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MVP Steers Landco to Help Build a More Resilient Nation

Aiming for the socio-economic recovery of the nation from the impact of COVID-19, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), chairman of the MVP Group of Companies, assuaged uncertainties by strengthening Landco and jumpstarting the tourism industry in order to build a more resilient nation.

“MVP is not just about profits.  As part of the MVP Group of companies, we feel how much he cares about his employees, the people under his stewardship.  Taking his lead, Landco endeavored to take care of its own.  At the start of the pandemic, there was a public commitment by Landco Top Management to its employees that no one will lose their job.  And we are proud to say that we’ve lived up to that promise,” said Erickson Y. Manzano, President, and CEO, Landco.

Landco’s strong workforce reengineered its systems and processes for greater productivity at the onset of the community quarantine. The company at the same time rationalized and analyzed its budget for cost-efficiency.

“Our operations team channeled energies to our back office: Title Transfer, Customer Service, Finance, and IT.  We focused on customers and updated them on their titles. We implemented a more efficient enterprise-wide system to replace SAP, and streamlined our operations,” added Manzano.

While these improvements in operations are essential to the stability of the organization, Landco, known for pioneering landscapes for more than 30 years, continued to offer innovative and exciting concepts for Filipinos to adapt to the new normal.

Landco introduced its revolutionary concept of Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE). These are master-planned developments with mixed-use residential and commercial lots, situated in the tourist destination of Batangas: 24-hectare Club Laiya and 15-hectare CaSoBē; and Samal Island, Davao.

Club Laiya Beach Club

Millennial Resorts, operated by Landco, features a wide range of resort amenities that serve as a beacon for tourists in these developments. True to its commitment to developing and keeping local talents, Landco employs and trains locals who are part of the team that ensures that guests will have a pleasant and unforgettable experience at its facilities.

“We support MVP’s thrust in tourism as one of the key drivers in the recovery efforts of the country, “stated Patrick C. Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality and Tourism, Landco.

“On the operations front, we got our Resort and Staycation Certifications from the Department of Tourism during the pandemic.  We offered our Crusoe Cabins for those who wanted to work from the beach, and with that, we were able to keep our whole team employed throughout the pandemic, 90% of whom live in the Batangas community where Crusoe is located,” cited Manzano.

Millennial Resorts staff provides warm hospitality to CaSoBe and Club Laiya guests

Millennial Resorts also offers unconventional accommodations of the surreal capsule-like rooms of Cocoons and water amenities such as Aquaria, a water park with a three-story pool slide at CaSoBē, and the Beach Club at Club Laiya. Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar provides a chic and casual dining experience.

With the leadership of Pangilinan on a long-term sustainability program for a better nation, Lando’s LTEs Club Laiya and CaSoBe are both LEED registered. Millennial Resorts will soon acquire EDGE Certification, a Sustainability Certification from the International Finance Corp of the World Bank by the end of 2021.

Landco is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Corporation. For more information about Landco and LTEs: Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit landco.ph or FB page @LandcoPacificCorporation.

#MVP #Landco #LTEs #EricksonManzano #ClubLaiya #CaSoBe #tourismindustry  #Batangas #SamalIslandDavao #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Happy Life Organics ( HLO ) Inaugurates Warehouse in Bulacan

Just recently, Happy Life Organics ( HLO ) inaugurated their newly built warehouse located at 1634 Mayumi St., Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Bulacan.

HLO is a Philippine-based company that promotes innovative and eco-friendly solutions for your home, pets, and unwanted pests.  They are the neem authority of which their success comes from the effective use of the health benefits of this neem tree extract.  Previously available only in India, now, the neem tree extract can be sourced out from Santa Maria, Bulacan.

Happy Life newly-inaugurated warehouse in Santa Maria, Bulacan

With high hopes for the rest of the year and the years to come, they are strengthening their distribution base to cater to the needs of the market specifically in promoting a chemical-less shift in the way the market use cleaning products at home and in different industries.  What’s more, they also adapted eco-friendly practices by creating environmentally sustainable products.  From the all-natural ingredients up to their biodegradable packaging, they want their consumers to have that peace of mind knowing that aiming for a happy life can be achieved with them.

