eDemokrasya: Conference on the Use of Social Media & Technology for Democracy

Live Streaming Link from the United States embassy below.

You can ask questions simply by using the hashtag #eDemokrasya on Twitter.

 Please follow me on Twitter: girl_greenscarf

Conference LIVESTREAM to be posted on
www.electionsandsocialmediaph.net from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 4:20 pm to 5:00 pm local time (UTC +8:00)

Follow us on https://twitter.com/eDemokrasya and tweet your questions directly to @eDemokrasya or with the #eDemokrasya hashtag

Message us or post comments with your questions on
http://www.facebook.com/eDemokrasya

For the afternoon breakout sessions from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm local time (UTC +8:00), login to Google+ to join us on Hangout. Search for any of the following names to join our public hangouts:

Isa Demokrasya
Dalawa Demokrasya
Tatlo Demokrasya

GOD IS ALWAYS PROTECTING US

GOD IS ALWAYS PROTECTING US

I was so shielded growing up. Like God, my parents did a good job in protecting me from all the shams and drudgery of this world. 

Two years ago, way back in 2011,  I had a ruptured brain aneurysm operation. The coiling and stent had saved my life.  Though I started blogging in 2009, it was only in late 2011 that I joined the blogging community in the Metro and started attending events only in 2012.  It is funny to know that some bloggers hated me simply because I always share my medical condition. I actually felt I needed to share it with everyone so that if they have the symptoms they could have early detection and treatment the soonest possible time. Yes! I wanted to save lives.

I was not aware of the politics of blogging when I joined events in 2012 because I always thought that everyone has a good heart. Yes, I was so naive. During my travels in the past be it in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau or even China, I met and became friends with different people with different nationalities but all of them are kind. 

Maybe you can imagine my bewilderment when I learned that in the world of blogging it was a 360 degrees turn from the character of the people I met in the past.

In 2012, I had a roller coaster ride in the world of bloggers. I was victimized by nasty rumors, orchestrated by ill-hearted individuals who had master the art of ruining other people's character behind their backs. They created rumors beyond every man's wildest imaginations. I now know how it is to be like a movie star. Funny as it is, because I don't earn anything from blogging unlike those TV and movie personalities. I merely share my do it yourself travels in the past out of passion and not for any material or worldly possessions though I must admit I appreciate the free meals and free goodies, who wouldn't?

Maybe they had thought they were successful in tarnishing other people's name even if the person they victimize is innocent. But the good thing is, not everyone believe their lies. Though there are a number of people who were easily swayed by those unkind individuals. There are those better beings who don't get easily swayed by rumors and lies. Ika nga, "Ang maniwala sa sabi-sabi ay walang bait sa sarili." English Translation: He who believes in rumors does not have a mind of his own. Meaning: Don’t believe everything you hear. 

Like for example rumor #1 -- I was never a violent person, and it is so funny to learn that those ill-hearted individuals painted me as a violent ala Rambo individual, with no good manners and right conduct. Maybe they wanted some action. So they concocted a scene. In the story they painted me as a mighty action star. It was so funny because as a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor I am not in any way capable of doing any action scene, because I was undergoing therapy last last year and do not have the capacity to be an action star. Somehow, what is good about the story is that I became a strong action star the bad side? They make it appear that I snap the neck of someone. Ha ha ha!  

I may not be classified as a good writer but somehow my readers appreciate my write-ups. For that alone, I am very very grateful. Thank you to all of you, my dear readers for always sending messages and for appreciating my photos.

Whatever they hurled on you, it hit God directly like the drawing above, so always remember, it is not you who sinned against God, but those ill hearted individuals, sinasaktan nila directly si God. God is the first one who gets hurt, if somebody tried to hurt you. Maybe, they don't realize it, but as they speak ill of you, God can hear them and will find the response to an insult hurled at you. Karma is God's answer. So don't fret. God is your shield.

Remember, God is always there to protect us, so be not afraid, do good and stay good.

