URC-Thailand cited as among the best companies to work for in Asia

 Matthew Dy, HR Director of URC (Thailand) Co., Ltd. receives the award from Virote Sirichanthanont, VP of Government and International Relations of the Personnel Management Association of Thailand (PMAT).

Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) subsidiary in Thailand has been named as among the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia”, for a work culture that values its employees as key resources.

The award was given by HR Asia, regarded as an authoritative regional publisher on human resources.

URC (Thailand) Co. Ltd. was among 38 companies to be recognized out of a field of 138 firms.

The companies were selected through a survey that measured different aspects of employee engagement.  These covered culture and ethics, leadership and organization, active initiatives, emotional engagement, employee intention and motivation, behavior and advocacy, collective consciousness, workplace sentiment and team dynamics.

PayMaya teams up with Amazon.com in major milestone for Philippine customers

 

Looking to shop online for awesome deals on Black Friday this November? Well, look no further—use your PayMaya to enjoy discounts at Amazon.com during this much-awaited annual shopping event.  

When you shop on Amazon.com using your PayMaya virtual or physical card from 4:00 PM on November 27 to 3:59 PM on December 1, 2020, you can get a 15% discount of up to USD$25 on top of the amazing deals you can find on the site! All you have to do is enter your shipping address in the Philippines and use the discount code PYMY15 upon checkout for a minimum purchase of USD$50 (before taxes, shipping and fees). 

PayMaya is the first Philippine eWallet to collaborate with Amazon.com, offering an even more rewarding experience to Filipino customers.  

Bayad Center expands footprint and announces LRMC partnership

Understanding Filipinos’ diverse and evolving financial needs, CIS Bayad Center, Inc., the country’s biggest and widest multi-channel payment platform, is bent on strengthening its brick-and-mortar business alongside its efforts to expand its digital footprint.

About 64% of the 10 million monthly transactions come from over-the-counter payments as physical touchpoints have reached 40,000 as of third quarter of 2020. During this period, 26 new branches were opened while 10 digital & authorized partners and 13 new billers were activated as well. 

Bayad Center’s biller and partner acquisition efforts play a critical role in continuously expanding its onsite to online platform (O20), giving Filipinos wider payment options and greater accessibility to relevant financial services.  

Manila Gets a Boost with LG’s Digital Displays

To assist the City of Manila in relaying important information to its constituents while in City Hall, LG Philippines recently made a generous donation of two digital signage displays. Worth over PhP 800,000 the two 75UH5E-B displays will be used in Manila City Hall to present important announcements, infographics, and local broadcasts geared towards its citizens and visitors.  

LG and the City of Manila has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship, with the South Korean technology company continuously supporting the local government’s various social awareness initiatives. Talking about the partnership between LG and the City of Manila, LGEPH Managing Director Inkwun Heo says “Helping others is at the core of what we do in LG. We support Mayor Isko Moreno’s charitable initiatives. We hope that we can continue to work together in making great strides toward progress.”

Redefining condo living in the new normal set-up

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented impact on everyone’s lives. And most young professionals seeking for a safer, more convenient life would naturally gravitate towards self-sustaining living spaces that would allow them to easily navigate the new normal and beyond. This includes convenience of location with their workplace and life’s essentials close by. Ticking off all these is the Filinvest Group’s newest project, Studio N Tower in Filinvest City, Alabang.

Studio N is nestled inside Filinvest City’s Northgate Cyberzone, one of the most sought-after home bases for office spaces—80 percent are from the business processing outsourcing (BPO) industry—in the Metro South. Currently, Northgate Cyberzone houses approximately 55,000 employees. Upon completion of projects like Axis Towers 3 and 4, further increase in the workforce is expected. As such, this helps developments continue to appreciate in value.

Brother Philippines continues digital push with Viber Shop @ Home

 

With Filipinos looking for more and more ways to do their shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic through non-traditional ways and channels, brands have been taking their wares to cyberspace to make it safer and more convenient for everyone. 

In light of this, Brother Philippines continues to modernize their operations further with the launch of Viber Shop @ Home, a digital storefront and public community on the popular mobile and online messaging app.