Pertinent to their expansion, they recently launched their Waterless Shampoo for pets, a quicker, safer, innovative, and plant bath alternative against chemical actives in shampoo for pets, saving 70% of grooming time.

Available in their company website: www.happylifeph.com LAZADA, Shopee, and ZALORA: Happy Life Organics FB and IG stores: @happylifeorganicss 2 Physical Stores: Quezon City: 50 Esteban Abada in Waze Bulacan HQ Address: 1634 Mayumi St, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, Bulacan Also available in top Vet Clinics in the country.

Featured photo: From left to right Dexter Argonia (Facility Maintenance Officer), Florante Padilla (Facility Maintenance Assistant), Michael Madulin (Logistics Head), Joe Sevilla (President and Founder), Chay Sevilla (Vice President and Finance Head), Rose Pangan (Facility Head), Rosalyn Pangan (Facility Manager), Ardie Dela Rama (Logistics Supervisor)

#HappyLifeOrganics #happylifeph #newwarehouse #Bulacan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Nemiranda: Capturing imaginations for Lapulapu’s quincentenary

Over pandemic, we have collectively been prompted to look inward, towards our respective histories — something Nemesio “Nemi” Miranda Jr. is intimately familiar with. Nemiranda, as he is also called, is a visual historian and lauded as the “Father of Imaginative Figurism,” conjuring human forms and historical scenarios from his imagination. This year, he has been nominated for National Artist for Visual Arts.

Nemiranda is among Angono’s greats. The Rizal town itself is the Art Capital of the Philippines, as well as the birthplace of one of his two major influences, National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco – his other influence being Francisco Coching, the “King of Philippine Comics.”

This year, Nemiranda zooms in on the 1521 Victory of Mactan, where Datu Lapulapu and his warriors defeated the Spanish empire, commanded by Ferdinand Magellan at the behest of Rajah Humabon.

A decade in the making

Nemiranda’s project took root in his mind a decade prior, in a meeting with the director of tourism in Southern Leyte. He explains, “They wanted me to design a concept for Magellan’s discovery of the Philippines: the landing of Magellan in Limasawa Island, the site of the first mass, the first cross monument of the Philippines. From that time on, I had this interest to make a series of paintings on the life of Lapulapu.” Between that time and now, he did his research visiting sites of interest from Mactan to Limasawa Island.

Ten years on, Nemiranda has finished his multimedia showcase, musing that this is the perfect time to celebrate our people’s spirit. “This year, quincentenary natin as a nation, from the arrival of the Bornean datus in the Philippines, doon nagsimula ang kasaysayan natin.”

At the same time, he outlines the project’s personal history: “Everything started in drawings, and eventually I made paintings and sculptures.” Nemiranda’s two-part showcase includes 35 drawings, upwards of 20 paintings, and 25 sculptures on the life and historical events of the esteemed Datu. The first show is currently showcased at the House of Representatives and the second part at Gallery Nine in September.

Filling in history’s gaps

Surely, Lapulapu is an enduring presence from history books to works of art. He is a symbol of resistance and courage even today. However, this belies how little we actually know about him.

Nemiranda is aware of this, and true to form, he fills in the gaps with his imagination: “Lapulapu is only in a very small portion of the writings of [Antonio] Pigafetta. The exhibit at Gallery Nine is my own concept of who he was, and who he could be. He was an ordinary family man, at the same time he learned a lot of things, and had many talents, many passions for creativity.”

Thus, his Gallery Nine exhibit features 35 pen and ink vignettes into the life Lapulapu might have led. These include his famed victory against Magellan; his civic contributions as a teacher, blacksmith, fisherman, and builder; as well as more tender moments cradling his child, serenading and caressing his beau.

