teresay & co.

The site to go to for announcements of upcoming events, product launches, and other important happenings - http://teresayandco.info/

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ASUS Philippines  and Edukasyon.ph Launched  Education Partnership Program

ASUS Philippines just launched their new partnership with Edukasyon.ph for their ASUS Education Partnership Program. This program aims to assist in the education sector to better equip and prepare them with the ongoing digital transformation of schools in the Philippines. This initiative started with a live free webinar that happened last July 8, 2021. The event focused on ASUS education solutions, proper hosting and managing of learning management systems (LMS) and lastly a new program from ASUS that helps in bridging schools to have better access in modern technology. “At ASUS, we are dedicated to solving the unique challenges faced by both students and educators today. We are here to help cultivate the minds of the next generation with a comprehensive, student-centered product portfolio, to help progressive and innovative learning in a fast-paced world.” said George Su, Country Manager of ASUS Philippines.

ASUS started the event with a talk on how ASUS Education has been in the forefront when providing solutions to schools, institutions, educators, and students in these digital times. These include the ASUS BR1100, the best K-12 laptop in education, the ASUS Chromebooks such as ASUS C436, C434, C425 and C223 which are geared towards to higher education and teachers and lastly the ASUS ExpertBook lineup, which includes the ASUS ExpertBook B9, B1, and P2. The ASUS BR1100 is affordable and easy to manage, ideal for schools who are on a minimal budget. With technology that transforms classrooms, they allow both students and educators to focus on personalized learning experiences that help enable better learning outcomes. The ASUS BR1100 comes in two variants: the ASUS BR1100C as the traditional clamshell and the ASUS BR1100F as the premium flip version with a touch display. Both features military-standard durability that is meant to last bumps, shocks, and on-the-move usage. "Collaboration (with ASUS) is actually the key, so that we could really push for change and progress. Edukasyon.ph cannot do it alone that's one, and secondly the change cannot happen if it's just going to focused all to the students. That is why in this very initiative we are taking a focus on our IT partners from our schools because for this to be effective, digital literacy, digital empowerment should not just be happening amongst our students but also with our it partners in the schools." said Grace David, CEO of Edukasyon.ph. "IT right now is actually a core essential to any business and even to education itself. We are very dependent on the technologies that we are running in now. Whether it be delivery of a service or even the way we consume our learning material now." said Raphael Quisumbing, Chief Technology Officer of Edukasyon.ph.

Edukasyon.ph shared with the audiences how their simple partnership with ASUS started way back 2017 with offline senior high school fairs and how it progressed over time to become one of the longtime trusted partners. Edukasyon.ph also said that they envision more collaborative efforts along with ASUS to future-proof the students and the education ecosystem.

Mr. Quisumbing, on the other hand, spearheaded the first webinar session with “Host, Maintain, and Grow Your LMS System” where the focus is on how to setup and manage the LMS, Moodle, over the cloud. He tackled important aspects such as introduction to Moodle, cloud computing, database, and Amazon Web Services to name a few. “Aside from the products that ASUS offers, we recognize the education sector as one of the foundations in our country. With that in mind, we are excited to share our ongoing ASUS Edukasyon School Partner Program which aims to assist schools in modernization of their IT facilities and to support teachers and students so they can excel more both in teaching and in learning.” said Francis Avila, Business Lead of ASUS Philippines. ASUS also highlighted their ASUS Edukasyon School Partner Program where its main goal is to help schools and learning institutions with a development funding. Schools can enjoy yearly school development funds, computer laboratory decorations and learning seminars from partners such as Microsoft and Google. Benefits for educators and students on the other hand include technological update seminars, excellence award for top educator and school valedictorian, and lastly internship opportunity for graduating students. For more information regarding the partnership and the ASUS Edukasyon School Partner Program, you can head over at the microsite (https://asus.edukasyon.ph). For schools and institutions who are interested in trying out the ASUS BR1100, email [email protected] or fill the following form (http://bit.ly/ASPHBookADemo) to book a demo program.

