Patriotism and self-expression

Kris Aquino-Yap, youngest daughter of the two icons of Philippine democracy, Ninoy and Cory Aquino endorses the iamninoy iamcory Mongol Pencil advocacy.

The project was launched at an informal luncheon recently. On hand were SPC Sr. product managers Jeremy Tan (Mongol Pencils), Terence Chua, (Parker/Victorinox),Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) officials led by Rapa Lopa, executive director; lawyer Joey Mendoza, deputy executive director; and Lino Rivera, iamninoy iamcory managing director.

“This is truly an exciting time for Mongol,” said Jeremy. “It is quite a privilege for us to be part of the movement to honor two of our nation‘s most beloved heroes, Ninoy and Cory Aquino. We hope that future generations of Filipinos shall emulate their love for country.“

Rapa said: “Through their sacrifice, we now enjoy the freedom that is the birthright of every Filipino. May their legacy shine bright in the hearts of Filipinos. On a lighter note, I am quite glad because I grew up writing with Mongol Pencils and for me, the color is just perfect — Yellow!“

The special Mongol Pencil line comes in an attractively designed box bearing the images of Ninoy and Cory Aquino; each of the pencils is emblazoned with the iamninoy iamcory logo. The Limited Edition Mongol pencils pay tribute to the spirit of sacrifice and love of country exemplified by the two beloved democracy icons.

By creating this special line of Mongol Pencils, Star Paper Corp. endeavors to further Ninoy and Cory‘s legacy, encouraging patriotism and self-expression by way of writing and art as part of its corporate social responsibility program. The pencil, after all, is an important tool for the youth in capturing life and imagining the future.

Part of the sales of the Limited Edition iamninoy iamcory Mongol Pencils will benefit Diether Ocampo‘s K.I.D.S. Foundation and its programs for disadvantaged school children.

The Mongol brand for many generations of Filipinos has been synonymous with the pencil and has given birth to many great ideas, creations and dreams. Originally developed by the Eberhard Faber Co. in the early 1800s, Mongol Pencil has retained its essence and quality through the years as one of the world‘s most recognizable brands under the Newell Rubbermaid family of products.

Star Paper Corp., Mongol Pencil‘s exclusive Philippine distributor for its part has been a key supplier for the printing industry by providing high-quality paper products since 1974, and has grown to be an industry leader with an extensive distribution network offering a diverse selection of product lines that include some of the world‘s most respected brands of school and office supplies, art supplies and writing instruments.

Taiwan tourism fair

The highly successful Taiwan Touch Your Heart tourism fair was recently staged by Miguel Miñana‘s ThemeWorks Events for the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and the Taiwan Visitors Association. The two-day event, held last April 24 and 25 was mounted at the Atrium lobby of the SM Mall of Asia participated in by four airline companies as well as local and Taipei-based tour operators offering very tempting package rates. The road show has visited Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and, for the first time, the Philippines.

Miguel himself has traveled to Taiwan on a familiarity tour sponsored by China Airlines and enjoyed its many sights. “What I enjoyed most was the majestic sceneries of the country. With an island country smaller than Metro Manila, it offers you various scenic spots. With the ever efficient public transport system, you can be in the heart of the shopping district at one time and later in the far flung snow-capped hills of the country. The scenic tapestry can truly leave you breathless. For shopping, there is a spot I kept going back to, a night market off a Chinese temple where they sold beautiful Chinese artifacts and antiques at ridiculously low prices.“

Some of the must-see destinations include the marble-walled Tarogo Gorge, the cherry blossoms of Mt. Alisha in March, Sun Moon Lake, the National Palace Museum with its 62,000 artifacts, Love River, the favorite film location Kending, Yushan, Jade Mountain and of course the Taipei 101, once claiming the honor as being the tallest building in the world and now taking the second slot.

To know more about Taiwan and its myriad splendors visit its web site www.welcome2taiwan.net.