Cebuanos Find Around the Clock Hangout in Tom N Toms Coffee

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Viewed from outer space, Metro Cebu is one of the few places in the Philippines outside Metro Manila that shines bright at night amidst a sea of darkness.

With the recently opened Tom N Toms Coffee, the first in Cebu and the second in the country, Cebuanos have found a round the clock hangout fulfilling the demand of a cosmopolitan haven that has grown to ignore sleep.

“With Cebu’s dizzying growth, more and more are staying up until the odd hours. Tom N Toms Coffee is open 24 hours to serve a growing number of Cebuanos who are taking part in the Metro’s prosperity,” said Tom N Toms Cebu General Manager Jose Mari Alba.

The world-famous Korean coffee chain, the top brand in South Korea based on the number of stores, opened just last September 8 at The Greenery on Pope John Paul II Avenue, Kasambagan, Mabolo.

“Coffee lovers who need a cozy place to stay beyond midnight will find Tom N Toms to be an ideal place,” said Alba. The Cebu location follows the opening of Tom N Toms first branch last year in Bacolod.

Alba anticipates the coffee shop to be popular with millennials hanging out with friends all night, professionals, BPO workers, and others who work night shifts, adding Tom N Toms boosts the visible rise of a number of coffee shops with its 24-hour service.

Tom N Toms offers the usual variety of coffee drinks, espressos, frappes, smoothies, pretzels and snacks. But the shop also offers other amenities such as strong wifi, cozy seats, free charging, and a wide assortment of food from baked goods to healthy picks and heavy meals.

“Given any coffee shops’ need for a high customer volume to be sustainable, the availability of other food items and special drinks on top of the usual coffee fare around the clock is an advantage for Tom N Toms,” said Alba.

The Tom N Toms Cebu General Manager said the friendly staff of the new coffee chain are looking forward to serving Cebuanos during the busy nights of a progressively sophisticated city that has begun to escape the need for sleep.

AXN Announces World Premiere Date for The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 on October 13 at 9pm

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get ready for a race like no other as AXN prepares to unleash The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 in its world premiere on October 13 at 9pm.

Adrenaline-fueled action mixed with nail biting drama and comedic overtones sets this 10-episode season apart from the pack as 11 teams from six different countries vie for the winning crown and USD100,000 in cash.

Hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the teams are an eclectic bunch of brains, brawn and beauty united by their determination to win, while having a bit of fun along the way.

Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “This season is the most dramatic, crazy and surprising yet. It’s a wild, culturally mesmerizing ride against some truly spectacular destinations. One second a team is in the lead, only for another to come out of nowhere to take top spot. It’s anyone’s race!”

During each episode every Thursday at 9pm, AXN viewers can take their place in the middle of the action and interact with celebrity show host Allan Wu and their favorite teams live via social platforms using #AXNTARA and @AXNTARA

“I’m excited to chat with viewers and share the race experience throughout the series. We have created a lot of exclusive race footage that is only available online. It will add a whole new dimension to watching the race as viewers will witness what’s happeningbehind-the-scenes like never before,” said Allan.

The Amazing Race Asia premieres on Thursday, October 13 at 9:00pm, first and exclusively on AXN.

TheAmazingRaceAsiaSeason5issupportedbypresentingsponsorWonderfulIndonesia,andpartnersGarudaIndonesia,GrabandGreatEastern.

Check out www.AXN-Asia.com/TARA for all the latest news on The Amazing Race Asia.

AXN isseen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, GSat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49.

2nd One Stop Shop Center for OFWs Opens at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arturo Tugade on Friday (September 16, 2016) led the opening of the 2nd One Stop Shop Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that will fast track government processes especially for overseas workers.

“This is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s program to provide convenience to our OFWs mostly working in the Middle East and other parts of world, they can now go to Clark to transact their requirements for their convenience,” Bello said.

