My Journey Towards Sustainability Finance

When I began this journey toward a certificate in sustainability finance, it was initially about optics — a way to align my professional work with my personal passion for the environment. I’ve also talked about it several times in CFO forums and events and really want the added knowledge. When we say sustainability, we easily associate it with compliance and with the environmental and social cost of our activities.  

When we stop seeing sustainability as just a compliance tool, we get to see that it goes straight to the heart of your business value chain.  It dives deeply to each of the key roles of finance leader from a risk manager, to a story-teller, as a business strategist and a diver for growth.

Finance as a Risk Manager 

One of the roles I have a love-hate relationship with is risk management. I love how it unlocks my creativity, problem-solving mindset, and vision — but it can also be draining. Sustainability takes it further by widening the lens: it looks how the external forces impacts the company, and how the organization affects its social and environmental surroundings. It also establishes strong governance to support compliance and internal control systems across the Company’s operations.

Finance as a Story Teller

Triple Bottom-line!!! That’s the first thing that caught my attention in the course.  I’ve seen how fund raisers and other stakeholders have evolved from seeing just the profits to seeing three dimensions, Planet, People and Profit. The narrative has evolved from simply boasting about profits to a more meaningful story — one that considers how your revenue affects customers, how your costs influence the supply chain, how labor expenses impact employees and society, and how taxes contribute to nation-building.  

Finance as a Business Strategists

Finance is front and center in driving sustainability. With a deeper understanding of your sustainable value chain and business model, you can create greater impact across the organization. Decision-making becomes clearer when it’s supported by data, aligned with sustainability goals, and guided by a compelling narrative. You’ll also have a better visualization on your short, mid-term and long-term goals both for your business and sustainability roadmap. 

Finance as a Growth and Value Driver

In the context of sustainability, Finance plays a dual role — managing costs while uncovering growth opportunities. Sustainability initiatives come with a price: renewable energy often involves long-term ROI, and compliance efforts can be costly. However, the potential upside is significant. These efforts can lead to a more resilient supply chain, increased trust from responsible customers, improved access to capital, stronger employee retention, and the prevention of community-related disruptions.

And the Bigger Picture

Sustainability goes beyond individual roles within an organization, an organization’s responsibility to society, or even society’s duty to the planet. At its core, sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The battle in saving the planet is as important as ever.  It’s a shared responsibility — one that each of us has a part in fulfilling.

The effects of climate change are already evident — from rising global temperatures and biodiversity loss to more frequent and extreme weather events. Simple everyday actions, like reducing our carbon footprint through less travel, conserving energy, recycling, and planting trees, may seem small but collectively make a meaningful difference in protecting our planet.

My Journey to Certification in Sustainability Finance

My journey into sustainability finance has been more than just aligning my work with my values — it’s been about understanding the power of finance to drive meaningful change, both within ourselves and across our organizations.

I embarked on the course to deepen my knowledge, and with each week of the 5-week program offered by ACCA through PICPA, my appreciation for sustainability finance grew. Earning the Certification in Sustainability for Finance has not only enhanced my expertise but also given me a sense of purpose, both as an individual and as a finance professional committed to sustainability.

I’ve come to realize that sustainability finance is not just a niche or trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we think and act. Sustainability is no longer just an emerging trend — it’s critical to the world’s healing and to ensuring a livable future for generations to come.

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Incoming: 33rd Yakult 10-miler

The Legacy Lives On!

One of the pioneer running events in the country, the Yakult 10-Miler has stood the test of time—uniting generations of runners across decades. From its humble beginnings to becoming a staple in the local running scene, this event continues to inspire the past, empower the present, and shape the future of Filipino runners.

So whether you’ve developed that passion for running before the 90s, enjoyed the boom in 20s or just started your running era the past few years, Yakult 10 Miler is just right for you. Featuring 3K, 5K, 10K, and the signature 10-Miler, the event welcomes runners of all levels to push their limits on a well-organized course. 

At the finish line, a bottle of Yakult will be waiting—a refreshing reward for every runner who becomes part of history. This isn’t just a race; it’s a tradition of strength, perseverance, and the power of community.

