Aspect Software Bolsters Cloud, Partnerships and ASEAN Region Through Leadership Appointments

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Aspect Software, a leading and award-winning provider of fully-integrated consumer engagement, workforce optimization, and back-office solutions is bolstering Aspect Cloud, partnerships and ASEAN region through leadership appointments in Asia Pacific.

“People are the foundation of everything we have achieved and everything we will achieve. As a company, we place the highest value on people and leaderships. We remain committed to work, serve and make the difference for our customers and partners. Sanjay, Richard and Shilpi are top talents who have leaned in, stepped up and helped make the difference with their proven leadership capabilities and expertise, while embracing our core values and culture,” states Jagan Narendran, Senior Vice-President for Asia Pacific and Middle East, Aspect Software.

Over the past few years, more organizations have increasingly embraced the benefits of cloud contact centers for their business. According to Frost & Sullivan, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of Asia Pacific Cloud Contact Center is 14.1% till 2021, and ASEAN Cloud Contact Center is growing faster at 22.8% CAGR till 2021. This signifies the importance placed by companies to evolve and improve their customer service operations, as customers increasingly demand better service.

“As we build on our market momentum as a leading customer experience software provider and expand the footprint of our market-leading cloud portfolio in Asia Pacific with our strategic alliance partners, I am confident that Sanjay’s dedication and experience in this industry, coupled with his proven execution capabilities, will bolster our Aspect Cloud growth in the region,” said Jagan.

He continued: “As our Asia Pacific go-to market is mainly indirect, we plan to further strengthen our Channel ecosystem and are confident that this will provide further inroads and revenue growth opportunities for Aspect. In recognition of Ms Shilpi Puri’s excellent work in engaging with existing partners and being instrumental in bringing on board new partners and important alliances, I am delighted to announce her promotion to the role of Senior Director, Strategic Alliances and Partnerships for Asia Pacific and Middle East.”

Jagan added: “ASEAN continues to be an important market for us in Asia Pacific, and to allow for dedicated focus, I am pleased to appoint Richard Loberas as Head of Sales for ASEAN and Korea. Richard has been a consistent performer and will further build upon our ASEAN growth momentum.”

Sanjay, Shilpi and Richard will report to Jagan.

Aquabest Announces New Batch of Scholars

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Aquabest the country’s leading water franchise is pleased to announce the awarding of its new batch of scholars under its Corporate Shared Values (CSV) program.

Under its CSV program the company offers scholarships to the children of its deserving employees. The company has always placed an emphasis in the welfare of its employees and their families. This is driven by the company's realization that its people are its prime assets and as part of its Christian values.

Every year the company sets aside funds to help with the education of its employees in good schools that offer quality education. With the scholarship grants, the children of its employees get to realize their dreams and reach their full potential.

Since its inception the scholarship program has assisted dozens of children in getting the good education needed to succeed in their life. This year's scholars are: Aletheia Arellano, Grade 3 at Greenfield Academy, Danica Marie Boton, Grade 10 at Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School, Jianne Rhed Catapia, Grade 4 at PBTS Academy, Mabhe Dimple Esguerra, Grade 3 at Saint Jude Academy of Quezon City, Samantha Siervo, 2nd year at Mary the Queen College, and Scarleth Jane Cayetano, Grade 3 at Merry Mount Preparatory School of Quezon City.

Balay Mindanaw Awards 2016 Finalists Bared

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Barangay San Vicente of Sumilao, Bukidnon -- home barangay of the highly-acclaimed Sumilao farmers -- joins the cast of 20 finalists in the Balay Mindanaw Awards 2016 set to be held on May 27 at the Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro City.

This was announced by Balay Mindanaw president and founder Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig who said the selection of the finalists was based on the outstanding community initiatives, land rights advocacy, resiliency projects, and peace dialogues of the nominated barangays.

Barangay San Vicente, where some of the Sumilao farmers hail from, is among the contenders in the Kaangayan Category for communities with outstanding local capacities in addressing issues of injustice and inequities.

To recall, the Sumilao farmers staged a major 28-day hunger strike in 1997 and a historic 1,700-kilometer march in 2007 which generated positive public opinion enough to help influence the passage of laws extending the CARP twice, covering 15 years with a total 200-billion-peso budget allocation.

Last April, they also made the headlines when they launched their 3,750-kilometer campaign caravan for vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo from Barangay San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon to Quezon City.

