PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV hold digital training for persons with disabilities in Cebu

Monday, March 18, 2024


PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) conducted an eight-day Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) for persons with disabilities in Mandaue City, Cebu. The training was done in collaboration with non-profit organization ATRIEV, Voice Philippines, and the Mandaue City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

Under their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology (IDEATe) program, PLDT and Smart partnered with ATRIEV, or Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, to expand the reach of this digital training across the country and upskill more entrepreneurs with disabilities, enabling them to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

“In a world full of judgment, it may be challenging for persons with disabilities to establish their own businesses, but I salute our DBBT graduates’ willingness to learn and improve their livelihood. Through IDEATe, PLDT and Smart ensure to support persons with disabilities in navigating through the world of business enabled by technology,” said Lailane H. Go, Senior Manager, Regional Customer Development at Smart.

Helen Ortega, a tuberculosis survivor, expressed her gratitude for being part of this initiative. “As someone who is unfamiliar with online selling and digital tools, this training undoubtedly equipped me with skills to improve my small business. This is a great opportunity for us, and I thank ATRIEV and its partners for making this happen,” she said.


A total of 27 participants, who included individuals with physical and psychosocial impairments, learned about various digital tools and applications that they can use in growing their businesses online. Additionally, the training also covered e-commerce platforms, social media marketing, content creation, internet safety, and an introduction to the Maya Business App, helping them fully embrace digitalization in their businesses.

“LGU Mandaue City values the welfare of its people, especially those from vulnerable groups. We thank our partners for helping us reach our goal of capacitating persons with disabilities in our city and helping them become productive individuals,” said Dr. Michael Allan O. Pielago, Mandaue City PDAO Head.

This initiative under PLDT Group’s pioneering inclusion program, IDEATe, aligns with its commitment to helping the country achieve UNSDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and UNSDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. IDEATe was a finalist at the 2024 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, the connectivity industry’s most prestigious accolade, judged by the telco sector’s most prominent experts.
Read More

Experience Lanson Living: Extended Stays at Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Nestled in the heart of Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila promises an extended stay experience like no other. With a focus on personalised hospitality and thoughtful amenities, Lanson Place provides guests with an unforgettable journey of discovery and relaxation. Going the extra mile with a host of benefits, including welcome amenities, daily breakfast buffets, high-speed internet, and discounts on food and beverages. Additionally, guests enjoy access to the Residents' Lounge, where they can engage in curated activities like herb planting yoga sessions and more.

Extended Stay Experience

Situated at the Bay Wing of Lanson Place, from a selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom serviced residences, guests can indulge in stunning views of Manila Bay. These accommodations come with thoughtful features like kitchenette facilities in studios and washer/dryer units for the larger serviced residences.

Meanwhile, the Residents' Lounge provides a tranquil space for long-staying guests to unwind, featuring a minimalist nature-inspired colour scheme and window seating with views of the Galleon. Relax and socialise in our stylish lounge, featuring comfortable seating areas and scheduled events for guests to enjoy

“Exclusive access to the Residents' Lounge is a key feature of our approach. This lounge is designed to foster a sense of community and well-being. To cater to varying interests, we organise exclusive curated activities every quarter. These activities include unique experiences such as herb planting, painting sessions, aqua Zumba, and sunrise yoga to name a few. We believe that providing a range of engaging activities contributes to a more enriching and personalised stay for our guests. 

At Lanson Place, our commitment is to create an environment where each long-staying guest feels not only comfortable but also inspired, ensuring a truly memorable and tailored experience during their time with us” said Antonette Mitschiener, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Dining Options

Lanson Place, Manila offers an array of dining options for all guests. In Cyan Modern Kitchen, guests embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to Filipino delicacies, featuring both buffet and a la carte menus. 

Cyan Modern Kitchen

From classic Hong Kong-inspired noodle soup made with locally sourced ingredients to enticing Indian and Spanish-influenced dishes, every dish is thoughtfully curated to cater to a diverse clientele. With floor-to-ceiling windows providing front-row seats to Manila Bay's magnificent sunset, Cyan Modern Kitchen offers a dining experience unlike any other.

