Coke Studio receives industry nod for OPM advocacy

“Bringing Coke Studio to the Philippines was a great experience for all of us – seeing how music is a huge part of the lives of Filipinos. This award is for everyone who was part of this milestone in the history of Coca-Cola and in the local music industry. It keeps us excited as we prepare for the second season of Coke Studio.” ~Stephan Czypionka, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines

Coke Studio Season 1 was awarded the silver plaque under the Youth Brand category of the Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards 2018. The Coca-Cola Philippines team that received the award was led by Winn Everhart, Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager (second from left), and (from left to right) Senior IMC Manager Jason Gervasio, McCann Worldgroup Account Director Teneil Ibanez, McCann Worldgroup Executive Creative Director Joe Dy, Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing Director Stephan Czypionka, IMC Director Jenny Cinco, Marketing Manager for Sparkling Nina Mahnik Marketing Manager for Stills Teejae Sonza, and IMC Manager Tanya Cinco.

For changing the OPM landscape, Coke Studio Season 1, a music platform of Coca-Cola Philippines, was given the silver award under the youth brand category. The first season of Coke Studio was recognized for its outstanding contribution in the development of Original Pilipino Music at the recently concluded Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards. The Tambuli Awards is one of the longest-running award giving bodies that recognizes marketing campaign and programs that adhere to the promotion of human good.

Coke Studio aimed to strengthen the connection of Filipino teens with the brand by underscoring the language of music as a bridge. In the process, Coke Studio became a platform to showcase OPM and increase the interest of teens with local artists and their music. The program provided the local music scene’s newcomers with the opportunity to collaborate with the more established names. The collaborations resulted in the production of exciting new music.

The music platform engaged upcoming artists with some of the established names in the industry to create new music. Musicians like Abra, Gracenote, Ransom Collective, Sandwich, Franco, Gab and John f Urbandub, Moonstar88, Reese Lansangan, Ebe Dancel, Autotelic, Noel Cabangon, Curtis Smith, Jensen and the Flips, and BP Valenzuela were part of the first season. 

The language of music as a unifying force is at the core of the Coke Studio campaign, underscoring the role of music in the lives of Filipino teens, especially in self-expression and as a way to connect with their peers. Like music, Coke is also one of the brands that bring people together.

Coke Studio in the Philippines was initiated by:

• Stephan Czypionka
• Jenny Cinco
• Nina Mahnik
• Jesus Ferreira
• Jason Gervasio
• Macy Magpayo
• Jenna Macalagay
• Kris Perez
• Jonah de Lumen
• JB Cajita
• Kristine Macaraniag
• Krisha Iliscupidez

All from Coca-Cola Philippines, together with their partner agencies – McCann World Group as the creative agency, Ogilvy One as the digital agency, Ant Savvy as the events agency, Unitel as the production house, KPPR and Stratworks as the public relations agencies, and Starcom as the media agency.

Coke Studio Season 2 will air later this year, creating music with more local artists and more Filipinos.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company, offering over 500 brands in more than 200 countries. In addition to the company’s Coca-Cola brands, our portfolio includes some of the world’s most valuable beverage brands, such as AdeS soy-based beverages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak teas and coffees, Honest Tea, innocent smoothies and juices, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater and ZICO coconut water. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We’re also working to reduce our environmental impact by replenishing water and promoting recycling. With our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, bringing economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Modern dads rock the kitchen: Dad tips to making healthy meals for kids, family

Today, even dads are getting involved in meal preparations—and they can be pretty good in whipping up a few epic home-cooked dishes for the kids. Gone are the days when moms are the only one to stay at home and cook for the family.

This delivers a powerful message that both parents have the responsibility for ensuring the health and wellness of their children. But how exactly can you serve healthy, homemade meals for your family?
Planning. Lots of it.

That is why Beko, the Official Partner of the Everyday, listed three tips to help you and other dads make healthy meals for your loved ones.

Create a meal plan
One of the biggest problems with preparing meals is the lack of a plan. An organization is key. You can try to sit down with your kids and plan out each meal. By creating a meal plan, you can determine which day you will cook and what to make. This step will get easier and faster with practice.

You can also try keeping notes of recipes that work for your family. By doing so, it will allow you to adapt regular rotations so you do not have to worry about planning new meals every time.

