JG Summit to Upgrade Employee Experience Through Microsoft Office 365 and the Cloud Platform

(L to R): Jackie Buenviaje, Account Executive, Microsoft Philippines, Carlos Santos, Group Chief Information Officer, JGSHI, Lance Y. Gokongwei, President and Chief Executive Officer of JGSHI, Andrea Della Mattea, President, Microsoft Asia Pacific, Alberto Granados, Vice President, Microsoft Asia Pacific, Ricky Kapur, General Manager, Enterprise Operations Unit, Microsoft Asia Pacific, Tanya Aguila – Loo, Specialist Technology Unit Lead, Microsoft Philippines

With a vision to become the leading digital conglomerate in the Philippines, JG Summit Holdings Inc. aims to achieve this goal through a digital transformation journey that will embed digitalization in its core business strategies to meet the evolving needs and lifestyle not just of its customers, but also of its employees.

“Our vision is to be the leading digital conglomerate in the Philippines. To achieve that goal, multiple groups within the JG Summit Business Units, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates have been working behind the scenes to bring about this transformation,” said JG Summit President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei.

Among the initiatives will be to upgrade the employee experience across the entire conglomerate through the use of Microsoft Office 365 and the cloud platform. JG Summit is transitioning from on-premise systems to Microsoft’s cloud services.

Office 365 is a set of Microsoft applications that allows users belonging to the same network to store files and share information.  Compared to earlier versions of Microsoft applications, Office 365 uses the cloud platform, which offers agility, greater efficiency and security benefits.

JG Summit’s move to the cloud platform will further enable its employees to transform their environment into a digital workplace. With this project, the conglomerate envisions a New Culture of Work where employees will be introduced to the Modern Digital Workplace which will empower people across the organization to achieve more by enabling better communication, collaboration, and sharing of information from computers to mobile phones in a single cohesive platform.

The first step is to migrate everyone away from current e-mail platform and put everyone up unto the cloud platform accessible from anywhere in the world and enable collaboration on any device.

Ricky Kapur, General Manager, Enterprise Operating Unit, Microsoft Asia Pacific, reiterated how JG Summit’s initiatives closely aligns with Microsoft’s mission. “At Microsoft, we empower every person and every organization to do more. The fourth industrial revolution is here, and organizations must digitally transform not just to optimize operations, but to enable their people. We’re very excited to work with JG Summit and be part of their digital transformation journey.”

JG Summit is one of the largest and most diversified Filipino conglomerates, engaged primarily in businesses that serve a growing middle class with rising disposable incomes in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Australasia.  These businesses include branded snack foods and beverages, commodities, agro-industrial businesses, air transportation, banking, real estate, and petrochemicals.

                                                           

Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla at GAOC sponsored “The Hows of Us” screening

One of Asia’s best dental clinics, the Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), led by its President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Steve Mark Gan, recently hosted clients, partners, and friends to an exclusive screening of the romantic drama hit “The Hows of Us.” The special film showing was in support of box-office queen Kathryn Bernardo, the newest addition to the GAOC family.  Bernardo is shown with Dr. Gan (left) and Daniel Padilla.

METRO TIPS magazine Moa Signing

The company behind METRO TIPS magazine, signed a memorandum of agreement last September 10, 2018, formalizing the partnership between the two agencies. In addition to sharing the latest news and updates, METRO TIPS magazine aims to share the noteworthy efforts of the DOTR and LRTA in making the commuting experience more pleasant.

Gen. Reynaldo Berroya, Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator, (left)

and Jun Miras, Publisher and CEO of Media Puzz

World-class natural remedy for Filipina beauty & wellness expert’s crowning glory

Hair loss is a concern for both men and women. It can have a devastating effect to anyone who experiences it.

According to Web MD, the average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair and loses up to 100 of them a day, which is normal. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows, and they can experience losing more than hundreds of strands which is quite alarming. So what can you do to prevent it?

For beauty and wellness expert, Cory Quirino, embracing wellness is the first step to help improve the hair’s condition and make people look younger.

Convenience at Your Fingertips with LBC Connect

At a time when you can get practically anything and everything you need, whenever and wherever you may be, with a few swipes and taps of your fingers, convenience has indeed become king.

Oradian Takes their Toolset Closer to Rural Banks Via Information Roadshow

Ivan Matić, Oradian’s Business Development Manager, presenting their flagship core-banking product, Instafin.

Essilor volunteer tops optometrist board exam

Morel Paul Abesamis, Essilor volunteer for eye health care campaign and graduate of Manila Central University (MCU), successfully topped the 2018 Optometry Licensure Exam with a rating of 87.23%. 

Conducted by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), this year’s Optometry Licensure Exam recorded 188 successful passers, out of the 222 who took the exam. Last year, Essilor scholar Jennifer Parmerola, who is also a graduate of MCU, also topped the 2017 Optometry Licensure Exam. As the world leader in ophthalmic optics and a key player in visual health, the Essilor Group provides solutions to protect visual health, as well as correct and prevent visual problems. Essilor is also dedicated to providing underprivileged people the opportunity to live a better life through various global philanthropic and scholarship programs. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Facts about fats

Commercial diets that claim fats are good flavor enhancers and are satisfying, especially when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet, have become popular recently.

But nutrition experts warn that most fats can have bad effects on your health. Here are some facts why fats should be limited or avoided.

Bad fat vs. good fat. Fats can be classified into different types. The most dangerous type is trans fats, by-products of a process called hydrogenation. Healthy oils are transformed into solids to keep them from becoming stale. Trans fats are found in margarine, butter, shortening, lard, baked goods and even fast-food French fries. Any amount of trans fats is not good for your health.

Saturated fats are common in most diets. They are found in red meat, coconut oil, commercially prepared baked goods, whole milk and other whole milk dairy products. Excessive amounts of saturated fats can also be bad for your health.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are considered “good” since they are healthier for the heart. These fats are liquid at room temperature and are found mostly in fish, vegetables, seeds and nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts and pecans).

LG Philippines donates air conditioners, washers, TVs and a refrigerator to benefit Marawi soldier

On its 30th anniversary, LG Philippines donates air conditioners, washers, TVs and a refrigerator to benefit Marawi soldier casualties and other injured soldiers at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center. 

AXA Philippines inaugurates state-of-the-art training facility

 Business partners, employees, and agents of AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, gathered for the inauguration of the state-of-the-art AXA Academy, housed at the 11th floor of the Bank of Makati Building on Ayala Avenue extension in Makati City. At almost 1,000 square meters, the AXA Academy serves as the training facility for AXA agents and employees, driven by its aim to elevate the training of local insurance professionals to an unmatched level of excellence. Leading the inauguration rites were (L-R) AXA chairman Solomon Cua, Insurance Commissioner Atty. Dennis Funa and AXA president and CEO Rahul Hora.

Get up to PHP 5,000 off on The Great Samsung Blue Sale!

Tech giant celebrates 20th Philippine anniversary with big discounts on its latest phones

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, SAMSUNG Philippines is slashing up to PHP 5,000 off mobile phone prices via The Great Samsung Blue Sale. Check out the devices up for grabs at low prices:

OPPO F9 leads MemoXpress weekly chart upon 1st week of availability

Mobile smartphone establishment MemoXpress recently announced that OPPO F9 was its top-selling smartphone from September 3-9, 2018, exceeding the sales of other brands in the mid-range category on its first week of availability starting September 1. Successfully launched only one month ago, OPPO F9 features the highly beneficial VOOC flash charge which allows the user two hours of talk time in only five minutes of charging. Its fast charging capabilities help dynamic Filipinos save time and be able to do more with their smartphones. Priced at PHP 17,990.00, the F9 also brings together an innovative waterdrop screen, 6GB RAM, and dual rear cameras, providing high value for money for Filipinos in every way. For more details on OPPO’s products and activities, follow www.facebook.com/OPPOPH as well as @OPPOPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

Hanabishi partners with GMA Kapuso Foundation to rehabilitate Marawi schools

Hanabishi, the country’s leading home appliance brand, partners with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) for the Rebuild Marawi Project, an initiative that aims to build and restore eighteen classrooms in three elementary schools located at the heart of Marawi City.

Hanabishi will donate P500,000 worth of electric fans, water dispensers and other appliances to beneficiary schools Pendolonan Elementary School, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School and Datu Saber Elementary School.

Island Rose Offers Lower Rates in All LBC Branches this October!

Flowers are gifts that warm the heart, no matter the day or occasion. This is why LBC is giving customers a chance to show loved ones how much they care by giving special discounts when they purchase from their partner Island Rose.

New milestone for Starfinder Optical as it opens 13th branch in Ayala Malls Glorietta

Starfinder Optical, the first Korean concept optical shop in the Philippines, opened its doors in Ayala Malls Glorietta 5, Makati City last September 11, 2018. The company considered the needs of fashion and technical eyewear of customers located in the southern part of Metro Manila, especially the people within the financial capital of the Philippines, Makati City. The store showcases a whole new Korean kind of accommodation, ambiance and styles of frames that will make customers stylish and comfortable at the same time.