Race Details

  • Event: 33rd Yakult 10-miler
  • Date October 12, 2025
  • Venue: SM MOA COMPLEX
  • Race Distances: 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K  and 16K
  • Website: https://yakult10miler.com/
  • Registration via Yakult
  • Fees and Inclusions:

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Incoming: REV Electric Nightrun 2025

REV Electric Nightrun 2025 – Light Up the Night, Charge Up Your Run!

When the sun goes down, the day does not end. REV Electric Nightrun 2025 turns the streets into your glowing, high-voltage playground. This isn’t just a race — it’s a full-blown sensory experience from neon-lit routes, loud and thumping beats and the energetic crowd. Each stride is adrenaline pumping experience.

This is where speed meets spectacle. Whether you’re gunning for a new personal best or just vibing with the rhythm of the night, every step you take is supercharged. The darkness brings you a glow of lights and a haven of fun-loving runners that’s there not only for the fun in the run but the fun of the party.

When you cross that finish line. That’s not the end of the night but the party’s just getting started. Celebrate your run under the electric glow of lights and music in an epic post-race bash that’s equal parts hype and heart. This is your moment — to run hard, shine bright, and finish loud. REV Electric Nightrun 2025 is here.

Race Details

  • EVENT  ColorFest REV Electric NightRun
  • DATE: August 02, 2025
  • VENUE: SM MOA COMPLEX
  • Race Distances: 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K  and 15K
  • Registration via Hyvesports
  • Fees and Inclusions

Follow Colorfest Asia

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Incoming: Colorfest Carnival Clark 2025

The greatest color run on earth is heading to the north with an explosion of color and joy at Colorfest Carnival Clark! Join us on July 13, 2025, at the CDC Clark Parade Grounds for a high-energy event combining running, music, and carnival-inspired fun in a vibrant, unforgettable experience.

Event Highlights:

  • Date: July 13, 2025
  • Location: CDC Clark Parade Grounds, Pampanga
  • Race Categories: 1K, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K – choose the distance that’s perfect for you, whether you’re here for the fun or the challenge!
  • Registration via Hyvesports

ColorFest Carnival is more than a race – it’s a celebration of life, community, and the joy of movement. From the music-filled launch at the starting line to the colorful stations along the route, each part of the course is transformed into a carnival playground. Between live DJ sets, carnival games, and food stalls, ColorFest Carnival is designed for making memories with family, friends, and fellow fitness enthusiasts.

  • Basic Package: Shirt, race bib, and medal
  • Premium Package: Shirt, race bib, medal, sunglasses, and color packet
  • VIP Package: Shirt, race bib, medal, sunglasses, color packet, and drawstring bag
  • 21K Package: Shirt, race bib, medal, sunglasses, color packet, drawstring bag, and exclusive finisher’s pillow

Color Festival: After the race, a color festival awaits capturing the joy and spirit of ColorFest Carnival in full color.

Why Join Colorfest Carnival? This isn’t just about the run – it’s about community, vibrant experiences, and starting the year with the friends and family who make every moment unforgettable. Perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers, this is your chance to embrace the joy of movement and color.

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now!
Be part of this extraordinary day. Register now to secure your spot and join us in making ColorFest Carnival a landmark event!

For more information and to register, visit registration.colorfest.asia.

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Year of the Franc XIX

No expectations for 2024 but it was a surprisingly a great year from being a finalist to a regional award to being comfortable in talks in CFO and corporate events to growing my advocacy project, OATM.

Year of The Franc XIX

8K Buddha You Run at Hong Kong

Flashback to 2023, it was the year I finished my Asian Trilogy (Mount Kinabalu, Mount Fuji and Jade Mountain). What’s next after ticking that in your bucket list? It was also that year that I started to get invited to speak at CFO events. I really had no clue to where 2024 would bring me.

Controller of the Year – Finalist

Finalist Controller of the Year – Future CFO

Speaking of no expectations, I didn’t expect this one. I even initially denied the first nomination until I realized I had nothing to lose. The news came in January that I was shortlisted as a finalist and was able to go to Singapore for the awards night. More than the award, I also appreciated the chance to network with CFOs and Controllers in the region. It was also a good chance to finalize our financials with our auditors also based in Singapore.

Being comfortable talking in a crowd.

While I started having talks in 2023, it was in 2024 where I became more comfortable being in front of a crowd and speaking. I am a better writer than a public speaker. I do have several accolades in writing. But at this point in my life, I realized I had a lot to share over decades of experience. So be it, let’s try to spread that knowledge through talks and events. It was also a way to expand my own knowledge as I also tried to learn as much as I can in AI, Automation, Sustainability and others as I can to be able to be an effective speaker.

