SM scholar-alumna takes the road less travelled

Rosalie Macaspac (left) interprets the contents of the program for her students.

Teaching surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission. 

Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED).

Life’s work

Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners.

With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively. 

She currently teaches at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay, the only government-owned institution for the deaf in the country. Here, she spearheaded the numeracy skills training program for deaf learners.

Embedding grit, greatness

Her journey to becoming an educator was not easy. Her parents separated when she was three years old, and her mother became the breadwinner. 

“In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman. Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in. When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education.  Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship. Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service. Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students. I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.” ~Rosalie Macaspac, SM Researcher Alumna

The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. Instead of slowing her down, it did the opposite. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, they could get by. 

She finished primary school with good grades, and was a consistent honor student in high school, despite having one centavo allowance and rice and coffee as meals. With good standing, she had her mind set on her next goal: going to college.

Rosalie (fifth from left) and her fellow scholar alumni take a photo with SMIC Executive Director Harley Sy (third from left)

She vividly remembers sending her SM College Scholarship program application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo and how she learned on May 9, 1995 that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in room 214 of the MSE Bldg. The three-digit number has since become unforgettable for her. By June 1995, Macaspac was among the SM scholars who had started their college education under the scholarship program.

According to her, the scholarship helped her become a well-rounded individual. It was the key to the realization of her dreams and paved the way to success. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars’ assembly, the orientation, leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, were very memorable for her.

Rosalie at the Philippine School for the Deaf

Before teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office, which was then located in Calle Echague, Manila. She was hired immediately after college.

Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today.

Daughter of former flower farmers lives a vibrant life through the SM Scholarship grant

Stability is the foundation of a well-lived life. With basic needs fulfilled, people have the opportunity to develop themselves, explore various facets of life, and contribute to the welfare of the community.

When aspiring youth, especially those from low-income households, are given the chance to stand on solid ground, they readily take the chance. They utilize it as a seedbed where they can cultivate their dreams and aspirations.

One testament to this is SM scholar alumna Jonnah Jane Sacamay, who grew up in a family where stability seemed like an uncharted territory. Years back, Jonnah’s family’s main source of living was flower farming. This made them walk on a thin line as the demand for flowers was seasonal, and they were also often affected by unpredictable weather disturbances. 

But while they had journeyed through life with uncertainty, they had always planted in her mind the power of education.

“Given that the nature of farming is very seasonal, our income is not stable. Aside from augmenting our daily needs, we also had to ensure that my education is secured. I was informed that I got accepted as an SM Scholar. From then on, a huge weight was lifted off my parents' shoulders. I could pursue my chosen degree in my chosen university. The SM Scholarship helped me reach my dream of becoming a CPA, and this opened doors for me, enabling me to land a job that empowered me to help my family. My experience in retail has given me wide knowledge in different areas. With this, I always make sure that my family makes informed decisions in all aspects of life. One thing that has become a tradition among SM Cebu scholars during my time was to have an outreach program. In our own way, we were able to pay forward the help that we received from SM. It was a fulfilling experience that we could share our blessings in our own little way. Having a degree enabled me and my family to experience more in life. It paved the way for me to secure a stable job, which allowed me to travel, treat my family to a nice meal, take them shopping on special occasions, and most importantly, support my parents and their medical expenses. Aside from providing me with a scholarship grant, working in SM has provided a sense of security for me and my family.” ~Jonnah Jane Sacamay, SM Scholar Alumna

Holding on to the power of education

And so, to help her family, she studied hard in grade school as soon as she learned about others who had the opportunity to pursue college through the SM College Scholarship Program. With her whole heart dedicated to learning and her eyes set on the SM scholarship, she finished high school as the class valedictorian. Once the forms were available, she immediately processed her application at the SM Store in Cebu.

Through the scholarship offered by the SM group through SM Foundation, she was able to focus on the development of her skills and knowledge not only in accountancy but especially in life. She became a Magna Cum Laude graduate of BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.