According to Bello, “this is the 2nd one stop shop center for OFWs established inside Clark Freeport Zone and it is near the Clark International Airport.”

He said that “the requirement is to put up a one stop shop at Clark and at the same provide all the facilities which will include not only the Foreign Affairs, actually the NBI and DOJ as well as the medical facilities to our Kababayans.”

Bello said that they will put up the same centers in other parts of the country such as in San Fernando La Union, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro and Davao City, adding that the facilities will be completed within the year.

Bello said that Clark Airport is being geared as the next alternative airport to ease decongestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila.

“There is now a move to transfer several flights at Clark Airport, and the establishment of the one stop shop in Clark is timely,” he added.

For his part, Tugade also said that the establishment of the One Stop Shop center in Clark is part of the requirements of International carriers especially those from the Middle East wherein OFWs will benefit from this facility in Clark Freeport.

Tugade also said that the facility in Clark will benefit OFws mostly residing in Central and Northern Luzon who flies at Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga.

Tugade said that the one stop shop center is now open and operational for the convenience of the OFWs.

The opening of the facility were also attended by Former President and 2nd District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Catanduanes Congressman Cesar Sarmiento, Former Nueva Ecija Rep. Renato Diaz, CIAC President Alxander Cauguiran and CDC President Noel Manankil.

The DOTr and DOLE took the lead for the establishment of the said Center at Clark. The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) also provided support for the establishment of the facility.

The new facility is home to sixteen agencies in a single building located at Clark Polytechnic, just a few kilometers from the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Among the agencies are, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philhealth, Pag-Ibig Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare (OWWA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Social Security System(SSS), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) and Bayad Center.

The one-stop-shop center will provide services such as the processing of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), NBI clearances , the processing of Pag-Ibig OFW members contributions, Philhealth payment premium contributions and members registration, SSS registration and membership data amendment including acceptance of loans and benefits claim applications, PSA’s processing and issuance of birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and CENOMAR.

MARINA’s issuance and revalidation of seamans’ book, issuance of PRC’s professional licenses and TESDA’s issuance of training certifications and applications for scholarship programs will also be facilitated in the Center.

The facility is also equipped with a WiFi internet connection for the convenience of the agencies and the OFWs.

The Largest IT Event in the Country Returns for its 14th Year, Joined by Lamudi PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Committed as an enabling event for today’s youth, the Youth Congress on Information Technology (Y4iT) returns for its 14th year on September 27, 28, and 29 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Complex, Pasay City.

The three-day congress, which has been at the forefront of information technology-gathering events in the country, is once again expected to gather more than 20,000 delegates nationide, from IT college students and professionals to enthusiasts.

“Y4IT provides a venue for IT students from all over the country, not just to learn from local and international IT thought leaders, but more importantly from each other. It is also not just about learning but also about having fun with newfound friends and getting connected,” said Commissioner Monchito Ibrahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology–Information and Communications Technology Office.

The long-running event aspires be a constant source of inspiration to many as it helps bridge industry authorities and the youth. “Each year, we are overwhelmed by the number of people coming together who all want to learn. Each year, they motivate us to continue our goal to inform, involve, and encourage the youth to be active in creating and developing solutions (through technology) to urban challenges,” saidY4iT Marketing Head Cha Ramos.

Retail, the Digital Way with SMART Store Manager

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Retail continues to be one of the Philippines’ most dynamic industries, a leading economic growth driver buoyed by the robust consumer spending and a market that has become increasingly sophisticated. With local and global brands all vying for the attention of Filipino shoppers, success in the retail space may not only be determined by providing quality products and value for money, but also great customer sales experience.

The SMART Store Manager solution is one such offering from PLDT Enterprise that helps retailers enhance customer service delivery. It aims to improve the shopping process by enabling customers to check out their purchases assisted by store personnel deftly managing transactions through the mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) solution. SMART Store Manager also acts as a tablet-based menu, providing images that highlight the product or service customers are paying for, allowing them to fully appreciate the shopping choices they are about to make.

