The Search for the Happiest Pinoy

Being someone with positive outlook in life, proven ability to rise above life's challenges, and positive impact in the lives of others can make you even happier and richer by P1 million.

Good news Dabawenyos! Once again the country's largest pawnshop chain Cebuana Lhuillier, will be giving away P1million for the chosen The Happiest Pinoy while his or her nominator will win P50,000. Nine(9) runners-up will win P50,000 while the nominator of the nine(9) runners-up will win P10,000 each! This year, there's also a special awards of P25,000 each nominees for Happiest students and Happiest OFW.

The Search for the Happiest Pinoy is a nationwide campaign that was started by Cebuama Lhuiller in 2009 and aims to "rekindle the values of optimism, resilience and hope in Filipinos" faced with different crises.

“With our Search for the Happiest Pinoy, we want to recognize outstanding Filipinos who are able to both rise above life’s challenges and positively impact the lives of other people with their positive outlook in life,” said Michael Sena, Cebuana Lhuillier’s Integrated Marketing Communications Group Head. “This is our way of celebrating the values of optimism, resilience, and hope among Filipinos.”

The Mechanics
Filipinos, 18 years old and above, with good moral character can be nominated to the search. Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.happiest-pinoy.com and are available in any of Cebuana Lhuillier’s more than 1,700 branches nationwide, to enable more people to nominate their happiest Pinoys.

Accomplished nomination forms can be mailed together with supporting documents to: SEARCH FOR THE HAPPIEST PINOY SECRETARIAT, PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, Inc., 2/F Annex 2, PJL Corporate Centre, 1782 N. Garcia cor. Candelaria Sts., Makati City 1209. Scanned copies of the accomplished nomination forms and supporting documents can also be emailed to www.happiest-pinoy@pjlhuillier.com. Nominations can be submitted from October 24, 2014 until March 31, 2015.

The nominees will be screened by the Happiest Pinoy Board of Judges composed of CNN 2009 Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor Robredo, McCann-Erickson Chairman Emeritus Emily Abrera, Assistant Secretary Anne Corominas, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions (CLIS) General Manager Jonathan Batangan, Happiest Pinoy grand winners Winston Maxino and Rommel Arellano, inspirational speaker and corporate trainer Francis Kong, and broadcast journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdez.

Since its launch in 2009, the Search for the Happiest Pinoy has been awarded to two deserving individuals. Winston Maxino, a corporate executive who was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a degenerative and incurable bone disease, was declared the first Happiest Pinoy grand winner in 2010. Rommel Arellano, a guidance counselor who was afflicted with polio at age 1, was declared Happiest Pinoy in 2012, besting more than 13,000 nominees nationwide.

This year, Cebuana Lhuillier is taking its Search for the Happiest Pinoy to different schools and offices nationwide to get even more nominations.

Please do note that you cannot nominate yourself but your friends and family can nominate you.

Follow the official Search for the Happiest Pinoy Facebook page at www.facebook.com/happiestpinoy for more updates. You can also follow it on Twitter and Instagram @happiestpinoy

Globe announces winners of 3rd Davao Media Excellence Awards

 Globe SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto (center) together with the winners of the 3^rd Davao Media Excellence Awards.  From L-R:  Reporter of the Year for Radio Rommel Aquino of DXRD Balita FM; Photojournalist of the Year Seth delos Reyes of Sunstar; Blogger of the Year and Social Media Advocate of the Year Olan Emboscado; Explanatory / Investigative Story of the Year for Print / Online Awardee Jefry Tupas of Newsdesk Asia; Reporter of the Year for Print Stella Estremera of Sunstar; Reporter of the Year for TV Danreeve Josseffe Revilla of ABS-CBN and Explanatory / Investigative Story of the Year for TV Awardee John Paul Seniel of GMA.

 Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom has announced the winners of the 3^rd Davao Media Excellence Awards who have shown exemplary communication skills in bringing social issues to the attention of the public via print, broadcast, or digital media.

