Sam, the country’s first-ever in-mall smart robot at SM Megamall
As part of a series of innovations designed to improve customer malling experience, SM Supermalls raises the bar in customer service with the introduction of SAM, the country’s first-ever in-mall smart robot – launched at SM Megamall.
“Throughout the years, innovation has always been at the core of SM’s growth in delivering better malling experiences. This year, one of our key strategies is to leverage on the latest and most advanced technologies,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO.
Created in partnership with the Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines), a leading provider of electronic and original design manufacturing services, SAM is an artificial intelligent (AI) humanoid robot specially programmed to deliver a smoother, more personalized, and efficient interaction with customers.
SAM is designed to help with directions and provide mall information about the latest deals, promos and events. Equipped with an advanced face recognition technology, it can also make personalized greetings to customers once they enter the mall.
Customers can also chat with SAM through the SM Supermalls Facebook page. It serves as a 24/7 online concierge that can provide information like branch locations, mall schedules and promos, to name a few.
SAM was recently launched at SM Megamall and can be found at the Mega Atrium, Mega Fashion Hall or Bank Drive. It will also be deployed in other SM malls soon.
For more information, visit SM Supermalls’ official website at https://www.smsupermalls.com/, or its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.
With 7,107 islands, the Philippines offers bodies of water, with highly diverse marine wildlife and seascape, for all kinds of divers and dive enthusiasts to explore. This is making the country a popular major diving hub in Asia.
The Philippines has countless diving spots suitable for divers of different skills – from beginners who are simply looking for fun recreational activities, to intermediate divers seeking new underwater challenges to hone their skills and experts in search of new adventures.
Anilao, Batangas
At the top of the list are Anilao in Batangas and the Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan, with its impressive marine biodiversity and awe-inspiring vertical reef walls dropping to over 100 meters in depth. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park was declared in 1993 a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its high density of marine species and the different kinds of birds and marine turtles.
Tubbataha Reef photo credit to Trip or Treats
Anilao and Tubbataha Reefs diving spots, favorites of deep and open water divers, host different types of sharks, schools of fish, turtles and colorful corals.
Philippine diving map credit to scubadivingfanclub.com
For adventure-seekers and history junkies, the Philippines also has many exciting seafaring stories and countless sunken ships to explore such as World War II vessels, including Japanese freighters and gunboats that have now become homes to various marine species.
The country has ideal training spots to sharpen the skills of neophyte divers. Cebu has underwater caves, passageways and terrains teeming with marine life. Night diving is even possible in a few areas. The open water in El Nido in Palawan and in Cebu are favorite haunts of nocturnal creatures that look majestic in the moonlight.
The Philippines has the most number of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Heritage Parks and has been declared a Flyway Network Site, this refers to the network of important sites used by migratory waterbirds throughout the flyway.
The Philippines truly has so much to offer new and experienced divers, from Subic and Batangas in Luzon; to central Philippines – Cebu, Bohol, Negros Island and Palawan; and Mindanao – Davao and Camiguin, as well as points in-between.
Divers of varying skills will enjoy amazing underwater discoveries underneath the crystal clear waters of the Philippines. The Filipinos’ innate warmth and hospitality, as well as unique Filipino offerings, will make the experience more fun.
Ideal Vision Center (IVC) is already a household name in the eye health care industry for more than three decades but according to Joy Go, IVC assistant vice president for marketing and merchandising, the vision should not stop there. She believes that the company’s reputation should be treated as an opportunity to continue to educate, innovate and research for the benefit of Filipinos.
“In the Philippines, eye health care is not a priority and we aim to change that mindset. It’s a long, ongoing process especially with the fast-changing business landscape but we look forward to seeing the light at the end of it,” Go says.
Go, whose grandfather launched Ideal Optical, is confident and determined to achieve their goals. As head of branding, marketing and merchandising, Go is also always finding new opportunities to explore, expand and discover new solutions to make eye care accessible to everyone.
Despite growing up in a family of eye care professionals, Go’s involvement in the eye care industry is not a childhood dream. Her initial passion was on food which explains why she has a degree in Culinary Arts and Related Services. Her interest in eyewear and eye care was piqued only when she started working part-time in IVC.