In the Viber Shop @ Home group, customers can chat with Community Assistants to inquire about the Brother products they need. These Community Assistants can, in turn, connect customers to authorized online Brother dealers.

Support Lysol’s Disinfect to Protect mission

Lysol encourages consumers to purchase Christmas bundle packs

Following the forging of a strategic partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) early this year, which is aimed at bolstering its Disinfect to Protect mission, Lysol reaffirms its commitment to PRC as it continues to protect vulnerable communities by breaking down the chain of infections and ensuring everybody is protected from COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Towards this end, Lysol is encouraging consumers and the public to support PRC. Firstly, by donating to the COVID-19 Samaritan’s Fund, which makes available COVID-19 testing to the most susceptible and vulnerable groups. Secondly, by adopting Pula, PRC’s adorable bear, which can be owned in a special Christmas bundle pack consisting of 2 units of 340g Lysol Disinfectant Spray. 

For every purchase of this special holiday-themed pack available in supermarkets nationwide, Lysol hopes to create further awareness on the efforts undertaken by PRC. Moreover, the special holiday-themed pack makes for an excellent gift for friends and family, reminding them to always practice good hygiene to Disinfect to Protect.

LG Goes Live to Showcase Refs for Everybody

Following the success of their previous livestream events, LG Philippines will hold another exclusive online gathering for its fans. As the holidays are slowly coming up, the need for appliances that can keep up with the rigors of the season is crucial. Knowing Filipinos, even with socially distant celebrations, there will be plenty of food going in and out of refrigerators. With this in mind, LG conceptualized an event to highlight their different refrigerators and how each particular model is perfect for certain individuals.

Doing the hosting duties is socialite and prolific event host Tim Yap, who knows a thing or two about throwing parties. Together with LG’s Project Manager for Refs, Jillian Yap, the pair will go over the different refrigerators LG has available, and how it pairs well with a specific niche. 

Give and receive this Christmas with PayMayaguinaldo

This Christmas, PayMaya is offering Filipinos more rewards as it launches its "PayMayaguinaldo" campaign, where users have a chance to win as much as 1 million pesos in the Grand raffle draw and an opportunity to help micro entrepreneurs around the country. Users also have a chance to win up to P285,000 worth of prizes to be given away in the weekly raffle draws from today until January 10, 2021.

By going cashless, you can easily earn a raffle entry every time you #ScanToPay via PayMaya QR at any of their partner merchants, use your PayMaya-registered mobile number when you buy items online, or purchase prepaid load and other treats at the PayMaya in-app shop with a minimum of P100 purchase.

Every time you pay with PayMaya, you not only earn a raffle entry to win cash prizes, you also get a chance to help fellow Filipinos. With each purchase, you are also giving a PayMayaguinaldo to help micro entrepreneurs in underprivileged communities as PayMaya will also be donating a P1 million Grand Aguinaldo to Gawad Kalinga to help establish more resilient communities via micro-entrepreneurship around the country. 

UNIQLO to Bring its World-Famous Retail Experience and LifeWear to More Filipinos, with Store Openings in Butuan, Zamboanga and Manila

 

Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, announces the opening of three new stores, adding over 2,915 sqm of shopping space in Paranaque, Zamboanga and Butuan and on Nov. 27th UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk Roadside store.

With an increasing demand for essential clothing, UNIQLO continues to deliver its high-quality LifeWear clothing, and outstanding customer service. Through a series of new store openings, the brand brings its world-class retail shopping experience to even more people across the Philippines. 

“With our latest store openings, we hope to make our unique LifeWear items available to more Filipinos, and to help them with their everyday clothing needs,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, COO, UNIQLO Philippines. “We want our new stores to be accessible to locals, to bring greater shopping convenience and to enable new customers to experience UNIQLO and LifeWear for the first time.”