Envisioning the expansion throughout the Philippines, Jacob Song, Marketing Manager of Starfinder Optical, stated “We want to reach the people within one of the known central business districts in the Philippines, because we want to cater them with stylish and technical glasses that they can use for work and daily basis.”  Last May 15, 2018, the company opened a store in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City. Continuously expanding in the country, Starfinder Optical will open a branch in Cebu soon, which will be a breakthrough, as it will be the first footprint expansion outside Luzon. 

NOW OPEN: The Flats Amorsolo by Ayala Land -- a Co-living Development in the heart of Makati City

Young urban professionals on the hunt for a perfectly balanced life can now say goodbye to heavy traffic, lengthy commutes and long queues! This September, a dynamic place has risen in Amorsolo Street in the city that makes it happen—Makati.

Premier real estate developer Ayala Land is redefining the co-living trend in Metro Manila with the opening of The Flats. The 15-storey building at Amorsolo Street, Makati City (right behind Makati Medical Center) features co-living spaces for lease designed to revolutionize the way young urban professionals rent in the city. It's hip, trendy and, above all things, it is close to both work and places for recreation.

Kwentong Jollibee “Biyahe” pays tribute to grandparents’ hard work, sacrifices

This Grandparents’ Day, Jollibee pays homage to the endless sacrifices and selfless love demonstrated by hardworking lolos and lolas (grandparents) in “Biyahe,” the latest video installment in the award-winning Kwentong Jollibee series done in partnership with creative agency McCann World Group Philippines.

Directed by Pepe Diokno, “Biyahe” tells the story of how a grandfather readily took on the responsibility of earning a living for his son and grandson, despite being burdened by the difficulties of driving a jeepney at an old age.

Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day clocks best ever performance in history; hits over 5.8 million orders in 24 hours

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, wraps up its biggest annual regional shopping event of the year, Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, surpassing last year’s record at 7:43am on 9 September. This year’s Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day achieved a new milestone with the highest-ever single day sales performance in Shopee’s history, with a total of over 5.8 million orders recorded; amounting to 3 times more than an average day. 

LBC makes its move to digital transformation

The way consumers talk and transact in this millennial world is changing at a breakneck speed.  With dwindling attention spans, an open market that has attracted challengers from all corners, and the need to get business done with a swipe of the screen, enterprises are now being asked to reconsider where they stand on this playing field today.

LBC Express, the leading logistics provider in the Philippines, knows that to sustain the success it has enjoyed for over 68 years, they have to embark on one of their biggest and boldest moves yet: a comprehensive digital transformation. The intent is to move differently and put themselves in a position to better respond to customers, clients, and corporations’ needs.

Restaurant Verbena’s Tuna Burger : Something new is cooking at Restaurant Verbena

Make sure to put Restaurant Verbena in your Tagaytay food trip check-list because they’ve got a revamped menu with new exciting selections.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat with the Prawn Linguine, Tuna Burger, Fillet of Barramundi and Spanish Sardines Pasta. For those with an insatiable appetite for meat, the hearty Double Pork Chop or Braised Beef in Red Wine will satisfy any craving. It may be tempting to indulge, but leave room for dessert! Your sweet tooth will be spoiled with the Walnut Pie, Chocolate Orange Tart and the Classic Chocolate Cake!

A Healthy Business for the Family

 

Healthy Family Purified Water Participates in Food and Drinks Asia 2018 to Promote Business Opportunities

Helping to build an enterprising nation, the Healthy Family Purified Water is strengthening its business offerings to the public by promoting its franchising opportunities for retailers and wholesalers, in an exhibit running from September 6 to 9 at the Food and Drinks Asia 2018 expo held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The Discovery Group: touching lives through clean water

The happiness in giving – the Discovery Shores Boracay team are all smiles as they help the Ati community in Aklan to have access to clean water through their project 

#TogetherForWater. The Discovery Leisure Company Inc.’s (TDLCI) group of hotels and resorts—among them Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Shores Boracay, Discovery Primea Makati, Discovery Suites Ortigas and Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay—has raised Php 200,000 each for their respective neighboring indigenous communities. 

Get the best OPPO smartphone deals during Lazada’s 9.9 Sale

Check out OPPO’s flagship store on LazMall this September 9 to get up to PHP 5,500.00 discount

International smartphone brand OPPO will be part of one of the biggest e-commerce shopping events this year, Lazada’s 9.9 Sale. Customers who will purchase the OPPO F9 on LazMall through their flagship store will get freebies worth PHP 1,500.00.

Successfully launched last month, OPPO F9 competes in the mid-range segment with its innovative and unique features such as the VOOC Flash Charge technology, waterdrop screen, 6GB RAM, dual rear camera, and beautifully crafted gradient body finish. Priced at only PHP 17,990.00, the F9 redefines value for money to the Filipino customers.

