Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Multilingual Call Center Expands to the Philippines' Safest City, Davao

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Aiming for an even wider reach and a more dynamic presence in the multilingual offshoring industry, Open Access BPO has announced that it will be bringing its services to Davao City, dubbed as the safest city in the Philippines.

The multilingual call center will be launching its new office on August 11th in Davao, which is seen by industry experts as the nation’s next outsourcing hub. This will be the firm’s second office in the country, with the first one previously established in the central business district of Makati, which also ranks high among Philippines’ safest cities.

“The reasons for expansion are threefold. One is that the cost of doing business in Davao is a lot less, about 20 to 30 percent less than in Manila, savings which we can pass onto our clients. The second reason is for redundancy purposes. Having two different locations for customer support creates an extra blanket of security. Another reason for going to Davao is that it’s the safest city in the country,” company CEO Benjamin Davidowitz remarked.

Upon its launch in Davao, Open Access BPO looks to employ approximately 180 professionals who will be delivering English voice and non-voice customer support to company clients. The new office will be located at G/F Filandia IT Center, Quirino Avenue corner Jacinto Ext. St., 11-B Poblacion District, Davao City 8000. Filandia IT Center is one of the eight IT parks in the city accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

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The Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was created through Executive Order (EO) 47 which transferred the former Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) from the Office of the President to the DOST. The ICTO is tasked to be the lead implementing agency of Government in all most of its ICT related efforts such as industry development, policy formulation, ICT infrastructure development, R&D, ICT capacity building for the public sector and administration of the E-Governance Fund.

The ICTO’s primary thrusts for 2011 – 2016 are in the areas of ICT Industry Development, E-Government, ICT Policy Development, ICT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity. Much of these directions are in line with the Philippine Digital Strategy, the Philippine Government’s masterplan on how to actively use information and communications technology in promoting economic andsocial growth, and in promoting efficiency in the delivery of public service. The Office is currently headed by Executive Director Louis Napoleon C. Casambre.

As one of its programs in the fourth outcome in the National Science and Technology Week, the e-Innovation Group of the DOST-ICT Office will be holding a Rural Impact Sourcing Workshop on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City during the 2015 National Science and Technology Week .

Rural Impact Sourcing is a type of outsourcing that focuses on giving sustainable jobs in socio-economically disadvantaged areas where there are high populations but scarce employment opportunities due to lack of investors. This initiative is in line with the current Philippine Development Plan’s focus on inclusive growth through promoting online outsourcing jobs in rural areas.

DOST - ICTO Lifts Free Wi-Fi Speed Cap

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Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre announced the removal of the speed cap of 256 kbps on the Free Wi-Fi service offered by the Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project during the first interdivision press conference hosted by the DOST – ICT Office held July 16, 2015.

Pre-empting questions regarding the matter, Casambre underlined the need to increase the maximum limit, allowing more Filipinos to access the internet through the Free Wi-Fi service. With slow internet service a major concern of internet users in the country, the lifting of the speed cap is welcome news.

To manage the estimated 117,000 users who will access the Free Wi-Fi service, the Fair Usage Policy, which limits the daily usage by data cap, will be put into place. “We have to put in a fair usage policy because this is a public service. We have to ensure that it is accessible to as many people as possible.” Casambre stated.

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Power Mac Center recently unveiled a newly transformed SM Megamall store, revealing a more dynamic presence of its first ever retail location in the Philippines. The landmark store’s makeover is seen to accelerate the growth of the country’s most reliable Apple partner and continue its efforts to bring innovative products and services that support and enhance a complete Apple experience.

With its major transformation, Power Mac Center SM Megamall now occupies the largest retail space within the company’s retail network to accommodate a full assortment of Apple products and premium third-party accessories, as well as in-store product demonstration gallery.

Said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez, “We couldn’t be more delighted to present the new look and feel of Power Mac Center SM Megamall. The additional space allows our first store to further its offerings and provide a more immersive and enjoyable shopping ambiance for Apple enthusiasts.”