To know more, visit www.asus.com/ph/Business/ and ASUS For Business (Philippines) Facebook Page

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Kwento: Online Scriptwriting Workshop

FREE Webinar on July 2, Friday!

With award-winning filmmakers-scriptwriters (alumni of #Cinemalaya) -- Denise O'Hara, Arden Rod Condez, Derick Cabrido, Joseph Laban, Sheron Dayoc, Pam Miras, plus more!

Libre 'to, beh!

Kwentuhan tayo this Friday!  Pag-usapan natin kung bakit nga ba kahit masheket magpelikula, eh tuloy pa rin tayo. 

Makaka-chika din natin sina Giancarlo Abrahan, Jay Fernando at Jade Castro.

Kaya mag-register ka na: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O0VjQSM9T2uNFivQMGmX2g

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The On-Wine Italian-French Aperitivo

Buongiorno!

Join us for the first of many Aperitivo digital events on July 3 at 6PM with celebrity chef, Sau del Rosario and Don Revy's La Gioiosa Pinot Grigio DOC delle Venezie La Villa. Find out at https://tinyurl.com/4udhrkar

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Fashion-Pandemic Style

The pandemic definitely changed the way people look at fashion. Having to deal with restrictions in movements due to health protocols that n...

Five items that we can reinvent ourselves so as not to totally sacrifice fashion during these difficult times. 

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It will definitely be a challenge when Ambos Mundos Restaurant reopens its doors in this age and time but it will be a challenge well-taken by the new generation of Ambos Mundos Restaurant movers.

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As the world burns

Written by Reuben Pio Martinez Photo by Juan Sebastian Evangelista Photo: DUSK BEHIND THE ASHFALL. The clouds of ash expand and cover the skies of Calamba City, Laguna, Its plume can be seen disper…

This brings to mind the song by Billy Joel titled “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which reminds us that even though nobody most certainly did not cause Taal Volcano to spew steam, we all have to make it our responsibility to care for the common man as the world burns.

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Fast Charging is the Smartphone Feature that will Change your Life

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, a smartphone is a must-have appendage to keep up with one’s daily grind. But one feature that rarely takes the spotlight, yet very much deserves it, is Fast Charging.

Go-getters would know that the last thing that they want is for their smartphone to slow them down. And the best smartphone of choice to date, that will be up and running as you are is the Vivo V17Pro.

Powered with 4,100 mAh battery, the V17Pro guarantees long battery life despite multi-app use. In layman’s term, one can enjoy a reliable phone that is versatile enough for quick document work, incessant communications via messaging apps, constant browsing, and even games, without it dying on you just after a few hours.

The Fast charging feature is the life hack you need, especially if your mantra is Rest and Reset. It’s most important to have a phone that will only require as little time to reset as you are if you’re the image of up-and-about.

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Weekend shopping gets more exciting with Home Credit’s Hulugan Knockout promo

Anyone can avail it all weekends of this month!

Ready your wish list—the biggest shopping month of the year is coming this September with Home Credit’s Hulugan Knockout promo. Every weekend of the month, you can drop by the partner stores nearest you and get a 5% discount on the price of the item you want on top of paying for it in easy monthly installments. Prefer a 0% interest deal instead? You can get this on select items as well! Just pay the downpayment and go home with your item. Now isn’t that the best pre-Christmas shopping gift ever?

The Hulugan Knockout promo does not have any required minimum purchase amount or any special requirements. Just visit any of Home Credit’s partner stores, approach one of their friendly sales associates, and provide two (2) valid IDs. No credit card needed. You can even know the results of your application in as fast as one minute!

The Hulugan Knockout is Home Credit’s latest treat to its customers. The leading installment provider in the country also offers other products and services like credit cards and cash loans. To keep updated on their latest offerings, you may download the MyHomeCredit App in Google Play or follow their official Facebook account at https://www.facebook.com/homecreditph/.

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What NOT to do when you have a sore throat

Suffering from a sore throat (pharyngitis[1] and tonsillitis) is a downer, there’s no doubt about that. What usually starts as minor itch and a bit of scratchiness at the back of your throat can end up being extremely painful, throbbing, and sensitive in just a matter of days without proper medication.