                The media professionals and social media practitioners were feted during the awarding ceremonies held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on November 27.

                “In this third year of the Davao Media Excellence Awards, Globe Telecom gives recognition to reputable journalists and online reporters for their ability to share stories that change our society for the better. We celebrate works of our journalists as they continue to adopt digitalization, utilizing them to create a better nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President for Globe Corporate Communications.

                She added:  “The changing landscape in communication and entertainment lead technology experts to constantly push their boundaries and aspire for better innovations. Globe Telecom is one of these innovators as it continuously aspires to open new possibilities in wireless music streaming, applications, movie access, cloud storage, and so much more while still staying focused in its mission to build a better nation.  We may not see it, but most of us are now living a digital lifestyle. We have been wired to these changes that enhance the way we communicate and reconnect with other people as well as help us learn and stay on top of things.”

                Bagging the Reporter of the Year for Print award was Stella Estremera of Sunstar Davao who wrote “Haiyan, six months hence” while Explanatory/investigative Story of the Year for Print/Online went to Jefry Tupas of Newsdesk Asia for “The War of Ana Luisa Calyx”.  Each winner received P20,000 and a trophy while the editors got P5,000 and a plaque.

Columnist of the Year Henrylito Tacio of Sunstar took home P15,000 and a trophy for his entry “Take heed of these warnings” while Photojournalist of the Year Seth delos Reyes also of Sunstar received P10,000 and a trophy for his entry “Basura Mo – Child’s Play.”

Danreeve Josseffe Revilla of ABS-CBN was awarded the Best Reporter of the Year for TV for “Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Randy Halasan, Ehemplo sa mga Magtutudlo” while GMA’s  John Paul Seniel bagged Explanatory/Investigative Story of the Year for Broadcast for “Tubig Tinubdan.”  For radio, top recognition was accorded to Balita FM’s Rommel Aquino’s “Rice Shortage.” All of them received P20,000 each and a trophy while the editors got P5,000 and a plaque.

                The Awards for Blogger of the Year and Social Media Advocate both went to Olan Emboscado who also received the same recognitions last year.  He took home a total of P40,000 and two trophies.

Globe myBusiness holds first myBusiness Day

(From L-R) Globe Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gil Genio, AFFI Corp Sec and Fiorgelato President Ricardo Z. Cuna, Acquasuisse Franchiser Jelyn Chung, AFFI Treasurer and Peanut World President Josie C. See, AFFI Vice President and Lots' A Pizza President, Teresita L. Ngan Tian, AFFI Incoming President and Franchiser of Ink All You Can Jerry Neil C. Ilao, AFFI President and Big Apple Express Spa Victor M. Fernando, Senior Vice President for Globe myBusiness Martha Sazon, AFFI Incoming Director and Ferino's Bibingka President Sonny Francisco, AFFI Member and Generika Drugstore President Teodoro Ferrer, (behind Ferrer) Aquabest VP and AFFI Incoming Directo Paul S. Tan, Globe myBusiness Ambassador and Mercato Co-Founder RJ Ledesma, and (behind Ledesma) Andrew Que, AFFI Member and CEO of Happy Haus Donuts.

myBusiness Day inspires employees to realize their entrepreneur aspirations through a one-stop shop franchising affair

True to its commitment to inspire success, Globe myBusiness sparks inspiration and empowers entrepreneurs and micro small and medium enterprises (mSMEs) through its first “myBusiness Day” held last November 26, 2014 at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Empowering employees and building the nation

In partnership with the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), Globe myBusiness turned the venue into a city of franchising opportunities called “Globeville”, a one-stop shop for business start-ups built especially for Globe employees. From franchising opportunities and business enablers exhibited all throughout the day, to informative business talks from experts in the evening, myBusiness day was an affair set to enlighten and ignite the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit.