HOME Fibr Broadband: The Ultimate Family Entertainment

HOME Fibr Broadband: The Ultimate Family Entertainment

It was an evening of glitz, glamor and gracious hearts as the country's most powerful broadband Fibr by PLDT HOME was launched yesterday at Salon De Ning, Manila Peninsula Hotel.

I was one of the first to arrive at the venue and saw the renowned Manila Symphony Orchestra practicing together with the Harmony Family.

The party was hosted by the handsome Marc Nelson. The assembled glitterati was entertained by the Manila Symphony Orchestra together with the Asia's songbird Regine Velasquez. They regaled the media and VIPs with their wonderful songs. Add to that the talented "Harmony" family who played their Harmony commercial live to the delight of the crowd. The guests gave endless applause at each of them. The PLDT HOME's brand ambassadors truly left a mark on each of the guests heart. 
          
PLDT partnered with Clickplay.ph to provide movie-streaming service to Fibr broadband subscribers.
 
I, together with the other media and the assembled VIPs, experienced first-hand watching movies from Clickplay via a Fibr connection. We saw how video-on-demand streaming can be an extremely convenient experience. Movie buffs like my brother and I no longer need to go to the mall or video rental shop to get a copies of our favorite flicks.
 
Present during the event is Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) himself. He said that PLDT is committed to provide consumers an integrated offering combining the best of voice, broadband, and content services to sustain market leadership, and it will soon be launching more new services as part of this commitment.
 
PLDT Fibr is the future of broadband which is now widely popular in Japan, Europe, the United States, and even in some South East Asian countries. Yes, this is definitely the most advanced broadband service in the country that connects to the home via fiber-optic lines.
 
What PLDT Fibr can do is to allow your entire family to enjoy simultaneous high-speed browsing and high definition downloading without experiencing any speed lags.

In this new service, Fibr subscribers will receive different packages based on their subscription plan.

Plan 3500 subscribers get three free movies, while Plan 5800 subscribers get four free movies. Plan 8800 subscribers get 10 free movies and Plan 20,000 subscribers get 20 free movies.

Fibr can deliver speeds of up to 100 Mbps, using a dedicated connection straight to the subscribers’ homes. This allows them to stream HD content, play lag-free online gaming, and adopt seamless cloud computing.

Fibr rides on PLDT’s extensive fiber optic network that extends 54,000 kilometers nationwide. 

US EMBASSY: Notice to the Public

US EMBASSY: Notice to the Public

Please be advised that the US Embassy Manila will be closed on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 in observance of President's Day in the US.

UNIQLO: Lifewear

UNIQLO: Lifewear
 
I was invited at the recent Uniqlo LifeWear Spring Summer 2013 Fashion Show held at Venice Piazza Mc Kinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City. I was seated at the second row just at the back of Uniqlo's managing director Mr. Katsumi Kubota and Uniqlo's endorser Miss Iza Calzado.

Looking at all the fashionable people on stage that night, I can't help but admire the models in their summer clothing labelled as Uniqlo's lifewear! Lifewear line of clothing looks so comfortable and so right! The models wore lifewear as if the clothing they have on is their second skin. It is like an old favorite from the moment you discovered them. This is what clothing is meant to be. This Japanese company never fails to ensure to provide the best casual clothes for all kinds of people. After all Uniqlo is made for all.

                               
Oh, la la! I was thrilled to learn last Thursday night that Uniqlo is set to open 10 more stores in the Philippines this year and will carry Filipino designs here and abroad.

Katsumi Kubota, Uniqlo managing director, said that they would be opening four stores in the first half, including one in (BGC) Bonifacio Global City and its first provincial store in SM Pampanga and possibly Cebu.

Uniqlo is set on expanding and opening ten more new stores in different locations all over the Philippines.  Uniqlo is on its track to meet their target of 50 stores by the end of 2015.

Uniqlo will soon be carrying clothing lines made by local designers.

Katsumi Kubota said Uniqlo stores in SM Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa sold more than 300,000 pieces of garments during Christmas, the fastest growth in Asia and close to US sales.

The SM North Edsa branch is expected to match the first store in SM Mall of Asia, where the retailer sold 300 million pieces of garments in more than three months.