Bonding over food
Preparing meals can be fun, especially when you get the hang of it. You can take it as an opportunity to bond with your kids, as well. Look for a recipe that your children will definitely enjoy—pizza, cake, or pasta—and let them assist you in preparing them. Bonding over food is a great way to create a positive and nurturing environment while promoting healthy eating habits.

Understand nutrition
It is hard to ensure that your kids are getting the best nutrition, especially when they are in school. That is why it is important to mix in plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat when preparing baon.

Also, keep in mind not to let junk foods sneak into your shopping cart. By avoiding them, you do not have to worry about your children having unhealthy food at home.

Healthy eating starts at home and you can promote it by building a solid foundation for healthier eating choices. Start stocking up your fridge with fresh ingredients to make healthy and delicious meals. To keep your foods fresh, you need a refrigerator with the right features.

For parents in the Philippines, one smart choice is by using Beko Refrigerators. This set of refrigerators is packed with technologies that can be your partner in preparing healthy food at home.

With its new age NeoFrost Technology, it keeps the humidity of their refrigerator at an optimum level of up to 90 percent in the cooler for longer freshness. It also makes for a more stable and faster cooling for both the cooler and the freezer compartments at A+ energy efficiency level. Its independent cooling systems also help in preventing odor transfer in between the compartments to keep the quality of the air inside at maximum levels.

In addition, its Blue Light Technology allows for a continuous process of photosynthesis, allowing fresh produce to maintain their natural flavors and nutritional value for up to 30 days.

To know more about Beko and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit the website at www.beko.ph. 

Danny Kingad Flyweight title picture hangs in Macau

“I will be super happy for coach Geje if he wins the match in Macau. It’s an honor to be competing alongside him on June 23. I’ve learned a lot of things from him. For this training camp, I’ve spent more time with him. I want him to win the title. I don’t mind filling that role if ever he wins against Adriano Moraes. He is my senior, and we are teammates. He is like a brother to me,” he stated. “I am still young. I believe that my time will come. That's not going to happen. We always go at it in practice anyway. I'm happy that I get to spar with him all the time because he pushes me to the limit. We push each other, and we push each other to the next level. I will support coach Geje all the way. For now, I'll just keep getting better as a competitor. I'll wait for my time. Training is, as usual, very tough. We are drilling very hard each and every day. I am still working on all areas, be it my striking or my grappling. Knowing my opponent is a good wrestler, however, I am particularly working on my takedown defense for this match. I want to keep this fight standing, so I have worked very hard on my takedown defense. I want to test his stand-up game. I believe I am stronger, faster, and more explosive than he is. I am definitely going for a knockout in this match. However, if he does take me to the ground, I will be ready for anything. I must win this bout because honestly, I don’t know what the future holds. What if we don’t get the result that we want for coach Geje? I am ready to step up. I cannot wait to get right back in there and make another run at the title. I know things will be very different next time.” ~Danny Kingad

ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER in Macau, China on June 23 is one of the deepest cards from top to bottom offered by ONE Championship for its 24-event calendar this 2018. From the preliminary portion to the main card of ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER, there are plenty of bouts with the championship and ranking implications, including the three-round flyweight encounter between former title contender Danny Kingad and Chinese prospect Ma Hao Bin.

The winner of the aforementioned 61.2-kilogram tussle could earn a shot at the ONE Flyweight World Championship, which will be on the line in the main event of ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER as Adriano Moraes is slated to duke it out with Geje Eustaquio in a much-awaited rematch and title unification contest.

Kingad is now trying to build some momentum towards a second crack at the ONE Flyweight World Championship, while Ma has aced six of his assignments since joining the promotion in 2016.

However, the 22-year-old Baguio City native finds himself in a peculiar position if he and his teammate Eustaquio will walk out of the Studio City Event Center with respective victories.

Kingad knows that he has to be relegated to a gatekeeping role if Eustaquio will be successful in unifying both titles against Moraes at ONE: PINNACLE OF POW. Although he could be knocking on the door for a world title shot again with a decisive win over Ma, Kingad stressed that he will gladly play gatekeeper to Eustquio. Kingad is not fond of the idea of squaring off with Eustaquio for the flyweight crown, pointing out that he would not trade his treasured friendship with his Team Lakay comrade for a shot at the world title.

Following an unsuccessful challenge for the ONE Flyweight World Championship this past November against Moraes, which ended in his first professional defeat, Kingad rebounded with an impressive triumph over a battle-tested veteran in Sotir Kichukov four months later.