BLK12 Café|Bar

Lanson Place’s Madeleine High Tea also offers guests a cosy high tea lounge experience, complete with tiered high-tea menus featuring locally sourced tea selections from Agusan del Norte, while the BLK12 Café|Bar provides a versatile space for guests to relax and unwind, offering perfectly brewed coffee made with premium beans sourced from local and international growers. For business travellers on the go, Bytes’ grab-and-go counter offers freshly prepared meals made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a healthy and convenient dining option.

Long-staying guests receive a 20% discount on food and beverage outlets.

Property Amenities

For relaxation and leisure, the Edge Pool Bar offers a serene escape while sipping on refreshments with its 180-degree scenic view of Manila Bay and the Metro skyline. Indulging in a leisurely swim in Lanson Place's infinity pool provides a holistic experience, seamlessly blending scenic beauty, tranquillity and relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, contributing to the enjoyment during your stay.


Stay invigorated with modern fitness equipment and personalised workout programs, provided alongside a well-equipped gym and spacious yoga studio on the building's top floor, offering a picturesque backdrop for both fitness activities and lifestyle classes.

Enhance your productivity at the Co-working Space, providing access to high-speed internet for work or school. Guests staying in-house for short or extended periods enjoy complimentary usage each week.

To further enrich guest experiences, Lanson Place collaborates with third-party businesses and organizations. Partnerships with Online Travel Agencies and local tourism initiatives underscore the brand's commitment to promoting tourism and supporting the community.

For more information about Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila’s upcoming events, and other offerings, visit the official website at www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia 
Read More

KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

Sunday, March 17, 2024

KodeGo

  • 71% of Filipino employees consider digital skills as a must-have to become competitive in the increasingly digital landscape;
  • This highlights the importance of digital upskilling programs are easily available and accessible for all employees;
  • As one of the largest venture builders in Southeast Asia, 917Ventures recognizes this imperative, which led them to create KodeGo to help upskill Filipinos

The Philippines is on track towards becoming a US$35 billion economy by 2025.But even with the promising outlook, the country’s workforce remains challenged by a digital skills gap that hampers its transformation into a truly digital nation. 

According to the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 59th out of 64 countries in overall digital competitiveness, showing low rankings on knowledge and talent (63rd), technology (51st), and future readiness (59th). This underscores an urgent need to prioritize digital skills development to ensure the country's digital competitiveness and sustainable growth.

“In an era defined by digitalization, the importance of digital skills across industries has become undeniable. KodeGo was developed to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for Filipinos to upskill themselves and strengthen their employability with advanced to intermediate digital skills,” said Ina Gervasio, KodeGo Chief Executive Officer.

Launched in 2020, KodeGo is a study now, pay later edutech platform that provides accessible, comprehensive digital skills training programs, including the following:

  • Full-stack web development
  • Virtual Assistance
  • Virtual Bookkeeping
  • Basic transcription 

“As the Philippine tech industry gears up to expand to 2.5 million full-time employees and generate US$59 billion in revenues by 2028. It's crucial to ensure our courses align with industry standards. Our mission at KodeGo goes beyond imparting new skills; we're committed to ensuring our students are not just equipped for the job market but are also highly employable,” Gervasio said.

In line with this, KodeGo introduced a flexible payment scheme that includes a study-now-pay-later format while providing end-to-end career assistance and support for its students post-training. Each curriculum takes between two and 22 weeks to complete. 

To date, the platform has over 2,000 graduates, many of whom achieved meaningful employment opportunities with industry heavyweights including GCash and Accenture.

Kwentong KodeGo (KodeGo Stories)

At the forefront of KodeGo's mission is the commitment to empower women and break barriers in the tech industry. To date, out of the almost 2,000 KodeGo graduates, 20% are women looking to learn and make a name for themselves in the tech industry, a number that is constantly growing.

