by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 2, 2018 | Stories
JobStreet.com, the largest job site in the country, will be holding the 3rd Philippine Engineering Students Congress on March 9, 2018. As with the two previous editions, the congress will be held in the Quezon City campus of co-host, the Technological Institute of the Philippines.
This one-day affair highlights a Congress plenary that aims to help participating engineering students to prepare and successfully apply for jobs after graduation. The program will present topics such as the job market landscape for engineering students, insights on increasing employability and tips on successfully passing the board exam.
Heading these panel discussions are leading figures in the field of engineering. The event will also feature presentation of award-winning engineering incubation projects and an inter-school quiz bee.
The congress will also feature a day-long career fair which will be participated in by 20 top companies that have the opportunity to showcase their employer brand during the event.
Participating companies include:
- Hitachi Elevator Philippines Corp.
- Asian Institute of Management Inc.
- Sunfish Asia Energy Solutions Inc.
- Schneider Electric Logistics Asia Pte. Ltd. – Philippine Br.
- Living Space
- Global Elite Lingua Franca
- Kalinisan Chemicals Corp.
- ADP (Philippines) Inc.
- Global Payments Process Inc., and
- AMMEX I-Support Corporation
Philip Gioca, Country Manager, JobStreet.com Philippines
“Engineering has been among the top 10 most advertised and most in-demand specializations on JobStreet.com year-on-year. In the overseas front, the Engineering specialization is also highly in-demand.” Said Philip Gioca, Country Manager, JobStreet.com Philippines.
Gioca also cites WorkAbroad.ph’s 2017 Overseas Salary Report. “Engineering-related jobs make up 22% of the total number of overseas jobs posted between January and October 2017. It is also among the highest paid specializations abroad,” he said.
“We hold this congress every year to equip and inspire future engineers as they embark on their career journey,” Gioca concluded
The congress is open to all graduating engineering students across the country. Interested students who want to attend the congress may coordinate with their college deans or office of the president as invites have been sent to their office.
They may also pre-register at www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/cms/campus, where they can sign up for an account and choose the event. Meanwhile, interested companies that want to be featured in the various activities or participate in the career fair may contact their respective JobStreet account managers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 1, 2018 | Awards and Competitions
Are you fond of doing DIY projects? For the last few years many men and women have jumped on the DIY trend – from fixing things around the house to making new things from old things that you would normally discard.
Take for example the story of Elmer Padilla, a young man who found a creative way to turn rubber slippers into action figures. His primary tools – rubber slippers and Pioneer Adhesives.
Pioneer Products
Growing up I’ve heard of Pioneer Epoxy and I have memories of my dad mixing the contents of 2 tubes to make a putty which he used to fix things around the house. I, for one, commonly purchase Mighty Bond. I keep it handy for fixing things like broken handles, fix shoes, bags, and leather straps, etc.
Pioneer Products
Pioneer has different adhesive products for different kinds of materials and uses and most people are not aware of this. There is a specific product to be used for glass, steel, rubber, pipes, etc. One of their latest products is the Mighty Insta Glue Remover – use this for removing the adhesive that may get left behind on your fingers as you work.
Aside from fixing things, Pioneer Adhesives can also be used for creative projects, some of which as featured in the new DIY Planner from Pioneer Adhesives.
The Pioneer DIY 2018 Planner
Flip through the pages and discover something new things you can make using ordinary materials and Pioneer Adhesives. Maybe some you’ve already done and some you would like to try.
For the March DIY, for example, this planner gives instructions on how to make snow globe using a mason jar, old plastic toys, glitter, blue food coloring, and Pioneer Mighty Seal.
Pioneer Giveaway!
Here’s your chance to win your own Pioneer DIY 2018 Planner! I will be giving away planners to three lucky followers who can share their best DIY tips and tricks. What do you need to do?
- Follow me on Instagram @slvrdlphn
- Share one of your best DIY tips and tricks on Instagram
- Tag the post with the following: #MyPioneerDIY #PioneerAdhesivesDIY #SLVRDLPHNgiveaways
- Invite your friends to like your post!
- Invite your friends to join. 🙂
- Winners will be announced on March 28, 2018. You will be contacted via DM when your entry has been selected.