Capturing imaginations

Over at his main exhibit in Congress, he expands his focus: his paintings and sculptures depict the spread of Catholicism in Cebu, interspersed with imaginings of what could have been. Even here, Nemiranda underscores the quieter events in Lapulapu’s life- he kneels in prayer before marching onto the battle, he pays his last respects to fallen rivals. At an unknown point in time, he dreams of hunting a mythical creature in a dreamscape with the fallen Magellan in the foreground.

Nemiranda’s life-work is about arousing inspiration through his imaginative chronicles. His most noted works include a 175-meter-long mural on the history of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio, EDSA I and II murals, paintings and sculptures, and religious works depicting the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary — all in public spaces, for everyone to see. In terms of sculpture, he pioneered the craft of relief sculptures in concrete cement, a technique he had been perfecting for 50 years.

When asked about his vision, he responds, “I want to capture what is happening during my lifetime. I want to tickle the imagination of the audience, I want them to ask, did this really happen? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no.”

 Keeping up with the times

Our relationship with memory is dynamic; our perspectives and understandings continually evolve after every recollection. This makes the arts fertile ground for chronicling reimaginations, the industry itself has withstood last year’s challenges through constant reinvention.

As we move ceaselessly towards the future, so too does Nemiranda’s work: “I am not one to stick to a comfort zone. There is always a new subject to capture, life goes on, history happens.” Despite the pandemic’s limitations, he has had a successful stint in the United States just this June. There, he auctioned 35 pieces of his Imaging Lapulapu drawings at the Philippine Consulate at Los Angeles with the Eagle Eye Charities Foundation. He also completed a mural honoring healthcare workers at the Philippine Consulate in New York.

He will also be showcasing a mural study of the history of the Philippine legislative bodies, a project first offered to him in 1990 during Fidel V. Ramos’ term. Despite it not pushing through at the time, he has endeavored to keep updating his study up to the present day.

Looking back, moving forward

Nemiranda’s works have never been about a singular event in isolation: “It’s not just about the Victory of Mactan. I want to bring attention to the start of the Filipino fight for freedom, justice, and democracy- up until the present. It is my mission to showcase both past and present-day heroes.”

This quincentenary year, we celebrate in the midst of this pandemic’s major sociocultural changes. Nemiranda’s topics of focus compel us to look back at our history while commanding us to fill in the gaps — not just in history’s blank pages, but for what is in store for us as a nation in the years to come.

“Imaging Lapulapu” will be held from August 2 -19 at the North Lobby, Main Building, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Viewing is by invitation only. The exhibit at Gallery Nine will be held in September subject to the lifting of current quarantine restrictions. More details as well as a full 360 walk-through of the exhibit is available online at www.galleryninemanila.com.

#Nemiranda #ImagingLapulapu #GalleryNineManila #onemanexhibit #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Accelerating digital economy key for inclusive integration in APAC

[Shenzhen, China] Participants in the webinar entitled “Accelerate Digital Economy for Inclusive Integration in the Asia Pacific – Connecting Digital Industries in Pandemic” called for leveraging digital opportunities to build an inclusive ecosystem and promoting regional integration, which is particularly important while still combating the pandemic.

A digital economy is increasingly perceived as the way to overcome disruptions caused by COVID-19. Representatives and thought leaders from governmental, industrial, and academic sectors across the Asia Pacific joined a virtual conversation organized by Huawei to explore the multiple facets of the digital economy, from a market, technology, inclusiveness, and sustainability perspective.

Based on digital knowledge and infrastructure, the digital economy has powered a growing proportion of regional GDP and boosted resilience amid the pandemic. ASEAN predicts the digital economy will contribute 1 trillion US dollars to regional GDP by year.

Countries from the region have released future-oriented roadmaps on removing trade barriers, improving digital coverage, and ensuring ubiquitous access to digital services to facilitate the implementation of the digital economy.

Being part of the ecosystem, Huawei is committed to enabling ASEAN’s Digital Masterplan 2025 in three key areas, namely ICT connectivity, talent empowerment, and ecosystem incubation, according to Jay Chen, Vice President at Huawei Asia Pacific. The digital economy unfolding in the region addresses inclusive access to digital service, a landscape facilitating startup scale-up, and a circular, sustainable economy.

