by Ferry Bayu | Aug 22, 2023 | Business
Twimbit launches ‘CX Stars’, a global program to benchmark and celebrate exceptional customer experience (CX)
Twimbit launches “Twimbit CX Stars” program to acknowledge companies who deliver exceptional customer experiences. With Genesys as a founding partner, the program will set higher CX standards and host the ‘CX Stars Gala Dinner’ in Bangkok on October 11, 2023. Inspired by the Michelin Star Guide, it evaluates organizations across four CX pillars: brand, digital, employee, and service. CX Mastery ratings range from Proficient to Advanced and Exceptional. There are no nomination fees, no hidden charges, no licensing.
Twimbit CX Stars is built to recognise Exceptional CX and celebrate companies with the best-in-class CX platforms, processes and practices
The ‘Twimbit CX Stars’ program recognises CX as the key differentiator for today’s businesses. As CEOs continue to change the industry landscape with new CX practices, the necessity for a comprehensive benchmark has proven more than relevant in today’s landscape.
With Genesys as the founding partner, we are thrilled to elevate the standards of CX excellence and celebrate exceptional organisations at the ‘CX Stars Gala Dinner’ in Bangkok on 11th October 2023.
“Inspired by the Michelin Star Guide, the Twimbit CX Stars program aims to inspire companies to cultivate leading practices and build exceptional customer experience.” – Manoj Menon (Managing Director and Founder, Twimbit)
Led by independent, research-driven, analyst-led benchmarks, the Twimbit CX Stars program will evaluate leading companies within the realm of 4 essential CX pillars: brand, digital, employee, and service. The evaluation will involve secondary research, interviews with organisations on their CX practices & metrics, social engagement trends and mystery shopping. The benchmarking information & analysis will then be assessed and validated by a panel of external judges.
Organisations will be assessed using the Twimbit Exceptional CX Mastery scale and given a CX rating of 5 stars along with their CX Mastery status ranging from Proficient to Advanced and Exceptional (Exhibit 1).
At the CX Stars Gala Dinner, all Advanced and Exceptional CX Stars will be recognised and awarded, along with leading CX Stars from different industry verticals ranging from Banking, Telecoms, Insurance, Travel & Hospitality, Digital & eCommerce, and Government Services.
Twimbit will reveal the leading CX Stars on 11th October 2023, starting with organisations in Asia. Organisations are welcome to nominate themselves and be part of the benchmarking exercise. Get a Twimbit CX Star badge and be recognised for your CX Mastery. Submissions are free and are open till 31st August.
Exhibit 1: Twimbit Exceptional CX Mastery Scale and 4 CX Pillars
“We hope to provide a mechanism for organisations to know their CX benchmarks and strive to become an Exceptional CX organisation. We are happy to offer the first step in that journey to all organisations that aim to deliver best-in-class CX” – Manoj Menon (Managing Director and Founder, Twimbit)
Ready to be a CX Star? Sign up now and get started.
https://www.cxstars.twimbit.com
Twimbit is a research and advisory firm driven by a singular mission: to empower businesses making a difference. We specialize in providing invaluable industry intelligence to executives and teams, acting as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Twimbit’s proprietary research platform seeks to revolutionize the way enterprises consume insights, making it effortlessly enjoyable and accessible to all.
More information on twimbit is available online at www.twimbit.com. Follow news and updates from Twimbit on Twitter and LinkedIn. Members of the media can find additional information in the Twimbit newsroom.
Vansh Sehgal
va***@*****it.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 22, 2023 | Business
Whoscall app launched in the Philippines to block spam calls, messages
A Taiwan-based technology firm on Tuesday launched Whoscall—a call identification and spam-blocking app to address the rising mobile scam cases in the Philippines.
“As fraud became more apparent during and after the pandemic, we saw how Filipinos have suffered losses from scams, much like in other countries where we have launched Whoscall such as Thailand, Malaysia and Japan,” said Manwoo Joo, chief operating officer of Gogolook .
“This reality ignited our drive to create a comprehensive life protection platform accessible to every Filipino across the nation,” he said.
