SM Supermalls and Krispy Kreme to give away more than 18,000 doughnuts

SM Supermalls is bringing back its “Download & Win” in-app mobile game and sweetening the deal by giving away a box of 3 Original Glazed® Krispy Kreme doughnuts each to 100 unique SM Supermalls mobile app registered users every day from April 30 to June 30, 2016. How’s that for a tasty treat? 

Embedded within the SM Supermalls Mobile App, “Download & Win” was the first digital scratch card promotion in the country. Its launch during SM Supermalls’ 30th Anniversary was marked with the giving away of exciting prizes such as free mobile data, free Spotify, Facebook, Games, Unli-Call and Unli Text every day for the entire month of March.

The celebration resumes this month with a shower of doughnuts! And joining can’t be simpler – just download the mobile app and get a chance to win. 

Upon signing up in the SM Supermalls mobile app, you will receive a digital scratch card on the app. Scratch off the gray area to find out if you won. Get another shot of winning the next day until the end of the promo period. With some good luck and the daily habit of checking the app, you’ll be closer to sinking your teeth into those craveable dougnut treats for free.

The SM Supermalls Mobile App is free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It is loaded with other features that let you plan your shopping even before you get to the mall. A unique feature of the app is the Feed section that highlights the latest store offerings, discounts and promos, services, as well as movies and events in SM malls nationwide. 

It also has the Mall Directory that provides a complete list of establishments in the malls while the Mall Map shows the exact location of all stores and mall facilities. To keep up to date on what’s new, visit SM Supermalls website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Viber Public Chat, and Snapchat. #EverythingsHere

Megaworld initiates a cleaner Laboracay 2016

After months of waiting and preparing, Laboracay 2016 is finally here! But while you dive into all the fun and excitement that the season brings, remember that the best partygoers of Boracay are those who know how to properly dispose and clean up after their own trashes, because amidst all the hoopla under the sun, they care most for the pristine island. 

Spearheading the turnover ceremony of the trash bins to the local government of Boracay Island were (L-R) Saki Mirabueno, VP for sales and marketing for Boracay Newcoast, GERI; Glenn Sacapaño, Boracay Island officer; Tresha Lyn Lozanes, senior environmental management specialist of Boracay Island; and Harold Geronimo, AVP and head of PR and Communications, Megaworld.

Megaworld, through its subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), invites locals and tourists during the Laboracay 2016 weekend to join a coastal clean-up after the weekend's various parties and events. 

"Boracay Island has seen the benefits of excellent tourism over the years, especially during the Laboracay weekend, but sadly, along comes the deterioration of the island's natural setting. We need to understand that in order for us to continue enjoying the beauty of Boracay, we all need to do our fair share in taking care of the island," says Saki Mirabueno, head of marketing for Boracay Newcoast, Global-Estate Resorts, Inc.  

From April 30 to May 1, a clean-up drive will take place at Stations 1 to 3 of White Beach, with the goal of collecting over 4,000 kilos of garbage. Furthermore, in partnership with the local government unit of Malay, Aklan, 120 eco-friendly trash bins will be donated and placed in the vicinity of partner establishments to make the initiative sustainable. 

Boracay Island has been threatened over the years by various environmental concerns, which have partly caused the gradual fading of its natural setting.  According to the Department of Tourism, the island welcomed about 1.6 million tourist arrivals in 2015, with the most arrivals recorded during the Labor Day weekend.  

This means that if each person present produced at least one kilo of trash, the entire tourist population at a particular time would have produced, in total, 1,600 metric tons of garbage.  If not collected properly, this garbage, along with uncontrolled development on the island, could cause long-term environmental problems for Boracay. 

Last year, a coastal clean-up initiative by Megaworld's GERI was successful in gathering around 2,000 kilos of garbage. It earned a nod from various environmental groups, officially cementing the annual status of the campaign, now known as "Cause for a New Coast". 

Megaworld’s GERI is the developer of Boracay Newcoast, a 150-hectare sustainably-designed integrated urban township. Boracay Newcoast prides itself on its nature-centric features, strictly allotting 60 percent of its development to open spaces. Aside from promoting the use of environment-friendly construction products and bio-engineering and building techniques, Boracay Newcoast works hand-in-hand with the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) for the preservation of endangered tree species.