Dr. Alvin P. Ang from Ateneo de Manila University agreed with the openly accessible approach to upskilling the public with digital knowledge. “The education system must put in context the foundational elements of digitalization. Whether it’s in the basic education level or in the middle ages or those who are working already, trying to learn and upgrade themselves. We have to invest in them and give our rural areas an opportunity to catch up by at least providing them with the basic skills to get through the technology highway,” he said.

Huawei has long recognized the critical importance of providing everyone digital skills and leaves no one behind as economies digitalize. Over the years, Huawei has launched multiple programs to train over 100,000 people with ICT empowerments in the region in cooperation with governments, universities, and NGOs. In the Philippines, during the past 4 years, more than 50 Philippine universities joined Huawei ICT Academy, over 6000 students benefited from the ICT training offered by Huawei.

Conveying the business perspective, Professor Jose Decolongon, COO & Managing Director of Corporate Foresight, Embiggen Consulting Philippines said “Micro, small, medium enterprises need to have an understanding on digitalization to perceive the opportunities when it comes to exploring the digital side of the business. Challenges are faced by these enterprises but also the large organizations. It’s related to the coverage and speed of digital infrastructure. This is where telecom players such as Huawei and our local players can play an important role.”

For a sustainable digital economic ecosystem, new technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things, and Cloud provide great promise in terms of enhancing de-carbonization and the circular economy. In the Philippines, Huawei has increased investment in sustainable green solutions, leveraging clean power generation, electric transportation, and smart energy storage.

“The next five years could see the ASEAN region make giant strides towards becoming a digital society, and the transformation will enable member states to recover faster from the pandemic. Huawei, together with ASEAN partners, is committed to enabling the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 and create new value for the leading digital community and economic bloc,” said Jay.

Event website: https://www.huawei.com/en/events/accelerate-digital-economy-integrated-asia-pacific

About Huawei

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 197,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.

Our vision and mission are to bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

#Huawei #digitaleconomy #ICT #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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ABB Technology Can Help Address E-mobility Infra Challenges in PH

Manila, Philippines – Global technology leader ABB has the infrastructure to help the Philippines achieve its target of having electronic vehicles (EVs) account for 10 percent of road transport vehicles by 2040.

Department of Energy (DOE) Director for Energy Utilization and Management Bureau Patrick Aquino said support infrastructure is one of the challenges that they need to hurdle to realize this goal.

“Under the 2018-2040 Philippine Energy Plan, EVs are expected to account for 10 percent of road transport vehicles by 2040 in the clean energy scenario,” he said during the forum, “The Future of E-mobility Is Now”, which was held on the second day of the ABB Digital Summit.

Aquino was one of the resource speakers during the forum, along with Electronic Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) president Edmund Araga and ABB Product Marketing Specialist Engr. Ace Bisnar. ABB Asia Pacific Manager for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Kumail Rashid also joined the event during its question and answer segment.

ABB has been leading the way to a zero-emission mobility future. It has developed electrification solutions from EV chargers for the home to fast-charging roadside stations.

ABB Philippines facility

The company also offers electrical distribution solutions and battery energy storage systems — infrastructure that is essential to enabling an e-mobility future.

Bisnar added that ABB can provide remote support to monitor EV chargers in different areas.

“It’s not just putting the EV charger on the area, but also making sure that it is working 100 percent,” he said.

ABB EV Charger

The latest available data shows that the transition to EVs from conventional vehicles has been slow so far. Aquino shared that from 2010 to 2019, only 11,950 EVs were registered, accounting for a mere 0.09 percent of registered vehicles.

This is why organizations such as the EVAP are closely working with the government and other sectors to further e-mobility in the country.

“We never stop promoting, and continue sustaining its ground,” Araga said during the Summit.

This is the first time that ABB Philippines has staged the ABB Digital Summit, a four-day online event that features global speakers from ABB, with special guest resource persons from different organizations and associations

The event, which runs from July 26-29, is being held by ABB in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), Energy Managers Professionals Association in the Philippines (EMPAP), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE), Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) and Philippine Green Building Council (PGBC).