Sitel Chief People Officer shares Importance of Remaining Employable in Changing Times

 In photo: (Top row L-R) Louisa Mila Echevarria, President, PMAP; Haidee Enriquez, Chief People Officer, Sitel Ph-ANZ; Michelle Guce, 2018 Vice President, PMAP (bottom row L-R) Grace Sorsogon, SVP and Managing Director, John Clements Consultants, Inc.; Ellen Fullido, Board Secretary, PMAP; Renato L. Serapio, HRM Consultant and Executive Coach

Haidee Cabanag Enriquez, Chief People Officer of Sitel PHANZ and President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) - Palawan Chapter, joined HR experts and professionals for the first virtual PMAP Job Outsourcing and HR Upskilling Summit 2020. The summit brought together experts to share how people management practices have adjusted and adapted during these challenging times and how employees can remain employable amidst uncertainties and disruptions brought about by the global pandemic.

Haidee opened the session by highlighting the continuing growth and employment prospects in the IT-BPM sector, citing a report by a leading online job board showing that more than 40% of the job openings available in the Philippines were in the IT-BPM sector. She further shared about the industry’s shift from traditional jobs involving simple, entry-level, process-driven tasks to mid and high-skilled jobs requiring experience, abstract thinking, situational responses and autonomy.

5 money-growing strategies that have worked since The Great Depression

Financial journalist Salve Duplito

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected economies around the world, causing many people to be wary of investments or engaging in any financial commitment. However, this isn’t the first time this has happened. The world has dealt with several recessions in the past, such as The Great Depression, but people keep finding ways and solutions to bounce back. Even amid a crisis, it’s best to think of your long-term plans or goals, which will, in turn, enable you to invest intelligently.

Financial journalist Salve Duplito shared five time-tested ways on how to grow one’s money during the webinar, “The Right Investment Game Plan," presented by AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies.

Buy investments with constant budget and schedule. This approach involves a pay-yourself-first strategy by doing peso cost-averaging. Duplito explained that this simply means to set aside a certain budget every month and invest it before you pay your electricity and water bills, groceries, and monthly dues. This way, you’re investing in your future first, and whatever remains of your money can be spent on yourself because you have already done the more responsible things. She added that this strategy would be more effective if it’s done automatically every month so that you don't have to force yourself to invest.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort commemorates the 15th anniversary milestone with the unveiling of Castle of Magical Dreams

A historic new era for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has begun with the celebration of the 15th anniversary launch of the Castle of Magical Dreams and “A Disney Christmas.”.

Highly anticipated 15th Anniversary Celebration & Castle of Magical Dreams 

When passing through the magical gates of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, guests were immediately drawn to the beautiful 15th anniversary decoration and the melody of the official 15th anniversary song, “Love the Memory.” The energetic beat filled the entire Castle Forecourt, which served as the stage for a special celebration moment hosted by Stephanie Young, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, who announced the official launch of the 15th anniversary celebration and the unveiling of the Castle of Magical Dreams.

“Looking at how beautiful this new castle is, there is no better way to celebrate this proud milestone. Over the past 15 years, we have helped create countless memories, granted numerous wishes and shared smiles together with our Guests and Cast Members,” Young said.

Capture Every Style this Christmas as realme launches new realme 7i variant

It truly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas as realme Philippines broadens its long list of holiday surprises for its customers. In a bid to have more Filipinos Capture Every Style this Christmas, the Philippines’ top smartphone brand is launching the more affordable realme 7i variant of 4GB RAM + 128GB storage which retails for just PHP 9,990. Customers may avail of the new realme 7i variant in all authorized realme stores and kiosks nationwide with an additional phone stand freebie as a bonus treat.

The realme 7i, which was launched in the country on October 22, is designed to be the companion of every Filipino trendsetter and go-getter. The beloved lower midranger sports a new stylish mirror design inspired by nature, a quad-camera set-up headlined by a 64MP sensor, a large display with a 90Hz refresh rate, and a large-capacity battery of 5,000mAh with 18W Fast Charge technology.

Klook launches ‘Pilipinas, You’re Worth the Wait’ campaign to make domestic travels easier for Filipinos

With tourism starting to open up, now may be the right time to start thinking about your next local getaway! Klook is giving Filipinos more ways to re-discover the beauty of their home country with its “Pilipinas, You’re Worth the Wait” campaign. 