The Japanese retailer has invested more than $1 million for its second branch.

Kubota said the company sells up to 500 styles, and its best sellers are jeans, T-shirts and shorts.
 
Uniqlo has 1,100 stores in 13 markets, including Japan, China, France, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K., and US. It posted 928 billion yen in global sales for fiscal year ending August 31, 2012.

C3/CustomerContactChannels:To Hire Over a Thousand Customer Service Agents in Manila

C3/CustomerContactChannels:To Hire Over a Thousand Customer Service Agents in Manila
    


Great news to Filipinos looking for work! C3 or CustomerContactChannels, a global provider of customer management solutions, announced recently that they are actively seeking to hire over a thousand new customer service agents for its Taguig City, Metro Manila customer contact center.

C3’s hiring surge will support clients in the

•  telecommunications
•  healthcare
•  and social commerce industries 

In preparation for increased call volume through 2013 and beyond. Although the majority of the positions are for customer service representatives, management positions are also available.
As a pioneer in handling multichannel customer care, C3 continues to develop new technologies and sign exclusive partnerships to provide its clients with the most advanced customer care solutions in the market. Many of the job opportunities will include solutions to support customers via social media channels and forums.

“We are looking for people with patience and enthusiasm. If you think you are that type of person, we have a great opportunity for you at C3,” said company president and COO Rick Ferry. “Our company is growing rapidly, and each position offers opportunity for advancement.”

C3 differentiates itself among other customer contact companies because of its one-of-a-kind company culture encouraging employees to thrive. “One of our main goals at C3 is to hire good people and keep them as a member of our team for years to come,” added Ferry. “We are not only a call center business; we also work to train people for a career and hope our entry-level employees will eventually become our future leaders. Manila continues to provide an extremely skilled workforce with an affinity for the American culture that helps them serve customers well.''

Andy Sarakinis, the Philippines’ country manager, has been in the Business Process Outsourcing industry for well over a decade and brings with him best practices from the industry. He and his Manila team put systems in place adapted to the Filipino culture.

The company’s offices are located on four (4) levels of the building it occupies and is equipped with the latest in computers and facilities, including rooms for resting and four (4) cafeterias.

C3 also provides activities and opportunities that enable its employees to reinforce company camaraderie, as well as career advancement. These include bazaars, vacations as rewards for accomplishments, sports fests, tree planting, museum trips with family members, financial wellness seminars, etc.

Career advancement is provided through the C3 University platform, which focuses on self and career development curricula. The free program is open to all employees regardless of their tenure. Those who are willing to attend classes in their spare time for career and skills enhancement undergo particular courses that fit the level of skill that needs to be enhanced.

C3’s other international locations include Guatemala City, Guatemala and Panama City, Panama in South America; Glasgow, Scotland and Sofia, Bulgaria in Europe; and Dalian, China and Mumbai, India in Asia. Its U.S. locations are in Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Texas, with headquarters located in Plantation, FL.

The company serves the energy and utilities, financial services, healthcare and insurance, telecommunications and wireless, and travel and hospitality verticals. It offers forward-thinking customer management solutions for medium to large-sized companies in a wide-range of industries, servicing sales, performance optimization, reputation management, and end-to-end customer interaction management.

C3 is looking for applicants with prior contact center/customer service experience, but will consider candidates with customer service expertise outside of the call center. Interested parties can apply online by visiting http://jobs.c3connect.com/manila


About C3

C3/CustomerContactChannels is a global provider of contact center services unlike any other in the market today. Services include sales, service, performance optimization, reputation management and complete customer interaction management via traditional, web, and emerging communication channels. C3 positively engages and promotes our clients’ brands with every contact we make with their customers. With a global team that is thousands of employees strong, the company is headquartered in Plantation, FL. More information can be found at www.c3connect.com and http://jobs.c3connect.com/manila

LILOAN CEBU: Host of Vaseline Men Xterra Championship Weekend

LILOAN CEBU: Host of Vaseline Men Xterra Championship Weekend

Last February 5, 2013, a press launch was held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati attended by Vaseline Men celebrity endorser Jericho Rosales. The Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road Triathlon Series kicks off next month with the Vaseline Men Xterra Championship Weekend in Liloan, Cebu.
 
