TRANSGEN: Awakening to the Digital Age of HR

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As years push through, the incontestable changes in the field of human resources management paves way into a variety of new opportunities and issues to venture.

One among these changes are the modifications in the human resources domain as new challenges and ideas from the digital era are presented in the corporate world.

Students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human Resource Development Management – Fourth Year section 1D are now gearing up to show a glimpse of the future of HR as the digital age incorporates in the business industry.

With the theme, TRANSGEN: Awakening to the Digital Age of HR, the seminar aims to empower human capital on what is their role in the business industry and the changes and impact of the digital age to the human resources of today. The transitive generation shall need to cope up with the changes in the field and understand what will be the future of human resources.

Future HR practitioners must be fully equipped for the current and impending changes in the scenery to withstand the field of human resources. TRANSGEN’s ultimate objective is to set information from the renowned speakers to the future practitioners for them to fully understand the fluctuations in the turf of human resources today. With the knowledge given, HR students will surely gain appreciation and thus be able to fathom the human resources world.

The seminar proper will be held on February 21, 2018 at the Claro M. Recto Hall, 6th Floor South Wing, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa, Manila.

CHED Chairperson Licuanan on Rep. Jericho Nograles’ Accusations on Her Foreign Travels

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Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan responds to accusations made by Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles that she did not obtain Malacañang approval for official travels she made in 2017.

The CHED Chairperson maintains, “I get a travel authority from the Office of the President for all my travel including personal trips. This is well documented. I issue travel authorities for all CHED officials but not for myself.”

“It appears that what Rep. Nograles shared on his Facebook account as basis for his accusations is the internal Authority to Travel Abroad, which is routinely used to process the funds and is an attachment for securing Malacañang approval,” the Chairperson added.

CHED International Affairs Staff Director Atty. Lily Frieda Milla clarifies that, “all official travels of the Chairperson are covered by appropriate travel authorities from the Executive Secretary and signed by Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra.” Milla further explains, “the Chairperson is allowed to travel business class for long-haul flights as warranted under OP Memorandum Circular No. 7, s.2010 and because of her vertigo.”

For the benefit of the general public, attached to this statement are copies of the eight official Malacañang travel authority documents that Rep. Nograles accused the CHED Chairperson of not having.

Cusi Pushes Smart Energy Use As a Way of Life

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Buy fuel efficient vehicles, choose household appliances with excellent energy efficiency ratings and unplug the latter when not in use for long periods of time.

These were some of the smart energy utilizations tips which Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday (January 5) pushed to become a way of life for Filipinos starting this new year.

“I’d like to emphasize the concept of smart energy utilization so consumers can save on energy costs based on strategies already laid down by the government,” said Cusi.

Among the strategies being referred to by the secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) is the use by consumers of the Minimum Energy Performance Standard in the purchase and the proper use of energy efficient appliances.

Sec. Cusi said that the Yellow/Energy Labels on common household appliances state the energy efficiency ratings of the latter and should be used by consumers as a guide in purchasing said items.

Consumers should also turn off and unplug unused appliances to avoid electricity wastages, said the DOE chief, who added that regularly cleaning light bulbs, refrigerator, television, electric fan and air-conditioners can save power.

In view of the effects on oil and vehicle prices of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), Cusi urged consumers to be more rational in their choice of vehicles to buy, as well as in their fuel purchases.

Planning trips and properly maintaining vehicles will also save consumers money while prolonging the service life of their rides, added Cusi.

The DOE also offered the following tips:

• Gas up wisely by using quality and clean fuels and by not filling fuel tank up to the brim and tighten gas cap to avoid spillage;

• Avoid overloading; accelerate with care and anticipate stops;

• Avoid idling of vehicles; shift gears sensibly and pick a lane and stay on it;

• Use windows and air-conditioning wisely; keep the music volume down or turn off other unused and fancy car accessories;

• Check tires regularly; change oil and oil filters; and ensure regular and proper maintenance of the vehicles.

For those planning to buy new vehicles, the DOE said consumers should go for fuel economy.

According to the DOE’s data, a liter of diesel saved reduces emission of about 2.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2), while a liter of gasoline saved would be equivalent to 2.3 kilograms of CO2 release avoided.

