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MVP Leads the rebuilding of the country’s tourism competitiveness through Landco

As the global travel industry faces the adverse effects of these unprecedented times, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), chairman of the MVP Group of Companies believes in the resilience of Filipinos and leads the rebuilding of the country’s tourism competitiveness through Landco.

MVP’s trust in the Filipino’s unwavering spirit in rising above the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic is underscored when he provided stability and care for 153 employees of Landco by ensuring that they are on board and their source of livelihood is secured to enable them to push forward with the planned developments that will positively impact Philippine tourism.

“It is an honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to help MVP turn his vision of rebuilding a stronger tourism industry into reality through Landco’s revolutionary concept of leisure tourism estates (LTE),” stated Erickson Y. Manzano, President, and CEO, Landco.

Landco CEO Erickson Y. Manzano.

“With the company’s legacy of pioneering premium landscapes for more than 30 years, Landco innovates with its LTE as tourism and lifestyle destinations, offering a wide array of resort amenities in idyllic beachside locales that have a thriving connection to the community,” Manzano said.

“Property owners have the immense opportunity of building their dream beach homes, availing of the LTE’s resort living amenities and opting to start a new business of their own that reflects their passion and caters to the tourism market. Through these projects, Landco helps promote Philippine tourism and jumpstart local businesses,” he added

Landco’s latest LTEs 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.

These properties promote the quality of the leisure tourism experience in its locality and highlight the three main principles of sustainable tourism: economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sustainability.

Jobs for Locals

The newly-launched developments in Batangas drive the tourism market for unique resort experiences that in effect create jobs for the local community.

“By promoting domestic travel in Batangas, Millennial Resorts is helping the tourism industry recover from the challenges of the times,” asserted Patrick C. Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality and Tourism, Landco.

Landco Senior Consultant for Hospitality and Tourism.Patrick C. Gregorio.

Millennial Resorts, operated by Landco, trains and employs locals for its wide range of resort amenities at both properties. With the warm hospitality and world-class service of homegrown talents, the resort offers unconventional accommodations like the surreal capsule-like rooms of Cocoons to Crusoe Cabins’ beachfront view of Calatagan, Batangas’ picture-perfect sunsets.

To complement the Batangas beach experience, Millennial Resorts features 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 provide a chic and casual dining experience.

The Canopy and Isle, venues for corporate events and weddings, and the Colony, a modern and hip beachside co-working space will open soon, providing more jobs for locals.

Environmental Sustainability

The two properties are aiming to be both Edge and LEED-certified. Ecological conservation projects particularly the conservation of marine life and sea turtles are also in place.

As part of its resort experience, these beachside properties have thoughtful design elements that offer an inviting and relaxing ambiance in harmony with nature.

Promotion of Local Tourism

A sense of place and solidarity with the community pervades in Club Laiya and CaSoBē. Locals, tourists, and property investors share a common ground in helping preserve the historical sites, tourist attractions, and the natural beauty of the expansive white beach and picturesque sunsets of Batangas.

The Seaside District at Club Laiya, San Juan is designed as a contemporary resort destination. it is a place to see and be seen, property owners and tourists alike enjoy an active lifestyle with water sports and activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and yachting.

Harbour Estates are lots offered within CaSoBē, Calatagan which offers a more laidback resort lifestyle in an intimate setting and complements the rich heritage of its location by providing relaxation and entertainment attractions. These estates are classified as commercial or mixed-use where lots are for residential or commercial or both. Investors enjoy the stature and benefits of owning a beach property in a tourism destination.

Thriving in the New Normal

 Promoting tourism as a platform for overcoming these challenging times as envisioned by MVP, the journey to a better future begins with Landco’s LTEs.  These undoubtedly future-proof investments equip property owners to adapt to the new normal, redefine living the good life, and have work-life balance in beachside properties; at the same time enjoy the anticipated increase of their investment’s market value as proven by Landco’s recent project in Punta Fuego, Batangas and contribute to the growth of local tourism.

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.

 #Landco #Batangas #LTE #ClubLaiya #CaSoBe #tourismcompetitiveness #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Peri-Peri’s New Signature Peri Grupo Bundle: Your new house party treat

Dining at Peri-Peri just got more exciting and more satisfying with its Signature Peri Grupo Meal! Along with your favorite flavorful Peri-Peri treats, you also get P581 savings or 34% off in this bundle.

