ANVIL'S MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION, REDUX

An unprecedented number of members and guests of the Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs ) – totaling almost two hundred – flocked to the Valle Verde 5's Clubhouse to commemorate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節) celebration through fun, fellowship and festivity in what was deemed as the Club's most well-attended Moon Cake Festival bash to date (far exceeding last year's number). A plethora of door prizes – largely donated by the members and officers themselves – marked the great success of the event, with most of the nearly two hundred attendees winning at least an armful of winnings.
While the festival is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar (for 2015, it's on September 27), the organizers decided to move it on the 25th of September to accommodate more members who have expressed availability on that date. Coincidentally, last year's festival was also held on the same day.
The festival dates back 3,000 years ago when Chinese emperors worshiped the moon for a good harvest. Today, the Chinese community, and everyone who wants to join in on the fun, participate in the Moon Cake Festival dice game, which originated in Southern Fujian (Fookien), China where most Chinese in the Philippines migrated from, some 1,500 years ago, and little has changed over the years. It was used by scholars of the time looking for success in imperial exams.
The occasion was made more memorable with soft rock rhythms rendered by the Infinite Vibes Band. Sultry singer-composer Diana Soto Dayao further lent color to the event by serenading the audience with two original compositions, "Ikaw Lamang" and "Another Day," while noted Fil-American rapper Knowa Lazarus of Q-York earned his share of young lady admirers with his own ingenious numbers "Fallen" and "Qrush on You" – both artists rendering their services for free.
But the highlight of the evening remained to be the traditional dice game, where Anvil member-participants and guests gathered around a ceramic bowl with 6 dice per table. They all took turns throwing the dice into the bowl with hopes of getting the good combinations, if not the best – called “chong wan" (狀元插金花). The highest “chong wan” combination consists of 4 fours and 2 ones. That evening, whoever got the “chong wan” per table won the grand prize of Php5,000 cash. Of course there were prizes for all other winning combinations. Even the "unlucky" ones still got consolation prizes, so everybody went home happy... for all of the fifteen (15) tables laid out that evening, courtesy of very generous member-sponsors.
Sumptuous buffet food (catered by Verleo Catering Services), a plethora of prizes (courtesy of the officers and members), warm smiles and great company (thanks to pretty young ladies and debonair young gentlemen who graced the occasion) of new and old friends punctuated Anvil's second very successful Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
Kudos to the organizers, led by Director for Fellowship Sheree Chua, Committee Chairperson Therese Pua, with members Pauline Lim, Jeanne Kao, Ben Ching, Larraine Chuacokiong Ching, Annika Yao, Richmond Co, Richard Xu, Winny Grace Yu and emcee Val Ang, who made this occasion extra special!
As the Chinese always say, "Good luck, enjoy, and may the odds be ever in your favor!"