Fashion Nomads: Travel in Style fashion event at SM City Iloilo

In celebration of SM Supermall’s 30th Anniversary, SM City Iloilo presents Fashion Nomads: Travel in Style on April 30, 2016, 5pm at The Northwing of SM City Iloilo. 

Collections from The SM Store, Forme, Penshoppe, Folded and Hung, Mags, SM Accessories, Dickies, Plains and Prints, Columbia, Kamiseta and Memo are featured in the show. The featured brands will showcase travel fashion suggestions that will not only give you convenience but to let you travel in style.

Thrity of Iloilo’s young and brightest personalities will be featured in this coming out fashion show.

The gorgeous lads are Councilor Jay Treñas, Martin Go, Kobe Alvarez,Joshua, Palmares, Franklin Ajayi, Oliver Peñafiel, Brad Javellana, Lance Aaron Espinosa, Enrico Tajanlangit, Eduard Fortuna, Ethan Pido, Zachary Pijuan, John Michael Guevarra, Jose Luis Guevarra and  David Corro.

The stunning ladies are Resy Pison, Tazjana Lebrilla, Joce Sta. Maria, Johanna Garin Fermin, Patricia Tajanlangit, Isabelle Layson, Nadine Banusing, Mary Mae Golez,  Alyanna Geonanga, Adrianna Geonanga, Vitoria Sales, Julienne Adele Lao, Eloiza Caro, Kamila Lao and Jessica Ledesma.

Kevin Piamonte

Katrina Loring

Fashion Nomads is directed by Kevin Piamonte, Styling by Katrina Loring and Make-up by Pepoy Tancinco.

Aside from this elegant gathering, special promos are up in the mall in celebration of SM’s 30 years of fun shopping. Avail of 30% off, Special 30 Deals and Less 30 on selected items on this one day only promo.

CityMall Philippines opens 6th mall in Kalibo, Aklan

"Your Everyday Mall” CityMall opened its 6th mall with a grand celebration in Kalibo, Aklan last April 25, 2016. 

Edgar "Injap" Sia II (3rd from right), Chairman and CEO, DoubleDragon Properties
led the opening of the 6th CityMall in Kalibo, Aklan

Home to the "Mother of all Festivals" Ati-atihan, the municipality of Kalibo almost stood still as thousands gathered to witness the opening of the new shopping center. Kapamilya stars Rayver Cruz and Arci Muñoz add glitter to the already colorful event in Kalibo!

CityMall Kalibo has SaveMore as its anchor supermarket with other SM affiliate stores opened or scheduled to open on a later date. 

Open were Simply Shoes (an affiliate of SM Retail), Ace Hardware BDO and China Bank Savings while SM Appliance is scheduled to open soon.

Other locators such as Aklan Nami Pasalubong Corner, RRJ, Expressions and Fun Nation plus stalls like Waffletime, Potato Corner, Netopia and others also opened to serve the Akeanons.

Foodcourt tenants include Mang Inasal, Jollibee, Chowking, and Highlands Coffee, among others also served the hungry patrons that day.

CityMall Kalibo is the fourth CityMall in the Visayas opened by CityMall Commercial Centers Inc., a unit of DoubleDragon Properties and SM Investments, since last year. 

With its opening, there are now six CityMalls in operation including Roxas City; Consolation, Cebu; Anabu, Imus, Cavite, Tetuan, Cavite and Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo. 

CityMall Kalibo occupies a 1.1-hectare lot along the newly-opened Fortunato Quimpo Extension which is conveniently located near the Aklan provincial hospital, public market, town hall and public elementary schools.  It also has ample parking space as well as transport terminals servicing routes to Caticlan, Roxas City and Iloilo City, among others.

Simply Shoes opens 13th branch at CityMall Kalibo

Simply Shoes, an affiliate of SM Retail just opened it's 13th branch at the newly opened CityMall Kalibo. 