Located at the fourth level Cyberzone, Power Mac Center SM Megamall was successfully re-launched at the recently held Dare to Transform event that gathered company executives, trade partners and brand ambassadors to commemorate the store’s makeover. Guests enjoyed special performances and exclusive offers as part of the celebration.

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It seems many are really encouraged to go into business even after immediately graduating from college. There are so many young and bright minds out there that are inspired to put into action their own ideas instead of just working as an employee for a firm or organization.

The proliferation of many business ventures from restaurants to online apps, and a lot more, is probably a sign of a good economy, or the people just realized that the best way to score bigger bucks is to be the boss of their own business. Startups has increased in number and their ages are incredibly young in their 20s. Some of them can't even wait to finish college as they setup their first online business thru the power of the Internet and the virility of social media initiatives.

Wazzup Pilipinas was a media partner for the 6th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs' Expo held last July 17 to 19, 2015 at the Megatrade Halls 2 and 3 of SM Megamall. That's three days of expo from over 200 brands, both big and small, and undoubtedly very fulfilling afternoons of learning from talks conducted by many experienced business and entrepreneurship personalities.

The first day was graced by Assistant Secretary Blessila Lantayona from the Regional Operations Group of the Department of Trade and Industry who led the ribbon cutting ceremonies where a dragon dance was also included. She was joined by Michelle Ballesteros, CEO of Ex-Link Events as well as other notable VIPs. The guest of honors roam around the different booth at the expo before proceeding to the conference area.

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As that popular quote commonly attributed to Jose Rizal goes, “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa pinaroroonan.”

Hence, the Philippines’ modern heritage conservation movement goes back to its roots. On 2 PM of July 26, 2015, everyone is invited to troop to the former Jai-Alai Building site for Hudyat: The State of Philippine Heritage Address. Organized to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Jai Alai’s demolition, the event primarily consists of the following activities:

· The Jericho Walk. Harkening back to the biblical story, the walk will be an educational tour to several of Manila’s underappreciated heritage sites—and raise awareness about threats that they face. It will cover the following destinations around the area:

o Casino Español (Instituto Cervantes)
o San Vicente Church
o Adamson University Main Building
o Former Meralco Headquarters
o Philippine Arts and Trade Center (Technological University of the Philippines grounds)
o Normal Hall, Philippine Normal University
o Santa Isabel College Chapel

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It is so funny that Filipinos are really obsessed in getting white like Caucasians. I still remember when everything that has glutathione was highly in demand and up until now when skin whitening lotions and the likes are still very popular beauty product essentials for women, and even men, who want to achieve celebrity-like status.

This is mainly because in a country where the color of the skin is one of the main factors on how people are judged or perceived, we are normally categorized to belong in a class of higher standard if we are of the whiter variety.

Yeah, in the Philippines, when your complexion is white, you get to be regarded as somebody affluent, and considered to be among the beautiful, fit to land a job in sales or showbiz. Even other industries prefer their employees with pleasing personalities. However, it is so sad that they would perceive skin color as the basis for beauty.

Damn it! We are Filipinos that are supposed to be "Moreno" in skin color. We are originally brown in color as per our ancestors. I have no quarrel with the mixed race since we have become global and got intimately close with our foreign brothers (thus Fil-Ams were born). But we should not see their white skin color as the top ranking complexion, and looking down on the "brown" race as inferior.

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The startup community is saying that even if it's impossible, it should happen. Give them a chance to build their dream, and with the current efforts being done now, it would hopefully give them a better glimpse of the future. A future when they would soon join the ranks of legendary companies who were once startups just a few years ago, but now are big names earning big bucks out from their world-changing ideas.

Now that excellence in the academic field is no longer the main factor to consider when forecasting the future, many are realizing it is the right time to grab the opportunity. The present is filled with bright minds and passionate hearts who may one day become among the millionaires brought about by their creative ideas, especially those who develop revolutionary apps that dramatically changes our lifestyle into a more convenient and fast-paced activity.

Investors should now look into those startups engaging more with mobile and online solutions that rethink real world problems and develops applications with business-aligned opportunities. But they should also start the sparks in different places to eventually create multiple fires everywhere. I hope to hear many success stories soon especially after the Slingshot MNL event, the official startup event of APEC Philippines 2015, held last July 6 and 7, 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila.

