Sunday, January 14, 2018

UBP Gatsby Themed Thanksgiving Party
Coming back from the New Year's celebration, I went to a Gatsby themed party of the United Bloggers Philippines group. It was facilitated by Adae Ang who attended with his hubby and daughter. It all went smooth and everyone went home with smiles on our faces. January 7th, 2018 --the skies were clear and since it's Sunday, going to the venue at Jupiter street in Makati was no hassle. 
Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/romulocafeph/ 

Photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/romulocafeph/

 Romulo cafe is where we're at. The place has a homey ambiance with a touch of modernity.  They served us food so great, I want to come back for more. Classy, rustic, and elegant are three words to describe the place. Since I was not able to get there on time, I arrived just in time for the activities. Before we consumed the food, we participated and had some fun interacting and catching up.



 Ralph Huertas of Trendspotting came over to celebrate with us, Charmaine Pahate of Eggshell, also visited, as well as Eugene Caab and gave out some tokens.


Everybody almost looked liked the people on the framed pictures posted at Romulo Cafe. Well-- almost. Our outfits were in the same era. Those were the times when dressing up and looking prim and proper was the trend. The place was perfect for the event.




We would all like to thank Adae's Kitchen, Allianz PNB, Eggshell, Herbalife PH, Lola Deling's Traditions, Restaurant Depot, Shakedown Street Cafe and Tanduay PH and of course, Romulo Cafe for sponsoring the event. 


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Friday, January 12, 2018

Converge ICT lends support to “My Dream in a Shoebox”



Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. recently lent its support to the “My Dream in a Shoebox” Gift-Giving Day activity for the benefit of the Payatas Orione Foundation. The event was held at the Mother of Divine Providence church grounds located in Payatas, Quezon City.


“My Dream in a Shoebox” is a long-running project that collects and distributes shoeboxes filled with school supplies to poor and underprivileged Filipino children around the country. It is spearheaded by TeamAsia together with the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Inc. (IBPAP).

It was the first time that Converge ICT participated in such an inspiring event in Metro Manila that was held in one of the most poverty-stricken areas in the metropolis. According to Ms. Mari-Au Acuesta, HR Director of Converge ICT, most of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events werefocused in Pampanga where Converge ICT traces its roots.


Converge ICT served as food sponsor for the more than 700 people, composed mostly of kids, their parents and volunteers. They also put up a photo booth and a face-painting area at the venue, the first time these were included in the gift-giving event. The photo booth and face painting truly delighted not just the kids but also the kids-at- heart, who all patiently waited for their turn. The long lines were a testament to the fun-filled activities’ success.

Even Converge ICT personnel, particularly their graphics design team, did the face-painting themselves long after the professional face painters have left. This further elicited laughter among the kids who nonetheless remained wide-eyed with excitement.

“We were delighted to see the response of kids. They were all awed by the Photo Booth setup and of course, the face-painting. They marvelled at the kiddie-friendly images drawn on either hands or face, and clearly they had fun, even if the Converge ICT personnel took over the face-painting chores. It was an inspiring sight,” Acuesta said.

Mr. Jesus Romero, COO of Converge ICT, bared that this initial CSR venture of Converge ICT will definitely see a repeat next year, and hinted that perhaps will even be bigger in scope.

For her part, Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, President of Team Asia and the project’s main proponent, said she can’t believe that “My Dream in a Shoebox,” which started through a dream, is in its 9 th year already.

“We thank our many sponsors who supported the project throughout the years and still continue to support us until today, including other new sponsors.”

Hamlin was delighted that Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. joined this year’s edition of “My Dream in a Shoebox.” She thanked Converge ICT for participating as a Platinum sponsor and helped feed the throng of kids who came in droves.

Converge ICT, Inc. started its business in 1992 and was already granted a congressional franchise. The company has many Tier 1 international peering partners to ensure fast and reliable connectivity. It also partnered with top domestic peering partners currently has the 3 rd largest Internet backbone in the country to help further improve the Internet experience of Filipinos.
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Planting for the Planet by Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc.
In its continued commitment to preserve and protect Mother Earth, Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) in coordination with the local government unit under the leadership of the Municipal Mayor Leonila P. Montero spearheaded a tree planting activity called Planting for the Planet in Panglao, Bohol last November 23.



A Pioneer volunteer gently places a seedling into the ground.
Each volunteer is tokened with a stainless steel reusable straw to further promote environmentalism and the refusal of single-use plastics.
Volunteers sign a tarp with an image of a tree; one name per leaf as a mark of their participation in the activity.




Over a hundred volunteers composed of Pioneer Adhesives, Inc. employees
and business partners rolled up their sleeves and planted 200 seedlings in the beautiful islandof Panglao. This tree planting activity, which was a meaningful part of the Pioneer Adhesives National Conference, is just one of the many initiatives the foundation has under its environmental campaign “Our Earth Our Responsibility".


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Thursday, January 11, 2018

It’s a #Lucky2018 with Edu, Luis and Shakey’s meal deal
How do you ensure good luck in 2018? It’s simple – surround yourself with family and good friends, spread good vibes, and gather around a heart-warming meal with people you love spending with. This is exactly what father and son Edu and Luis Manzano intent to do this year. Luis has been part of the Shakey’s family since last year and has been renewed to be joined by his father, Edu. Both are known for their playful nature and mostly followed on social media for their hilarious videos and posts.

They appear in the newest advertisement where Edu is dressed in polka dots from head-to-toe, while Luis debunks this popular belief and shoes his dad how to truly get lucky this New Year – by availing Shakey’s hottest 2018 Meal Deal.
Shakey’s president and chief executive officer Vicente Gregorio is very enthusiastic about their new tandem. “Edu and Luis embody the brand in every way, which is why we are excited to welcome them into the Shakey’s family this 2018. Guests will surely be lucky with this meal deal, since Shakey’s is centered on exceeding their expectations. Each year, it has become a tradition for Shakey’s to offer something more fun and family-friendly with our meal deals, and this 2018 is no different as we present the 2018 Meal Deal”, he said.

With these savings, guest are indeed lucky with Shakey’s 2018 Meal Deal. Get two large Thin Crust pizzas, two platters of pasta, ten pieces of Chicken ‘n’ Mojos, ten pieces Mozzarella sticks, a platter of salad, and two pitchers of iced tea. And this year, there’s a new addition to their pizza choices – Bacon and Cheese Fusilli Pasta, a delicious creamy blend of parmesan, mozzarella and cheddar, plus crispy bacon bits baked with fusilli pasta. On top of all the fun, you also get a free Supercard. Experience the full #Lucky2018 by Shakey’s with the sweet deal for only P2,018.
“Since way back, Shakey’s has always been a staple whenever there are family get together and whatnot. I’m really glad and honored to be part of the Shakey’s family.” said Edu.
For Luis, it is a win-win situation. “I am a big fan of the brand. I tweet about it and constantly order pizza when I’m home or at work. Aside from that, I get to work with my dad, which makes it a lot more special,” he said.

Whether it be bonding time with the family, hanging out with the entire barkada, or just simply spending some alone time, you can always count on Shakey’s to give you a great experience.
Now you know how to achieve #Lucky2018! Spend time with your loved ones, and make it more special by availing Shakey’s 2018 Meal Deal. You will never go wrong.
To learn more about 2018 Meal Deal, visit their website www.shakeyspizza.ph, their official Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ShakeysPH/ and Instagram Page www.instagram.com/shakeysph/.
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DX In Design: The march of the next-gen, tech-driven businesses in Phl
The next wave of successful Philippine enterprises is redefining the way brands interact and connect with consumers as we speak. 

The barometer of success for businesses in the future will not only depend on how they utilize technology. More importantly, their growth will be heavily anchored on the depth of interaction and quality experience customers get by interfacing with their brand. 

This is what Micro-D International, Inc. (MDI) chief executive officer Myla Villanueva believes as she takes the lead in advocating real Digital Transformation (DX) in the Philippines, one where the DX Trinity—design, the physical space, and the brand’s aspirations—exist in harmony to create a remarkable customer experience. 




MDI believes that any design which does not prioritize the integration of technology within a physical space and aligns itself with the brand’s promise is an incomplete design. 

“The challenge for businesses today is how they can integrate their back-end with their front to bring their brand aspirations to life,” Villanueva says. “Look at other innovation pioneers, like Apple or GoPro. Every groundbreaking technology today should take into consideration the human element and interaction and how it complements its surroundings.” 
A legacy of transformative thinking


Nowadays, it has become very important for corporations to understand that technology is utilized not just for technology’s sake. It must serve a bigger purpose in their organization as an “enabler.”

For the past 30 years, MDI has partnered with some of the country’s leading corporations to do just that: embrace the DX Trinity to ensure that their brand’s promises are manifested across all contact points with their customers.

The first step in MDI’s DX journey is taking the time to understand the aspirations of the business. What is the bigger goal they want to achieve? How do they see themselves as innovators? How will their ideas manifest within their space?

Afterwards, the next thing to do is to bring in their fellow innovation advocates.

“We collaborate with the right partners in promoting true Digital Transformation to make sure that the DX Trinity come naturally together. This way, we can ensure that an enterprise can make a significant and lasting impact, while generating the ultimate customer experience,” Villanueva explains. 


Igniting the DX revolution


Perhaps, one of the finest examples that illustrate the coming together of the DX Trinity is the work that MDI has done together with UnionBank of the Philippines (UnionBank) for “The ARK”—the brand’s groundbreaking retail and banking hub in Makati.

“The ARK is a bridge between the real-world banking experience and the digital experience, which we have made possible by teaming up with our partners, led of course by MDI,” says Ana Aboitiz-Delgado, deputy center head for Consumer Finance and chief user experience Officer of UnionBank.

The ARK is a refreshing space that uses digital technology to augment an actual banking experience. It has been a very interesting project for MDI simply because of what they were able to accomplish given the kind of vision UnionBank shared with them. 


What followed was a long process of going back to the basics and understanding the intricacies and the details of every customer’s point of interaction inside the bank. MDI looked at every process, every engagement, every interaction a customer goes through their journey in a branch. 

Then, they researched and experimented on how they could make each process more effective and efficient, and how they can delight the customer by maximizing the DX Trinity. 

The result was a space where clients can move around freely, make themselves feel comfortable, order a free latte at the coffee bar, or log on to the Internet to get some work done. 

The ARK also becomes an avenue for off-site productivity, encouraging creative tech ideas not just from its partners but from its customers as well. Still, within the space, there is very powerful technology that allows customers to save time, fulfill their usual routines, enjoy a more hassle-free banking experience, and interact with the space positively. 

“When we spoke to UnionBank president, Mr. Edwin Bautista, he made their aspiration very clear to us: to be the leading digital bank by designing a brand experience like a tech company that has a banking engine,” Villanueva says.

“We’re very delighted at how MDI and our partners have interpreted our vision and brought our ideas to life at The ARK,” Delgado explains. “Look around you and you’ll see that this is not just a bank anymore. It’s now become a ‘third space.”’

The way technology has evolved today, there really needs to be a strong synergy between technology, design, and brand aspirations. This DX Trinity has become the primary pillars for the game-changing work that MDI has been doing because, as Villanueva asserts, any DX journey will cease to make a difference if one of these three goes missing. 
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Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Thinning hair problem? 5 ways to deal with your hair loss dilemma

Losing lots of hair each day? Starting to have bald patches on your head? One of the most fearsome thoughts for both men and women is the prospect of thinning hair. Though hair loss occurrence is higher among men, women are not exempted from this problem. According to studies, roughly 30 percent of the adult population suffers from some degree of hair loss, which can lower one’s confidence and cause anxiety. If hair is one’s crowning glory, balding hair can be a real nightmare. But worry no more. We made a list of ways for you to cope with major or minor hair loss:

1.      Cut it short. Ask your hairstylist about what haircut will best flatter your look.  Short hairstyles can minimize the appearance of thinning hair and make baldness less apparent.
2.      Style it right. Use volume-enhancing products that will make your hair stand up from the scalp to give it a thicker appearance. Avoid using greasy hair products and putting heavy hairsprays as they will flatten and clamp your hair together, thus emphasizing your bald patches. For women, layering and locking your hair in large curls can give an illusion of volume. You may also opt to blow dry your hair for extra volume.  
3.      Try topical treatments. There are plenty of shampoos and scalp lotions that claim to help re-grow hair. Look for a good over-the-counter topical treatment available in the market and use it rigorously. Watch your diet closely and make sure you eat plenty of iron-, protein-, and zinc-rich foods.                                                                                                      4.      Look for an appropriate wig and toupee. If you want to flaunt a full-head of hair without using any topical treatments or products, invest in a good hair dress like wigs, toupees or hair extensions. With this option, you can style your hair the way you want without fear that your bald patches might be exposed. You can also pick and change your look with less hassle.
5.      Go for the long-term and permanent medical treatment.  If you want to grow your own hair naturally, and permanently, a hair transplant procedure might be the best for you. MAXiM Hair Restoration, a 12-year old American hair transplant company that has a branch in the Philippines, offers the advanced no-stitch, no linear scar technique called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) as well as the conventional hair transplant technique known as Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT). Both enable clients to grow back their hair via hair transplantation. It also offers a non-surgical method called Scalp Micropigmentation that produces a short buzz-cut look without the client undergoing an actual transplant.

MAXiM’s expert doctors are registered plastic surgeons who are skilled in surgery and aesthetics as well. Happy clients include professionals, international models, entertainment personalities and sports celebrities, most notably PBA Legend Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio, who was the latest addition to the list of happy celebrities who have undergone MAXiM’s hair procedure. Balikbayans and overseas workers also choose to have hair transplants from MAXiM, which is super-specialized and focused on hair restoration and nothing else, for job and professional advancement.

MAXiM, offers complimentary hair transplant consultations in their office or via Skype. Interested parties may email their photos to MAXiM to get an estimate number of grafts and quotation.

For more information about hair restoration, go to www.maximhairrestoration.com/ locations/manila or call (02) 818 6000 or 813 3001 for a FREE consultation.  OFWs and those residing outside Metro Manila can avail of Skype consultations.   
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Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Tsinelas to superheroes: The Elmer Padilla story

      Filipinos are well-known for ingenuity. Salt-powered lamps and karaoke machines, what else is next? Last year, Elmer Padilla made headlines when his handmade action figures made from recycled tsinelas vent viral in Facebook. Padilla has since made an appearance on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, and his work was even handed to Thor: Ragnarok actors Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, who praised Elmer's depictions of their characters.

Elmer has always loved action figures, though he could never really afford them as a child. He turned to his creativity at a young age so that he could make his own. 
"Nine years old po ako noong mag-start ako sa paggawa. Hindi pa po character ang mga ginagawa ko noon. Bangka-bangka lang po gamit ang mga tsinelas na sira hanggang sa nakakabuo na ako ng mga robot sa sarili kong imahinasyon. Hanggang sa nahilig ako sa mga action figures sa movie. Sinubukan ko na po gumaya ng mga action figures (I was nine years old when I started making these. At the time, I didn't make characters. I just made boats out of broken flip-flops until I was able to make robots of my own imagination. Then, I began taking an interest in action figures from movies. At that point, I tried imitating action figures)," he said. 

Originally from Samar, Elmer, his wife and two daughters recently moved to Imus, Cavite, to try and fulfill his dream of making and selling action figures. It was there that he was discovered selling his tsinelas action figures on the streets, and from there, his fame rose.
Today, Elmer receives guidance from Jerry Santos, a toymaker who makes life-sized statues for his store, Jerry's Life-Size Statues and Collectibles. Orders for his work have piled up so much, he can barely keep up with demand. 
"Actually, sa isang araw, nakakatanggap kami ng 70 orders. ‘Yung iba hindi na niya nasasagot sa social media dahil nga medyo busy na rin talaga. Akala nila suplado si Elmer pero talagang marami lang talagang dating ng order (Actually, in a single day, we can receive up to 70 orders. He can't respond to the others on social media because he's really busy. They think Elmer is being snobbish, but really, there are just so many orders coming in)," Jerry Santos said.


Elmer's primary expense in making his action figures has been the purchase of Mighty Bond. Sometimes, when he runs out of money, he'd just buy ordinary shoe glue, but this lowers the quality of his work. "Kapag ordinaryong shoe glue lang talaga, madaling matanggal ang dikit kapag natutuyo na. Kapag Mighty Bond ang gamit ko, mabilis dumikit at matibay kahit na ‘yung sa mga parte pa ng action figures na mahirap dumikit gaya nung mga wires at plastic. (When I use just ordinary shoe glue, the stickiness easily fades when it dries. When I use Mighty Bond, it sticks quickly and it stays sturdy, even with the parts of the action figures that are hard to glue like wires and plastic)," he said.

Right now, Elmer's income from his craft remains a little slow as it's just him working on fulfilling the orders. Already, though, he's being courted by international flip-flop brands hoping to become his supplier. 

Elmer is still humble despite of the recognition he's been getting. His dreams are simple, to provide a home for his family and give them their needs. With all the hard work he puts in for his family, he truly is as good as the superheroes he depicts.
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