Among Filipinas who took KodeGo’s courses is Lorie Pascual, a former music teacher whose career ground to a halt during the pandemic. While considering what to do to continue providing for her family, one of her churchmates encouraged her to join KodeGo’s full-stack web development boot camp.

“I thought I should try studying a tech course since I had a laptop and internet, I had enough to start with what I had, so I enrolled in KodeGo,” Lorie said.

After 12 weeks of full-time classes, Lorie completed the course and is now a web developer at Aemorph, an internet marketing service company based in Singapore.

Another successful KodeGo graduate is Lorraine Ostan, who had to drop out of her first year in college due to financial difficulties after her father lost his job as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.

She decided that she needed to find a job to help her family and raise her young child, which led her to take KodeGo’s full-stack web development program. Two weeks after completing the course, she landed a job in a Japanese offshore company as a web designer and eventually moved on as a software engineer. 

“Stories like Lorie’s and Lorraine’s are why we are deeply passionate about what we do. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the opportunities that arise when individuals are equipped with the right skills and support,” Gervasio said.

How to enroll at KodeGo

Those interested in enrolling at KodeGo should go visit kodego.ph, apply on the website, and take a short assessment test. 

Upon successful application, students will receive their KodeGo contracts and an invitation to an onboarding session to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and how to use the KodeGo platform. All that’s left to do is complete the training.

Learn more about KodeGo and its courses by visiting kodego.ph

Read More

LAC Leads Wellness Revolution by Redefining Supplement Consumption in the Philippines


More and more Filipinos are embracing wellness, as a recent study showed a 4.7% surge in the country's personal care segment in 2023 compared to 2022. Seeking better health, nearly four out of five Filipinos (76%) have purchased vitamin supplements and incorporated them into their daily routines, indicating a shift towards a more proactive and preventative mindset in seeking personalized health solutions. However, despite this rise, there is an ongoing lack of complete trust in health and wellness products sold online, with 32% of individuals expressing reservations

Recognizing the prevalent lack of awareness and misinformation in the health and wellness market, LAC (Leader in Antioxidative Control™), the leading health and wellness product provider in the Philippines, aims to revolutionize the way people perceive supplement intake and consumption. With stores across 47 locations in the Philippines, LAC puts each of their scientifically-proven ingredients within Filipino’s reach.

LAC is dedicated to educating consumers on a wide range of products tailored to various needs to help them understand their unique nutritional requirements and choose the right supplements through nutrition education. Their Nutrition for Life campaign advocates for holistic well-being, offering supplements for health, beauty, wellness, preventive nutrition, diet, weight management, and sports nutrition, catering to diverse lifestyles across all walks of life.

This holistic approach to nutrition also translates to how supplements can be consumed–by integrating it into innovative recipes that will help consumers prioritize wellness without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Blend

LAC empowers individuals to effortlessly incorporate essential supplements into their lifestyles. Its supplements go beyond just pills and caplets. For on-the-go convenience, they come in tasty jelly, liquid, and powdered forms, making it easier to also mix them into your favorite foods and beverages throughout the day. Showcasing their commitment in removing the barrier of complexity, ensuring that optimal health and vitality are within easy reach.

Balance

LAC's supplements are meticulously crafted to enhance overall health and well-being, integrating a diverse array of nutrients and botanical extracts to promote equilibrium within the body's systems. From skin improvement, brain health, immunity to stress resilience and more, it promises a state of overall well-being where various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health are in harmony. 

Boost

LAC's innovative approach is designed to boost every aspect of Filipinos’ life. Its scientifically-proven ingredients, diverse product range, and accessible platforms uniquely equip them to elevate your well-being. By harnessing the power of antioxidants, probiotics, collagen, and other bioactive compounds, these supplements help individuals optimize their antioxidant health, skincare, digestive health, and overall vitality through easy absorption for a more boosted and energetic lifestyle. 