ANVIL GRACES P.R.O.C.'S 66TH

Absolutely honored to represent the Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs ) in a modest cocktail reception on the occasion of the 66th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, led by none other than His Excellency Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (趙鑒華).
Attended by luminaries in government, business, and the academe, the simple occasion marked a renewal of long-established bilateral ties between the Philippines and China, which was recently bedeviled over territorial disputes at the South China Sea. In his message, Ambassador Zhao reiterated his nation's sincere commitment to extend the initiative of improving strained bilateral relations, citing that "China and the Philippines are not only neighbors; we are also close relatives with a history of friendly exchanges for more than a millennium."
The Chinese plenipotentiary urged the Philippine government to seriously consider further promoting bilateral friendship and cooperation, especially at this time when China has embarked on open global trade initiatives, such as the “One Belt, One Road,” the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. This proposed road network will not only enhance “five connections” – trade, infrastructure, investment, capital and people – it will also create a community with “shared interests, destiny and responsibilities.” To this end, Ambassador Zhao has recommended three bilateral initiatives which the Philippines and China can still find great opportunities to work on:
1. Increase bilateral trade. The Philippines and China’s total bilateral trade for the first seven months of 2014 increased by 19 percent to $10.3 billion, from $8.6 billion in the same period in 2013. This made China the Philippines’ second largest trading partner after Japan. China was also the Philippines’ biggest source of imports as of end-July, with $5.5 billion worth of products — about 20 percent higher year-on-year. The Ambassador sees more room for growth in trade, as China is predicted to be the country's biggest source of imports in the coming years;
2. Escalate bilateral investment. Foreign direct investments (FDI) between China and Philippines remained “small,” as bilateral investments remain at a mere 1.2% of China's total global investments. In fact, Chinese investments in the Philippines declined by over a third to P1.24 billion in 2014, while Philippine investments in China totaled a mere $132.2 million in 2012. Ambassador Zhao cited the need for increased investments in the next few years, especially in infrastructure development. He also sees more Chinese firms investing in the Philippines’ manufacturing, administrative and support services, as well as information and communications sectors.
3. Boost bilateral tourism. In 2014, China became the fourth country to send the most number of visitors to the Philippines. In 2013, arrivals from mainland China grew by 69.9 percent compared to the 2012 tally. However, in terms of tourism spending, the Chinese only invested a mere $402,000 last year. With improved bilateral relations, the Ambassador sees this to rise sharply in the next few years.
For his part, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael Seguis — who represented Secretary Albert de Rosario — reaffirmed the Philippine Government's commitment to "handle the disputes in the South China Sea in a proper and peaceful manner, so as to carry on and further promote bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two countries." He also urged both Filipino and Chinese investors to further intensify investment initiatives in a “mutual desire for stronger economic ties” between the Philippines and China in achieving a “shared commitment towards regional peace and stability,” even as the two countries wrestle for control over territory west of the Philippines
The reception program was highlighted with a toast to long-standing friendship and mutual cooperation between the two countries.
Special thanks goes to Anvil Business Club's dynamic and debonair Director for Internationalism, Leoncio Lei Yee Jr. for taking the time to accompany yours truly in such a short notice.

ANVIL CO-HOSTS HK INVESTMENT FORUM

Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs ) in co-partnering with The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (香港中華人民共和國特別行政區) in holding the first-ever Hong Kong Investment Forum in the Philippines with some of the country's top businessmen and entrepreneurs as participants. Entitled, "Hong Kong: Where Business Goes to Grow," the seminar and networking luncheon is hosted by "InvestHK" (投資推廣署), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Department responsible for foreign direct investment, supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up and expand in Hong Kong.
Incredibly honored to lead the
The two-hour seminar was top-billed by no less than the Honorable Gregory So (蘇錦樑), Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development who urged the participants to seriously consider Hong Kong as an investment destination. "The Philippines and Hong Kong are close partners and we are here to further enhance our relationship for the mutual benefit of the two economies," he remarked. "We both could leverage on the relative and comparative advantages of the other in our trading relationship to elevate it so we could be each other’s major trading partner." The good Secretary was accompanied by Ms. Maria Roseni Alvero, the Republic of the Philippines' Assistant Secretary of the Foreign Trade Service Corps from the Department of Trade and Industry. During the forum, she announced that the Philippines has forged a new agreement with the Hong Kong government to bolster investment cooperation between the two economies, pledging mutual cooperation on investment promotion exchanges and best practices. “It would provide a platform for encouraging interested local companies in setting up and expanding their businesses in both our economies,” she said. Other highlights of the forum included the keynote address by Dr. Simon Galpin, Director-General of the Investment Promotion of "InvestHK" who gave a short treatise on the exciting business opportunities in Hong Kong and China. "Hong Kong offers generous support to help companies set up and expand," he explained; and went on to include various "Incubator programs" which provides subsidized office space, consultancy services, investment matching and a small financial aid package to support R&D; "Financial aid for equipment and marketing," which secures loans of up to HK$6 million for companies that need working equipment or business capital; and "Technology and Innovation funding" to upgrade technology and inject innovative ideas into their businesses.
Ms. Sophia Chong, Assistant Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), on the other hand, discussed the Government's role in helping SMEs expand global trade through HKTDC's "Integrated Marketplace." This includes, not only having access to the Council’s online marketplace www.hktdc.com and presence in over 20 product magazines and industry supplements, including mobile applications; but also participation in HKTDC-run trade fairs and exhibitions worldwide.
A panel discussion and a Q&A session about Hong Kong's various incentives to investors and testimonials from executives who do business in Hong Kong were presented. Some of the executives who were invited include Ms. Lourdes Salazar, Director and CEO of Allied Banking Corporation (HK) Ltd.; Mr. Nanny Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer of Green Light LED Energy Solutions, Inc.; and Mr. Aaron Key, Director of Leatherneck Maritime Security Consulting, Ltd.
Finally, a networking luncheon was hosted by "InvestHK," where participants had a chance to personally meet-and-greet Hong Kong officials and other members of the organizing committee. This landmark seminar was co-organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, as well as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Apart from the Anvil Business Club, other supporting partners included the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Federation of Chinese-Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; the Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry; as well as the Makati Business Club.
"InvestHK" is a government agency whose goal is to strengthen Hong Kong’s status as one of the leading international business location’s by attracting businesses and foreign investments from all over the world.
The Philippines is an important market for Hong Kong as it its 17th largest trading partner, 16th largest market for domestic export, and 13th largest source of import as of last year. Bilateral trade between both countries soared 18 percent in 2014 from the previous year.