Jonnah currently serves as a Senior Accounting Manager at the SM Store, Cebu. Aside from financial security, she currently takes care of her parents’ medical expenses and lets them enjoy vibrant life experiences after retiring as flower farmers.

Opening doors to more

SM Foundation made it its goal to help create an environment where low-income families can thrive and achieve stability, just like how the SM College Scholarship Program paved ways for Jonnah and her family.

For the school year 2023-2024, the application period is open from February 1-March 31, 2023. The selected scholars may specialize in accounting, information technology, engineering, and education with full tuition and monthly allowance, including enrichment programs and activities. 

For more information about the SM College Scholarship program, visit https://www.sm-foundation.org/what_we_do/college-scholarship-program. 

SM Supermalls, SM Cares to join Earth Hour 2023

SM Supermalls, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is joining the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25 as the company renews its commitment to environmental stewardship.

This year's Earth Hour is all about "creating the Biggest Hour for Earth," and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.

SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the WWF since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25. 

This day also marks the start of the World Wildlife Fund’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.

For instance, more than 50 percent of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.

SM Cares' sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. 

SM Foundation aids quake-hit Türkiye, Syria

SMFI’s Connie Angeles (second from left) hands the donation to PRC chairperson Dick Gordon (third from left). Joining the turnover are  PRC Governor Ernesto Isla and PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang (first and fourth from left, respectively). Photo from PRC.

In solidarity with earthquake-hit countries Türkiye and Syria, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) sent aid through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last Feb. 27, 2023. Represented by SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles, SMFI handed 200 units of gasoline generators to PRC to provide power to the quake-stricken Türkiye and Syria. Additionally, the social good arm of SM also donated Php5 million to help address the needs of earthquake victims.

PRC volunteers prepare to ship 200 units of gasoline generators donated by SM Foundation for quake-hit Türkiye and Syria. Photo from PRC.

The aid comes after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Türkiye and northwest Syria. The disaster was followed by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, hitting southern Turkiye, which led to additional casualties and damages. To learn more about SM Foundation’s social good programs, visit www.sm-foundation.org or follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

SM Supermalls rolls out PH’s biggest chain of e-Vehicle charging stations nationwide

Going on a road trip using your e-Vehicle?

Never worry about running out of juice while exploring the country because traveling sustainably has now been made possible and much more convenient as SM Supermalls rolls out additional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in multiple locations nationwide.

From an initial rollout in 2022 of 15 EV charging stations in Metro Manila alone and one in SM City Baguio, SM Supermalls will be opening EV charging stations from Luzon to Mindanao so shoppers and travelers can charge e-nywhere, as long as there is an SM mall. Check out the list of additional locations below: 

• SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown
• SM City Clark
• SM City Trece Martires
• SM City Sta. Rosa
• Sky Ranch Tagaytay
• SM City Naga
• SM City Cebu
• SM Seaside City Cebu
• SM City CDO Uptown
• SM CDO Downtown Premier
• SM Lanang Premier

Each SM mall will have one Wallbox Pulsar Plus AC charger with charging power of up to 7.4kW and a 5m integrated charging cable. It is compatible with all Type 2 electric cars including Audi e-tron, BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq, Jaguar, Kia, Range Rover, Renault Zoe, Mercedes Benz EQC, Mini Countryman, Porsche Taycan, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo XC T8, as well as Japanese cars Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander, and China cars such as BYD, Weltmeister, and Chery. 

The charging stations are open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. And the good news is, charging your e-Vehicle at SM is FREE!

SM Supermalls is the first mall chain to establish in-mall e-Vehicle charging sites in the Philippines, with multiple installed chargers in 27 malls nationwide. Since 2022, SM Supermalls has made traveling anywhere in a sustainable and worry-free way is possible!

The free EV charging station further advances the Zero Emissions agenda of SM, helping decrease carbon footprint while addressing air pollution concerns all over the country.