The Signature Peri Grupo Meal bundle lets you #exPERIenceflavors as it includes 1 Whole Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, cooked to perfection in Peri-Peri’s charcoal grill and you have a choice of either Classic or Picante for your preferred spiciness. In addition, enjoy 1 Carbonara with Bread Sticks to share with your friends or family and they’ll surely love you for this special treat. Grab a fresh Sebastian Salad for your green-fixins, 4 Java Rice to load up your bellies, 4 regular sides of your choice, and 1.5L Coke for a refreshing finish.

The #SignaturePeriGrupo meal is good for up to 4 people and ideal for any celebration. Serve it on your next meal or your next party and delight in great memories at homemade even better with Peri-Peri’s delectable eats.

Pick up your phones and dial their easy-to-remember hotline 7374-7374 (PERI-PERI) or visit www.periperichicken.ph to order. #PeriPeriOnTimeOrOnUs

 #LetYourFlavorAdventureBegin in Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Grill with more than 40 branches in Metro and Mega Manila. Like and follow our social media accounts: www.facebook.com/PeriPeriCharcoalChicken, https://www.instagram.com/pericharcoalph/ or join the Viber Community https://tinyurl.com/PeriPeriViberCommunity for latest updates & promos.

#SignaturePeriGrupoMeal #exPERIenceflavors #LetYourFlavorAdventureBegin #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Local initiatives for Plastic-free July

In celebration of Plastic-free July, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines featured Plastic Smart Cities sites as model communities in developing initiatives and solutions to address plastic pollution.

In the webinar Smart Cities Lead: Community Solutions for No Plastics in Nature (NPIN) conducted on July 15, WWF-Philippines brought together representatives from different sectors from Plastic Smart Cities in the country: Manila City, Donsol Sorsogon, Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal, and San Isidro Davao Oriental.

WWF’s Plastic Smart Cities is a capacity-building initiative for cities and communities to eliminate plastic pollution. Since 2018, it has supported cities and coastal centers in taking bold action to stop plastic pollution, with a goal to reduce plastic leakage into nature by 30% in the near term and achieving no plastics in nature by 2030.

In her opening remarks, WWF-Philippines, Executive Director Katherine Custodio expressed how even our biggest problems, such as plastic pollution, are possible to address if we work together.

“Our challenges are interconnected and so the solution needs to be connected as well. This webinar is about community solutions that give hope because they are linking lives, livelihoods, and nature as they address plastic pollution,” she added.

During the webinar, Wilma Aravelo, President of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) from Donsol discussed the role of women in communities upcycling single-use plastics. They collect and shred the waste products and use the material as filling for plushies which they sell to tourists visiting the municipality.

WWF-Philippines has been working with KALIPI through product diversification and market development. Since then, KALIPI has been contributing to diverting plastic wastes in Donsol through their products.

From Brgy 23-C, Davao City, LIKHAnegosyo president, and Sangguniang Kabataan official Arcel Coton discussed the importance of mobilizing the youth to address the plastic problem.

LIKHAnegosyo aims to become an avenue of productive social growth and unite the youth by increasing awareness on proper waste disposal and management, developing innovative solutions to address plastic pollution, and transforming the youth to be advocates of the No Plastics in Nature initiative.

Plastic Smart Cities recognizes that there is no single solution to address plastic pollution but rather a comprehensive strategy that engages all actors – governments, businesses, and communities – to examine every aspect of the life-cycle of any given plastic material and identify key elements that are ripe for interventions.

Among the multisector panel of speakers includes:

  • Justina Buenviaje-Yu, Municipal Mayor of San Isidro
  • Joanna Mae Norcio, PSO IV, Assistant Chief, Operations Division, Department of Public Services, Manila City
  • Julian Rodriguez III, Manager, Technical Services Director, and Pollution Control Managing Head of Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal

To conclude the webinar, NPIN National Lead Czarina Constantino – Panopio encouraged continuous partnership and collaboration among women, youth, local businesses, local governments, and other stakeholders until we achieve our vision of having no plastics in nature.