Startups could also start small by beginning to solve the problems within their neighborhood. Raise your first round smartly. Don't necessarily look for investors, but look for customers so eventually it would be the investors who would find you. Though we all know that startups are emotional rollercoasters, the founders should continue to be patient and hope that soon that majority of the private sector will kick in and fund their ideas. Hopefully the government has their own way to support our startup community.

Lazada Advocates Effortless Online Shopping to Consumers Across Southeast Asia

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Lazada, Southeast Asia’s leading online shopping and selling destination, kicks off its Effortless Shopping campaign(http://www.lazada.com.ph/effortless-shopping/) in the Philippines from 21-26 July highlighting the benefits of effortless online shopping to Filipino consumers.

“We are committed to providing an effortless online shopping experience to approximately 550 million consumers in the Southeast Asian region. While our customer satisfaction survey reveals that respondents are satisfied with their online shopping experience, there is an untapped opportunity to reach out to non-online shoppers by highlighting the benefits of online shopping and thus changing their perceptions,” said Inanc Balci, CEO of Lazada Philippines.

As an e-Commerce leader in the Philippines, Lazada provides consumers with an effortless shopping experience with its user-friendly sites and mobile apps accessible at their fingertips anytime, any day. It offers a wide selection of international, local and exclusive products; and multiple secure payment options including cash-on-delivery.

Consumers can shop with peace of mind on Lazada as all items purchased are covered by Lazada's Buyer Protection Program. This provides a guarantee that products are genuine, new and not defective; and for customers to return the items within seven days for a full refund, otherwise. Consumers can also shop with assurance knowing that they can reach out to Lazada’s customer service seven days a week by phone and email.

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Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) announces the commission of SABAH QUAKE, a one-hour special that returns to ground zero to examine the events and aftermath of the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that shook Sabah, Malaysia. With unparalleled access to Mount Kinabalu since the tragedy, the programme also evaluates the likelihood of future earthquakes in the region.

Charmaine Kwan, Vice President of Programming – DNAP, said, “Discovery continues to deliver topical content about events that have gripped the region. SABAH QUAKE attempts to piece together the latest findings on the tragedy and aims to provide insight into the science of the disaster. At the core of the special, are touching human stories of bravery and human resilience - a fitting tribute to those whose lives were lost, and the ones they have left behind.”

At 7:15 a.m. on 5 June, 2015, the Earth’s tectonic plates violently shifted, causing a huge earthquake that rocked Mount Kinabalu – Malaysia’s tallest peak and a tourist destination famed for its hiking trails and stunning view. The quake stranded hundreds of climbers, and left 18 people – including hikers and mountain guides – dead. While the human tragedy made the headlines, there is also a chilling air of uncertainty unfolding in the international seismic community. Urgent questions are now being asked concerning how an earthquake of this magnitude could have happened in a largely “earthquake free” part of the world. And with once dormant fault lines under Malaysia now displaying signs of renewed activity, what are the possible implications for the surrounding regions?

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Businessman and Investor Manny Ayala is optimistic about the prospects of the growth of the Philippine ecosystem of tech startups or innovation-driven enterprises.

“It is very heartening to see so many talented people with great ideas pursuing their dreams. It seems like I come across a new startup every few days,” said Ayala.

He said that entrepreneurs should seriously think about redefining success not only as a matter of personal financial outcomes but rather in terms of the positive impact one makes on fellow entrepreneurs in the ecosystem.

“What we have found across the growing, studying, a number of tech ecosystems, is that it only takes a handful of ‘pay it forward’ entrepreneurs who mentor and invest in other entrepreneurs to get an ecosystem to become big and robust,” he said.

Ayala is Rappler Board Chairman, Hatchd Digital Chairperson, and Managing Director of Endeavor Philippines, non-profit organization dedicated towards empowering entrepreneurs.

In spite of his hectic schedule, Ayala made time to grace last year’s Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) tech startup confab held at Moevenpick Hotel, Mactan Island, Cebu.