Also, this initiative supports The SM Green Movement that enables more Filipinos to make sustainable lifestyle choices including having e-Vehicles. This promotes the use of a more sustainable and cleaner alternative form of transportation that is supported, encouraged, and made even more accessible by the government. These charging stations are a result of SM Supermalls’ partnership with the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Trade and Industry to accelerate the government’s sustainability initiatives. 

To know more about SM Supermalls’ EV Charging Stations, check out this link. Visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms for news and updates on exciting deals and promos. 

So you’re looking for the sweetest valentine? SM Supermalls’ gotchu!

Whether you’re single but not going solo, in a committed relationship, or just happy and in love with the fam, SM Supermalls will give you the sweetest Valentine’s Day ever!

SM Supermalls has got a slew of activities coming up for you from February 1 to 14. So if you are looking for ways to celebrate the sweetest valentine, look no further because SM Supermalls’ gotchu!

Keep the love burning with the sweetest dining deals

They say food is the way to a man’s heart. So why not treat your SO to a sumptuous dining experience? With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, SM got lotsa lovin’ vibe to share and the sweetest dining deals to offer. Plus, there are very cute dining spots and IG-worthy outdoor hubs to dine into. But if you want a more romantic ambiance, there are also alfresco spots available for you!

Self-love is the best kind of love

Experience the euphoria of self-love at your favorite SM mall when you gift yourself with a few pampering items. From skin care packages and discounts on fashion items to solo dining promos, SM will definitely shower you with tons of sweet self-love deals to enjoy a love-filled month.

Sweets for your sweet at the Sweet A-fair

What’s Valentine’s Day without a Sweet A-fair? If you’re looking for the sweetest Valentine’s gifts, there’s no need to scour far and wide just to get them. Check out SM Supermalls’ pop-up bazaar and get your hands on sweet items like chocolates, cakes, and other treats to spoil your loved ones.

Dance to sweet beats and retro nights

This season of love, give your fangirl/fanboy self a sweet reward at the mini-concert held every weekend from February 1 to 14. Your favorite DJs and Tiktok artists will play beats from the 1980s to the 2000s so be there and catch their one-of-a-kind performances.

Make room for Sweet Vibes only!

Everyone deserves a special someone who can take good IG photos. But if you don’t have one, it’s A-ok. You can grab your friends and capture the love at the Sweet Beats Stage or at the V-day installations that will surely make this year's heart's day extra memorable for you.

Kiss and Treat at the furry kissing booth

Let your furry friends sashay away in Valentine’s Day-inspired costumes at the activity center and get a chance to win amazing prizes.

Or, if you don’t have pets to flex, you can still experience sweet puppy love. Check out SM Supermalls’ cutest and sweetest Kissing Booth featuring trained dogs. And the best part is, it’s absolutely free!

Nothing says "sweet valentine's day" like shopping, dining, and getting entertained at SM Supermalls. So come and celebrate the sweetest Valentine’s at your favorite SM mall!

For more sweet V-day ideas, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

A COMPLETE SUCCESS’ Face-to-face Dinagyang exceeded expectations

The special guests were seen enjoying the Ilomination night at SM City Iloilo with Mayor Jerry Treñas,  SM’s SVP for Operations Bien Mateo, Talent Manager Jojie Dingcong, Youtube celebrity Small Laude, veteran broadcaster Karen Davila, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, philanthropist and influencer Tessa Prieto, eventologist Tim Yap, Manila Bulletin’s Arnel Patawaran and Chef Rafael Jardeleza, Jr. 