Pfizer Philippines Foundation Inc. continues to save lives

Pfizer's non-profit arm, Pfizer Philippines Foundation Inc., (PPFI) together with the Philippine Blood Center, recently conducted an intercompany blood drive as one of the organization’s volunteerism projects. Over 100 volunteers took part in the initiative, exceeding the foundation’s target number of blood bags for the day. 

 Giernie Hachero (right), Pfizer Business Manager, volunteers to donate blood during the Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc.’s blood donation drive in partnership with the Philippine Blood Center.

BLUE ANT ENTERTAINMENT TO ROLL OUT FRESH CBS STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL DRAMAS

BLUE ANT ENTERTAINMENT TO ROLL OUT FRESH CBS STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL DRAMAS FBI AND CHARMED, AND BRAND NEW SEASONS OF ITS TOP TITLES ACROSS ASIA STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER

FBI and Charmed will debut on the channel together with the latest seasons of The X Factor UK, Bull, Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Blue Ant Media, an international content producer, distributor and channel operator announced today a multi-year licensing agreement for the new Dick Wolf-produced drama, FBI, the reimagining of the hit series, CHARMED and the UK’s most talked about reality TV show, THE X FACTOR UK and a beefed up programming line-up for the network’s international channel, Blue Ant Entertainment across Asia.

The top-rated British talent show, which has been airing exclusively and same day as the UK on Blue Ant Entertainment, will remain with the network until 2020.

This deal further enhances the channel’s primetime offerings catering to the reality talent show fans. In the Philippines and Malaysia, Blue Ant Entertainment is the exclusive broadcaster of The X Factor UK.

Seeing AI app can now identify Indian currency

The latest update to Seeing AI brings new capabilities to the image recognition and narration app. Seeing AI can now detect Indian currency and narrate the denomination to the user. The app identifies all the notes in circulation including the new currency bills issued recently.

Currency bills are particularly challenging to identify, as they come in different sizes and textures, and are often modified by government. People who are blind or have low vision are known to fold these notes up in different shapes to be able to recognize and use them when needed, though still require means to differentiate denominations. Seeing AI brings this power to the users’ fingertips no matter where they are.

Make lasting memories with lola and lola at SM

Grandparent’s Day is the best time for grandkids to make new memories with their lolos and lolas who spoil them undying love, patience, and support. This September, SM Supermalls offers a fun-filled Grandparents’ Day celebration where families can pamper grandparents with special wellness offers, dining deals, and gift promos until September 9!

“SM has always been a place for family bonding moments. This Grandparents’ Day, we have prepared a wide range of fun activities that recognizes the love and tenderness of our beloved grandparents,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice-president for marketing.

Here are fun tips on how you can spend time with your lola and lolo this Grandparents’ Day:

1.         Treat them with their favorite dish. Grandkids can delight grandparents with Grand Treats – favorite eats and dishes from participating restaurants in SM malls until September 9. 

2.         Accompany them to mass. Praying or going to mass together is one of best bonding moments between lolo and lolas and their apos. Grandparents and grandkids can attend a mass celebration with a Special Blessing for grandparents on September 9.

UAAP Sale at SM Metro Manila malls

Tag the whole barkada to a fun weekend of deals and discounts as SM Supermalls delights shoppers with up to 70% off on dining deals, fashion promos, and more at the UAAP Sale, happening on September 7 to 9 across SM malls in Metro Manila!

“This UAAP season, students can shop and celebrate their university colors, or have fun with friends at the first ever UAAP Sale, where they can experience a weekend full of fashion deals and dining treats in select SM malls,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.

Planning to buy a condo? Here’s the fastest way to owning your dream house

Making the decision to own a house could be daunting. But once you have crossed the line towards that life-changing decision, one of the most important steps you can make is to find the right lender who can address your home loan financing requirements at the fastest possible time and most convenient way possible.

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), the consumer banking arm of Metrobank Group, has set a 1-day home loan decision for the purchase of brand new condominium units and properties from accredited developers. 

“In line with our brand promise to keep things quick and simple for our customers, PSBank is now able to provide a 1-day home loan decision on home financing applications covering condominiums and properties from accredited developers. This is by far the fastest home loan decision in the local banking industry,” noted PSBank Senior Vice President and Marketing Group Head Noel Tuazon.