Powered by world-leading AI and data-driven technology, Whoscall boasts of the largest database in East Asia and Southeast Asia of over 2.6 billion entries to detect unknown callers, spam and scam calls and texts and potentially harmful URLs.
Whoscall app identifies unknown numbers, blocks spam calls and scans suspicious URLs from messages to provide comprehensive mobile protection. Armed with a range of innovative AI features and an internationally acclaimed reputation, Whoscall arrived in the country to enhance the nation’s mobile security.
Users can regain control and confidence over their phone communications. The app’s anti-fraud features allow users to make informed decisions on whether to answer or ignore calls and messages.
Individuals on the app can report suspicious numbers, empowering them to participate in the broad movement against fraudulent activities.
Gabriel Barrios, country marketing head for the Philippines, said Whoscall has been available as the leading caller ID and scam detection app in Thailand and Taiwan, accumulating 100 million downloads worldwide.
“It has been rolling out in other Asian countries as well, and we’re happy to finally provide this protective service to all Filipinos. We highly encourage everyone to install it on their phones and join the community to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential risks, fraud, and scams. It’s about time we all step up and unite for a Scam-Free Pilipinas,” he said.
Whoscall is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 21, 2023 | Business
Filipino Consumers Name Their Favorite Brands of 2023
Discover the results of the 2023 Consumer Choice Award, which surveyed 1,200 Filipinos about their opinions towards multiple brands on various major industries and topics.
Standard Insights Unveils Winners of the 2023 Consumer Choice Awards Philippines
Earlier this year, over 1,200 Filipinos participated in a survey to vote for their favorite brands in a wide range of industries. The survey was part of Standard Insights’ Consumer Choice Awards 2023, which aims to recognize brands that have earned Filipino consumers’ trust and loyalty.
Among the favorite brands of Filipinos, we can find:
Best Mobile Network Operator: Globe Telecom
Prominent telecommunications giant Globe Telecom emerges as the undisputed leader in the telecommunications sector, securing an impressive 41.2% of the overall votes. This is their 2nd consecutive year being recognized, following last year’s sweep at the Mobile Network Operator Awards 2022.
Best Retail Bank: BDO Unibank
Full-service universal bank BDO Unibank stands as the favored retail banking brand, commanding a significant 33.0% of the votes.
Best Retail Insurance: Sun Life
Insurance provider Sun Life distinguishes itself as the favored insurance brand with an endorsement from 25.3% of the participants.
Best Local Beer: San Miguel
Local beer icon San Miguel secures its position as the favored local beer with a substantial 52.8% of the votes.
Best International Beer: Heineken
Global brewing powerhouse Heineken wins over consumer hearts as the preferred international beer, capturing an impressive 54.1% of the votes.
Best Retail Oil & Gas Brand: Petron
Leading fuel and energy leader Petron claims the top position within the oil and gas segment, amassing an impressive 45.7% of the votes.
Best Food & Beverage Delivery App: Foodpanda
Well-established food delivery platform Foodpanda dominates the food delivery category, capturing an impressive 56.2% of the votes.
Best Transportation App: Grab
Ride-hailing frontrunner Grab emerges as the premier transportation app, receiving a commendable 70.2% of the votes.
“The Philippines has known a momentous year with a new election, a significant impact on inflation, and COVID-19 issues that may have changed the way people consume. We are glad to have launched these awards in the Philippines to give brands insights into what people are thinking at the top of their minds and to reward them for their efforts. We are excited to see how the next editions will unfold,” said Florian Gaudel, Founder & CEO of Standard Insights.
The 2023 Consumer Choice Awards not only honour the brands that have achieved consumer trust but also set a definitive benchmark for others striving to excel in the Philippines’ competitive market. This recognition underscores the impact these brands have made on consumers and their commitment to delivering top-notch products and services.