You choose from a wide range of local activities that suits your needs as a traveler. Whether it’s booking a leisure staycation right within the city, treating yourself to a spa experience right outside the metro, or going on a weekend adventure in a theme park, Klook has a variety of products to choose from that can let you experience the Philippines however way you want to.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a relaxing break with Klook’s staycation offers! Enjoy up to 50% off on your hotel bookings from the country’s top hotels such as Shangri-La Hotels, Anya Resort Tagaytay, and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and more. The staycation products include bundled offers with food and beverage credits, free messages, tours, and day passes so you can enjoy a complete and hassle-free experience during your stay. 

Hydrate your skin with new Hello Glow Rosewater Soothing Gel

Take your skincare regimen to the next level with this new radiance-boosting secret! Hello Glow, Ever Bilena Cosmetics' new skin care line, is all set to help you achieve that healthy, dewy, and lit-from-within look with the launch of its latest product, Rosewater Soothing Gel.

Hello Glow Rosewater Soothing Gel is made in Korea and is formulated with rosewater to control excess sebum and regulate skin’s pH balance, as well as Aloe Vera extract to boost collagen production and relieves skin irritation. It is also enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to boost skin hydration and retain moisture.

Tagaytay Highlands keeps sustainability rooted in its DNA

As Tagaytay Highlands holds its ground as a safe residential haven in the mountains, it has taken new stock of its impact on the environment, ensuring lockdown-weary affluent folks of its proven viability as an alternative primary home.

In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Tagaytay Highlands places social and environmental considerations at the heart of its products and services, introducing environmentally sound innovations to protect and nurture its communities.

From simple practices such as looking into species of grass that are most compatible with the weather to efficient use of water resources to efforts at inclusiveness such as installation of ramps and special entrances for persons with disabilities, Tagaytay Highlands takes its role as custodian of the estate very seriously.

Defensive driving tips to survive Metro Manila roads

Most commuters know that driving in Metro Manila can be quite a challenge, especially when other drivers sometimes forget road safety rules or lack driving etiquette. So whether you’ve been driving for a while or are just starting to learn, it can be useful to know these defensive driving tactics suggested by AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, to avoid road accidents and survive Manila traffic.

1. Be a defensive driver. Defensive driving means the motorist must be mindful and vigilant about threats on the road to avoid trouble. For example, assume that drivers will run through red lights or stop signs and be prepared to react. Plan movements anticipating the worst-case scenario. 

JobStreet unveils brand evolution, highlights Jobs That Matter

In celebration of its 25th year, leading online job portal JobStreet officially unveils its brand evolution, recalibrating the platform by empowering aspiring job seekers and employers with “jobs that matter.”

Unveiling its first-ever brand evolution, JobStreet highlights its mission to work with passion and purpose and its commitment to connect job seekers and hirers with what matters to them most. More than just directing jobseekers to a position or a hirer, JobStreet serves as a platform that connects people not only to jobs where their skill set is needed but also where they can pursue a meaningful career. 

Since its foundation in 1995, JobStreet has continued to evolve to more than just a talent source platform. JobStreet remains the number 1 talent sourcing partner in Asia and places the greatest number of candidates overall, having 30million candidates and over 570,000 hirers. With an average of 15million visits to their sites every month and over 600,000 job opportunities available at any given time, JobStreet stands as a leader in the industry. JobStreet has also produced data-driven job reports vital during the onset of the pandemic, providing the public and private sectors the latest employment statistics, inspirational support, and industry insights. 

LG Laundry Love - Libreng Laba para sa Marikina

 

As the city of Marikina is still reeling from the aftermath of typhoon Ulysses’ devastation, help has been coming slowly and steadily through various government agencies, private corporations, and individual volunteers. The road to rebuilding lost homes is going to be a long one, and the residents of Marikina need all the help they can get. 

