Loida Nicolas Lewis spills the tea in...

PAGE 14 speech coach and I had to work on my pronunciation for words like this, that, and there,” Loida recalled, adding that she had to practice delivering speeches before the board of directors.

At the gathering, she regaled the guests with anecdotes and stories that helped her to grow and become the person she is today. Like her book, her stories focused on various themes such as leadership, communication, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

The book is both an embodiment and a reflection on Loida’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges, both personal and professional. Her determination to take care of her family and the company despite the difficult circumstances is one for the books. g

The actor pointed out that was only one of several offbeat roles he’d be seen portraying this year. “Nakakasa na sila I’m excited for you to see them. The next one, which I’m still not allowed to reveal, is going to be shown in an international festival next month,” he said. g

7’s Football League to...

PAGE 12 putting together a very special team with influential people from across Asia,” he said.

The tournament in the Philippines, on the other hand, will be a different set-up as participating teams will be representing their respective countries, he said.

“The teams competing in the Philippines are representing the countries itself. The one competing here in the U.S. will be representing all of Asia,” the football icon said.

He said they are planning to tap other Asian countries, not only Southeast Asia like Vietnam and Korea, to join this firstof-its-kind seven-a-side football tournament.

U.S.-based social impact and change-driven entrepreneur Dion Ugbebor, who is a co-owner and partner in 7’s FL, will also be helping in providing a positive platform for the youth to play and champion their love for football, and that love for sports can help them empower their way into the future: healthy, ambitious but joyful, positive risk takers.

The 7’s football tournament in the Philippines will also be supported by Esdiac Calling App, TapGo, Ovation Productions and the City of BGC (Bonifacio Global City).

Esdiac will be providing free calling minutes to all international partners; TapGo will be in-charge of the streaming platform; Ovation Productions will be handling the festivities/concert; and the City of BGC will serve as the host city/venue of the event.

Del Rosario said they have also coordinated with the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) as many foreign visitors will be flying in to the country to participate and/or watch the tournament.

According to del Rosario, these kinds of events may be used by the Philippines and the DOT as a possible avenue to promote the country’s sports tourism.

“We are already in talks with the DOT to be able to support the event and be a partner. They gave us their 100% support in this endeavor. We cannot discount the possibility of this, being the start of promoting the Philippines’ sports tourism industry,” he said.

For the upcoming Philippine competition, del Rosario, who is now based in Los Angeles, is encouraging Fil-Ams who are passionate in the game of football to visit their home country.

He reiterated that if given the right support, the future of the seven-a-side football is bright for all Filipinos wherever they are.

“I want the seven-a-side football to be started in the Philippines. I want it to be the origin country, the place where it took place. Later on, in the history books, seven-aside football, once it becomes a sport, I want the Philippines to be on that article,” he stressed. g