“More than the technicalities behind being an optometrist, I find the marketing and research side of the business very endearing. Aside from that, I am also very interested in eyewear fashion,” Go stated.
Go got her degree in optometry at the Centro Escolar University and joined the family business in 2002. She still loves to cook and says the key to finding a balance between two passions is “you don’t give up one or the other but enjoy both at the same time.”
The eye doctor also noted that being in the eye care industry gave her a meaningful purpose of taking care of other people’s needs and well-being. It has also become important to her to provide only the best vision solutions. “We always try to find the most advanced products, to offer more advanced and better products to our patients.”
To be able to do that, Go noted the importance of partnering with brands that share their vision. Hence, their partnership with Essilor, the world’s number one ophthalmic company that offers complete vision solution through its wide range of products including Crizal, Transitions and Varilux, gives them an opportunity to provide clients an access to world-class eye care products.
“Partnering with Essilor for more than 32 years is the best move we made to improve our service to our customers. We at IVC, knows that Essilor share the same vision with us – to offer top-notch eye health care to Filipinos,” she said.
Aside from this vision, the eye doctor furthered about her personal goal on leaving a legacy in the eye health care industry. “It is my ambition, through IVC, to leave a legacy and be a part of every Filipino’s eye health care routine. It is a long and challenging path but we will never stop improving and finding solutions so that quality eye health care will be more convenient and accessible to all,” Go says.
While everyone else is enjoying their summer vacation students, faculty, and staff that are with schools that have adjusted academic calendar (such as Benilde) are braving the summer heat and going to school.
Benilde’s second term officially ended for our students on April 24th. For our faculty who were still submitting grades it ended on the 25th. For our admin staff, it ended on the 27th. In other words, no one really got to enjoy a break from school except those classes that were able to end the week before (Holy Week) or even before that.
What we are doing now?
Students are possibly:
Still enrolling for their classes
Adjusting their schedules
Paying their tuition
Attending classes
Savouring their few days of “vacation” by skipping the first week of classes
Teachers::
For those who have taught the subjects indicated in the load they just received, just updating their lessons and activities on BigSky (assuming they use BigSky, there are still more than a handful that resist)
For those who are new to the subject they are contacting subject heads and asking guidance on the course (syllabus, lesson plan, lectures, supplementary materials, activities, grading sheets, etc.)
Academic advisers are busy approving/disapproving schedules
Meetings, meetings, meetings … per subject, per track, for full-time, per department, with the associate dean and the dean, with the vice chancellor … it really depends, I guess, on the level of involvement in school
Part time faculty are juggling between their corporate or freelance gig and their teaching gig (or gigs)
Admin staff have not yet recovered from the demands of the last term and are possibly still playing catch up. The work just never ends.
What do we wish we were doing?
There are many things we wish we doing other than going to school.
We would rather be lying down on one of these loungers in this pool, enjoying the cool water, and possibly holding a frozen margarita in one hand. Just the thought of it makes me feel (a little) fresh already.
Walking along the beach and enjoying the beauty of nature by the sea. With Boracay open for business again, it is a safe bet that many wish they were there now.
For some maybe the mountains is more their thing. The hike, the adventure, the fresh mountain air, the view.
For those who could afford it, a trip to a different country is will whet their whistle! Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, USA, Australia, Europe … near or far, it does not matter. They just want to get far, far away.
And then there are those who just want to stay in, catch some movies, watch TV, and basically do anything they want, or nothing at all. 😀
Back to reality
At the end of the day, though, we need to face the truth, it is time to get back on that horse. We are hot-wired to resume our responsibilities no matter what the weather, the time of the year, or our inclination. It’s back to school, Benildean boys and girls, whether we are ready for it or not. 🙂
Not all summer fun can be found outdoors. Many of our youth today prefer to pass the time playing video games on their computer, on gaming consoles, and more popularly, on their mobile devices like tablets and cellphones.
Summertime has just begun, and most students are looking for activities to make their vacation worthwhile. Nimo TV, one of the country’s leading video game streaming platform, is an excellent past time for students who love gaming and learn new skills at the same time. It offers 8 to 12 MP quality live streaming and can be accessed via mobile or PC make it easier for everyone to start live streaming as a hobby and eventually make it a career.