“All our campaigns to inspire entrepreneurship and success are not only an external drive, but are also what we practice within Globe as well. Through myBusiness Day, we give Globe employees the first-hand opportunity to become entrepreneurs and arm them with all information they need to get started with their dream businesses. As a trusted business advisor, Globe myBusiness also equips entrepreneurs with enablers that help run their businesses more smoothly, improve cash flow, and promote them in more cost efficient manner,” says Senior Vice President and Head for Globe myBusiness, Martha Sazon. Technology-based business tools, also called enablers offered by Globe myBusiness include mobile POS system Globe Charge, cloud-based productivity suite Google Apps for Work, internet-based monitoring solution Globe myBusiness CCTV, GadgetMax postpaid plans, Globe myBusiness Broadband, Globe Education Solutions among others.

According to Globe Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Business and International Markets Gil Genio, SMEs comprise the backbone of our economy with 99% of registered businesses and almost two thirds of employment coming from this sector. In this light, Globe myBusiness encourages and supports entrepreneurship as a pillar for nation building.

Everything you need to succeed

During myBusiness Day, employees were given a wide array of franchising investment opportunities from over 20 local franchise exhibitors from the food, retail, and service industries. Paired with exclusive offers such as discounts on franchising packages, additional marketing promotions and collaterals, additional inventories, as well as free gift certificates, Globe myBusiness guaranteed employees of the best deals, which propelled them to get started with their dream businesses.

Completing the cycle of the one-stop shop were learning sessions held by notable franchise experts Armando Bartolome of GMB Franchise Developers, Richie Cuna of Fiorgelato, and Joseph Ismael Cruz of BPI Ka-Negosyo, and Tess Ngan Tian of Lot’s A Pizza as well as exclusive consultation with AFFI Board of Directors.

“Globe myBusiness is actually going beyond basic core telco products and services through innovative solutions which change the way our small and medium business owners maximize ICT tools available to them. At this juncture, we are focusing on our local franchising industry and how it will help start-up entrepreneurs get their feet wet so to speak when it comes to venturing on a business of their own,” shares Genio.

Present during the event were AFFI President Victor Fernando, Globe myBusiness ambassadors JR Dela Paz of Size Matters Burges, Mr. Santi Lim of Strawberry Foods Corporation, RJ Ledesma of Mercato Centrale, Richie Cuna of Fiorgelato, Caroline Goricetta of Karat World, and Sonny Francisco of Ferino’s Bibingka. Also supporting myBusiness day were several celebrity entrepreneurs.

myBusiness Day is testament of what Globe myBusiness offers and believes in. To aspiring and present-day entrepreneurs, Globe myBusiness is a one-stop shop for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with the relevant tools needed and equipping them for success in their business.

For more information on Globe myBusiness, log on to www.mybusiness.globe.com.ph, email mybusinesscare@globe.com.ph, follow the official Globe myBusiness Facebook page and on Twitter: @GlobemyBusiness or call its dedicated hotlines at (02) 730-1010 in Luzon, (032) 401-1010 in Visayas and (082) 321-1010 in Mindanao.

#IpanemaSelfeet goes to Davao

Photo Credits: Ipanema Philippines

#IpanemaSelfeet fever goes to Davao with Brazilian flip-flop brand Ipanema, putting an exciting twist to the global phenomenon. The campaign, which challenges everyone to take own selfeets in every adventure, had successful stops at Robinsons Ermita and at Ayala Center Cebu, and with the final leg happening at Abreeza Mall Davao last November 16.

Photo Credits: Ipanema Philippines

Davaoenos expected an exciting day with Ipanema's new collections #IpanemaSelfeet complete with Ipanema flip flops and fun backgrounds worthy of even the most demanding selfie aficionado and games and raffles for a chance to win Ipanema gift certificates and accommodation at Pearl Farm. Mall goers treated to performances, live entertainment, and a special appearance by My Husband's Lover actor Tom Rodriguez.

