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Setback to Comeback Episode 2 focuses on Food Entrepreneurship

Thames Admin July 8, 2021 Community 0

SETBACK TO COMEBACK Episode 2 Focuses on Food Entrepreneurship

Thames International Business School presents a livecast webinar series entitled Setback to Comeback. Join us for its second episode, Food Entrepreneurship: Success Tips in the Pandemic on July 14, 10am-12nn.

Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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Safety is Critical: A Safe Management Webinar for Community Pantry Organizers and Volunteers

Thames Admin May 17, 2021 Community 0

Safety is Critical: A Safe Management Webinar for Community Pantry Organizers and Volunteers

by Ivan Andrew C. Combalicer, Thames International Undergraduate Student

In every dispiriting situation, it is important to see the silver lining. In spite of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos managed to share hope by organizing community pantries. Thames International, in accordance with its vision of helping to build a new order, conducted a free webinar last May 4, 2021, focused on teaching community pantry organizers, volunteers, and supporters the safe management that will ensure the sustainability of community pantries amidst this pandemic.  

The president and co-founder of Thames International, Joel Santos, welcomed more than a hundred participants and gave an overview of the current situation of the Philippines in terms of hunger. The number of people who are experiencing severe hunger has tripled since the beginning of the pandemic. According to him, community pantries are solving a social and economic problem, and that is the reason why he is determined to help those people who are helping others.

After the welcome message, Adolf Aran, a food and restaurant business expert, explained the basic principles of proper food handling including the 3Ws (Wear mask, Watch distance, and Wash hands) and the areas of food safety.

He was followed by Norman Adriano, a supply chain management consultant and trainer, and the current program chair of the Business Administration Program at Thames International. He discussed effective crowd management, the importance of appointing a safe distancing officer, and an efficient logistics system.

Two community pantry organizers were called to share their experiences running a community pantry. Noel Adriano, the organizer in Bankers Village City in Caloocan, said that after hearing about the Maginhawa Community Pantry, he and his family took the initiative to organize one as well. The other organizer of the Eastwood Community Pantry, Mia Howell, had a hard time finding a place for their planned community pantry. Fortunately, Thames International opened its campus so they could have a venue to use.

The webinar received positive feedback from the participants. One of them commented, “Thank you for giving us a very meaningful and timely discussion that can help us to be a more effective Community Pantry Manager.”  Overall, the webinar gained an almost 97% satisfaction rate from the participants. 

Community pantries are solving major problems caused by the pandemic. Thames is grateful for the opportunity to guide those who are sharing hope in these challenging times. 

Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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Art in Asia: The ICE-Penang Program

Thames Admin April 19, 2021 News 0

Art in Asia: The ICE-Penang Program 

by: Amidala Mallari, Thames International Undergraduate Student

The world will always be volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. This was a hard truth that people around the globe faced when the pandemic hit. For Thames International, one of the ways to remain steadfast despite the unpredictability is by making practical education in various fields accessible to stakeholders. Making this vision a reality is among the hopes of Thames for the future, and the reason that birthed its Innovation and Creative Entrepreneurship-Penang Art District Program.

Thames International’s Innovation and Creative Entrepreneurship program, also known as ICE,  was first established in the Philippines in 2018. It uses cutting edge pedagogy to address a broad range of creative business needs while considering the realities of the world today. In January 2021, Thames International started the ICE-Penang Program in collaboration with Penang Art District, Malaysia’s home for emerging artists, to extend this new take on learning to creatives in Asia and help them thrive in the new normal.

One of the many features of the ICE-Penang Program, which is facilitated by ICE Program Director Gian Carlo De Jesus, Thames International Managing Director TJ Parpan, and ICE Program Manager Kat Mallillin, is its tailored-fit design that allows graphic designers, performing artists, directors, and more, to immediately implement learnings into their existing businesses and creative projects.