The other two Kaangayan finalists are Barangay Mimbuahan, of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental and Barangay Tubo-Tubo of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Cagayan de Oro’s Barangay Gusa and Barangay Lumbia make up the list of finalists in the Kalambuan Category for communities with outstanding initiatives in addressing poverty towards sustainability and viability.

Barangay Lawaan of Gingoog City and Barangay New Panay of Aleosan, North Cotabato complete the Kalambuan lineup of finalists.

Three barangays from Panay join the company of finalists in the Kalig-on Category for communities that have shown outstanding institutionalization and development of resilient initiatives and preparedness in facing disasters.

Barangay Manipolon of Estancia, Iloilo and Barangays Pinamihagan and Marita of President Roxas, Capiz compose the Kalig-on finalists along with Barangay Ban-ao of Baganga, Davao Oriental, Barangays Macasandig and Carmen of Cagayan de Oro, and Barangays Mat-e and Tawagan of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Barangays Pagangan and Dunguan of Aleosan, North Cotabato are among the finalists in the Kalinaw Category for communities with outstanding local initiatives in transforming violent conflicts and building peace.

Rounding up the group of Kalinaw finalists are Barangay Diatagon of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Barangay Tuburan of Cagayan de Oro, and Barangay Mahayahay of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

The winners will be selected by a council of judges composed of 14 seasoned personalities with solid backgrounds on community development, peacebuilding, disaster management, and human rights and social justice.

Chaired by Edicio de la Torre and co-chaired by Archbishop Tony Ledesma, the Council is made up of Manlupig, Emma Leslie, Gerry Bulatao, Ma. Corazon Llanderal, Jose Noel Olano, Sylvia Paraguya, Ayi Hernandez, Teody Pena, David and Jane Langworthy, Ramon Chua, and Goldy Chan.

Winners will receive a specially-made trophy, which represents Balay Mindanaw’s vision for Mindanao as the bearer of hope and peace, is handcrafted by Jojo Sescon, a renowned international sculptor, environmentalist, photojournalist, and multi-awarded film maker from Mindanao.

The first-ever Balay Mindanaw Awards is part of the Balay Mindanaw’s 20th anniversary celebration.

“Through these awards, we will celebrate local victories in building empowered, sustainable, resilient and peaceful communities,” Manlupig said.

What the Critics Are Saying About X-Men: Apocalypse

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"Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshiped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto, to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven with the help of Professor X must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction."

"Everything they've built will fall! And from the ashes of their world, we'll build a better one!" - Apocalypse

I don't know what critics were smoking but it's far from what they made it out to be. If you grow up reading comics , collecting cards and watching the TV series every Friday night then you'll love the movie.

I would like to thank the organizers of the X-Men: Apocalypse special block screening held at SM Megamall Cinema 3 namely Tag Media, Golden Ticket and Astig. That last full show definitely was convenient coming in but somewhat a little bit hard going back home if you don't have your own car with you. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the invitation which made me realize I need the speed of Quicksilver more than bringing my own car.

I seriously got chills when classical music by Beethoven - Symphony No.7 in A major op.92 - II, Allegretto start playing in the middle of the movie. Hearing this on X-Men: Apocalypse was so satisfying. This marvelous movement in Beethoven's 7th is an emotive, and foreboding piece which typically suggests that the shit is about to hit the fan. No matter what, John Ottman's music is ALWAYS on point. It gets my blood pumping and the heroic spirit soaring whenever I hear his X-Men: Apocalypse theme.

More Action and Mind-Boggling Twists This Season on NCIS: Los Angeles

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Philippines, May 23–AXN delivers the action with a new season of NCIS: LOS ANGELES.

The team once again delve into the depths of a wide variety of cases on the seventh season of NCIS: Los Angeles. Special Agent G Callen, Detective Marty Geeks, and the rest of the crew will travel far and wide to destinations such as Africa and Russia in their regular quest to solve crimes. Agents doing undercover operations is one of the recurring themes of the series. This season comes with it different issues such as terrorist organizations, money laundering, nuclear radiation, cyber data collection, murders, and hostage taking.

Actor Chris O’Donnell returns as Special Agent G Callen while LL Cool J plays Callen’s partner, Special Agent Sam Hanna. NCIS: Los Angeles is originally released by CBS and aired the first episode of Season 7 last September 2015.

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 7 will be seen first and exclusive on AXN premiering on June 2 and will air every Thursday at 9:45pm.

AXN isseen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

CloseUp Forever Summer Got So Intensely Deadly

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"How fitting the name of your event is that claimed the lives of 5 people. There is no blame game nor pointing fingers, but I would like to know what are the event organizers are doing about this incident that claimed my boys father." - Natasha De Alwis

"The CloseUp Forever Summer was supposed to be a fun event. For the most it was but for a few it was devastating. Sorry to hear about the party-goers who did not make it back home to their families.

I passed by ‪#‎CloseUp‬ 's ‪#‎foreversummer‬ event on my way to a separate function. You could really feel the vibe and energy of the EDM party even from afar.

Hopefully the autopsy reports will clarify the root cause and primary reason why it left a few people unfortunate." - Mars Callo

"My advice to partyphiles: Enjoy but be responsible, be smart, if someone gives you something for free...remember what our parents used to warn us "don't accept treats from strangers'. Even if they were popular or deemed cool, know their reputation. Don't let another cheap drink cost another life." - Jeoff Solas

"Show me to a higher place

Take me to outer space

I want you to be my friend

We'll make it till the world ends"

Amidst all the "Tugs Tugs Tugs," who would have thought that there was already a tragedy happening. Was it a combination of alcohol, drugs and the extra loud music at that rave party organized by the Close Up brand under Unilever company? or was the rumored "green apple" or ecstasy drug really true? Some are calling the drug as "Green Amore" or "Fly High"

Whatever the cause, the organizers of the CloseUp Forever Summer rave party should be held responsible. There must be something wrong here to have 5 deaths suffering the same fate - heart attack or what they are calling fatal "dysrhythmia" which is the abnormality in a physiological rhythm, especially in the activity of the brain or heart.

If that was the case, then there's definitely some form of drug that went around and the five people couldn't handle the effects and got the worst of it.

As per case of Eric Anthony Miller, the only foreigner among the five, who was pronounced dead when they took him to the Manila Doctor's hospital. He could have survived if he was taken earlier but the people at teh rave party must have thought he was just drunk and unconscious.

The same goes with the four other people who must have suffered the same terrible fate. It couldn't be just a coincidence to have 5 different individuals to just die like that during the CloseUp Forever Summer rave party held at the SM mall of Asia concert grounds.

Migawa, Fontejon, Leal, Garcia and Miller collapsed minutes apart and were found lying unconscious in separate areas on the concert premises while the party was ongoing.

"It's saddening to know that 5 ravers passed away from last night due to drug usage. But what's disheartening that others thought that the EDM festival scene is the one to blame for this incident. Its not fair for us who just come to the festival for pure love for EDM and enjoying the PLUR vibe. This should served as a lesson those TAKERS. You really don't need a substance to feel the vibe. Also, to the organizers and production team to be more strict to kick out the ones who can't abide rules."

CloseUp already released an official statement:

"Closeup and its organizing agency, Activations Advertising, and staging agency, Eventscape, are deeply saddened by the events that transpired on the early hours of May 22, 2016.

We regret that despite the very stringent measures and precautions we have put in place to ensure the safety and security of all attendees involved, this incident still transpired. As such, strict protocols were followed to immediately provide medical assistance, as well as rush all those involved to the nearest hospital where they can receive emergency care.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who’ve passed away, and commit support in their time of bereavement. Likewise, our efforts are now focused on supporting those needing medical assistance so they may fully recover.

We are fully cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing police investigations."

I think it's about time we end these late night parties that do nothing but let out the wild tendencies of the attendees. What is so right about getting drunk and drugged while going wild and crazy with eardrum shattering music? The youth deserves better gatherings that will enhance their knowledge and well-being rather than these senseless parties that do nothing but "kill" precious time.


"There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you."

#CloseUpForeverSummer 

Free, Anonymous, and Fast HIV Screening for AIDS Memorial & LGBT Pride

Wazzup Pilipinas!

LoveYourself, Inc., the leading non-government organization on HIV awareness and testing in the country, will be holding its first free, anonymous, and fast HIV screening on May 29 at Victoria Court Malate in an effort to support the causes brought about by the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2016 and the LGBT Pride Month this May and June respectively.

Anchoring this HIV screening event on the military secrecy rule "What you see, what you hear, when you leave, leave it here," the organization named the event as LoveYourself Incognito to ensure utmost confidentiality and promptness of the procedure.

By being anonymous, LoveYourself will employ a system of client identification known as the Unique Identifier Code to distinguish a client without revealing its name, and to eliminate filling out of lengthy identification forms leading to reduced times and increased efficiency. Clients will then be subjected to “Rapid Test” which involves pricking a finger to get just two (2) drops of blood for screening. The entire procedure will not take more than 15 minutes inclusive of counseling on safer sex practices to lower the risk of HIV infection as well as an explanation on the results of the test.