“The beauty of this project really is its heart which is striving to create a balance between humans and nature. We are thankful for these stakeholders and we look forward to continuing our partnership to stop plastic waste leakage in nature,” Panopio said.

Featured photo: Smart Cities Lead: Multisector panel of speakers including women, youth, business, and government representatives shared their initiatives and solutions to address plastic pollution.

#PlasticfreeJuly #WWFPH #plasticpollution #NoPlasticsinNature #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Fashion finds: Clothes, shoes, accessories and so much more

After more than a year of keeping safe and healthy, now is the best time to refresh your wardrobe with new clothes, shoes, accessories and so much more. Here are some fashion finds and offerings from The SM Store, Nike, and Uniqlo.

  •  The SM Store’s Big Clearance Sale

You’ll love great fashion finds and markdowns at The SM Store’s Big Clearance Sale from July 12 – 25, 2021.

Re-visit the SM Store and re-discover how much fun it is to shop for style for your online meetings, small gatherings with family and friends, and running errands.

Bring the sunshine in with these bright yellow Grab Xaria Shoulder and Grab Xinyi Tote bags.

What’s in-store at SM? Check it out at m.me/SMFashionWomen, m.me/SMFashionMen, m.me/SMFashionBabiesKids and m.me/SMFashionYouth

Visit The SM Store and check out more items on sale.  Also available via SM Call to Deliver #143SM (#14376).

  • The NikeApp launches in Southeast Asia

 Nike continues to accelerate its digital transformation in Southeast Asia and India (SEA&I) with the launch of the Nike App — the company’s fastest-growing platform — providing members with personalized access to the best of Nike. The free Nike App has been launched recently in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Taiwan.

Nike is leading its growth strategy with the digital and direct businesses through new technologies, capabilities, and innovations. The Nike App connects Nike members to products, guidance, rewards, and experiences, all tailored to their individual preferences. A digital Nike hub in the palm of your hand, members receive product recommendations based on what they love, with fast and secure checkout.

“The launch of the Nike App marks a critical expansion of Nike’s digital ecosystem in SEA&I,” says Sanjay Gangopadhyay, VP of Nike SEA&I. “Through this launch, we are creating meaningful relationships with our local members, and inspiring and equipping them to move.”

 By downloading the Nike App between now and July 22, consumers will receive a 10 percent discount on their next purchase within the App.

Download the Nike App now to unlock 10 percent off your next purchase.

  • UNIQLO’s Sport Utility Wear Collection

UNIQLO launches its latest Sport Utility Wear collection. This new lineup is designed for both working out and everyday activities. The clothes are easy to wear and care for and can be used as casual wear thanks to its urban athleisure aesthetic.

Those who’ve become plant parents know how tiring it can be to care for them. On days when the greenery needs to be watered, repotted, and moved around, it’s important to dress comfortably. The AIRism Seamless V Neck Long T-Shirt has a soft and luxurious feel. The Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants are also easy to move around in and quick-drying.

Quick runs to the grocery need a look that is simple yet stylish. The DRY-EX Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt comes in a wide range of colors, from vibrant green, pastel pink, and muted blue or black. The fabric dries sweat quickly and is silky to the touch. Pair this with the Ultra Stretch Active Airy Shorts. The stretchy fabric is complemented by increased breathability. Like the t-shirt, these shorts have quick-drying capabilities.

The weather is unpredictable so bring the Pocketable UV Protection Parka. The water-repellent coating is perfect for rainy days, while the light material can be worn to protect the skin from the sun.

For more updates on the collection and the Active Fest Movement, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), and Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial), and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph.

#TheSMStore #Nike #Uniqlo #wardrobe #clothing #essentials #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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500 PGH frontliners for COVID-19 given essential aid and connectivity by Globe and the Ayala Group of Companies

Globe shows appreciation for healthcare workers who remain at the forefront of the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through additional cash, connectivity, and in-kind donations to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

PGH was appointed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an exclusive COVID-19 hospital and remains the largest referral hospital in the country. Since the global health crisis broke out in 2020, Globe has donated P22 million to PGH to equip frontliners with much-needed essentials such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle COVID-19 patients.