“It’s the benefit for the consumers that is my primary concern,” concluded Cusi.

Telcos Have 6 Months to Comply with One-Year Prepaid Load Validity

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In order to avoid any public inconvenience, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has given telecommunication companies six (6) months to adjust their systems to the one-year validity of regular prepaid load.

This is in clarification of the Department’s previous pronouncement that starting January 5, the expiry date of regular prepaid load is valid for one year from the date of top-up.

The 6-month period, starting January 5, 2018, was allowed to prevent telcos’ systems from crashing if changes are made abruptly, which may cause serious damage to the industry and disturb the consuming public.

“We apologize for giving the public false expectations, but if we have to err, it would be on the side of being 100% certain that nothing untoward will happen,” said DICT OIC Eliseo M. Rio Jr. in a statement.

Rio, though, emphasized that the adjustment period poses the challenge for telcos to fulfill the new validity period as soon as possible.

“However, the 6-month period is only a time limit where the telcos can be penalized if they have not complied by then,” Rio added.

“We expect the two telcos to really compete by racing to comply, because the winner can attract the subscribers of the other telco. With this, we expect their compliance earlier than the deadline. This will show that there is real competition on their part.”
NTC was instructed to closely monitor and address all complaints of prepaid loads being eaten up before the present expiration periods lapsed during the adjustment period.

Prepaid credits purchased for promos and other services with specific period of use are excluded from the coverage of the one-year validity.

Pinoy Boxer Michael Dasmarinas Gears Up for His IBO World Title Fight

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Photo Caption: Filipino fighter Michael Dasmarinas in top form, and ready for his IBO world title fight for Ringstar’s ‘Roar of Singapore IV - The Night of Champions’


Filipino boxer Michael “Hot & Spicy” Dasmarinas, gears up for the biggest fight of his life, as he goes for an IBO world championship title on April 20, 2018, at Ringstar Boxing’s ‘Roar of Singapore IV - The Night of Champions’, to be held at the 10,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Dasmarinas currently ranked 12th best boxer in the world by WBC, will go up against French boxer Karim Guerfi, who is currently ranked 4th by WBC. The fight is also touted by the Singapore promoter as the main event of the evening and will draw much international attention to the Camarines Sur-native.

Dasmarinas had an impressive win and KO’d his Thai opponent Phupha Por Nobnom, during the 2nd round of his match, at Ringstar’s ‘Roar of Singapore
III - The Chosen Wan’, last October 20, 2017, at the Suntec Convention Center, a win which gave way for this world title match.

Michael Dasmarinas says, “Nakakagalak po at nabigyan tayo ng Ringstar ng ganitong pagkakataong mapakita ang ating galing bilang Pilipino. Ngayon po ay puspusan ang aking paghahanda. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating ensayo dahil nais ko po makamit ang IBO world title na ito. Samahan niyo po ako magdasal na makuha natin ang panalong ito. Ang panalo ko po ay pagkapanalo rin ng Pilipinas.” (I am happy that I am being given this opportunity by Ringstar to show my talent as a Filipino boxer. I am now training continuously, so that I can win this IBO world title bout. Please join me in praying, so that we can win. My win, will also be a win for the Philippines.)

Ringstar Boxing Founder & CEO Scott Farrel on the other hand says, “This is potentially one of the fight of the year nominees for 2018. Michael Dasmarinas WBC ranked 12 vs. Karim Guerif WBC ranked 4, will be a real war which both the Philippine and French boxing fans would love to see. Ringstar is all about a neutral fight platform, giving a genuine unbiased opportunity for both these great fighters to lift the IBO world title.”

Farrel continues, “If Dasmarinas is successful in this fight, he will be catapulted into the top 10, and in line to face the current great champions of the bantamweight division. He has the chance now to move forward and aim for greatness, like what his country’s very own hero Manny Pacquiao has achieved. I wish both fighters the best of luck, and I look forward to promoting this fight. This fight is a must-watch for all boxing fans, we have a Filipino boxer vs. a French boxer headlining a Singapore event, going head-to-head for the biggest fight night of their lives, with the IBO world title at stake.”

For 2018, Ringstar is set to bring its live events across Asia - China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines included. While for 2019, Ringstar plans to do a minimum of ten shows per year and have a combined viewing audience of over 1 billion viewers, making it Asia’s top fight media property.