VIPS: Ribbon cutting ceremony with Ferdinand Sia, Nico Chu, Edgar "Injap" Sia, Eugene Saw and Rosauro Quialda

The opening was led by Simply Shoes executives; Nico Chu - Head for Merchandising;  Eugene Saw - Business Unit Head ; and Rosauro Oquialda - Head of Operations. Also gracing the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Edgar "Injap" Sia II, Chairman and CEO, DoubleDragon Properties and Ferdinand Sia, COO, DoubleDragon Properties. (DoubleDragon Properties owns 2/3 of the CityMall Philippines while the remaining third is owned by SM Investments)

"Wherever CityMall opens, Simply Shoes will be there, too,” opens up Mr. Eugene Saw. “The concept (of Simply Shoes) is to bring the SM house brands to the community" he added. "We will be opening more stores this year, and with that our merchandise more accessible to people." 

Mr. Eugene Saw during an interview with the bloggers.

As SM continues to expand its footwear legacy through Simply Shoes by reaching out to more communities not reached by SM stores and malls. 

Simply Shoes is a one-stop shoe store offering a wide assortment of shoes selections for women, men and children. 

Simply Shoes carries an assortment of brands, both for everyday and special occasions including SM’s iconic Parisian brand, which offers trendy yet affordable footwear for the ladies - Solemate. 

It will also carry Milanos trendy designs for men; as well as sporty World Balance, Easy Soft, Duralite, Islander, Beachwalk, Toeberries, Sprint and Kicks for the active and casual lifestyle. 

There are also Hawk, Heartstrings, Transgear, Grab Bags, Summit backpack and Salvatore Mann Bags. 

Kids, on the other hand, will make stylish steps with Sugar Kids, Tough Kids, Sofia the First, Barbie, Batman, Frozen, Justice League, Planet, Spiderman and Fisher Price.  

EXTRA: Shoppers are in for some additional treats as the bonus points will be 10x for all SM Advantage, Prestige and BDO Rewards card holder from April 25-27. 

Turn your prepaid number into a Globe myStarter postpaid plan

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

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

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

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

Plan 500 comes with unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM, 300 texts to other networks and 200 MB of data. Plan 300, on the other hand, has 300 texts to all networks, 300 minutes to Globe and TM, and 200 MB worth of data. Both plans also provide free access to Facebook, Viber, and 1 GB of data for Spotify Basic.

Recently Globe also introduced the new Disney Mobile devices that are exclusively available with the Globe myStarter plan 500 with P250 monthly cash out that can be charged to the monthly bill.  Disney Mobile comes in three themes – Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess. Customers can go to any Globe store or online to get the plans and the devices.

To learn more about what postpaid plan is best for you, visit http://www.globe.com.ph, call 7301010, or visit a store nearest you.

2Go Travel makes travel easier with Globe Business

2Go Travel, one of the most renowned sea and land transportation companies in the Philippines, was born out of the integration of the 2 major shipping companies in the Philippines in December 2010 when Negros Navigation Inc. bought out the Aboitiz Transport Systems (ATS) group which operated the "SuperFerry" passenger brand. The rebranding of both companies used the ubiquitous "2GO" brand in 2011 across all business units, finally naming the passenger brand "2GO Travel."

 Sealing the partnership are 2Go Travel Senior Vice President Stephen Tagud (2nd from right) and With Globe Enterprise Sales Vice President Dion Asencio (2nd from left). With them are MYNT AVP for Business Development Jose Luigi Reyes (leftmost) and 2Go Travel VP for Retail Sales Grace Golez (rightmost).

2GO Travel is the first shipping-passenger brand in the Philippines that completely changed the sea travel experience. With excellent customer service, upscale hotel passenger suites, comfortable accommodation, entertainment and cruise-like amenities, 2GO Travel provided the traveling public a unique and very affordable way to travel around the Philippines.

2GO Travel also expanded the travel routes not only by sea but also by land as well connected major cities around the Philippines via bus connection, making the travel experience more hassle-free. Moreover, the brand also pioneered the first prepaid travel card that can be purchased as the perfect travel gift to popular tourist destinations around the Philippines.  With its commitment to take land and sea travel to the next level , 2Go Travel has clearly helped boost domestic tourism by making travel comfortable and fun and providing cruise packages for families, friends or corporate groups, complete with an all-in cruise, hotel and tour itineraries in one affordable package.