On A Trail Mission

Flashback to the end of 2019 that I turned my backs to organizing events and it was only in 2022 that I resumed with On A Trail Mission. It was my passion calling me back though through a much simpler trail academy style of events. It was just me recharging that passion to come up with something bigger and better all the time. OATM 5 had about 200 participants in a trail talk, trail run, trail party and trail outing. How do you top that for OATM 6? Well, make it a two day event and a have a 2 year anniversary celebration. We had OATM Turns 2 at R.O.X. Ayala BGC and OATM 6 Weekend, which also added tree planting, a Suunto challenge and the Batangas Road to Trail Challenge. OATM 6 Weekend had about 1,000 runners and a new benchmark of holding future OATMs.

Work and Play Around The World

I don’t get a high with traveling as much as I used to except probably with Family and Friends. I still make out the most of each trip. 6 out of the country trips (2 Singapore, 3 Cambodia and 1 Hong Kong). It felt like more because I had longer stays in each visit this year compared to 2023. It was also my 21st year at Medtecs and I would always be thankful to the Company for giving me the opportunity to grow and mature into bigger roles.

Weekend Warrior Mode Activate

While people are in their running era, I’m in my retirement tour when it comes to running. I do it just to have fun, to destress at time and just be fit. No more PR breaking, mileage chasing, elevation scaling for me. I just make a habit out of it and just appreciate that I can still be fit at this point. I am still on weekend warrior mode but on a more chill pace.

Project Franc 365 Year 2

I’m about to wrap up my Daily Thoughts Project (Project Franc 365), which is now on its second year. I’m still thinking if I’d continue this project in 2025 because the thoughts maybe repetitive already. Of course there are a lot of topics that are constant like humility, the importance of hardworking, being innovative among others.

2025 and beyond

One thing that 2024 has taught me is that my potentials are limitless and that’s what I’d want to explore in 2025. Aiming higher in 2025 and expecting to always be a better version of myself everyday.

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DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation champion inclusion, empower PWDs with PLUS Center for Adaptive Sports and Physical Rehabilitation

Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus Vice President for Investor Relations and BingoPlus Foundation COO leads the groundbreaking of the PLUS Center for Adaptive Sports and Physical Rehabilitation

Center for Adoptive Sports and Physical Rehabilitation

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of leading digital entertainment company, DigiPlus Interactive, has laid ground to the soon-to-rise PLUS Center for Adaptive Sports and Physical Rehabilitation, together with the Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (PADS). The ₱2 million facility marks a significant step towards empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to thrive and pursue opportunities in sports, health, and employment.

The PLUS Center will feature treatment rooms for indigent PWDs availing of free physical therapy services.

“Today, we are here not just to break ground on the PLUS Center for Adaptive Sports and Physical Rehabilitation. We are setting in motion a vision where PWDs can thrive, adapt, and pursue careers as athletes, coaches, and more,” said Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus Vice President for Investor Relations and BingoPlus Foundation COO, in the groundbreaking ceremony of the facility. “PADS’ mission to empower PWDs as world-class athletes inspired us deeply at the BingoPlus Foundation. The PLUS Center will fill a critical gap in PWD healthcare, offering accessible rehabilitation and a path to new opportunities through sports.”

The PLUS Center will feature treatment rooms for indigent PWDs availing of free physical therapy services.

The BingoPlus Foundation adopted a multi-sectoral approach to the project. The Foundation collaborated with key partners, including the City of Mandaue, the Department of Health, Cebu Doctors University and various Colleges of Rehabilitative Sciences in Cebu, and the PWD Federation of Cebu. The PLUS Center will provide free physical therapy to indigent PWDs and recovering patients affected by stroke, paralysis, and other mobility-impacting conditions. It will also serve as a training ground for doctors and therapy specialists, ensuring high-quality care and skills development. The facility further provides recreational and competitive sports opportunities for PWDs.

Empowering through sports: a vision shared with PADS

Sports plays an integral role in rehabilitating PWDs – from providing recreation as part of mental health, to advancing opportunities to become competitive para-athletes and coaches

John Paul Maunes, Executive Director of PADS, shared his optimism about the partnership: “This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together to support PWDs. We wanted to create a better world and achieve our vision of a disability-inclusive society – but we cannot do it alone. BingoPlus Foundation completed that missing piece in this advocacy. The PLUS Center is not just a facility; it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment for many who aspire to break barriers in sports and in life.”

