by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 21, 2018 | Business
Release the inner Lazaddict in you! Having parcels delivered to your doorstep almost every day is not the only test. Listed below are six things you should know about Lazada as it soon turns 6.
Shakin’ deals
Birthday parties aren’t complete without games! Lazada adds more fun to online shopping through its Shakin’ Deals. Just log-on to your Lazada mobile app, stay on the homepage and shake, shake, shake away!
You get yourself a chance to win up to Php 1,500 that you can use to shop. Don’t forget to invite your family and friends to have some shakin’ fun!
No ghosts, only intangible items!
Most likely you have bought everything on Lazada – the foundation on your cheeks, the earring dangling from your ear and the watch on your wrist.
Do you know Lazada also sells intangible items? Go to the e-store and you can get yourself prepaid load, a tour in Cebu, Enchanted Kingdom online passes or the latest Microsoft software.
You also get to buy vouchers from your favorite restaurants, beauty and wellness shops.
Lazadagram
There is no such thing but you can now follow the official stores of your favorite brands the same way you follow your favorite influencers on Instagram. Just click the follow button in the brand’s official store and stay updated with special offers and discounts from your favorites.
Cashless? Get Cashback!
No credit card, no problem! Lazada recently launched its e-wallet. Now, you can pay for your Lazada order easily by topping up through BPI, BDO, Metrobank or any 7-11 branch near you. Also, enjoy cashbacks up to 25% for Lazada’s big birthday sale if you load your e-wallet from today until April 23.
Chat Now
An avid user of Viber, WhatsApp or Telegram? Want to know if the makeup you plan to buy matches your skin tone or if the shirt comes in XL? Ask the seller through Lazada’s new instant messaging feature called Chat Now. Talk to the seller directly through live chat so you are more confident about your purchase! Who knows, your next BFF could just be your favorite seller.
Six Eventful Years
Lazada’s biggest online shopping party is coming soon. Join its 6th Birthday Festival Sale happening from April 25 to 27, 2018 and celebrate great finds from your favorite brands, trusted sellers and the Taobao Collection.
Discounts will be up to 90% off with daily flash sales, social media games and special partner vouchers.
The countdown to the biggest birthday bash starts now! You know you’re a true Lazaddict if you have the latest version of the Lazada App.
Download the latest version of the Lazada mobile app today and join millions of shoppers to celebrate Lazada’s 6th year.
About Lazada Group
Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
As the pioneer of the eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Lazada helps more than 135,000 local and international sellers as well as 3,000 brands serving the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions.
With over 210 million SKUs available, Lazada offers the widest range of products in categories ranging from consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion, sports equipment and groceries.
Focused on delivering an excellent customer experience, it offers multiple payment methods including cash-on-delivery, comprehensive customer care and hassle-free returns through its own first and last mile delivery arm supported by more than 100 logistics partners. Lazada Group is majority owned by Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 19, 2018 | Business
Employers now claim that aside from an applicant’s attitude or work ethic, they also place more consideration on communication skills and analytical thinking as top considerations when hiring fresh college graduates.
This inclination toward interpersonal and 21st century skills has emerged as JobStreet.com Philippines, the country’s largest online job portal, conducted a survey involving 503 employers from various parts of the country in February 2018 as part of its annual Fresh Graduate Report.
These results reflect a marked shift compared to 2015’s top determinants which are experience-based qualifications — on-the-job training, extra-curricular activities, and part-time work experience, which now see themselves in the bottom ranks.
Furthermore, when respondents were asked to rate particular qualities they observed on their fresh graduate hires, factors such as task management efficiency, leadership potential, customer empathy, and analysis of situations averaged the lowest.
These ratings further reflect the preference of employers in hiring candidates who have already developed interpersonal and 21st century proficiencies despite being new to the workforce.
Top School Preferences Maintained
But despite these marked changes, employers maintain their opinions on a topic most find traditional: the schools where the hired applicants graduated from. This year, when asked if they have reasons for sourcing employees from particular institutions, employers pointed out that they believe in the schools’ reputation of producing quality graduates and eventual employees.
