AGENCY UPDATES
Leading IT firm is CID's newest client
June 2011 – CID welcomes IP Converge to its roster of clients.
IP-Converge™ (PSE: 'CLOUD') is the first and only Internet Data Center and Cloud Services Provider listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. It is an information technology & telecommunications company, providing local and regional enterprises with an array of managed data services and cloud-based business solutions at international standards.
The company operates true carrier-neutral, telco-grade Internet Data Center facilities in the Philippines as well as its own Asia-Pacific network infrastructure, and works with global technology leaders to deliver only the best solutions and services to its clientele.An ISO 9001:2008 Certified company, the foundation of IP-Converge's business is centered on customer satisfaction through high-quality, on-time delivery, and a personalized "boutique" approach to clients.
CID tackles 2011 and beyond
April 4, 2011 – Following the recent rebranding efforts, CID fine-tuned their communication strategies during their two-day planning session at PHINMA Training Center, Tagaytay City held last April 1-2.
CID Chairman Louie Morales opened the session by stating the company's strategic direction for the year.
This direction, according to Morales can be achieved by assessing the company's current resources and devicing ways on how to improve them.
Setting the direction
In line with the strategic direction set for the company, the planning session focused on how CID will continue to be "The Agency of Choice" of clients in 2011 and beyond.
Several workshops and sessions were conducted during the planning organized and headed by the CID Management Team composed of Managing Director Larry M. Zurita, Director for Operations Maite Alvarez, Content Group Head Maricar Manuzon-Angeles, and Media Relations Head Daisy Sabangan.
The core teams of CID – Project Management, Content Group, Media Relations and Monitoring, and Administration and Finance – also reported on how their respective teams can contribute in achieving CID's goals not only for the year but also for the years to come.
The company's operations and system were also tackled during the planning sessions.
Fun and Relaxation
Of course, it was not all serious business. The company also managed to squeeze in enough time to have fun and relax.
In between sessions, CIDers engaged in the company's favorite activity – karaoke. Singing their hearts out to their favorite songs, CID proved to be a bunch of talented individuals as well. And utilizing every time they could get, some also engaged in sweat-inducing sports like table tennis, billiards and darts.
Let's not forget the tasty gastronomic treats served by the friendly staff of Phinma Training Center that CIDers enjoyed.
Though short, everyone was able to rejuvenate and reenergize in the serene and refreshing environs of Tagaytay while getting their minds set for a year of hard work.
Take-away
Zurita concluded the session by stressing that CID is equipped with the right resources, and people with skills and passion for their work to continue being the preferred communication company in the Philippines in 2011 and beyond.
"CIDers have just committed once more to give the next days and years the best of our talent and expertise to continue being the best communication partner for our clients," said Zurita.
‘My City, My SM’ campaign garners second award
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| The Cavite leg of My City, My SM |
Together with SM executives, CID, SM’s PR & advertising agency for the campaign, received the Award of Merit from the organizers of the award-giving body.
Geared at promoting the wonderful culture, scenic attractions and people who have become part of SM malls’ host communities, the campaign featured 15 cities one after another in the most colorful and highly visible materials in major print publications.
Launched per city through a mall-based event complete with an exhibit and a program participated by mall customers, city officials and residents, the campaign has also been a way for SM to strengthen its relationship with its customers by celebrating their hometown, local heroes and history.
The consistent week-after-week attention given to tourism related articles in major dailies have provided a big boost in local tourism.
CID has a new corporate identity
| Our new logo |
The company has changed its name from Corporate Image Dimensions, Inc. to CID, Inc. The name change was deemed necessary to reflect what CID has now become as a result of years of dynamic growth in expertise and operations – one of the major players in the communication industry. From simply doing ‘image-building’ work, as its old name suggests, CID has expanded its commitment to providing strategic and long-term communication services, which transcends image building and ultimately establishes a solid equity its clients.
According to CID Managing Director Larry M. Zurita, “We have chosen CID as our new name because this is how we are known in the industry, with some people calling us CID even without knowing what the acronym stands for. This decision to stay close to our old name is deliberate, if not sentimental. “
The name change also entailed the change in the company’s logo.
The new logo in purple and green color combination is shaped like the communication loop as communication, combined with strategic thinking, is a major part of CID’s business. Formal, smart, and flowing, the lines of the logo more importantly suggest that the company is a professional, efficient and dynamic organization. The globe in the logo, meantime, shows that CID is a global company as an affiliate of Ketchum Worldwide.
Last but not the least, the tagline “Equity with Integrity” is used in the logo as this meaningful phrase reflects the kind of values CID espouses in its work and in dealing with its clients and, more importantly, the “brand” of equity that the company always strives to build for its clients.
“It is with great pride that we share this important milestone to our clients, and all those who have been an invaluable part of CID’s growth over the years, Zurita said.