For more information about the 2023 Consumer Choice Awards and the list of winners, please visit: https://standard-insights.com/awards/philippines/
About the Consumer Choice Awards
The Consumer Choice Awards by Standard Insights is an initiative that proudly recognizes brands that prioritize the needs and opinions of their customers resulting in being the top choice in their respective industries. The awards are based on a strict methodology involving real respondents, making the evaluation process fair and impartial.
Standard Insights offers accurate and comprehensive consumer insights utilizing the latest ad-tech infrastructure and Al-powered system. Our team of experts reaches real, representative respondents to give our clients the confidence they need when making important decisions about their brand’s future.
Standard Insights
Rémi Marié
Head of Digital
re**@***************ts.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 21, 2023 | Business
Grab to drive inclusive growth with new regional GrabScholar Programme and GrabMerchant Centre in Singapore
Grab opens new Headquarters @ Singapore at event graced by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
Tan Hooi Ling, Co-Founder of Grab; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong and Anthony Tan, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Grab, officially launched Grab HQ @ Singapore on 11 August.
SINGAPORE, August 11, 2022 – Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, announced two new initiatives to drive inclusive growth in Southeast Asia today at the official opening of its Headquarters @ Singapore. The new initiatives include a US$1 million GrabScholar programme to disburse scholarships and bursaries to students across Southeast Asia, and a new GrabMerchant Centre to help small businesses grow online. Grab Headquarters @ Singapore was launched in the presence of Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.
“As we celebrate Grab’s 10th anniversary this year, we hope that our announcements today will help small businesses and our future workforce upskill and maximise their opportunities, even in this challenging macro environment. Providing access to digital tools can be a powerful way to ensure all Southeast Asians can equally participate in – and benefit from – the rising digital economy, the same way 10 years ago when our driver-partners learned how to use their smartphones to earn incomes,” said Anthony Tan, Group CEO and Co-founder, Grab.
“Grab’s new headquarters in Singapore is a testament to Singapore’s growing vibrant digital ecosystem. As Grab grows to 3,000 employees working across corporate, business and tech functions, more exciting and innovative capabilities will be created for our digital economy. We look forward to Singapore’s continued partnership with Grab to create exciting job opportunities for Singaporeans, and to strengthen Singapore as the location for high-end R&D and innovation,” said Chan Ih-Ming, Senior Vice President, Digital Industry Singapore (DISG).
GrabScholar programme to provide US$1 million worth of scholarships and bursaries annually
Grab has committed an annual US$1 million from the GrabForGood Fund towards the GrabScholar programme, which will provide university scholarships and educational bursaries across all countries Grab operates in Southeast Asia.
GrabScholar programme plans to award over 2,000 scholarships and bursaries annually. It will cover tuition and study-related expenses for underprivileged children to attend primary, secondary or vocational schools as well as universities. Internship opportunities will also be offered to tertiary students to develop their professional aptitude and prepare them for full-time roles when they graduate.
GrabScholar was launched in Indonesia last month in partnership with Yayasan Benih Baik Indonesia[1]. This is in addition to existing scholarship and bursary initiatives that are offered to the children of Grab’s driver-, delivery- and merchant-partners in Singapore and Thailand. This has helped to open access to quality education and transform lives locally. The new region wide GrabScholar programme is an expanded effort to support the broader communities across Southeast Asia.
“We are pleased to partner with Grab to offer the scholarships and bursaries for underprivileged children in Indonesia. Clearly, creating a social impact is at the core of Grab’s mission — the tech company has invested in many different projects to support the local communities. With their strong support, we hope to contribute to the development of inclusive communities, improving the quality of life of their families in the long term,” said Andi F. Noya, Co-founder of BenihBaik.
GrabMerchant Centre to help small businesses thrive online
Grab has been helping small businesses come online in the past two years. As Southeast Asia leaves behind the worst of Covid-19 lockdowns and drives towards recovery, these SMEs have also stabilised their delivery business’ operations and are now ready to scale.
To facilitate this, Grab will soon launch its first-ever GrabMerchant Centre to provide 1-on-1 business consultation services for our SME merchant-partners. It will be located at Grab HQ @ Singapore. GrabMerchant Centre is a one-stop hub dedicated to helping small businesses optimise their online presence, maximise GrabFood, GrabMart, GrabFin and GrabAds services for their businesses, and learn to use digital tools to grow.