LAC Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark Extract: SUPER ANTIOXIDANT, Perfect for Immunity Boosting

French Pine Bark

Start the day with LAC Masquelier's® French Pine Bark. As LAC’s best-selling product, over 200,000,000 tablets of Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark have been sold worldwide. This gem of a pill offers a holistic approach to health that goes beyond superficial enhancements, LAC Masquelier’s® French Pine Bark Extract’s antioxidative properties work from within, helping individuals to counteract oxidative stress and free radicals that can contribute to premature ageing and other skin-related concerns. Loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a potent antioxidant, the product reduces the amount of free radicals in the body, allowing the body to combat pathogens and infections effectively.

LAC Activated Liver Protector™: Promoting Liver Health for Better Sleep and Skin

LAC Activated Liver Protector

Contrary to popular belief, poor liver function does not just affect those who consume alcohol. Excessive consumption of fatty foods and even long term medication can also stress and burden the liver, weakening its functions and increasing the risk of liver disease. LAC Activated Liver Protector™ is a blend of Traditional Chinese Medicinal herbs that can prevent and relieve fatty liver, promote healthy liver function and lower bad blood lipid levels, infused with ingredients such as Hawthorn Fruit, Lotus Leaf, and Chrysanthemum Flower to keep the liver healthy.

LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ Premium Collagen 13,000mg: Firm, Hydrate, Restore skin for Ageless Beauty

premium collagen

Derived from one of the most premium fish sources – the red snapper, LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ is a unique collagen formula designed to protect your skin against the effects of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), a primary cause for premature ageing which weaken the elastin and collagen proteins responsible for maintaining the support and elasticity crucial for skin integrity.

LAC TAUT® Rejuvenate+ contains 13,000mg of proprietary RDS (Rapid Delivery System) low molecular weight collagen and further fortified with thoroughbred placenta, a blend of glycation-fighting ingredients, antioxidants and herbal extracts.

LAC StemC®: The Elixir of Youth, Incomparable Cellular Rejuvenation

LAC StemC

LAC StemC® is the final result of cellular research and an incomparable cellular rejuvenating supplement. It contains a precious concentration of 400mg of active placenta extract per capsule through an advanced encapsulation process to preserve vital cell growth factors extracted from the placenta; an active ingredient that supports the body’s renewal system to repair and rejuvenate ageing cells and damaged tissues. In addition to its high content of active placenta extract, each capsule also contains Grape Seed Oil with excellent emollient properties to repair and rejuvenate damaged skin, and Squalene from shark liver oil, known to support the body’s renewal system. This potent blend of ingredients results in the most powerful cellular rejuvenating supplement for the improvement of your life quality.
Read More

Bayad and Pay&Go seals partnership with Carmona Cavite local government, bringing accessible bills payment services



As the Local Government of Carmona, Cavite celebrates its first cityhood anniversary last February 19, 2024, City Mayor Dr. Dahlia A. Loyola leads a week-long program celebration that champions its different programs including its advocacy on financial inclusion. In line with this, a joint partnership between the LGU, Bayad and Pay&Go was officially sealed on February 20, 2024.

Bayad is a subsidiary of Meralco and the pioneer and leader in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines while Pay&Go is a leading 24-hour self-service payment kiosk provider in the country.

Under the partnership, Bayad will continue to power the bills payment services of Pay&Go payment machines, which are now made accessible at LGU Carmona City Hall.

“Imagine the ease of being able to pay your electric, water, and internet bills, while being able to settle your government contributions, load your prepaid, RFID, and e-wallet accounts all at the same time. This is the kind of one-stop-shop convenience that Bayad stands for.” shares Bayad Business Development Manager Kathlyn Alarcon, as she also provided a picture of onboarding more local billers in the future to cater to the various needs of Carmona residents.

Pay & Go Senior Alliance Manager, Kenneth de Guzman also shared “We are happy that we share the same values with Bayad in providing convenient and accessible payment experience. We hope that in deploying our Pay&Go automated payment terminals, we enable thriving communities like Carmona City to strengthen financial inclusion.”