Understanding age-related vision problems

Celebrate National Sight Saving Month by learning more about age-related vision problems. Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, shares common age-related vision changes and tips on how to minimize the risks:

Blurred vision. Reading printed materials can become less clear, in part because the lens in your eyes becomes less flexible as you age. Objects can also appear hazy or out of focus at certain distances. When this happens, take time to rest your eyes for a few seconds. It also helps to exercise your eye muscles by regularly blinking.

A more fun, active lifestyle at Filinvest City’s Spectrum Linear Park

Filinvest City, the premier garden central business district in the Metro South, recently opened two other sections of its Spectrum Linear Park, a foliage-canopied walkway that spans across the north and south ends of the township, as it further promotes a more fun, active lifestyle.

Since its opening last year, Filinvest City’s Spectrum Linear Park has been drawing a steady stream of people who enjoy its close to one-kilometer span. Now accessible via vehicles, this span is accentuated by tree-lined, landscaped pathways, lighted seating areas, and stimulating outdoor art installations. To make it more enjoyable for employees, residents, and guests, a free Wi-Fi access powered by Smart Communications can now be experienced at the park.

The tree-lined pathways, lighted seating areas, and outdoor installations at the Spectrum Linear Park

Lawrence Chua and Sabrina Ng win Mr. and Ms. GAOC

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2018 candidates Lawrence Chua and Sabrina Ng gain an edge in the competition after being awarded Mr. and Ms. GAOC during the Cultural Costume Competition held recently at the Resorts World Manila. Awarded for their winning smiles, both candidates will become ambassadors of GAOC - the premiere, most advanced and world-class dental implant center in the country. The Mr. And Ms. Chinatown pageant aims to promote the Filipino-Chinese culture, an advocacy shared by GAOC. This year, 28 candidates vying for the titles and coronation will be on September 2, 2018 at SM MOA Arena. Photo shows Lawrence Chua (right), Sabrina Ng (left) with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Marigomen (center) from GAOC.

The Best Gift for the Filipino Millennial

The Best Gift for the Filipino Millennial:

Windows 10-powered Modern PCs an essential for the young professional

The Filipino millennial leads a very tech-driven lifestyle. They are dynamic and mobile in everything they do, be it work or play. Thanks to technology, the young professional can elevate their day to day activities with devices that fit their lifestyle.    

What better gift for the millennials in our lives (or ourselves) than something that complements their modern lifestyle. Look no further than a Modern PC. These Windows 10-powered laptops are thinner, lighter, faster, and able to perform even the most demanding tasks.

From form to function and all the innovations in between, Modern PCs are packed with features to meet the dynamic needs of today’s young professional. They are more compact and feature revamped batteries capable of running all-day. Inside, they are equipped with SSD Hard Drives that ensures maximum performance and speed. Here are 5 laptops that make perfect gift ideas for the Filipino millennial:

Leading brands join Shopee in the first-ever Super Brands Festival

Shop tens of thousands of deals at up to 80% off from top brands including Samsung, Vivo, Colgate-Palmolive, P&G and many more

Pru Life UK launches IMLinkEd Hub: An innovative, one-stop learning platform for agents

Pru Life UK Titanium Branch during the inauguration of the IMLinkEd Hub

  

In line with its commitment to further promote financial literacy among Filipinos through its agents, Pru Life UK recently launched the IMLinkEd Hub, a one-stop learning platform aimed at instilling a deeper level of knowledge about life insurance, investments and protection in agents so that they can better serve and educate their customers.

Beijing’s Silk Road Extends to Manila with Charming Beijing Tourism Promotion

Historically, the Silk Road (also known as Silk Route) was China’s famous road which literally gave way to Chinese trade across the Mediterranean. It enabled China to create relationship through trade, mostly of China silk, with countries like India, Egypt and even Britain, among others. Today, China is reviving its Silk Road days by developing partnerships, extending assistance, and building bridges not only with trade but also through tourism; and it will extend its reach to Manila. 

On September 15, 2018, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development presents “Charming Beijing: Beijing Tourism Promotion” at the G/F Atrium, SM Aura Premier. With a theme, “The Silk Road Bridges East and West, New Beijing Resonates with People,” it reflects China’s endeavour to revitalize the Silk Road’s eminence into the modern times.

Preventive Measures to avoid hospitalizations This Rainy Season

Monsoon: Bringing in rain and diseases

PAGASA has already declared the start of the rainy season with the country dealing with the combined effects of tropical storms and the southwest monsoon. With the sudden change in wind direction and temperature, the amount of rainfall increases as well as the viral infections that come with it. Coined as monsoon infections, Dr. May Montellano, former president of the Pediatrics and Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines, warns the public of its faster transmission due to the weather. Often taken lightly, these diseases are more prone to become serious cases that can lead to hospitalization.