CID's "My City, My SM" entry wins a Philippine Quill
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| In photo: CID's Managing Director Larry M. Zurita (rightmost) and Operations Director Maite M. Alvarez (2nd to the right), together with SM's Senior Vice President Millie S. Dizon (center), receive the award for the My City, My SM campaign. |
Geared at promoting the wonderful culture, scenic attractions and people who have become part of SM malls' host communities, the campaign featured 15 cities one after another in the most colorful and highly visible materials in major print publications.
The consistent week-after-week attention given to tourism related articles in major dailies have provided a big boost in local tourism with the P6 million-campaign generating total Media Value of about Php86 million.
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| The Cavite leg of My City, My SM. | The CID team flanks SM's Millie Dizon during a photo-op at the Phil. Quill's awards night. |
CLIENT UPDATES
Employees Deliver 'Colors of Hope' during FedEx Cares Week
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Together with FedEx volunteers, the children designed their own t-shirts, decorated cupcakes, designed picture frames and constructed a picture collage which will be kept on display at the hospital as a keepsake of the activity.
The event was held as part of the FedEx Cares Week global initiative dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities where FedEx employees live and work. Around 1,000 FedEx volunteers across the Asia Pacific region supported 39 local organizations in a range of community activities, including tree planting, environmental education sessions for children, childcare activities, visits to elderly centers, and book donations, among others.
During FedEx Cares Week in the Philippines, employees who have consistently supported FedEx philanthropy efforts in the previous year were also recognized for their contributions at a recognition ceremony.
(UPDATES Oct-Nov '11)
IP-Converge opens new state-of-the-art data center
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Ushering in the "Cloud Age" in the Philippines, IP-Converge is one of the country's prime movers of Cloud Computing, offering a full suite of Cloud solutions, from Infrastructure-as-a-Service operating in its telco-grade data centers, to Platform-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service through its partnerships with world-leaders in the Cloud Computing space.
IP-Converge President Reynaldo R. Huergas says, "Cloud Computing will soon be a standard model for business operations in the Philippines. Through this, enterprises will see increased productivity, cost savings, faster time to market, and the leverage needed to be at par with global players."
The state-of-the-art facility dubbed "IPC Data Center BGC" is an expansion of IP-Converge's first Internet Data Center located in RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
"This expansion is a testament to how more and more enterprises are starting to see the benefits of data center co-location", Huergas says. "From businesses that rely on private cloud systems for internal operations, to providers of public cloud services like social media and e-commerce, and companies requiring worry-free disaster recovery contingencies, data center co-location is the best way to keep operations stable, secure and cost-efficient", he adds.
(UPDATES Oct-Nov '11)
Power Mac Center's Arcadium 2.0
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Squeeze your minds and form words to win in Scrabble; shoot hoops and dribble your way to the top in NBA Jam; and aim your best shot at action-packed Uberstrike HD. Enjoy playing these games on iMac, iPad or iPod touch.
Leveling up in this year's Arcadium are contest prizes with tournament champions taking home an iPad and accessories from Klipsch, Belkin, Otterbox, Logitech, Sandisk, and Divoom.
Said Power Mac Center Marketing Manager Joey Alvarez, "Power Mac Center's app arcade tournament is our way of showing especially our younger game-loving customers that Apple products are all about fun and enjoyment shared with friends and acquaintances."
"This event is also our way of thanking our loyal customers who trust PMC in providing them with the latest Apple products and services," he added.
(UPDATES Oct-Nov '11)
Eton trail blazes with 43 projects in four years
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Considered a latecomer in an industry that has ridden debilitating boom-bust cycles, the worst of which is the Asian Financial contagion in 1997, the Lucio Tan Group's Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. (EPPI), nonetheless, entered the industry at a much opportune time.
It was a time when developers were enjoying the brightest prospects in the industry that posted the highest growth among major industries in that year.
Today, four years hence, Eton Philippines remains as one of the country's fastest growing real estate property firms. More than that, it has also established itself as one of the leading full range developers in the country – ambitiously and aggressively changing the country's landscape through extraordinary and quality projects.
Said EPPI President and COO Danilo Ignacio, who had been at the helm of the company since Day 1, "We are proud of what the company has achieved in the past few years since we started – launching a total of 43 distinctive projects in the Philippines encompassing residential, township, commercial and office developments in various growth areas in the country."
For this year, the company is forecasting revenue and income to hit record levels after revenues increased 20 percent to P3.76 billion and net income rose by 13 percent to P600.63 million in the first nine months of 2011.
(UPDATES Oct-Nov '11)
Pinoy Junior Masterchef relies on APO Floors for quality kitchen floors
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| Host Judy Ann Santos with Apo Floors Communication Manager Missy Castro at the set of Pinoy Jr. Masterchef. |
At the "Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition" cooking contest for children, the local franchise of the popular Australian show, producers made sure that the show uses only the best flooring materials for its kitchen stadium where kids take cooking seriously.
