Harte Hanks Opens BPO Site in MOA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Harte Hanks praised the dedication and service-oriented culture of Filipino workers and called them the country’s main draw for foreign investors.

In a panel discussion, following the opening Thursday of the American marketing company’s new BPO-call center in the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, which was moderated by ANC Anchor Ron Cruz, executives of Harte Hanks and its local business said they decided to increase investment here because of the Philippines’ “very good” labor market.

“Filipinos possess a very strong work ethic and a culture of customer service,” said Benjamin Chacko, Harte Hanks’ Head of BPO Operations. “We have been always impressed by the skill and dedication of Filipinos who work for Harte Hanks. They have been an important factor in our success, and we look forward to sustaining our growth here.”

He added: “Our Filipino employees learn quickly, are customer-service minded and culturally aware of the United States, our primary service market.”

Chacko also attributed the steady growth of the country’s BPO industry to a highly-educated, English-speaking workforce.

Butch Valenzuela, treasurer of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, who participated in the forum along with Jopat Lelay, project director of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, and Atty. Ray Glenn Agranzamendez, representing Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, said the IT-BPO industry hired 1.2M workers in 2015 and would add another 100,000 this year to 1.3M.

Risa Hontiveros: “I will legislate for the environment if elected into the Senate.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On Earth Day 2016, senatorial aspirant Risa Hontiveros vowed to be a strong advocate for the environment if elected into the Senate.

She discussed the link between health and environment, stating that both go hand in hand and should be protected through durable policies. “Magkatuwang ang laban para sa kalikasan at ang laban para sa kalusugan. Malaking sanhi ng mga sakit ang madumi at magulong kapaligiran.”

She said that Lanao, with its rich natural resources, should be particularly protected. “We need to protect our diverse eco-system, and Lanao’s natural resources should be preserved for future generations.”

Hontiveros committed to take her fight for renewable energy and sustainable land use – two environmental advocacies close to her heart – to the Upper House. “Dagdagan pa natin ang percentage ng renewable energy sa fuel mix. Sa kabilang banda, tiyakin din natin na mabalanse natin ang pagtanim ng biofuel sa karapatang magtanim ng pagkain.”

“Super barangay health centers” for climate-vulnerable areas

She also emphasized the need for “super barangay health centers” in disaster-prone and climate-vulnerable coastal areas.

Assembly of 5th, 6th New MRT-3 LRVS Set on Sunday

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The unloading and assembly of the fifth and sixth of forty-eight (48) new light rail vehicles (LRV) for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be on Sunday at the MRT-3 Taft Avenue Station.

The innermost lane along EDSA southbound near the intersection of EDSA and Taft Avenue will be closed from tomorrow, 10 P.M., to Sunday, 12 P.M., to ensure the safety of motorists near the work site.

The public and all concerned motorists are hereby advised to take alternative routes to and from their destinations.

Once the LRVs are fully assembled and the necessary checks on the electrical and other components are completed, the train coaches will be subjected to static and dynamic testing to ensure the reliability of parts.

The 48 new LRVs are part of the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) MRT-3 capacity expansion project, which aims to decongest the metropolis’ busiest railway system by boosting its capacity to over 800,000 daily passengers.

World-Class Globe Iconic Store Soon to Open by June 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Globe Iconic superior entertainment center debuts with the Philippine premiere of hit musical Green Day’s American Idiot

True to its commitment of providing a wonderful experience for its customers, Globe Telecom is redefining the Philippine retail platform anew with the opening of its flagship ICONIC store, a world-class destination that is home to the latest in retail, entertainment, music, and everything about the Filipino digital lifestyle. The ICONIC store promises to deliver a more exceptional retail space experience that is more innovative, dynamic, and interactive from its predecessor, the highly-successful GEN3 concept store.

Designed by Tim Kobe of Eight Inc., the same designer of the Globe GEN3 stores as well as the acclaimed Apple store in New York, the ICONIC store will soon rise as one of the most renowned landmarks in the country located at the Bonifacio Global City Central Square in Taguig. One of its most ambitious elements of the ICONIC store is the glass bridge that will link two Globe stores from opposite sides of the BGC Central Square.

“The opening of our GEN3 stores in 2014 set the tone on how customer experience in telco has evolved from purely transactional to more dynamic and engaging. GEN3 has given our customers a new way of discovering their digital lifestyle with our topnotch service and innovative products and services. As we near the launch of the ICONIC store, we are thrilled to deliver a new world-class entertainment experience right at the heart of Bonifacio Global City that does not only bring up the ante in retail and entertainment, but also elevates the customer experience to a whole new level,” says Globe Retail Transformation and Stores Management Head Joe Caliro.