Hon. Jimmy Lumapas, City Councilor and Chair for Social Services, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to the BingoPlus Foundation for their commitment to uplifting the lives of PWDs in Mandaue. The PLUS Center will be a cornerstone of support, giving our community members the chance to thrive and succeed beyond their limitations.”

A commitment to community impact  

DigiPlus, BingoPlis
Sports plays an integral role in rehabilitating PWDs – from providing recreation as part of mental health, to advancing opportunities to become competitive para-athletes and coaches

The launch of the PLUS Center is one of many initiatives driven by the BingoPlus Foundation’s mission to “Multiply the Good.” Apart from supporting PWDs and promoting sports and wellness for the general public, the Foundation also plays a critical role in technology education, disaster relief, and healthcare accessibility. DigiPlus, the parent company of BingoPlus, continues to drive innovation and economic growth while making a lasting impact through corporate social responsibility, empowering the next generation of leaders and athletes.

Together with its partners, the BingoPlus Foundation continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered future for all Filipinos. For more information about the BingoPlus Foundation, please visit https://digiplus.com.ph/bingoplus-foundation/.

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Timezone Crowns Its 2024 Make It Rain Basketball Champion

Champion – Michael Rasco representing Timezone Cloverleaf 
with Pepsi and Timezone officials together with basketball players – Chris 
Newsome, Ben Adamos, William Navarro and Prince Carlos

Timezone Make It Rain Basketball Championship

The top 3 winners of the Timezone Make It Rain Basketball Challenge with 
Timezone officials, basketball celebrity guests and the Arellano Cheerleading Group

5, 4, 3, 2… shoot… Most kids including me had that dream moment of winning at Basketball. That’s the dream until we realize that it’s not for all of us. But, Timezone got that inner hooper in you covered with their basketball games inside their area. Timezone is the country’s biggest indoor amusement park chain pulled out all the stops for a competition that engaged ballers of all ages. Be a baller, be an olympian or just let that little kid in you have fun.

Me with The Newsomes

Let the Games Begin

Timezone’s Make It Rain Basketball Challenge 2024 brought together the best ballers from across the nation to compete in a high-stakes tournament where skill, and strategy reign supreme. 

Arellano Cheer Dancers

Held on August 10th at Timezone Ayala Malls Feliz, audiences were treated to an electrifying event where sharpshooters tossed basket after basket, scoring points off the competition and having a blast.

Michael Rasco had to come from behind in a do or die game 2 before eventually winning the championship in game 3.

Every shot counted during the finals, but Michael Rasco representing Timezone Cloverleaf came away as the Grand Champion, taking home his very own Slam and Jam machine and beating the very best shooters from 32 locations nationwide. It was an exciting finals between Michael Rasco and Raylord Roxas with Rasco winning the last two games after falling behind in the first game. Both had overwhelming performance in the eliminations, quarterfinals and semifinals to set up their intense finals showdown.

Raylord Roxas won game 1 of the finals but dropped the next two games due to fatigue.

Of course, the 1st runner Raylord Roxas representing Timezone SM Mall of Asia up and second runner Efren Christopher Flaminia representing Timezone Ayala Center Cebu brought home 10K and 5K worth of cash as the competition came to a fruitful completion.

Timezone Makes It Rain with 2024 Basketball Challenge
Glad to cover the event, Thanks Rochele

The events also featured PBA ballers in Chris Newsome of the Meralco Bolts, Ben Adamos of Brgy Ginebra Kings, Will Navarro of Northport Batang Pier and Prince Carlos of De La Salle Blazers. Arellano University Cheer dances also provided the half time show during the event. 

From L-R – William Navarro – PBA Northport Batang Pier / Gilas, Ben Adamos – PBA Ginebra Kings, Miguel Crisostomo – Timezone Philippines Chief Commercial Officer, Prince Carlos – De La Salle Blazers and GMA Sparkle Artist and Chris Newsome – PBA Meralco Bolts /Gilas

Time to Play

Ana C. Benitez – Timezone Philippines Business Development Manager together 
with the participants of the Timezone Make It Rain Basketball Challenge 2024. 