As the event promises anonymity and speed, the organization earnestly calls all interested individuals to simply register at go.loveyourself.ph/incognito to avail of a slot. Then prospective clients will just need to arrive on the said screening date and venue between 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.

The Silence of J by Junyee at Galleria Duemila

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In The Aesthetics of Silence, Susan Sontag’s seminal 1969 essay, Sontag investigates how silence reconciles art’s function as a form of spirituality in an increasingly secular culture, she writes, “The art of our time is noisy with appeals for silence. A coquettish, even cheerful nihilism. One recognizes the imperative of silence, but goes on speaking anyway.” 

In a parallel purview Junyee attempts to estimate his ruminations on silence in The Silence of J, his solo exhibition at Galleria Duemila, wherein approximations of light, space, and perspective are modified, diluted, to a conflicting yet visually decisive investigation on his very own aesthetics of silence.

In The Silence of J, the walls are seamlessly hung with sparse four-sided woodworks, evocative reliefs made from sturdy jointed T&G (tongue-and-groove) planks, whitewashed in ivory, snow, and eggshell—tonal values that have determined the depth and perspective of Yee’s muted permutations. 

Presenting a flowchart of processes and traces of quaintly discontinued paintjob, he reveals the architectural and utilitarian qualities of the medium, while non-descript shapes—slivers of flaked off paint, and linear dents hint at a feeling of Fontana’s iconic post-object slashes. Much in the way in which his sparse compositions seemingly manifest as diagrams or blueprints of a utopian construct—in the heady technological apocalypse of the now, silence makes perfect sense.

IPC Boosts Portfolio, Launches Cloud-based Contact Center Solution

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To allow contact centers to run campaigns with minimal capital requirement and faster deployment, local cloud services and data center pioneer IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) recently launched IPC VOICES, its on-demand, cloud-based call center solution for BPO companies. This straightforward, plug and play technology within the robust infrastructure of IPC Data Centers was developed in partnership with Australia-based BlueCloud Technology, a company specializing in cloud-based applications for call centers.

As IPC VOICES is a cloud service, it is an application that’s subscribed to and paid for on a monthly basis and can be up and running in a very short time. This is perfect for BPOs that need immediate expansion to accommodate new campaigns, or those that are just starting up. It is also an ideal disaster recovery and business continuity contingency. All an agent needs is a computer, a headset, and internet connectivity to use the application.

"VOICES is not just your run-of-the-mill call center solution. It doesn’t only address common operational pain points in BPOs but also highlights resiliency, accessibility and adaptability,” said IPC Director for Product Management and Marketing Niño Valmonte. “Being locally hosted in IPC Data Center, users of the application benefit from a globally-compliant, state-of-the-art facility and robust network infrastructure which ensures availability and security for their business operations.”

VOICES, according to IPC, is an acronym for Voice Over Internet Call Exchange Suite.

With IPC VOICES installed, contact center agents can work from anywhere as long as they are connected to the internet. Administrators can also make necessary system changes even through their mobile devices. “We consider this an important feature for high-risk countries such as the Philippines. This product provides contact centers a contingency plan in the event of a calamity or a breach in their physical offices,” BlueCloud Co-founder and CEO Antoine Nookadu explained.

Convenient Grocery Shopping Using BeamAndGo Remittance Service

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The founders of BeamAndGo believes that they have introduced a better way to support the families of OFWs using their remittance service that helps guard against misspent funds.

How? By sending digital certificates that are already intended for use with specific brands, services or utilities. Instead of sending cash values, an OFW can send an amount credited to ..let's say, a grocery, through the most accessible tool that majority of us use in our everyday lives. What else but our mobile phones! I think the service works even for non-smartphones so it's not required that you have an Android or iOS device which means even those with less access to expensive gadgets can avail of the service.

The BeamAndGo remittance service is so easy to use that even a child using it for the first time can conveniently find his way to use it without any problems. In fact, the system is so user-friendly that it only took me a few minutes to complete a transaction.

It's my second time to try it and though there have been obvious changes in the system interface when I accessed it for the second time, I still had a remarkably easy time to complete a transaction. Within a matter of days, the notice that I received a 2 Super8GC Php500 gift certificate/s was sent to my smartphone and informed me that it can be redeemed immediately.