GrabMerchant Centre provides a suite of services:
1-on-1 business consultation with Grab Account Managers. Merchant-partners can tap on Grab’s Southeast Asia network, access to data insights and multi-vertical ecosystem. Account managers will provide dedicated consultations to advise on long-term growth plans and provide actionable business insights to help merchant-partners grow to the next level.Prioritised operational assistance. Merchants are able to subscribe to “Merchant Concierge Service”, a prioritised hotline to get direct assistance to solve any operational issues. This ensures their delivery business runs smoothly and reduces downtime.Workshops and networking. The GrabMerchant Centre will regularly organise upskilling workshops to help merchant-partners stay abreast of the latest industry trends and developments. These will also serve as networking sessions to facilitate business connections and a small business community for collective learning. It launched its first-ever GrabMerchant Open House on 5th August 2022 which was well-received by merchant-partners.
The 1-on-1 business consultations were piloted earlier this year, with success stories of how the data insights provided helped small businesses grow their online delivery business volume.
Shannon Lua, Founder of Butter Studio, a bakery chain with four outlets in Singapore, shared: “When COVID-19 hit, I thought I would no longer be able to pursue the big plans I had for Butter Studio. Thankfully there were platforms like Grab to help us maintain our accessibility to customers. We even reached a new customer segment through GrabFood – those who required super last-minute cake deliveries.
Our online sales saw a spike and it motivated us to keep doing better. I decided to sign up for a few sessions with GrabMerchant Centre, which inspired me to make systematic improvements to our delivery offering, like enhancing our menu with better visuals and descriptions, and changing up our operational flow so that our staff could effectively manage walk-in and online orders. Since the first session, we have seen a 30% increase in GrabFood sales on average. I am glad to have kept all four Butter Studio outlets open and we’re back to exploring expansion plans for the business.”
Filzah Miranti Binte Mohd Dawood, Co-Owner, Gerak Nenek Obek, a Malay food stall, shared, “Trying to keep our small stall open during COVID-19 was not easy – we lost many of our regular walk-in customers. I knew it was important to start going online even though my mum was a bit apprehensive initially. I decided to just give it a try and registered our stall on GrabFood. Later, I also signed up for the GrabMerchant Centre service. Through it, I learnt how to use the Ad Manager tool on our merchant app to customise our own banners, and I was advised to sign up for the Islandwide Delivery service to expand my stall’s reach. We saw our GrabFood orders more than triple in three months and half of them come from Islandwide Delivery service. My mother is now a big fan of Grab, she will chide me whenever I forget to turn on the GrabFood Merchant app.”
More details about GrabMerchant Centre’s services and related charges can be found here.
Grab HQ @ Singapore is located at one-north business park. Spanning nine floors and more than 42,000 sqm, it brings about 3,000 Grabbers and a R&D Centre under one roof. Apart from the first GrabMerchant Centre, it will also be home to the digibank team. The headquarters is one of two headquarters Grab has in the region. The dual headquarter is based in Jakarta, Indonesia, and serves as Grab’s regional innovation hub for small businesses.
[1] Yayasan Benih Baik Indonesia is a foundation that is focused on helping people in need and vulnerable groups in improving quality of life in Indonesia.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 21, 2023 | Business
CECIL hair,” an authentic hair salon located in Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, has started accepting reservations through WhatsApp(+81 80‑3012‑8859)!
CECIL hair (Cecil), a shop located in Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, will start accepting reservations through WhatsApp(+81 80‑3012‑8859) from September 1st, 2023.
CECIL hair (Cecil), a beauty salon that opened in February 2021, is located in Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. It is conveniently accessible, just a 1-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s east exit ticket gate on the Odakyu Line or the Inokashira Line’s central exit ticket gate. The salon’s concept focuses on personalized one-on-one customer service, from consultation by experienced stylists who have worked at renowned salons in Tokyo to the final styling. Despite being in the mid-price range, the salon aims to provide high value and an experience that clients can appreciate.