Environmental Sustainability Among Private Corporations Through Project 1 Phone

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Huawei Technologies Philippines shows support for environmental sustainability through participation in Globe Telecom’s Project 1 Phone. The above photo shows (L-R) Huawei Fixed Assets Manager Angel Fabelico, Huawei PR Manager Karenina Buenafe and Huawei Procurement Specialist Jocelyn Tesnado turns over a used toner cartridge to Patrick Erestain, Globe Corporate Social Responsibility Manager.

Globe Telecom is leading the way in helping businesses do their share in minimizing environmental impact of electronic waste and countering its harmful effects on health through close collaboration with private corporations on the adoption of Project 1 Phone (P1P) mobile recycling program.

At the forefront of the advocacy is Globe Business which is launching its two-month environmental sustainability campaign in support of Earth Day 2016 using P1P as a platform. This is the second time for Globe business to rally its enterprise clientele to join the program.

"Apart from adopting environmental sustainability efforts in our own organization, Globe Business is taking it a step further by making it possible for our enterprise customers to be involved in saving the environment integral to their corporate sustainability thrusts,” said Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing.

Globe Business engages its corporate clients to run the P1P campaign in their organizations by encouraging donations of individual and company e-waste such as non-working or damaged phones and tablets, mobile phone batteries, and even personal computers. This early, the group has already received commitment from companies like Coca Cola (FEMSA Philippines), Nestle, Bayan Telecommunications, Pilmico, Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Huawei.

UPLB SJDC Proudly Presents Knockdown

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For over 17 years, the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company has thrived through various styles while keeping its own unique inner groove and flavor that sets them apart from the dance community.

With the aim to expand its contribution to the Philippine dance community, keep the hip hop and dance community alive within and around UPLB, and establish a community of hip hop practitioners, enthusiasts, and artists, the group will be holding its first ever inter-organization hip hop dance competition and all-styles battle entitled KNOCKDOWN.

Witness different dance groups representing UPLB-based organizations and individual dance artists unite in one big night! Dance groups from recognized UPLB organizations who have not joined any known outside competitions are the ones eligible to join the competition. The all-styles battle is open to all individuals willing to participate.

The first ever KNOCKDOWN Groovyweight champion will take home P20,000 and the winner for the all-styles battle will receive P3,000 plus Hawk Bag and gift certificates from Fam Retail Store and Zalora.

But wait, there's more! The event will feature live graffiti artists: Elbi Connection, DJs: Fuwowoy and Bigboy, and MCs: Gnarrate and Kjah.

Come and celebrate hip hop culture on April 24, 3:30PM at the Baker Memorial Hall! Tickets are sold for 70 pesos.

3 Reasons Why You Should See the Tourism Lifestyle & Business Expo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Talent, Beauty and Ideas take center stage at the Tourism Lifestyle & Business Expo this April! Here are the three things why you should see this event for yourself:

• Tourism and Talent - Two days of entertainment will come to you as the Center for Pop Music Philippines will be doing a talent showcase on Tuesday, April 26, featuring its roster of talents. We also have the Miss Tourism Philippines 2016 Summer Wear Fashion Show on April 27, Wednesday. See the candidates in their comfy summer wear. Last but not the least, see our lineup of travel destinations from the northern and southern parts of the island.
• Lifestyle - Lifestyle talks featuring notable bloggers will sum up the "Usapan sa Glorietta" Discussion Day which includes discussions on food and travel in the country.
• Business - The TLB Expo will not be complete without the exhibits showcasing products and ideas that will help you decide what to do this hot, hot summer season.

Feast on Friday Buffet at Richmonde Cafe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Boasting with warm and indulgent service, Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas also amplifies a variety of good food choices. With the hotel’s strategic location, it has become a go to place by the dwellers of the metro’s concrete jungle. 

As with their aim to provide a convenient and relaxing venue where we can start off a fine weekend with our friends, colleagues or our family ­— The Richmonde Café, the all day dining restaurant of the Hotel joins us over our “Thank God its Friday!” celebration by beefing up their menu through their newest offerings at the “Feast on Fridays” Dinner Buffet. Imagine yourself enjoying over a scrumptious buffet, wine, and drinks, right in the heart of Ortigas Center’s Business district!

