AXN Announces World Premiere Date for The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 on October 13 at 9pm

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get ready for a race like no other as AXN prepares to unleash The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 in its world premiere on October 13 at 9pm.

Adrenaline-fueled action mixed with nail biting drama and comedic overtones sets this 10-episode season apart from the pack as 11 teams from six different countries vie for the winning crown and USD100,000 in cash.

Hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the teams are an eclectic bunch of brains, brawn and beauty united by their determination to win, while having a bit of fun along the way.

Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “This season is the most dramatic, crazy and surprising yet. It’s a wild, culturally mesmerizing ride against some truly spectacular destinations. One second a team is in the lead, only for another to come out of nowhere to take top spot. It’s anyone’s race!”

During each episode every Thursday at 9pm, AXN viewers can take their place in the middle of the action and interact with celebrity show host Allan Wu and their favorite teams live via social platforms using #AXNTARA and @AXNTARA

“I’m excited to chat with viewers and share the race experience throughout the series. We have created a lot of exclusive race footage that is only available online. It will add a whole new dimension to watching the race as viewers will witness what’s happeningbehind-the-scenes like never before,” said Allan.

The Amazing Race Asia premieres on Thursday, October 13 at 9:00pm, first and exclusively on AXN.

TheAmazingRaceAsiaSeason5issupportedbypresentingsponsorWonderfulIndonesia,andpartnersGarudaIndonesia,GrabandGreatEastern.

Check out www.AXN-Asia.com/TARA for all the latest news on The Amazing Race Asia.

AXN isseen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, GSat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49.

2nd One Stop Shop Center for OFWs Opens at Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arturo Tugade on Friday (September 16, 2016) led the opening of the 2nd One Stop Shop Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that will fast track government processes especially for overseas workers.

“This is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s program to provide convenience to our OFWs mostly working in the Middle East and other parts of world, they can now go to Clark to transact their requirements for their convenience,” Bello said.

According to Bello, “this is the 2nd one stop shop center for OFWs established inside Clark Freeport Zone and it is near the Clark International Airport.”

He said that “the requirement is to put up a one stop shop at Clark and at the same provide all the facilities which will include not only the Foreign Affairs, actually the NBI and DOJ as well as the medical facilities to our Kababayans.”

Bello said that they will put up the same centers in other parts of the country such as in San Fernando La Union, Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro and Davao City, adding that the facilities will be completed within the year.

Bello said that Clark Airport is being geared as the next alternative airport to ease decongestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila.

“There is now a move to transfer several flights at Clark Airport, and the establishment of the one stop shop in Clark is timely,” he added.

For his part, Tugade also said that the establishment of the One Stop Shop center in Clark is part of the requirements of International carriers especially those from the Middle East wherein OFWs will benefit from this facility in Clark Freeport.

Tugade also said that the facility in Clark will benefit OFws mostly residing in Central and Northern Luzon who flies at Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga.

Tugade said that the one stop shop center is now open and operational for the convenience of the OFWs.

The opening of the facility were also attended by Former President and 2nd District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Catanduanes Congressman Cesar Sarmiento, Former Nueva Ecija Rep. Renato Diaz, CIAC President Alxander Cauguiran and CDC President Noel Manankil.

The DOTr and DOLE took the lead for the establishment of the said Center at Clark. The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) also provided support for the establishment of the facility.

The new facility is home to sixteen agencies in a single building located at Clark Polytechnic, just a few kilometers from the Clark International Airport (CRK).

Among the agencies are, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philhealth, Pag-Ibig Fund, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare (OWWA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Social Security System(SSS), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) and Bayad Center.

The one-stop-shop center will provide services such as the processing of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), NBI clearances , the processing of Pag-Ibig OFW members contributions, Philhealth payment premium contributions and members registration, SSS registration and membership data amendment including acceptance of loans and benefits claim applications, PSA’s processing and issuance of birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, and CENOMAR.

MARINA’s issuance and revalidation of seamans’ book, issuance of PRC’s professional licenses and TESDA’s issuance of training certifications and applications for scholarship programs will also be facilitated in the Center.

The facility is also equipped with a WiFi internet connection for the convenience of the agencies and the OFWs.