Before the finals, participants aged 15 and older signed up at their Timezone of choice to try their hands at the prize from June 29 onwards. Each contestant got two plays to score as many points in order to move on to the next round.

Qualifying participants went through a triple wringer of trials: the weekly competitions seeking out the best in individual locales; and the venue finals where individual champions were selected to represent different branches.

Those who survived those grueling rounds made it to a grand showdown where the country’s best ballers finally determined who was the 2024 baller king.

But while this year’s champ stands tall as Timezone’s MVP, the fun isn’t over at all! Stay tuned for Timezone’s upcoming competitions. 

About Timezone Group  

Timezone was founded in 1978 in Perth, Australia and is the leading chain of Family Entertainment Centres in the Asia-Pacific region, offering state-of-the-art interactive games, rides, and attractions. Timezone provides a social experience filled with non-stop fun for all ages. Our best-in-class venue design and well-trained Fun Squad assures a safe, friendly, and fun environment for all our guests. Timezone internationally operates over 320 locations across 7 countries, with over 50 venues in the Philippines. Join us for an exciting, unforgettable experience at any of our locations or visit www.timezonegames.com to learn more.

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Incoming: Colorfest Electric Run Recharged

Colorfest Electric Run Recharged

Get your glow on and your running shoes ready for the most electrifying event of the year! Colorfest Electric Night Run is back and RECHARGED, happening on August 24, 2024, at the iconic SM MOA Complex. Running in the night is fun but when you add in the glow sticks, color powders and the color powder ceremony, it becomes an unforgettable type of fun that gonna light up your night.

Runners and even non-runners will enjoy the fun that the color fun brings whether you go for 10K, 5K, 3K, and 1K distances. Each course is designed to offer a unique experience filled with vibrant colors and electric vibes. As you make your way through the run, immerse yourself in a world of glowing fun and high energy beats.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! After your run, join us for an epic after-party featuring a live DJ set that will keep you dancing all night long. Capture your best fun run moments, enjoy the electrifying atmosphere, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t miss out on the ultimate night run experience of the year. Gather your friends, family, and fellow runners to be a part of this colorful celebration. Register now and get ready to be RECHARGED!

For more information and registration, visit https://colorfest.asia/.

About Colorfest Electric Night Run:
Colorfest Electric Night Run is an annual night run event that combines fitness, fun, and festivity. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join and experience a night of glowing excitement and high-energy music.

Join us and get ready to light up the night!

Race Details

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Incoming: Race for Life 2024

Run For Life 2024

Race for LIFE is a fun run established to raise funds for scholarships awarded by the Real LIFE Foundation. It’s more than just a “Fun Run” and it has attracted participants of all ages and directly contributed to granting over 3,000 scholarships since the foundation’s start in 2003. Race for LIFE has become a symbol of hope, fostering positive change and empowering educational dreams. Run to make a difference in someone’s life through a scholarship of the Real Life Foundation. Run easy with mini race distances or challenge yourself with a 10K distance either way, you warm your heart with the purpose or you get a fitness boost of running.

About REAL LIFE

Real LIFE Foundation is a Philippine Christian nongovernmental organization that seeks to break the cycle of poverty in Filipino homes by providing targeted educational assistance to underserved youth and empowering them through character formation and leadership development.

Race Details

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Incoming: Garmin Run Philippines

Garmin Run Philippines

I started my running journey with Garmin. I chased and conquered my first running and multi sports milestones with Garmin. It’s definitely a zero to hero story as I was never meant to be the athletic sporty-type. Garmin equips you to track your progress on your goals. I am a numbers person so metrics motivates me and that’s how Garmin helped me to progress from a non-runner to a marathoner. Chasing a sub 1 10K for the first time, I had to track my pace to ensure I’m not slowing down. When I was doing my first marathon, I was watching my heart rate just to know I still have enough left in the tank. You never know what’s your limitation until you push yourself and that’s where Garmin helps.

I am sure that there are a lot of Garmin stories out there and there are more upcoming with Garmin Run Asia having its own flagship runs in the Philippines. This could be the start of a journey for non-runners are a culmination to seasoned runners chasing new PRs. Garmin Run Philippines is happening on November 17, 2024 at Filinvest Alabang with 5K, 10K and 21K distances to choose from.

Race Details

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