In order to further its growth with more payment options available to its customers, 2Go Travel partnered with Globe Business, the enterprise ICT arm of Globe Telecom, to acquire Globe Charge, an innovative solution that transforms mobile phones into point-of-sale (POS) card terminals that accept debit and credit card payments. Globe Charge harnesses the integration of a smartphone and an innovative mobile card reader into a mobile point-of-sale (POS) unit, empowering enterprise and SME customers with a convenient payment device and eliminating the need for traditional and more expensive card terminals. 

With Globe Charge, 2Go Travel can now accept credit card payments from its customers, further growing its customer base, increasing its revenues, and sustaining its position in the market as an innovative company which constantly seeks to provide efficient and hassle-free service.

“Globe Business really is a great partner for us,” Stephen Tagud, Senior Vice President for 2Go Travel said. “We want to make traveling as smooth as possible for our customers and with Globe Charge, this makes payments options much easier and more accessible for a lot of them.”

Mike Frausing, Globe Business’ Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group shared, “We are thankful to 2Go Travel for the trust and confidence they have given us in enabling their sustained growth as they expand their payment capabilities through Globe Charge. As the leading ICT enabler in the Philippines, Globe Business provides customers with the right technology, infrastructure, and know-how to help them focus on their business.”

For more information about Globe Business, get in touch with a Globe Business Account Manager or call the Globe Business Premium Support Center at +63 2.730.1288 toll-free using a Globe mobile and landline. You can also visit www.globe.com.ph/business for more information.

Sacadas’ son graduates cum laude

He was once a child laborer. At the age of 10, Johnny Lutrago started working at the sugarcane plantation where his parents work as ‘sacada’ labourers in Toboso, Negros Occidental. Sacada refers to a laborer or planter of sugarcane, wherein most of these labourers could be found in Negros Occidental, known to be the ‘sugar capital’ or ‘sugar bowl’ of the Philippines. 

Johnny is the second child among the eight siblings. Being the eldest son, he wanted to help his parents by working also at the sugar plantation so he could have baon in school.  Before going to school, he would wake up early morning so he could start filing those cut sugarcane ready to be picked up by the trucks that will carry them up to sugar central.

Johnny will just stop his work before 7:00 a.m. to prepare himself in going to school and after his 5:00 p.m. class, he will proceed again to the sugarcane plantation to finish the remaining work he has left for that day. He was being paid P50 per day. 

Johnny was in this daily routine until he finished high school. Despite of his hectic schedule, Johnny received an award as First Honorable Mention. Since his parents could not send him to high school just like his eldest sister, Johnny has decided to work in Cavite, Manila after his graduation.

By the help of his uncle, Johnny was able to work as stay-in cargo carrier of ukay-ukay. He earned P 3,000 monthly for almost a year. 

One day, his mother Helen called him up and informed him about the Students Grants-in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) scholarship implemented by the Commission on Higher Education, DSWD, Department of Budget and Management, offered to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program covered households. Johnny’s family has been included on the program for almost six years now.

Johnny went home to get an entrance examination and later enrolled to West Visayas State University- Lambunao campus in Iloilo taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA).

AWARDS

Now, after four years, he reaps already the fruit of his hardwork. Johnny graduated cum laude and received other special awards such as Best Researcher, Outstanding Student in Agriculture and Outstanding Researcher of the Year.

Johnny said after graduation he will prepare again himself for another battle –to take a board examination on October this year. He said he wants to work in any government offices to serve the government in return.

“Working in a government is one way of thanking our present leadership for all the opportunities they have given to us as poorest of the poor,” he said.

Johnny also wants to thank his for raising and molding him to become a better person.

PR from DSWD/Montesa G. Caoyonan

Marriott Courtyard Hotel gets two "Highly Commended"citations at the 2016 Philippines Property Awards

Rising 15 storeys high, Marriott Courtyard Hotel at the Iloilo Business Park will boast of 320 rooms and suites when it opens by the first quarter of 2017. Located beside the iconic Iloilo Convention Center in Megaworld’s 72-hectare urban township development in Mandurriao district, it was given the coveted recognition among many other hotel developments in the country.