As a part of the continued support to PGH, the #BrigadangAyala initiative led by Globe celebrates the frontliners in three Metro Manila designated COVID-19 hospitals, including the National Children’s Hospital and Tondo Medical Center. With this, the company provided 50 MyFi devices to medical frontliners who are staying in PGH dorms or have living arrangements away from their families to lessen the risks of exposure.

“We truly appreciate this support for our frontliners who continue to make sacrifices for the benefit of our kababayans. Though the hospital is equipped with WiFi, providing connectivity directly to the frontliners will allow them to stay connected even when off duty,” said Dr. Telesforo Gana, Jr., President, PGH Medical Foundation, Inc.

Generika Drugstore, an AC Health company and the pioneer in retail generic medicines in the Philippines, provided 500 immunity booster packages of Actimed Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Actimed Paracetamol, and Actimed throat lozenges for PGH frontliners.

“We at Generika recognize and appreciate the valiant efforts of our frontliners in their continuous service at the forefront of our battle against this pandemic. As we find ways to continue to provide Filipinos access to quality affordable medicines in these challenging times, we are honored to be part of this effort to provide them added care and protection,” said Atty. Yet Abarca, President, and CEO, Generika Drugstore.

In addition, Globe’s parent firm Ayala Corporation, through Ayala Foundation, is donating P500,000 to the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc., while the telco pursues fundraising efforts through Globe Rewards and GCash. Globe has also given an entertainment package consisting of three smart TVs and Home Prepaid WiFi to the hospital’s Cancer Pediatric wards.

“As the country gradually adapts to the changing landscape of our day-to-day reality, we need to show our frontliners that their service is valued. Through connectivity support, we hope to extend to them our gratitude for the work that they do,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

#BrigadangAyala is yet another manifestation of the strong partnership of PGH and Globe through the years, starting with the rehabilitation of the hospital’s Hematology-Oncology clinic back in 2016.

Globe further ramped up its fundraising activities after a fire hit sections of PGH last May 15 that displaced disadvantaged patients.

Globe customers may easily help by donating their Rewards points through the Globe Rewards app. Each Reward point is equivalent to P1. Download the Globe Rewards app and click on the Let’s Help PGH banner. Select the corresponding denomination then press REDEEM NOW. A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

Customers may also help via GCash’s Pay Bills option.  Just tap Others and select #FightCOVID19.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

#BrigadangAyala #PGH #Globe #FightCOVID19 #donations #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Havas Veteran Vishnu Mohan sets up Avyan Holdings; Invests in the Philippines

Singapore – Havas Group veteran, former Chairman & CEO of the network, Vishnu Mohan has launched Avyan Holdings in Singapore with the ambition to build a regional footprint in Asia.

Avyan Holdings is designed to be a collective of companies working towards advancing human possibilities by integrating design, technology, and data to help brands and people thrive in a digital-first world.

As a first step in solidifying its vision, Avyan Holdings has acquired a key stake in The Philippines-based design and innovation agency  – Castle By The River (CBR) – founded by digital maverick Ed Mapa Jr – also a former Havas executive.

Over the past two years, since its inception, CBR  has earned the reputation to be an eclectic band of storytellers grounded in data and technology with a flair for performance-driven campaigns. It started its operations in Manila as an affiliate of Entropia Malaysia – which was recently acquired by Accenture Interactive and its current clients include Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), GMA 7, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC), AIA/PhilamLife, and Mundipharma (Betadine).

“Avyan Holdings is defined by the passion for what the world can be,  by elevating human experiences, blending the best of art and science – ideas and technology. CBR’s purpose of romanticizing digital transformation through innovative storytelling aligns with our vision perfectly and it’s a great start to our journey. CBR’s use of design, technology, and anticipatory intelligence via a robust build of a data ecosystem is fascinating and I am confident in its potential to be an asset to Avyan Holdings,” said Mohan in his capacity as Chairman of Avyan Holdings.

“Our investment in CBR Philippines sits perfectly well with our operating principle of global serviceability. We have seen very few regional hubs away from Singapore, and I believe that the skillsets and cost advantages make the Philippines a very fertile ground for investment. We aim to make the operation a hub for our near expansion plans in the rest of the region,” added Mohan.

CBR’s personalization-at-scale campaign for RCBC bagged Platinum for Creative Effectiveness and Gold for Digital Marketing in Marcom 2020 awards. The awards show is a global marketing and creative competition administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), arguably the most prestigious of its kind since 2004.

CBR’s other key pieces of work include the launch of GoodDay cultured milk at the height of the pandemic in 2020 via Moot Up, an immersive meeting platform, or Zoom in VR.  It was the first beverage brand in South East Asia to fully leverage the platform’s virtual world capabilities.

“It’s great to be working again with Vishnu. We’ve done innovative campaigns when we were at Havas. We at CBR are excited about Avyan Holdings’ vision and commitment. There’s a meeting of hearts and minds. A new story begins, ” said Ed Mapa.

“Avyan Holdings is also a manifestation of my personal philosophy of empowering talent and giving back to the industry which has nurtured me over the course of my career. As we move forward, we will be adding more exciting products to our portfolio by talent-spotting and investing in the right kind of companies. I am looking forward to the new beginning,” said Mohan.

Vishnu was the former top man of Havas in the region has over 30 years of advertising and marketing experience across various markets globally, to which 26 of them spent at Havas/Vivendi Group.

Credited for building the entire media network for the group in the Asia Pacific from India to New Zealand group, he was the first employee for Havas Media and successfully built the group’s entire network in the region from scratch. Since 2017,  he has been a leading figure for the group’s presence in India and the Southeast Asia Region. As Chairman of the Vivendi Committee since 2018, he also oversaw the integration efforts across all Vivendi companies for the same region.

#AvyanHoldings  #Vishnu Mohan #CBR #EdMapa #Havas #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Fran-Guru Exchange: Motivating Entrepreneurs to level up their businesses

Fran-Guru Exchange is an online platform focused on motivating entrepreneurs to level up their businesses. The program’s core competency is the husband and wife team of Lyndah and Butz Bartolome – whose reservoir of experiences for the last 30 years have been helpful in assisting clients to grow and expand their businesses.

The motivating strategy will be the business life experiences of entrepreneurs as they travel the route to scaling up their business concepts.

The Think Business Growth Series will not only talk about their successes but more importantly challenges and difficulties they faced.

As experts in franchising, the hosts will have a Franchise Playbook Series. The goal of the series is to inform viewers on the basics of franchising and the phases to become a franchisee and franchisor.

There will also be a portion called Franchise Spotlight where franchisors present their franchise offering with a franchisee talking about their experience in the franchise system.

For more information, subscribe and follow them at their YouTube Channel: Business Franchise Guru, and visit their FB Page: @ButzBartolome.

#franguruexchange #LyndahandButzBartolome #franchising #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Cleaning Habits a New Homeowner Should Have

For new homeowners, buying a house is only the first step. Making it an actual home is the next big task. After all, having a beautiful and tidy house to lounge around in or come home to after a long day is very important.

Maintaining a home can sound like a lot of grueling work but really, it all comes down to habits. With that, here are cleaning habits that a homeowner should practice daily. Learning these habits and incorporating them into a daily routine will definitely keep the home clean and feel as good as new for longer.

  •  Starting the day by making the bed

Some may think that making the bed is a waste of time — after all, it will just get messed up again during nighttime. However, having a made-up bed contributes greatly to the tidiness of the room and will only take a few minutes.

Having accomplished a task as soon as waking up also gives a sense of productivity very early in the day and will have a positive impact on the next chore that needs to be done.

  • Adopting a “clean as you go” policy

To avoid any big clean-ups after any activity, homeowners should follow this rule of tidying up and putting things away right after using them. A few examples are putting unused clothes back in the closet after choosing an outfit for the day or washing used items right after cooking a meal so there wouldn’t be any mess to come back to.

  • Doing a quick clean-up at the end of the day

For all the things that got left behind or unattended, include a quick clean-up around the house in your nighttime routine. This can include plates that weren’t washed, messes that were left unattended, or just doing a quick sweep around the house before calling it a day.

The Samsung Jet Cyclone Stick Vacuum can definitely help in making this nighttime clean-up as quick as possible. This vacuum is equipped with a Digital Inverter Motor that ensures strong suction power and a 3-Way Air Flow Structure that keeps it consistent. It also has an Adjustable Pipe that can be shortened and lengthened in four levels to ensure maximum comfort and movement when cleaning. This also allows easy cleaning of couches, tabletops, and even hard-to-reach corners.