The program maximizes blended methodologies such as phenomenon-based and flipped classroom approaches, design thinking, and game-based simulations to encourage collaboration among participants. Industry practitioners from a participant’s locality are invited to serve as coaches who can provide relevant mentorship due to their familiarity with the creative pursuit. All this is done while instilling the values of collaboration, resilience, and community, which are all needed to sustain a successful creative economy. 

As the ICE-Penang’s first batch came to a close in March, Stephanie Kee, one of Penang Art District’s Project Executives, expressed her delight at how the program concluded. Participants were given the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to guest panelists Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the Design Centre of the Philippines, and Colin Goh, Executive Director of Millet Holdings Singapore, who in the end supported one of the presenters, Little Door Festival, in securing a deal from a target sponsor. Stephanie shared her appreciation for Thames’ localized take on the creative industry, as it led to a wonderful journey for passionate and creative individuals strengthening their skills and knowledge in the field. 

The program garnered positive feedback from participants. Rupa Subramaniam from Storyteller Studios said “The relationship between the students and mentors felt as if we were equals. The tools provided to us still allowed us to personalize them to our unique business needs. We all got stronger confidence in voicing our ideas, voicing our products, and presenting them with strong data.” Another student, Koe Gaik Cheng from Little Door Festival added: “The ICE Program helped us to identify all the dots and connect them. The pledge of support we received today is just a bonus from the learnings we received.“

With the success of ICE-Penang Program, Thames International is looking into starting another ASEAN cohort by the end of May this year. For any inquiries, contact ICE Program Manager Kat Mallillin via kmallillin@thames.edu.ph or visit Thames ICE Program for more information. Along with Thames, let us altogether use the impact of practical education in various fields for thriving, pivoting, and navigating the uncertainties of the world we live in.

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Behind-the-Scenes: Deconstructing The Final Pitch Heroes Edition with Investor-Judge Joel Santos

Thames Admin April 13, 2021 Community 0

Behind-the-Scenes: Deconstructing The Final Pitch Heroes Edition with Investor-Judge Joel Santos

by: Hannah Magdangal, Thames International Undergraduate Student

“That’s what I’d like to contribute to The Final Pitch: to give you a mindset of how to pivot and move from setback to comeback.”, said Mr. Joel Santos, President and Co-founder of Thames International Business School, during his interview with the business reality TV show, The Final Pitch. Putting up a business is no easy feat even when not in the midst of a global pandemic. How can we rise above the pitfalls and emerge with a renewed sense of hope for a future beyond the unfortunate events of the present? 

We are in dire need of solutions and change enforcers who will take action. By hosting live sessions to discuss and deconstruct the pitches from each episode, Mr. Santos provided participants with the opportunity to expand their industry knowledge with a more in-depth understanding of what happens in the show – taking them a step closer towards becoming tomorrow’s changemakers.

In the virtual sessions, clips of Final Pitch episodes preceded a comprehensive discussion about a whole range of topics, ranging from what it is that made the pitches effective to how simple changes could have landed better offers, and even the kind of useful information to have prepared beforehand. Mr. Santos imparted professional knowledge and personal opinions, answering questions and equipping participants with the right tools to deliver an effective and impactful pitch. The sessions were engaging, fun, and informative all at once – with one of the show’s participants, Paolo Herras, a Thames ICE Program Alumnus, even joined the discussion.

Being able to deliver a pitch that is impactful and well prepared not only leaves a lasting impression, but fast-tracks the success of a business. The fruitful sessions left participants with knowledge, concepts, and professional insights they can bring with them wherever they go. Thames student Dani Marcelino said, “It helps build confidence in us in the knowledge that we’d know exactly what to do, what to look at, when the time comes.” 

As an aspiring entrepreneur myself, the values I have gained are ones that I will be able to bring with me going forward, growing my own business and further navigating my way through the industry. The sessions have left a lasting impact on me, as I am certain they did everyone else, and I look forward to the ones to come.

With guidance from professionals and industry experts, Thames International continuously provides an avenue for students to cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit and become change enforcers making a positive impact into the world. Check out these future-proof programs to know more. 