Helping provide the show with not only beautiful but also durable flooring is APO Floors' Mimicri line, the most innovative and versatile flooring that mimics the look of wood, stone, and carpet.
Fashionable and functional, Mimicri adds elegance and beauty to any space while being able to withstand daily wear and tear. Its wear resistant quality has been tested to significantly outperform other similar products in the same category.
Said APO Floors Communication Manager Missy Castro, "Mimicri is a world-class product that not only enhances the look of any space, but also passes the American, British and Japanese strict quality standards. And it is proudly a result of Filipino ingenuity being 100 percent locally made."
Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition is hosted by Judy Ann Santos, together with world-renowned Filipino chefs Fernando "Ferns" Aracama, Rolando "Lau" Laudico, and JP "Jayps" Anglo. It is being aired on ABS-CBN every Saturday at 6:45 pm, and also every Sunday at 7:00 pm.
(UPDATES Oct-Nov '11)
TIP to celebrate five decades of success with Alumni Awards
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| Photo shows (middle) TIP Manila Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) Batch 2010 cum laude graduate and 2010 ECE board exams' topnotcher Engr. Antonio Valente G. Macarilay being congratulated by his proud parents Roberto S. Macarilay, Sr. and Benita Macarilay. |
A major highlight of these anniversary activities is the 2012 TIP Outstanding Alumni Awards (TIP Alumni Awards), with the deadline for nominations on September 30, 2011.
Launched in September last year, the Alumni Awards recognizes TIP graduates for their exceptional achievements that have made their communities better places to live in, as well as their contributions in enhancing the quality of education at TIP.Said TIP president, Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz, "TIP has produced some of the best graduates who went to their respective fields and gained the respect of their peers and their communities. We want to award them during this very important occasion of the school's 50th anniversary."
Qualifications for the Alumni Awards as well as nomination may be downloaded from the TIP website at www.tip.edu.phThe grand alumni homecoming for TIP QC will be held on February 4, 2012 and for TIP Manila on February 11, 2012. Both will be held at the new TIP Quezon City Anniversary Hall, which was built to serve as venue for the entire TIP 50th Anniversary activities in February 2012.
"We want our alumni to get together and walk through memory lane, while celebrating the success that they, and this school, have made possible," Engr. Jemuel Castillo, TIP vice president for quality management and planning and president of the TIP Alumni Association, said.
FedEx Advances Corporate Responsibility Efforts through Team Member Involvement and Smart Investments Sustainability and Community Programs in Asia Pacific Contribute to Global Success
FedEx moved closer to meeting its 2020 global citizenship goals with significant support from its 290,000 global team members and through a number of smart investments. The FedEx 2010 Global Citizenship Update, released today, showcases how smart collaboration and strategic investments can help connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways, while creating economic opportunity.Fuel efficiency in the Asia-Pacific region has improved by 5 percent at the largest station in Japan, thanks to a simple yet innovative program called Eco-Driving to reduce environmental impact through changing daily driving habits.
FedEx also uses a complex technology called Route Optimization and Decision Support (ROADS) to plan upfront, adapt routes and even advise package placement on the vehicle, helping team members make efficient decisions under the pressure of deadlines.Around the globe, FedEx is shifting to more efficient vehicles and aircraft. By the end of FY11, FedEx increased its all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicle fleet by 20 percent to 410 vehicles in service across the globe, and is studying the all-electric fleet for further expansion.
As for aircraft, FedEx recently added six more 777F aircraft to its fleet. The 777F flies further on less fuel while carrying more cargo than the MD-11s they replaced.More information about the accomplishments highlighted here and additional stories of how FedEx delivers on a commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen may be found in the online version of the FedEx 2010 Global Citizenship Update at csr.fedex.com.
SOC Land to redefine the standard in affordable condo living
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| In photo breaking ground at the frontage of Anuva's 2.4-hectare property along SLEX's East Service Road in Barangay Buli, Muntinlupa are (L-R): SOC Land Vice Presidents Justine Mercado and Missy Castro; Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro; Guest of Honor, Vice President and HUDCC Chair Jejomar Binay; SOC Land President John Paul Reyes; SOC Land Chairman Wilfrido Reyes; SOC Land Chief Operating Officer Juan Miguel Reyes; and Parent firm South China Resources, Inc. (SCRI) Chairman Edgardo Puyat Reyes. |
During the groundbreaking ceremony recently held at the 2.4-hectare soon-to-rise resort themed development, SOC Land President John Paul Reyes presented the features of the condo, which, he said, have not been seen in other condos. These include the 80 percent open space, tandem-style building, low-density layout and the unique squarish configuration of units.
"We will change the way Filipinos dream of affordable quality condo."They are also introducing a new "perimeter road" concept, which allows residents, especially the children, to safely go to common areas without crossing roads.
