Cover Marga Nograles and Christina Garcia Frasco
Marga Nograles and Christina Garcia Frasco
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The marketing promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) picks style icon and cultural advocate Marga Nograles as its chief operating officer
Appointed member of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines' roster of esteemed directors Marga Nograles assumes the role of chief operating officer starting October 4.
Nograles has been a board member since September 15 and is a well-known fashion entrepreneur who champions local weaving traditions. Nograles is the owner and proprietor of Kaayo Modern Mindanao, a clothing and accessories brand showcasing a curated collection of traditional weaves created by artisan women in Mindanao.
"I am deeply humbled, honoured, and blessed to have been appointed as chief operating officer of the TPB Philippines," says Nograles in a statement. "I can only bow in profound gratitude and pray to God for guidance, wisdom, fair judgment, and inspiration to be able to discharge my duties in accordance with God's will and the tourism agenda of our country," she adds.
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By tapping into her love for culture and fashion, Nograles realised that her career could also be a platform for her to pursue her advocacy, which is to provide a sustainable livelihood for women and artisans that could increase awareness and appreciation of our world-class weaving industry.
"Kaayo Modern Mindanao has been my baby, my passion project, my heart, and my soul. It was not easy to make this decision but now given the opportunity to bring more of the Philippines to the world, it is with a humble and grateful heart that I step down as Creative Director of Kaayo and take on my new role—for the country," she says.
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Nograles shares that as COO of TPB Philippines, she will be committing herself "to forging meaningful partnerships, embracing responsible and sustainable tourism programmes, and supporting stakeholders", in accordance with the seven-point agenda of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, a multidimensional tourism approach that aims to energise livelihood and cultural sectors, among others.
"My fervent hope is to meet the expectations entrusted to me by DOT Secretary Frasco, whom I shall support and work with diligently," says Nograles. "May I be relevant as I learn from my mentors and may my heart and mind be focused on how promotions can best benefit our communities and the only country we call home!"
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For a start, Nograles will lead TPB Philippines in implementing strategic domestic and international marketing and promotional efforts to revitalise the Philippine tourism industry as a sustainable, dynamic, and world-class destination for tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and investments.
Born in Davao City, Nograles spent her school years at the Ateneo de Davao University and graduated with a degree in AB Interdisciplinary Studies, with a major in management and communications from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Since then, Marga has been involved in fashion and retail, with her being awarded the exclusive sub-distributorship of Havaianas in Southeast Mindanao in 2005 paving the way for her entrepreneurial journey. In 2000, she worked on special projects with the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York, such as the “Balik Davao” campaign which featured a fashion show that highlighted Mindanao designers.
She is married to Atty Karlo Alexei Nograles, the current chairperson of the Civil Service Commission. Together they have three children: Karlos Mateo, Kristian Massimo, and Katarina Mikaelle.
Nograles succeeds Atty Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones who is now the undersecretary for finance and internal affairs at the Department of Migrant Workers.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