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Thames International Alumnus Alezander Phillippe Zupancic Featured in Book on Philippine HR Excellence

Thames Admin March 31, 2021 Community 0

Thames International Alumnus Alezander Phillippe Zupancic Featured in Book on Philippine HR Excellence

by: Carlo Rivera, Communication Arts Program Chair

    Thames International’s very own Alezander Phillippe Zupancic has been featured in The 50: HR Leaders Reimagining the Filipino Organization.

    This book gathers insights from fifty of the top CHROs on navigating the new normal, across every aspect of the field. Zupancic’s company, First Circle, is notably the only digital finance company featured – it was in fact selected unanimously by the editorial team. Managing editor Kyle Nate spoke of how “First Circle is tireless in their efforts to create a workplace and culture that allows everyone to develop, engage, and progress.” The interview reveals that First Circle, under Zupancic’s leadership, is especially notable for recognizing the long-term value of truly having the best interests of its people at heart.

    The other organizations selected for The 50 hail from almost every major business vertical – a full list is included below.

    Thames International takes pride in having produced an alumnus who is driving positive social impact in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. It continues, in spite of the pandemic, to blaze a trail towards a new order which upholds human values and innovative thinking. For Zupancic, First Circle’s “Head of People,” the journey from his Business Administration major in Marketing Management at Thames, to pursuing his foreign degree through Thames’ partner university in the UK, Northumbria University, to working in the field of Human Resources for one of Asia’s top FinTech startups was filled with memories – too many to count. Every semester, he fondly recalls, was filled with something new. Alezander credits Thames with creating a “play hard and work harder” environment that bred meaningful relationships with the community.

    Alezander relates that Thames’ out-of-the-box culture celebrated the non-traditional, both in its people and in its problem-solving approach. When asked to share a major learning, he had this to say:

    Don’t rush! Life isn’t a race and there is no reward waiting for you at what you think is your destination. Everyone gets to the “finish line” at their own pace and once you get there, all you will find is that you just have more track to run (there will always be more to do). – so don’t rush to get to the next big thing for you. Be present where you are and bring your best self to it. Worrying about things that have not happened and things out of your control is extremely stressful. And stress leads to wrinkles. Wear sun screen.

     

    Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

     

    Business leaders and HR professionals interested in buying the book can do so at https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/the-50

     

    ABOUT THE 50 

    The 50: HR Leaders Reimagining the Filipino Organization is a book about the practice of HR in the Philippine setting. The book features insights from the HR leaders of the following companies: Aboitiz, Arvin International Marketing, Asian Hospital, Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Avaloq Philippines, Ayala Corporation, Century Pacific Food, CHG Global, Chinese General Hospital, CIIT, CIMB, City of Dreams, De La Salle Zobel, Dentsu Aegis, Emerson, EON Group, Euro Chemicals, FEU Tech, FamilyMart, First Circle, Foodpanda, Freelancer.com, Generali Philippines, Human Nature, IBM, Ikea, Inquirer, Johnson & Johnson, Katinko, Lalamove, LBC Express, LG, MEC Networks Corporation, Miriam College, Nexperia, Novare Technologies, Penbrothers, Pioneer Adhesive, Phoenix Petroleum, Prince Hypermart, QuadX, Shopee, SM Supermalls, Sun Life, Transcom, Ubisoft, Unionbank, Willis Towers Watson, ZEN Rooms, and Zuellig Pharma. 

     

    ABOUT BOOKSHELF PH 

    Bookshelf PH aims to promote great Filipino books in fiction and non-fiction. The goal is to produce a rich literature that will contribute to individual empowerment, and in the aggregate, nation-building. At the core of these aspirations is the belief that the surest and simplest path to personal and professional growth is through reading. 

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    Foreign Degree — It Can Still Be Done!

    Thames Admin February 16, 2021 Community 0

    Foreign Degree — It Can Still Be Done!

    by: Amidala Mallari, Thames International Undergraduate Student

    Despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Thames International graduates Valerie Villanueva, Jannika Arciaga, and Christine Sion of Batch 2020, remain set on pursuing their dreams of achieving foreign degrees. Through the flexible and affordable pathways offered by Thames International, these graduates are enjoying new academic endeavors with Thames’ partner institutions in the United Kingdom either from the safety of their homes through the distance learning or on-campus options. 