Kingad seeks to sustain his winning groove in ONE Championship as he is set to take on Ma, a Chinese national freestyle wrestling champion with a mixed martial arts record of 11-2. Diligently preparing under the tutelage of head coach Mark Sangiao at Team Lakay in Baguio City, Kingad is fully aware of his opponent’s capabilities.

Despite the threat that Ma poses in the grappling department, Kingad assured that he is comfortable wherever the bout goes on June 23. Kingad believes that his in-ring meeting with Ma at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER is a must-win clash as he embarks on a hazy road towards the organization’s flyweight champioship.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.    

GAOC sponsored ‘Kasal’ screening starring Derek Ramsey

Leading dental clinic, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), led by its President and CEO Dr. Steve Mark Gan recently feted loyal clients, partners, and employees to a special block screening of the blockbuster romantic drama ‘Kasal’, in support of stars Derek Ramsay, Bea Alonzo, and Cherie Gil, all of whom are proud members of the growing GAOC family. Photo shows Dr. Steve Mark Gan and Derek Ramsay. 

Beach clean-up event in Iloilo City hosted by Pioneer!

“The Philippines is home to the most abundant and diverse marine ecosystems on the planet and it is terribly under threat due to several factors, one of which being that we are the third largest contributor of ocean trash in the world. This threat can be eliminated and we believe that by involving individuals in activities like this they will begin to realize the environmental impacts of our daily habits and this hopefully leads to smarter purchase decisions to reduce our trash output.” ~Martina Spakowski, Pioneer Adhesives Foundation’s Executive Director

The beach cleanup underway

The event was spearheaded by Pioneer Adhesives Foundation’s Executive Director Martina Spakowski, in fulfillment of the organization’s advocacy of education, disaster relief, and environmental protection.

Recently, the Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. conducted a beach cleanup event at Villa Beach in Arevalo, Iloilo City. Over 100 volunteers participated in the event, which concluded with over 300 kilograms of trash being collected from the beach and properly disposed of. 

The Pioneer Adhesives Foundation's team and volunteers

The beach cleanup represented both a drive for awareness and a concrete action to help protect our environment. It was a timely gesture that reflects the values of World Environment Day, which took place just recently on June 5 and in which more than 143 countries are a part of every year. This year’s theme was “Beat Plastic Pollution” and Pioneer’s beach cleanup support this thrust by preventing over 300kgs of trash from entering the ocean and posing a threat to marine life.

Volunteers sign up for the beach clean-up

In a time when trash is beginning to fill our oceans and marine life is being threatened, the call to action has never been louder for us to do our part and make more conscious decisions to help preserve the life of our oceans. 

It is through The Foundation that Pioneer Adhesives, Inc. spreads its commitment as a responsible Filipino company. 

“The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER

“Nothing is easy. A person has to go through hardship to become successful. I know it will be hard, but I am willing to dig deep and get that victory. In order to be a winner, you have to endure. I am here to endure all the hardships because I want to be the best in the division. He is so talented as a fighter. I can say that he is exceptional for a flyweight like me. That’s why I am exerting my best effort in training. He is an opponent worthy of a good battle. This match excites me. We both faced Sotir Kichukov in ONE Championship, and we did walk away with respective victories. Honestly, I believe that I’ve done better than him against Sotir. In our ring clash this Saturday, the commitment to hone and perfect my craft will once again be in full display against Danny. He is blocking my way. I want that gold around my waist. I have to defeat him in order to reach my ultimate destination in this sport. My initial goal is to continue winning until I get closer to the title and become a champion. I want this win. I want to have a remarkable winning result, and then I want to move forward onto that flyweight belt.” ~“The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin

The 24-year-old Chinese national freestyle wrestling champion, “The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin has always possessed the drive and talent to achieve all of his lofty goals as he has capitalized on every opportunity that has come his way in his professional mixed martial arts career. Is unbeaten on the ONE Championship stage, acing his six assignments in the promotion with flying colors.

Making his professional debut in 2016, Ma took home the ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (CHANGSHA) Flyweight Tournament Championship, defeating Wu Ting Shen and Bu Huo You Ga in a single evening of action.

