BAI Foundation’s first celebrity golf tournament aims to give hope for the lonely and powerless individuals in Cebu

(L-R, foreground) Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, Mr. Lito Barino, Chairman of  Duros Group of Copanies and Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation.

“We do what we do to promote awareness on the ill effects of drug use and abuse, poor parenting styles, and family dynamics on individuals.”

This was the belief that inspired Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation and Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, to hold the first-ever BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament of the South, set to happen from April 4 to 5, 2025 at Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates.

BAI Golf: Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament of the South, set to happen from April 4 to 5, 2025 at Liloan Golf and Leisure Estates.

A safe space for the broken, wounded, hurting, and lonely individuals

BAI Foundation is established in 2011. A non-profit organization based in Cebu that aims to help every broken, wounded, hurting and lonely person, most especially people who are suffering from addiction and depression. Together with Safehaven Recovery Village, individuals living in vulnerable circumstances are given a new chance in life, providing them personalized treatment plans that meet their individual needs and goals.

BAI Foundation led by Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation and Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director.

While the foundation has already achieved great strides, managing to help countless individuals, it has many more goals to accomplish. Lito admits, “It was frustrating in the beginning because we knew we had a very noble cause but nobody was minding us. Everyone knew about the taong grasa, the unstable individuals. Pinagtatawanan lang sila, minsan binubugbog pa because most people don’t understand why these powerless individuals are there in the first place.”

A former addict himself, Lito understands the struggles and challenges of these powerless individuals. Which is why he has built a heart and empathy to relate to the people they rescue. “I experienced life living in the streets. But by God’s grace I was able to recover, and eventually become a rehab director for 11 years, and a drug abuse resource speaker for the 25 years. This is my way of giving back.”

Golf for a meaningful cause

To this day, Ronnie and Lito remain passionate in their mission to rescue individuals, especially those living in the streets. But they understand that they cannot do it alone – they need many more to get involved to sustain the programs of BAI Foundation.

The official contract signing led by Lito Gruet, BAI Executive Director, Mr. Lito Barino, Chairman of  Duros Group of Copanies and Ronnie Delos Santos, President of Battle Against Ignorance (BAI) Foundation

“One of the best ways is to tap the celebrities because if we win their hearts, they have a tremendous following and this would translate to people just being aware of what we do. They can be a big help to the foundation,” explains Lito.

So with the power of influence, BAI Golf has invited A-list celebrities and Golf enthusiasts to participate in the meaningful event including Tonton Gutierrez with wife Glydel Mercado, Cesar Montano, Gary Estrada, Vince Hizon, and Pat Sugui, to name a few.

Apart from the celebrity participants, local government units, key stakeholders and corporations are also showing their support.

BAI Foundation Collaborators

A beautiful Cebu for everyone

This is just the beginning for BAI Foundation. The BAI Golf Tournament is just one of many projects of the foundation to ensure that Cebu City is a safe city for everyone, from the homeless to the locals and tourists.

“By organizing the BAI Golf Tournament of the South, we are creating an opportunity for the people to be curious and interested in what we do,” says Lito.

Sharing the same vision, Lito also concludes, “Our focus right now is to clean Cebu of its street dwellers, mendicants, the psychotics. We would like to help restore these individuals’ dignities. In doing so, we are also highlighting Cebu and the whole island province as a clean and beautiful destination where everyone is welcome.”

BAI Foundation Fundraising Initiatives.

Contact BAI Foundation

To know more about BAI Foundation and how you can help, visit https://www.battleagainstignorance.com/ and follow their social media accounts Facebook https://www.facebook.com/baifoundation and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bai_foundation/. 

Turning everyday conversations over coffee into positive actions 

Starbucks interior design.

 At Starbucks, they believe that good things can happen when people connect over coffee. Their new "Get Together" campaign aims to inspire meaningful conversations that spark positive actions—one cup at a time. Launching across Asia Pacific, this initiative invites customers to engage in three core areas: people, community, and the environment, promoting positive change in both big and small ways.