New Binibining Pilipinas Candidates Known Soon

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As the Philippines continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse in international pageants, Binibining Pilipinas, the most prestigious beauty tilt in the country, is now searching for a new batch of queens who will carry on the Philippines’ incredible streak.

Interested applicants have until Monday, January 8, to submit their forms. They will then go through a rigorous screening process led by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chairwoman Madam Stella Marquez Araneta, which will culminate on January 15.

The prestigious international titles up for grabs at this year’s competition are Miss Universe Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas International, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International, Binibining Pilipinas Supranational, Binibining Pilipinas Globe and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental.

Binibining Pilipinas has recently produced queens who have made the Philippines proud. In 2015, Pia Wurtzbach ended the country’s 43-year drought when she won the Miss Universe title. A year later, Kylie Verzosa bagged the country’s sixth Miss International crown.

Last year’s winners were not to be outdone either. Nelda Ibe finished first runner up at the Miss Globe competition held in Albania, while Elizabeth Clenci emerged second runner up at the Miss Grand International contest held in Vietnam. Rachel Peters landed in the Top 10 of the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, while Chanel Olive Thomas also scored a Top 10 finish and the Miss Friendship award at the Miss Supranational contest in Poland. Binibining Pilipinas International Mariel De Leon, on the other hand, has a budding showbiz career, starring opposite Coco Martin in her film debut “Ang Panday.” Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental Katarina Rodriguez is slated to compete in Egypt on January 25.

For more information on Binibining Pilipinas, visit www.bbpilipinas.com or visit the pageant’s official Facebook page.

CAPTION: Nelda Ibe, Miss Globe 2017 first runner up, and Elizabeth Clenci, Miss Grand International second runner up, are congratulated by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. Chairwoman Madam Stella Marquez Araneta.

Superstar Comedian Russel Peters Returns to Asia with the Deported World Tour

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AEG Presents and Ovation Productions are thrilled to announce that global comedy phenom RUSSELL PETERS will bring his DEPORTED WORLD TOUR to MANILA on 10 MARCH 2018 at the Philippine International Convention Center’s Plenary Hall.

Tickets for the March 10 show priced at P8190, 7135, 6080, 3970, 2910 will go on sale 10 am of January 8 via www.smtickets.com.

The show features ALL NEW MATERIAL, plus Peters’ signature interactions with the audience. Peters says, “I love getting to know my audience. It’s a collaboration between us.”

Peters last toured Asia in 2015 & 2016 to sold out houses. “I’ve been building the new act in clubs across the States over the past year and I’m very happy with it.”

Peters returns to live touring after taking time off stage since the filming of his last special, Almost Famous for Netflix in April 2016 in Toronto. In between, he’s produced and starred in his own comedy-drama limited series for Netflix, The Indian Detective. The Indian Detective also stars Anupam Kher (The Big Sick, Silver Linings Playbook), William Shatner (Star Trek), Christina Cole (Suits, Casino Royale), Mishqah Parthiephal (Keeping Up with the Kandasamys). The Indian Detective will air December 19th on Netflix globally.

Peters has also appeared in the still unreleased films, The Clapper with Ed Helms, Amanda Seyfried and Tracy Morgan as well as Supercon with Ryan Kwanten and John Malkovich, and Public Schooled with Judy Greer.

THE DEPORTED WORLD TOUR will also feature one of David Letterman’s favourite comics, the legendary raconteur of weird stories, comedian Jake Johannsen.

THE DEPORTED WORLD TOUR will take Peters around the world with shows well into 2019. The Asia dates follow a run through Australia and New Zealand. His last tour travelled to over 26 countries with over 200 performances and more than 300,000 fans in attendance.


RUSSELL PETERS DEPORTED WORLD TOUR MANILA

Date: 10 MARCH 2018
Venue: PICC PLENARY HALL
Tickets: PRICES P8190, 7135, 6080, 3970, 2910


Tickets available at SM Tickets outlets
Ticket Purchase Hotline: +632 470 2222
Internet Booking: www.smtickets.com

Nine Mistakes That Online Shoppers Are Guilty Of

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Buy what you want with just a click. Online shopping has become a great convenience. You can search and shop for almost anything from anywhere around the world from the confines of your room. As convenient as shopping online is, it does not mean you should click “buy” before adequately educating yourself. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure a safe and satisfying online shopping experience:


1. Not Shopping Around

Once you see an item that you like, would you buy it straight away? Why not search further for a better price and save. In the current competitive market, online retailers tend to offer products at more attractive prices. By spending a fair amount of time looking through various online stores, you can, not only compare prices, but also gather more information like delivery time and shipping costs to help you make a more informed purchase decision.


2. Forgetting to Search for and Shop with a Coupon

Coupon codes are a great way to save money. Why pay full price when you can save a percent off your product? The majority of online stores offer these money-saving codes, which can be found with just a quick search. Some websites like iPrice, readily provide their coupons by highlighting it on their homepage so that consumers can easily find and use them.


3. Skipping Reviews

There is no greater fury than a customer scorned, either by a bad product or bad service experience. Many tend to make their displeasure known online. However, it is also the forum for those satisfied with their purchase to give praise to their favourite product. Bloggers and vloggers are readily available to provide useful information like how-to-use the product and their opinions after using the product. Always read reviews on the item that you intend to purchase. This can give you better insights on the product quality, what the product is used for and user experience.

As there are many opinions out there, one way to avoid being overwhelmed by it all, is to look out for the three-star reviews. These tend to offer more pros and cons, whereas five-star reviews could be inflated and those with one-star could just be from customers who are never happy.


4. Purchasing from Unknown or Insecure Sites

An important part of online shopping is to be able to trust the website. You can get clues about the security by entering the company’s website url in the browser. A good indication is if url begins with https rather than http, the added 's' shows that it is a secure site. Another clue to look for is 'padlock icon' before the website’s address indicating that the site uses encryption to ensure security. One more clue, you can get if website is secured with SSL certificate such as (Extended Validation) EV SSL of Comodo and that clue is you can also see business/company name in the browser. A good rule of thumb is not to purchase anything from suspicious looking or unknown websites – let alone linger on one. Such websites pose high potential in not only messing up your order but worse of all, compromising your credit card or debit card information.


5. Not Using Your Credit Card

Shopping online with a debit card will help limit your spending as you can only shop with the amount you have in your bank account. However, using a debit card runs a higher risk of identity theft and hackers being able to access your personal bank account and money. Should hackers gain access to your bank account, getting your money back will be difficult and in some cases, you may be forced to close your account.

Using credit cards to shop online is generally more secure than debit cards. With the rise in identity theft and fraud, credit cards offer better consumer protection against unauthorised transactions. Some avid online shoppers even use a separate credit card for all their online shopping. With this, any would-be hacker would have access to that one credit card and a call to the credit card provider would help remedy the situation.

A good habit to practice is to review your credit card statements regularly and keep a track of all your transactions. Should you spot anything that should not be on your bill, do contact the credit card provider immediately.


6. Making Online Purchases on Public Wi-Fi Connections
While shopping over public wi-fi at a café or other public areas may be a good way to pass the time, it is not recommended due to security reasons. Such public wi-fi access areas are often not properly secured and can be easily compromised by hackers. Your personal information and credit card details are at risk. So, it is best to do your online shopping when at home or on a secure private network.


7. Not Reading the Return Policy

Found the item that you were looking for, bought it with just one click and discovered that it was not the correct size. Only then to find out that it is stated in the terms and conditions that the item cannot be returned nor exchangeable once sold. A common mistake but a frustrating one.

When shopping for clothes and shoes, always be aware that different retailers, brand and model has the potential to be different. Checking size charts can give you a better idea of how different garments fit. Keep a reminder of your current measurements and typical sizes by your favourite retailer near your computer for quick reference while shopping online.

As good practice, do go through the return policy of each online retailer before you make your purchase.


8. Getting Caught in the Free Trial Trap

As retailers are always eager to keep you updated and informed of the latest promotion or trends, any online shopper regularly receives promotions and free trial offers. This makes signing up for membership or newsletters easy. If you do so, just ensure that the membership perks or the offers are genuine and they are benefits that you will actually use.

Be especially wary of free trials that require your credit card details. Some retailers may sign you up for a long-term subscription without your consent.