  • Having a place for everything

If everything at home has a designated spot and gets put back after every use, it’s easier for homeowners to tidy up the place. This habit applies especially to cleaning supplies, such as rugs and appliances, so it’s easier to grab if there’s a mess that needs to be cleaned.

Samsung Digital Appliances Jet Stick Vacuum VS15R8546S5

The Jet Cyclone Stick Vacuum has a Z Station that serves both as a stand and charging station, so not only will it be put away, but also be ready for the next time it will be used.

  • Allotting days for general cleaning

Even after adopting the “clean as you go” policy and doing quick clean-ups, deep and general cleaning is still a must to keep a home as clean and tidy as it can be. New homeowners should schedule general cleaning on any free day to maximize the time, but note that it should be done at least once a month.

Samsung Clean Station™

Pairing the Clean Station with the vacuum will result in maximum efficiency on general cleaning days, especially since a lot of dust particles have been accumulating around the house. Its Auto Empty Dustbin feature that conveniently and hygienically empties the dustbin makes it the best partner for the vacuum.

Additionally, this and the Jet Cyclone Stick Vacuum both have a 99.999% Multi-layered Filtration System, together with its Anti-Dust Emitting Structure, 99.99% of dust and allergens are captured and even prevents ultra-fine dust from scattering back into the air.

As new homeowners, picking up these five habits and incorporating them into a daily schedule will definitely help maintain the house and make the house feel more like home.

 To know more about these products, visit SamsungPH on Facebook and samsung.com/ph/.

#cleaninghabits #homeowners #samsungph #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

 

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Teatro Europa Second Edition: To showcase 16 European theatre plays from 16 PH Universities

Teatro Europa comes back this year with table reads until 30 July, with full video performances from 1 to 31 August and re-runs from 1 to 30 September on its official Facebook Page Teatro Europa  @TeatroEuropaPH.

The European Union Delegation to the Philippines, together with the EU Member States, their EU cultural institutes, and importantly our 16 University partners, proudly opens its theater festival “Teatro Europa, The Second Edition.”

Sixteen European theatre plays from famous playwrights will be showcased to share with you European culture.

These masterpieces carefully curated from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden focus on genres such as comedy, tragedy, drama, and romance.

“Theatre is a mirror of all human emotions and helps to better understand Europe and its culture, from the plays, played in ancient Greece to the current online performances,” says EU Ambassador Luc Véron.  “Teatro Europa provides a platform for artistic Filipino youth to share their talents in acting, directing, and production design.”

Following its success with 300,000 viewers in 2020, the EU welcomes this year 16 participating universities from all over the country with new universities from Metro Manila, Baguio, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and Ozamiz City from the original seven theatre groups that participated in 2020.

Here are the 16 partner universities performing theater pieces include:

  1. Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Taruffe by Moliere of France
  2. Saint Louis University – Rur by Karel Čapek of the Czech Republic
  3. Wesleyan University – Pariah by August Strindberg of Sweden
  4. University of the East – Life’s a Dream by Pedro Calderon de la Barca of Spain
  5. University of Makati – The Horrid Little Princess by Geneviève Damas of Belgium
  6. Meridian International College – The Salt Princess (Hungarian Folktale) of Hungary
  7. University of San Agustin – Snow by Stanislaw Przybyszewski of Poland
  8. La Salle University – Erasmus Montanus by Ludvig Holberg of Denmark
  9. Mapua University – Riders to the Sea by John Millington Synge of Ireland
  10. Jose Rizal University – The Birds by Aristophanes of Greece
  11. Arellano University – II Vero Amico by Carlo Goldoni of Italy
  12. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina – Lucifer by Josst van den Vondel of the Netherlands
  13.  First City Providential College – La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler of Austria
  14. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela – My Three Angels by Sam and Bella Spewack of Romania
  15. University of St. La Salle – Broken Heart Story by Saara Turunen of Finland
  16. Rizal Technological University – Leonce and Lena by Georg Büchner of Germany

While “Teatro Europa, The Second Edition” is still primarily a virtual theater festival there are new and exciting things to expect. As the government opens up the economy more, the festival will hold a limited physical performance in late August in the walled city of Intramuros.