AWARD-WINNING HOTEL IN ILOILO.
Megaworld senior vice president Jericho Go (left) and AVP and head of public relations and communications Harold Geronimo (right) show the two awards received by Marriott Courtyard Hotel at the prestigious 2016 Philippines Property Awards held in Makati City recently. The 15-storey first-class hotel (on background) bagged ‘Highly Commended’ awards for “Best Hotel Development” and “Best Hotel Interior Design,” among other hotel developments in the country.

Receiving two ‘Highly Commended’ awards for Best Hotel Development and Best Hotel Interior Design at the 2016 Philippines Property Awards held at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati City, it will boost Iloilo’s bid as the country’s top destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE).

Perspective of the Marriott Courtyard Hotel at the Iloilo Business Park

Iloilo City now has gained momentum for its bid as a top international MICE destination in the Phlippines, as two new hotels in the city have already been recognized as among the best hotel developments in the country.

Heavy construction along Megaworld Boulevard including Marriott Courtyard Hotel on the left.

Last year, the 149-room Richmonde Hotel Iloilo was also given the same accolade as ‘Highly Commended’ for Best Hotel Interior Design at the 2015 Philippines Property Awards.

“Having two award-winning hotels in Iloilo Business Park is a testament of how Megaworld has alleviated the standards of hotel lifestyle in Iloilo City. This is a first-class city that deserves first-class hotels,” says Jericho P. Go, senior vice president, Megaworld.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

Megaworld has spent more than P2-billion to build both hotels. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo was formally inaugurated by President Benigno S. Aquino III in September last year while Marriott Courtyard Hotel is scheduled to open early next year.

“Iloilo City is now ready to host huge local and international conventions and events because these two award-winning hotels sandwiching the Iloilo Convention Center will be able to provide the amenities and services that visitors and guests deserve. We see Iloilo City as the rising MICE destination in the country,” adds Go.

The Iloilo Convention Center is premiere international convention and MICE venue in the Philippines, with the Marriott Courtyard Hotel just a few steps away.
Photo from Iloilo Business Park Facebook Page

Last year, Iloilo Business Park was host to the Asia Pacific Economic Coooperation (APEC) side meetings, with the newly-built Iloilo Convention Center as the official venue in Iloilo City. Top-level officials and delegates from various APEC-member countries were housed at Richmonde Hotel.

Monsanto-Gawad Kalinga Village Rises in Sara, Iloilo

Additional 24 beneficiaries are looking forward to safe new homes in Sara, Iloilo as Monsanto Philippines prepares to turn over the completed housing units to GawadKalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK).This is the second phase of the Monsanto-GK housing initiative in the Municipality of Sara, where an initial 30 core shelters were completed last February 2015. The housing unitswere built to withstand strong winds of possible super typhoons in the future.

The housing project is part of a community recovery program by Monsanto-Philippines and GawadKalinga for farming communities affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda and Typhoon Ruby that hit parts of Iloilo Province. The Monsanto Fund donated a total of PhP16.8 million to improve the lives of 2,200 farmers in the province.

“We partnered with GawadKalinga because we were aiming for our project to have a holistic approach towards achieving our beneficiaries’ overall well-being. GawadKalingaincorporates livelihood development programs and values formation training in their housing programs,” said Monsanto’s Corporate Engagement Lead Chat Garrido-Ocampo.

Ocampo noted that it has been more than two years since Typhoon Yolanda hit Sara, Iloilo and the residents have successfully rebuilt their lives. “Monsanto has been one with the community immediately after the aftermath of the supertyphoon and we are happy to see positive developments. This just proves time and again that when there is unity combined with the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people, there is nothing that we cannot achieve,” Ocampo said.

Babies' Fashion Firsts at SM

Every first in a child’s life is wonderful. Every first touch, first smile, first word and all other “first” milestones will be cherished by loved ones forever.  

Capture these moments, treasure these, and make these more special by dressing-up the little ones with Babies’ Fashion Firsts from SM Babies.

My First Blessing has adorable baptismal gowns adorned with of silk, satin and lace. My First Party has outfits that will make baby step out in style for his or her first special occasion. My First Playsuit is great for active toddlers to wear during playtime or traveling in style.

The collection is available at the Children’s Wear – Babies Section at all SM Store Nationwide.   Be updated with what’s new for your baby through SM Babies Facebook and Instagram pages.