About ABB

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation, and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to transforming how people live, connect and work by delivering safe, smart, and sustainable electrification solutions. We are shaping the future trends of electrification, differentiating through technological and digital innovation while delivering an outstanding experience through operational excellence for our customers across utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure, and mobility. For more information visit https://go.abb/electrification

#ABB #globaltechnologyleader #electricalproductsandsolutions #zeroemissionmobilityfuture #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Yeonjun of K-pop group TXT recommends Timmy Albert’s “Feelings”

Yeonjun is one-fifth of the Korean boy band Tomorrow x Together or more commonly known as TXT. During his livecast on July 21, 2021, he was asked about the songs he listens to these days and mentioned Timmy Albert’s single, “Feelings”.

“This is the song I found while shooting . . . I listened to this song, and I liked it so much.. Kian ‘Every Hour’ and ‘FEELINGS’ by Timmy Albert. Please try these songs. They are so good” Yeonjun shared on VLive.

Timmy Albert shared on Instagram his great delight upon hearing the news, “#yeonjun recommended my song??”.

This 21-year-old singer-songwriter started his journey with Universal Records in May 2019. His current talk of the town single “FEELINGS” is part of his debut EP entitled “DISTANCED”. His music influences range from the classics – Madonna, Foreigner, Phil Collins, Richard Marx, to the modern sounds of joan, The 1975, and LANY.

Catch Timmy Albert’s “FEELINGS” now streaming on iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, Youtube, and Spotify.

Stream “FEELINGS”:

Official Lyric Video | Spotify

Follow Timmy Albert:

Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

 

#Yeonjun #KpopgroupTXT  #TimmyAlbert #Feelings #UniversalRecords #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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COVID-19 response amidst local transmission of Delta Variant

Health experts locally and abroad have reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19. It’s important to complete the required two doses for maximum protection.

The Department of Health (DOH) further emphasized the need to continuously enforce strict border control measures and intensify local COVID-19 responses with the local transmission of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in the Philippines.

Following the phylogenetic analysis conducted by the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center, and case investigation by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau and the regional and local epidemiology and surveillance units, clusters of Delta variant cases were seen to be linked to other local cases, therefore, exhibiting local transmission.

Photo courtesy of DOH

Upon detection of local cases with the Delta variant, the DOH explained that the government has initiated enhanced COVID-19 response in areas where Delta variant cases were detected through the implementation of the four-door strategy.

Both the national and local governments have been continuously working together to prevent, detect, isolate, treat, and re-integrate response strategies and increase the country’s health system capacity to be able to manage cases.

The government is also preparing for enough supplies of COVID-19 medicines, oxygen tanks, and critical care equipment in hospitals and the augmentation of human resources.

Moreover, the public is advised to avoid unnecessary travels and gatherings.

DOH urges LGUs to shorten the duration of case detection to isolation and immediately isolate symptomatic patients, and ramp up their vaccination and prioritize the senior citizens and people with underlying conditions.

Being vaccinated as an additional layer of protection

It was previously reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that out of 8.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered, as of June 20, only 0.6% reported reactions and no hospitalization and deaths due to COVID 19 were observed after more than 14 days of getting the second dose.

The performance of COVID-19 vaccines in the country as initially reported by the FDA supports the results of the clinical trials and real-world data reported by several countries that vaccines prevent hospitalization and deaths. Health experts locally and abroad have reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19.

The DOH and FDA emphasized the importance of completing the required two (2) doses, as maximum protection sets in two (2) weeks after getting the second dose.

659,029 was the highest number of jabs in a day recorded last July 27, 2021.

DOH and FDA remind the public to not let their guards down — continue practicing the minimum public health standards, adhere to safety protocols, and encourage one another to register and get their vaccines as soon as possible.