Another first is Anuva's resort-style lazy river topping the list of its numerous amenities. These include a 50-meter lap pool, lagoon and lake, plus themed parks and gardens, clubhouse and function rooms. Even with all these offerings, units at Anuva are affordably priced at P1.2M or P54,000 per square meter versus other projects, which are priced at P75,000 per sq.m. For more information on the Anuva project, visit www.anuva.com.ph.Edgardo Puyat-Reyes, Chairman of SOC Land's parent firm South China Resources, said that the holding company sees SOC Land as an important aspect in enhancing its shareholder value.
The elder Reyes said, "It will give the company the opportunity to serve a basic need of Filipinos, that is, to put up quality homes at affordable prices."
IP-Converge bats for stronger IXP support, better and cheaper Internet services
Makati City, 04 August 2011 -- IP Converge Data Center, Inc. (IP-Converge), the country's first and only publicly listed Internet Data Center and Cloud Services Provider (PSE: 'CLOUD') recently submitted a position paper to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), in response to the latter's draft memorandum circular in creating the Guidelines on Domestic IP Peering.The draft memo mandates all Internet Service Providers (ISP) in the country with a direct connection to a foreign ISP, to connect to the Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operated by the Advance Science and Technology Institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ASTI).
IP-Converge said that limiting the facility to be used will likely compromise business strategies aimed to delivers quality and affordable network service to Filipino users.Recognizing NTC's initiative of promoting affordable Internet rates and efficient Internet services to the public, IP-Converge supports the main objectives of the memo.
The position paper stresses that it is also imperative to qualify and consider the legitimacy of an IXP, which must be an "open" platform that facilitates the exchange of traffic between ISPs regardless of geographical location, and must allow members to engage in bi-lateral and multi-lateral peering agreements with other members.IP-Converge also urges the NTC to open the playing field and allow other IXPs to operate and establish strategic alliances with other carriers, ISPs and content operators.
The NTC's draft memorandum circular was cascaded to local ISPs during a public hearing held late last month.
Power Mac Center to mark founding anniversary at Ayala Museum
MANILA, August 18, 2011-- Power Mac Center (PMC), a chain of reliable retail shops and service provider of Apple products and premium accessories in the country, will mark its 17th anniversary on August 26, 2011, Friday, with an exhibit and free seminars to be held at the Ayala Museum in Makati.The exhibit will depict Power Mac Center's history and milestones in its 17 years of operations as the country's longest Apple retail partner. From its very first store in SM Megamall in August of 1994, PMC has been a one-stop shop for Apple products and premium accessories with nine stores strategically located in major malls nationwide.
Apart from the exhibit, the celebration will include a free seminar on the latest Mac operating system, OS X Lion and its features at 4:30 pm.This will be followed by an iOS Development 101 session at 6:30 pm to be conducted by Ramon Pastor of Numlock Solutions Company.
Interested participants for these sessions may either register at www.powermaccenter.com or send an email to seminar_registration@powermaccenter.com."PMC sees a robust future with better offerings for consumers and the local IT industry," said Joey Alvarez, Marketing Manager of Power Mac Center. "Aside from being an Apple Premium Reseller, we are also an Apple Authorized Service Provider and an Apple Authorized Training Center, making PMC a complete technology partner for our clients."
For more details on their anniversary and other promos, as well as updates on the latest Apple products, visit their website at www.powermaccenter.com.
A Perfect Combination
APO Realwood perfectly complements Royal Mandaya Hotel's elegant features
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| The beauty and warmth of APO Realwood's natural wood tile planks perfectly complement the elegant interiors of Royal Mandaya Hotel's presidential suite |
And for the hotel's newly renovated presidential suites, the architect used no less than floor tiles fit for a Mandaya king – APO Realwood, APO Floors' natural wood tile planks.
Jao said, "APO Realwood gives a rich, classy look while exuding a warm ambiance, almost like a home instead of a typical hotel suite."You get all these without the guilt of denuding a forest. The product comes from a permanent forest in Surigao, which has been cited as the model for sustainable development by the International Tropical Timber Association.
Jao confirmed that a major consideration for his choosing APO Realwood is its manufacturers' environmental philosophy."Its product also has very low carbon footprints being a natural material from a local, sustainable source, a farmed forest," he said.
The wood planks are constructed using seven-ply cross grained layers of wood, which guarantees resistance against expansion, contraction and warping problems commonly experienced in hardwood floors. Its UV-cured polyurethane coating with aluminum oxide makes it highly resistant to dent and scratches and easy to maintain."APO Realwood is our gift to architects who are in the profession to impress clients," said APO Floors Communications Manager Missy Castro.
The Asset names BDO as one of PH's bests
June 2011 – BANCO De Oro Unibank, Inc. (BDO) has received major citations from the recently held The Asset Triple A Awards 2011 of the Hong Kong-based investment magazine The Asset.
The Bank was named the best in the Philippines in these categories: Best SME Bank, Best Trade Finance Bank (Domestic) and Rising Star Cash Management Bank.
