged as the Grand Champion for her entry “Unmasking Strength: A Journey of Resilience and Hope” about her mom’s battle against cancer. Other winners in the top 5 include 1st runner-up Gretchen Filart of Our World in Words from Sta. Maria, Bulacan for her entry “Championing Biodiversity Against The Odds: Environmentalist Celine Murillo, Unmasked” which is about the journey of environmentalist Celine Murillo and her advocacy for the conservation of biodiversity and natural heritage through storytelling; 2nd runner-up Katrina Rivera of Kwento ni Kat from Talisay City, Negros Occidental for “Wrist Tags, Bananas in Pajamas, Masks, and All the Things That Can Keep Us Alive” which is about her friend Nikka and her battle with lupus; 3rd runner-up Mauie Flores of The 24-Hour Mommy from Cainta, Rizal for “UNMASKED: The Amazing Faith and Courage of a Fabulous Ausome Mom” which is about her churchmate’s journey raising her three children in the autism spectrum; and 4^th runner-up Marjorie Pineda-Uy of Woman in Digital from Quezon City for “UNMASKED: God Loves You ‘As Is’” which is about her aunt’s experience living with disability.

The top 5 winners were also given an opportunity to support their selected accredited non-government organization through donations as part of the prizes they won. Grand Champion Iris Acosta chose to support Save the Children Philippines, 1st runner-up Gretchen Filart picked Philippine Eagle Foundation, 2nd runner-up Katrina Rivera selected Make-A-Wish Foundation, 3rd runner-up Mauie Flores partnered with SOS Children’s Villages, and 4th runner-up Marjorie Uy identified Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as beneficiary.

The Grand Champion won PhP 40,000 and two international round-trip tickets from airasia. The rest of the Top 5 winners won cash prizes, PhP 20,000 for the 1^st Runner-Up; PhP 15,000 for the 2^nd Runner-Up; PhP 12,000 for the 3^rd Runner-Up; and PhP 10,000 for the 4^th Runner-Up. The Top 6 to 20 finalists are bringing home cash prizes while all the Top 40 Finalists are receiving merchandise items from sponsors and participating brands.

“We started the Write to Ignite initiative amid the pandemic. It was timely back then, and it still is up to now. At a time when our social media has become a tool for the proliferation of fake news, trolling, organized bashing, hate campaigns, and black propaganda, we go back to the very essence and roots of blogging, which is authentic storytelling. This is what a real blogger does. We trust and believe that they uphold the very essence of the practice, sharing the truth through inspirational writing and storytelling. This is why we are proud of the Write to Ignite bloggers, content creators, and storytellers as once again, they were able to demonstrate that the platforms they use can be, and should be, used for positive social change," said Ferdinand L. Bondoy, the Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises. 

"It was a challenge to have to write someone else's story, but our Write to Ignite storytellers were able to accomplish that and even exceed expectations. All entries and stories were very valuable and worthy of being read, shared, and recognized," shared Mr. Bondoy.

UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Initiative Season 3 is created and organized by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, with airasia as a major sponsor / brand partner; with Babyflo and PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz and Lamoiyan Corporation, Rémy Martin, and Uratex Monoblock as sponsors / brand partners; with Make-A-Wish Philippines, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Philippine Eagle Foundation, Save the Children Philippines and SOS Children's Villages Philippines as NGO partners; and with SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine as the official media partner.

To know more about COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises and Write to Ignite, visit www.comcomundo.com or follow https://www.facebook.com/comcomundo/  on Facebook and https://www.linkedin.com/company/comcomundo  on LinkedIn.

About COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is the parent company and umbrella group for all of COMCO’s existing and upcoming ventures and initiatives, a collective of agencies and programs dedicated to advancing the communications profession and related disciplines such as digital, media, advocacy, training and education, and entrepreneurship, among others; to be a force for social change; to nurturing talent growth, craftsmanship and workplace community culture; and to championing borderless collaboration. The COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is comprised of COMCO Southeast Asia with a network of affiliates in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, COMCO Middle East & Africa, TARO AOX Inc. Digital + Integrated Communications, SEA Wave Pop Culture Studio, Camp COMCO Mentorship Program and Alumni Society, and Citizen COMCO Advocacy Program.