Note: This contest/giveaway is open to Metro Manila residents only.
This contest will run from March 1 to March 27, 2018 so hurry! Send in your entries now!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 28, 2018 | Stories
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Popular South Korean pop icon and leader of the boy band Big Bang, Kwon Ji Yong (GD), bid farewell and paid tribute to his fans in Southeast Asia with a parting gift as he reported for military duty yesterday, February 27.
The singer-songwriter and rapper have designed a gift package which will be exclusively available in a one-of-its-kind GD Official Store on Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce company, Lazada.
Dubbed “The Floral Pathway”, the package comprises of a premium coffee drip, a GD hand-printed mug, and a bracelet. These items come wrapped in a fancy floral-motif box that is also specially designed by GD. The floral motif is GD’s tribute to his fans, whom he refers to as his flowers, wishing that they will walk down the road to happiness.
More than 7,000 gift boxes are up for grabs beginning today (February 28) in the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore; March 1 in Indonesia; and March 13 in Thailand.
To fan the excitement across the region, Lazada got fans to join their various social media contests and live streaming videos as they bid their beloved idol farewell.
Making shopping fun and entertaining!
Will Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Crossborder
The latest collaboration with GD is part of Lazada’s efforts to mix entertainment with shopping and to create a fun and enriching experience for the younger generation of shoppers across Southeast Asia.
“K-pop has led to an increased interest in Korea among Southeast Asian customers. To satisfy customer needs, Lazada will expand strategic partnerships with Korean entertainment companies to offer high-value K-artist merchandise,” says Will Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Crossborder.
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 | Feb 28, 2018 | Business
Asian Institute of Management
KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG RGM & Co.), the Philippine member firm of KPMG International, recently held Let’s Talk Tech – a series of IT discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Process Automation (RPA), Data & Analytics (D&A), Blockchain and Tax Intelligence Solution (TIS), at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.
It also launched its 2018 annual investment guide entitled IT Report: Philippines which highlights the dynamism of the IT-BPM industry which has proven to be among the country’s economic game changers for the past 20 years or so and will continue to provide support for strong growth in the years to come.
Present during the event were: (from left) KPMG RGM & Co. vice chairman and chief operating officer Emmanuel P. Bonoan, KPMG Australia’s Michael Rochanakij, KPMG RGM & Co. chairman and chief executive officer Sharon G. Dayoan, IT veteran Joel H. Garcia, KPMG RGM & Co. tax partner Leandro Ben M. Robediso, advisory partners Jallain S. Manrique and Michael H. Guarin.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 27, 2018 | Business
The Philippines’ first public-private sector initiative for startups, QBO Innovation Hub (QBO), will launch its own app where startups can connect with top-notch mentors and consultants who can help them grow their business on March 1 at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati.
QBO (‘ku-bo’) was formed through a partnership between Ideaspace Foundation Inc., J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
It is a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. Spurred on by the vision of Filipino startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines. The QBO App is an extension of QBO’s on-ground efforts.
Katrina Chan, Director, QBO Innovation Hub
“In this fast-paced, always-on world, we saw the need for startups to get easy access to our services and resources. This is why we created the app,” said Katrina Chan, Director, QBO Innovation Hub.
The QBO App is downloadable on iOS and Android devices (search for ‘QBO Innovation Hub’).
It is a digital space where startups and entrepreneurs can come together to connect and collaborate with other players in the startup ecosystem and contribute their own knowledge with the community.
Access to top-notch mentors
QBO recently launched its impressive mentor roster, consisting of successful startup founders, experienced venture capitalists, and veteran company leaders, among others. They were selected to provide mentorship to startups that qualify for the INQBATION program, which was created in partnership with J.P. Morgan.
The INQBATION program was designed to support highly promising yet underserved Philippine startup companies. Once selected for the program, startups gain access to a customized development program that provides targeted interventions to help them achieve their unique goals, overcome barriers to growth, and scale.
Rene “Butch” Meily, President, QBO Innovation Hub
“A significant number of startups fail, and the reasons vary. Among the most common include lack of focus and lack of motivation or commitment. However, there is one factor that proves to be even more dangerous to the success of a startup: the lack of mentorship,” said Rene “Butch” Meily, President, QBO Innovation Hub.