In the Philippines, Starbucks will focus on youth education through the Community Store programs and expand Starbucks FoodShare. Starbucks Philippines president Noey Lopez shares about their community efforts and the value of collaboration.

Starbucks stores nationwide

What does connection mean to Starbucks?

At Starbucks Philippines, connection is central to our mission. We aim to create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued. Our "Get Together" campaign highlights the strength of these connections, encouraging individuals to unite around meaningful causes. By turning everyday moments into opportunities for positive action, we hope to foster a culture of support and change.

How have Community Stores made a tangible difference in the lives of young individuals? 

Since opening our first Community Store in Abad Santo Tondo last September 2023 and our second in Maysilo Circle a year later, we’ve partnered with organizations like AHA! Learning Center, Young Focus and Mano Amiga Philippines to champion youth education. To date, we’ve positively impacted over 300 students through scholarships and learning programs, with a portion of our Community Store sales funding these initiatives.

Starbucks partnered with The Philippines FoodBank Foundation and Grab Philippines

How does the FoodShare program support communities?

Since its launch in 2022, we've donated nearly 2 million rescuable food from over 260 stores nationwide by partnering with The Philippines FoodBank Foundation and Grab Philippines. This collaboration not only provides essential nutrition to those in need but also reduces food waste by diverting surplus food from landfills. 

Long-term partnership with HOPE has enabled Starbucks to build classrooms in underserved areas

Planet Water Foundation has led to seven AquaTowers, it can provide clean water access to an estimated 12,000 individuals.

What initiatives reflect Starbucks customer and partner (employee) involvement?

We encourage customers to embrace sustainability by using for-here ware or their own tumblers for a PHP10 discount on their beverage. 

Meanwhile, our partner (employee) volunteerism and long-term partnership with HOPE has enabled us to build classrooms in underserved areas, recently reaching our fifth classroom in Bulacan. Additionally, our collaboration with Planet Water Foundation has led to seven AquaTowers, with the latest in Quezon. These AquaTowers collectively provide clean water access to an estimated 12,000 individuals. Together with The Starbucks Foundation, we also deployed an AquaBlock to provide emergency water access during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine in Camarines Sur.

Long-term partnership with HOPE has enabled Starbucks to build classrooms in underserved areas

What can we look forward to?

We are building on the foundation of the “Get Together” campaign by celebrating International Women’s Month and the Global Month of Good throughout March and April. This will include a series of partner (employee) volunteer events featuring discussions with trailblazing women artists to inspire our youth beneficiaries. By creating a ripple effect of shared purpose, we will also put the spotlight on our partner foundations and the dedicated individuals who get together for good, through an engaging social media campaign designed to foster a chain of appreciation and positivity.

Emperador Inc. expands its premium product portfolio with the majority acquisition of Destileria Los Danzantes S.A. de C.V. (“Los Danzantes”), through its Mexican subsidiary Casa Pedro Domecq. 

Los Danzantes is a significant player in the fast-growing global Mezcal industry. Among its owned brands are Los Danzantes and Alipus, both of which are well-known premium luxury mezcal brands which have been named among the top 10 best-selling and top 10 trending mezcal brands by industry surveys in recent years. The products are exported to over 20 countries and are featured in many of the world’s top bars.

Remodeled in 1997, Destilería Los Danzantes maintained the use of traditional and artisanal distillery processes.

Following an injection of capital into the business, Emperador Inc., through Casa Pedro Domecq, will support Los Danzantes by further developing the distribution and promotion of their brands while genuinely supporting the social and sustainable ethos of the business and its close community of workers and suppliers.

Destilería Los Danzantes in Santiago Matatlán, Mexico

Emperador Inc. President Winston Co said, “We are excited to invest in Los Danzantes, a company that is committed to keeping the tradition of artisanal mezcal production. The addition of luxury mezcal to the group’s whisky and brandy portfolio further amplifies and strengthens the premiumization and internationalization strategy of Emperador Inc. As we join Los Danzantes on this growth journey, we will continue to safeguard and protect the traditions, heritage, land, people, and resources that make this world-class mezcal.”

ABOUT Emperador Inc.