As the Best SME Bank, The Asset cited BDO's expansion efforts in "its delivery channels and product enhancements to better connect with their clients". Likewise, the foreign publication lauded the Bank's "excellent execution of trade finance products and services". BDO also deserved the Rising Star Cash Management Bank Award for the vast development it implemented, particularly in the areas of product and channel enhancements, The Asset added.The Asset Triple A Awards is Asia's defining recognition for excellence in the industry.
In photo (from left) are BDO senior vice president Jaime M. Nasol and executive vice president Edmundo S. Soriano receiving the awards in a formal dinner held in Hong Kong.Power Mac Center is first PH reseller to become an Apple Authorized Training Center
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Power Mac Center's Classroom at Greenbelt 3 is now an accredited AATC and will begin to offer Apple certified courses to companies, schools, and individuals who wish to learn or expand their knowledge on Apple's Pro applications.
Moreover, the new AATC is now qualified to offer Apple certification exams for professionals looking to establish their expertise, and better market their skills in the field of digital technology.With already two accredited Apple Certified Trainers in its Greenbelt store, Power Mac Center continues to consistently train its employees to deliver quality educational services, with the end view of an AATC accreditation for its other flagship stores as well.
SOC Land parent firm bullish in property sector
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At the sidelines of SCRI's stockholders meeting, SCRI Chairman Edgardo P. Reyes said that the company believes that the real estate property sector will continue to be robust due to the country's brisk economic performance, Filipinos' rising incomes characterized by a resurgent and growing middle class, and strong demand from OFWs and expatriates.
Because of these factors, he said, the company will definitely continue to look to the property sector for growth.In November 2010, as part of its diversification strategy, SCRI forayed in property development and established SOC Land as its wholly owned property subsidiary.
SOC Land's maiden project, Anuva Residences is a P2 billion mid-rise residential building complex offering a total of 2,000 units. Anuva will be situated along the east service road of SLEX, one kilometer away from the Sucat Interchange and about ten minutes away from Makati and Alabang. It will be built on the 2.4-hectare property previously owned by SCRI and transferred to SOC Land last year.Breathe in generous space at Anuva's low-density community
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| Anuva's studio unit has a floor area 10 percent larger than other developments. Anuva's 1-bedroom unit at 34sqm is approximately 30 percent larger than other projects. |
Anuva allots 80 percent of its total land area to open space---much more than the industry average of 50 percent and the mandatory 30 percent allocation for open space.
To help achieve this, Anuva, among other innovative concepts, features 20-and-14-storey tandem buildings instead of separate buildings. Tandem buildings are two buildings placed beside each other and joined by a core.
It also features "green" amenities like themed gardens, meditation areas, and other facilities where residents can relax, unwind and rejuvenate. This is apart from the aquatic amenities of Anuva, which includes a lazy river, pools, a lake, and ponds.
Low-density buildings
Also, Anuva's tandem buildings come with an average of 20 units per floor which is more typical of luxury or high-priced condo buildings. This is much less than the usual 55 units per floor of other affordable condos.
The units at Anuva are also larger in size compared to their counterparts in other residential establishments.
For more information on the Anuva project, call 553-4070; 553-4080; 543-4691; 0917- 5579513 or visit www.anuva.com.ph
BDO, WWF partner for a good cause
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| L-R: BDO head for branch banking Jaime C. Yu; WWF-Phils. President Lory Tan; WWF-Phils chairman Vince Perez; WWF-Phils Board of Trustees member Elizabeth T. Sy; BDO presdient Nestor V. Tan; and Jovy Pereche, BDO head for ATM channels operations. |
FedEx and Safe Kids Philippines mark Decade of Action for Road Safety launch with road safety park for children
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| Rhicke Jennings, FedEx Managing Director for Indonesia and the Philippines pledges to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety (DoARS) during the launch event at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. By signing the DoARS pledge board, FedEx demonstrates its continuous commitment to bring greater awareness to child pedestrian safety issues in the Philippines and around the world. |
The Walk This Way Road Safety Park, designed to educate children pedestrians, is a key component of the nationwide DoARS launch ceremony being organized by the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership and led by the Department of Transportation and Communication.
The road safety park showcased a miniature road circuit simulating actual road conditions with traffic signs, pedestrian lanes and a sidewalk. To reinforce road safety knowledge and smart pedestrian behavior, children were also engaged in lectures, games, simulation exercises, and interactive exhibits. FedEx and Safe Kids volunteers facilitated the activities.
The Decade of Action for Road Safety was established by the United Nations General Assembly to address the rising number of road traffic injuries globally. The initiative aims to reduce the number of road incidents and ultimately save millions of lives from 2011 to 2020.
Apple iPad 2, now available at Power Mac Center stores
April 2011--Power Mac Center (PMC) recently made the Apple iPad 2 and its original accessories officially available in the PhilippinesFollowing the successful release of the iPad last year, the iPad 2 is now available at Power Mac Center Apple Premium Reseller (APR) stores in Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia (MOA), SM Megamall, The Annex at SM City North EDSA and TriNoma.