The top three most preferred schools by most employers surveyed are Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines, and Ateneo de Manila University. The inclusion of two schools outside of Metro Manila — University of San Carlos (#8) and University of Cebu (#9) also marks the first time tertiary institutions not located in the National Capital Region make their appearance in the top ten list since 2014 .
Increased salaries, opportunities
The report also indicates that fresh college graduates can expect an abundant job market this year. In the last quarter of 2017 alone, employers were bullish with 52,149 jobs available to fresh graduates—a 10% increase from 2016’s 47,339.
The national average salary for fresh graduates remains to be attractive at nearly Php20,000. The average of Php19,785 in the last quarter of 2017 shows a slight increase from 2016’s Php19,437.
According to JobStreet.com, law graduates remain to be the best-paid among the lot, with an average monthly salary of Php27,355. This is followed by fresh graduates who take on roles in public relations/communications, with an average monthly salary of Php24,675, and those who specialize in creating content (i.e. content writer, foreign language content translator, and junior technical writer), with an average monthly salary of Php22,446. Thus, the highest paid are more aligned towards content and communication-related jobs.
“This shows that more and more employers are opening their doors to fresh graduates, presenting a significant shift in what employers need in these increasingly digital world,” concludes Philip Gioca, JobStreet.com Philippines Country Manager.
A new crop of fresh graduates: K-12
It has been five years since the K-12 program was implemented, and the first batch of graduates from this system are set to join the workforce this year. The survey revealed that 25% of employers are willing to hire, while 40% are indefinite about hiring K-12 graduates. The 40% indefinite employers said they are still evaluating or will eventually hire pending definite timelines.
For employers who are open, the survey affirms this as a number of industries have been identified as the most willing to hire K-12 graduates: BPO, manufacturing, professional services, retail, and machinery and equipment; for entry level jobs in administrative, customer service, sales and marketing.
With this non-committal attitude of employers, Mr. Gioca advises the newest entrants of the job market to be more discerning and strategic on their career planning. “There are indeed employers that are receptive to hiring them, but they have to contend with two factors: One, that not all employers are accepting of K-12 graduates as of the moment and two, they will have to compete with fresh college graduates, which employers may favor more, for the same jobs they are eyeing,” he pointed out.
In terms of salary, K-12 graduates may find themselves sufficiently paid, as 50% of respondents said that they are willing to pay their K-12 fresh graduate hires more than the minimum wage.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 16, 2018 | Business
Further bolstering the modern metropolis status of Filinvest City in Alabang is a uniquely-designed Marian Chapel in River Park, Festival Alabang, which will provide residents and visitors a place where they can pray and reflect.
Set amidst lush greeneries, the chapel will be situated at a hill, which is considered a sacred place in Christianity, and will be fronting by a river, giving it a very calming atmosphere.
Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Architects, the Marian Chapel’s architectural structure is inspired by the white lily. Completing an important milestone in its construction, Filinvest executives recently gathered at the River Park for the first pouring event.
Present were (L-R): Filinvest Land Inc. first vice president and head of Project Development and Management Group Engr. Winnifred Lim, R. Villarosa Architects managing partner Arch. Roger Villarosa, Arch. Hiroki Nakamichi of Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Architects, Filinvest Development Corp. vice president for Supply Chain Management Michael Gotianun, Filinvest Alabang Inc. executive vice president Catherine Ilagan, R. Villarosa Architects partner Arch. Roy Villarosa, Filinvest Development Corp. junior architect David Gotianun, and Design Coordinates, Inc. president Jose Oscar Salvacion.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 15, 2018 | Events
The renowned Drum Tao group of Japan is bringing their extraordinary dance, martial arts, and percussion show to Shangri-La Plaza today, April 15, 7PM, at the Grand Atrium.
Drum Tao Samurai Drum Rock Group
After several standing ovations and sold-out shows from more than 7 million audiences in over 17 countries, Drum Tao will be performing the famous Samurai Drum Rock for the first time in Manila, with Shangri-La Plaza as one of their stops.
Mall guests will witness this one-of-a-kind musical drum concert where highly-trained Japanese Taiko drummers beat their Wadaiko drums together with passionate chanting and music. It’s a unique theatrical experience featuring an eclectic mix of dance and martial arts and flawless movements.