“We didn’t want to waste the great potential we see in a lot of local startups. And we believe that our mentors can help them move forward and grow,” Chan said.
Here are the seven mentors, and why they’re perfect for Philippine startups:
- Chito Bustamante, CEO, Chikka Asia, Inc. The Silicon Valley engineer has enabled Chikka to grow and develop into what it is today. During his term, Chikka was awarded triple ISO certifications and a rare CMMI maturity level 5, which is the highest in the industry. Aside from being a CEO, Bustamante is actively taking on mentorship roles to help young startup founders succeed.
- Ambar Machfoedy, Managing Partner, Rekanext Venture Capital Partners.
In his current role, Machfoedy manages a Singapore-based Venture Capital firm that is focused on a portfolio of technology ventures that target Southeast Asian markets. Machfoedy is also well versed in analyzing and assessing deals, conducting due diligence, and executing exit strategies via IPOs/M&As, all of which are important for any startup founder.
- Joey Vilar, Head of Marketing Services & OIC of Market Education, Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Running a successful startup requires a good understanding of financial matters. Recruiting a mentor who has a strong background in finance spells the difference between a successful startup and a floundering one. Vilar, who has been at the helm of the PSE’s marketing services and market education for 10 years, is the perfect match for any startup that wants access to financial knowledge.
- Jojy Azurin, Founder and CEO of Horsepower.ph. Azurin has co-founded a number of startups as well as IT companies. He has pioneered tech companies in the fields of BPO, IT outsourcing, online content publishing, and eCommerce. He is also co-director at Manila Chapter of Founder Institute, the world’s largest startup incubator. A seasoned leader and entrepreneur like him can definitely help any startup founder navigate the choppy startup waters.
- Francis Simisim, CEO of Social Light, Inc. Simisim’s experience as an entrepreneur through various startups such as WhenInManila, Blogapalooza, and Social Light, Inc. is valuable to any fledgling startup. His current position as partner at a Philippine-based VC firm, Original Pitch Venture Capital, can give startup founders invaluable insight when it comes to pitching to potential investors and coming up with out-of-the-box creative solutions.
- Noel Lorenzana, a Venture Capitalist with years of experience in key leadership positions. Insight from someone who has successful experience in various posts as CEO, COO, President, and Managing Director and served in various roles across functions in General Management, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Innovation Management is gold for anyone who is just starting out. Lorenzana has weathered many challenges as an executive, making him the perfect mentor for newbie founders.
- Joseph Lacson, Chief Investment Officer at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Lacson has accrued various leadership experiences spanning a wide range of departments in his 20 years of professional experience. Currently, he is the CIO of Metro Pacific Investments. He has also been at the helm of many sales and marketing departments, as well as strategy and business development. Insights from someone who has experience in moving and growing various companies can prove helpful to anyone just starting out.
Starting March 1, QBO startups will have unfettered access to these mentors and more through the QBO App.
For more information about QBO’s INQBATION program, please visit www.qbo.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 27, 2018 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Here are the current promo codes for March. To date only Grab has been issuing promo codes. I will keep you posted if I get word of any new ones coming out from other ride sharing apps.
Grab promo codes
Promo code: GRABW1260
- P60 discount on three (3) GRAB rides from March 19 to 23, 2018 only
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
Promo code: GRABWE1140
- P40 discount on three (3) GRAB rides from March 17 to 18, 2018 only
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
Promo code: GRABW1150
- P50 discount on four (4) GRAB rides from March 12 to 16, 2018 only
- Use from 9am to 5pm and 9pm to 5am
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
Promo code: GRABWE1080
- P80 discount on three (3) GRAB rides from March 10 to 11, 2018 only
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
Promo code: GRABW1050
- P50 discount on four (4) GRAB rides from March 05 to 09, 2018 only
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
Promo code: GRABWE980
- P80 discount on three (3) GRAB rides from March 03 to 04, 2018 only
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
Promo code: GRABW950
- P50 discount on five (5) GRAB rides from February 27 to March 02, 2018 only
- Available daily from 8am to 5pm
- Can be used with grabcar, grabshare, grabcar (6 seater) grabcar+ premium
- Limited daily redemptions only
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 26, 2018 | Real Estate
For such a young luxury real estate brand, Filigree was able set new standards in the local property industry both as a marque of excellence and exclusivity. Launched last year, Filigree was able to deliver on their promise of luxurious developments with meticulous attention to detail and quality, and on-time completion of their projects.
Two of Filigree’s signature upscale developments in the Metro South – Botanika Nature Residences and The Enclave Alabang, are being turned over on schedule.
Botanika Nature Residences is noted for its exceptional luxury with generously-sized units and garden-inspired amenities. Comprised of three mid-rise low-density condominium towers, Botanika Nature Residences has already welcomed Tower 1 residents starting last quarter of 2017.
For The Enclave Alabang, Filigree’s masterplanned luxury sanctuary, its 1,500 sq.m Clubhouse with private function rooms interior designed by no less that the celebrated firm of BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design, relaxing lap pool, and fitness gym are ready for the enjoyment of The Enclave Alabang’s discriminating residents.
The Central Park, boasting of lush, verdant flora, an impressive man-made lagoon with calming waters, and a canopy of trees, already stands as an inviting oasis in the low density 13-hectare residential community.
Bristol at Parkway Place, meanwhile, is set to be turned over in the first half of this year, where unit owners can soon revel in Bristol’s prime, desirable location, first-in-class architecture and design, as well as its plethora of features and amenities such as a posh retail promenade, a calming swimming pool, a cozy library, and screening room.
The Beaufort, the preferred address of the affluent few in Bonifacio Global City, has also welcomed most of its residents, and has only a few units left available.
And putting each of these masterpieces together is a most impressive lineup of world renowned consultants: apart from BUDJI+ROYAL, there is AECOM Singapore, L.V. Locsin Partners, H1 Architecture, Architecture International, and Miaja Design Group.
Filigree has indeed proven itself worthy as a premium real estate brand, with every project bearing iconic architecture, generosity of space, incomparable finishes and build quality, plush amenities, and exceptional property management—each one situated in prime, desirable locations. More importantly, Filigree has shown its ability to finish projects on time, a testament to their passion and commitment, giving homeowners and investors superb returns on their investments.
And this 2018, Filigree will continue to push the boundaries, further raising the bar and setting standards in luxury real estate in the country. To know more about Filigree’s exceptional property developments, visit www.filigree.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 25, 2018 | Business
Asian Institute of Management
KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG RGM & Co.), the Philippine member firm of KPMG International, recently held a series of events to start off the year at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.
These were a series of IT discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Process Automation (RPA), Data & Analytics (D&A), Blockchain and Tax Intelligence Solution (TIS) dubbed Let’s Talk Tech, as well as the launch of its 2018 annual investment guide, entitled IT Report: Philippines.
KPMG Australia’s Michael Rochanakij started the Let’s Talk Tech session by giving an overview of current IT trends and disruptions, as he expounded on changes brought about by the fourth industrial revolution—digital—and how companies must adopt new ways of thinking in order to stay competitive and relevant.
This was followed by an engaging panel discussion on the subject, moderated by KPMG RGM & Co. vice chairman and chief operating officer Emmanuel P. Bonoan, with esteemed panelists form the banking and IT sector: UnionBank of the Philippines’ Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s Dennis C. Bancod, 25-year IT veteran Joel H. Garcia, and Mynt’s Anthony Thomas Garcia.
Then, a series of break-out sessions on AI and RPA, Blockchain and Tax Intelligence Solution took place, with advisory partners Jallain S. Manrique and Michael H. Guarin together with partner Leandro Ben M. Robediso, leading the dialogues.
Capping off the event was the launch of the annual investment guide IT Report: Philippines held in partnership with the Wallace Business Forum. The report also highlights the dynamism of the IT-BPM (Business Process Management) industry which has proven to be among the country’s economic game changers for the past 20 years or so and will continue to provide support for strong growth in the years to come.
“Our government has realized the importance of IT and is now catching up. We now have a Department of Information and Communications Technology or DICT that aims to strengthen the country’s IT Infrastructure.
