Small businesses get big lift

Full of surprises” is definitely one way to describe the launch of Shakey’s latest menu offering, the yummy Corned Beef Crrrunch Pizza. At the brand’s newest outlet on Buendia, Makati, guests were greeted by popular event hosts Chino Lui Pio and Janeena Chan.

The audience was challenged to sing the famous “Let’s all go to Shakey’s” jingle. Diner Marvelle Santos wowed the crowd by belting out a jazz-inspired version, earning her an enthusiastic round of applause. Following this was an interesting picture game that challenged attendees to guess the object featured in a macro image.

But nothing could have prepared them for the Shakey’s Pizza Masters’ show-stopping presentation. Four dancers executed a thrilling exhibition, while simultaneously tossing around a piece of dough that amazingly, palangga, did not touch the floor even once, would you believe?

After a marathon of entertainment and fun, the hosts introduced the brand’s newest pizza, the Shakey’s Corned Beef Crrrunch, divinely crunchy and thinly sliced.

The latest Shakey’s TV commercial highlighted each of the pizza’s toppings: caramelized onions, feta cheese, crispy shoe-string potatoes and the main ingredient, corned beef. If that ain’t yummy, what is, ’di bala?

“Everybody loves corned beef,” said DJ Tony Toni. “It’s a staple. On top of a pizza, with the feta cheese and the potato strips, it is definitely a winner.”

Shakey’s GM Jorge Concepcion  later thanked the guests for coming to the new Buendia branch and joining the launch of the new pizza.

Seen enjoying the Shakey’s Corned Beef Crrrunch pizza were the Zombette’s duo Sanya Smith and Ornusa Cadness,  Motherbass drummer Macky Brillantes,  sportswoman Michele Gumabao and sister Kat, actresses Say Alonzo and Helga Krapf, TV personality Jan Marini Pizarras, model Kit Barraquias, celebrated mom Denisse Oca and Star Magic talent Kerwin King.

Awards for small business

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Citi Philippines and Microfinance Council of the Philippines recently launched the 2016 edition of Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA).

“For 14 years now, the awards—a nationwide search for outstanding Filipino microentrepreneurs who have overtaken poverty and great odds—have fruitfully strengthened the cause of microfinance and enterprise development in the country,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco said the awards recognize “entrepreneurs who have achieved personal success through the support of microfinance institutions.” He added the awards emphasize “the importance of microentrepreneurship in nation building.”

Present were members of the CMA national selection committee, such as Philippine Daily Inquirer chair Marixi Rufino-Prieto, Commission on Filipinos Overseas chair Imelda Nicolas  and University of the Philippines-Diliman chancellor  Michael Tan.

BSP Monetary Board member Felipe Medalla and Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. were also present.

Awards are open to microenterprises with assets worth from P300,000 to P3 million. The national winner will receive P200,000, while the three regional awardees, the youth awardee, and special awardees will get P100,000 each.

Loan officers and MFI branches of each awardee are also entitled to a cash incentive of P10,000 while semifinalists will receive a cash incentive of P10,000.

‘Simply Tony’

Businessman Tony Boy de la Rea threw a 59th birthday bash at Tosca, the Italian restaurant at Dusit Thani Hotel Manila. Among close pals and namedroppables who graced the event were my cousin, beauty queen  Evangeline Pascual, Jane Umali, Maridel Choching, former Professional Regulations Commission commissioner Nette de la Rea, Councilor Leonardo Celles, Philippine National Bank president Rey Maclang, Evelyn Vicencio, Ed Trinidad, Banjo Navarro, Barbie Atienza, Johnny Hubilla, Erick San Juan, and the celebrator’s Upsilon fraternity brothers.

Veteran filmmaker Elwood Perez filmed the bash for his movie, “Vaya Con Dios,” starring Amalia Fuentes and Tony Boy. Jontie Martinez did the celebrator’s exquisite barong Tagalog while Jing Monis did his hair.

Dinner was excellent and guests later got the official giveaway, the celebrator’s CD  “Simply Tony.”

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