The Largest IT Event in the Country Returns for its 14th Year, Joined by Lamudi PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Committed as an enabling event for today’s youth, the Youth Congress on Information Technology (Y4iT) returns for its 14th year on September 27, 28, and 29 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Complex, Pasay City.

The three-day congress, which has been at the forefront of information technology-gathering events in the country, is once again expected to gather more than 20,000 delegates nationide, from IT college students and professionals to enthusiasts.

“Y4IT provides a venue for IT students from all over the country, not just to learn from local and international IT thought leaders, but more importantly from each other. It is also not just about learning but also about having fun with newfound friends and getting connected,” said Commissioner Monchito Ibrahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology–Information and Communications Technology Office.

The long-running event aspires be a constant source of inspiration to many as it helps bridge industry authorities and the youth. “Each year, we are overwhelmed by the number of people coming together who all want to learn. Each year, they motivate us to continue our goal to inform, involve, and encourage the youth to be active in creating and developing solutions (through technology) to urban challenges,” saidY4iT Marketing Head Cha Ramos.

Retail, the Digital Way with SMART Store Manager

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Retail continues to be one of the Philippines’ most dynamic industries, a leading economic growth driver buoyed by the robust consumer spending and a market that has become increasingly sophisticated. With local and global brands all vying for the attention of Filipino shoppers, success in the retail space may not only be determined by providing quality products and value for money, but also great customer sales experience.

The SMART Store Manager solution is one such offering from PLDT Enterprise that helps retailers enhance customer service delivery. It aims to improve the shopping process by enabling customers to check out their purchases assisted by store personnel deftly managing transactions through the mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) solution. SMART Store Manager also acts as a tablet-based menu, providing images that highlight the product or service customers are paying for, allowing them to fully appreciate the shopping choices they are about to make.

“SMART Store Manager is one of the many solutions of PLDT Enterprise that aims to support Philippine enterprises in growing their business,” said Gio Abaquin, Head for Digital Mobility, Disruptive Business Group (DBG), the emerging technologies business unit of PLDT Enterprise. “Such innovative solutions let enterprises build their competitiveness, distinguish themselves from other industry players, and deliver superb shopping experiences to their customers.”

Aside from enhanced customer experience, the SMART Store Manager also offers a range of benefits for enterprises operations-wise. Not only does it eliminate the need to invest in electronic registers or expensive software, it also frees up valuable store space -- usually taken up by cash registers -- to be used for other purposes such as merchandise display. Furthermore, the SMART Store Manager bundles the Mobile Application, Tablet, and SIM-based connectivity in one affordable package, so retailers can readily deploy their mobile POS in their stores.

“With an engaging, user-friendly interface and reliable connectivity to ensure that customers enjoy seamless shopping, SMART Store Manager truly creates an enhanced and differentiated digital retail experience for today’s Filipino consumer.” added Chet Alviz​, Head of SMACS (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud & Security).

Jacob Cordover All Set for a Free Classical Guitar Concert on Oct. 6

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The Guitar Friends and St. Scholastica's College present classical guitar artist JACOB CORDOVER with the special participation of THE KABATAANG GITARISTA and EDEL MARK BITAO in a free concert set on Oct. 6, 2016 - Thursday 7:00 pm, St.Cecilia's Hall, St. Scholastica's College Manila.

Jacob Cordover will also be conducting a guitar masterclass on Oct. 3 Monday, 3 pm at the Mini Hall, UP College of Music and on Oct. 7, Friday, 1 PM, at the Rehearsal Hall, St. Cecilia Bldg., St. Scholastica's College Manila.

Currently residing in Barcelona, Spain and enjoying a truly international career as both a concert and recording artist, Jacob Cordover “impresses with his intuitive musicianship and impeccable technique” (Leicester Mercury, UK). His “consummate artistry” (Adelaide Advertiser, Australia) has enticed audiences in over a dozen countries across four continents.

Mr. Cordover has appeared as soloist with the Las Colinas Symphony, the Arlington Symphony, the Garland Symphony, the Orquestra Simfònica de Balears “Ciutat de Palma” and the Orchestra dell’Accademia “l’Ottocento”, and his performances have “demonstrated how much poetry and feeling can be obtained from the guitar in the hands of master musicians such as Jacob Cordover.” (The Mercury, Australia). 