Sheridan Boutique Resort Iloilo offers "Local Resident's Rate"

Ilonggos can enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of city life without going that far as Sheridan Boutique Resorts launches its new and exclusive "Local Residents' Rate" offering.

For the unbeatable rate of PhP 2,700/night net, it includes

• Casitas or Deluxe Room accommodation for 2. 
• 20% discount at Ayanna Garden Restaurant, 
• Unlimited use of kayak facilities 
• Late check out ( subject to room availability). 

A valid ID as proof of local residency is required upon check in.

For reservations, just call (033) 396 0033 or 0917 307 7643, email to inquiry@sheridanboutiqueresort.com and check online through its website www.sheridanboutiqueresort.com or Facebook Page.

Globe holds Annual Stockholders Meeting

Globe Telecom held its Annual Stockholders Meeting, on April 13, 2016, at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. Globe Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (second from right) reported during the event that the company in 2015 surpassed its performance in the previous year, posting new highs in service revenues, EBITDA and net profit. The company’s remarkable performance was driven by broad-based data-driven growth across its key services, helped in part, by the consolidation of Bayan in the second half of last year, he said. 

Photo above also shows (from left) Globe Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala; Globe Corporate Secretary Solomon Hermosura; and Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu. Following its impressive performance last year, the Globe board of directors approved early this year the declaration of a first quarter cash dividend of P22 per share for holders of its common shares.

DSWD-6 launches campaign vs elderly abuse

THE Department of Social Wefare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI yesterday launched a campaign to prevent elderly abuse.

The program, called ReSPPEC or Reporting System and Prevention Program for Elder Abuse Cases, was launched in Lambunao, Iloilo, the only pilot area in Western Visayas.

Director Thelsa Biolena of the DSWD Social Technology Bureau and regional director Rebecca Geamala 

during the commitment signing

“The program is titled ReSPPEC which sounds like the word respect which means paggalang. This is not only a program to encouraging reporting abuse to the elderly but also aims to prevent occurence of such,” said Director Thelsa Biolena of DSWD Social Technology Bureau in Manila.

ReSPPEC aims to protect the rights of the elderly against all forms of abuse by having the right to know how in detecting elder abuse and ways of preventing it, and the establishment of local reporting mechanismsand referral system in order to provide services for their full rehabilitation and recovery.

“Instead of the elderly suffering from abuse, we should all be reminded that they need our understanding. We have to know the dynamics of the older person. Some of them bumabalik sa pagka-bata, mayroong nagtatampo,” said Biolena.

During  the launching, the DSWD, represented by Biolena and regional director Rebecca P. Geamala, and the local government unit of Lambunao entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the program.

Aside from Lambunao, other pilot areas include San Carlos in Pangasinan; Maco in Compostela Valley; and Valenzuela City in the National Capital Region.

In the implementation of ReSPPEC, the DSWD will provide the technical assistance as well as allocate fund.  Lambunao, on the other hand, will have  a local reporting mechanism and referral network in the management of elder abuse cases, to utilize a dabase and information system for the cases.

For her part, Geamala said that “abuse often starts when the elderly have dementia and roam around places. Let us not keep this a private thing. Instead, each barangay official has to report and respond to cases of older persons being abused.”

Creating a wonderful Sunday for kids with special needs

“Feels like we’re kids all over again!,” exclaimed Chris Castillo after being a “kuya” to his adopted sibling during the For The Kids Festival: La Viva Nino- A Carnival of Wonders held one Sunday at the De La Salle University.    It was not Chris’ usual kuya role as together with 30 other Globe employees and 1,000 DLSU students and staff, they provided a fun experience for 580 special children through play, arts, crafts, and dance.

Patrick Omar Erestain of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility joins the kids in a simple modern dance exercise

For the Kids (FTK) is a mini Olympics for children from different schools, institutions, and centers around Metro Manila who have physical, emotional, and mental difficulties and challenges.  It is an annual activity being conducted by DLSU Center for Social Concern and Action (DLSU-COSCA)for the past 27 years and is a big part of the La Sallian tradition of serving kids with special needs.