With thousands of domestic and foreign visitors packing various festival activities, Dinagyang’s return to the city’s streets exceeded expectations, according to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

A “complete success” was how he described the festival’s return to a face-to-face celebration after two years of restrictions due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“Everyone wanted a strong comeback…It was a complete success and this showed that Dinagyang and our Sto. Niño are beyond politics. I acknowledge all our sponsors from the private sector for their significant contributions in the success of Dinagyang. Of course, sa inyo tanan, mga pinalangga ko nga Ilonggo. Ang tanan nga ini bangud sa inyo kag para man sa inyo. Your strong support in all our activities played a meaningful role in the overall success of the festival.” ~Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Iloilo City

Dinagyang Festival is known far and wide for its participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect Ilonggo ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry.

Treñas congratulated the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), major co-presentor of Dinagyang 2023, the participating tribes and corporate sponsors, among others.

The festival’s top sponsor was SM City Iloilo; it also served as venue for many Dinagyang activities, including the first-ever Dinagyang Ilomination on Jan.21, Batchoy Festival, festival costumes exhibit, and concert of various performing artists including Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto, among others.

A number of celebrities, prominent government officials and foreign dignitaries also came over, including First Lady Liza Marcos, YouTube sensation Small Laude, broadcast journalist Karen Davila, lifestyle columnist and philanthropist Tessa Prieto Valdez, television presenter and entrepreneur Tim Yap, former senator Franklin Drilon, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, among others.

Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The festival is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country.

Two of the many foreign dignitaries who graced the festival were full of praises.

Hop your way to luck this 2023 at SM Supermalls!

This 2023, say goodbye to the roaring tiger and usher in the spirited rabbit as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide!

From January 9 to 22, SM Supermalls has lined up exciting activities and events for a prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit festivities. If you are up for some hoppin’ fun adventures, here are exclusive CNY deals for you to enjoy.

Share good luck over good food at SM

Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together. This month, indulge in a delicious dine-in experience at SM with the whole family and enjoy sumptuous Lucky Feast deals from participating tenants. 

Have a stroll at the Lucky Park

Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals.

Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance

Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!

Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert!

When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you.

Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls:

• January 14, 2PM - SM City Olongapo Central

• January 15, 2PM - SM City San Lazaro

• January 19, 2PM - SM City Fairview

• January 20, 2PM - SM City Dasmariñas

• January 20, 5PM - SM City Sta. Rosa

• January 2 1, 2PM - SM Megamall

• January 21, 5PM - SM City North EDSA

• January 22, 2PM - SM City Bacoor

• January 22, 5PM - SM Mall of Asia
  

Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game

Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.

As the Year of the Water Rabbit predicts hope this 2023, SM Supermalls wishes their shoppers longevity, peace, and prosperity this Chinese New Year. So, hop on luck and enjoy all these CNY-themed activities safely and conveniently at your favorite SM Mall!

For more updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

Experience the power of myrrh with Throzz Lozenges

You can now experience the healing power of myrrh with Throzz lozenges! Myrrh, known as one of the gifts given by the wise men at the birth of Jesus, has been used throughout history as an analgesic and antiseptic. Throzz has harnessed this wisdom of the ages to bring relief to throat discomfort.

Formulated with myrrh oil, Throzz lozenges are your all-natural sore throat solution. This plant extract has effective anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. If you have a sore throat, Throzz lozenges will give you your most-needed pain relief while ridding your throat of unwelcome bacteria and fungi. This helps prevent worsening of infections which may lead to more serious illnesses.

Absolutely sugar-free, these great-tasting blackcurrant-flavored lozenges are the best way to relieve pain in the throat and deter more germs from getting into your system. It’s always best to keep a pack of Throzz lozenges at home or in your everyday carry. It’s a very convenient way to combat sore throat at its earliest onset. 

Throzz lozenges are available at Mercury Drug branches, Landers Superstore, Medical Depot, and selected branches of Robinsons and Shopwise.

Subway gives Kimpoy the best of his B.M.T ™ Moments

Kimpoy Feliciano is having his best B.M.T ™  Moments at Subway! Great possibilities abound with every B.M.T ™ sandwich Subway has to offer.