“SMART Store Manager is one of the many solutions of PLDT Enterprise that aims to support Philippine enterprises in growing their business,” said Gio Abaquin, Head for Digital Mobility, Disruptive Business Group (DBG), the emerging technologies business unit of PLDT Enterprise. “Such innovative solutions let enterprises build their competitiveness, distinguish themselves from other industry players, and deliver superb shopping experiences to their customers.”

Aside from enhanced customer experience, the SMART Store Manager also offers a range of benefits for enterprises operations-wise. Not only does it eliminate the need to invest in electronic registers or expensive software, it also frees up valuable store space -- usually taken up by cash registers -- to be used for other purposes such as merchandise display. Furthermore, the SMART Store Manager bundles the Mobile Application, Tablet, and SIM-based connectivity in one affordable package, so retailers can readily deploy their mobile POS in their stores.

“With an engaging, user-friendly interface and reliable connectivity to ensure that customers enjoy seamless shopping, SMART Store Manager truly creates an enhanced and differentiated digital retail experience for today’s Filipino consumer.” added Chet Alviz​, Head of SMACS (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud & Security).

Jacob Cordover All Set for a Free Classical Guitar Concert on Oct. 6

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Guitar Friends and St. Scholastica's College present classical guitar artist JACOB CORDOVER with the special participation of THE KABATAANG GITARISTA and EDEL MARK BITAO in a free concert set on Oct. 6, 2016 - Thursday 7:00 pm, St.Cecilia's Hall, St. Scholastica's College Manila.

Jacob Cordover will also be conducting a guitar masterclass on Oct. 3 Monday, 3 pm at the Mini Hall, UP College of Music and on Oct. 7, Friday, 1 PM, at the Rehearsal Hall, St. Cecilia Bldg., St. Scholastica's College Manila.

Currently residing in Barcelona, Spain and enjoying a truly international career as both a concert and recording artist, Jacob Cordover “impresses with his intuitive musicianship and impeccable technique” (Leicester Mercury, UK). His “consummate artistry” (Adelaide Advertiser, Australia) has enticed audiences in over a dozen countries across four continents.

Mr. Cordover has appeared as soloist with the Las Colinas Symphony, the Arlington Symphony, the Garland Symphony, the Orquestra Simfònica de Balears “Ciutat de Palma” and the Orchestra dell’Accademia “l’Ottocento”, and his performances have “demonstrated how much poetry and feeling can be obtained from the guitar in the hands of master musicians such as Jacob Cordover.” (The Mercury, Australia). 

The Advantages of e-Procurement vs. Traditional

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Procurement is one of the most important business processes for many organizations, whether large enterprises or small and medium size companies. Many decisions taken by departments have a procurement implication that can impact on the overall cost of carrying out the decision. Here cost includes the total cost of the good or service and not simply the price that is paid.

In the private sector, procurement is viewed as a strategic function working to improve the organization’s profitability. Procurement is seen as helping to streamline processes, reduce raw material prices and costs, and identifying better sources of supply.

However, the process often pose many challenges such as understatement of purchase details, inappropriate selection methods, inadequate supplier information, selecting unsuitable supplier and risk in negotiations, just to name a few. However, with the advent of technology, automation of the procurement process can now be done which can help achieve the best results for your procurement projects.

Below are just some of the values and additional advantages brought by technology in the procurement process that the traditional processes cannot provide.

Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant Is Now Ready to Serve Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There a new foodie place at the 3rd Floor, Bridgeway, Building B of SM Megamall. This new restaurant is said to be the first of its kind in the Philippines for being the very first Japanese Teishoku Restaurant in the country.

Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant is now ready to serve Filipinos on September 16, 2016 with their bestselling Japanese set meals that will surely spark the interest of foodies all over the country. On opening day, they are generously giving away FREE TEISHOKU (set meal) for the first 100 guests on September 16 at 10AM!