As an exclusive offer from Power Mac Center, an iPad 2 purchase in any of the aforementioned stores during the launch date entitled customers to a free 30-day coverage for accidental damage under the Save Mac program. This conveniently allows for a replacement of the iPad 2 in cases of sudden and unforeseen physical damage during the period of insurance.
The iPad 2 is available in Black or White WiFi-only and 3G+WiFi models, with 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities.
Power Mac Center nurtures next-gen artists in Summer Kids Workshop 2011
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| Power Mac Center's Summer Kids Workshop teaches game development, film-making, 3D graphics and animation, music creation and other exciting Mac applications. |
May 2011--Power Mac Center recently wrapped up its third summer workshop for kids, the Summer Kids Mac Training Program, where kids aged 7-12 had the opportunity to enhance their skills in Mac's arsenal of digital tools while being mentored by Power Mac Center trainers.
Here, kids learned the fundamentals of game development using GameSalad, film-making using iMovie, 3-dimensional modeling, 3D graphics and animation using SketchUp and Adobe Flash CS5, music creation using GarageBand, website making using iWeb, DVD creation using iDVD and photo editing using Photoshop.
According to Power Mac Center Marketing Manager Joey Alvarez, "The Summer Kids Workshop is an excellent venue for kids to express their creativity and bring their imagination to life using different fun Mac programs and applications."
For more information about the workshop as well as updates on new promos and events, visit the Power Mac Center site at www.powermaccenter.com.
FedEx earns top ten spot on FORTUNE’s World’s Most Admired Companies list
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The annual “World’s Most Admired Companies” report recently released listed FedEx as the #8 ranked company, up five positions from the organization’s rank in 2010. The survey measures nine attributes related to financial performance and corporate reputation.
“Continuous recognition on the FORTUNE Most Admired Companies list is evidence of our team members’ hard work and commitment to deliver service excellence,” said David L. Cunningham, Jr., president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “Having moved up five positions year-on-year is an excellent achievement. The credit goes to every single FedEx employee in Asia and worldwide who drive our company’s success by delivering outstanding experiences every day.”
Since 2001, FedEx has ranked among the top 20 in the FORTUNE Most Admired Companies list. FedEx also earned accolades for its reputation and culture among numerous regional rankings throughout the world and was recently named one of the “Best Companies for Leadership” by the Hay Group.
FedEx and Gawad Kalinga celebrate “moving up” of preschool kids
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| Sibol school students of FedEx-GK Multinational, along with FedEx and GK volunteers show off their completion certificatessduring their Moving Up’ ceremony. |
For five years, more than 1,000 children aged 3 to 6 years have been given access to quality, values-based education through the Sibol school program. FedEx supports this program in eight Gawad Kalinga communities – Parañaque, Zambales, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, and Bukidnon. The program encourages skills development and values formation among these children as they prepare for primary education.
FedEx employee volunteers helped construct the schools and organize regular educational and community development activities to complement the overall curriculum.
In 2010, FedEx volunteers organized an eco tour for the Sibol children at the Avilon Zoo in Rizal, allowing them to experience nature first-hand and learn about environmental conservation. FedEx also conducted the “FedEx Eco Express” program, where a FedEx truck delivered plants and a team of volunteers to a GK community. The volunteers helped the children clean up their schools, and taught them how waste segregation, recycling and collaboration are important elements of an environmentally sustainable community.
Why dog owners should register with PCCI
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| PCCI gives dogs a chance to become a champion |
The Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI) provides dog owners with a registration certificate that serves as a record of the dog’s identity, bearing the dog’s unique name chosen by the owner or breeder. A PCCI registration also provides the dog's pedigree that traces its parentage back four-generations.
PCCI-registered dogs also gain automatic memberships in world canine organizations Federacion Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and its 86 member-organizations, the Asia Kennel Union, American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, and the Kennel Club of UK. It also allows the owner and its dog to participate in shows organized by the club as well as its affiliate organizations.
The club can also assist prospective owners in locating breeders. The club, however, is not directly involved in the sale of dogs.
With the registration also comes a regular copy of PCCI’s quarterly publication that contains news about the club and its affiliate canine organizations as well as useful tips to the members.
For more information on how to register your dog as well as latest updates on PCCI, visit their website at www.pccionline.org.
61st Palanca Awards currently accepts entries
April 2011--Early bird contestants of The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards) are already submitting their entries long before the deadline of submission of entries on midnight of April 30, 2011.
This year, Palanca Awards opens the Novel category in both English and Filipino Divisions.
Full list of regular categories, contest rules, and official entry forms are available at Palanca Awards’ official website, www.palancaawards.com.ph.
The contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens, except current officers and employees of the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc.
Entries with complete requirements may be submitted to the Foundation’s office at the 6th Floor, One World Square Bldg., 10 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City or may also be entered online through the Palanca Awards website or sent through email at cpawards@palancaawards.com.ph.