Nimo TV screenshot
Nimo TV’s unique ecosystem, which consists of streamers, viewers, brand sponsors and celebrity players can help newcomers discover different techniques in starting their channel. It has a chat feature where streamers and viewers can communicate with one another and exchange tips on how to win a game they play.
Nimo TV’s presence in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will also help you increase your fan base making it easier for every newbie to grow their channel and interact more with other gamers.
Download the Nimo TV app at Apple app store and Google Play store by clicking the link here at https://nimotv.onelink.me/B6cW/25ba46b7 and start streaming your way to the top.
Alaska Sports resume its Annual program in teaching young athletes the fundamental skills and core values of the game by holding Alaska Basketball Power Camp 2019. This year, Alaska Basketball Power Camp is currently being held in Baguio and Manila having Bacolod as its next stop on May 10.
Last April 14, 2019, more than 300 kids joined the first leg of the camp in Baguio and had the first-hand opportunity to be trained by Alaska-certified coaches headed by the Power Camp Director, Philippine Basketball Association legend and Alaska Aces Assistant Coach Jeffrey Cariaso together with the Alaska Aces players Simon Enciso and Abel Galliguez.
Cariaso said that they make sure that they teach them the core values that they believe in not only to become good people but also to become good athletes. “We want to instill them the value of hard work, determination, discipline, and respect,” added Cariaso.
Alaska Sports is focused on promoting sports program that shapes, trains, challenges and inspire children to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Alaska Sports also wants to teach children that the true spirit of participation is not just winning the game but it’s about the spirit of learning the values or determination, hard work, teamwork, and spirit of discipline and sportsmanship.
Alaska Milk Corporation is a pioneer towards promoting affordable nutrition and active lifestyle in the Philippines and aims to teach a new generation of children to become better at sport through the Alaska Basketball Power Camp.
The Alaska Basketball Power Camp teaches more than basketball skills. It also instills the value of discipline, hard work, teamwork and determination and teaches the importance of proper nutrition and active lifestyle for the growth and development of the camp participants.
Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in Alaska Basketball Power Camp and let their children experience the fun and benefits of what sports will bring to them.
Registration form is available at www.alaskamilk.com/Alaska-sports, present printed registration form and proof of purchase or official receipt from February 2019 up to present at the start of the camp. Walk-in participants are also welcome for all three camps.
LBC Business Solutions held a thanksgiving party recently for all their clients via the 2019 Shippers’ Night.
DJ Chacha of MOR 101.9 FM
LBC 2019 Shippers’ Night
With the theme “Disco Inferno”, the annual gathering was held at 12 Monkeys Pub at El Pueblo in Ortigas. DJ Chacha of MOR 101.9 FM hosted the event with the Spirit of 67 and DJ Marrion providing the live music.
Aside from the music of the 70’s all through the ’90s, what turned the party up a notch was the series of raffle prizes – which brought much anticipation to the already worked up crowd.
LBC Partners
Among the companies represented during the celebration were:
LBC Business Solutions hosts the annual Shippers’ Night to give thanks to their clients who have shown unwavering support for their various services- from logistics, cold chain solutions, NVOCC, specialized logistics, warehousing, remittance, and printing.
According to VP For Corporate Sales Jerome Santos: “The Shippers’ Night is not just a platform to celebrate our successful collaborations but a platform for us to look into the future with the common goal to further our respective businesses with more ease and efficiency”.
My personal thoughts
When I read “shippers’ night”, geek that I am, I thought they meant relationSHIP instead of the traditional definition of ship meaning to send. For a moment I forgot that this had to have something to do with LBC which is a delivery company. Lol!
I’ve used LBC to send packages, pick up packages, pay bills, pick up remittances … and to my own personal assessment, they are currently the best in the biz. You really can’t go wrong with LBC.
OLX and Property 24, two of the most powerful online enablers for property buyers and sellers, recently gathered real estate developers, brokers, and marketing practitioners to discuss the latest trends in digital marketing.
Entitled “Engaging today’s digital users and property buyers,” the exclusive seminar led by OLX head of real estate Tina Bautista (far right) aimed to help real estate companies navigate the online market and understand the netizen’s buying behavior and preferences.
She also discussed new digital marketing trends for 2019 and real estate outlook and recommendations for the year. Joining her were (L-R) Ayala Land International Sales, Inc.’s Jared Carlo Enrile, Hetty Uy, and Casey Anne Lombos.