The Advantages of e-Procurement vs. Traditional

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Procurement is one of the most important business processes for many organizations, whether large enterprises or small and medium size companies. Many decisions taken by departments have a procurement implication that can impact on the overall cost of carrying out the decision. Here cost includes the total cost of the good or service and not simply the price that is paid.

In the private sector, procurement is viewed as a strategic function working to improve the organization’s profitability. Procurement is seen as helping to streamline processes, reduce raw material prices and costs, and identifying better sources of supply.

However, the process often pose many challenges such as understatement of purchase details, inappropriate selection methods, inadequate supplier information, selecting unsuitable supplier and risk in negotiations, just to name a few. However, with the advent of technology, automation of the procurement process can now be done which can help achieve the best results for your procurement projects.

Below are just some of the values and additional advantages brought by technology in the procurement process that the traditional processes cannot provide.

Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant Is Now Ready to Serve Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There a new foodie place at the 3rd Floor, Bridgeway, Building B of SM Megamall. This new restaurant is said to be the first of its kind in the Philippines for being the very first Japanese Teishoku Restaurant in the country.

Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant is now ready to serve Filipinos on September 16, 2016 with their bestselling Japanese set meals that will surely spark the interest of foodies all over the country. On opening day, they are generously giving away FREE TEISHOKU (set meal) for the first 100 guests on September 16 at 10AM!

The two individuals namely Yvonne Yao and Jacqueline Gobing, responsible for bringing the concept restaurant in Manila, have plans to establish 15 branches within 5 years. In fact, they are about to open their second branch at SM Mall of Asia within just a few weeks from this day. With the 15 branches in mind, that's around 3 branches per year that they are hopeful to build soon.

Why not, with the sumptuous taste of their bestsellers and coupled with great marketing and promotional campaigns, there is no doubt that they will succeed with their plans.

But I believe that word of mouth will bring them success already especially when people get to read the feedback from the first customers, like me, who were satisfied with our dining experience with them.

Alden Richards Adds Excitement to the Cadbury Dairy Milk Joy Wagon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Cadbury Dairy Milk continues to #FreetheJoy with the Joy Fest and becomes doubly exciting with the special appearance of Alden Richards during the Joy Wagon event held at the Venice Grand Canal Mall on September 8, 2016.

Though the tandem of AlDub are both brand ambassadors of Cadbury, the magic alone of Alden was already enough to excite the event attendees. Imagine what would happen if Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub was also there. It could mean a lot of fans shrieking out loud in support of their idols.

Alden's majestic entrance was through the H2O Salamander dressed up as the Cadbury Joy Wagon - one that has wheels for the roads and could float on water like rivers or canals like that one at the Venice Grand Canal Mall, and especially during floods since our country is prone to be submerged under water due to heavy rains and flooded drainage. The H2O Salamander also has an advocacy component from which a community will benefit.

James Deakin, famous in the motoring world, was also there representing H2O Salamander as their brand ambassador and spokesperson during the event. He shared the significance of supporting the vehicle so that there would be communities that could be saved in times of calamities involving flooding.

DICT Hosts ITU-ASEAN Workshop on Child Online Protection

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The ​​​​​​​International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) organized a workshop on Child Online Protection in association with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) which was held on September 13 and 14, 2016 at a hotel in Quezon City.

The workshop gathered ASEAN Member States (AMS) and invited representatives from organizations such as Stairway Foundation Inc., the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), ECPAT Philippines, ICT Watch Indonesia, The Asia Foundation Philippines, Privacy Commission Philippines, and Child Protection Network Foundation, Inc. in order to strengthen its initiative towards making a safer Cyber-Environment for the generations to come.

In his keynote address, Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima of the DICT notes that the event is a is a testament to the organization’s commitment to the ITU-ASEAN Initiative on Developing a Strategy Framework for Child Online Protection, being the first international event of the newly-established agency. He called on the sentiments of the delegates in creating better Child Online Protection policies by saying: “our light shines the brightest when we dedicate and devote our lives and our time for our people and their children.”