As people slowly try to go back to their homes, one necessity that is often forgotten is the need for clean clothes. As it stands, all of the residents clothes are dirty and muddy because of the floodwaters. LG Philippines, recognizing this need, mobilized a Laundry Love campaign in various places in Marikina so that victims of typhoon Ulysses can have access to clean clothes. LG set up the event in Nangka Elementary School where 392 families and 1,591 individuals were able to do their laundry for free.

Get a chance to win a motorcycle when you #ScanToPay with PayMaya QR at The SM Store!

100 motorcycles are up for grabs until January 2021!

Digital financial services leader PayMaya and The SM Store have teamed up to bring shoppers around the country a special gift this Christmas season as they raffle off 100 motorcycles when customers #ScanToPay via PayMaya QR in-store and and via Call To Deliver for their holiday shopping at The SM Store branches nationwide.

Starting last October 15 until January 15, 2021, you can get a chance to win one of the 100 motorcycles being given away in the raffle. All you have to do is shop at The SM Store, whether in person or via their Call to Deliver service, and #ScanToPay with PayMaya QR. Every single-receipt purchase worth at least P1,500 gets you one entry, and you earn more entries as you continue shopping for your gifts and essentials using PayMaya.

But that's not all--when you #ScanToPay at The SM Store with PayMaya QR, you can also enjoy up to 100% cashback, worth up to P500 per transaction--no minimum spend required!

Here’s your chance to be in the Spotlight

 

Show your beauty and become the next ambassador of Spotlight

Do you have the style and confidence to be in the spotlight? 

Here is your best chance to showcase your best beauty look and be in the limelight: Spotlight, the newest local makeup brand that empowers Filipinas to transform their looks, is searching for its new brand ambassador who will take home P10,000 worth of products, items and cash prize!

Joining is easy! Simply follow Spotlight Cosmetics on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/spotlightcosmetics.ph/), and like their official Facebook page    (https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightCosmeticsPH). 

LG Celebrates World TV Day

 

Building on the success of their recent livestream events, LG Philippines will be hosting an online event, this time to celebrate World TV Day. The wide anticipated international date was conceptualized by the United Nations 24 years ago. It was to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996. TV plays an important role in communication and globalization. That’s why each year, LG makes sure to celebrate TV and its contributions to society.

The event will be hosted by longtime LG brand ambassador James Deakin. Taking the spotlight for LG’s World TV Day celebrations is the South Korean brand’s NanoCell TV. James Deakin and LG product manager for TV Aaron Parcon will be discussing the finer points of NanoCell technology and how its innovations present incredible value for your household.

Ortigas Malls launches an Elite Society for Pets

Sign your fur babies up for Ortigas Malls’ new and exclusive pet club this November 11 and score special perks and privileges!

Just like us humans who belong to various clubs with different memberships and benefits, Ortigas Malls went and thought that our fur babies are part of our families, so why not create a club for them as well? Us furparents go as far as scheduling their appointments, whether it be for grooming, veterinary, and even play dates for them. Wouldn’t it be great to score awesome deals for them as well?

To continue their string of innovations this year, Ortigas Malls is launching the Elite Pet Society on November 11, Wednesday to honor pets and pet parents. By registering on the mobile app, pets will get their own digital IDs and stamp cards that will allow them to avail of special perks and privileges at Ortigas Malls. 

Get Lysol Hand Sanitizer in Shopee’s 11.11 Sale!

Value-conscious Filipino shoppers and lovers of online sales are in for a treat as Lysol makes available its newest product, Lysol Hand Sanitizer, in Shopee’s 11.11 Sale!

These days, with an increased awareness on proper personal hygiene, particularly regular and thorough washing and disinfection of hands, Lysol quickly responded to the demand for community wellbeing by introducing its own Lysol Hand Sanitizer—available in 50ml and 200ml—allowing for on-the-go hand sanitization with proven efficacy. And now, with Shopee’s 11.11 Sale, you can avail an additional daily source of protection – a sanitizer that contains 71% alcohol, kills 99.99% germs and dermatologically tested to be gentle on skin — at up to 30% off!