Emperador Inc. is a global spirits conglomerate that owns Emperador Brandy, the world’s best-selling brandy. Emperador’s portfolio of iconic brands also includes Fundador Brandy, The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura, and Tamnavulin Single Malt Scotch whiskies. The products are available in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Emperador Inc. is a publicly-listed company at both the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Singapore Exchange.

ABOUT Casa Pedro Domecq

Casa Pedro Domecq is a wholly owned subsidiary of Domecq Bodega Las Copas, a 50/50 joint venture company of Grupo Emperador Spain and Gonzales Byass. 

Casa Pedro Domecq is a Mexican company that produces and distributes wines and spirits, ranking among the top ten companies in the industry in Mexico. In March 2017, the iconic Mexican company was revitalized in Mexico through a joint venture formed by the Filipino company Grupo Emperador and the Spanish company González Byass, marking the beginning of a new era for the company. Leaders in the Brandy category (volume and value) in Mexico and pioneer and fundamental pillar in the history and development of the wine industry in Mexico.

MILO, and the Department of Education (DepEd), its long-standing partner in grassroots sports development, today announced stronger collaboration and new sports programs through MILO Active Pilipinas.

Representatives from MILO® Philippines, Department of Education, Philippine Sports Commission, and the Philippine Olympic Committee joined students and teachers of Mandaue City Central School to launch the nationwide movement promoting active lifestyles and sports participation among Filipino youth.

MILO Active Pilipinas is a nationwide campaign designed to energize and inspire Filipino families to lead an active lifestyle. Under this campaign is a wide variety of on-ground and online sports programs, such as the National MILO® Marathon, MILO® Sports Clinics, and MILO® Barangay Liga, which encourage learners to participate in sports and enhance their physical literacy. Many of these programs are strongly supported by DepEd, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and local government units.

At a high-energy sports day held at Mandaue City Central School, more than 4,000 students, parents, teachers and representatives from key sports stakeholders came together to experience the excitement of MILO Active Pilipinas through sports clinics, sports demonstrations, and meet and greet with MILO ambassadors such as six-time MILO Marathon Queen and homegrown talent Mary Joy Tabal and Southeast Asian Games Gold Medalist and MILO Sports Clinics graduate Jamie Lim.

The event also highlighted the strong partnership between MILO and its partners from DepEd, PSC, and POC, with key figures in attendance, including DepEd Regional Director VII Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, School Division Office Mandaue Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan, DepEd Bureau of Learner Support Services Director IV Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Marivic Tolitol, DepEd External Partnership Services Project Manager III Davedinah Cometa, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, and POC Marketing Head Nikko Huelgas.

Students of Mandaue City Central School engage in a fun and energetic football drill during the MILO Active Pilipinas launch. The initiative aims to encourage Filipino children to embrace an active lifestyle through sports, reinforcing MILO’s commitment to grassroots sports development.

“MILO believes that sport is a great teacher. We recognize that accelerating sports participation among Filipino school children is an important part of raising a nation of champions,” said Veronica Cruz, SVP and Business Executive Officer, Beverages & Confectionery, Nestlé Philippines. “Together with our longstanding partners, we aim to foster a community of active kids and equip them with the values such as grit, discipline and teamwork to succeed in sports and in life.”

With the support of DepEd, MILO aims to bring sports clinics, grassroots programs, and inclusive activities closer to more communities, aligned with the DepEd “Sports for All” policy, which targets to make physical fitness and sports accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, talent, and capabilities, in all organized sports competitions. MILO will support DepEd in its mandate to organize sports clubs, and is committed to remain as its partner in the Palarong Pambansa.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to run, to play and to thrive through structured school sports programs, inclusive policies and strong partnerships,” said Dr. Miguel Angelo S. Mantaring, Director VI of the Bureau of Learner Support Services of the Department of Education. “That is why we are incredibly grateful to our partners from MILO for their years of continuous advocacy in expanding sports to every learner. We share the value of commitment to championing an active and healthy nation. And together, we making a large impact and a difference in the lives of the Filipino.”

Students from Mandaue City Central School enthusiastically participate in the launch of MILO Active Pilipinas, a nationwide movement promoting active lifestyles among Filipino youth. The event featured engaging fitness activities, highlighting MILO’s commitment to fostering health and wellness through sports.

By 2025, MILO intends to reach three million Filipino children to show the benefits of sports and an active lifestyle by expanding the scale of its programs. The National MILO Marathon will grow to 25 legs, tapping more provinces and cities nationwide to participate in the country’s longest-running footrace. The MILO Sports Clinics will grow from 800 to over 1,000 clinics to offer access to a wide range of sports disciplines and skilled coaches. The number of MILO Barangay Ligas will increase to 400 nationwide, fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and community spirit among kids at the grassroots level.

In addition to scaling up existing programs, MILO will introduce exciting new initiatives that tackle real challenges while celebrating the power of sports. MILO Safe Swim, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, will be rolled out to more areas in the country to help address the critical issue of drowning among Filipino children. This life-saving program is designed to teach water safety and swimming skills while giving kids the confidence to enjoy water activities. MILO will continue to recognize and celebrate exceptional Filipinos who embody these values in their careers and communities through the Champions in Life initiative. The search for more MILO Champions in Life in regional areas aims to inspire a new generation to see how the lessons from sports can lead to greatness in any field.

MILO reinforces its partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) in its launch of the MILO® Active Pilipinas. From left, SEA Games Karate Medalist and MILO Ambassador Jamie Lim, POC Marketing Head Nikko Huelgas, DepEd Bureau of Learner Support Services Director IV Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Nestlé Philippines SVP and Business Executive Officer for Beverages & Confectionary Veronica Cruz, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco and MILO Philippines Head of Sports Carlo Sampan.

Beyond promoting an active lifestyle, MILO remains committed to advocating for nutrition and wellness through its beloved drink, expertly formulated with the right balance of milk and energy-giving nutrients that kids need to stay active. 

 “By expanding the scale and reach of sports programs across more provinces, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, MILO gives Filipino children – even those in remote or far-flung areas – the opportunity to participate, grow, and dream big,” said Carlo Sampan, Head of Sports, MILO Philippines. “MILO remains steadfast in its mission to make sports accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Whether through the National MILO Marathon, our sports clinics, or initiatives like Safe Swim and Champions in Life, we are empowering Filipino children to dream bigger, aim higher, and achieve more.”

For 60 years, MILO has been working with partners to impart values like grit, discipline and teamwork to Filipino children in a fun and engaging way. MILO believes that sports is a great teacher, instilling essential life skills that drive kids to reach for their goals and overcome challenges. Today and beyond, MILO Philippines reinforces its commitment to deliver compelling sports programs that give every Filipino a chance to bring out their inner champion.

Mactan Island stands out as a key and highly recognized island within Cebu province, divided between Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova. Lapu-Lapu City manages a significant portion of the island, while Cordova oversees a smaller area on its southern side.

Valencia will build vertical residences and recreational spaces that offer the accoutrements of a dynamic metropolis while paying homage to heritage.

Situated a short distance from the main island, the accessibility to and from Mactan has been dramatically enhanced by recent upgrades to Cebu road infrastructure. The island is linked to Mandaue City, Cebu, through the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. Additionally, introducing the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cordova aims to further connect the island with the southern regions of Metro Cebu, facilitating the growth of master planned communities.

The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) aims to connect Mactan with the southern regions of Metro Cebu, facilitating the growth of property developments  like Valencia.

Mactan has steadily made strides toward economic progress in recent years, proving itself a key player in boosting the local economy of Cebu, particularly in the tourism, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. 

Tourism: A Magnet for Visitors

Mactan has long been a paradise for beach enthusiasts who take pride in some of the country's highly-regarded resorts and the recent renovations of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has bolstered Mactan’s efforts to enhance its capacity to attract more visitors.

Mactan now operates the second busiest airport in the Philippines, following Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and serving as a critical gateway to prime vacation destinations in the Queen City of the South. With the return of international travelers and domestic tourists, businesses throughout Cebu are experiencing revitalization, including resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and various shopping and dining establishments.