    Valerie Villanueva – Northumbria University 

    Valerie took Thames International’s Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship as her undergraduate degree. Valerie was drawn to how the program’s final year is meant to be finished at a foreign partner university of the student’s choice. Due to the pandemic, she became skeptical about flying to the United Kingdom, and found an even better opportunity with Northumbria University’s part-time distance learning programme, where she is now taking an honors BA in Business and Management. According to her, the virtual course was designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing her to juggle studies, leisure, and business all at the same time.

    Thames has greatly influenced Valerie’s goals, as the school has constantly given its students more options to consider for their careers. Through the regular presentations of international affiliations from the U.K, Australia, and Singapore, she was able to weigh the options and choose the best one for her future. The success stories of other alumni students who chose similar paths also motivated Valerie, inspiring her to brave her own journey to higher learning. Ss she takes pride in the good foundation of business and creativity that Thames cultivated in her and every other student. 

    “Leave the door open for future opportunities” , Valerie reminds students who share the same dream as hers. She says that it is helpful if one has finalized their goals in life, yet it is also beneficial to take the time to really weigh the pros and cons of an option, and to do research on what decision is most suitable. She also advises students to not hesitate in reaching out to co-students, as well as to counselling and application services like UKEAS, for tips and opinions regarding foreign study.

    Jannika Arciaga – CASS Business School 

    Jannika finished her BS Business Administration, Major in Operations Management course in Thames International. She has long dreamed of taking a Master’s Degree in the United Kingdom to pursue further learning that aligns with her passion for business and service. Despite the pandemic, she has found a way to fulfill this goal as she currently takes CASS Business School’s online Postgraduate Certificate in Global Finance, designed to work at a student’s own pace. This has allowed her to commit successfully to her studies while working as the Sales and Marketing Executive of her family’s business. 

    Jannika believes that she has her inspiring mentors and hardworking professors in Thames to thank, as they have always been supportive and approachable, guiding every student in need to the very best of their abilities. She believes Thames’ unique approach to learning has equipped her with the skills and experience needed for this new and exciting journey in which education has become one of her life’s adventures. She also treasures the amazing friendships she has made in Thames, as they have helped her grow into the person and businesswoman she is now. She is beyond grateful that she chose Thames for college, and wouldn’t have it any other way. 

    “Take the opportunity and pursue it,” Jannika tells fellow students, even those who feel little interest in applying abroad. She believes that this journey led to the best version of herself, one that she didn’t know she possessed. In the end, she hopes that every student enjoys the same as they dive into the world of business.

    Christine Sion – University of South Wales 

    Having completed BS Business Administration Major in Operations Management in Thames, Christine opted to pursue on-campus her Master in Business Administration at the University of South Wales, taking a huge step toward becoming the global business leader she envisions herself becoming. The university MBA program she is taking is designed to mitigate a student’s virus exposures, implementing digital teaching modes with a proportion of in-person classroom set-ups.

    Christine was drawn to the excellent global reputation of UK business schools. She believes they can give her a profound understanding of diverse business and management principles in ways that will help her transform lives – including her own.

    She aims to grow as a business professional by building an international network. She aims to grow as a human being by learning to collaborate with different kinds of people across the globe.

    For Christine, Thames’ flipped classroom approach has constantly challenged her to step out of her comfort zone and to think outside the box, giving her a broader perspective on society. More importantly, she affirms that the school has honed her into an individual capable of creating a positive impact in an ever-changing world, allowing her to aim for greater opportunities for her future. 

    “Be brave enough to follow where your heart and mind are guiding you,” Christine advises. She believes that the challenges of the age need not prevent someone from achieving their dreams as long as they remain responsible and considerate. She also says that every life-changing opportunity is worth seeking, so one wouldn’t live with regrets or what-ifs. 