LGU Carmona Mayor Dahlia A. Loyola added “The local government of Carmona is proactively supporting the country’s adoption of fast and secured digital payment touchpoints. By harnessing our collective efforts with Bayad and Pay&Go, we can ensure that financial services reach more of our kababayans and empower them to make informed financial decisions.”

For banks, financial, and government institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.
Read More

Angkas Wins Hearts with Hilarious App Upgrade Announcement

Friday, March 15, 2024

George Royeca

Angkas, the popular motorcycle taxi app, took a unique approach to promoting their latest upgrade – a video advertisement packed with humor and heart. Released on March 9th, the video features CEO George Royeca in a starring role, and it's quickly gaining positive buzz online.

The charm factor comes from Royeca himself. He embraces a low-budget, PSA-style setup, complete with intentionally awkward moments. This self-deprecating humor makes him instantly relatable. The video even uses a retro DVD player aesthetic, complete with a bouncing Angkas logo – a playful nod to the app's improvements.

Watch the full ad here: https://fb.watch/qKt3lDbW3X/

But it's not all about laughs. Royeca acknowledges user feedback and openly discusses the app's earlier limitations. This transparency builds trust with Angkas customers. His passion for the app's potential to improve commutes and livelihoods is also evident, making him appear invested in the Angkas community.

The video's core message is clear: the new app offers a significantly enhanced experience. Customers can expect faster booking, a smoother user interface, improved location tracking, and even cashless payment options.

By combining humor, honesty, and genuine enthusiasm, Angkas crafted a video that's both entertaining and informative. They successfully promoted the app's benefits while leaving viewers with a positive impression of their CEO, George Royeca. It's a win-win for Angkas and their customers. Ready to experience the upgrade for yourself? Download the new Angkas app today! You can find it on the Apple App Store for iPhone users and Google Play Store for Android users. Look for the one with the glitter on the logo!

Read More

Schneider Electric says 2 out of 3 travelers prefer green hotels, emphasizes need for digital transformation in the PH hospitality industry

 Madhu Menon

Schneider Electric, the leader in energy management and digital automation, emphasized during the recent Hotel + Accommodation Industry Summit Philippines 2024 that sustainability plays a crucial role in the hotel and accommodation industry, as 2 out of 3 travelers now prefer establishments that engage in green practices.


This growing preference for sustainable establishments coincides with the expected return of international travel to pre-pandemic levels this 2024, which is estimated to grow by 2% above 2019 figures, according to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the Year

Schneider Electric’s Segment Head of East Asia and Japan Madhu Menon explained that digital transformation could enable the industry to continue offering comfort and convenience to travelers while reducing its energy consumption. 

"Travelers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint," Menon said as he emphasized that "this shift in priorities underscores the need for hotels to embrace innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability and efficiency into their operations." He added that hotels consume 50% more energy than similar-sized residential buildings despite having only 55% occupancy rates on average. 

This integration can be accomplished with end-to-end digital solutions that Schneider Electric offers through EcoStruxure™ IT, the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform that provides energy management and automation solutions.

Specifically, this technology features the Asset Advisor and Building Advisor, offering cloud-based analytics to monitor and control their energy use in real time, identify savings opportunities, and reduce their overall carbon footprint. Meanwhile, its Building Operation and Power Monitoring Expert provides data-driven insights to inform hotels about possible problems and diagnostics and determine areas for maintenance– decreasing downtime and guest complaints. 

To future-proof hotels in the Philippines, Schneider Electric identified four focus areas where end-to-end solutions could be utilized: reducing carbon footprint by adopting greener sources of energy, improving the efficiency of operations and energy use, as well as the productivity of staff, ensuring continuity and agility in operations, and delivering exceptional guest and staff experiences. 

As the Philippine hospitality industry gears up for a travel boom, embracing sustainability and digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity. Schneider Electric stands ready to partner with hotels on their journey toward a greener, more efficient, and future-proof business.
Read More