Global Pinay Engineer

Filipina ends up a successful engineer in her journey as global Filipino


Carissa Villacorta, PH Time is Now
ABS-CBN News
08 December 2018

How many times have we seen "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" on Netflix?

We probably never had a complaint about the quality of streaming; we just enjoyed the movie.

That's because the software engineers and research scientists responsible for video analysis, processing, and encoding are the best in the field, and leading them as director of Video Algorithms is Filipina engineer Anne Aaron.

Anne Aaron, a Filipino, is at the forefront of efforts to ensure excellent viewing experience in a leading entertainment subscription company.

As the team leader, Aaron helps ensure that all 137 million members of Netflix can watch their favorite movies and television shows with the best quality of video possible.

Anne Aaron (third from left, upper row) is an engineer who has found herself in the IT big league in the US. 

Two decades ago, when Aaron was barely in college, research by the National Science Foundation (NSF) found that only 23.6 percent of people who worked in STEM fields in the US were women – a statistic that didn’t stop Aaron from pursuing a career in computer engineering. 

Now a maven in her field, Aaron takes pride in seeking out and creating opportunities for one's self - something she would advise people to do if they want to succeed. 

Seek out and create opportunities for yourself," engineer Anne Aaron advises. 

'Take things into your own hands' 

Aaron recalled she has always liked science and computers. She graduated from a specialized public high school in the Philippines that operated as an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), the Philippine Science High School. Then, in college, she decided to major in both Physics and Computer Engineering.

At that time, there were not a lot of opportunities in the Philippines for people like her who wanted to be in the STEM field. If one was good in school, the normal route would have been to join a multinational like Proctor & Gamble or Unilever, and then maybe get an MBA along the way.

Aaron said she knew that was not for her; she looked for greener pastures in the United States where she applied to some of most prestigious engineering schools in the world. Her mindset was that she needed to learn from the best.

She ended up earning her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. 

"Soon after, I immersed myself in the startup scene in the Bay Area and through the years, experienced the good, the bad, and everything in between. All of those led me here," Aaron said. 

'Stay focused, power through the obstacles' 

"I try not to dwell too much on the fact that sometimes, I’m the only woman and the only Filipino in a room of engineers. It is hard being part of the minority in the tech industry, but it won’t be to my benefit if I let that get in the way of doing my best in the field that I love," she said. 

Aaron said she also feels she has been "extremely lucky" because while there might be preconceived biases against her as a woman and as a Filipino, she was blessed with the generosity of other people. 

"A lot of incredible people – colleagues, family, friends and mentors – throughout my journey have helped me power through them," she said. 

To know more about this project, visit www.phtimeisnow.com 

Carissa Villacorta is an author and a publicist. She is the creator of #PHTimeIsNow. She has been running her own PR firm in New York since 2007, with high-profile business executives and multinational companies as her clients.

Asia's Top Entrepreneur

Father of Philippine cosmetics named top
entrepreneur 

Manila Standard| Business
08 December 2018

Ever Bilena president and chief executive Dioceldo Sy was named Regus Entepreneur of the Year during the 2018 Asia CEO Awards.

The award was given to Sy for successfully building Ever Bilena as the leading cosmetics company in the country. 

Ever Bilena chief operating officer Siliman Sy accepts the trophy on behalf of Dioceldo.

The 2018 Asia CEO Awards, held at Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia that recognizes extraordinary leaders who have made outstanding achievements for their organizations and contributions to others.

Ever Bilena CEO Dioceldo Sy

The Regus Entrepreneur of the Year award is given to individuals who achieved business growth and expansion across the Association of Southeast Asian Nation region, as well as those who have successfully demonstrated a commitment to introduce innovation and boost economic capabilities and competitiveness within the region.

“I am really honored to accept such a prestigious award. Ever Bilena is a team, and we are very proud of everything we have accomplished for the past 35 years. This is a huge win, not only for us, but for our loyal customers as well,” said Sy.

Hailed as the ‘Father of Philippine Cosmetics, Dioceldo sits at the helm of Ever Bilena, which now has over 1,000 affordable quality products. Multiple brands such as EB Advance, EB Naturals, Careline and Blackwater were also launched for diversity.