The salon features 6 styling seats, with a staff of 4 male stylists and 2 shampoo stations. Despite its compact layout, the salon strives to offer a relaxing environment for customers while delivering styles that meet the latest trends.
Here are some of the highlights of CECIL hair:
W Color High-Tone Color: Unveil your unique personality with colors that suit you.
CECIL offers various color options, including high-tone colors, clear beige colors, and blonde colors. Achieving these colors can be challenging due to the need for bleaching and the condition of the hair. With experienced hair colorists of over 10 years on board, CECIL guarantees high-quality high-tone color treatments.
Ultrasonic Iron Care Pro: Enhance treatment penetration with the ultrasonic iron care device.
Contrary to the traditional notion of irons being hot, these utilize infrared technology and remain cool to the touch. They can apply infrared treatment, enhancing the effects of hair treatment at the cellular level.
For Those Concerned About Curls and Frizz: Acid-based straightening or treatment-based hair improvement.
Hair improvement techniques, often referred to as “hair quality improvement,” come in two types: acid-based straightening and treatment-based improvement. The appropriate approach depends on concerns such as curls, hair texture, and damage. Whether it’s taming frizz caused by curls or improving the texture damaged by previous treatments, CECIL addresses clients’ specific concerns.
The staff is currently in the process of learning English.
【Store Information】
Store Name: CECIL hair
Address: SS Building 301, 2-12-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
WhatsApp Number: +81 80‑3012‑8859
Phone Number: 03-6453-2648
Business Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sundays and Holidays 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Access: 1-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s east exit ticket gate on the Odakyu Line or the Inokashira Line’s central exit ticket gate.
Store Name: CECIL hair
Address: SS Building 301, 2-12-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
WhatsApp Number: +81 80‑3012‑8859
Phone Number: 03-6453-2648
Business Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sundays and Holidays 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Access: 1-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s east exit ticket gate on the Odakyu Line or the Inokashira Line’s central exit ticket gate.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 20, 2023 | Business
OGAWA Elevates Wellness and Home Aesthetics in Perfect Harmony
Innovative items that skillfully combine usefulness and style have gained prominence in the modern world, where the quest of wellbeing and the need for a harmonious living environment have taken center stage. OGAWA is a remarkable design that transcends its functional use and emerges as a symbol of elevated life and artistic sophistication. It has been drawing considerable attention. OGAWA has evolved from its modest beginnings as a wellness aid to become a product that not only rejuvenates the body but also raises the soul of your house. In this feature story, we explore deeply into the alluring world of OGAWA, investigating how it transformed from a wellness tool to a style statement and how it skillfully integrates both aesthetics and well-being into the very fabric of life.
Wellness Redefined
OGAWA’s transformation from a basic wellness tool to a symbol of substance and flair begins with its primary goal: holistic well-being. OGAWA offers a haven of tranquility, a respite from the commotion, and an opportunity to renew both body and mind in a fast-paced world that continually asks more of us. A sensory experience that goes beyond simple relaxation is delivered by its cutting-edge features, such as its intelligent massage modes, zero-gravity positioning, and soothing heat therapy.
Imagine coming home after a long day’s work, feeling the weight of the world slowly melt away as OGAWA’s expertly designed rollers glide along your body, easing tension and promoting blood circulation. The gentle hum of the machine, coupled with the warmth of the heat therapy, creates a cocoon of comfort that envelops you, inviting you to leave behind the worries of the day and immerse yourself in the present moment. This experience alone is enough to place OGAWA firmly in the realm of wellness, but its journey is just beginning.
Aesthetic Harmony
Our ideas of what makes an ideal living environment change as the idea of wellness does. We now understand the intrinsic relationship between our physical environment and our mental state as a result of the shift toward holistic well-being. This insight has sparked a new philosophy of home design where form and function coexist together. Enter OGAWA, a stunning work of art that turns your home into a luxurious haven in addition to serving as a healing tool.