Ms. Aurora Rubio from the ITU called on the different AMS to come together in promoting the increasingly vital need to keep everyone, especially the young people, safe online despite the reality that in the online world, global, and even regional and national collaboration is not so easily implemented due to the different definitions and developments in the implementation of child online protection in different countries. She was hopeful that by the end of the workshop, participants would be able to contribute and support ASEAN countries to develop and implement effective national, and ASEAN child online protection general framework and plans.

During the workshop, different Child Online Protection Initiatives in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam was shared, along with expert counsel from the invited organizations. With the help of the Stairway Foundation Inc. and the Department of Education, the participants were also treated to a consultation with the youth, their parents, and teachers from participating schools in the area. Through this, the participants were able to gain the valuable perspective of the youth, who, as Ysrael Diloy from Stairway Foundation Inc. says, are the “experts in the field of [COP].”

Atty. Maria Roda Cisnero moderated the module on the presentation of the recommendations for the Draft ASEAN Framework on Child Online Protection from the breakout groups, which included the youth. The workshop concluded with Ms. Aurora Rubio’s moderation of the multi-stakeholders’ panel discussions which gave further insight in moving COP discussions toward better policies.

Some of the Best Climbing Destinations in India

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Bangalore is by far considered as one of the most wonderful place in India with the different climate conditions through the year. It was enclosed accordingly and this place is just one of the best in India for the landscapes and rock climbing. Those who wish to discover their strengths and how far they could go, Bangalore is just the place to go to. This place is well known for rock climbers and those who wish to try rock climbing.

The Himalayans just loved to climb, especially during the month of April until June. It is Terra Firma that has the best rock climbing facilities in the place. In the southern part of India, rock climbing is just ideal any time of the year and people go to Mumbra or Dudha in November until April, which are the best months there. However, in Delhi, winter months are the best for rocking climbing, so if you what to experience rock climbing during the winter months, Delhi is just the best place for you. Find the best deals for your trip to India visit here. 

Himachal Pradesh, Valleys of Parvati, Sar Pass and Miyar Valley

For the travelers who are fond of rock climbing, there are certain places in India that are best for you. The Himachal Pradesh, Valleys of Parvati, Sar Pass and Miyar Valley are best for those who wish to see some snowcapped blooms along with robust outcrops, the valley is also famous and known among the best spots for rock climbing in India. The valley of flowers likes in the northwestern part of Spiti, which is a part of the Himachal Pradesh. The Miyark Valley is located on the fringes of Sanskar as well as Ladakh. This place has the best conditions for rock climbers with its rich woodlands and streams. 

Jammu & Kashmir (Shey rock) 

On the north part of the Shey town comes a 20 minute travel going on the mountain scenes in Shey Rock, which is a paradise for those who lives in Jammu & Kashmir. This place is represented by the beautiful and exotic rock formations; this place is just the best for newbies and for veteran rock climbers. Accordingly, the mountain climbing activity here stands out from the rest of the place. The boldness of the crests of the Himalayas along with the high mountain ranges of Jammu & Kashmir made this place, a place overloaded with guests from various parts of the globe. Summer is the best time to visit this place and it is also the ideal time of the year for climbers enjoy the fun filled activity of rock climbing. The promo code for Musafir can be used for your next travel. You can also use it when you have decided to visit India and explore the fun filled activities along with exotic places in this country.

Honda Excites Customers with the All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Concept Display at the 6th PIMS

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Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit, kicks of the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) event by showcasing the All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Concept. The All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Concept sports a distinct sporty character with its two-tone color.

The All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Concept flaunts an even more aggressive appeal for the daring 10th generation All-New Civic with the integration of Black Front Under Spoiler, Side Under Spoiler, Rear Under Spoiler, and a 17-inch matte black Modulo Alloy Wheels that all seamlessly complement its elegant white paint.

HCPI exhibits this even sportier All-New Civic concept to embody their appreciation to loyal Honda customers and enthusiasts. With the customers’ continued support for Honda and the Civic, the Civic has marked its name in the Philippine automotive industry.