Since then, Ma has strung together an impressive win-loss slate of 11-2, which includes four wins by submission and two by knockout. In his most recent outing this past January, Ma turned in another well-rounded performance to claim victory via unanimous decision against battle-tested veteran Sotir Kichukov of Bulgaria.

Ma has the chance to cement his status as one of the best flyweights in the world today as he is set to square off with former world title challenger Danny Kingad on the undercard of ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER in Macau, China on Saturday, 23 June.

Although a tall order is in front of him, Ma remains optimistic that he will have his hand raised in triumph as he is driven by his desire to become the best competitor in the organization’s 61.2-kilogram weight class.

As Ma crosses paths with an opponent, who is a premier flyweight combatant from the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, the highly-touted Chinese prospect artist sees a big reward if he plays his cards right against Kingad. Holding a professional record of 9-1, the 22-year-old Baguio City native is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills.

Following an unsuccessful challenge for the ONE Flyweight World Championship this past November against Moraes, which ended in his first professional defeat, Kingad rebounded with an impressive win over Kichukov four months later. Ma hopes that if he secures a convincing victory over Kingad, it will bring him an inch closer to a shot at the coveted ONE Flyweight World Championship.

ONE Championship’s undisputed flyweight crown will be at stake on Saturday as division kingpin Adriano Moraes is slated to lock horns with interim champion Geje Eustaquio in a highly-anticipated rematch, serving as the event’s headliner.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Prime Mom Club a savvy circle of moms!

The Prime Mom Club is specially created by Mega Prime, the manufacturer of high-quality canned vegetables, and is dedicated to helping moms to enhance their skills by providing relevant, handy and valuable aid in the kitchen and beyond.

If you want to learn how to become a kitchen-savvy mom capable of whipping up healthy, delicious dishes that your family will love, then it’s time to sign up for the Prime Mom Club. It’s time to sign up for the Prime Mom Club, an online community that will allow you to level up your knowledge and skills in, especially in cooking up great meals to delight your family and loved ones.

Prime Mom allows its members to become better homemakers by bringing tips straight to their homes, using the web and online chat sessions. Members can enjoy access to information on family meal nutrition basics, exclusive Mega Prime recipes, handy supermarket tips, and useful kitchen and home articles. 

What’s more, Prime Mom Club provides members more than just online offerings. Prime Moms enjoy a host of privilege, such as the opportunity to be part of Mega Prime Exclusive events, a Special Prime Mom Club ID, and opportunities to receive special gift items and products from Mega Prime. Prime moms will also be invited to join regular get-togethers where they can discuss relevant and timely home-making topics and listen to seasoned speakers and field experts to discuss a variety of topics especially tailored for moms.

Marian Rivera, Mega Prime Ambassador who is herself a successful mom, is a proud member of the club

The Prime Mom Club is open to all moms aged 25-35 years old who love to learn from and with other moms. The Prime Mom Club gives you free access to an online community that will allow you to level up your knowledge and skills in, especially in cooking up great meals to delight your family and loved ones. 

Access is free.  Just log on to www.primemomclub.com, hit the sign up button and log in with your Facebook account to break into a world of fun learning opportunities. 

SM Supermalls AweSM DADventures

“Over the years, SM Supermalls provides a second home for families, especially for celebrating important occasions such as Father’s Day. The malls serve as a venue to share family-first moments and to thank dad for all the things he does for his family.” ~Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing

Kids and moms can give dad the coolest gift by the experience of spending Dad’s Day at SM. The month of June marks another exciting season for the whole family as SM Supermalls invites everyone to have fun DAD-ventures on Dad’s Day with a host of awesome and fun-filled activities, deals, and treats in 70 SM malls nationwide.

Adventures include Dad-licious Dining deals, such as upsized meals, dining promos, and meal combos on June 13 to 24 at participating restaurants! Dad’s passion for speed and motorbikes is indulged at Extreme Wheels, an exhibit of pimped-up cars and bikes from June 13 to 18 or June 19 to 24. Tech for Dads teaches interested fathers how to pilot a drone or remote-controlled gadgets at the drone demo or RC exhibition on June 15 to 17 or June 22 to 24 in select SM malls.

Dads and their families are welcome to shop at SM’s weekend of fun deals and discounts from June 22 to 24 for the #AweSM men’s fashion finds, as SM celebrates 60 #AweSM years in its malls across the country with exciting promos that laud the number 60, such as pay 60% off, pay only P60, pay P60 less, or pay only 60%. 