A series of webinars with known theatre directors will also be held during the Teatro Europa season. These webinars aim to engage discussions on the similarities, intersections, and differences between Philippine Theater and European Theater.

#TeatroEuropa #secondedition #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Learning Beyond the Classroom with Huawei ICT Academy

True to its word of creating “New Value Together, Win Together,” Huawei Philippines has recently recognized the significant contributions and exemplary performance of its industry and academic partners, conferring the ICT Talent Partner of the Year 2020 award to STI College, which has the highest number of students passing the Huawei certifications offered by Huawei ICT Academy.

 Cultivating Filipino ICT Talents at the Early Stage

As a tech-driven educational institution with a large network of schools in the Philippines, STI College understands the difficulties faced by students who are pursuing ICT-related courses. Despite the increased adoption and use of digital technologies in the country, digitalization efforts in the education sector remain impacted by broadband penetration and access to advanced technologies. Students often fall short of meeting the industry’s talent requirements, struggling to acquire up-to-date knowledge and credentials, such as virtual training and certification.

STI College took on the challenge by nurturing students to become job-ready, future-ready, and life-ready. To achieve this, STI introduced its Enrollment to Employment System, wherein students get applicable education, job market skills, job preparedness, and job placement assistance.

The first step is the Learning Systems Development, which ensures that the curriculum content is up-to-date and job market-oriented. To complement this, STI implements the Academic Delivery System to guarantee that highly-qualified and certified faculty members and state-of-the-art facilities of campuses are at par with the standardized courseware and curriculum. STI integrates in-demand ICT technologies into its courseware materials to prepare students for their dream careers.

The third step, Student Certification, assures that students are prepared for employment through rigid assessment, evaluation, and certificate programs. Before the students leave the security of their four-walled classrooms, they are given the opportunity to undergo on-the-job training with  STI’s reputable partner companies.

Connecting Students with Future Employers

With its partnership with Huawei ICT Academy, STI College delivers Huawei ICT technologies training, encourages students to get Huawei certifications, and develops talents with practical skills for the ICT industry and the community. Huawei helps STI College integrate in-demand ICT technologies into its programs to better prepare the students for future certifications. The Academy offers more than 100 certification exams and 22 technical fields to pave clear career development paths for STI students.

STI College has so far produced 299 students certified in five technology domains: cloud computing, Big Data, artificial intelligence, routing and switching, and storage. Huawei ensures that its courses match the needs of the ICT industry in general and its partner enterprises in particular to guarantee employment for students.

An industry certification validates the skills and readiness of the students to join the ICT workforce. Every certification is valid for three years, and the students’ names appear on Huawei’s online database as Huawei Certified ICT Associates (HCIA). This improves students’ competitiveness in the job market as well as schools’ employment rate.

Regine Gila Cabeltes, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering graduate of STI College, realized the benefits of being Huawei-certified soon after she finished her course. “Being a Huawei Certified ICT Associate made it easier for me to land the job I aspired. The technologies covered in the HCIA courses are prevalent in the company where I work. When I was answering the technical questions during my job interview, it was like answering a certification exam,” Cabeltes shared.

Prof. Beronika Peña, STI College’s ICT and Engineering Courseware Development Head, is one of the teachers at Huawei ICT Academy. Peña received an Excellent Instructor with a Level A Award from the Academy in 2020. “We are grateful to be an ICT Academy. Huawei has provided us the means to promote ICT talent development to our teachers and students. Through this partnership, we look forward to producing more competent and industry-ready graduates,” she said.

Contributing to the Development of the ICT Industry

Establishing one’s career in today’s competitive industries has become a challenging pursuit for most job seekers. Employers, too, are increasingly having difficulty finding the right person for the job. Too often, there remains a huge gap between the skills required by the industry and what a graduate has to offer.

Given the current state of ICT talent development in the Philippines, Huawei ICT Academy and STI College have committed to equipping Filipino students with the needed knowledge and skills to prepare them for their future careers in the ICT industry. In the long term, the partnership aims to bridge the gap in talent supply and demand toward the sustainable development of the Philippine ICT industry said Mr. Todd Liu, President of Enterprise Business Group, Huawei Philippines.

Featured photo: STI College at present has the highest number of students passing the Huawei certifications.

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