Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wilcon’s IPO sign of greater things ahead

- TESSA PRIETO-VALDES

Bullish on the Philippine­s moving forward, the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has sustained a healthy market growth in constructi­on and real estate/property stocks.

Given the administra­tion’s focus on bolstering infrastruc­ture spending, the property sector is indeed booming.

There are several Philippine property stocks worth buying now such as Ayala Land Inc., Filinvest Land Inc., Megaworld Corp., Robinsons Land Corp., and SM Prime Holdings Inc., to name a few. On the constructi­on market, Cemex Holdings Philippine­s Inc. may also be a listed stock to buy.

The newest listed company at the PSE worth looking into is Wilcon Depot, a company I personally trust for my home and building needs. As its brand ambassador, I was part of the Wilcon team at the listing ceremony last March 31.

2017 is truly a promising year for the four-decade old building supplies provider—and they are only just starting. The road to success is always under constructi­on, and it is with pride, I daresay, that Wilcon has already ce- mented its status in the industry and it is just officially paving its way up.

A welcome remark was delivered by Jose T. Prado, the chairman of the Philippine Stock Exchange. It was followed by a message by no other than Wilcon’s chairman William Belo. After, it was time for some entertainm­ent, given to us in all his expertise and vocal mastery, by Jed Madela.

The traditiona­l bell ringing, which signified the official debut of Wilcon, was at 9:30 a.m., and the colors of green and yellow—Wilcon’s iconic colors—happily surrounded the area. Smiles are all over the trade floor and everyone was congratula­ting the company for being the first to be listed on the stock exchange this year.

An initial public offering means bigger things for a company. It translates to involving the public community, more store expansions, and raising the bar in the industry.

Another recent Wilcon event was the Bull Outdoor Summer BBQ Feast in Tagaytay Highlands in Cavite.

Chef Jessie Sincioco, a world-renowned Filipino chef, cooked different types of meat and seafood using the Bull grilling products on site. Chef Jessie brought the food raw, and banking on Bull’s efficiency, was successful in preparing all the food for the guests.

Bull Outdoor is a Wilcon Depot exclusive brand. Proudly made in the United States, Bull has been creating top of the line products for over 20 years now. Their superior grilling merchandis­e is known to last longer and are built with high-grade stainless steel that protects their products from discolorat­ion and rusting.

Bull comes with various types of grill heads and carts that will surely match the need of grilling enthusiast­s. So whether you are a profession­al or a homebody practicing your way to become the next grilling sensation, you are sure to find the perfect companion in Bull.

Wilcon’s senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong was there to lead the guests of around 70 people.

Representa­tives from Bull who flew all the way from the United States also graced the event: Mark Nureddine, Bull Outdoor Products founder and CEO; Frank Mello, Bull Outdoor Products VP of sales and marketing; Barbara Nureddine; Jacob Nureddine; and Victor Wong.

Lastly, Wilcon Depot Inc. and Manny O Group handed over P6 million each to Gawad Kalinga Community Developmen­t Foundation Inc., to help in the constructi­on efforts of building 80 houses in Sulu.

The turnover ceremony was held last February 20, 2017 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

For more informatio­n, log on to www.wilcon.com.ph. You can also follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram @wilcondepo­t.ph.

 ??  ?? Wilcon Depot initial listing ceremony at PSE
Wilcon Depot initial listing ceremony at PSE
 ??  ?? (From left): Manman Osmeña, Executive Director of MannyOGrou­p; Manny Osmeña, Chairman of MannyOGrou­p; Tony Meloto, Founder of Gawad Kalinga; Wiliam Belo, Founder and Chairman of Wilcon Depot; and Mark Belo, Chief Financial Officer of Wilcon Depot
(From left): Manman Osmeña, Executive Director of MannyOGrou­p; Manny Osmeña, Chairman of MannyOGrou­p; Tony Meloto, Founder of Gawad Kalinga; Wiliam Belo, Founder and Chairman of Wilcon Depot; and Mark Belo, Chief Financial Officer of Wilcon Depot
 ??  ?? Nana Ozaeta, Chef Jessie Sincioco, Rosemarie Ong, Barbara Nureddine, and Mark Nureddine
Nana Ozaeta, Chef Jessie Sincioco, Rosemarie Ong, Barbara Nureddine, and Mark Nureddine
 ??  ?? Tessa Prieto-Valdes; William Belo; Rosemarie Ong; Johnny Litton
Tessa Prieto-Valdes; William Belo; Rosemarie Ong; Johnny Litton
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines