Thursday, August 16, 2018

A Look into the Rising Corporate Events Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Any event paid for by an organization for the benefit of its employees or customers can be considered a corporate event. Many such events are held to thank employees, show appreciation for the customers’ constant business, and showcase new products. Corporate events may cost organizations some serious money, but if they can get results, they should be worth considering.

If you want a great event, you shouldn’t risk planning one while attending to the other aspects of your business. In the months leading up to the event, you’d have to throw everything into making sure every detail is perfect to ensure a smooth-flowing event later. That’s why it pays to hire an expert corporate event planner.
With more emphasis on engaging employees as the number one asset of an organization and carefully shaping one’s brand, considering the noise all the other competing brands may also be making in both traditional media and social media, corporate event planners are in demand more than ever.
Reasons to Hire Corporate Event Planners
Here are great benefits to retaining the services of an event planner:
·   
     Following the set budget. Professional event planners have the expertise and tried and tested methods to keep everything under your budget. They also have well-established connections with venues and party suppliers who can give them preferred rates or even discounts.
·         
    Stress-free event hosting. It is up to the planner to make sure everything runs smoothly and develop backup plans in case something goes wrong. It saves you from panicking over several ‘what if’ scenarios.
·         
    Great attention to detail. You can confidently leave everything to the capable hands of your planner, who will take care not only of the major details but also the smallest ones, from using the right table cloth to making sure attendees who have allergies won’t be served food they’re not allowed to eat.
·         
     Creativity. Whatever issue may crop up during the planning of the event, from the registration and venue selection to the entertainment and furnishing, your planner will have all the necessary creative solutions.
·         
     More connections. Instead of sweating out the details over which catering service or what kinds of decoration should be used, your planner will take over everything after asking you about what you had in mind for the event.
How to Distinguish a Good Corporate Event Planner
You know you’ve found the best corporate event planner for you if they have the following qualities:
·  
     Excellent people skills. Effective planners need people skills to comfortably deal with all kinds of people – from business executives and government officials to customers and suppliers.
·         
   Organized. Multi-tasking prowess is a must-have for event planners and this will be best unleashed if a planner is organized and good at delegating simpler but time-consuming tasks to other people.
·         
    Resourcefulness. No matter how much planning you do, something may go wrong during the planning process or the event itself. But if your planner is resourceful, they would have anticipated the possibilities and prepared for the issues in case.

    High attention to detail. Even something as minor as the font of the invitation cards used to the color of the table cloth may affect the whole feel of the event. That’s why good planners have to have great attention to detail.
·         
     Passion. Corporate event planning is mostly hard work, sleepless nights, and stressful days until the day of the event. It also requires dealing with different personalities, which can be quite draining. But passionate planners will still push through despite the challenges they would face because seeing the outcome of the event can give them pleasure and satisfaction.
·         
    Good communication skills. These skills are necessary if you want your planner to understand what you want and relay those preferences to the suppliers of your event and the rest of the team.

Typical Events Handled
Some of the most common types of corporate events that your organization might want to host include the following:
·         
  Trade shows. These are important in establishing partnerships, generating leads, raising awareness about your products, and expanding your networks.
·         
   Product launches. These are all about showcasing your new products and acquiring clients through extensive media exposure.
·         
    Conferences. These aim to establish an avenue for exchanging ideas, finding solutions, and improving collective expertise with your peers in your industry.
·

   Appreciation events. These are often hosted to recognize your employees’ achievements or establish a stronger connection with your loyal customers. Examples are cruises, sports events, dinner, holiday parties, tickets to your town’s most popular events, and other private parties.

·   Incentive trips. These are perfect for rewarding or entertaining employees and polishing your organization’s good reputation.
·       
   Teambuilding events. Their goal is to improve social ties among your employees.

  Company milestones. Their purpose is to celebrate anniversaries, grand openings, and other major achievements. Aside from employees, vendors, clients, and even members of the local community may be invited.

·    Board meetings. These are held for board members to review business performance and meet up with other executives to make major decisions.
·         
  Charity events. These are important as part of your organization’s corporate social responsibility.




  Business dinners. These are also another way to celebrate organization milestones, welcome a new member to the team, and more.

Now, you know it is totally worth it to hire a corporate event planner’s help if you don’t want to be saddled with extra responsibilities and end up butchering an otherwise beneficial event.

“Most of our clients come to us for 3 things: they want to do away with the extra stress, they want to work with people who are smarter than them in terms of doing events, and they want our network. We definitely aren’t cheap, but with the caliber of work we put in, you — and over a hundred corporate clients will agree—that it’s worth it,” Karla Singson, Owner and Events and PR Lead of PREP (PR, Events and Promotions), shares.

Just make sure to find a topnotch planner like PREP and you can let them take the reins while you focus on running your business.

Shanti Dope Brings Pinoy Pride in International Collaborations


Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s here!
“Crazy” (International Remix) by MiMi featuring Nomad, Krayzie Bone and our very own Shanti Dope ðŸ”¥
LISTEN to the song on Spotify ➡️ spoti.fi/2P2lew1


17 year-old viral rap star Shanti Dope's flourishing artistry continues to burn bright as he brings Pinoy rap into the international scene.

As he celebrates one year in the industry, and more than 20 million views and streams for his hit song "Nadarang," the new gen rapper-songwriter adds collaborations with international artists to the long list of achievements in his young career.


Shanti is expected to bring his A-game in on the international remix of the song 'Crazy' by rising American singer Mimi. He joins NomaD and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member Krayzie Bone in the catchy hip-hop tune, also providing a unique Pinoy twist on his verse.

The song does not only feature Shanti himself as an artist, but also our very own language as he raps Tagalog on his verse. To be able to showcase the national language on a worldwide stage is a big feat for OPM artists, especially in the genre of rap, as Shanti continues to build bridges across different genres, platforms, and audiences through his music.

The rap prodigy will not only appear on thisinternational track, but is also slated to be special a guest (together with his mentor Gloc-9) in the upcoming Ultimate hiphop OG Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert on September 5, 2018 at the Mall of Asia Arena.



Mimi's 'Crazy (International Remix) [feat. Shanti Dope, Krayzie Bone, and NomaD]' is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon

Shanti Dope and Materyal EPs are now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon under Universal Records.

Tickets for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert are out now via SM Tickets | bit.ly/BTNH2018MNL It’s gonna be an epic hiphop party with #BTNHManila ft. Gloc-9 and Shanti Dope, made possible by Ovation Productions.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Smart Backs PH Delegation to 2018 Asian Games


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Smart pledges support to Filipino athletes competing at the 2018 Asian Games. Photo shows (L-R) Paolo Dizon from Smart Sports Marketing, Gabby Cui of Smart’s Community Development and Partnerships, Patrick Gregorio of the Philippine Olympic Committee and Epok Quimpo of Smart Sports Marketing.

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications (Smart) continues to support athletes representing the country in the international arena, this time providing communication and connectivity support to the Philippine national team competing at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Composed of more than 270 athletes, the Philippine team is set to face the best Asian athletes in Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2.

Smart, through the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC),  turned over Smart Prepaid LTE SIMS and load cards  that the Filipino athletes can use on Smart World Data Roaming Manager - an international service that Smart subscribers abroad can access to easily manage mobile internet usage.

POC Secretary General Patrick Gregorio believes that the communication support is essential to the delegation’s performance.



“The success of the Filipino athlete would depend on the support of the Filipino people. We need that communication line para solid ang suporta natin,” said Gregorio.

Smart sends off national basketball team


The Philippine national basketball team players and coaches together with Smart Head of Community Development and Partnerships, Gabby Cui and PLDT Global Head of International Retail Business, Jojo Quiamas during the turnover of the Smart Prepaid SIMs and load cards.

During the send-off practice before the team flew to Indonesia, Smart committed its support to the Philippine national men's basketball team, pledging connectivity for the players during the tournament. They were provided Smart Prepaid SIMs and load cards, plus premium access to Free Bee, an app that delivers crystal-clear calls to the Philippines for free, without requiring internet connection from their families back home.

After a few challenges just days leading to the Asian Games, the team is now ready to raise the Philippine flag with the last-minute inclusion of Filipino-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson raising hopes for a medal finish.
 
Asked about their preparation for the games, Assistant Coach Ricky Yumayang said that the team has been training rigorously.

“Given the time constraints that we're facing, we are working hard every day to practice and hone our skills with Coach Yeng Guiao. Everything is going as planned,” Yumayang said.

“Right now, we are doing our best to take care of ourselves mentally and physically, so we can achieve our goal as early as the first round,” said veteran basketball player Asi Taulava.

Representing the country together with Clarkson, the all-star roster consists of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Maverick Ahanmisi, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood, and James Yap, Magnolia Hotshots' Paul Lee, San Miguel’s Christian Standhardinger, GlobalPort Batang Pier's Stanley Pringle, Blackwater Elite’s Poy Erram, and NLEX Road Warriors' Asi Taulava.

Staying connected with Smart

Despite being abroad for several days, the players won’t have to worry about keeping in touch with their families and fans back in the Philippines.

“We believe that these tools give them a unique advantage which will allow them to communicate with their families even away from home,” said Gabby Cui, Smart assistant vice president and head of community development and partnerships.

The athletes will also be able to subscribe to any Data Roaming Pack via Smart World’s Data Roaming Manager wherever they are in the world and they will also be able to monitor their Roaming Data Usage real time.
 
Family men

For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ point guard and family man Chris Tiu, staying connected with his loved ones whenever abroad has been helpful for his peace of mind, and overall career. As a father, he has to check on his kids most of the time.

“Nowadays, having a reliable internet overseas definitely take off some stress,” Tiu said. “I do not feel so far from home, thanks to technology available today.”

Another family man in the team, Gabe Norwood, finds the support given by Smart consistent and unyielding.

“Smart has done a great job ever since our program started. They've been right there with us hand in hand,” Norwood exclaimed.

When asked if he will be able to benefit from the connectivity that Smart brings during the Asian Games, Norwood said that keeping his communication line open is vital as a father. “I want to be with my kid as much as I can. Even FaceTime counts!”

In the last edition of the Asian Games in 2014, the Philippine basketball team finished with a 3-4 record landing them to the seventh spot. This year, the team will play in Group D together with Kazakhstan and China.

#RememberKian: Caloocan Community Remembers Kian Delos Santos on Eve of His Death Anniversary with Flowers and Prayers


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Caloocan community, Akbayan members and neighbors of Kian delos Santos remember the young victim of police-sanctioned killings during the afternoon of August 15, on the eve of his death anniversary.

Parents and children from Caloocan gathered in Beasa Libis, Brgy 160, on the site where Kian was shot, to offer flowers and prayers.

The community members showed their sympathy with messages to the community to remember Kian.

“Patuloy naming alalahanin ang buhay ni Kian dahil ang pagkalimot ay isang pambabastos hindi lamang sa kanya kundi sa lahat ng mga buhay na trinatong collateral damage o incentive sa madugong giyera laban sa mahihirap.” said Brgy. Chair Dave Alonzo, Bgy. 160.









“Si Kian ay kabilang sa ilan pang mga kabataan na nadamay sa giyera laban sa droga. Ginagawa daw nilang lahat ito para sa magandang kinabukasan ngunit para saan pa kung sila mismo ang pumapatay sa kinabukasan ng bayang ito.” said Julits Velasco, Tindig Kabataan

“Ang inosente ay nagiging drug courier at ang big time drug lord ay nagiging state witness. Ito ang hitsura ng hustisya sa panahon ng Tokhang.” said Cynthia Nuñez, an Akbayan member from  the same barangay of Kian delos Santos.

Kian de los Santos was killed on August 16, 2017 at around 8 P.M. in the evening where in witnesses heard him saying, “Tama na po! Tama na po! May test pa ako bukas!”###


Upcoming events:
Tomorrow August 16 at ADMU Gate 2.5 5PM for #RememberKian Candle Lighting Memorial Service

Friday at San Roque Cathedral for Kian's Marker Unveiling 5PM

Attached are photos, video of Tricia de los Santos (Kian's sister), and photo of the marker

Junior New System Did It Again! Pinoy Dance Crew Joins Asia’s Got Talent Alum in America’s Got Talent Live Shows


Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s a round of resounding yeses for Pinoy dance crew Junior New System as they head to the Live Shows in America’s Got Talent!

They roused the audience off their seats with their high-octane routine that involved flips in golden stilettos and wowed all the judges! Junior New System will join comedy duo Yumbo Dump from season 2 who impressed the judges with their act of making silly noises with their bellies, and winner of season 2 The Sacred Riana who managed to achieve over 12 million views on YouTube with her scary illusions in the Live Shows.

These three acts will be performing in the Live Shows over the next three weeks where their fates of moving forward to the semi-finals will be left in the hands of the audience. The Live Show airs every Thursday at 6pm and encores at 8pm, while the Live Results Show airs every Friday at 6pm and encores at 8pm.

To find out the latest news on Asia’s Got Talent and other exciting shows on AXN, visit @AXNAsia on Facebook today.
AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247

MARINA Lauds Fast Craft Service Linking Calbayog - Cebu


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) lauds the brand new fast craft service that will link Calbayog City, Samar and Cebu City, Cebu for the first time.

MV Sea Cat One, a 300-seater air-conditioned vessel managed by VS Grand Ferries Corporation, will offer two daily trips from Calbayog to Cebu and vice-versa. It is targeted to be operational on September 2018.

The five-hour travel time via the new fast craft service is significantly faster compared to the usual 12-hour travel time en routing Calbayog-Cebu.

MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero recognized the sincerity and commitment of the VS Grand Ferries Corporation and the local government of Samar in improving sea transportation.

“This strong and responsive effort is what the DOTr and the MARINA look forward to from all its partners and stakeholders. Undeniably, development like this contributes to the transformation of the Philippines into a more connected nation through an efficient sea transport system,” MARINA Admin. Guerrero said.

VS Grand Ferries Corporation is a newly-registered corporation and duly-accredited by the MARINA.

The MARINA recognizes the support of the Department of Finance (DOF) in the continuous provision of incentives through the grant of VAT exemption on the acquisition of MV Sea Cat One.

Pending its operations, the shipping personnel are undergoing vessel operations and management training in a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.

With this development, the MARINA encourages new players and investors in the country’s domestic shipping industry through the modernization of local ships— making them globally-competitive and technologically-responsive.

FEU Filmsoc Alumni's Short Films Compete in Sine Kabataan


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Two short films by recent Communication graduates of Far Eastern University made it among the eight Sine Kabataan finalists, which will be featured along with Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 full-length film entries from August 15 to 21 in cinemas nationwide. 

Enalyn Legaspi's "Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali" and Christian Babista's "Anonymous Student Vlog" will vie for the top prizes in the second edition of the competition, which aims to provide a youth lens on youth issues that affect the sector. 



Their short films will be shown along with "Bakwit Boys" by Jason Paul Laxamana and "Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi" by Jun Robles Lana, respectively. Both Legaspi and Babista are also alumni of the FEU Film Society.

In "Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali," the nicest toys and tastiest food await three children in their home after a long day. However, as they further indulge in euphoria, everything turns out differently from what we are seeing.

Legaspi, also called Ena, directed, co-wrote and co-edited the short film. Her Square Up Productions is composed of four of the previous members of her production team when she was still in college -- assistant director, production designer and graphic artist Peej Tapel, production manager, co-writer, and co-production designer Mary Lourdes Membrebe and director of photography and co-editor Prince Viterbo.





"Our take on the film is as simple as how the youth would perceive things. With all these heavy themes, we wanted it to be light and straightforward as much as possible. One liner, no dialogues, but more on sound scoring," Legaspi explained.

"We started by putting ourselves in the shoes of our characters, who are kids. How far can their imagination go with the circumstances they are actually in? What are the first things they wanted to see? And so we came up with an idea to put three kid characters into a huge house where there are maids serving them," she added.

Membrebe, who came up with the original concept, further discussed the inspiration behind their film. "We were very much inspired by the youth who dream like us, so I think it speaks a great deal about how our circumstances affects the way we see things. Through this story, we can realize that everyone has their own dreams and ways of survival," she said.



Meanwhile, "Anonymous Student Vlog" takes on a student vlogger who is mistakenly identified as the prime suspect of a crime that went viral on social media. Similar to Legaspi, Babista also teamed up with his fellow FEU alumnus Raf Evangelista to shoot his film. 

"What pushed me even more to do this is mainly my thirst to create a new film after two years since I graduated. I figured I have a lot of stories in mind so why not try it out. It’s nice to hear that Ena made it as well. I know it’s been awhile since she made a film and it’s good that we both made it," Babista shared.

The young filmmaker added that he got the concept when he was still starting with his job. "It was my first time to encounter trolls while I was doing a Facebook live video. It somehow honed my idea into how people attack other people through social media accounts by using other identities. It’s interesting how social media is a tool that can make or break a person as it can be a source of information and at the same time be a medium to attack," he explained.

Unlike Legaspi, however, Babista disclosed that his production wasn’t well-planned. "I just saw the post about Sine Kabataan the night before I decided to shoot the story I have in mind. I immediately tapped Raf and asked him if we can get at least 30 extras for the film we are about to shoot. However, only seven people made it to due to heavy rains," he said.

"We decided to have a guerilla shoot instead for three hours only since we were thinking of the people who joined us and braved the rains for this shoot. We can’t thank them enough for their help. Despite the weather condition, they chose to push through with the shoot."




The other Sine Kabataan finalists are "Bahay-bahayan" by Brian Spencer Reyes, "Bato Bato Pik" by Lorys Plaza and Ardinian Sanque, "Isang Tula Para Sa Nawawala" by Rod Singh, "Koleksyong Pamalo" by Jocelyn Frago, "Masaya Ako" by Daniel Delgado and "Runner" by Levi Jun Miscala.

The Best Picture winner will win 50,000 pesos, a round trip ticket to Busan and Busan International Film Festival with four (4) days and three (3) nights accommodation, and immersive experience and exposure to the BIFF as a member of the Philippine delegation. All finalists will receive 10,000 pesos.

Sine Kabataan was launched last year as one of the pet projects of then National Youth Commission Chair Ice Seguerra with the Film Development Council of the Philippines. After Seguerra resigned from the NYC, the competition is now made possible through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Philippines and still with the FDCP.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Dusit International Set to Unveil Latest dusitD2 in Ao Nang


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Convenient location puts travellers within easy reach
of famous beaches, islands and attractions of Krabi.

Dusit International, Thailand’s global hospitality company, has signed a management agreement with Vogue Pranang Bay Resort Co., Ltd. to operate dusitD2 Ao Nang, slated to open at the end of this year. The hotel will be the second Dusit property in the popular resort area of Krabi.

Located 25 kilometres from Krabi International Airport, the new dusitD2 Ao Nang is tucked away amidst lush jungle greenery on a hillside in downtown Ao Nang, yet within walking distance to the beach, providing convenient access to all of Krabi’s main attractions.

The downtown location of dusitD2 Ao Nang will also enable guests to be within walking distance to nearby facilities such as supermarkets and convenience stores as well as cafés and fast-food outlets.

dusitD2 Ao Nang comprises 173 modern guest rooms and suites with a choice of sea, mountain or pool views. The hotel offers all amenities for a fun and comfortable getaway, including an indoor and outdoor all-day-dining restaurant, a lobby bar, an outdoor swimming pool with a separate kids’ pool, a fitness centre, a spa, and a 200-square-metre ballroom. For families travelling with children, dusitD2 Ao Nang also features an extensive kids’ playground that will keep the hotel’s youngest guests entertained throughout their stay.

Popular activities in Krabi around dusitD2 Ao Nang include jungle trekking, sightseeing excursions and boat trips to some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches and islands, located within protected national marine parks, for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and bird-watching.

Krabi’s famous limestone hills and caves also attract climbers from around the world, especially the limestone rock faces at Railay Beach, where several popular rock-climbing schools can be found.

“We are very happy to be bringing the dusitD2 brand to Ao Nang,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. “This beautiful area has always been very popular with visitors and adventure-seekers from Thailand and all over the world. We look forward to welcoming all our guests to the new dusitD2 Ao Nang, which combines modern comfort, convenience and connectivity with the excellent service and hospitality that is the hallmark of all Dusit hotels.”

Mr Watcharaphon Deechaisettha, Vogue Pranang Bay Resort’s Chief Business Development Officer, said, "Krabi is one of the fastest-growing destinations, especially amongst younger travellers. We are very pleased to work with Dusit to present a fresh new option to meet the needs of the tourists who seek a mix of relaxation and recreation in this resort area. We believe that our knowledge of Krabi, and the proven management expertise and Thai graciousness that Dusit will bring to this project, will create a successful collaboration."

The upscale mid-market dusitD2 Ao Nang is a rebrand of the previous Vogue Resort and Spa in this popular seaside town. The property has been entirely refurbished and updated, with new additions to the existing buildings.

Dusit International currently operates 27 hotels across four brands worldwide, and is rapidly expanding its footprint in key global markets. dusitD2 Ao Nang will be the third dusitD2 branded hotel in Thailand, following dusitD2 Chiang Mai and dusitD2 Kao

Possible Return of Stolen Balangiga Church Bells is Victory of Philippine Independent Foreign Policy & Struggles, Not American Benevolence


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Speakers at Kamuning Bakery Café’s non-partisan Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on August 14 were Balangiga Battle hero Capt. Eugenio Daza’s grandson and president of Kaanak 1896 (association of descendants of the Philippine Revolution and Phil-American War era) Eugenio Roy Daza, “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” film director & co-writer Khavn de la Cruz and producer/co-writer Achinette Villamor, geopolitics analysts Butch Valdes and George Siy of Integrated Development Studies Institute (IDSI). Moderator is writer Wilson Lee Flores.

The Pandesal Forum agrees that the possible and long overdue return of the Balangiga bells is a victory of Philippines’ independent foreign policy and struggles, not American benevolence

Return Balangiga church bells, other loot, issue official apology


University of the Philippines (U.P.) Prof. Bobby Tuazon of the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) gave this message to the Pandesal Forum: “The return of the Balangiga Bells is long overdue and a historical injustice of American colonizers. The return should not be seen as American benevolence, but rather as a victory of the Filipino people who have fought hard and long for their return.”

Prof. Tuazon added: “Much of our history, by the way, was looted by the American aggressors during the Philippine-American War---relics, archives, treasures, etc. remain in the U.S. until today---are in museums such as the Smithsonian, collectors, etc. These should also be returned.”

Tuazon said: “No apology has been given for the 1 million Filipinos---revolutionaries and civilians---who died during the Philippine-American War. If the U.S. really cares for ‘friendship’, they should at least apologize.”

Retelling history from viewpoint of the defeated… Balangiga: Howling Wilderness

In the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) from August 15 to 21, the Pandesal Forum highly recommends that the public watch watch the award-winning “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” which had won 3 times as best film at the QCinema 2017, the Urian and Famas.

The artists behind “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” are director and co-scriptwriter Khavn de la Cruz, co-writers Achinette Villamor and Jerry B. Gracio. There are no celebrity stars in the cast led by Justine Samson, Pio Del Rio, Warren Tuaño.

Producer and co-scriptwriter Achinette Villamor said the injustice that happened in Balangiga is “part of the numerous national wounds in the consciousness of the Philippines”. She said: “History is usually written by the victors, such as many accounts of the Philippine-American War whoch were mostly authored by the colonizers, the white men, there is a need to tell history from the points of view of those who were defeated and conquered, like us Filipinos. The Balangiga film project is one such attempt.”

It is unique that this movie stands out for its good attempt at artistry, its uncommon courage and its seeking to retell a sad, controversial and violent episode in Philippine history from the refreshing, innocent perspectives of little children.

This well-crafted movie is set in 1901 in seaside town of Balangiga in the Philippines’ third largest island of Samar. Eight-year-old Kulas flees the town with his grandfather and their carabao to escape U.S. General Jacob Smith’s controversial “Kill & Burn” military order. He finds an infant amid a sea of corpses and together, the two boys struggle to survive the American military occupation.

Remembering history, to create a better future… Read this U.S. account of the past

J. P. Lawrence wrote last year in the “New York Review of Books” on this sad episode of Philippine history which followed local Filipino rebels decisive military victory in Balangiga over U.S. occupation troops:

“US troops returned to Balangiga in force. They bombarded the town with cannons, and set it ablaze. The three bells remained in the ruins of the church. But the retribution did not end there. General Jacob Smith told his troops he wanted a ‘howling wilderness’ and ordered any male over the age of ten killed. ‘I want no prisoners,’ he said. ‘I wish you to kill and burn; the more you kill and burn the better it will please me.’ Theodore Roosevelt, who was responsible for the conduct of the war in the Philippines for part of 1902, had earlier reflected on the justification for such harsh tactics. ‘In a fight with savages, where the savages themselves perform deeds of hideous cruelty, a certain proportion of whites are sure to do the same thing,’ he said. In the reprisals for Balangiga, US troops are said to have killed as many as 50,000 Filipinos.”

Lawrence also wrote: “Forty-eight US soldiers died at Balangiga, America’s worst military defeat since the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. To commemorate their lost men—or perhaps to avenge them—American troops brought the three bells of Balangiga home with them. Over the next century, the bells passed through various military bases. Two are now in Wyoming, and one is on an army base in South Korea, displayed to memorialize the battle.”

History---whether sad, happy, tragic or triumphant---is part of our present and influences our future. May these two indie movies on our history not just entertain, but hopefully educate, awaken, conscienticize and inspire us to help create a better and more just future.

Recruiting of International Talent in Asian Companies is Key to Going Global


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Asian companies are changing the global business landscape. In the latest Global Fortune 500 list, the region is home to more global giants than any other continent with 200 Asian companies in the list.

Survey shows 70 percent of Asian companies are seen to follow the trend in the next three years, according to Robert Walters, a professional recruitment consultancy specialist.

In its latest whitepaper titled ‘How to attract and retain the right talent to grow your business internationally’, more than half of international candidates are open to work for Asian companies. The challenge is how to motivate these passive candidates to become active ones.

To guide Asian businesses, Robert Walters identified the top motivators for talent attraction and retention based on 5,000 HR professionals, hiring managers, and candidates working in Asian and Western companies.

Build employer proposition

68 percent of the candidates indicate pay and benefits as the top motivator while company’s growth potential comes next on the list.

When designing job advertisements and carrying out interviews, make sure a competitive salary range and expansion strategies for the next five to 10 years are presented. If the company might not be able to offer opportunities to work overseas, it can focus on its strengths and career development opportunities that are available locally.


Figure 1 above shows the top motivators for talent attraction

Provide training and career development programs

According to the Harvard Business Review, job seekers from entry-level to executives are more concerned about opportunities for learning and development than any other aspect of a prospective job.

The survey shows 56 percent of international talents left their job with an Asian company because they felt there was no opportunity for career progression. Given this, Asian companies must give employees and prospects a clear career progression path by providing variety of training opportunities. This may include job rotation program so that staff can gain a good overview of the business and the different skills that make it work.

Maintain and build unique company culture

As per retaining talents, Robert Walters’ survey determined the most rewarding aspects among international talents working in an Asian business. Cited by 62 percent, local company culture ranks first.

International talents perceive that Asian companies are much better equipped in fostering and maintaining close relationships between staff at all levels than multinationals.



Figure 2. Most rewarding aspects of working in an Asian company according to international talents

Create a sociable workplace through company events and make corporate social responsibility part of the business purpose. Give the business a sociable feel with company events that bring people together.

Know the preferred recruitment channels

Furthermore, local companies must also know the preferred talent acquisition channels to effectively reach out to potential candidates. Robert Walters ranked different channels as per candidates’ preferences.

In the whitepaper, although the top preferred channel among Asian companies is engaging a recruitment consultancy, it is important to note that seeking referrals from existing professional and personal networks is significantly higher at 27 percent compared to Western companies at only seven percent.

It is known as the “face” concept in which the employee who makes the recommendation, and the person who takes up the post, feel an obligation to stay with the business, so long as one of them is still in the company.


Figure 4. Preferred channels for recruiting new roles

Professionals who have both local and international experience are indeed valuable assets to Asian companies with global expansion plans and can be in high demand. Robert Walters continues to guide local businesses to secure future success to have robust recruitment and talent management strategies in place.

Priya Gupta said that with urban economic power shifting eastwards, Asian businesses as international players, including Filipino businesses, have a lot of potential to increase their international footprint.

“Through this whitepaper, we aim to guide Filipino companies to overcome the challenges of attracting and retaining international talents who will greatly contribute to their business expansion outside the country.”

Refer to ‘How to attract and retain the right talent to grow your business internationally’ white paper to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of Asian companies in acquiring and retaining international talents.