    Thames International takes pride in Valerie, Jannika, and Christine’s achievements despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. They embody the school’s goal of nurturing pathfinders who seek to better the world and not just themselves. Thames International makes a foreign degree dream a reality for aspiring students by making transfers to a partner-university more straightforward and cost-effective.

     

    If you, like Val, Nikka, and Tin, also aspire to excel on a global scale, inquire now to join our community! Call our Admissions Team at +639992270787, +639992269796, or email inquire@thames.edu.ph,  or send us a message on Facebook. #ProvenOnlineLearning #ReimagineEducation #ThamesInternational #College

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    DTI CTRL + BIZ 2.0: ON THE TRACKS TO SUCCESS

    Thames Admin January 25, 2021 News 0

    DTI CTRL+BIZ 2.0: ON THE TRACKS TO SUCCESS

    by: Dani Marcelino, Thames Undergraduate Student

    Last December 11, 2020, “DTI CTRL BIZ 2.0” ended with another success following the first phase held in May that year. As the product of a partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Thames International, the series of free webinars aimed to help the owners of medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) thrive in the e-commerce environment.

    In response to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, businesses had to rapidly shift online. Many micro, small, and middle-scale businesses were caught unprepared by the demands of the digital world and e-commerce. The solution was the DTI and Thames International’s “DTI CTRL BIZ 2.0” webinar.

    The webinar itself was divided into two tracks – Track A and Track B – with industry professionals delivering their material through Thames’ tried and tested online educational platform.

    The first, Track A, was a management certificate training program entitled “Foundational and Entrepreneurial Skills for Online Enterprises” (FESOEs) and was implemented from November 18 to 27. As the name suggests, it introduced the participants to various online entrepreneurial skills – including but not limited to key concepts in leadership, principles in digital marketing, and effective sales techniques.

    According to one of the participants, Elain M. Pangan, it was “a very informative and practical foundational course.” She further added that “it highlights my areas for improvement as an entrepreneur and what our company needs in order to thrive in this new digital age.”

    A participant, Eliodoro y Alcya Jr., praised the platform, saying that the learning management system “makes it more flexible and a great follow up to reinforce what we learned in synchronous sessions.”

    The program concluded with a satisfaction rating of 95.2% among the 1322 participants. MSME owners learned skills such as the application of true marketing-based approach to their businesses, basic principles of productions and operations to improve efficiency and maintain quality, applying the business model approach and incorporating risk analysis to their business, creative thinking tools to provide solutions to various business problems while taking ethical and sustainability factors into consideration, and negotiating techniques and tools to improve networking and building business relationships.

    The second, Track B, was entitled “Digital Skills” (DS) and was implemented from November 28 to 27. Track B introduced participants to digital skills essential in flourishing in the e-commerce environment, including basic web design, audio-video production and vlogging concepts, creative and graphic design, search engine optimization, branding and public relations on application to online initiatives, and the effective utilisation of social media through advertising and building content.

    Dino Angelo B. Obed, a participant, commented that “the course on digital skills will help our company vastly in pivoting to digital commerce, thereby, adapting to the new business environment triggered by COVID-19.”

    An attendee, Arianne F. Abear, praised the program, saying, “I personally felt that this program from DTI and Thames for the MSME entreps was a great help and made a difference for those starting up, especially at this time.”

    In a survey conducted among all 858 participants of Track B, a satisfaction rating of 96.6% had garnered positive feedback from most participants, noting that they found the program to be worth their time.

    As with the success of the webinar’s predecessor, “DTI CTRL BIZ 2.0” had yet again proved Thames International’s capability in its field, granting opportunities to MSME business owners to excel in the industry with an expertly delivered program and guaranteeing substance through ease of learning. Thames International’s success with the webinars are points to bigger things to come.

    Thames is committed to helping in nation-building through providing necessary training for schools and other organizations that need further help in adjusting to the new demands of the new normal. For any inquiries on this matter, feel free to contact the school via inquire@thames.edu.ph. 