ANVIL WITH NATION'S "BEST-DRESSED."

It was an evening of splendid sartorial elegance as fourteen of the country's most elegant Filipina achievers were feted in formal ceremonies during the 12th "Best Dressed Women of the Philippines" (BDWP) Annual Awards Ball, organized by the Philippine Cancer Society.
Hosted by the incomparable Johnny Litton, the original icon of Philippine late-night talk shows who thrilled the audience – mainly composed of society's most prominent glitterati – with his vintage one-liners and hilarious punchlines, the black-tie event honored two "Style Icons," fourteen "Best Dressed" honorees, and eight "Extraordinary Men of Influence" in formal ceremonies.

Aimed to primarily raise funds for the various projects of the Philippine Cancer Society – a non-governmental organization established in 1956 for the purpose of pursuing cancer prevention and early detection, statistical research and focused-patient services – the "Best Dressed Women" event has proven to be the organization's most successful annual fund-raising project. This year, apart from the proceeds coming from table sponsors, corporate support, and ticket sales, additional funds were secured via generous donations from nationally-renowned sculptors Ramon Orlina and Seb Chua whose especially-designed masterpieces were opened for auction to the highest bidders.
But the highlight of the event was in its fourteen captivating honorees, whose enduring beauty, ethereal style, and indomitable spirit have inspired countless women to lead lives worthy of emulation. They are: Eni Alba, Natalie Diane Lim-Ang, Grace Ong Gobing, Jarelle Palabay Gonzales, Mia Cabawatan-Lozada, Joy Wambangco Rustia, Anna Sia, Dr. Hazel Paragua-Zuellig, Danda Crimelda Buhain-Garcia, Maika Garcia, Anna Moncupa, Ann Ong, Dr. Elsie Badillo-Pascua and Patch Savellano-Singson. They were individually showcased through several runway modelling segments featuring vestiary classics from some of the country's most eminent designers in the world of fashion. where they were serenaded and
The "Best Dressed Women of the Philippines" is the longest-running premier "Fashion for a Cause" ball in the country. Since its maiden launch in 2004, it has become one of the most prestigious fashion events which has raised millions of pesos for the Philippine Cancer Society's programs. An initiative of BDWP Honorary Chairperson and fashion icon Imelda Ongsiako-Cojuangco, this year's ball is successful chaired by Angola Consul Helen Ong.
Many thanks to Anvil's captivating Director for Fellowship, Sheree Chua – herself a "Best Dressed Honoree" in 2012 (and the program's youngest "Ambassador for Life") – for illuminating her fellow Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs ) members on how such programs reserved for the more patrician members of our society can tangibly touch countless lives in the profoundest of ways.