HCPI looks back on the Civic’s heritage at the PIMS event by also showcasing the All-New Civic RS Turbo Modulo Sport at the Honda booth’s foyer. The All-New Civic RS Turbo carries an athletic styling with its Front Under Spoiler, Side Under Spoiler, Rear Under Spoiler, Exhaust Pipe Finisher, Modulo Emblem, and exclusive 17-inch matte black Modulo Alloy Wheels. Inside, it is equipped with a Side Step Garnish.

Known for its highly powerful yet fuel efficient driving performance, both All-New Civic on display at the PIMS event are powered by a DOHC VTEC Turbo Engine that delivers a maximum power output of 173 PS at 5,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 22.0 kg-m at 1,700--5,500 rpm. It is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Earth Dreams Technology. Both All-New Civic vehicles on display are also equipped with Paddle Shifters for a sportier driving experience.

For more information on Honda and its products, visit www.hondaphil.com or any authorized dealership nationwide.

2nd Don Papa Art Competition Launched

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Launched last November 11, 2015, the first Don Papa Art Competition yielded four award-winning artworks: the three above-mentioned, plus“Florescence of Endeavor” by Renz Bautista, which won the People’s Choice Award.

The second Don Papa Art Competition was launched on September 14 at the Mathilde Cafe along Kalayaan Avenue, Makati. This year’s competition will be open to both independent artists as well as artists represented by galleries. The top 10 finalists will be featured in a special Don Papa Exhibit at the 2017 Art Fair Philippines. The grand prize winning artwork will become the next featured design in the Don Papa Art Canister Series for 2017, while its artist will receive an Artist Residency Sojourn in Florence, Italy. 

Don Papa Art Canister Series launches the Riel Hilario Edition in four Don Papa Rum markets: the Philippines, France, Germany, and the Netherlands this October. The two remaining Art Canister Editions will simultaneously be available this November in key retail outlets, such as Rustan’s, SM, S&R, and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, to name a few. By December 2016, all three artworks will be available in the four world markets.

Don Papa Rum, the premium aged rum from the sugar island of Negros Occidental, Philippines, introduces the new set of award-winning designs in its Don Papa Art Canister Series. Composed of the winners in the 2015 Don Papa Art Competition, the Series features the top three artworks being incorporated into the canisters and packaging of Don Papa Rum.

First to be made available this October 2016 is the design by grand prize winner Riel Hilario called “The Spiritual Landscape of Papa Isio.” On its heels are two other award-winning artworks by Barry Cervantes and Anjo Bolarda.

“Don Papa and the Babaylan” is by first runner up winner Barry Cervantes, who also hails from Negros Occidental. The 3ft x 5ft acrylic on canvas painting is his nostalgic tribute to the stories he heard as a child growing up in Valladolid, Negros, about Papa Isio’s revolt against the Spaniards and the myths surrounding Mount Kanlaon. Papa Isio is Dionisio Magbuelas, the leader of the shamanistic babaylanes (priests, philosophers, and healers) who led a revolt in Negros in the 1890s. Mt. Kanlaon is an active volcano towering over the island, and is considered a sacred site by the people of Negros. “The painting depicts the soul of Papa Isio alongside a babaylan crowned with the images of struggle and the braveness of a true revolutionary icon that embodies the strong spirit of Negrosanons and the Babaylanes,” says Cervantes. Other images the artist portrayed in his painting include an erupting Mt. Kanlaon and a “bird that portrays death in a sacrificial way, in exchange for our sweet freedom.”

And the second runner up is a 2ft x 4ft ink on paper illustration by artist Anjo Bolarda. Inspired by the original packaging of Don Papa Rum, Bolarda chose to hand-draw the design of his “Untitled” piece as a nod to the hard work, meticulous craftsmanship, and the necessary time needed to produce excellent rum. His piece is also an appreciation for the exotic wildlife found in the dense rain forests surrounding Mt. Kanlaon, as well as a message of concern about the environment. “In the illustration you can find, peeking out from behind the stalks of the sugarcane, just some of the animals endangered and endemic to Negros Occidental,” says Bolarda. According to the artist, the animals in the design help localise the brand further, and make the packaging more relevant as it highlights the environmental issues of today.

For more inquiries on the second Don Papa Art Competition, please visit the Don Papa Rum Facebook page at www.facebook.com/donpaparum or contact Mr. Dannie Alvarez at join@bleedingheartrum.com (email) or 0915-6888269 (cell).

8 Ways to Wow Anyone

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You’ve got a business but it’s not going as great as you want. Pump things up and transform your business into one that makes your customers go wow

There’s no use of having a business if it’s not earning anything, or if you don’t see it growing. So how do you put some wow into your business and start bringing in the big bucks? Swish knows you need the confidence to pump some life back into your biz, so they stalked motivational speaker and seasoned entrepreneur PJ Lanot to put back the wow factor in your business.

1. Trim off the fat from your life. If you want to have time to make your business boom, you’ve got to cut out the things in your life that won’t matter in the long run. Check your schedule and your commitments, and figure out what you can delete to make more time and energy for what really matters.

2. Bring it back to its infancy. PJ suggests that yes, you should have long-term plans for your business, but you always have to start small. “For example, may gusto kang gawin na bag. May nagawa ka na ba na sample? Kung wala pa, bakit ka na nagpapatayo ng factory? Kung lumalaki na ’yung demand, saka natin palakihin ’yan.”

3. Know the ins and outs of the biz. If you have a coffee shop but you’ve never tried out your own drinks or the coffee concoctions of your competition, that’s where your problem lies. You should know everything there is about your business, and be its number one customer. From knowing how to mix all the coffee drinks to the cleaning schedule of the bathroom, you should know all these details even in your sleep.

4. Focus on your strengths, and let someone else deal with your weaknesses. PJ says, “Kasi kung ’yung weakness mo gagawin mong strength, mapapabayaan mo ’yung oras mo na dapat nakalaan sa strength mo. To compensate, you partner up with someone who is an expert on that field (you are weak in).”

5. Treat your employees well. Filipinos are a hardworking bunch, and they find happiness in their work and working environment. If you think that “Well, they shouldn’t go to work to make friends”, then you might be making your employees unhappy. PJ says, “Ang mga Pilipino, if they’re going to stay for nine hours in a particular job, they think they should be happy. That’s their motivation. They value the working relationship, na naiintindihan sila ni boss. Filipinos are very loyal and full of heart, so you have to maximize that.”

6. Create a better product or service before your competitor does. If you want your customer to go “wow!” about your product or service, then it should be something that they haven’t seen before, or something that they need right now. PJ says, “You have to keep on innovating. If you think, it’s okay, I’m earning anyway, what happens when a stronger player comes along? Kinakain na ’yung sales mo, tapos doon ka palang magpla-plano? No business is safe right now, kailangan worldwide ang tinitignan na competition, and from there, you innovate before it’s too late.”

7. Keep on interacting with your customers. Besides knowing what your competitors are doing, it’s more important to know what your customers are craving for. Their needs always change, so you have to keep on meeting and exceeding their expectations. PJ compares putting up and sustaining a business to being in a relationship. “Kahit sabihin mo hindi naman sila nagrereklamo, kung makakita sila ng iba na can give them a better future, na pwede sila maging happier with, they’ll move there. Pero kung masaya naman sila sa’yo, they won’t even think of leaving.” So take time to constantly interact with the customers you serve and do so professionally, looking and acting the part of a winner. Put your best foot forward (look the pro that matches your brand identity and care enough to look kept, with your hair in place and your breath fresh with SWISH breath spray for a pump of customer confidence), but still remain honest and upfront.

8. Be confident in yourself and in your business, and your customers will feel the change. Confidence comes from knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and being true to you. The same thing can be said about your business—if you continue to tweak your business to show that you know your customers better than anyone, and you want to serve them better than anyone can, then they’ll start flocking to your biz in droves.

Harm Reduction: Most Effective and Compassionate Response to Drug Problem

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Health (DOH) should push for harm reduction strategies as a response to the country's drug problem.

During the government's National Health Summit attended by stakeholders, officials and employees of the health department, Hontiveros said that the 'war on drugs cannot be a war against the people, or worse, a war against the poor'. The senator urged the health department to play a crucial role in providing a public health framework in curbing drug addiction and trafficking in the country.

"In order for our government to succeed in its campaign against illegal drugs and trafficking, we must also respond to the health and social issues that lead to drug dependence", Senator Risa Hontiveros said.


Harm reduction

Hontiveros, who also currently serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, recently visited Thailand to study its health framework on drugs. She cited the country's effectiveness in pursuing a harm reduction strategy.

Hontiveros explained that harm reduction strategies will allow the creation of friendly, community-based drop-in centers and outreach services, encourage the uptake of health services through improved peer education and support, and spend resources on sustainable, evidence-based policies and interventions at the community level.

"Harm reduction is not only a compassionate response, it is also the most effective response", Hontiveros said.

The senator lamented the fact that there are only 44 drug rehabilitation centers in the country. "Clearly, much has to be done in this aspect", she said.



Universal Healthcare

The Senator also urged stakeholders to build the momentum towards universal healthcare' through public spending and localization.

The Senator also lauded the Duterte administration's decision to send the government's health officials to Cuba to the study their public health system. She said the visit is a step towards heavy public spending for health professionals, healthcare providers and health infrastructure to address hospital shortages and facility upgrades.



"Cuba-inspired super barangay health centers"

The Senator also urged the government to seriously study the possibility of building “super barangay health centers” similar to Cuba’s consultorios (clinics) and policlinicos (specialty clinics) to strengthen the role of our local government units, down to the barangay level, and bring healthcare to the farthest and to the fringes.

"Super barangay health centers could strengthen our current barangay health system by modernizing it with adequate facilities, personnel and expertise. Our barangays must become the people’s first line of defense against preventable diseases, especially with the emergence of new and dangerous viruses like the Zika," Hontiveros concluded.

Challenges in the Philippine Housing Industry to be Taken Up at the 25th SHDA Convention

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines has, in the last few years, experienced consistent economic growth, registering an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) by 6.3% in the last quarter of 2015, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Revenues from the fast-growing IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) industry and overseas Filipino remittances are major drivers of the economy. However, with such escalating growth also come accompanying challenges—one of them is housing.

The 25th Subdivision and Housing Developers’ Association (SHDA) National Convention will tackle “The Many Faces of Housing” to address the challenges and respond with appropriate and practicable solutions. It will be held at the Iloilo Convention Center, Megaworld Blvd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City from September 22-23, 2016. This annual event will gather more than 200 members of SHDA from all over the country.

As a partner in nation-building, the housing sector practitioners, of which the SHDA is the biggest organization in the Philippines, appreciate that they play a key role and must be aligned with the Duterte administration’s 10-point socio-economic agenda.

“Since the government, in partnership with the private sector, is mandated to undertake a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing program under Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 —the policy directions of the government agencies, which practitioners in the housing industry deal with—shall be very crucial in crafting short-term as well as long-term plans,” said Rodel Racadio, national president of SHDA. The two-day program is well-crafted to address the needs of the private and public components of the sector.

Participants will be given the Prospects for the Philippine Housing Industry. Aside from the improving economy, an increase in population necessitates roofs over families’ heads. The population is projected to increase by more than a million annually—from about 95 million in 2011 to 126 million by 2030. These translate into 19 million households in 2011 to about 25 million by 2030.

There are many facets of housing that will be discussed during the convention: (1) Housing that is responsive to a family’s needs regardless of economic status, with socialized housing, low-cost housing, and economic housing. These strategies manifest the industry's involvement in ensuring inclusive growth. (2) The human resources to respond to the demands of the development of a housing project. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) even designed its own roadmap to keep pace with the requirements of the housing industry's roadmap. (3) In consideration of sustainability, the industry has espoused green building initiatives to minimize the effects of global warming, at the same time that it addresses the need to preserve nature. Housing developers also undertake activities to further their corporate social responsibility. (4) Adapting a long view, the government’s policy toward the sector is a positive step towards ensuring and enabling an environment that will allow housing developers to sustain their efforts to further grow the housing industry by pushing through with their housing development plans in 2016 and beyond.

Racadio promises that this year’s convention will be a memorable one. “We are optimistic that we can all work together--the government and the private sector—in order to continue advancing toward the fulfillment of goals encapsulated in the Housing Roadmap 2030.” With the concerted effort of the sectors represented, there is hope that the strides already made in the past years will gain and sustain their momentum.

For inquiries, please e-mail the SHDA Secretariat: shda.secretariat@gmail.com.