Meanwhile, digital fans of SM can get a chance to win DADmazing prizes by simply joining the #IdolDADS Photo App promo via www.smsupermalls.com.

To know more about #DadsDayAtSM2018 and SM’s #AweSM 60 years celebration, visit www.smsupermalls.com.

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your fun Dad-ventures at SM, then use the season’s official hashtag #DadsDayAtSM2018.

Ma. Criselda “Shayne” Garcia Madamba is the new Chief Digital Officer of Havas Ortega

“My journey with iProspect will always play a huge role in my agency career since it was like home to me for six years.  However, this time I am opening a new chapter in my life and I hope our industry will embrace me with this new adventure.  No words can contain how honored and privileged I am to join Havas Ortega as Chief Digital Officer.  I sincerely thank Vishnu Mohan, Jos Ortega, Hermie de Leon, and Tonypet Sarmiento for believing in my capabilities. I am more than excited to teach and learn from my team in the long run as there is always something new in the information age.” ~Ma. Criselda “Shayne” Garcia Madamba, New Chief Digital Officer of Havas Ortega

Ma. Criselda “Shayne” Garcia Madamba

Ma. Criselda “Shayne” Garcia Madamba is the new Chief Digital Officer of Havas Ortega. She will drive the company’s digital products to meet the needs of their clients as they take the next quantum leap in the digital space.

With her rich experience from media planning to business development and performance marketing, her role at Havas Ortega is to propel all digital operations. She will lead the following pure player brands of the Agency: Socialyse, a digital integrated social media solution which combines owned, earned, paid and shared social media activities for audiences to be engaged; Affiperf, the programmatic pure player that combines the best of technology with data savvy human expertise to provide solutions; and Ecselis, a business specialized on online performance marketing that aims to increase the possibilities for prospect conversions through tracking and analytics.

“Many clients are undergoing massive digital transformations. We need to re-define the role of agencies in the new ecosystem. We brought in Shayne to lead this change.” ~Hermie de Leon, Managing Partner of Havas Ortega and CEO of Havas Media Group

Shayne has been in the media business for more than 16 years. Her advertising journey began at Starcom followed by other notable companies in the industry such as Carat, UM, Mediacom, iProspect, and now with Havas Ortega. She has received national and international accolades. She led her former agency to a Silver award for Campaign Asia’s Digital Agency of the Year in 2017. She was also named into the exclusive '40 Under 40 List' in APAC also by Campaign Asia last 2016.

Aside from her advertising life, Shayne is also passionate about education. She has spent years teaching in UP Diliman and UP Manila. She is also a regular subject-matter-expert at the Certified Digital Marketer Program and would give several talks in multiple marketing events locally and abroad.  

Empowering talk at Talent Management Asia Conference from AXA Philippines

Mr. Jaspreet Kakar, AXA Philippines Chief Human Resource Officer

Mr. Kakar, discussed how multinational companies build and sustain talent during the recent Talent Management Asia Conference 2018 at the SM Aura SMX Convention Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.  Addressing fellow human resource practitioners, Kakar shared how AXA takes care of its employees: by giving importance to purpose and culture; empowerment through decentralized decision-making; an embodiment of the agile mindset by encouraging active collaboration with one another. AXA Philippines is one of the country’s leading insurance companies. For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph.

PET bottles have 90 percent retrieval rate in the Philippines

“Higher residual value plastics are more likely to be collected from disposal sites and then resold. This means that products or packaging with low residual value is less likely to be collected; they, therefore, become a particularly significant contributor to ocean plastic. temming the Tide: Land-based Strategies for a Plastic-free Ocean.” “Waste pickers simply cannot generate enough wages from low-value plastics to warrant the time spent collecting them. We calculated the earnings for waste pickers using two metrics: the material value of the plastic waste in terms of the price paid for it by primary buyers (“junk shops”), and the average amount of time taken to extract the item from the waste stream. Over a ten-hour collection day focused exclusively on plastic bags, a waste picker might earn as little as P25 ($.50). Were the waste picker to focus on PET bottles, however, he or she might earn more than seven times that amount.”

Metro Manila has one of the highest plastic waste densities in the world – annually, the 620-square kilometer capital produces over 560,000 metric tons of plastic waste, which translates to about 900 metric tons per square kilometer. In comparison, the financial capital of China, Shanghai, has an annual plastic waste density of 200 metric tons per square kilometer. 

Polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles are one of the most valuable forms of plastic in the Philippines and the most retrieved due to its high residual value – or its predicted value after consumption. PET bottles are commonly used in food and beverage packaging.

A study conducted by global advocacy firm McKinsey Center for Business and Environment showed that the Philippines has one of the highest PET bottle recovery rates at 90 percent.

Of the total post-consumption plastic waste produced in the country, 80 percent are low residual value plastics composed of sachets and single-use plastic bags owing to the local retail industry’s sachet-economy wherein products are packaged into single-use portions.

If PET bottles have a high extraction rate, it is quite the opposite for low residual value plastics. Often neglected by waste pickers, plastics belonging to the category have close to zero percentage collection rate.

While the country has an 85 to 90 percent waste collection average rate in urban areas, it plummets to less than 80 percent in rural areas. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has a collection rate of only 40 percent. 

Another contributor to the growing post-consumption plastic waste problem is the lack of a proper waste management infrastructure. The study highlighted key areas where plastics are leaked into the oceans and these include rural areas that do not have a proper waste collection method due to its low waste density and high-density urban areas that are not able to cope with the influx of development. Illegal dumping by trash haulers and oversaturated dumpsites are also some areas that leak plastic waste into the oceans.

The growing post-consumption plastic waste problem is a real concern that needs to be resolved with the cooperation of all stakeholders in various industries and a revisit of the consumption methods of the general public. 

JobStreet reveals government employees report average fulfillment at work

“With these results, we recommend that government human resources divisions conduct their own happiness surveys from time to time to help identify areas of improvement for the job satisfaction of their employees, as well as bolster efforts to improve areas where happiness is already at a high level.” ~Mr. Philip Gioca, JobStreet Philippines General Manager

Present during the Kapihan Session were the following, (left to right): JobStreet.com Philippines’ Country Manager Philip Gioca, Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Chief Personnel Division Cecilia C Felipe, Social Security System’s Senior Human Resource Analyst, Performance Management and Employee Relations Department Carl Rumualdo R. Espallardo, Department of Foreign Affair’s’ Principal Assistant, Personal Management Division, HRMO Jake Robin Ramintas , Department of Social Welfare and Development’s HR Supervisor Icee Rose Amoranto and Administrative Officer Keith Delare RPM,  Department of Labor and Employment’s Administrative Assistant II, Human Resource Development Service, James Bryan A. Ramos and JobStreet.com Philippines’ Senior Manager for Government, Christine Sevilla. 

In the study, 1,008 government employees – 257 government employees and 751 from JobStreet’s database – were asked to rate their happiness in various criteria related to work environments, such as management/leadership team, job security, and work-life balance.  Government employees are relatively happy and fulfilled at their jobs, a new study by JobStreet Philippines has found. This runs contrary to the popular belief that government workers are unhappy, as well as the unfounded stigma that the government isn’t beneficial to work for.

They would rate their happiness in each category on a scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest. Government employees recorded an average of 4.85 points on this scale. Indeed, in 2017, government emerged as one of the top 3 happiest sectors, alongside hotel/hospitality and food and beverage/restaurant workers.

The biggest drivers of government employees’ happiness were the reputation of the government agency, relationship with the immediate boss, and the mission, vision, and values of their agency. Meanwhile, pain points included lack of travel opportunities, lack of performance bonuses, and low salary.

Job happiness is an important element of work performance and employee health – happier employees are 12% more productive, physically and mentally healthier, and stay with their jobs longer.

The purpose of the study was to inform JobStreet’s government partners what makes jobs in the government attractive to those who work in the private sector, determine the factors that contribute to job happiness in the government, and help partners form strategies to maintain current employees and secure new ones.

“Through the data gathered from this study, we aim to encourage more Filipinos to look past the stigma and prejudice and be more open to working for the government. After all, it does have its wonderful perks.” ~Ms. Christine Sevilla, JobStreet Philippines’ Senior Manager for Government

JobStreet also found that 80% of candidates want to work in the government, especially due to the benefits of job security, retirement plans, and career growth, yet only 37% are actually eligible for government work.

This research comes hot on the heels of the recent Civil Service Examinations, held last March. It’s up to JobStreet’s government partners to more efficiently and adequately disseminate information about eligibility for civil service, including the different levels of eligibility associated with the CSE-PPT exam. Another exam is coming up in August, and candidates should be well-informed about what to expect, and how to achieve their desired positions.