The DOH further calls on everyone to work together to beat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: https://doh.gov.ph/

Featured photo courtesy of Gustavo Fring on Pexels

#COVID19response #DOH #FDA #DeltaVariant #vaccination #Philippines #pandemic #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Huawei ICT Academy expands in Philippines with 15 new partner schools

[Manila July 26, 2021] Huawei Philippines continues to develop, build and strengthen the local ICT talent ecosystem as it welcomes 15 new partner universities and colleges to Huawei ICT Academy.

In a virtual onboarding ceremony, Huawei ICT Academy introduced its new partner schools from different parts of the Philippines. In Luzon, the Academy onboarded the University of the East, STI College Alabang, Southville International School and Colleges, Colegio de Muntinlupa, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Angeles University Foundation, and the University of the Assumption.

The Academy also reached the Visayas region with partnerships with the University of the Visayas, Marinduque State College from Luzon, and Cebu Institute of Technology University. Further, Huawei brought its ICT Academy initiative to Mindanao through collaborations with Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and Jose Maria College.

In his speech during the ceremony, Mr. Ken Bijianjun, Director for Channel Department of Huawei Philippines Enterprise Business Group, warmly welcomed Huawei’s partner schools for the ICT Academy. He said that Huawei ICT Academy is a corporate social responsibility program that deals with opportunities and challenges in the ICT industry. It provides high-quality resources and certification courses in AI, big data, cloud computing, storage, 5G, security, and so on for the benefit of both teachers and students. “Huawei cultivates talents for the ICT industry in the whole world. We also hope to build a strong and meaningful talent ecosystem in the Philippines for Filipinos,” he added.

Huawei ICT Academy was launched in the Philippines in 2018, with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) as one of its pioneering partner universities. Dr. Randy S. Gamboa, Dean of USeP’s College of Information and Computing, recalled USeP’s journey with Huawei ICT Academy since joining in 2018.

“From the designing of the memorandum of understanding to the hosting of the national ICT competition, Huawei and our university have been working together to advance the use of information and computing technologies in education. Sharing this information, generating opportunities, and improving the ICT talent ecosystem are our important goals,” Dr. Gamboa said. He noted that seven USeP faculty members obtained Huawei Certified Network Associate certification, and three of them are now Huawei Certified Academy Instructor.

#HuaweiICTAcademy #ICTtalent ecosystem #15partnerschools #Philippines #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Healthcare Roundup Overseas: On digital life insurance and first-in-market instant claims service

Blue, the first digital life insurer in Hong Kong, has announced recently the launch of its WeMedi Top Up (Outpatient) Protector (the “Plan”), a market-first1 top-up outpatient plan in the digital life insurance market to subsidize existing outpatient plans to help customers alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses.

Meanwhile, FWD Hong Kong (“FWD”) has expanded its first-in-market instant claims service on its one-stop FWD Moments mobile app (formerly eServices app) to cover hospitalization claims in addition to personal accident claims. Customers holding designated FWD’s individual medical insurance plans can simply submit their hospitalization claims through FWD Moments to enjoy instant claim review, and select to be paid for approved claims via the Faster Payment System (“FPS”) instantly, at any 7-Eleven convenience stores at MTR stations, or through direct bank transfer.

 

  • Blue Launches WeMedi Top Up (Outpatient) Protector:  A Digital Life Insurance Market-First Top Up Outpatient Plan

Always keeping customer needs at the forefront, the launch of Blue’s WeMedi Top Up (Outpatient) Protector is in response to the rise of Hong Kong’s doctor consultation fees.

According to HKSAR Government statistics, patients are now paying a median net consultation fee of HK$2602 per consultation made with a private medical practitioner in Hong Kong, potentially adding up to thousands of dollars a year.

The Plan allows customers to top up their existing group or personal outpatient reimbursement insurance plans by other insurers.  Customers can be subsidized for their outstanding medical expenses after being reimbursed by other insurers, helping them to reduce their protection gap.