ANVIL VISITS TARLAC

It was another illuminating adventure for the Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs (Anvil Business Club), as an intrepid group of thirty wended to the heartland of Luzon, the City of Tarlac, for a two-day goodwill tour and business mission. Organized by Anvil members Nikko Lim and Joy-Anne Lim, both homegrown third-generation Tarlakeños whose families have long been established industrialists and philanthropists in the area, the experience was nothing short of breathtaking.
After rendezvousing in Banawe, Quezon City, the group engaged in a convoy of six cars and reached Tarlac City in an uneventful, two-hour cruise via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). The first stop in the itinerary was a visit to the Aquino Center and Museum; a non-profit, non-government owned facility located in Tarlac City, which houses a gallery containing memorabilia of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and President Cory Aquino. Joining the delegation on their visit was Ms. Karen Nina Lacsamana Carrera, manager of the Aquino Center (who also happens to be Joy-Anne's cousin). She patiently walked the group through each section of the museum detailing different time lines in the lives of Ninoy Aquino and Cory Aquino: from their childhood in Tarlac, to their marriage, to the rising political career of Ninoy. It continues to the declaration of Martial Law, to Ninoy's imprisonment in Fort Bonifacio and Nueva Ecija, his exile to the United States, up to his return to Manila where he was assassinated in 1983. The uprising of the Filipino people, the subsequent EDSA Revolution in 1986, the presidency of Cory Aquino, and finally to the death of Cory in 2009, were also showcased. One of the most important artifacts of the museum include the bloodstained white safari suit that Ninoy wore when he was assassinated, which was preserved and enclosed in a glass case. The museum also houses some of the most valuable gifts given to Cory by foreign dignitaries during her presidency.
The group then proceeded to Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant for an eight-course lariat lunch, where no less than Tarlac City Mayor Gelacio "Ace" Manalang warmly welcomed them. The good mayor – who cut short his usual weekend sojourn to Manila just to be with the Anvil group – was joined by Tarlac City Councilor Diosdado "Jojo" Briones and Tarlac City Administator Godofredo "Fred" Sabado who supported the Hizzoner in encouraging the Anvil members to invest in the City. Citing a "much improved" peace-and-order situation, as well as a host of very attractive tax-free incentives, Mayor Ace declared that, "now is the best time to invest in Tarlac, since the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) is already under construction which will definitely increase the value of doing business (here) soon." The young Chinese-Filipino businessmen of Tarlac City were also invited to take part in gladly receiving the Anvil members and exploring possible business ventures with the group.
After the hearty luncheon, the party advanced through the Monasterio de Tarlac located in Barangay Lubigan, San Jose, an hour's drive from the city proper, to visit the 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ, overlooking the vast lands of San Jose and its heart-stopping mountain views, for a photo opportunity. A few dozen meters from the statue is the actual Tarlac Monastery, where the Reliquary of the True Cross of Jesus Christ is kept. The Anvil delegation found this opportunity to be very auspicious, as the said relic – which is only open to the public only for viewing and veneration only two days a year, in January and September – happened to be open on the day when the group visited the locality.
Those who were able to stay in the evening were treated to the thrill of racing in the circuit of Kart City Tarlac (KCT), located along McArthur Highway, San Roque. Anvil members enjoyed the fun and adrenaline rush of karting, especially for the beginners and fun riders. After hitting the track for five rounds, the fastest racers included, (Ladies' Division): Ian Cheng (first place), Val Hernandez (second place), and Hillary Ang (third place); (Men's Division): Earl Chua (first place), Jac Licauco (second place), and Ace Olano (third place). Subsequently, the group proceeded cap the day's itinerary by belting out their favorite numbers at the nearby KCT Karaoke Bar till the wee hours of the morning before they decided to call it a night at the Central Park Hotel.
The following day, September 20 (Sunday) was especially fruitful as the group visited multi-hectare modern swine farm of Nikko Lim's family, where more than a thousand pigs were being bred and nursed. In confinement buildings, pigs are often rotated between sow pens to make sure that all sows are bred while they were in heat. Just before giving birth, called farrowing, sows are normally moved into a "farrowing room." Sows typically farrow from eight to twelve piglets, which as a group are called a litter. Most confinement operations place the sow in a temperature-controlled environment and usually in a farrowing pen or crate which restricts the mother pig's movement to protect her baby pigs. After weaning, pigs are normally placed in a "nursery" where they are kept in a temperature-controlled environment, usually on slotted floors.
The final activity was a sendoff lunch held for the Anvil members at Nikko Lim's palatial mansion in St. Mary's Subdivision in Binauganan, Tarlac. The luncheon was made more special when the Anvil delegates were joined by Tarlac City Vice-Mayor Anne Belmonte who reassured them of the local government's support for those wishing to invest in the City.
Tarlac is the most multi-cultural of the Central Luzon provinces. A mixture of four distinct groups, the Pampangos, Ilocanos, Pangasinense and Tagalogs, share life in the province. Tarlac is best known for its fine food and vast sugar and rice plantations. That it has fine cooking to offer is due largely to the fact that it is the "Melting Pot of Central Luzon." It offers some of the best cuisines from the places of ancestry of its settlers, the province of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pangasinan and the Ilocos Region. Historical sites, fine food, vast plantations, beautiful landscaped parks and golf courses, and so many other attractions – all these make the province of Tarlac one of the best places to visit in Central Luzon.
Kudos to Nikko and Joy-Anne for spearheading an awesomely-organized and immensely pleasant visit; Special thanks also goes to Nikko's dad, Mr. Ramon "Jojo" Lim for leaving no stone unturned in ensuring an unforgettable Tarlac experience!