Winners will be announced on September 1, 2011.
Power Mac Center hosts first-ever ‘Arcadium’ game apps tournament
April 2011--Power Mac Center (PMC), a chain of a chain of reliable retail shops and service providers of Apple products and premium accessories in the country, has recently organized a series of store based game-apps tournaments using iPad and iPod touch dubbed as “Arcadium”.
The free tournament, being held inside the PMC stores, features games such as Fruit Ninja, Bombastic HD, Scrabble, and Foosball. Gadgets for the games are provided at the stores.
Up for grabs for tournament champions are a 16GB iPad WiFi with a Belkin Package and Divo Speaker, while 1st runners- up will receive Ultimate Ears 100 earphones and an iTour70. An iTour Ozzo will also be raffled off for participants in each tournament.
Winners of the bonus game, the 1-on-1 Air Hockey tournament, will receive a Gift Bag from Power Mac Center while raffle winners get to bring home an 8GB iPod touch and Bearbrick iPod Dock Speaker.
Customers can try out the four featured games in the Power Mac Center APR stores in Megamall, TriNoma, Greenbelt3, and North Edsa.
Arena Island: Palawan’s best-kept secret
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This clandestine and unspoiled four-hectare island off the coast of Narra, Palawan promises an unparalleled respite distinct from the more frequently visited resorts and leisure sites in the country.
Once there, one will find that Arena Island is an exceptional hideaway paradox in itself: It is secluded yet modern, lavish yet eco-friendly.
While Arena Island offers a commune-with-nature experience, its accommodations beautifully combine design elements both rustic and contemporary without the view of a crowded beach and outstretched industrial edifices.
Enriching one’s private stay are the exclusive services of highly trained locals including chefs and butlers who gleefully delight guests with delectable native dishes using the freshest catch of the day, and a soothing massage from first-rate masseuses.
Staying in this exclusive paradise comes with a price, and it does so for its sheer service that allows travelers to enjoy the natural sights of this island – while protecting these wonders too.
Arena Island is home to the now endangered sea turtles, or Pawikan, making it a noteworthy sanctuary for marine life preservation.
Apart from the Pawikan, an underwater spectacle of diverse corals and marine creatures also awaits every eco-tourist of Arena Island.
Arena Island continues to uphold and share the country’s innate beauty and culture of hospitality to the world.
Visit www.arenaisland.com
61st Palanca Awards currently accepting entries
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This year, the Palanca Awards is accepting entries for the Novel category on top of the regular categories. The Novel category is open every three years, in both English and Filipino divisions.
This year’s Kabataan Essay theme for the English category is “What is the most valuable lesson I learned from the Internet?” and “Ano ang pinakamahalagang aral ang aking natutunan mula sa Internet?” for the Filipino category.
The literary contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens. Contest rules and official entry forms are available at Palanca Awards’ official website, www.palancaawards.com.ph
Entries with complete requirements may be submitted to the Foundation’s office at the 6th Floor, One World Square Bldg., 10 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City or may also be entered online through the Palanca Awards website or sent through email at cpawards@palancaawards.com.ph.
Power Mac Center Greenbelt is Ayala Malls’ Store of the Year
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| Power Mac Center CEO Lawrence Sison (2nd from l) and Marketing Manager Joey Alvarez receive the “Store of the Year” Award plaque during the 13th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards awards night. Flanking them are Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Chairman Emeritus of Ayala Corporation (left) and Antonino Aquino, President of Ayala Land, Inc. (right). |
Power Mac Center is Ayala Malls’ Store of the Year
Power Mac Center’s flagship outlet in Greenbelt 3, Makati won the “Store of the Year” Award during the 13th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards awards night recently held at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.The award was given to PMC after it scored the highest in marketing, visual merchandising, and operations among Greenbelt merchant establishments. The branch was also awarded the Store Operations Excellence award based on standards of cleanliness, operations, and conformity with rules and regulations.
Power Mac Center relaunched in May of last year the newly revamped Greenbelt outlet where shopping is made more convenient with its more spacious and efficient layout. The new expanded services section now also features a 1-on-1 tutorial room, a dedicated software testing area, a new 20-seater classroom as well as an upgraded service center.
According to PMC CEO Lawrence Sison, “The recognitions given by the Ayala Malls are valuable testament to our successful efforts towards providing an outstanding shopping experience to all our clients.”
Last year, Power Mac Center Trinoma clinched the Store of the Year and Store Operations Excellence awards at the 12th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards.
Established in August 1994, Power Mac Center, a chain of the most reliable retail shops and service providers of Apple products and premium accessories in the country, is strategically located in eight major malls within Metro Manila: Greenbelt 3, TriNoma, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Marikina, Power Plant Mall, SM Mall of Asia, and Festival Supermall.