But what  is a B.M.T ™ Moment? A B.M.T ™ Moment happens when life presents you with a host of marvelous choices that deciding which is the best one becomes a challenging task. Sometimes, these moments may even bring about confusion and conflict. But, once you've made your decision and discovered that it was, in fact, the ideal one, ta da! There you have it—your very own B.M.T ™ Moment.

At Subway, their BMT sandwiches can give you an awesome B.M.T ™ Moment!  Their Biggest, Meatiest, and Tastiest sandwiches are tempting and enticing choices, whether it’s their signature Italian B.M.T ™, the delightful Cheesy B.M.T ™, or their resident heavyweight, the B.M.T ™ Plus.

Italian B.M.T ™s are great for your everyday moments—if you want healthy comfort food, this is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a pick-me-up in between the dull moments, choose our Cheesy B.M.T ™s for a little fun to add to your day! And if you’re roaring for adventure, the B.M.T ™ Plus is up for the challenge! These are sure to satisfy thrill seekers everywhere!

This year, you will come across a lot of B.M.T ™ Moments. Welcome them and embrace them! These experiences will hone you and sharpen your wit. You become a better version of yourself with each wise decision you make. Just like Kimpoy Feliciano, his B.M.T ™ moment taught him to choose what is worthy and of value. And when it comes to choosing what to eat, it is always important to Eat Fresh at Subway!

Hop on now to your favorite Subway store and make the most of your B.M.T ™ moments. Share them with us! Please the hashtags #SubwayBMTMoments #SubwayBiggestMeatiestTastiest #SubwayPH #SubwayBMT #EatFresh

In-restaurant prices for Subway’s B.M.T Sandwiches:

B.M.T ™ Classic

Ala Carte – P185 (6-inch sub); P360 (footlong sub); P195 (wrap)

Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P305 (6-inch sub); P480 (footlong sub); P315 (wrap)

B.M.T ™ Double Cheese

Ala Carte – P195 (6-inch sub); P380 (footlong sub); P205 (wrap)

Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P315 (6-inch sub); P500 (footlong sub); P325 (wrap)

B.M.T ™ Plus

Ala Carte – P245 (6-inch sub); P480 (footlong sub); P255 (wrap)

Regular Meal (w/ 22oz drink + 2pcs cookies) – P365 (6-inch sub); P600 (footlong sub); P375 (wrap)

For more exciting news, please follow Subway’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/subwayphilippines

Give Thanks 2023

Finally, we will be able to celebrate face to face again! This coming January 12 , 2023, Eunnies Events Management will start the year celebrating with our very energetic, jolly and competitive team, the United Bloggers Philippines, print media Light TV network and their chosen charities Children's with Down syndrome, Orphans and PWDs.

"Celebrate Givethanks and Giveback" is our theme for this year, where we respond together to God's call, to be His Eyes and Ears to see the needs , and be God's hands to reach out with their chosen charities here at Acienda del Cielo - the best wedding and all-time favorite event venue in the south as they enjoy sumptuous, delicious buffet prepared by outstanding Catering service of Casa Moriones and beautifully designed by Tei Endencia, supported by Evergreen and One Feathers.

This event won't be successful without the participation and generosity of all the sponsors as follows Acienda del Cielo Laguna, Casamoriones, One Feathers Event Place , Evergreen , Tei Endencia Bendito Viajeros, Bayan ni Juan Movement , Airspeed , Geiser Maclang , SM Supermalls, Queenlynne RestoBar , Cebu Pacific Air, The Aesthetic Studio, Play with Bella and Triexies by Ma Triexia Elaine Alejo Ong, Alta Skin Whitening System, Patricia's Food Mftg , Love Viva Cakes, F*art Fashion Art, Form & Function Corrective Chiropractic, Totetally Official, SamLens Cakes, and Cafe, California Nails and Day Spa, Heartstrings, The Permanent Make Up Academy, FIL Global Immigration, Binalot, MC Beauty Wellness Center, Sta Cecilia MJ OB Midwife Lying in Corp, Ikkoryu,Nanyang, Malaya Business Insight which will celebrate Anniversary this month , other print media partners and Newlife Southwoods Family Pastor James Magat.