LESSONS WITH MR. "SIPAG AT TIYAGA."

It was another incredible evening of learning life lessons with the enigmatic Manny Villar, as he enlightened the members of the Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs (Anvil Business Club)on the true nature and dynamics of entrepreneurship first hand during its 11th Business Exchange Forum for the year. The event was also graced by the Honorable Wu Yonxin (吳 永 新 領 事), Consul from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, among many other luminaries in the business circles.

Facing an almost two-hundred member audience of young businessmen and guests, the boy who grew up in modest beginnings in the slums of Moriones,Tondo – and rose to become the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the Forbes Magazine's list of the world's billionaires – shared his experiences, as he predicated his story on the day he realized he lost the 2010 Presidential Elections. "On the same day that I conceded to then President-elect Benigno Aquino, I immediately called my senior officers to a meeting to chart the growth path and review the company’s strategies," he mused. "After studying the business landscape, I realized that our company is placed in a unique position, as our properties covered 60 cities and municipalities all over the country, something that no other developer has achieved." Banking on this advantage, he embarked on an aggressive move of expanding their presence nationwide. "Today, Vista Land covers 92 cities and municipalities and we shall hit more than a hundred by year-end," he declared.
Riding on the country’s bright economic prospects, the former Senate President plans to launch more business process outsourcing buildings and shopping malls both through Starmalls Inc. and Vista Malls. Having already embarked on a wave of accelerated expansion – as if to make up for the lost time of 16 years that he spent in politics – his venture in the retail market is marked with unprecedented growth. His target was to have 100 commercial centers upon his 10th year in retailing, which is 2021; he is planning to spend P15 billion in the next five years to grow Vista Malls and also Star Malls, a listed firm that took over the then-ailing Manuela malls of his wife’s family in 2011. His All Value Holdings Corporation (which he hopes to list) will expand his "All Day" convenience stores to more than 150 outlets by the end of 2015; he also hired French executives from Carrefour to expand his All Day supermarkets. He also wants to grow his All Shoppe department stores.
"The fundamentals of the business were still there when I rejoined (the business). I haven't lost it. I'm more convinced I should really be a businessman, to help the country... at least dito, kontrolado mo ang area mo, kung ano magagawa mo, mas mako-control mo ang destiny mo. Unlike in politics, hindi masyado" ("At least here, you control your area, whatever you can do, you are in a better position to control your destiny. Unlike in politics, not so much"), he said.
"I was always asked by my children why I would enter into businesses where there are already very dominant players," he said, " but I am always reminded about the success story of Henry Sy, my favorite business tycoon." He relates the story of Henry Sy when bought an ailing thrift bank called the Acme Savings Bank and changed the name to Banco de Oro; at that time, banking was already peppered by a lot of dominant giants. "Today, Banco de Oro is the country's biggest bank," he said. "This goes to show that a big company today can be nothing tomorrow; conversely, a small player today can become a big player soon."
While Mr. Villar was a well-known as a renowned legislator for 16 years – having been a three-term Congressman, later becoming Speaker of the House of Representatives; was thereafter elected Senator, then Senate President, before trying his luck as a viable presidential contender – his first love will always be business.
And while he remains optimistic about the economy, he predicted that the next President of the Philippines will face a much difficult job, than when the incumbent President faced in 2010. He mentioned five crucial issues that will be very, very difficult to solve: (1) The growing drug problem; (2) The worsening peace and order situation; (3) The unchecked insurgency in the countryside; (4) The tension on the West Philippine Sea; and (5) The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He said that the country needs a leader who can negotiate in a position of strength; not of weakness. And when asked who among the presidential aspirants he would endorse, he kept mum, saying, "all of them have their strengths and weaknesses."
The Anvil Business Club is incredibly fortunate to have a a billionaire businessman of his caliber grace its forum – his third time since he graced previous forums in July 1997 and August 2007. His is a story of sheer grit and focus, coupled by his belief in investing in education. His modest beginnings have imbibed in him a “winner’s attitude,” a “fire-in-the-belly” disposition, and a tenacity unparalleled even in today’s successful businessmen. . His is a story of sheer grit and focus, coupled by his belief in investing in education. His modest beginnings have imbibed in him a “winner’s attitude,” a “fire-in-the-belly” disposition, and a tenacity unparalleled even in today’s successful businessmen.
“At the age of 65, people always ask me when will I ever retire," he said. "I always tell them that I don't think I will ever retire. I love what I'm doing. I feel I’ve only just begun. I am red hot. I don’t feel my age,” he quipped.

ANVIL "GEARS UP."

What makes some business ideas flourish while others wither and die? What components should you focus on when defining a new idea or sharpening an existing one? What is the single, most important element that absolutely must work for a business to succeed? The Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs (Anvil Business Club) is incredibly honored to have two extraordinary pillars in the world of business education share their thoughts on what makes successful businesses – well, successful. Collectively drawing from 30-plus years of academic research and insights from wildly successful entrepreneurs, Prof. Tom Kosnik and Mr. Kae Fong Tay seemed to have broken down the age-old question, “How do I make a business successful” with such relative clarity, with their "Gear Up" methodology: a revolutionary nine-component framework aimed to assess the needs of a business idea and helps business owners create a plan of action to promote business success, whether one is looking to pursue a fresh business opportunity or grow an existing one.
This exclusive, members-only forum which attracted a jam-packed room of eighty – far in excess of the maximum allotted slots of just thirty – began with a very interesting "front act" by Dr. Melissa Morala-Caranto (and ably assisted by Anthony Frank Tan) who introduced a revolutionary anti-aging breakthrough system called the "ageLOC Y-Span:" the most advanced and powerful, supplement that is designed to revitalize every person's Ageing Defense Mechanisms that targets one's cellular core. Employing the most advanced technology ever developed in the field of epigenetics, its unique formulation will represent the next wave of opportunity to respond to the overwhelming need for anti-ageing products and the ability to live younger. Because of its limited allocation worldwide, "ageLOC Y-Span" will only be available in the Philippines from September 16 to 26. Pre-orders may be made by contacting Eloisa Soriano at 726-7029.
The two main speakers indubitably possess incredibly impressive credentials.
The first speaker, Prof. Thomas "Tom" Kosnik is a well-known Stanford University Lecturer since 1990, and a former Harvard Business School professor where he taught Marketing from 1985 to 1989. It was at Harvard where he laid the foundation for "Gear Up" by initiating the work with the DDART framework – "Diagnose, Decision, Analysis and Reality Test," which was developed after many years of research with the goal to support students, entrepreneurs and business owners to decipher new and exciting business opportunities. Together with Stanford University Professor Dr. Lena Ramfelt and Skype co-founder Jonas Kjellberg, Prof. Kosnik co-authored "Gear Up: Test Your Business Model Potential" and "Plan your Path to Success," both based on this core methodology, which became international best-sellers.
The second speaker, Singapore-based Tangible’s legendary Director of Consulting, Kae Fong Tay, complements Prof. Kosnik’s concepts with his own ideas of making brands come to life. While having earned a highly-technical degree in Chemical Engineering from the National University of Singapore, he has devoted a good part of his career in the more exciting arena of business analysis and consulting, particularly in brand building. Fueled by his cyclonic energy, he seems to have mastered the art of sifting through the grizzly garbage of ideas and separating the wheat from the chaff. He remains to be one of Singapore's superstars in brand management who has since enjoyed a sterling reputation of harnessing and delivering powerful brands in order to create a meaningful statement to a client's target market.
Essentially, “Gear Up” pitches an extraordinarily simple-to-use framework that gives people the tools to take one's ideas and evolve it into a viable business model. In what they termed as the “nine gears” which represent the most critical components for launching a high-potential company, "Gear Up" seems to offer THE “Holy Grail” in helping bring business opportunities come to life – simply by pursuing a passion of curing customers' "pains."
The "nine gears" are as follows:
1. Customers. To create a new market or disrupt an existing one, you need customers;
2. Delight. Why are you special? Think beyond to find your delight;
3. Customer acquisition. The most important part of your business;
4. Business model. Cash is generated by great ideas and innovation;
5. Partners. No company is an island;
6. Competitors. Don't be intimidated by their existence. But be aware;
7. Go Global. Scaling your business beyond borders;
8. Team. Fill your bus with the right people, or there's no point in going anywhere; and,
9. Reality Check. Face the brutal facts, then act on them.
At the end of the session, this extraordinarily information-filled forum inspired a lot of Anvil members to create a winning strategy based on recommendations tried and tested by executives around the world.

ANVIL FETES A PATRIARCH

Members and officers of the Anvil Bussiness Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs) helped celebrate a milestone for successful entrepreneur, Mr. Benjamin "Benny" Chua Beng Theng (佘明汀), who observed his 85th Natal Day with a sumptuous 12-course lariat among friends, associates, colleagues, business partners, and family.
The grand party also saw a short program hosted by television celebrity and master emcee Willord Chua, where the patriarch's relatives and grand children rendered song numbers and well-wishes. Noted personalities from government and business went to share and extend their prayers for an even more fruitful life for the coming years.

The father of dynamic Anvil member Alexander Martos, Mr. Chua founded Polymaster Industrial Corporation, a major player in the production of plastic wraps and packaging products since 1986. In 2002, he established Synergy Polymer Corporation, engaged in the manufacture of various variants of polypropylene bags, both new and recycled. With perseverance, passion and grit, he overcame enormous challenges, emerging prosperous as the demand for plastic products soared. Emboldened, he set out to venture into property management and real estate, eventually organizing Everbright Property Management, Inc. in 2008.
Congratulations Uncle Benny! All of us in Anvil happily extend our best wishes for many more years of peace, prosperity and potency! Cheers!