FedEx delivers ‘seeds of hope’ to child patients
FedEx recently organized the “Seeds of Hope” activity for 30 terminally ill children at an organic farm in Antipolo, Rizal. The activity is part of the Child Life Program supported by FedEx and run by Kythe, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides psychosocial care to children afflicted by chronic illnesses such as cancer.
Sam David, country manager of FedEx Philippines, kicked off the activity with a ceremonial planting of the specially designed “FedEx seedling” to signify FedEx commitment to delivering “seeds of hope” to the Kythe children. This was followed by a tour of the organic farm where the children learned about different kinds of plants and free-range farm animals.
With the help of FedEx volunteers, the children learned to grow their own organic garden. Each child was given a plant to bring home and care for. After sharing a healthy organic meal, the activity wrapped up with a talk by Pinoy Organics, the farm tour organizer, on how kids can be eco-friendly and become guardians of the environment.
In the Philippines, FedEx actively participates in community building initiatives in partnership with Safe Kids Philippines, Gawad Kalinga, Kythe, and ORBIS. FedEx volunteers dedicate their time and talent to make the Philippines community a better place to live, work and play.
BDO 's total resources reach P1.01-trillion
BDO’s consolidated resources has breached the P1-trillion mark at the end of 2010, a 16-percent increase from the previous year's level of P862 billion.
The growth was driven by the steady performance of the Bank's various businesses. As such, BDO is also on track to attain its net income goal of P8.1 billion for the full year of 2010.
The Bank has been aggressive in pursuing diverse opportunities to expand its product offerings and services, thus resulting to stable margins. It aims to continuously do well by leveraging on its operating scale and maintaining good growth in its core businesses.
As of end September 2010, BDO posted a net income of P6.4 billion, up 58 percent over the same period in 2009, on the back of sustained growth in business volumes amid a tempered hike in operating expenses.
PCCI Chooses the Best Dog for P'Noy
The Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI), the premier dog registering body in the country, recommends a yellow Labrador Retriever as the dog fit to be P'Noy's 'best friend'.
PCCI said that for a person like the president whose hobbies like practical shooting are considered very manly, a sporting dog like a lab would be appropriate because of its rather masculine attitude and stance
A lab is also a perfect companion of the country's first bachelor president because it is friendly, well mannered and is not territorial. Often silent, this dog can still give P'Noy the privacy and space he needs around the house.
PCCI also said that the Labrador Retriever is best known for its great temperament, and its ability to make its people-friends feel at ease every time they go near them and hug them. A hug from a Labrador retriever may just be exactly what PNoy needs now that he is trying to make the country a better place to live in.
And why yellow? Yellow has been the color best associated with the Aquinos' colorful political careers.
FedEx Receives 'Committed to the Environment' Award
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In particular, The International Charter recognized FedEx commitment to the environment as outstanding because:
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| FedEx has the largest hybrid delivery fleet in the U.S. if not the world. |
BDO vows continued support to SMEs
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| In photo are BDO President Nestor V. Tan (left most) responding to questions fielded by the attendees of the "Grow Your Business with BDO" SME forum. Flanking Tan are BDO executives and entrepreneurship guru Andy Ferreria. |
Similar to what it has done in the four previous fora in Batangas, Cavite, Cabanatuan and Davao, the Cebu assembly, attended by more than 500 clients, featured an entrepreneurship expert, one of Cebu's most successful businessmen and resource speakers from BDO.
Entrepreneurship guru Prof. Andy Ferreria gave helpful tips on running a business while Dr. Rico Gandionco, chief executive of Cebu Primera Food Industries, shared their family's success story on Julie's Bakeshop.
Bank executives, meantime, gave lectures on economic outlook; familiarized audience with the Bank's wide-ranging loan products, acquainted the audience with cash management, including collection and disbursement tools specifically for SMEs; and presented leasing opportunities.
BDO president Nestor V. Tan, who led the question and answer part, said doing the "Grow Your Business with BDO" forum in key areas around the country, is the bank's way of reaching out to small businesses.
"BDO grew as a result of helping businesses like you. No business is too small for the Bank," he added.
Power Mac Center hosts free workshop by top wedding videographer
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Power Mac Center recently hosted a free workshop by internationally acclaimed Filipino wedding videographer Jason Magbanua.
Held at the Classroom of Power Mac Center Greenbelt, the seminar entitled "Video Editing Basics in Adobe Premiere Pro" was designed to complement the increasing demand for digital technology by sharing video techniques using Adobe Premiere Pro in Mac.
Raising the bar on Philippine wedding video industry for ten years now, Magbanua and his highly sought-after team shoot and do same-day edits of wedding videos for clients all over the world. He holds the distinction of being the only Filipino to be voted in the world's Top 25 Most Influential Videographers of the online trade magazine EventDV.net for four straight years. His works have consistently won Gold in various categories at the annual WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers Association) Awards in the US.
This workshop is just one of the series of seminars of Power Mac Center aimed at helping users get the most out of their Mac and other Apple products.
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