Let us live by God's calling. We are God's source and symbol of blessings.

United Bloggers Philippines vision is to see all bloggers united as one. This organization consists of passionate bloggers: from veterans to fresh. Some came from various parts of the Philippines and some are also member of other Blogger Groups and some are also Freelancers. UBP is founded by Adae Ang and now being managed by Eunnies Events Management, owned by Bette Medina , they are BFFs since college who started her freelancing career in organizing events with her advocacy to Empower, Inspire and be a blessing.

Responding to God's calling to be His ears and eyes to see the needs of people and to be God’s hands to reach out and make people feel God's love and faithfulness.

This year's 2023 is a joint effort of JCMS Inc., a Marketing Services owned by Joan Ocampo , Bette Medina and Claire UPCC team Aileen De Leon Millet and Vixzy Cruz as they merge this year 2023 on their comeback in the events world with the partnership of Bayan ni Juan, a Youth organization with a common goal, not just to help brands achieve their target audience by marketing advertising digital promotions but making a difference, to build a stronger ties with our clients - the small and corporate businesses to continue to help them grow . We also make sure to support an organization for every event as it's our advocacy to be a blessing and plan also to have our own foundation so that we can reach out more people as God give us the resources and connection.

Services offered:

- Event Management , Marketing, Branding , Business Development , Public Relations, Presscon /Media Events Advocacies, projects for the OFWs

Eunnies Events Management coreteam the Diola Family, and Medina Family.

UnionBank Techs Up to understand and serve clients in trailblazing ways

"With this, the user will have a more convenient journey by using voice as naturally and as efficient as possible and will surely be confident about being secured." ~Bryan Bramaskara, a Data Scientist from UnionBank’s AI CoE

UnionBank Techs Up to understand and serve clients in trailblazing ways. AI-powered innovation to enable unprecedented, convenient, and more secure user experience.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), through its Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Center of Excellence (AI & Innovation CoE), has strengthened its position as a trailblazer in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) as it reports promising results in developing game-changing client solutions. Consistent with its ‘Tech Up Pilipinas’ advocacy, UnionBank’s AI experimental explorations utilize advanced technologies like speech recognition to better interact with the country’s increasingly digital-savvy users and provide them with a better customer experience anchored on financial inclusion.

Speech recognition technology employs various voice interaction capabilities such as recognizing the intent of what has been spoken and verifying a speaker’s identity. These capabilities have been harnessed to give customers a more natural experience of seamless interactions with the Bank’s services while still providing the needed security level. While most AI modules have English as the base of comprehension, UnionBank’s AI experiments are leading them to incorporate other spoken native languages including Tagalog and Bisaya. 

"Imagine a future when there will be no need to remember a password, because intrinsic characteristics such as voice or behavior will become the password." ~Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, UnionBank’s AI & Innovation CoE Head

This new technology is set to make interactions between customers and the Bank's touch points frictionless and even more efficient. It could significantly reduce the number of inputs needed for a smoother and less time-consuming experience, and lower the entry barrier for non-tech savvy and underprivileged groups such as persons with poor eyesight.

“Highlighting the power of voice technology and how it can further be utilized in different use cases such as customer service and fraud prevention, UnionBank cultivates more natural interactions for clients in general, and financial inclusion for the non-tech savvy and underprivileged groups in particular.” ~Dr. David R. Hardoon, UnionBank’s Chief Data and AI Officer

In early trials for this new technology, UnionBank initially identified that the required features can be integrated with current banking transactions such as paying bills, sending money, checking promos, topping up, updating phone numbers, and even urgently blocking cards when security concerns are raised. The high-tech speaker verification voice biometrics secures the system while allowing users to seamlessly authenticate within seconds. 

Through this new technology, UnionBank can lower the threshold for technology and digital capability while expanding its reach.