Coupled with the Data Privacy Act and the push to strengthen Cybersecurity – we are going in the right direction to make the Philippines globally competitive, especially in the digital space,” said Sharon G. Dayoan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG RGM & Co.
For more information on KPMG in the Philippines, or to download of hard copies of the investment guide at no cost, you may visit www.kpmg.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 24, 2018 | Events
Enjoy good music, art and a healthy dose of the outdoors when Filinvest City, the premier lifestyle destination in southern Metro Manila, plays host once again to the much-awaited Wanderland Music and Arts Festival on March 10, 2018 at its Open Grounds in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Now on its second year in Filinvest City, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for Wanderers to enjoy its lush greenery. Its vibrant and modern atmosphere complements the hip and festive Wanderland Music and Arts Festival.
Guests will enjoy exciting performances from an impressive line-up of entertainers, including international artists Kodaline, Daniel Caesar, FKJ and Lauv; and local indie artists Jess Connelly, Quest, IV Spades, Ben&Ben, Basically Saturday Night and Carousel Casualties.
Wanderland will also feature art installations and live art performances by young and talented muralists and illustrators Sam Bumanlag, Ip Pining, Cholo Cardenas and Humbly.
For more information, visit Wanderland’s web site, http://wanderlandfestival.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 23, 2018 | Stories
Forty statuesque Binibining Pilipinas candidates graced the headquarters of leading global insurer AXA to meet its executives and receive their personal accident insurance coverage worth P500,000 from Charter Ping An, a subsidiary of AXA Philippines.
They were welcomed by AXA Philippines chief of retail propositions Alok Roongta, chief of commercial business Ninoy Rollan; Charter Ping An director Robert Yu; head of partnership Emmanuel Que; and head of commercial underwriting Edwin Salvan.
The beauty contestants listened to a talk on financial literacy, part of AXA’s thrust to empower people to live better lives. AXA stressed the need for ambitious, hardworking Filipinos like them to prepare early for the future to achieve financial security and peace of mind.
- Each of the candidates received P500,000 personal accident insurance coverage.
- At the coronation, the six title holders will be given P2,000,000 personal accident insurance coverage.
- The runners-up will receive P1,000,000.
- Winners will also be awarded travel insurance worth P1,000,000.
Through their personal insurance coverage, the lovely aspirants of the Binibining Pilipinas crown enjoy full personal accident, medical reimbursement and travel insurance benefits wherever they go, be it here or abroad.
Through its subsidiary Charter Ping An, AXA—a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management—is the official insurance provider for Binibining Pilipinas 2018. With Charter Ping An, AXA can now offer its customer a full range of insurance products to suit their needs and lifestyles.
The congress will also feature a day-long career fair which will be participated in by 20 top companies that have the opportunity to showcase their employer brand during the event.
The congress is open to all graduating engineering students across the country. Interested students who want to attend the congress may coordinate with their college deans or office of the president as invites have been sent to their office.
To fan the excitement across the region, Lazada got fans to join their various social media contests and live streaming videos as they bid their beloved idol farewell.
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.
QBO (‘ku-bo’) was formed through a partnership between Ideaspace Foundation Inc., J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The QBO App is downloadable on iOS and Android devices (search for ‘QBO Innovation Hub’).
For such a young luxury real estate brand, Filigree was able set new standards in the local property industry both as a marque of excellence and exclusivity. Launched last year, Filigree was able to deliver on their promise of luxurious developments with meticulous attention to detail and quality, and on-time completion of their projects.
“Our government has realized the importance of IT and is now catching up. We now have a Department of Information and Communications Technology or DICT that aims to strengthen the country’s IT Infrastructure. 
Guests will enjoy exciting performances from an impressive line-up of entertainers, including international artists Kodaline, Daniel Caesar, FKJ and Lauv; and local indie artists Jess Connelly, Quest, IV Spades, Ben&Ben, Basically Saturday Night and Carousel Casualties.
They were welcomed by AXA Philippines chief of retail propositions Alok Roongta, chief of commercial business Ninoy Rollan; Charter Ping An director Robert Yu; head of partnership Emmanuel Que; and head of commercial underwriting Edwin Salvan.
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