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    Thames Foreign Degree and Beyond: Lui Mawis

    Thames Admin December 16, 2020 Community 0

    Thames Foreign Degree and Beyond: Lui Mawis

     by: Nico Belasco, Thames Undergraduate Student

     Lui Mawis, a freelance scriptwriter under Siri Media Productions, started his journey as a Communications student at Thames International. His passion and drive for the arts played a major role in his decision to take the leap to Singapore and earn his degree from Teesside University under the Management Development Institute of Singapore, which was made possible by the Thames Foreign Degree program. 

    After making the most of his time studying in the Philippines at Thames, leading the official student organization for the arts, the Thames Communicators, and leaving a lasting impression on his professors, he set off to broaden his horizons in Singapore. 

    “I saw the opportunity for me to study abroad as a way of expanding myself and separating my experience from everyone else. This would help me stand out from everyone else when I would eventually graduate,” he said. Without a doubt, his time overseas contributed to the success that he takes part in today.

     As a Communications student, Lui started out as a photographer capturing moments and people in full force. At events and gatherings, you could almost always find him behind the lenses of his camera, snapping away at anything that caught his eye. His work is distinguished by its attention to detail and the personal touch that Lui leaves on the photos he takes. At Thames, he was able to expand his skills as a creative beyond photography, with the help of his professors who were industry professionals and masters of their craft. 

    “Thames continually pushed me to go outside my comfort zone when it came to my skills. As a communications student, I had to develop the skills outside of just being a photographer. This meant knowing what the process was in a production and being able to be competent in each step,” he says.

    In Singapore he made strides in his skills, and was able to showcase his talent in various school projects, one of which was a production he put together. 

    “Having my first production abroad was memorable for me. It humbled me mostly because it helped me realize what I was strong in terms of production. Part of the experience also meant talking to a non English speaking person, which helped me understand the need to have a rounded team. It made me realize that I would always have room for improvement, and that opening myself up to lessons from others would help me in terms of evolving my skill,” he shared. Lui went on to note that his experience studying abroad helped broaden his understanding and work ethic. Through his studies and projects, he learned how important it is to maintain good relationships with everyone. 

    Despite the success that came from his experience in Singapore, he believes he owes a lot of his accomplishments to Thames International. 

    “Thames helped me shape my mindset towards bettering myself. Being exposed to the programs and lecturers helped me be more confident in myself and my abilities,” mentioned Lui.

     When asked what advice he would give to students who are thinking of following in his footsteps and applying for the Thames Foreign Degree program, he shared, “Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. It’s only through pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones that we begin to truly grow as students. That leap is what could make you stand out from everyone and achieve at the same time.”

    Lui continues to be an inspiration to the Thames Community, both alumni and current students, for his courage to take the leap to Singapore and his success after finishing his college education in 2018. He is proof that with the right mindset and proper guidance- such as the Thames Foreign Degree program – anything is possible. 

     

     If you are interested in elevating your education and broadening your horizons, visit https://thames.edu.ph/twinning-program/ to learn more about our partner schools and how we can help you make your dreams of studying in Singapore, Australia, or the UK a reality. 

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    The UnBEEReivable Journey: An Interview with James Gatlabayan

    Thames Admin December 14, 2020 Community 0

    The UnBEEReivable Journey: An Interview with James Gatlabayan

    by: Ivan Andrew Combalicer, Thames Undergraduate Student

    “The real world pushes you hard. But having business strategies and theories at your disposal gives higher chances of success.” — James Gatlabayan, CEO of Santiago Brewery and Malthouse 

    Before becoming the man behind the success of Santiago Brewery and Malthouse, James Gatlabayan was a student at Thames International Business School (then known as Entrepreneurs School of Asia) and received the Novus Ordus award, the highest award given by the institution. It is awarded to a graduate who best exemplifies the school’s vision for its students, and he was chosen for his remarkable achievements during his time in Thames International.  

    Despite being already an alumnus, he hasn’t forgotten his alma mater. He remains actively involved in helping with various student initiatives and activities. Here, he shares his experiences about how he became the person he is today.

    How was your journey at Thames International as a student?