Picture a minimalist living room adorned with clean lines and a neutral color palette. The centerpiece, a meticulously crafted OGAWA massage chair, seamlessly integrates with the room’s aesthetic. Its sleek, modern design exudes sophistication, while its supple leather upholstery invites tactile exploration. This is no longer a mere piece of furniture; it’s a conversation starter, a testament to your discerning taste, and a beacon of refined living. The marriage of form and function is complete, and OGAWA’s ability to elevate your home’s style is undeniable.
Craftsmanship Unveiled
To truly appreciate OGAWA’s transformation into a style statement, one must delve into the intricate craftsmanship that goes into its creation. Every curve, every stitch, and every mechanism is meticulously designed to not only optimize its wellness features but also to blend seamlessly with diverse interior aesthetics.
The process of crafting an OGAWA massage chair is a symphony of engineering and artistry. Expert designers collaborate to ensure that every detail aligns with the brand’s commitment to both wellness and elegance. From selecting premium materials that exude luxury to fine-tuning the mechanics that deliver precise massages, OGAWA’s creation is a testament to human ingenuity and dedication.
Personal Expression through Wellness
In the era of self-expression, OGAWA offers a unique canvas for personal storytelling. The brand’s commitment to customization allows you to choose from an array of styles, colors, and finishes, ensuring that your OGAWA massage chair is a reflection of your individuality. Whether you opt for a bold statement piece that adds a pop of color to your living room or a subtle, understated design that seamlessly integrates with your existing decor, OGAWA empowers you to infuse your space with your personal aesthetic.
Imagine a chic, urban apartment where the OGAWA massage chair takes center stage, its sleek black leather and chrome accents contrasting beautifully against the backdrop of exposed brick walls and industrial-inspired furnishings. This deliberate juxtaposition of elements showcases the chair not only as a wellness companion but also as a work of art that amplifies the ambiance of the room.
The OGAWA treat to satisfaction
The true master of your satisfaction is bringing more to the table by giving out FREE OGAWA #MySofaLuxe for every purchase of OGAWA #NEORev in-store.
From ₱399,000 SRP to a whopping slash of ₱300,000, customers can enjoy up to 36 months of installment payment terms with our credit card partners like HSBC, PNB, Citibank, Union Bank, Bank of Commerce, BPI, and RCBC.
The OGAWA Renaissance
In a world where the boundaries between wellness and aesthetics continue to blur, OGAWA emerges as a trailblazer that effortlessly bridges the gap. From its origins as a tool for rejuvenation, it has evolved into a masterpiece that elevates your home’s style, transforming it into a sanctuary of well-being and refined living. The OGAWA massage chair stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of wellness and design, reminding us that the pursuit of a balanced, beautiful life begins right at home.
In a symphony of style and substance, OGAWA takes its rightful place in the spotlight, not just as a tool for wellness, but as a timeless creation that enriches both body and soul, and adds an exquisite touch of elegance to the tapestry of your home. As we celebrate this renaissance of OGAWA, we are reminded that true luxury lies not only in opulence but in the seamless integration of beauty and function.
Operating at full capacity and with over 30 stores nationwide, that include a branch in Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 1 & 5, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Robinsons Manila, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Eastwood Mall, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Fairview, SM North EDSA The Block, TriNoma, UP Town Center, Promenade 3, Alabang Town Center, Evia Lifestyle Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM BF Paranaque, and Newport Mall. For stores outside Metro Manila, OGAWA is located in SM City Bacoor, Ayala Solenad 3, and SM Sta. Rosa in Laguna, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier in Davao, SM Clark in Pampanga, and SM City Olongapo Central.
Achieve wellness at home with your own personal masseuse, worry-free. For more details, visit OGAWA’s official website and order online or you may also send inquiries to their Facebook page and Instagram page.
Edryan Lorenzo
09164901076
www.boostmnlagency.com
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 19, 2023 | Book Reviews
Crush On My Best Friend’s Alpha Dad by Luxie landed in my inbox as a recommendation, and I decided to try it. The author has just started writing it, showing great potential so far. I get the age gap romance; it happens a lot, especially when we talk about a man who was widowered early and looks like Patrick Dempsey in Grey’s Anatomy, aka McDreamy.