COMCO has been awarded Medium Consultancy of the Year in Asia Pacific at the PRCA APAC (Public Relations and Communications Association) Awards, thrice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Quill Awards; Agency of the Year – Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards; twice as Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Marketing Interactive’s PR Awards Asia-Pacific, and the global CIPR Excellence Awards; and 150 metals from various local, regional and international award-giving bodies.

U Gotta Belive In the Filipino Fighters Spirit: Interview of Ferdie Munsayac

 

There is a man who rose above the rest and alleviated poverty in fighters in a measurable manner, to be the better version of himself and uplift others in a highly-visible way is a victory at the moment itself. The struggle of training, the weariness of battle, the agony of defeat and the soaring moment of triumph are reaped by those in the athletic world.

Ferdie Munsayac, also known as Papa Goat, stepped up with all his military training and the unwavering support of a bevy of combat fighters, both male and female, from Davao to beyond Bicol to pursue a common goal.  

Ferdie has a dream for Philippine Sports, which was sadly delayed by the pandemic, and is awaiting one last signature. As he forged this goal to have our own professional sport in the form of Juego Todo, a blend of our national sport of Arnis and mixed martial arts, the reason for his pursuit of our classification of this is for the Filipino presence to be felt in the worldwide arena. 

Contemplate for a moment how our athletes excel in many sports activities, but our own Arnis has not made it beyond Asian competitions. This is one of the pursuits of Ferdie for the sport of Juego Todo, which is All Game, and is currently being played as a combat sport by their team. 

Highlights of the Interview with Ferdie Munsayac

Describe Yourself

I LOVE CHALLENGES. TELL ME I CAN'T AND I'LL SHOW U HOW! IM VERY HARD HEADED! I WILL DO WHAT I PLEASE TO ACHIEVE MY GOALS.

Top three characteristics that drives your success 

PASSION

ADVOCACY

HEART

What does it mean for you to be a fighter?

NEVER GIVE UP! FIGHT TILL

THE END! IT AIN'T OVER TILL IT'S OVER.

What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?

I AM THE ONE WHO WILL CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES OF THE LOCAL FIGHT INDUSTRY, A DAY AT A TIME!!!

IT ALL STARTED WITH A PASSION THAT TURNED INTO AN ADVOCACY. BY THE TIME IM LONG GONE, THIS WILL BE MY LEGACY!

Words of Wisdom 

SET GOALS.

PERSEVERE, NO MATTER WHAT.

EMBRANCE CHALLENGES TO GIVE U ADDITIONAL FUEL BOOSTERS TO SUCCEED.

THE BEST GRATIFICATION IN LIFE IS PROVING ALL YOUR DETRACTORS WRONG UPON ACHIEVING YOUR SUCCESS!

I'M POSSIBLE!!!

Ferdie mentioned during the interview that UGB has another meaning which is U Gotta Believe. Indeed, we manifest our thoughts into action, like UGB, there is skilled action and poverty alleviation through sports. 

About UGB MMA Corp. (Underground Battle Mixed Martial Arts)

This is the Philippines' most active MMA promotion that currently conducted 91 documented fight sports events. The UGB MMA fight leagues are FUN FIGHT Amateur Fight League, PREDATOR FIGHT SERIES, BLAZE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP, JUEGO TODO "Weaponized Cage Fighting", UGB MMA CHAMPIONSHIP and Event Collaborations. Also, UGB MMA conducts Mixed Martial Arts workshops. In 2015, UGB MMA became the official licensee of the Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting (WSOF) Global in the country.

UGB MMA Advocates Filipino culture. In addition to the aforementioned fight leagues, it also has JUEGO TODO, which is a Weaponized Cage Fighting featuring FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) "Arnis / Kali / Escrima". This is designed to promote the Philippines' National Martial Art And Sports (Republic Act 9850) and for all FMA practitioners, especially the masters and grandmasters who we consider national treasures.

UGB MMA Stands Up Against Poverty through Sports. UGB MMA gives opportunities to poor and deserving fighters. Through UGB MMA fighter orphanage, UGB MMA gives fighters shelter, food, supplements, and other necessities. UGB MMA has full-time fighter scholars who are given the greatest exposure, as well as part-time fighter scholars who are basically students or regular employees who want to experience fighting in the cage.

Their goal is to provide fighters with the opportunities they need to succeed and to make sure that they have the food, shelter, supplements, and other necessities they need. 

UGB MMA was born out of the frustration of poverty and inequality and has since risen to become one of the most innovative companies in the fight industry in the Philippines. The business is built on three crucial pillars: Fighting poverty together, providing fighters with opportunities, and helping people reach their potential. These three guiding principles maintain loyalty to those who deserve it most.

UGB MMA, was created and founded by Ferdinand Munsayac, a former US Navy Chief who has always been fascinated with combat sports and martial arts. When he decided to retire in the Philippines after 20 years of military service, putting up a gym and fight sport promotion became his focus. Munsayac opened The Goat Locker Boxing Gym in 2011, which also offers Mixed Martial Arts, FMA and Muay Thai. He later launched a platform for amateur fighters designed to groom fighters before they plunged into professional league, and thus Underground Battle MMA was born.

Ferdie created this company with the advocacy of helping talented yet underprivileged Filipino martial artists. Having had to go through many hardships himself, he knows what it is like to need help from others to achieve one's dreams.

Author's Note: Of Juego Todo, Tagalog, and Adobo 

The one-mindedness in pursuit of Filipino passion is integral to building an identity in our melting pot of cultures. The Filipino people, hospitable in every which way, have opened our doors to foreign influences and adapted. The search for the Filipino identity is achieved by simply being the best version of ourselves. It is not just showing the world who we are with pride but sharing the best of our heritage, culture, skill and talents. 

During the animated interview with Ferdie, I mentioned how my grandfather, Jose Villa Panganiban, the former Director of the National Institute of Language, was instrumental in making Tagalog the Filipino language. My grandfather had said that Tagalog was the most beautiful language in the world, as it is read the way it is written, aside from other things. He also stated that it is a living language to which words are added as we develop as a nation. 

My grandfather achieved his dream and wrote books to create the foundation for our language, such as the Balarila, the first Filipino Grammar book, the first Filipino dictionary, and the voluminous Thesaurus Filipino-English thesaurus, among many over 1,000 published works. Interestingly enough, he also was the original rapper with his short poems. 

My pursuit of having Lechon Baboy (Pig) as our national food As explained in my award-winning blog, "The style of cooking lechon is the same all over the Philippines. This is the reason why lechon baboy should actually be the National Food instead of adobo, a vinegar-based dish, as the ingredients vary, and the cooking procedure may entail it being fried, boiled, or both. When it comes lechon baboy, it is the same procedure, and the ingredients placed inside the lechon to flavor it vary only slightly differently, yet that difference does make a lechon tastier. And, the lechon is identifiable Filipino.

Ferdie Munsayac has the driving passion to integrate a sport into the international arena that is identifiably Filipino. His pursuit is based on history, from our epic duels such as that of Lapu-Lapu and Magellan, along with how we have madirigmas (fighters) who crafted their own weapons and safety gear. The use of the arnis stick in Juego Todo hails from how a Filipino can wield an ordinary stick, using it as a disguised walking cane to ward away dogs, as actually a self-defence weapon. Juego Todo is a fabulous interplay from fighting with the special Arnis-style sticks to bare hands combat. 

Though the arena of sports is different from that of language and food, it still has the same love of country exemplified. 

To enter the UGB arena takes skill and strength. Still, anyone can take part in becoming a combat fighter for our country by supporting such sports activities as UGB MMA as an audience, sponsor or becoming a fighter. Thid world encourages people to become the better version of themselves by becoming fit and controlling their power, among other things.

When you see the glint in the eyes of these fighters, you will not see rage. Instead, you will see the hunger some have gone through, the mental anguish associated with poverty and lack of health that they hit down, and the submission hold struggle to succeed. 

The fights are glorious, as in winning or losing, and there is still that level of success as the reality of life is that of acceptance of sportsmanlike attitudes. 

We all talk about making the changes society needs and what we need more combat fighters in the world, like Ferdie and his team, to be the change and make the difference in a positive and healthy manner. 

Takeaway: Manifestation

It all starts with a thought. Our thoughts have power, and when we write it down, it becomes real. What we think can be reality, and when we manifest these things, such as a dream for a better life, it already is ours. 

This story is an entry to COMCO Mundo's "UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3". The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities. "UNMASKED" aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope and wonders to share with others, as well as why it is important to tell their inspiring journeys in life. The "Write to Ignite" Season 3 is made possible by COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, with airasia, Babyflo, PHILUSA Corporation, Century Tuna, Licealiz, Lamoiyan Corporation, Rémy Martin, and Uratex Monoblock as brand partners.

Image credits:  UGB MMA Facebook page and

Personal profile of Ferdinand Abadilla Munsayac

Paying It Forward: Rotary Club Tagaytay Meeting March 2023

Did you ever think of making a change to society but hesitated because there was no opportunity? You might have gathered old clothes to donate and handed out alms, yet deep inside, you want to do more. 

You see on the news the outreach programs of different organizations, especially during times of crisis. However, some areas have some sort of dilemma that has solutions. Sadly, we are unaware that we can make that change by stepping up to pay it forward by joining the Rotary Club. 

On March 12, 2023, the Rotary Club of Tagaytay conducted its monthly meeting at WowSamgyup Tagaytay, Primark. It was a four-hour meeting, starting with lunch, then continued the main part of the discussion. After the meeting was concluded, there was minipocket meetings of smaller groups. 

Those members who were unavailable to join this Sunday lunch with their fellow Rotarians arrived at 1 pm for the meeting proper. The meeting proper began with opening remarks, prayers, the Rotary pledge, and the singing of the National Anthem. 

During this event, after small pleasantries and introductions, the conversations went straight to business, to deal with the voluntary projects and other matters on hand. Aside from the long-range plans, it was reporting what happened previously and planning what to do for the next month. 

Though not privy to the part of the meeting when there was detailed discussion, I already had in-depth view of the Rotary Club Tagaytay's tasks, such as under the leadership of City Jail Warden JCINSP Aris Williamere A. Villaester with the Hope Project Art Gallery and the past project of sharing gift packs during the holiday season to the Tagaytay City Jail PDLs. 

The current president, Jes Capablanca and incoming president Edgardo P. Mandac "Egay", made sure that in my media capacity, I had a warm welcome and an awareness of what projects they do and made it a point to make me feel the warmth of the fellowship of this club. 

Author's note: 

Now, after the pandemic has weakened, we all struggle for recovery, but there are those who are helpless and struggle more. When we have sufficient, we tend to share our wealth and also our time and effort. It is time to pay it forward and there is something that you can do to be hands-on with the outreach, and it is to join the Rotary Club in your area and be part of the various projects. 

For more information to find a Rotary Club and contact person in your area, you may contact the Rotary Club Tagaytay Facebook page. 

Eat Unli Fried Chicken at Tagaytay Pet-friendly Resto with Kids Discount

Want Unli grilled meat, potatoes, fried chicken, and more? Spend within the budget and eat for hours with everything complete. You will surely love to go to one of the best restaurants in Tagaytay without worrying about the price of every order. 

We all are familiar with unlimited Samgyupsal restaurants. The style of service would be that of their providing the various slices of meat to grill, and small side dishes that can all be replenished as it is an endless feast. At this restaurant, the meats are served and the side dishes are at the buffet. 

Perfect Service, Professional Staff

At the Buffet, Dorn specialist for healing spinal concerns and other related ailments
Regina Victoria Inocencio

However, kids do want to eat unlimited food, but they usually prefer fried chicken, potatoes, and sinigang soup. At WowSamgyup Tagaytay, kids of all ages can eat unlimited fried chicken, like my grandchild, Renee Quema, totally enjoyed. You can also eat unli grilled meat, kimchi, fish cakes, and so much more at this pet-friendly restaurant ideal for families to feast in Tagaytay. 

The fried chicken side dish is large cuts, with many chicken leg cuts. The fried chicken is crispy and fried to golden perfection, with the meat cooked thoroughly to the bone. Tender, juicy, and crispy, with unlimited rice, the wise way to spend money on quality food, knowing that your bill is pegged to a certain amount. 

Additionally, the grilled meat like pork and beef is superb. Melt in the mouth; the healthy, authentic Korean grill brings dining to another dimension, as what you consume is always freshly cooked. 

Plus, instead of waiting for a small plate of side dishes, you can get a heaping serving of what you want at the side dishes buffet, laden with great food that pleases the palate and the tummy. 

WowSamgyup Tagaytay located at 2nd floor Primark Town Center Brgy. Maharlika East, Tagaytay City.  The place is easy to find as there is an SM Hypermart right underneath and an elevator to bring you upstairs. The parking lot is quite large and the place can be easily accessed to learn more commute along the main road. There is outside seating wherein pets like dogs are allowed to stay at the al fresco dining area. 