Following Ever Bilena’s success in the Philippines, Sy is setting his sights on neighboring Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, one of Asia’s fastest growing beauty markets.

Sy is also a major supporter of basketball and is a former chair of the Philippine Basketball League. He has bankrolled several championship teams. He also supports several charitable causes.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Circle of Excellence Awardees include Dr. Carl Balita of Carl Balita Review Center, Jean Henri Lhuillier of PJ Lhuillier, Joel Cruz of Aficionado Perfumes-Central Affirmative, Karla Stefan Singson of PREP-KSS Events and Promotions, Mario Berta of Fly Spaces, Paul Rivera of Kalibrr Technology Ventures and Robbie Antonio of Revolution Precrafted.

Croatia Film Festival winner

Filipino film on Tubbataha Reef wins in Croatia


Krizzy Aguilar
inquirer.net
06 December 2018

MANILA, Philippines —  “Tubbataha: A National Treasure” won the best biodiversity preservation tourism film 2018 at the 7th Zagreb TourFilm Festival, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced  on Thursday.

Tubbataha Reef National Park

Held in the northwestern Croatian capital of Zagreb, the award was received last October 12 on behalf of the production team by Honorary Consul General to Croatia Davor Stern.

The five-minute short film produced by the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. (AOF) Foundation and Bullet Manila for the Tubbataha Management Office takes on a sensorial approach to the Tubbataha diving experience.

It showcased the UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site that boasts of magnificent diversity of marine life to prove “that the world underneath is so different from the one above it, yet is familiar.”

The film, directed by Placido Falsario II, also advocates the need to continuously protect the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park.

Zagreb TourFilm Festival, member of Comité International des Festivals du Film Touristique (CIFFT), rewards films and audiovisual productions that promote tourism.

The international tourism film festival featured over a hundred short films from all over the world and ran from October 10 to 12. /cbb

Asia's Best Beaches

Palawan beach tops ‘Asia’s Top 50 Beaches’ list, ranks 3rd best beach worldwide

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo 

Philippine Star

06 December 2018

PALAWAN, Philippines — For its protruding limestone cliffs “shooting out of the turquoise-blue lagoon straight to the sky,” Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan has been voted as the number one beach in Asia and the third best beach in the world by over 1,000 journalists, editors, travel bloggers and agencies that reportedly participated in a recently completed survey.

Hidden beach, El Nido.Credit: sonny-sails.com

According to the poll conducted by Canada-based online travel company Flight Network, Hidden Beach is the only Philippine beach that made it to the survey’s World’s Top 50 Beaches list voted by travel experts and enthusiasts, reportedly including journalists and editors from Lonely Planet, Forbes, Daily Mail, BBC News, LA Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and National Geographic Traveler.

“Flight Network consulted these travel professionals to rank the best beaches in the world, based on their personal and professional experiences. We received unparalleled insight into the most spectacular beaches on earth,” the online travel company said in its website.

The company has listed on its website the names and social media accounts of everyone who allegedly participated in its survey, including at least one Filipino travel blogger and a Philippine Airlines representative.

Upon completion of the voting process, the network’s in-house travel experts analyzed and categorized the results.

“We created several official lists, including the top 50 beaches around the globe, as well as separate lists showcasing the top 50 beaches in several regions of the world, such as Africa, North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, Australia and the South Pacific and Asia. Even further, we ranked the top 50 beaches within or near cities and the top 50 most remote, or untouched, beaches.”

Based on the poll results, El Nido’s Hidden Beach has been ranked as the best beach in Asia for 2018 as this “tropical, white sand, postcard-perfect beach” has “unmistakable” limestone cliffs “that draw your eyes away from the magnificent reefs and palm-lined shores.”

“The wild, vegetation-covered rock formations and crystal clear waters of Hidden Beach will make you feel as if you’ve been dropped into a movie,” said one of the poll’s participants, Sachin Aggarwal of Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

“Until somewhat recently, the only ones flocking to the remote El Nido island were the swiftlets who nest in the cliffs — hence the name El Nido, which means beach in Spanish. Now, all those who visit enjoy breathtaking views and world-class diving by day and luxurious resorts by night,” a description of the beach’s location said in the website.

Apart from Hidden Beach, other Philippine beaches included in ‘Asia’s Top 50 Beaches’ list include:

• Guyam White Sand Beach in Siargao at no. 13

Palaui Island Beach. Credit: Cuervopropertyadvisory.files.wordpress.com

• Palaui Beach in Cagayan Valley at no. 22 

Caramoan. Photo grab from Inquirer.net

• Caramoan in Camarines Sur at no. 29

Credit: davaocitybybattad.blogpot.com

• Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental at no.  41

Credit: gensanportal.com

• Gumasa Beach in Sarangani at no. 45

Credit: villakasadya.com

• Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol at no. 46

Credit: Philippine lifestyle.com

• Kalanggaman Island, Leyte at no. 49

Credit: Siquijor-island.com

• Paliton Beach, Siquijor at no. 50

According to the network, the globally-recognized list aims to showcase a collection of off-the-beaten-path slices of paradise from every corner of the planet.

Pinay in X-Factor Romania

Pinay singer advances to live shows in 'X Factor Romania'

Jackie de Vega
ABS-CBN Europe
02 December 2018

On Friday night, Filipina singer Bella Santiago continues to advance "The X Factor Romania" Season 8.

In her bid to stay on Delia's Over 24s, the 29-year old belted out the 1983 hit "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, outshining Christian Sanda in the Duel round, making her the first Filipina to reach the live shows of "The X Factor Romania."

“Bella is a complete package, has an amazing voice, her stage presence... I am speechless. She knows her body very well,” Sanda said.

Their mentor, Delia Matache, confided that she had difficulty choosing between them -- and the judges agreed.

"It was fantastic. I have no words!" she said.

“Applause for both contestants. That is what I call a duel! You chose two well-known pieces and my favorite ones. It was a risk for you, Cristian. The difference is you've shown a different side of you. Bella showed a different kind of artistry. You have two extremely competitive contestants,” said judge Stefan Banica.

The Caviteña remains a crowd favorite this season with her performances among the most streamed on the show's YouTube channel. She raked more than 4 million views for her audition clip and 1.6 million views for the 4-chair challenge.

Santiago is one of the 8 contestants to advance to the live show on December 9.

Team PH wins in Malaysia Fashion Week

Best of 2018: Team Philippines wins at Malaysia Fashion Week

Miss Charlize
Business Mirror
03 December 2018

Team Philippines flanks design legend Jimmy Choo: Randolph Keith Jinky Petalcorin of Agusan del Norte, Jor-el Espina of Iloilo City, Dong Omaga Diaz, Adante Leyesa of Batangas, Jet Salcedo of Iloilo City and Dodjie Batu of Davao City. Not in photo is Len Nepomuceno-Mortel, based in Bangkok, Thailand.Leo Bartolome

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—As awards were handed out one after the other during the gala night of Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW) on November 25 (Exhibition of the Year 2018 to Sabah, Best Malaysian Designer to Adamaya, Best Accessories Designer to Illiza Ho of Taiwan, Most Promising International Designer of the Year 2018 to Tasmiah of China), excitement ran high at the White Box of Publika Shopping Gallery.

When the special awards from the event cofounder were given out (Professor Datuk Dr Jimmy Choo Award Malaysian Designer: Adamaya and Professor Datuk Dr Jimmy Choo Award International Designers: Sarene Fu of Taiwan and Sayee of Indonesia), Dong Omaga-Diaz sat composed, though inwardly tense, in the front row.

Then the all-important “Best Showcase of the Year” was up, and the Philippines was called. Omaga-Diaz, head of the Filipino contingent of designers, smiled from ear to ear and received the award. The distinction is for a group that consistently showed polished, beautifully crafted and widely applauded designs.

“All designers from the Philippines must come forward because this is a country award,” the host announced. Waving Philippine flags like they did during their curtain calls, the beaming designers joined Omaga-Diaz onstage in a proud moment of solidarity.

“My primary task for Malaysia/Mercedes-Benz Stylo Asia Fashion Week is to find able and capable designers to represent the country. In my sixth year as country head, I chose to open the doors to designers from all over the archipelago. My search wasn’t easy. It took a while before the final lineup was completed,” said Omaga-Diaz, a former president of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

He eventually selected Len Nepomuceno-Mortel, an FDCP designer based in Bangkok, to represent overseas Filipino designers; Randolph Keith Jinky Petalcorin from Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, Dodjie Batu from Davao City, Jor-el Espina and Jet Salcedo from Iloilo City, and Batangas’s Adante Leyesa, an accessories designer and new FDCP member.

“I have learned that participating in international shows is triple the hard work, and to never lose hope, and to always continue to learn and grow. Fashion is never-ending learning. There is always something new. You have to be open to new ideas and recognize the creativity of new and young designers,” said Nepomuceno-Mortel, a favorite among expats and diplomats for her chic aesthetic. “Fashion means diversity. Different people, different designers, different cultures, different tastes. Living in Thailand and participating in international shows opened my mind to accept and embrace all these.”

Salcedo was at a low point in his personal life but traveling to Kuala Lumpur lifted his morale. “Being part of the winning team is a massive breakthrough in my career as a designer because it’s on an international platform. It may bring in added pressure from now on because people will expect more from me but I will strive to maintain this level of excellence in my craft,” the fast-rising edgy Ilonggo designer said.

Batu is the lone menswear designer from the all-womenswear lineup. “Every time I hear my name called as an ‘International Fashion Designer’ in an event such as MFW gives me honor and pride. It’s because I am not only showing my designs to a different market but it also gives me a chance to represent my country, which I am most proud of,” said the past president of the Davao Fashion and Design Council.

Espina played on his strength as a postmodern Filipiniana designer while Petalcorin cornered the luxe market. The designers also sold their wares in pop-up stores at the mall adjacent to the runway-shows venue.

Leyesa, no stranger to design competitions, still felt the tension: “It was nerve-wracking. Not to mention the cost, but also the logistics, tasks and activities that you have to do on your own—away from the comfort of your own studio surrounded by your own staff. Becoming familiar with the new place is another story, even looking for a store to buy pins becomes a very big challenge. Other than these, everything is exciting: standing in front of an unfamiliar crowd, impressing onlookers and sharing my stories, meeting potential international business clients and winning new friends from a foreign land. Every international show always brings a new and different experience, and a fresh perspective.”

Overall, despite the overwhelming odds against designers from the host country, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia, Omaga-Diaz is grateful for the great showing of the hardworking Pinoy designers: “This award goes to each and every member of the Philippine contingent who, from their collective efforts, made an unforgettable showing in Malaysia. Our many thanks to all those who supported us, to all those who believe in what the Filipino can achieve. Maraming salamat po!”

Next year will be a bigger challenge, as Omaga-Diaz hopes to bring 10 designers to “defend our crown” amid a new “battleground”: the shows will be held in the vicinity of the imposing Petronas Towers.

“I’m excited to discover and bring promising designers to Malaysia in 2019,” he shared. “But for now, let me tell this year’s winning designers: You have my respect and my admiration. With or without this award, I will continue to admire all of you because you showed love and dedication not only to fashion but also to our nation, which you have represented so well!”

Sarah G wins at Big Apple Award 2018

Sarah Geronimo wins at Big Apple Music Award 2018

Jan Milo Severino

Philippine Star

01 December 2018

MANILA, Philippines — “Popstar Royalty” Sarah Geronimo added another feather to her cap as she was awarded as the Best Pilipino Artist and the Most Popular BAMA 2018 Artist by the Big Apple Music Awards.

The announcement was made in the official Instagram account of the BAMA.

“2 trophies for the Best Pilipino Artist Award & the Most Popular BAMA 2018 Artist Award has been sent to Sarah Geronimo. Congratulations,” the award giving body announced.

Big Apple Music Awards is an annual event in New York City that celebrates international music from Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and many more.

Other Asian artists who received an award from BAMA include Super Junior as Best Korean Pop Artist and Rossa as Best Indonesian Artist Award.