    I took up BS Entrepreneurship when I transferred to Thames International in  2004. Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood, having various small businesses since high school.  

    As I approached my venture series of subjects, I entered into Charcoal Briquetting under the mentorship of Dean Pax Lapid. Unfortunately in 2009, Typhoon Ondoy destroyed my equipment and factory as I was just about to start operation. I had a hard time recovering from it and eventually stopped schooling temporarily in 2010.

    Already in business and having enough work experience, I decided to go back to Thames in 2017 and resume what I left. I mainly went back as a promise to my mother. I was the only child left that had not graduated, and my mother refused to put my siblings’ graduation plaques without me.  

    Under the mentorship of Mr. Oscar Halaguena, I presented and submitted my  business plan for Santiago Brewery & Malthouse, my venture into the Craft  Beer Brewing Industry after years of homebrewing beer. There I received valuable insights and strategies regarding my business which greatly helped me pursue my business. 

    Then finally in 2019, I was able to graduate with the honor of being the Novus Ordus awardee.

    How would you describe Thames International as an educational institution?

    Thames is a school full of street-smart and collaborative individuals who mainly learn by doing. I was part of a generation of students who worked together in business, supporting each other’s ventures. The mentorship and strategies I  learned in major venture subjects proved useful in its application in real-world business.

    Thames also provides holistic learning. I learned that in the real world of entrepreneurship, academic excellence falls second to practical skills like public speaking, collaboration,  technical ability, leadership, charisma, and street smarts– characteristics and skills that I developed during my time in Thames.

    What are the unforgettable memories you have during your time at  Thames International? 

    I loved the camaraderie molded in events like Dragon Camp and EO. I also was able to apply my streetsmarts in events like EO where I was able to turn two packs of 50-peso Candy bags, into more than PHP 1,000 of sales. 

    What were the major lessons you learned in Thames International that  you are still applying today?  

    Thames has been pivotal in helping me get the academic tools needed in operating my business. The real world pushes you hard. But having business strategies and theories at your disposal gives higher chances of success. 

    The business plan format that I used in Thames is still the format I use whenever I start or do a feasibility study of a new Venture. 

    Let’s talk business! How did your business start? What pushed or inspired you to pursue it?  

    Santiago Brewery & Malthouse started as a hobby. I am a DIY person by nature and the idea of brewing your own beer sparked interest in me.  

    In 2014, I started home brewing by producing my first batch of malt in my bathtub, a process where I converted barley into malt. To test the malts, I then built my own DIY brewing equipment using parts sourced from hardware and kitchen stores. Luckily, my first beer tasted great and exceeded expectations. I slowly started joining private bazaars and fairs. Then in 2017, I became a beneficiary of the DOST setup program where they gave me a 0% interest loan of PHP 3 million which enabled me to purchase and upgrade to professional scale brewery equipment.  My father, a retired engineer, helped me lower my installation costs by installing the equipment for me.

    How does your business cope with the pandemic? 

    The start of the Covid-19 Pandemic was very hard for the Craft Beer industry in general because of the imposed liquor ban and ban on public gatherings. A  number of breweries and taprooms closed. We were able to survive with the support of the local expat community in our area which became our loyal patrons. 

    Having a low operating overhead also enabled us to keep our costs down and still support our workers. Using unsold beer, we delved into distilling it into rubbing alcohol during the shortage early on the Enhanced Community Quarantine period.  We supported our distributors by holding and not depositing their post dated  cheque payments. This gesture led to a hugely positive development where one of my distributors helped me open a taproom in Tagaytay to showcase our event packages and products, thus increasing and normalizing sales and product movement in the area. I also opened production to contract brewing where we recently landed a contract for 50,000 bottles for a custom beer. 

    Times have been rough, but being flexible and persistent has the power to get you through any obstacle. 

    As a Novus Ordus Awardee, what is your advice to the current students of Thames International or to those people planning to have a business in the future?

    First is PERSISTENCE. Challenges are to be expected when you own a business. It is not a question of “If”, but a question of “When”. Passion will only get you so far. The key to moving forward is Persistence.  