9. Falling for “Attractive” Deals and “Exciting” E-mail Links

A majority of consumers at some point of their shopping experience can admit to have fallen for the “attractive and exciting discounts” which one can enjoy by just signing up the retailers’ online form. However, this is followed by a daily influx of emails proclaiming a never-ending slew of offers and discounts. Such emails can tempt you to spend more, turning one purchase into several more.

If you really want to have updates on the latest sales and promotions, one suggestion is to use a separate email account so that you can check your inbox periodically and not have them be a distraction many times in a day.

Online shopping can mean a world of discounts, infinite number of products (and brands) and an easy purchase experience. But if it compromises your personal information, identity and budget, keep in mind these pitfalls mentioned to avoid long term repercussions. By all means, do search, compare prices and save with great deals in order to enjoy a good and safe shopping experience.


Contributor:

Azhann Rosmin

With a deep love of story-telling and literature, Azhann enjoys writing as much as a kid enjoys ice-cream. With a full and fluent grasp of the English language, he writes almost as good as he spins stories of gasps and awe.

San Carlos Town Center: The Latest Toast of San Carlos City in Pangasinan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The simple and peaceful town of San Carlos in Pangasinan recently welcomed the grand opening of the San Carlos Town Center and we were there to share in the fun.

A colorful and lively cultural dance entertained the eager and excited towns folk before the actual ribbon cutting led by City Mayor Joseres "Bogs" Resuello and the owner's family led by Mike Guico and their associates and other partners.

The mall was a plan of Mayor Resuello to San Carlenians.

Like any other mall, the Town Center was comprised of food chains, department store, supermarket, play area and hopefully a movie theater. I was informed that the nearest mall theater was located in Dagupan. Quite a distance away.



Once the mall was opened, the huge crowd of overly excited throng of towns folk finally got to enter their latest town center and I was personally happy for them since it is already simple luxury for the people in the proivinces to have their own malls or town centers.

Not all branded stores were open yet since the mall is still in progress. Expect more stores to open in the next few months this 2018.

San Carlos Town Center is located at Rizal Avenue corner Zamora Street.



Mayor Resuello said the city government stands to earn millions in additional revenues once the establishments start operating.

He added he was assured by the mall owners that they will closely observe city ordinances that seek to protect the environment.

Among the VIP guests who graced the grand openiong aside from the city counsellors and mall partners were the pretty winners of Miss San Carlos beauty pageant.





There were also jugglers and clowns who entertained the kids and families. A special mall show likewise featured celebrity clothing endorsers Miguel Tan Felix and Bianca Umali and a mini concert by Silent Sanctuary.



According to Mr. Guico, its very young owner, they opened the town center in time for the holidays and Christmas/New Year festivities where a lot of people were expected to shop and bond with families, friends and relatives.

So the next time you're in San Carlos, in Pangasinan, check out San Carlos Town Center and enjoy a piece of mall adventure in the countryside.



Written by Mars Callo

DOE Directive to Oil Companies

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Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi released the Guidelines, thru the Oil Industry Management Bureau headed by Undersecretary Donato M. Marcos, to all oil companies to effectively monitor and implement the new Tax Reform Inclusion and Acceleration (TRAIN).


Pertinent provisions of the Guidelines are as follows:

1) Submission of a duly notarized inventory report as of 31 December 2017. The inventory shall be on per depot and per product basis;

2) Implementation of the excise tax under TRAIN shall not be applied unless the 31 December 2017 stocks of finished products are fully exhausted. (The minimum 15-day inventory requirement shall be enforced in accordance with Department Circular ‎2011-03-0002);

3) Submission of the daily summary of withdrawal starting 01 January 2018 until the depletion of the declared inventory as of 31 December 2017, supported by the Official Registry Book (ORB);

4) Retailers are required to post in a conspicuous area, for transparency, notice of the new excise tax implementation under the TRAIN in a signage measuring 1 meter by 1 meter in size; and

5. Submission of the petroleum products inventory report as of December 31, 2017 is on 5 January 2018.

“We remind the consumers and the oil industry participants that violators face the sanctions under the law,” Cusi said.

The DOE calls on the public to be vigilant and to report any violation to info@doe.gov.ph or to the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at Tel. No. ‎‎479-2900 loc. 329.