Manufacturing and Employment: A Growing Industrial Force

Industrialization has significantly transformed the Philippines' metropolitan areas, and Mactan, as part of Metro Cebu, is no exception. Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ), an initiative of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, is a major economic force in the region. Ranking as one of the largest ecozones in the Philippines and second only to the Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ), MEZ hosts a diverse range of operations from tourism and medical tourism to warehousing and manufacturing. Mactan Economic Zone encompasses two economic zones and has attracted PHP 51.5 billion in investments over the past 26 years. 

In addition to the Mactan Economic Zone, Mactan is home to General Milling Corporation (GMC), a national leader in consumer food product processing and production. Its operations generate thousands of jobs for locals and enhance Cebu's position within the national manufacturing landscape.

Nestled in close proximity to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), Valencia emerges as the nearest growth metropolis to Cebu City.

Real Estate: A Premium Investment Opportunity

While Mactan Island is relatively small at about 65 square kilometers, it ranks as one of the most densely populated islands in the Philippines, with a rising population of half a million. Its appeal lies in its opportunities for tourism and commerce, making real estate a highly desirable asset.

Over the years, Mactan has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a landscape dotted with residential neighborhoods to exquisite communities offering interconnected living spaces. This shift has positioned Mactan as an ideal location to raise a family in Cebu, attracting real estate investors to develop commercial and residential developments, including strip malls and shopping centers.

Valencia is a five-hectare multi-tower development in Lapu-Lapu City, radiating a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of the lively hues seen in and around the Queen City of the South.

Developers quickly recognize the opportunities presented by real estate properties in Mactan. Capitalizing on this potential, Vista Land, through its collection of master planned developments called Vista Estates, has strategically positioned itself in alignment with the dynamic growth of the island. Tailoring its offerings to suit those cognizant of Mactan's role in the economic landscape of Cebu, Vista Estates provides properties at the nucleus of economic activities, fostering an environment where residents can thrive and improve the quality of their lifestyle.

Valencia: Never Miss Out on Life!

Valencia by Vista Estates, the five-hectare multi-tower development situated in prime Lapu-Lapu City real estate, radiates a vibrant ambiance reminiscent of the lively hues seen in around the Queen City of the South. It is poised to progressively transform the cityscape of Mactan by combining the charm of the island with the pulse of the city. 

Taking its cue from Spanish Modernista architecture, the towers of Valencia will be marked with a stylish diversity of historically derived touches.

Taking its cue from Spanish Modernista architecture, Catalonia's version of the English Arts and Crafts movement, the towers of Valencia will be marked with a stylish diversity of historically derived touches. The predominance of curves, rich decoration, detail, organic motifs, and a prevalence of asymmetry characterizes the design. Catalan sensibilities meld perfectly with the Cebuano lifestyle in Valencia. 

Nestled in close proximity to the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), Valencia emerges as the nearest growth metropolis to Cebu City. Here, the boundaries between urban comfort and leisure are seamlessly interlinked, providing residents with diverse residential choices tailored to various lifestyles and aspirations. The development caters to residents' needs and enriches their lifestyles with amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, jogging path, and a dedicated children's play area.

Valencia will create a vibrant environment festooned by landscapes integrating work and play. It will build vertical residences and recreational spaces that offer the accoutrements of a dynamic metropolis while paying homage to heritage.

In addition to these resident-focused facilities, the estate features a commercial complex housing retail shops, restaurants, and cafes, creating a dynamic environment that complements the residential offerings. This unique blend of residential options and retail conveniences positions Valencia as a well-rounded district, promising a distinctive quality of life for residents and visitors alike. 

An Investment into a Better Way of Living

Vista Land is investing into these master-planned developments, making good on its promise to its homebuyers and investors to continue creating superior offerings, and, more importantly, deliver excellent long-term investment growth.

To know more about Vista Land  developments in Cebu, visit www.vistaestates.vistaland.com.ph and follow @VistaLandAndLifescapesOfficial for news and offerings.