Photo Credits: Ipanema Philippines

What's more, Ipanema opened its first concept store in Davao at the Abreeza Mall, giving a one-day-only 20% discount for purchases of Ipanema flip-flops if participants take an #ipanemaselfeet and upload them on Facebook or Instagram.

Photo Credits: Ipanema Philippines

The fun continues online with the #IpanemaSelfeet contest on Facebook. Those who will upload their selfeets on their Facebook account with the official hashtag, #IpanemaSelfeet will get freebies and a chance to win a special accommodation at Punta Fuego in Batangas.

With its stylishly chic and colorful designs reminiscent of Brazil, and its signature buttery-soft sole, Ipanema is a perfect fit for Filipinos who are adventurous-at-heart. For more information about #IpanemaSelfee, visit www.facebook.com/IpanemaPhilippines

RISING STARS PHILIPPINES DAVAO AUDITION

RisingStars Philippines, the country’s newest and biggest talent competition is going around the country to reach out to the entire nation in search for new rising stars. Auditions in Davao city are now ongoing at NCCC Mall and select schools and barangays.

RisingStars Philippines and Kapatid Network TV5, in cooperation with Jumpstart Productions, have joined forces to launch a new singing and reality TV talent search that would embark on a nationwide search for the best-of-the-best singing talents all over the Philippines to represent their home city or province.

Auditions will kick-off at Davao on November 17 and close on November 30, 2014. Contestants (amateur and professional singers, 13 years old and above) may audition by recording their entries online – using a laptop, PC, or android phones – or at the RisingStars Recording Station, which is akin a modern recording studio facility. The Singing Station/Recording Booth shall be available in NCCC Mall of Davao and in singing stations in selected schools and barangays.

RisingStars has made the audition process easy and hassle free by avoiding long lines and hours of travel through the availability of the RisingStars Mobile Application for Android phones. Yes, one can record and submit their entry using their mobile smartphone by downloading the RisingStars mobile karaoke app for free from Google playstore. Another convenient way to join is by logging on to the RisingStars website at www.risingstars.asia to record and submit an entry through the use of desktop or laptop computers.

All entries gathered from Davao will go through a series of screenings, eliminations and live auditions that will culminate to a semi-finals event. Top seven Semi-finalists from Davao shall go on a live singing battle onstage on December 11 at NCCC Mall. A pop-up audition booth is also available at NCCC Mall, near KFC, so that you can join the ongoing auditions fast and easy!
The top 2 winners from this stage of the competition shall get an-all expense paid trip to Manila to be seen on primetime TV during the live sing-offs and telecast of the RisingStars Singing Contest to be aired starting February 2015 on the Kapatid Network TV5.

For more contest details and updates, see posters, print ads, and log-on to the RisingStars website, or follow social media updates via Facebook /risingstars.ph or Twitter @RisingStarsasia. RisingStars Singing Contest on TV is a production of RisingStars Philippines, in cooperation with Jumpstart Productions, and TV5.

RisingStars Philippines – Davao leg thanks the following sponsors TV5, NCCC Mall, PREP (PR, Events and Promotions) and Limitless Catering.

New Generation of Samsung Digital Appliances offers Solutions for Energy Efficiency and Space

Technology is ever evolving, but it has always been aimed at aiding everyday tasks. Samsung has taken on the higher pursuit of offering people a better lifestyle. Thus, armed with state-of-the-art electronics and a passion for innovation, Samsung has come up with their new lineup of digital household appliances that will ensure a happy home.

 Air Conditioner With Triangle Design

 Among their breakthrough inventions is their new air conditioner with triangle design. In a country that is notorious for its sweltering summers, a proper air conditioner is almost mandatory. But the difference between this new Smart Air Conditioner and an conventional air conditioner is clear. It does not just produce cool air; it has been tailored to be more efficient and cost-effective in this task. Thanks to its carefully engineered triangle design which allows for bigger fans within a more compact body. Thus, it circulates cool air faster, farther, and wider while maintaining a sleek look.