Get ready to be captivated by an evening of inspiring and immersive rhythm, beats, and melodies from this world-class performance group at Shangri-La Plaza.
For inquiries, call 370-2597/98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.
Drum Tao Shows
Drum Tao Samurai Drum Rock performs live at the Kia Theatre from April 19 to 22, 2018. Book your tickets at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555.
Drum Tao Buzoku
Show schedule
- April 19, 8pm
- April 20, 8pm
- April 21, 2:30pm (matinee) and 8pm
- April 22, 4:30pm
Ticket prices
- Balcony L/R – P800
- Balcony – P1,500
- Lodge – P2,500
- Orchestra – P3,500
- VIP – P4,500
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 14, 2018 | Safety tips
Traveling is such a wonderful thing! It helps you appreciate different cultures and teaches you so many lessons that aren’t taught in the classroom. But to make each trip truly meaningful, you have to prepare very well for it.
But even seasoned travelers may run into unforeseen setbacks. Here is a list of common travel fails and what to do in case you find yourself in one.
1. Missed flight or other modes of transportation
Missing your flight or other transfers can be very stressful and costly as it can change your itinerary. But don’t panic! Find out your options, such as travel alternatives to your destination.
Be flexible, too! Know your schedule to give yourself ample time to prepare. While it’s good to have an itinerary, it’s also helpful to have a flexible schedule so you can immediately adjust to unforeseen circumstances.
2. Lost luggage
Make your luggage easily identifiable by adding some personal touches, like a luggage cover protector or bag tags with your name and address. If the airline loses your luggage, report it immediately.
Have the basic necessities and at least one set of clothes in your carry-on bag to tide you over as you wait for your luggage. If the airline is unable to recover your bag, your travel insurance can help.
Make travel insurance a part of your travel checklist. Get protection from Smart Traveler of Charter Ping An. Not only will it provide protection for your personal belongings, it also comes with a wide range of benefits, including 24-hour medical assistance, personal accident coverage, liability and personal safety coverage, and even refunds for unexpected expenses.
Application is easy! Visit the AXA website (www.axa.com.ph/charterpingan/smart-traveller) and choose the ideal coverage for your trip. Eligible applicants must hold Philippine identification documents like birth certificate, long-term visa pass, dependent or student pass, and employment certificate for adults 18 to 70 years old.
3. Luggage overload
Lugging heavy suitcases as you chase after a bus or train or try to catch your flight makes travel more difficult, stressful, and even costly because it could mean paying extra for excess baggage.
Pack light by choosing clothes that are suitable for any situation and occasion. Bring only the most essential. Have your toiletries in miniature containers and carry your jacket instead of putting it in your bag.
4. Lost/missing travel documents
Travelers who are rushing may misplace things like passports or other important documents. When that happens, remember to keep calm and immediately ask for assistance from the nearest embassy or consulate.
Keep electronic and paper copies of your passport and other necessary documents with you, and constantly check your valuables wherever you go.
5. Cash shortage
Having cash is the easiest way to pay for things when traveling, but if you’re not careful, you can run low on cash before the end of your trip. To make your cash last long, bring a refillable water container so you don‘t have to buy bottled water, or shop at local stores for affordable and authentic local cuisines. Create a daily budget for your trip and stick to it. Have a credit card for emergencies.
Traveling is a good investment. Enjoy a hassle-free vacation and always be protected by availing of Smart Traveler now. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 13, 2018 | Lifestyle
In celebration of Diamond Month, My Diamond is offering up to 40% off on one carat diamond jewelry from April 1 – 30, 2018. This is to honor the exquisite rarity of diamonds and how they represent women’s strength, beauty, and brilliance.
Dazzle in a pair of 18K white gold earrings each with 300 pieces of 3.29 carat and 295 pieces of 1.68 carat diamonds; an 18K white gold ring with 55 pieces of 1.51 carat diamonds; or an 18K white gold ring with 2.23 carat diamond set on 4 prong crown. Celebrate Diamond Month with an elegantly handcrafted piece by My Diamond.