Have your fill of unlimited gastronomic pleasures at the Feast on Friday Dinner Buffet, served from 6pm to 9pm, for only PhP 750nett/person. Indulge in a mouthwatering array of international dishes, action stations for a la minute cooking. From soup and appetizer to carving, main course and desserts, which now come with bottomless iced tea and select juices, plus even 50% discount on wine bottle orders!

After a sumptuous feast, you need not rush. Adjacent the Richmonde Café is the Richmonde Hotel’s The Exchange - where you could chill and party with the Big Bash, the bar’s resident band as they play your favourite music from the 70’s and 80’s. 

And since you are very much valued, here’s an extra for you:

· Is somebody celebrating a birthday? Let’s double up that special occasion by making it extra happy as birthday celebrant eats for FREE. You may automatically avail this for a minimum of four regular paying guest. They also get a special cake so they can blow the candle and make a wish.

· Are you part of a team that gives exemplary performance to your company? If you’re one of the lucky companies featured for the month, you can treat yourselves to dinner and get 30% off on the buffet rate for a minimum of 6 persons.

As an added treat, the hotel is offering 25% discount on Friday Dinner Buffet Rates for a minimum of 4 persons exclusively for Wazzup Pilipinas readers! Just use the promo code “WPxRHO” upon reservation. Codes are valid until June 2016. For inquiries and reservations, call 638 7777.

Contributed by Jaimie Felix

Jaimie is a mom and a wife who runs her own Clothing Line and Events Company Business. She also blogs her whims about Beauty, Fashion, Parenting, Lifestyle and anything else in between at www.themermaidinstilettos.com ~ Know the latest and follow her escapades on instagram : (www.instagram.com/jaimiefelix)

ONE Championship to Make Action Movie in Partnership with Renowned Actor Andy Lau

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It seems mixed martial artists are a hot commodity in the film industry these days, as ONE Championship is set to lend two of its premiere talents -- lightweight standout Peter Davis and flyweight prospect Saiful Merican -- to portray villains in supporting roles in the upcoming 2017 spy-action flick “J Revolusi.”

The movie, which is set to start filming in Kuala Lumpur this May, will star two of Malaysia’s biggest stars in Zul Ariffin and Nur Fazura. It will be produced by Andy Lau’s Hong Kong-based Infinitus Productions in collaboration with Grand Brilliance. It is also Lau’s first ever production in Kuala Lumpur.

Lau is one of Hong Kong’s most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980’s and is also a Cantopop singer.

Both Davis and Merican are elated at the chance to participate in the movie, and are excited to start filming in a couple of months time.

“MMA has brought so much opportunity to my life, more than I could possibly imagine,” said Davis. “Although I love being a fighter, my creative expression is piqued by the art of film and I am more than thrilled to be a part of ‘J Revolusi’. I believe this opportunity is absolutely spectacular for both the Malaysian film industry and for MMA in Asia.”

QC RTC Junks Bid to Foil Legitimate Ride-Sharing Services

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The Regional Trial Court of Quezon City has dismissed a complaint filed by the Angat Tsuper Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator ng Pilipinas Genuine Organization Transport Coalition (STOP and GO) against the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to stop the issuance of franchises to transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Grab.

In an Order dated April 20, 2016, the Court dismissed STOP and GO's request for a writ of preliminary prohibitory injunction, which would have prevented the DOTC and the LTFRB from issuing franchises to transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) operators.

The TNVS category was created by the transport agencies last year in order to better serve the commuting public, particularly by providing a modern, convenient, and safer alternative to taxis, UV Express, and others. It has also encouraged private car users to leave their vehicles at home in favor of ride-sharing services.

Turn Your Prepaid Number Into a Postpaid Plan

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Now prepaid customers can easily upgrade to postpaid plans!

For prepaid customers, one of the basic challenges when upgrading to a postpaid plan is to change your mobile number. Not anymore. Globe has made another game changing service by allowing prepaid customers to use their mobile numbers even as they move to a postpaid plan - the Globe MyStarter plan.

The all-in-one budget friendly Globe myStarter plan is available at Plan 300 and Plan 500, designed for customers who are new on postpaid and wants a simple and seamless transition to postpaid. Plus, you get to keep your prepaid mobile number!

“Being able to retain an existing prepaid number for a postpaid plan has always been a recurring inquiry among our customers who are ready to move to postpaid. As their devices become an important part of their daily life, customers prefer a seamless transition to their new plan alongside the assurance and convenience of a fixed monthly bill that is within their budget. The new myStarter plans provide them exactly this kind of experience,” says Globe Consumer Mobile Marketing Head, Issa Cabreira.

