In pursuing the Philippine Embassy’s economic diplomacy priorities by continuing to explore business linkages and establishing networking with the private sector, Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez welcomed to “Ang Bahay” (Ambassador’s residence) executives from New Image International, Staffhouse International Resources and Horizons New Zealand Immigration Consulting on 1 October 2013. Mr. Raymund Padilla and Ms. Liz Gianoutsos of New Image International, Mr. Dan de Guzman, Mr. Marc Capistrano, Mr. Manny Gomez, and Ms. Jennifer Capistrano of Staffhouse International Resources, and Mr. Rowel Mercado and Ms. Aileen Aprecio of Horizons New Zealand were also met by the spouse of the Ambassador, Engr. Pio J. Benavidez, Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach.

According to Business Development Manager (New Zealand and Australia) Mr. Padilla, New Image International is one of the pioneers of health products and direct selling in the Asia Pacific region. Its Founding Chairman, Graeme Clegg, has pioneered the health-giving benefits of colostrum, the linchpin ingredient for many of its products, for more than 26 years. Based in New Zealand, New Image reaches its customers through a rapidly growing group of independent representatives in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, India and Thailand. With so much enthusiasm, Ms. Gianoutsos also shared with Ambassador Benavidez her experience characterized by her joy in helping people discover positive health in their products.

Staffhouse International Resources and Horizons New Zealand Immigration Consulting executives discussed with Ambassador Benavidez their game-changing work in international recruitment, gaining the trust of both workforce candidates and some of the world's biggest companies. They boast of their strict adherence to industry best practices, such as the "no-fee charging policy" where no placement, processing fees or salary deductions are charged to all of its recruits - regardless of job posting or destination.

Ambassador Benavidez thanked her guests for the innovation, dynamism and dedication that they put in their work and reiterated the mutual benefits from the networking and synergy between their companies’ representatives in the Philippines and New Zealand.

Inspired and determined to do their part in highlighting business opportunities and collaborating further with the Philippine Embassy in promoting economic cooperation in New Zealand, the guests expressed gratitude to Ambassador Benavidez for the warm hospitality as they enjoyed a special Filipino lunch prepared for them.