Jose Paolo Dela Cruz, Author at PeopleAsia

Meet the woman behind MR.DIY in the Philippines

By FRANCINE Y. MEDINA Behind MR.DIY, the country’s fastest growing do-it-yourself home improvement chain, is a woman who has been responsible for expanding the company’s operations in the Philippines since 2018. More than five years and 500 stores later, Roselle Andaya continues to break new ground — both as a…

Citi colleagues honor veteran banker Gil A. Buenaventura

Leading figures in the country's banking industry gathered to honor one of their own for “Once Citi, Always Citi.” Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila presented banking veteran Gil A. Buenaventura the 2023 "Citi Distinguished Alumni Award for Leadership" during the event. Buenaventura is currently a Director of the Rizal Commercial…

Musings from the front row: London Fashion Week 2024

While taking a break from public service and pursuing her master’s degree in Cities, Anna Mae Lamentillo found herself at the heart of London’s fashion scene — the 40th anniversary of London Fashion Week, no less. “To be completely honest, my journey to the front row of various shows at…

Grace Vera Cruz: Will & Grace

BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ While her indomitable will and business acumen have surely helped the country’s leading super app reach new heights, it is her compassion, dedication and, well, grace, that make Grab Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz a cut above the rest. People of the Year…

Repertory Philippines’ “Betrayal” is a no-drama drama

You may not see waterworks and fireworks when you watch Repertory Philippines’ staging of Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal,” but you will most certainly see infidelity in a different, more subtle light. Just to be clear, cheating is still a big no-no, even in 2024. But much like a trainwreck or some…

Patrick Esmao’s new threads

We are definitely not just talking about Esmao shedding off his “struggling artist look.” Clean-cut, bespectacled and low-key, but charming, Patrick Esmao welcomed members of the press to an exclusive preview of his “Threads of Time” exhibit, which is now ongoing until March 11 at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell. And there,…

Okada Manila receives two Forbes Five-star ratings

Okada Manila Celebrates its fifth Forbes Five-star rating, while the Retreat Spa earns another five-star recognition from the prestigious global organization. Okada Manila vice chairperson Takako Okada (middle) with (from left) director of Spas, Recreation & Kids Club Vikki Aquino, VP of Food & Beverage Andreas Balla, VP of Hotel…

Anna Winstel Chow Antonio weaves dreams into life

Couples dream about their dream weddings. Event stylist and floral designer Anna Winstel Chow Antonio brings such dreams to life. Long before she became a fairy godmother of sorts for soon- to-wed couples in search of that dreamlike setting, Anna was a fresh graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial…

Turning 100: Another Lifetime Achievement for Juan Ponce Enrile

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile turns 100 today. On Feb. 14, 1924, Juanito was born in Gonzaga, Cagayan to a fisherman’s daughter named Petra Furagganan. His father, who he did not see as a kid, was Alfonso Ponce Enrile, a young, powerful politico. But being born out of wedlock…

Remembering Rustan’s chairman and CEO Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco

By JOANNE RAE M. RAMIREZ Rustan’s Chairman and CEO Zenaida R. Tantoco passed away last night, reportedly two days after undergoing a heart surgery, according to a source close to the Tantoco family. She was 77 years old. According to a statement released by Rustan's Commercial Corp., Nedy's wake will…