Her characters, CJ and Lenora, make decisions that I find questionable but, at the same time, make delicious drama that moves the story forward.
- CJ finds himself attracted to Lenora, so why in the world would he kiss her sister, Esme?
- Esme knew about how Lenora felt about CJ, so why would she kiss CJ in the first place? Is this a reflection of how much she doesn’t care for CJ or how much she wants him for herself?
- After catching them in the kiss and being hurt by their betrayal, why would Lenora decide to agree to become a girlfriend to someone she wasn’t even a little attracted to or, at least, could relate to?
So far, in the story (I am 41/45 chapters in) CJ’s being an Alpha wolf has no bearing. At the moment, it is all about Lenora’s unresolved feelings. I’m really curious to see where this story will go.
There are some grammatical issues that are forgivable (for now) that I hope the author will go back to fix, but overall, this has been engaging. If there is anything major I would ask the author to change, it would probably be the title. Not only is it a mouthful and unnecessarily confusing, it is also “spoilerish” because without even opening the book we know the dad’s a werewolf.
But see, here is where it gets confusing. CJ is the dad of Lenora’s best friend, Mariselle. At the same time, CJ is also friends with Lenora’s dad. So, would it be better to say “Crush on my Dad’s Best Friend” or stay with “Crush on my Best Friend’s Dad”?
I still think “Alpha” could be removed from the title. Without it, learning he is an Alpha becomes a gem we discover in the story. This, by the way, raises the question … where is his pack and why aren’t he and Mariselle in it?
Now that I’ve whet your curiosity, you can find Crush On My Best Friend’s Alpha Dad by Luxie on the Goodnovel app and read it for yourself.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 18, 2023 | Business
Tagaytay – NEXTASIA Land, a leading real estate developer dedicated to creating sustainable and connected communities, was delighted to participate in the highly anticipated Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (StAR) event. This momentous gathering brought together stakeholders from the South Luzon region to reflect on and recognize the remarkable achievements of the first half of 2023.
The event, held in Tagaytay on Friday, served as a platform for Pag-IBIG Fund, a renowned government agency providing affordable housing finance to Filipinos, to showcase its accomplishments and extend gratitude to the remarkable participants.
NEXTASIA Land showcased its commitment to excellence and its relentless efforts in building sustainable living spaces. As a forward-thinking real estate developer, NEXTASIA leverages innovations and embraces sustainable practices, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the industry.
By integrating cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly initiatives, NEXTASIA is at the forefront of shaping the communities of tomorrow. Their developments are designed to be future-proof and digitally-enabled, offering residents convenience, security, and a connected lifestyle.
NEXTASIA Land is unwavering in its commitment to building safe, secure, and connected communities. Their emphasis on value ensures that residents can enjoy a sustainable lifestyle without compromising on quality.
The participation at the Pag-IBIG StAR event stands as a testament to the collective achievements of the real estate industry in South Luzon. It highlights the shared vision among stakeholders in creating thriving communities that foster a sense of belonging and well-being.
As NEXTASIA continues its journey towards creating sustainable and connected living spaces, the company looks forward to further collaboration with Pag-IBIG Fund and other like-minded participants. Together, they aim to shape a better future for all Filipinos.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 18, 2023 | Business
Mondelez Philippines celebrates 60th anniversary in partnership with Parañaque City
Oreo, Cadbury, Eden, Cheez Whiz, Tang, and Toblerone: As Filipinos, it’s safe to say you’ve snacked on some of these offerings from Mondelez Philippines. As the brand continues its commitment to promote mindful snacking, Mondelez looks back and expresses gratitude to everyone who has been with them for over six decades of partnership, including their home, Parañaque City, since July 31, 1963.
On August 7, Mondelez Philippines hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at Sequioa Hotel in Paranaque City, attended by the brand’s executives and Paranaque government officials, including Mayor Eric Olivarez and Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte. “We extend our gratitude to the city of Parañaque for being our home all these many years,” said Mondelez Philippines Vice President Aleli Arcilla. “We have benefitted from the support that the city has provided us, and in turn we have done our utmost to be a responsible corporate citizen.”