But what causes sore throat, you ask? In most cases, it can be traced back to a specific virus. Almost 85% of sore throats are caused by viruses[2], which means you’ll often get other symptoms like a runny nose or aches and pains just like you’d get with a cold[1] when you suffer from a sore throat.

Whatever the cause of your sore throat might be, the first concern of most people is to ease the pain. But heads up! Instead of being better, you might be making it worse with these habits that you need to stop right now!

Eating cold food and consuming cold liquid 

While consuming cold food and beverages may help eliminate the discomfort of sore throat, it doesn’t stop your condition from getting worse, in fact, it may even aggravate it. Most cold food and drinks that are dairy-based such as ice cream, milkshakes, and yoghurts should be avoided because it only thickens the mucus and may eventually make your sore throat more terrible.

Taking antibiotics

 Antibiotics fight bacteria, but most of the time, sore throat is caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not going to work.* Taking up antibiotics when not needed may lead to antibiotic resistance[3].

Gargling with a regular mouthwash 

A regular mouthwash is only effective in removing food debris in your mouth and does not help in killing viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Most mouthwashes which claim to have antibacterial properties may not suffice as well. So when treating sore throat it’s important to reach for an oral gargle that is clinically proven to address the root of the problem quickly.

Munching on marshmallows 

There’s this internet urban legend that marshmallows can help treat sore throat, but you know what? This legend is full of hot air. Those fluffy, sweet treats do not contain anything that can treat your sore throat. Made up of sugar, water, and gelatin, marshmallows are quite easy to swallow, but that does not mean that it does you any good. Sugar is a super acidic food that causes an imbalance in your body’s acid-base. Pathogens (infectious agents) love an acidic environment and thrive on such imbalances in the body. You don’t want your body, much more your throat, to be a hangout place of viruses and bacteria, do you?

Trying out various home remedies 

Most often than not, self-medication will not make your sore throat go away. It can just soothe your sore throat or provide relief for your discomfort for some time, but not prevent it from getting worse. So as soon as you experience the first signs of sore throat, use clinically-proven products that can help kill viruses quickly.

Temporary relief 

Trying currently available over-the-counter throat lozenges can gently numb the tissues in your throat but this temporary relief from pain and burning won’t last long. Though it can keep your throat lubricated, it won’t be an effective treatment for your sore throat and you might find yourself needing relief soon again.

The moment you feel an itch on your throat, don’t let it get worse. Help stop sore throat fast with antiseptic products that can kill 99.99% of viruses, the root cause of sore throat. Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Throat Spray is your on-the-go buddy for a convenient all-day** sore throat relief for the people on the move... 

...while Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Oral Gargle can be used at home. The active ingredient of BETADINE® oral antiseptic, povidone-iodine, kills viruses in as early as 15 seconds, as well as bacteria and fungi[4-7].

*Depends on the symptom and severity of your illness. When in doubt, please consult your doctors or pharmacists. **Refer to label for usage instructions. ***Individual response may vary

Eccles R et al. Respir Res 2010;11:108.

Worrall G Acute sore throat 2011 Jul; 57(7): 791–794 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135445/

WHO Antibiotic Resistance Factsheet. http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance. (Accessed November 2018).

Kawana. Antimicrobial Action of Povidone Iodine. 1997.

Zamora Jose. Chemical and microbiologic characteristics and toxicity of povidone-iodine solutions. 1986.

Shiraishi. Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of Povidone-lodine and Commercially Available Gargle Preparations. 2002.

Tan. Evaluation of anti-microbial activities of povidone-iodine (BETADINE®) on microorganisms. 2016.

®: BETADINE is a Registered Trademark of Mundipharma.

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Stop the common cold in its tracks!

A Wonder Wo-mom’s must-haves in preventing the common cold and flu-like illnesses from getting worse

With the rainy season fast approaching, the risk of catching a cold or the flu is not far behind.