Mr. Charles Hung, CEO and Executive Director of Blue, stated, “We are proud to launch yet another digital market-first solution that helps our customers minimize their expenses and make their lives easy. Our WeMedi Top Up (Outpatient) Protector plan is a prime example that Blue is dedicated to creating products that are flexible, easy, and affordable, allowing our customers to feel comfortable when it comes to protecting their health. This is something that, in the current climate, is becoming increasingly more important.”

In addition, Blue has unveiled a faster and simplified online application and claim process for the Plan. The online application process takes as fast as five minutes and personal medical reports are not required for submission. With the streamlined claim process, customers can simply provide a copy of medical receipts and relevant claim statements from their insurer to make a claim. They can also receive reimbursement via FPS in as fast as one hour4.

Apply for WeMedi Top Up (Outpatient) Protector now, customers can enjoy a discount on the first-year premium. Customers are also entitled to a Complimentary COVID-19 antibody test5 upon successful application of Standard or Premium level of the Plan.

For details of WeMedi Top Up (Outpatient) Protector, please click here.

 

  • FWD expands instant claims service to cover hospitalization claims of up to HK$50,000

The upgraded instant claims service allows customers holding designated individual medical insurance plans to make instant hospitalization claims of up to HK$50,000 via the FWD Moments app on a wide array of medical treatment expenses such as Surgeon’s Fee, Anaesthetist’s Fees, Operating Theatre Charges, Daily Room & Board, Daily Attending Physician’s Hospital Visit, Specialist Consultation, and Miscellaneous Hospital Charges. All eligible claims applications submitted through FWD Moments are processed instantly by a cutting-edge AI assessment engine, allowing customers of approved claims to receive payments via their selected means instantaneously.

Samuel Cheung, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said, “At FWD we strive to continuously enhance our customer experience through technology and innovation. By simplifying the claims process and making it more transparent, we hope to create a refreshing, positive, and convenient insurance journey for our customers.”

Hospitalization and personal accident claims[1] account for about 95% of FWD’s life insurance business’ claims cases, in which about 60% of hospitalization claims have been within HK$50,000.

Since the instant claims service on FWD Moments was launched last December, overall usage has jumped more than 350%, with more than 90% of these instant claims paid via FPS or in cash at 7-Eleven MTR stores. Customers are also increasingly selecting to receive claims payments via FPS as Hong Kong continues to become more digitally enabled.

1 Personal Accident claims: The instant claims service for personal accident remains applicable to claim amounts within HK$3,000. About 60% of personal accident claims applications received by FWD have been within HK$3,000.

For more information about FWD Hong Kong & Macau please visit  www.fwd.com.hk  and  www.fwd.com.mo.

#Blue #FWD #HongKong #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Visa’s Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 campaign for Shopee launches in the Philippines

Visa, Worldwide Sponsor of the Olympic Games, has announced recently the launch of their Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 campaign in the Philippines.

The promotion will run until August 8. This will entitle Filipino Visa cardholders to a discount of 200 Philippine pesos and stand a chance to win Visa Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 themed merchandise such as tote bags and organizers.

From August 6 to 8, Visa cardholders in the Philippines can also receive a discount of 150 Philippine pesos with a minimum spend of 1,500 Philippine pesos at any local merchant on Shopee.

“As a proud sponsor of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, we are pleased to run this campaign for Visa cardholders when they spend online at Shopee. Our joint activation with Shopee proudly features our Team Visa athlete from the Philippines, Carlos Yulo, who is representing the country in gymnastics. It’s our honor at Visa to support Carlos in his quest to showcase his talents on the world stage and bring glory to our home country.  We are also excited to offer our Visa cardholders in the Philippines the chance to win limited edition Visa Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 themed merchandise and want to ensure that every time our valued cardholders pay using Visa, they can enjoy a full suite of rewards and benefits that transform their payment experiences,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

“We are thrilled to partner with Visa to create more rewarding experiences for our shoppers. This campaign allows our users to take part in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 festivities from the safety of their homes, rally together to support athletes representing our country, and drive the growth of the Philippine economy by supporting local sellers,” said Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines.

#Visa #ShopeePhilippines #OlympicGamesTokyo2020 #campaign #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph