A corporate milestone and celebration of community
“Fate chooses our relatives; we choose our friends.” —Jacques DeLille
We did it! Wilcon Depot, the country’s premier home improvement and construction supplies retailer, reached a historic milestone with the grand opening of its 100th store in Lubao, Pampanga, on Dec. 13. Achieving this landmark a full year ahead of its 2025 target, Wilcon has proven its steady commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering high-quality solutions to Filipino households and businesses.
As part of the Wilcon Depot family as their brand ambassador, I have seen the expansive growth of this store through the years. Its #FlyingHighTo100 campaign enforces Wilcon’s bold vision and relentless drive to bring world-class products and services to even more Filipinos.
The journey from launching its first store to now opening the 100th has been nothing short of incredible. Wilcon’s story began in 1977 with its first modest store on Quezon Avenue, Manila. Soon after, Wilcon’s evolution started, leading to a 100-strong network of stores.
Over the years, Wilcon has established itself as a trusted partner for homeowners, builders, and professionals. The brand’s vast portfolio of products, ranging from top grade home improvement needs to premium quality construction materials, caters to the diverse tastes and needs of its customers.
The opening of Wilcon’s 100th store in Lubao is a corporate milestone and a celebration of community impact. It continues the legacy of Wilcon in providing Filipinos with world-class offerings.
Among the guests of honor were former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda and the Wilcon Depot family, led by SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong.
While reaching its 100th store is a remarkable accomplishment, Wilcon is far from resting on its laurels. The company is now setting its sights on accelerating the growth of its smaller store formats, making its offerings even more accessible to underserved areas. This strategy reflects Wilcon’s agility in adapting to changing market demands while maintaining its dedication to quality and innovation.
Visit Wilcon Depot Lubao, located at Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Lubao, Pampanga. Valued customers can also shop online at Wilcon by visiting shop.wilcon.com.ph.
Last leg of bazaar
The day before the Wilcon Depot milestone, I cut the ribbon at the opening of the last leg of the Noel Bazaar. The much-awaited Noel Bazaar Swings South 2024 is happening at the Filinvest Tent Alabang until today only.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by esteemed guests, partners, and supporters of the annual event. Other than myself, there was Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, GMA Kapuso ambassador Shuvee Etrata, GMA Kapuso Foundation executive vice president and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog, and Cut Unlimited Inc. president and CEO and founder of the Noel Bazaar Series Mayose Gozon-Bautista. Also present were main sponsors LBC Express, GCash, and Festival Supermall.
This year’s event is filled with holiday cheer, featuring a wide selection of amazing gift options, delicious treats, and live acoustic entertainment at the outdoor market, making it the perfect place for families, friends, and even furry companions to shop, dine, and enjoy.
Thanksgiving and birthdays
Before I finished my Christmas money at the bazaar, I also went shopping at the shop of Genteel Home in Podium. Their furniture pieces are unique and functional at the same time.
Because of their collaborations with Filipino artisans and key talents, Genteel Home’s furniture pieces enrich the spaces of homes and offices.
At the gratitude lunch hosted by its principal designer and founder Katrina de Leon, the company made a commitment to give back to the environment that inspires and provides for their work. Genteel Home pledged 3 percent of project revenue to support the reforestation efforts of the Haribon Foundation. Erika Bergara, head of strategic partnerships of Haribon Foundation, was present to receive the pledge. The donation is a conservation initiative.
In 2025, Genteel Home will spearhead training workshops for aspiring artisans. De Leon believes it’s important to keep Filipino furniture artistry alive, and this includes developing homegrown talent. She aims to provide livelihood opportunities, plus preserve Filipino craftsmanship.
“Genteel Home has always been about celebrating the craftsmanship, passion, and creativity that go into every piece we create,” De Leon said. “Today, we honor the artisans whose hands transform ideas into tangible works of art, the talented team that breathes life into our vision, and the media and creatives who amplify our story to the world.”
Aside from all the Christmas parties, there have been so many friends who celebrate their birthdays on December. Three of them—Philippine Tatler editor Anton San Diego, Patty Chilip, and Lingling King—have jointly celebrated for the last nine years a thanksgiving birthday party at Manila Hotel. This is also to celebrate a second chance at life, since the helicopter accident that sadly took the life of Lingling’s husband, Archie King. We all have much to be grateful for!
Other birthday friends include Leah Caringal, Salome Uy, Ricco Ocampo, and Dong Ronquillo. Happy birthday also to my fitness buddy, cousin Jon-jon Rufino. This Christmas is extra special because it will also be the 40th day of my late father, Alex “Poplex” Prieto. Let’s all embrace life with love, respect, and gratitude every single day!