Visit My Diamond concept stores at Ayala Center Cebu, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 3, Glorietta 4, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Supermall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, and SM Lanang Premier Davao. For more information, follow and like My Diamond on Facebook and Instagram: @MyDiamondPH.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 11, 2018 | Events
Luisito Sta. Ana once again added an award under his belt as he won recently as the first ever champion of the KTM Dukehana Luzon leg held at Circuit Makati parking grounds. KTM Dukehana is a motorcycle time trial sport where motorcycle riders compete to maneuver through a paved course restricted by traffic cones and other skill-testing obstacles in shortest time.
There will be two more legs of the competition: one in April in Davao and another in June in Cebu. The Filipino champion will represent the country in the Dukehana Asia Finals where he will compete against other Asian competitors including Thailand, China, and Taiwan.
Photo shows (L-R) Marketing head of KTM Philippines Ana Lumban, second place winner Van Ruedas, Luzon leg overall champion Luisito Sta. Ana, third place winner Iraq Bauzon and Inside Racing’s Al Camba.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 11, 2018 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Have a Happy Summer with The Discovery Leisure Company. Create blissful memories on bright sunny days, whether it’s a city escape or an island getaway.
Club Paradise Palawan
Dive into the stunning beauty of Club Paradise Palawan, a private island resort in Coron. For a minimum of two nights, enjoy a Garden View room for P11,200++ or a Sunset Villa for P12,800++. Delight in buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old, roundtrip Busuanga Airport transfers, and a serving of Firefish Restaurant’s “Bowl of Happiness” – different flavors of homemade ice cream, ideal for sharing. Stay date is until June 1, 2018.
Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay
Revel in a Week Date Dream at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, with special rates for a Deluxe Suite for only P6,354.38++, and a Premier Suite for just P7,169.04++. The generous offer comes with complimentary set dinner for two and Country Breakfast for two at Restaurant Verbena, wine and cheese platter at sundown, and milk and cookies before bedtime.
Use promo code DREAM. Stay period is until November 28, 2018, Sundays to Thursdays except long weekends and holidays.
Discovery Primea
For a truly unforgettable summer break, book a room at the Discovery Primea Makati’s Business Flat, Business Suite, Executive Suite, or Primea Suite at 10% off the Best Available Rate. The room package includes tempting culinary offerings such as daily gourmet breakfast and one order of pizza of your choice at Restaurant Tapenade, one round of cocktails for two at EDGE, and 20% discount on food and beverage. Take a dip in Discovery Primea’s iconic infinity pool, or break a sweat in the hotel’s 24-hour gym.
Tech-savvy guests will love the complimentary use of Handy smartphone and High Speed Internet Access. Don’t forget to use the promo code DISCOVER. Stay dates are from April 10 to June 30, 2018.
Discovery Suites Manila
Not to be missed as well is the Weekend Steals deal at Discovery Suites Manila, with rates starting at PHP 3,665.99++ for a Junior Suite Deluxe. This offer includes breakfast buffet for two at Restaurant 5, access to the swimming pool, fitness center, and children’s playroom, as well as weekend kiddie activities on Saturdays, 4pm to 5pm. Stay Period is from April 6 to July 1, 2018, Fridays to Sundays.
My Discovery Elite
My Discovery Elite members are entitled to a complimentary upgrade from Junior Suite to One-Bedroom Suite, subject to availability. Use the promo code LEISUREWEEKEND to enjoy this special deal.
For more information on these irresistible summer deals, visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 6, 2018 | Lifestyle
Did you know that fun play can foster learning and development in children?
Delighting kiddie shoppers with a summer to remember, SM Supermalls invites kids of all ages to the #LetsPlayNowAtSM grand summer kickoff – transforming SM City San Lazaro’s event center on April 7 into an exciting wonderland filled with real-play, entertainment, and fun technology that can help them learn and make friends!
Parents can let their kids’ imagination run wild at the arts and crafts and coloring booth. They can discover their inner superstar at the modeling and singing booth. You can have them explore virtual reality with digital and interactive games. Kids can even harness their fitness skills and team play through basketball and indoor archery. There will also be interactive playgrounds, such as the foam pit, ball pit, and a giant maze, fit for their untiring energy.