Asia’s Got Talent S3 Open Auditions in Manila Announced by AXN

“The Philippines has constantly delivered extraordinary acts on Asia’s Got Talent that have gone on to the final stages of the competition. Last season we had three Filipino acts in the grand finals with DMX Comvalenoz and Neil Rey Gracia Llanes making it to top three. In season one, El Gamma Penumbra won the series with their captivating shadow-play performance. We’re looking forward to discovering a whole new generation of Filipino stars in the next season of Asia’s Got Talent.”  ~Derek Wong, Vice President, Production, Sony Pictures Television, Networks, Asia

DM-X Comvalenoz (PHIL)

AXN has announced that the Philippines open auditions for the new season of top-rated series Asia’s Got Talent will be held at Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City Experience Museum (QCX) 

Saturday, June 30, 2018.  

The one-day event is part of AXN’s regional Asia’s Got Talent audition tour which also includes stops in Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.  

Doors will open from 10am at Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City Experience Museum (QCX) with hundreds of aspiring performers expected to attend for their shot at international fame and a life-changing grand prize of USD100,000.  

Due to the expected turn-out and exceptionally high demand on audition day, performers are encouraged to pre-apply online to expedite the registration process on the day (www.AXNAsia.com/AsiasGotTalent).  

Quezon City Experience Museum (QCX) is located at Elliptical Road, Quezon City, Philippines 1100.  

Information including the location map, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the terms and conditions of participation are available at www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent.  

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by regional sponsor Princess Cruises, the official cruise line of Asia’s Got Talent. 

Neil Rey Garcia Llanes (PH)

The Got Talent franchise was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced and owned by Syco Entertainment and FremantleMedia. It is entered in the Guinness World Records as the Most Successful Reality Television Format in history with 70 local versions produced across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas. Around the world, the Got Talent format airs in a total of 186 countries.  

AXN is Asia’s leading general entertainment channel, featuring exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and groundbreaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, all delivered close to US telecasts. From The Blacklist and MacGyver to Asia’s Got Talent and The Amazing Race Asia, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action. 

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa, and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 126 million households across 20 territories and is available in both SD and HD. 

AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates leading channels including Animax, Sony Channel, ONE and GEM. 

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAudition  www.AXN-

Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent 

Philippines, it’s time to get your act together!

About Sony Pictures Television Networks 

Sony Pictures Television Networks operates branded entertainment channels reaching nearly two billion households around the world. Based in Culver City, Amsterdam, Budapest, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Singapore and Tokyo, Sony’s linear and digital networks offer high-quality film and television content from Sony Pictures and third-parties, as well as original content commissioned globally and locally. Sony Pictures Television Networks is a division of Sony Pictures Television Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. 

Have the most memorable wedding ring with My Diamond

MyDiamond Have the most memorable wedding

Buy your engagement ring and wedding bands from My Diamond by August 30, 2018, and get a 30 percent discount on all packages from Jake Olaso Wedding Films; and 20 percent discount on event coverage from Sunday Morning Studios Photography. Turn your dream wedding into a reality by availing of My Diamond's exclusive offers from some of the country's seasoned wedding suppliers. 

My Diamond_Have the most memorable wedding

As an exciting bonus, My Diamond is also offering a 50 percent discount on engagement rings and wedding bands until June 30, 2018. Turn a once-in-a-lifetime event into a timeless memory with the help of trusted wedding experts and My Diamond. 

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5 No-Nonsense LGBTQ Dating Tips

LGBTQ dating in the real world isn’t something openly televised or given exposure on media.  Everyone deserves a love story, but let’s face it: dating within the LGBTQ community isn’t a cakewalk. Fortunately, some shows like First Dates feature everyday people, men, and women across the rainbow spectrum, going on blind dates—real-life scenarios perfect for a few lessons on dating.

This is especially true for those just coming to terms with their sexuality and are unsure where to start. There are a few options to kick off the quest for love, from LGBTQ-friendly bars to online forums and dating apps. Still, the experience can be quite nerve-wracking without some kind of guide. In the spirit of Pride Month this June, here are five practical tips from people’s experiences to help kindle the chance for romance:

Know Your Comfort Level

The LGBTQ community is vast with many levels of coming out. Simple gestures such as holding hands or hugging in public may already be an issue for some, while others may avoid dating in certain places for fear of being seen by family or friends. If you are similarly on the shy side, you may feel more comfortable dating someone equally reserved. It’s understandable that courage can take time, and there’s no shame coming out step by step.

