I’m truly honoured to have been invited as an adopted son of the City of Balanga. This recognition holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share a bit about myself, my journey, and the contributions I’ve been privileged to make to this vibrant community.For those who may not know me, my name is Ben Carter. I’m originally from Australia but have recently relocated my family to the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. There, I live with my wonderful wife, Peta, and our two sons, William and Charlie. They are my greatest support and constant reminder of what truly matters in life.
I am deeply honored to seek recognition as an adopted son of this wonderful city. My connection to the Philippines began with my grandfather, who served here during World War II and later helped rebuild Manila. Growing up, I heard many stories of his experiences and developed a genuine appreciation for this country.
Those early impressions inspired me to look to the Philippines when I was establishing my business.In 2016, we formally incorporated our company and have grown to a team of 80 dedicated staff. We aim to continue our sustainable growth at around 20% annually, and we are excited about launching new sub-brands that will offer even greater opportunities for expansion. Over the past two years in particular, our growth has been accelerating.
We have forged a unique Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government of Balanga, synchronizing the town’s tax records with our website. This collaboration has required thousands of hours of work and has yielded significant community benefits—our platform now sends approximately 30,000 visitors each year to businesses in Balanga, helping both residents and tourists discover local services.
Additionally, our partnership with the local university provides scholarships and supports various courses, reflecting our commitment to investing in Balanga’s future.
I want to clarify that my motivation in pursuing this recognition is not for personal gain. Rather, I believe it will enhance the credibility of our work at a time when many industries face skepticism and uncertainty. A formalized relationship with the local government can help us stand apart, attracting the trust and support we need to broaden our services and impact.