“I realized that time is something I can give.  A couple of hours can make a big difference. These children only need acceptance, patience, understanding, love and open-mindedness.  I enjoyed the event so much since I felt like I was a part of them.  They allowed me to enter their world. I volunteered because I believe we are designed to help one another. It just feels good inside to give unconditionally,” said Chris, a Finance Specialist.

Didi Javier encourages a young girl during the arts session

For most Globe volunteers who joined the event, it was their first time to handle children with special needs yet, all of them considered it a very rewarding experience.  Lawyer Didi Javier,Director for Workplace Enhancement and Customer Support who was assigned to the arts and crafts section said physical disability was never a barrier in interacting with the kids as they showed their appreciation by clapping their hands or by hugging the ate and kuya volunteers. To this, Didi reflected that volunteering is not only very fulfilling but is also a way for Globe employees and their families to share their blessings. 

Twenty three-year old Ryan Toralde, Analytics Expert from Customer Experience said:  I am truly grateful to be part of this life-changing event.  I’ve learned a lot from this volunteering activity and looking forward to similar events like this.  It improved my knowledge and patience in handling children in general. It felt so good.”

One of the children happily follows the dance steps EmmelLianko demonstrates

Witnessing the happiness and energy of the children while teaching dance, on the other hand, was priceless for 30-year old Emmel Lianko of Executive Escalation and Service Recovery who said: “It is really a wonderful experience to interact with the children with special needs.  The happiness and energy that they’ve shown while we were teaching them how to dance is very valuable to us. It was a priceless experience.”

Globe is a strong advocate of employee volunteerism and has even introduced the volunteer time-off policy in 2014 to promote volunteerism across the company and to enable its employees to contribute to social development.

“We continue to encourage participation in volunteer programs as a way to increase employee engagement. By giving employees a chance to support their charitable pursuits, Globe is also able to help boost their morale and productivity,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

However, employee volunteerism is not merely an altruistic initiative of Globe.  Driven by its commitment to sustainability, employee volunteerism also enables the company to create a #WonderfulPH through nation building.  Globe provides activity-based and skill-based volunteering to support the work of a partner community or organization by joining various advocacies and providing pro-bono services, skills transfer, or capacity building.

At the end of the day, volunteering may be tiring but for Globe employees, making a difference in the lives of less fortunate Filipinos is already time and effort well spent. Everyone who share the same passion for volunteerism and nation building may explore opportunities in Globe by visiting: www.globe.com.ph/careers.  

Alliance Global Group, Inc. generates a net income of P21.6-billion in 2015

Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) generated a net income of P21.6 billion last year, reflecting a 3.5% increase over 2014, on a recurring basis. This record-breaking income was achieved on consolidated revenues of P139 billion, also a record level for the Andrew Tan-led conglomerate, which is engaged in property development, food and beverage manufacture and distribution, quick-service restaurants and integrated tourism development businesses. Revenue growth was around 11%. 

“Our performance remains strong amid challenges that we face. It’s actually an opportunity for us to thrive even more. We simply focus on what we do best and we are very passionate about what we do best,” said Kingson U. Sian, president and chief operating officer, AGI. 

Driven by AGI’s majority-owned companies – Emperador Inc., Megaworld Corporation, Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., and Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC) – net income attributable to AGI shareholders reached almost P14 billion last year, up by 7% on a recurring basis. 

On a standalone basis, the individual companies of AGI all delivered strong earnings last year. Megaworld reported a net income of P10.4 billion: up almost 10% year- on-year. Emperador delivered nearly P7 billion in earnings: up 12% year-on-year. Travellers’s profitability remained intact with P4 billion net income. GADC posted a net income of P760 million in 2015. 

Sian added, “Our group has competitive edge that’s difficult to match. Megaworld’s live-work-play-learn township all over the Philippines is sought after that’s underpinned by a huge land bank. Emperador Inc. is no longer just a domestic play but a global one given a much bigger and diversified product portfolio that now includes Fundador brandy and single malt whisky products, The Dalmore and Jura. We are also in the best position to capitalize on premiumization opportunities in the Philippines. Travellers International remains to be the country’s most profitable tourism-entertainment and gaming company that has the strongest non-gaming component in the country. GADC, which holds the exclusive right to operate restaurants in the Philippines under the “McDonald’s” brand, is looking at 500 branches by the end of this year.”