The myStarter plans also takes away any worries of going over the spending limit because of its guaranteed fixed bill every month. Should one go over the plan’s limit, it can easily be topped-up with prepaid load when needed. To enjoy their digital lifestyle more, the myStarter Plans are bundled with more data power.

Unboxing the Elephone Smartphones

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Elephone P9000, P8000, and S1 is available in the Philippines exclusively through Lazada online shopping portal. We got our hands on the units during the launch held a few days ago by Lazada and Elephone so here are the units fresh out of the box. Though the boxes were obviously opened already, they were opened on the same day of the launch before the availability of April 18, 2016 online only at Lazada.

Innovative and user-friendly, superior in quality and performance, elegance in design, and great value for money– these are the pillars that best define the latest smartphones from the fast-growing Chinese smartphone manufacturer Elephone (HK Elephone Communication Tech Co., Limited). Elephone has been committed to developing high-end smartphones and making it affordable to global customers. With years of development and innovation, Elephone now has gained a very strong market traction in Europe and Southeast Asia. 

We would be appreciative if Elephone would lend us some units for actual testing so we could really review them on actual usage on our everyday tasks and activities. I would always start testing out the mobile photography and videography of the units as those are the most useful features for media and bloggers that can come handy when we need to take quick photos or videos during our events coverage.

Alone Season 2 Premieres on History Channel on April 21

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ten people enter the Vancouver Island wilderness carrying only what they can fit in a small backpack. They are alone in the harsh, unforgiving terrain with a single mission–stay alive as long as they can.

From a curated list of 40 items ranging from shelter equipment to tools for survival, each cast member is allowed only 10 to take with them onto the island. On top of these 10 items, each member is given the same checklist of gear that they are allowed to bring as necessities.

These brave men and women must hunt, build shelters, and fend off predators. They will endure extreme isolation and psychological distress as they plunge into the unknown and document the experience themselves.

No camera crew. No producers. It is the ultimate test of human will.

Alone Season 2 Premieres 21 April, Thursdays at 9:00pm

HISTORY is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

Lubao International Balloon Festival 2016: We Flew High Up Into The Pampanga Sky

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thank you to the organizers of the Lubao International Balloon Festival for giving Wazzup Pilipinas the opportunity to fly high up into the Pampanga sky.

Your self-declared Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas, translated as the National Blogger of the Philippines, together with my companion, Jayson Biadog was able to almost touch the clouds when we flew with the hot air balloons of the festival. I joined Jordi Diaz from Spain while Jayson was with Benoit Simeons from Belgium.

But before we tell you all about our experience aboard a hot air balloon (actually we already share some of them over at social media on the very first day immediately in the afternoon after our flight...hehehe) let us share with you some of the shot we got from inside the hot air balloon.

Forgive me if I couldn't make the right angle and perspective as I was a bit ecstatic and sweating like crazy due to the flames used to power up the balloons was just a few meters above us. But the feeling inside a hot air balloon while flying high above the rice fields of Pampanga was more than what I expected. I still couldn't get over it.

I would liek to tell the story soon but I am excited to share with you some of our shots. I couldn't decide if I would tell the story in chronological order but these photos are just too good to delay or postpone. Mind you, I'm not a professional photographer because I am just a point and shoot and just uses the standard setting of my camera. But they are good enough for me!

UST Thomasian Pride Career Fair: The Millennial Springboard

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The University of Santo Tomas (UST), in partnership with Unilever Philippines, hosted the Thomasian Pride Career Fair 2016, a one-of-a-kind career fair zeroing in on job opportunities for the modern workforce. With over a hundred companies across 24 industries as exhibitors, Thomasian applicants were made privy to interesting posts and openings made with the millennial hyphenate in mind.

Held at the Plaza Mayor of the UST Campus in Manila, esteemed companies across different sectors were on a mission to attract Thomasian graduates, offering summer internships, mentorship programs, and actual job posts.

It was a rich selection of choices for the Thomasian grads and undergrads. Power players in the following industries were all present, each offering an attractive spread of career opportunities: advertising, lifestyle and creations, entertainment, BPO, placement, insurance, healthcare, consulting, surveying, education, financial, construction, real estate, automobile and transportation, manufacturing, distribution and marketing, publishing, food, chemical and pharmaceutical, technology, telecommunications, as well as power and energy.