The two individuals namely Yvonne Yao and Jacqueline Gobing, responsible for bringing the concept restaurant in Manila, have plans to establish 15 branches within 5 years. In fact, they are about to open their second branch at SM Mall of Asia within just a few weeks from this day. With the 15 branches in mind, that's around 3 branches per year that they are hopeful to build soon.

Why not, with the sumptuous taste of their bestsellers and coupled with great marketing and promotional campaigns, there is no doubt that they will succeed with their plans.

But I believe that word of mouth will bring them success already especially when people get to read the feedback from the first customers, like me, who were satisfied with our dining experience with them.

Alden Richards Adds Excitement to the Cadbury Dairy Milk Joy Wagon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Cadbury Dairy Milk continues to #FreetheJoy with the Joy Fest and becomes doubly exciting with the special appearance of Alden Richards during the Joy Wagon event held at the Venice Grand Canal Mall on September 8, 2016.

Though the tandem of AlDub are both brand ambassadors of Cadbury, the magic alone of Alden was already enough to excite the event attendees. Imagine what would happen if Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub was also there. It could mean a lot of fans shrieking out loud in support of their idols.

Alden's majestic entrance was through the H2O Salamander dressed up as the Cadbury Joy Wagon - one that has wheels for the roads and could float on water like rivers or canals like that one at the Venice Grand Canal Mall, and especially during floods since our country is prone to be submerged under water due to heavy rains and flooded drainage. The H2O Salamander also has an advocacy component from which a community will benefit.

James Deakin, famous in the motoring world, was also there representing H2O Salamander as their brand ambassador and spokesperson during the event. He shared the significance of supporting the vehicle so that there would be communities that could be saved in times of calamities involving flooding.

DICT Hosts ITU-ASEAN Workshop on Child Online Protection

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The ​​​​​​​International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) organized a workshop on Child Online Protection in association with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) which was held on September 13 and 14, 2016 at a hotel in Quezon City.

The workshop gathered ASEAN Member States (AMS) and invited representatives from organizations such as Stairway Foundation Inc., the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), ECPAT Philippines, ICT Watch Indonesia, The Asia Foundation Philippines, Privacy Commission Philippines, and Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc. in order to strengthen its initiative towards making a safer Cyber-Environment for the generations to come.

In his keynote address, Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima of the DICT notes that the event is a is a testament to the organization’s commitment to the ITU-ASEAN Initiative on Developing a Strategy Framework for Child Online Protection, being the first international event of the newly-established agency. He called on the sentiments of the delegates in creating better Child Online Protection policies by saying: “our light shines the brightest when we dedicate and devote our lives and our time for our people and their children.”

Ms. Aurora Rubio from the ITU called on the different AMS to come together in promoting the increasingly vital need to keep everyone, especially the young people, safe online despite the reality that in the online world, global, and even regional and national collaboration is not so easily implemented due to the different definitions and developments in the implementation of child online protection in different countries. She was hopeful that by the end of the workshop, participants would be able to contribute and support ASEAN countries to develop and implement effective national, and ASEAN child online protection general framework and plans.

During the workshop, different Child Online Protection Initiatives in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam was shared, along with expert counsel from the invited organizations. With the help of the Stairway Foundation Inc. and the Department of Education, the participants were also treated to a consultation with the youth, their parents, and teachers from participating schools in the area. Through this, the participants were able to gain the valuable perspective of the youth, who, as Ysrael Diloy from Stairway Foundation Inc. says, are the “experts in the field of [COP].”

Atty. Maria Roda Cisnero moderated the module on the presentation of the recommendations for the Draft ASEAN Framework on Child Online Protection from the breakout groups, which included the youth. The workshop concluded with Ms. Aurora Rubio’s moderation of the multi-stakeholders’ panel discussions which gave further insight in moving COP discussions toward better policies.