Apart from being one of the city’s top taxpayers for many years, a part of the company’s sixty-year-old heritage is Mondelez Philippines’ various advocacies. In recent years, the company, along with the Parañaque City government, has launched several advocacy campaigns focusing on health, such as the company’s 11-year-long Joy Schools feeding program that has provided meals to thousands of the city’s students. Additionally, the company donated over 2,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to the Parañaque Local Government Unit (LGU) during the pandemic. Mondelez Philippines also collaborated with the city health office to provide a learning session for barangay health workers, highlighting its mindful snacking advocacy.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 18, 2023 | Business
Create the future of your dreams with AIA A+ Signature
Part of adulting is the realization that you need to start planning early so you can create the future of your dreams. This can be as simple as building your own home, traveling the world, or retiring by the age of 40. Whatever those dreams are, it is only through careful preparation that you can achieve those dreams, and a big part of that is having financial resources.
Life can throw curveballs at you—sickness, accident, and death—and the best way to survive these is to be prepared, so that whatever happens, you don’t have to give up those dreams.
Here are four tips to help guide you on your way to creating the future you want.
Envision the future life that you want
How do you plan to live? Do you want to travel every year? Do you want your children to study overseas? Are you planning to retire when you hit 50? However you envision the future, it’s important to have a continuous income stream that will augment either your savings or your present earnings.
AIA A+ Signature provides guaranteed cash payouts, where you can get 10 percent of the face amount starting at the end of your fifth or sixth policy year (depending on the payment term selected) and then every two years thereafter. If you’re an early retiree, having additional money on top of your retirement funds coming in on a regular basis will help you sustain the lifestyle you used to have, plus allow you to do all the other things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t afford!
Plan your expenses wisely and set aside savings
Having enough budget to spare for the niceties of life comes at a price. If you want to be able to afford those, you need to have a delayed gratification mindset: make sacrifices now to get what you want later. For most people, this means cutting one’s budget to the bare minimum, and with 20 percent of their earnings going into their savings. This also means wiping out debts, and only taking on ‘good’ debts like mortgage and car loans.
AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life) now offers AIA A+ Signature, a product that lets you create a worry-free future with guaranteed benefits and cash payouts equal to 10 percent of your plan’s face amount.
With the flexible payment terms of paying for your policy within five, ten or twenty years, you are assured there is an option that allows you to work it into your budget, so you can set aside money to make your future plans happen.
Protect yourself from life’s many risks
Imagine how life would be for your family if you met an untimely passing. If you are the family breadwinner, the wisest course of action is to protect them from untoward life events as soon as you can. Nothing expresses your love more strongly than making sure that no matter what happens to you, your loved ones can continue to fulfil their dreams.
Should you live a long and happy life, life insurance can also be another way to leave behind an inheritance for your loved ones. Either way, you will leave behind a legacy that can take care of your family.
With AIA A+ Signature, your beneficiaries will receive twice the amount of coverage of the plan. This means that if the coverage is for one million, the two million that your loved ones will receive will go a long way towards ensuring that their needs are cared for.
Know when and what to invest in
Time is always on your side in investment. If you start early and invest for the long-term, you are in a better position to weather market volatility.
Do not leave your eggs in one basket. Study the pros and cons and determine your risk appetite in investing. After ensuring you’re protected with life insurance, explore other ways to grow your money through variable unit-linked (VUL) products, bonds, equities, real estate, and other financial instruments.
If you’re on the lookout to get a multipurpose insurance product that has the potential to give you additional gains, you might also want to check out AIA A+ Signature. Aside from the guaranteed cash payouts, you can also have added savings from non-guaranteed dividends.
You need to make smart decisions today so you can create the future that you want for yourself and your family. With AIA A+ Signature, you’re one step closer to enjoying the life that you’ve always wanted, and look forward to a healthier, longer, better life ahead.
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