Everybody was in high spirit especially when Mr. Fred Uytengsu announced what's on stake for this year's finisher. Everyone's ears almost pop out when they hear that at stake is the top purse of $15,000 for the professionals and P120,000 for the top Filipino finisher plus 41 slots to this year’s Xterra World Championships, considered the Olympics of triathlon, in Maui, Hawaii.
                                    
"This year's Vaseline Men Xterra Off-road Triathlon Series is bigger and better than last year and has a tougher, more difficult course," said Fred Uytengsu, Alaska CEO and organizing Sunrise chief.
  "This is definitely not for the light-hearted," he added.

The annual Sunrise-organized meet will feature a pair of triathlon events, the Xterra Lite and the Xterra Philippines Championship at a tougher, more challenging course that will bring the local and foreign participants to the pristine waters and rough but picturesque terrains of Liloan, Cebu.

The Xterra Lite will have participants negotiate a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-km run while the Xterra Phl Championship will have them tackle a more gruelling 1.5-km swim, 35-km bike and 10-km run race – all done in one weekend.
Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

A trail run on March 3, which will feature a more demanding course in 21-km, 10-km and 5-km races for males and females, is expected to spice up the weekend.

Over 300 triathletes, including pros from over 40 countries, have confirmed participation in this event presented by Vaseline Men and sponsored by The Philippine STAR, LBC Solutions, Alaska, Summit Water, Multisport, Studio 23, Gatorade, Canon, Aqua Sphere, David's Salon, Intercare, Rocktape, Timex, Smart and Municipality of Liloan, Cebu.

Ben Allen will be back to defend his title against a super strong field that will include last year's runner-up Oliver Marceau, Dan Hugo, Sam Gardner, Matt O'Halloran, Rory Downie, Shahrom Andullah and Bradley Weiss while two-time world champ Lesley Patterson will be the favorite in the women's side.

Vaseline Men brand manager Jonathan Cua said they like what they're seeing in the second year of hosting the Xterra event. Registration for the March 3 trail run is ongoing at www.xterraphil.com and in all Runner Stores nationwide.

"After two years, we're happy with our partnership and we're looking at a more exciting event this year," said Cua.

Same goes with LBC Solutions.

"We are very honored to sponsor this year's Xterra triathlon event," said LBC Solutions president Mike Camahort. "LBC, beyond services, supports the Filipino athletes and believes in the sports values of discipline, determination, endurance."

To know more on the event, log on at www.xterraphil.com or visit www.facebook.com/vaselinemenph or interested parties may also visit ROX and Runnr stores nationwide for more details.

MR.UBE:The souperstar of the House

MR.UBE:The souperstar of the House
                           
In the competitive space of the culinary business, only the toughest survives. The saying “If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen” is indeed true for most food entrepreneurs.

But for Gerry Chua, a businessman with both a vision and a mission, the heat in the kitchen even more fires up his passion to offer the best dining experience. Try visiting his restaurant, Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House, and you’ll find out for yourself why this food mecca is already making noise among culinary connoisseurs.

Although Chinese cuisine constitutes majority of Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House’s menu, there are an array of food offerings that will surely tickle your taste buds. Take your pick: noodle soup, rice toppings, stir fry noodles, dimsum, and a lot more.

“We take pride in the restaurant's specialty: our noodles. Our noodles are made fresh every day. We use state-of-the-art Japanese technology in making them,” said Chua. “Our ingredients are natural and they have no preservatives. I am proud to say that the food we serve at Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House are MSG-free and they are non-greasy.”

From the very basic chicken noodle soup to wanton noodle, Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House also features a variety of international noodle soups. Want to try Thai? Order Thai Tom Yam. Hungry like a lion? The Singaporean Laksa is for you. Craving for Japanese? Sip some Japanese Shoyu. If Chinese is your choice, then Gokong Noodle should be on your plate. These and more will let you experience a gastronomic adventure in this noodle house.

Since Mr. Chua is also the visionary behind Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, some of its varied product ranges can also be ordered at Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House. Its most famous ube hopia and all-time favorite tikoy can be had when you visit any branch of this Noodle House.

With a rich history that can be traced from humble beginnings in Ongpin, Eng Bee Tin has mastered the art of producing world-class Oriental delicacies. Because Chua knows his way around this business, he found a way to reinvent a rather usual hopia by blending it with ube, the most popular ice cream flavor at that time. The rest is history as Eng Bee Tin’s ube hopia became a household name.

Eng Bee Tin products are locally available in various supermarkets, groceries, restaurants, office, and school canteens. The company is also one of the biggest international exporters of hopia, delivering to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the USA.

Chua also ensures that quality is key. The company uses automated hopia manufacturing processes and implements a strict hygienic standards of quality control by running the final product through metal detectors, and packaging it in a hygienic pillow pack.

Though a businessman, Chua knows his responsibility to the community where his businesses operate. In Ongpin where Eng Bee Tin is found, the company donated to the local volunteer fire brigade as evidenced by the purple firetrucks that make their way to fire incidents and situations in the vicinity. His other business, Cafe Mezzanine, is also making an impact on the community as its revenues are completely donated to Binondo Paco Fire Volunteer. Recognizing the efforts and hard work fire volunteers put into their job, they get a 20-percent discount when they dine at Cafe Mezzanine, located at the heart of Chinatown. That is if their free coffee is not yet enough.

“Our commitment to our society should be never-ending,” said Chua. “Mr. Ube Rice and Noodle House aims to acquire five units of ambulance to serve the indigents who can’t afford to pay for ambulance service to hospitals.”

Indeed, Chua’s entrepreneurial vision is deliciously complemented by his life mission to touch lives. No wonder he is one accomplished man and his businesses, successful without a doubt.

For more on Eng Bee Tin, visit http://www.engbeetin.com.
 
MR. UBE RICE & NOODLE HOUSE BRANCHES:
 
707 ONGPIN ST. BINONDO MANILA
TEL 288-8888 LOC. 131
 
284 E.RODRIGUEZ SR. AVE. QUEZON CITY
TEL 722-4505
 
GROUND FLOOR GU-16  LUCKY GOLD PLAZA
ORTIGAS EXT. PASIG
TEL. 791-7389
 
ENG BEE TIN CHINESE DELI BRANCHES
 
628 ONGPIN ST. BINONDO MANILA
288-8888 ; 241-9999
 
650 ONGPIN COR. E.T. YUCHENGCO ST BINONDO MANILA
288-8888 ; 232-1223 LOC. 219
 
518 QUINTIN PAREDES ST. BINODO MANILA
TEL 522-2289
 
ONGPIN COMMERCIAL CENTER 
ONGPIN COR. G.PUYAT  ST. STA.CRUZ MANILA
735-4658
 
UNIT G-84 ODEON TERMINAL MALL
C.M. RECTO COR. RIZAL AVE. MANILA
TEL. 735-0755
 
GL 8 WELCOME PLAZA
TAFT AVE. PASAY CITY
TEL 8836-2670
 
LEVEL-2 WALTER MART CENTER
CHINO RECES COR A. ARNAIZ MAKATI
TEL 843-7256
 
G-41 VICTORY CENTRAL MALL
MONUMENTO CALOOCAN CITY
TEL 332-1579
 
B-16 LG VICTORY PARK & SHOP MALL
ANTIPOLO RIZAL
TEL 661-7615
 
GROUND FLOOR CASH & CARRY MALL
SOUTH SUPER HI-WAY MAKATI
TEL 401-6229
 
LEVEL 1 PADREA FAURA WING ROBINSON'S PLACE
ERMITA MANILA TEL 401-3063
 
CAFE MEZZANINE BRANCH
 
MEZZANINE FLOOR - 650 ONGPIN COR E.T. YUCHENGCO
BINONDO MANILA
TEL 288-8888 ; 241-9999 LOC 230