Like the WowSamguyp Tagaytay Facebook page by clicking this link https://www.facebook.com/wowsamgyup

How To Correctly Grill Samguyp at a Korean Restaurant

Korean food is a hit in the Philippines, with Samgyupsal being one of its most popular dishes. Samgyupsal is a type of pork or beef dish that's grilled on a special table and eaten with side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish and lettuce wraps. If you're looking for an affordable and unlimited way to detoxify from all the unhealthy foods you've been eating, then you should eat unlimited samgyupsal, paying attention to the harmony and balance of what you consume. 

What is Samgyup?

Samgyupsal is a type of Korean pork belly that's made from pork belly and is cooked in a grill. The dish is usually served with lettuce, kimchi and garlic.

How to Grill Samgyup?

You can grill the samgyupsal by using a grill pan or a traditional Korean barbecue grill. If you are using the former, simply turn on your stove and wait for it to heat up. Put some oil in your pan (enough to coat the bottom), then place your meat slices on top of it. Cook them until they're browned on one side before flipping them over with tongs and continuing cooking until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes total.

If you want something more authentic, then use an outdoor grill with charcoal briquettes as fuel instead of gas or electric heat sources because this gives off less smoke than other types of grills do which makes for better tasting meat.

Just follow these steps: Light up several pieces at once so that there will be plenty when needed later; let burn until glowing red hot; dump out ashes from previous use onto ash tray next time around so nothing gets messy later down road; spread out evenly across entire surface area available underneath hood. 

Ideally, you should grill each dish in their own separate area on the grill, so that the marinade does not go to the other meat. Also, if you think that the grill is already has a lot of crust due to the cooking method, you can request for a replacement grill. 

The slices are to be laid flat, and pork has to be well done. The browing of the pork slices is until the meat is no longer pink and may obtain a light brown color or darker. Beef can just be slightly cooked to made crispy as per your liking. 

Where to Eat Samgyup in Tagaytay?

With its high-quality meat, one of the finest authentic Korean restaurant would be to go where the different dishes are excellent and where the area has easy parking and access to shopping. One of best restaurants in the Philippines to taste this classic Korean food is at WowSamgyup Tagaytay located at 2nd floor Primark Town Center Brgy. Maharlika East, Tagaytay City. 

The place is easy to find as there is an SM Hypermart right underneatj and an elevator to bring you upstairs. The parking lot is quite large and the place can be easily accessed by commute along the main road. There is outside seating wherein pets like dogs are allowed to stay at the al fresco dining area. Photo credits: WowSamgyup Tagaytay

Like the WowSamguyp Tagaytay Facebook page by clicking this link https://www.facebook.com/wowsamgyup

Rotary Club History in the Philippines

The Philippines has one of the largest and most active clubs of any country in the world. The Rotary Club is the largest club in the world and one of its major goals is to promote world peace through international understanding. 

The Rotary Club was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, who wanted to create a group that would allow people of diverse backgrounds to come together to make the world better. In 1921, the first Rotary Club in the Philippines was organized. There are over 200,000 members of 1,100-plus clubs across the country.

Rotary International was founded by Paul Harris in 1905. It is a global organization of business and professional leaders who are committed to making the world a better place.

Paul Harris was a Chicago lawyer who had the idea his bringing people together to improve their communities. He had seen how his father's involvement in his local community had given him good friends and helped him make a name for himself as well as prosper financially, so he decided that he wanted others around the world to have this same opportunity.

The first Philippine Rotary Club was organized in 1921, with 16 members. It was called the Manila Rotary Club and was founded by Mr. Robert H. Todd, an American businessman who had been living in the Philippines for many years. The club met at his home, located on Calle Real del Monte (now Paseo de Roxas) at the corner of Calle Azcarraga (now Legarda).

The Manila Rotary Club is the largest Rotary Club in the world. It was organized on March 22, 1919 and has over 50,000 members. The club also has more than 8,000 clubs across the globe.

The Rotary Club with the most members is in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), which has 1,500 members while its sister club in Kuching (Malaysia) has 1,400 members. These two clubs were established on May 4th and 5th respectively during this year's International Convention at Cebu City Philippines.