Take advantage of Midnight Flash Deals, with up to 30% off Storewide from 12am-2am. Meanwhile, enjoy Storewide Discounts up to 20% off and Last Call Flash Deals up to 20% off!

Brother Philippines supports virtual Relay For Life 2020

Despite a global pandemic that has put many events and occasions on hold, Brother International Philippines Corporation (BICP) and Brother Industries Philippines, Inc. pushed through in its annual support for this year’s Relay For Life, a global movement to support and raise funds for cancer patients around the world by walking or running around a track.

Due to the pandemic, this year’s Relay For Life was held virtually on the Philippine Cancer Society’s Facebook page last August 22. 

Discounts up to 40% off are up for grabs in this XTREME Appliances 11.11 Sale Event

XTREME Appliances is thrilled to announce its first-ever participation in the grandest one-day sale event of the year. Enjoy up to 40% discount across its e-commerce platforms this coming 11.11.

XTREME APPLIANCES ON LAZADA

From Smart TV to Electric Kettle, upgrade your home electronics with quality and long-lasting appliances from XTREME at LAZADA. Listed below are the items on sale up to 40% at 11.11 Lazada Biggest One-Day Sale.

The HP Smart Tank 515 All-in-One Wireless Printer: Your best and smartest companion for your home printing needs

 

Contrary to what others may think, today’s “new normal” when it comes to learning and working from home is not just about choosing the right computer or the fastest internet connection.

There is still the need to print since Learning from Home (LFH) or Working from Home (WFH) is not entirely and purely 100% digital or virtual.

For students, there are learning modules that need to be printed, especially when there’s a school activity. For WFH parents and even young professionals who need to discuss reports like spreadsheets or office presentations, it is still relatively easier to read text or data from an actual paper printout compared to reading from a device.

Three reasons why verified genuine LPG is the only way to go

While liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is highly versatile for different applications, it can also be very dangerous. A lot of work goes into making sure genuine LPG products and cylinders are safe because otherwise, it can spell the difference between life and death.

There are many safety regulations that genuine LPG brands need to go through and pass. Strict parameters are set to verify LPG products’ authenticity, cylinder parts and features, weight, quality, and safety as well as the refilling procedures from the refilling process down to the moment of purchase. Of course, during tough times, going the cheaper route is extremely attractive. But are the risks worth it in exchange of a few pesos saved?

Here are three reasons why you’re always better off with the real deal:

Pure air is possible with LG's Air Purifying Air Conditioners

#DualCool #DualSavings #DualConvenience with LG Air Conditioners

Building on the success of their first ever streaming event, LG Philippines held another livestream to introduce two of the brand’s newest air-conditioners. LG hosted the virtual event which was simulcast through Facebook, Youtube, and LazLive. LG Air Solutions Ambassador James Deakin hosted the launch. 

The event, dubbed as #DualCool #DualSavings #DualConvenience, introduced to the local market HS09APC Deluxe Inverter & LA150EC Window Inverter, two powerful air-conditioning units. 

The HS09APC Deluxe Inverter is a perfect addition to your home especially for the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is equipped with an innovative built-in Air Purifier. It purifies the air in 4 stages to eliminate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria with an area coverage of 24sqm. It has a 2-in-1 purification system (air cooling and air filtration) that can filter out small dust, germs and air pollution such as PM1.0.

airasia launches UNLI Flight Pass for travelers to boost domestic economy

In an effort to accelerate economic recovery and in support of the Department of Tourism’s drive to boost tourism in the Philippines, airasia today launches its UNLI Flight Pass, available on airasia.com only until this weekend.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said, “We are very pleased to welcome the return of domestic leisure travel with the launch of our UNLI Flight Pass, an unbeatable deal perfect not only for leisure travelers but for business travelers as well. The launch of our UNLI Flight Pass is a campaign focused on revitalizing the travel and tourism industry, as we prioritize the stimulation of economic activity especially in AirAsia’s domestic destinations.

“I encourage business travelers and those craving a much needed vacation to sign up for an airasia BIG Membership to take advantage of this limited-time offer and to take part in rebuilding local economies in support of the government and other tourism stakeholders.”