Consider Safe Spaces

The typical coffee shop or restaurant isn’t bad for a meet-up, but if you want a sure-fire, LGBTQ-friendly place in Metro Manila, here’s a few you can consider. Fred’s Revolucion is one among other establishments in Cubao Expo, Quezon City, that signed up for the Safe Space Campaign in 2013 to show commitment in the fight against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Another is Uno Morato, a cultural hub, coffee shop, and bar along Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, where LGBTQ dates would not feel out of place. In Poblacion, Makati, Commune offers great Philippine coffee and conversation for any and all visitors. There are plenty more places like these where you and your date can feel more secure opening up, so be sure to look up LGBTQ-friendly spaces online when planning a casual meet-up.

Build Rapport

Chances are your date is just as anxious, more so if you two are newly out and new to the dating scene. In that case, it’s ok to tell your date that you’re nervous to help lighten the mood. Break the ice further by asking basic questions about work, school, hobbies, or future plans, and don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. Being too cautious would only make you look boring, disinterested, or untrustworthy. Should you talk about politics and religion? Some advice against it, but if you’re serious about finding a long-term partner, you would want to know whether your values and principles match. Just keep an open mind and stay cool even if the other one takes a stance opposite yours. Do watch out about getting too personal once the ball starts rolling, like suddenly talking about bedroom fantasies or exes if there are any. You want your date to feel safe, not pressured, objectified, or plainly creeped out.

Set Realistic Expectations

It’s not wrong to have standards when dating but remember that no one is perfect. Don’t let a stringent checklist or ideal preference stop you from enjoying the company of new people. It’s also important not to be too self-conscious, so be yourself and laugh a little. Who knows, your date might just find you attractive and you click from the get-go. There are a few red flags, of course, like if your date is rude to the wait staff or has terrible hygiene. Otherwise, be confident and have fun.

Drop a Message

Even if a first date isn’t successful, it’s polite to say something after. Most people today, including members of the LGBTQ community, resort to ghosting—suddenly disappearing from contact without explanation—hoping to get their message across, but imagine being in that other person’s shoes. Rejection is tough, and it gets tougher if you don’t know why. Always follow the golden rule. Send the other person a message saying thanks for hanging out with you, and that you think you don’t match or didn’t feel a romantic connection. On the other hand, if you liked your date, be sure to say that you enjoyed the evening and are interested in seeing him or her again. Don’t sound too pushy, though. Your date is also evaluating you, so give the other person a chance to accept or deny the offer of a second meeting.

Want more tips on how to go about dating in the LGBTQ world? See how aspiring couples take a shot at love on First Dates, Tuesdays at 8:50PM, first and exclusive on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

For more updates, follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, www.twitter.com/BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and www.instagram.com/blueantentertainment/ on Instagram.

Blue Ant Entertainment

Blue Ant Entertainment is a general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy, and daily programmes. Featuring hit series and late-night television, airing day-and-date with the U.S. and U.K. markets, including competition series The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden. The channel also ‘LIVE’ broadcasts some biggest award shows in the world, including The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

Citi PayLite All-you-can-eat

Make Monday to Friday a feast at some of the best restaurants in the country, for free! Simply make a single-receipt PayLite transaction of at least Php 25,000 until June 15, 2018.

Indulge on a free weekday buffet at Vikings, Four Seasons Buffet & Hotpot, Tong Yang Plus, Niu by Vikings and the Alley outlets when you avail of Citi PayLite until June 15, 2018.

Bring your friends and family and they get to enjoy a 10% discount when you use your Citi credit card. To redeem your free lunch or dinner buffet, present your valid charge slips with your Citi credit card at any participating:

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Four Seasons Buffet & Hotpot:

• SM Mall of Asia
• Manhattan Parkview Cubao
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Tong Yang Plus:

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UP Town Center Diliman

Quezon City

Embark on a delicious and free gastronomic adventure now with Citi PayLite. Redemptions can be done on weekdays until August 15, 2018.

For more amazing promos and exclusive deals from Citi, visit www.citibank.com.ph/paylite.