    With every challenge, there is a solution. Challenges will always keep coming, so should you. Be ready for it. Be flexible. Educate yourself. Plan ahead and pivot if needed. Persist and Thrive.

    Next is OPPORTUNITY, Do not start a business simply because you have a passion for it. What an entrepreneur should be looking for is an opportunity. It is easy to lose passion if the business does not have an opportunity to work with. 

    Beer brewing was only one out of many hobbies that I enjoyed. In this regard, I was fortunate to find a business that I am deeply passionate about. But I only pursued it because I found an opportunity where I became one of the pioneers in the small, but growing industry of Craft Beer Brewing in the Philippines. The only brewery that makes and uses our own malts in Southeast Asia. A pioneer of craft beer mobile bars in the events industry. I saw an opportunity, and I grabbed it. 

    Third, THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. When looking for an opportunity, critical thinking is needed to find holes in the industry that you can fill. An industry full of competition may look stiff to get into, but maybe there is a forgotten market that is not currently served yet.

    Fourth is COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE & BUSINESS FIT. Aside from finding an opportunity, assess yourself and your resources if you have the right fit to grab an opportunity.  Yes, there might be a huge opportunity in the production of face masks,  but you need to assess if you have the knowledge, right background, the right contacts, and distribution channel that will give you a competitive edge over existing manufacturers. 

    Lastly, START SMALL, DREAM BIG. Having big capital can be a disadvantage sometimes. It can prevent you from thinking creatively and experience the grassroots of the business. If you start small and learn everything there is to know from scratch, it becomes easier to be flexible and adjust when problems occur. Homebrewing techniques have saved us plenty of times when my professional equipment broke down.

    James has been featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer! Read more about him at https://business.inquirer.net/256187/p2fb-beermaker-from-antipolo-turns-hobby-into-business or visit Santiago Brewery and Malthouse. 

    Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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    Safety First!

    Thames Admin November 13, 2020 News 0

    Safety First!

    by: Carlo Rivera, Communication Program Chair

    Last November 9, 2020, Thames International held the first part of a webinar on Sustainable Safe Operations. The webinar, attended by participants from fields ranging from Food and Beverage to Supply Chain to Manufacturing, was intended to familiarize local business leaders with Singaporean best practices for safely running a business during a pandemic.

    Business leaders had considerable incentive to implement these best practices; it is rapidly becoming clear that even after lockdowns are lifted, customers are being very cautious about patronizing businesses again – a death sentence for a company if it goes on too long. Customers in 2020 are driven by fear; a full two thirds of consumers plan to avoid public places even after the lockdowns are over. In support of DTI’s objective to help bring back consumer confidence, Thames, in partnership with Accelebator, a Singaporean consultancy firm, held this webinar in support of the institutionalization of Safe Management Practices.

    After an introduction from Thames professor Adolf Aran, guest speaker Desmond Lee of Singapore gave a comprehensive briefing on Covid-19, the requirements of safe management measures for the tourism industry, the roles and responsibilities of a Safety Management Officer, the implementation of Safe Management Measures, and record keeping thereof. Thames and Accelabator have concluded that the public needs information, trust, evidence, and future proofing before consumer confidence returns. After a call to care for employees and care for workspaces, Lee took questions from the audience, allowing for more adaptation of his tools to the Philippine context.

    Part two of the webinar, held the day after, was split into two clusters, one for F&B, Retail, Accommodation, Hospitality, and Travel, and another one for Construction, Real Estate, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing. In the former, Adolf Aran shared Singaporean best practices, demonstrating how every restaurant was taking measures to be demonstrably safe for the public, and then shared DTI’s guidelines and case studies on local businesses. In the second cluster, Jun Fuentebella spearheaded a workshop on developing organizational safety plans, each tailored to the participants’ organizations.

    With over 50 million Covid deaths worldwide, over 7,000 of which are in the Philippines, the goal is to inspire confidence in both business leaders and consumers that the pandemic can be beaten without jeopardizing the economy that holds everyone up.

    Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.