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It’s a power packed July as Ekotek brings you the best deals on all your favorite Ekopacks all month long. Plug and charge wherever you go with these stylishly sleek and portable Ekopacks. You’ll never have to worry about running out of juice ever again. Oh, and to make things more exciting, we even threw in a quad core phone bundle to the mix!

Power up at any of our kiosks. We’ve got branches in SM Mega, SM Fairview, SM North, SM Las Piñas, SM Muntinlupa, Victory Mall Antipolo, Victory Mall Pasay and now SM City Pampanga.

No time to go malling? No problem, you can still power up by clicking here:http://j.mp/ekoteklazada.

Hurry, promo period is only until August 10, 2015. That’s right folks. We’re keeping you powered up all the way til August so you can keep on keeping on.

*Price List:
Ekopack Slim 4000 with Rogue 2 and 8GB MicroSD: P2999
Ekopack 3000mAh with Ekoplay: P1448

Ekopack 3000mAh: P552
Ekopack 6000mAh: P764
Ekopack Slim 4000mAh: P799
Ekopack 9600mAh: P1249
Ekopack 11000mAh: P1402
Ekopack 13000mAh: P1654

*Online Prices are subject to change

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Winners from the Philippines of the MICHELIN Right2Race 2015 online game are all set for their MICHELIN PILOT SPORT EXPERIENCE2015 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Filipino top scorers Llewelyn Manio, Karl James Wilhelm, and Sherwin Rada (second, fourth and sixth from right) join the rest of the Right2Race winners from participating countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Indonesiafor a unique, once in a lifetime whole dayexperience, as their prize.

The winners get to know real racing cars like the Formula 4, Citroen DS3 R1, Renault Clio IV, the Lamborghini 2014 GT3 and the legendary Formula Le Mans, and find out why Michelin tires are the key winning ingredients of the top racers in world-class motorsports.

Sending off the winners are MICHELIN Philippines’ Erlaine Castellano, Marketing Intelligence / Pricing Manager; Caroline del Rosario,Marketing/Communications Manager;and Beth Potenciano, Administration Officer.

Also in photo are the famous MICHELIN Man, and Ivan Isada (R), R2R 2014 Champion who also went on to become overall champion in the MPSE and was rewarded with a trip to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France last June.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

1st Property Expo Cebu Successfully Opened

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MEDIACOM Solutions Inc. in partnership with LAMUDI Philippines opened its gates to thousands of Cebuanos in their first ever venture in a 2-day regional expo “PROPERTY EXPO CEBU (PEC) 2015” at the Cebu Trade Hall, SM City Cebu.

The “Queen City of the South” has attracted big and small-scale investors in the property industry and so has widely opened doors of opportunities leading to the upturn of demand in the real estate sector in the city. Developers have expanded and built more residential and commercial properties in the recent years and the industry is flourishing in Cebu. An increase of foreign retirees and a bullish BPO sectors has contributed to the double-digit growth of the property sector in the recent 3 years. According to the latest study of Colliers International, it show that Cebu is the 2nd preferred tourist destination in the Philippines with over 1.2M foreign tourists and 1.5M domestic travels as of 2013.

The expo opening was attended by VIPs from the real estate sector from Cebu and Manila. “The close proximity of beach, city living and mountain scenery, makes Cebu a preferred destination for real estate investors” says David Abrenilla, Founder and General Manager of Property Expo Cebu.

PEC 2015 was kicked off also by the first ever “Property Summit Cebu” the day before, July 17 at the Radisson Blu Cebu headlined by local and international speakers and was attended by brokers, developers and other industry professionals.

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Take a break from the early wave of paper works, assignments, projects and reports because the hunt is on! Get ready this coming July 31st for the PUP Manila College of Communication’s Break Out. These jail-themed tricky, challenging & fun activities unleash the tactic and elusive side of communication students while bonding with colleagues.

With its customized escape rooms, exciting challenges, and breath-taking obstacles, breaking out has never been this full-packed with twists, mysteries and surprises. Be the newest detective of the century. Break out with us at the COC grounds and unchain your limits for an all-out experience.

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