As part of a series of innovations designed to improve customer malling experience, SM Supermalls raises the bar in customer service with the introduction of SAM, the country’s first-ever in-mall smart robot – launched at SM Megamall last March 28.
SAM is an artificial intelligent (AI) humanoid robot programmed to deliver a smoother, more personalized and efficient interaction with customers.
Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO with Sam
“Innovation is what SM strives for in providing better customer service to all and we are proud to introduce our latest innovation yet,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO. “SAM is easy to approach and has answers to almost everything SM mall related, making shopping more seamless and fun for our customers.”
#smthingnew at SM
Now at SM Megamall and coming soon to other SM malls, SAM is designed to help with directions and provide mall information about the latest deals, promos, and events. Equipped with an advanced face recognition technology, it can also make personalized greetings to customers once they enter the mall. Customers can also chat with SAM through the SM Supermalls Facebook page. It serves as a 24/7 online concierge that can provide information like branch locations, mall schedules, and promos, to name a few.
SAM was created in partnership with Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines), which is a leading provider of electronic and original design manufacturing services.
Next time you visit SM Megamall, drop by Mega Atrium, Mega Fashion Hall, or Bank Drive and say hi to SAM for more fun, convenient, and exciting malling experience!
For more information, visit SM Supermalls’ official website at https://www.smsupermalls.com/, or its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts @smsupermalls.
A kick-off of summer fun and the biggest collaboration of best-loved global toy and children’s brands, brings to everyone Everyday is Play Day on its 3rd biggest year, launched at SM City North EDSA, that will surely showcase series of exciting shows and festivities for both kids and kids at heart in many of your favorite SM Supermalls from March to October 2019.
This year’s campaign is particularly extra special as SM Supermalls is partnering with UNICEF, and together, they are set to promote and instill every child’s right to play, relax, and indulge through a holistic approach on both their artistic and recreational activities. Through this team up, they promote their shared advocacy to bring more smiles to children’s faces across the country.
“SM brings back Everyday is Play Day with kiddie character meet-and-greets and interactive play that aims to help develop their confidence and social skills,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP for Marketing.
Through a showcase of a new found wonderlands filled with real-play and digital experiences while also featuring toy collections, play machines and giant interactive displays, SM Supermalls also pride in delighting everyone with over 30 global brands including Toy Kingdom’s biggest such as Barbie, Hatchimals, Paw Patrol, Shimmer and Shine, Pokemon, Shopkins, Beyblade, My Little Pony, and many more.
A reach beyond every kid’s imagination will also power up the launch with some memory games and scientific experiments from Nutty Scientist, a colorful ball pit plunge from Ball Pit City, and special performances and appearances from previous winners of The SM Little Stars, the Concio sisters, celebrity Supermoms, and mascots from participating toy brands.
Don’t forget to let your kids #EatPlayShopInTheCity this summer at these participating malls:
SM City Angono
SM City BF Parañaque
SM City Bicutan
SM City East Ortigas
SM City Fairview
SM City Las Piñas
SM City Manila
SM City Marikina
SM City Masinag
SM Center Muntinlupa
SM City North Edsa
SM City Novaliches
SM City San Jose Del Monte
SM City San Lazaro
SM City San Mateo
SM City Sta. Mesa
SM City Sucat
SM City Taytay
For more information, visit SM Supermalls’ official website at www.smsupermalls.com, or its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls
“In the Philippines, eye health care is not a priority and we aim to change that mindset. It’s a long, ongoing process especially with the fast-changing business landscape but we look forward to seeing the light at the end of it,” Go says.
“Partnering with Essilor for more than 32 years is the best move we made to improve our service to our customers. We at IVC, knows that Essilor share the same vision with us – to offer top-notch eye health care to Filipinos,” she said.
Nimo TV’s presence in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will also help you increase your fan base making it easier for every newbie to grow their channel and interact more with other gamers.
Alaska Milk Corporation is a pioneer towards promoting affordable nutrition and active lifestyle in the Philippines and aims to teach a new generation of children to become better at sport through the Alaska Basketball Power Camp.
Don’t forget to let your kids #EatPlayShopInTheCity this summer at these participating malls:
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