The kids’ favorite characters will also come and play including Doraemon and Nobita, Peppa Pig, and Dora the Explorer, among many others.
Some of the country’s top kiddie stars such as Nhikzy Calma, Esang De Torres, Chunsa Jung, Raikko Matteo, Marco Masa, Nayomi Ramos, and Sophia Corine will also join the fun with special performances.
The #LetsPlayNowAtSM grand summer kick-off will be co-hosted by Sam Shoaf, a talented a finalist of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.”
Start your kids’ summer experience with an exciting and fun-filled adventure at SM! This event is also brought to you by the Toy Kingdom, Baby Company, Cyberzone, The SM Store, SM Shopmag, SM Accessories, SM Markets, SM Kids, and SM Storyland.
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For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 4, 2018 | Lifestyle
The modern workplace is constantly evolving. While in the past, interior designers focused on creating spaces that promote utmost concentration through formal, almost rigid layouts, these days the trend is to create flexible workspaces that promote teamwork and interaction among employees.
Agility underpins the design concept for the newly renovated corporate offices of AXA Philippines at the GT Tower in Makati City. Aptly called AXA Home, the newly unveiled facility promises to be a people-centric workplace that is conducive for collaboration and creativity among its occupants. This is a key part of the One AXA vision – the constant process of redefining and transforming systems to improve operations for the ultimate benefit of employees and customers.
Inspired by native materials and motifs, AXA Home has an overall look that is “proudly Filipino with a modern twist.” AXA incorporated local designs of handwoven textiles, artistically crafted rattan, and sturdy wooden furniture and decor. They are artfully blended with industrial design elements in key areas, notably in the “plazas,” the main hubs for collaboration.
In addition to the more artistic and revitalized appearance and feel of AXA Home, a comprehensive space plan was also implemented, which deliberately veered away from the traditional office set-up. Instead, the AXA Home promotes openness, collaboration, and efficiency, particularly in the use of space.
Another key feature of the AXA Home is innovation, manifested in the addition of two new rooms: the Innovation Hub and the Social Media Command Center. The Social Media Command Center, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, aims to boost AXA Philippines’ online presence, as well as to increase positive sentiments in the digital space. The Innovation Room, meanwhile, is an area where people from different teams can collaborate and conceptualize innovations that can help them attain their business goals.
AXA Home aims to provide a space where everyone feels welcome, with boundaries and divisions removed to foster a real sense of community.
Birthday parties aren’t complete without games! Lazada adds more fun to online shopping through its Shakin’ Deals. Just log-on to your Lazada mobile app, stay on the homepage and shake, shake, shake away!
An avid user of Viber, WhatsApp or Telegram? Want to know if the makeup you plan to buy matches your skin tone or if the shirt comes in XL? Ask the seller through Lazada’s new instant messaging feature called Chat Now. Talk to the seller directly through live chat so you are more confident about your purchase! Who knows, your next BFF could just be your favorite seller.
Lazada’s biggest online shopping party is coming soon. Join its 6th Birthday Festival Sale happening from April 25 to 27, 2018 and celebrate great finds from your favorite brands, trusted sellers and the Taobao Collection.
Launched in 2012, Lazada is the number one online shopping and selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Employers now claim that aside from an applicant’s attitude or work ethic, they also place more consideration on communication skills and analytical thinking as top considerations when hiring fresh college graduates.
Traveling is such a wonderful thing! It helps you appreciate different cultures and teaches you so many lessons that aren’t taught in the classroom. But to make each trip truly meaningful, you have to prepare very well for it.
Make your luggage easily identifiable by adding some personal touches, like a luggage cover protector or bag tags with your name and address. If the airline loses your luggage, report it immediately.
Lugging heavy suitcases as you chase after a bus or train or try to catch your flight makes travel more difficult, stressful, and even costly because it could mean paying extra for excess baggage.
Having cash is the easiest way to pay for things when traveling, but if you’re not careful, you can run low on cash before the end of your trip. To make your cash last long, bring a refillable water container so you don‘t have to buy bottled water, or shop at local stores for affordable and authentic local cuisines. Create a daily budget for your trip and stick to it. Have a credit card for emergencies.
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