 The new Smart Air Conditioner is equipped with Samsung’s Digital Inverter Technology. It can maintain the desired temperature without frequently shutting off and on, so it consumes less energy. The Digital Inverter Technology helps users to stay comfortable for long periods of time, while using the minimum amount of energy – of up to 60% less electricity than conventional air conditioners

 Designed to be outstandingly efficient, its uniquely triangular design has a wider inlet, wider outlet and a bigger fan to ensure that air is cooled and expelled faster (26%), farther (14m meters) and wider (39%) – ensuring even air distribution and powerful cooling.

 Also, the new air conditioner begins cooling the air fast using its powerful Fast Cool mode, to cool down the room faster. It then automatically changes the mode to Comfort Cool to maintain the desired temperature. Users won’t feel cold and don’t have to keep manually changing the settings or turning the air conditioner on and off.

 Energy efficiency is a key purchasing decision for consumers. The Samsung Air Conditioner’s Single User mode gives the flexibility to the user to control the capacity by effective use of energy. It uses less compressor capacity, reducing power consumption, while still providing a cool and comfortable environment. This ensures that users won’t have to worry about the electricity bill even if there’s only one person in the room.

 The new Samsung Air Conditioner features Samsung’s exclusive Virus Doctor that keeps families safe and comfortable through innovative air purifying technology, which neutralizes harmful contaminants in the air. The Virus Doctor feature has received various accolades including a 2010 AHR Expo Innovation Award in the indoor air-quality category, a 1st Air Day Minister of the Environmental Award, and the Jang Young Sil Award. Now, mothers need not worry about air-born viruses and allergens with Samsung’s Virus Doctor technology.

 Stylish and Smart, the pure Crystal Gloss™ finish and uniquely curved design of the Samsung Air Conditioner deliver a premium look. Like aerodynamic, high performance sports cars, every aspect of its streamlined body is encased in dual-injected, transparent material for an elegant finish that blends seamlessly into any modern home.

 Using an application on a smartphone, the Smart Wi-Fi function lets users remotely control the functions of the Samsung Air Conditioner to schedule its operation. In any location with a wireless network, users can instantly turn it on and off and select the operating mode as well as temperature. Additionally, the air conditioner is able to communicate operational time and electricity usage as well as providing filter cleaning reminders. The unit can also store preferred operational settings and cooling preferences.

 The Smart Installation is a self-diagnosis feature that ensures the air conditioner is installed perfectly by the aircon installer. It automatically checks for installation faults that might cause problems when the air conditioner starts operating.

 The Smart Check automatic error-monitoring system detects and diagnoses problems and provides easy troubleshooting solutions using a smartphone application. It saves users time and prevents unnecessary costs prior to a service call.

 This, alongside its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovative design, makes Samsung’s new Smart Air Conditioner the perfect household appliance for any savvy family wishing to ensure the health and wellness of their children.

 Food ShowCase Refrigerator

Part of their new lineup also includes the new Food Showcase Refrigerator. This innovation provides smart organization for all your different types of food. There are two layers of doors in order to properly showcase the contents of the refrigerator, making it much easier to visualize your stocks. There are the outer compartments for your most frequently used products, allowing instant access. And then there are the inner compartments for ingredients that you don’t use as often. Not only does this maximize space, this setup makes organizing and consuming food a simple process. Everyone in the family, including the children can access refrigerator contents with ease.

 The new Food ShowCase Refrigerator also features an ice and water dispenser. At the touch of a button, users can enjoy a refreshing glass of chilled filtered water or fill a pitcher with cubed or crushed ice.

 This refrigerator is also equipped with Samsung’s trademark Digital Inverter Technology. This means that the refrigerator utilizes the same smart technology that allows it to adjust its temperature accordingly. Thus, no unnecessary energy is consumed, making this an efficient and cost-effective appliance.

 Front Load Washing Machine with Eco-Bubble Technology

 Another addition to their lineup of smart appliances is the Front Load Washing Machine. Doing the laundry is an arduous and time-consuming task. There are many things to consider when it comes to washing fabric, but Samsung’s newest Front Load Washing Machine makes cleaning clothes a breeze. It makes use of Samsung’s own Eco Bubble Technology that allows powerful cleaning in cold water. Using warm water is an extra step when it comes to doing the laundry, and it can also be damaging to some fabrics. But the Eco Bubble allows for easy cleaning by completely dissolving detergent even with cold water producing fine foam that easily penetrates the fabric for both effective and gentle, cutting the time, effort, and energy needed in doing this task.

 In addition to being extremely powerful with its high Revolution Per Minute (RPM) rate, it is also furnished with the Stain Away Program. This pre-programmed cycle was designed to deal with the 12 most common types of stains: blood, cocoa, sebum, oatmeal, tea, wine, tomato, pencil lead, mud, makeup, lipstick, and grass. It does all this with less noise, less vibration, and more performance than an ordinary washing machine. And of course, it is outfitted with the Digital Inverter Technology, guaranteeing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

 Samsung Smart Oven

 Last on Samsung’s latest digital appliance lineup is the Samsung Smart Oven. The Samsung Smart Oven comes with more cooking settings in order to provide families with the best cooking experience possible. It includes features such as auto-cook for pre-programmed recipes yogurt making, dough proofing, and “Slim Fry” function. Slimfry function is what differentiates this from the typical Microwave Oven, since preparing meals no longer has to be an unhealthy experience.

 The “Slim Fry” technology allows you to enjoy your favourite fried food cooked to a crisp without the oil. Cooking healthier meals for the family without cutting on taste and texture is now made possible. Meanwhile, the other smart features this smart oven has fulfilled a multitude of purposes. Its premium sensors allows it identify a food’s surface temperature, so whether it is frozen, chilled, or fresh, it can adjust its heat accordingly so you do not have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your meals. This makes it a great addition to any household.

Let's join Globe’s #Project1Phone advocacy

Since today is #ThrowbackThursday, I want to share about my old mobile phones. I remember my Tatay gave me nokia 5110 as my first mobile phone while I was in college. I’m so ecstatic because of the feeling that I could finally text my classmates and play with my phone’s snake game.

With the passing of time, I’ve also upgraded and these are the old phones I've used.
Nokia E63
Nokia E71
Nokia 5230
Nokia C3
Nokia Asha 201
Nokia 2700c
Nokia 3310
Nokia 2610 Slide

I remember some of these phones were stolen and others I passed on to my family.

Why I share these old phones? 
Because I want them to be used and not be gone to waste so when I learned of the advocacy of Globe, the #project1phone that can help the environment by donating your old phones to Globe, the return is a pledge to help build at least 40 school buildings in the province of Aklan.

Diba mas magaan ang feeling nakatulong ka na sa kapwa, naka sagip ka pa sa envionment to combat electronic waste.

So where can we donate our old phones?

Globe has provided donation bins in participating Globe Stores in various parts of the country (for the complete list, please visit the Globe Telecom website www.globe.com.ph/project1phone) so that its customers and stakeholders may easier participate.

Schools, corporations, local government units, and other private and non-government organizations may also participate in the program by adopting recycle bins. Interested parties may email Globe at bridgecom@globe.com.ph.   

All devices and accessories that Globe will gather shall be turned over to TES-AMM, a leading electronics waste recycler which will take responsibility for at end-of-life products to ensure that they are managed responsibly.   TES-AMM will, likewise, work on recovering precious metals and plastics from the recycled gadgets.  

Project 1 Phone also aims to educate the public on the harmful environmental impact of e-waste brought about by device disposal. When devices are dumped and crushed by garbage incinerators, they come out as metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and beryllium, which have potentially harmful effects on the air, land, and water.

If you want to donate, you can find out how, when and where on this link: http://www.globe.com.ph/globebridgecom/project1phone
#TBT  #Project1Phone!