As much as you want your kids to experience the happiness of playing in the rain, your motherly instinct kicks in and keeps you worried that they might catch the flu or a cold. Studies show that an adult can get (2) two to (4) four episodes of the common cold annually while kids can get (6) six to (12) twelve episodes, but you can prevent that from happening! As every wonder wo-mom knows, a little prevention goes a long way. We've got you covered with seven items you need to have to help stomp out the sniffles.

1. A bottle full of water

Drinking lots of water will help decongest airways and keep the throat moist. Keeping your family hydrated is one of the best things you can do for their bodies while their immune system is gearing up for a fight against the cold.

2. A pack of immunity-boosting snacks

Consuming immunity-boosting food items on a regular basis will help prevent many illnesses including the cold and flu. If you are keen on living a healthy life, chow down on fresh fruits, yoghurt, and other healthy snacks. Doing so can save you and your kids from an unnecessary visit to the doctor.

3. A handy-dandy hand sanitizer

Here’s another thing that can keep the entire family healthy: hand sanitizers! Bacteria and viruses are everywhere so it’s better for your kids to always have a bottle of hand sanitizer or even a good ole’ bottle of isopropyl alcohol in the bag. Keeping their hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illnesses.

4. A lot of tissue paper

When the cold and flu season hits, you’re going to need more tissue paper than you think. Always have a box of tissue paper because “lots” is never enough for a family. Just always remember to dispose of them properly and clean your hands after blowing your nose. By following this you and your family can help effectively stop the spread of viruses.

5. A stylish scarf

Of course, you’d want your family to be protected from allergens and viruses outside your home. Give them something to cover themselves with! May it be a nice handkerchief, a stylish scarf, or a sterile face mask, you should always be prepared most especially when the fambam is going to a crowded place.

6. A ton of patience, love, and understanding

Being a mom to sick kids can really be a test of patience. They all have their own quirks and nursing them can really wear you down so it’s always good to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the battle. Remember to ask for help, pray for love and patience, and most importantly, keep yourself healthy.

7. A trusted cold defense nasal spray

Aside from having tons of patience and understanding, you need to have a trusted companion in keeping your family healthy. Hold the cold off before it worsens by using one of the leading and most trusted antiseptic brand in the country that is BETADINE®4,5,6. It has a whole line of upper respiratory care products that are proven to be safe and effective including BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray.

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Father’s Day Specials at Pan Pacific Manila

On Father’s Day, treat Dad and the entire family at Pan Pacific Manila. Good food, as the saying goes, is the key to a man’s heart. With that in mind, our team of culinary experts at Pacific Lounge has come up with a special Grill and Barbeque dinner buffet on June 15, 2019 starting at 6:00 pm featuring unlimited serving of aromatic succulent meat, ribs, steak, chicken, and pre-dinner cocktails best complimented with choice of local beer, house wine, standard drinks and impeccable service. Dinner Buffet is at Php 1,200 net per person.

For a truly leisurely celebration, book a room or a suite for the weekend. Take advantage of the hotel’s Date with Dad Room Package from June 1 to 30, 2019. An overnight stay in a Superior Room starts at Php 7,000 net inclusive of buffet breakfast, welcome drink upon arrival, complimentary Internet access, complimentary local calls, use of swimming pool and fitness centre facilities, Sunset Lounge & Bar “Street Grill Combo” paired with pint of beer, and special gift for Dad. 

Pacific Lounge is located on the 21st floor, Pan Pacific Manila, M. Adriatico cor. Gen Malvar Sts. Malate. For reservations, please contact [phone] or email [email protected]. Price is subject to change without prior notice.

For more information on Pan Pacific Manila, please visit: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-resorts/philippines/manila or contact

Stephanie Cabrejas Assistant Marketing Manager Pan Pacific Manila Email: [email protected] Tel: [phone]

About Pan Pacific Manila

The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the recommended hotel at the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Forbes Travel Guide, named one of the best places to stay in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award, and also recognised among the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotels at the World Travel Awards, is conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area. Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments. A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travellers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms.

About Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts

With hotels, resorts and serviced suites across Asia, Oceania and North America, Pan Pacific provides a safe harbour in an ever-changing world. Places with less to worry about because, when you stay with us, rest assured that all will be taken care of. For this is where you will find your balance.

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a wholly-owned hotel subsidiary of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited, one of Asia’s most established hotel and property companies with an outstanding portfolio of investment and development properties.

Based in Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group owns and/or managers more than 40 hotels, resorts and serviced suites including those under development in 24 cities across Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe.

Voted “Best Regional Hotel Chain” by readers in Asia in 2017 and 2018, Pan Pacific Hotels Group comprises two acclaimed brands: its signature brand, Pan Pacific and its deluxe brand, PARKROYAL.

Sincerity is the hallmark of Pan Pacific Hotels Group. The Group is known to its guest’s partners, associates and owners for its sincerity in people and the sense of confidence which alleviates the stresses of today’s complex world.

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Artists unite For the Love of Leyte

International headliners, renowned OPM bands and Waray artists got together at The Farm at Ginsiyaman in San Miguel, Leyte for For the Love of Leyte, a non-profit, benefit arts and music festival organized to commemorate super typhoon Yolanda’s fifth year anniversary. Organized by the Philippine Foundation, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), One Love Festival-UK and Tabo-an Ha Ginsiyaman, the two-day festival aimed to empower and create positive change in Leyte, as well as re-introduce post-Yolanda Leyte to tourists by championing sustainable tourism and development in the region.

Artists giving stellar performances include Ben&Ben, Bullet Dumas, The Itchyworms, Kiko Bun from UK, Babani Records from Mauritius, Reese Lansangan, Ang Bandang Shirley, Hernandez Brothers, La Loba Negra, Tom’s Story, Conscious & The Goodness, Free the Robots from the US, Irie Sunday, Lunas, Rob Mananquil, The 76 Receipts, Kulahig, LSR, Lady Suzette, Maroon & Gold, Succubus, The Guerillas, Aurora, KRNK, Specs, Digital Danboi from UK, Tom Turner and Bruder.

The festival also showcased Region VIII’s arts and crafts through Tabo-an Ha Ginsiyaman which means Market at Ginsiyaman, which highlighted Leyte’s rich culture. A series of workshops also help raise awareness on the province’s traditions.

All proceeds of the festival will be used to rebuild Leyte arts, culture and tourism sector.

For the Love of Leyte festival harnessed the Leyteños fortitude and resilience after facing a devastating and presented the rebirth of a beautiful province rich in history, culture, talents and skills. By staging the festival, Leyte hopes to kickstart long-term tourism and livelihood initiatives for its people and attract new advocates of Leyte’s creative industries.

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Toshiba paid homage to exceptional moms on Mother’s Day

Last Mother’s Day, Toshiba appliances paid homage to two extraordinary moms, both an inspiration to many, who graced the launch of Toshiba’s latest line of state-of-the-art home appliances: Margarita Fores and Christine Jacob Sandejas. Fores, mother to son Amado, was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 and is the moving force behind Cibo, a modern Italian caffé concept, and Cibo di Marghi Signature Caterer, her highly-successful catering arm. Meanwhile, Jacob, mother to five kids, is a former athlete and is co-anchor of the popular show New Day on CNN Philippines.

These outstanding moms proved that even with kids to raise, it is possible to wear many hats while giving their all in everything that they do. And with home appliances like Toshiba, each one imbued with the distinctive “takumi” spirit, life is made easier for busy moms with the ease and convenience they bring. Toshiba’s line of home appliances include the signature Washers and Dryers, Refrigerators, and top-loading water dispensers.

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HP LaserJet Pro M15w: The perfect fit to printing needs, budget and workspace

The HP LaserJet Pro M15w Printer is the world’s smallest LaserJet in its class to perfectly fit printing needs, budget and workspace.

Nowadays, when investing in an equipment such as a LaserJet printer for the home office or for the kids’ school use, most people would consider how much it suits their needs, fits their workspace, and more importantly, how much it meets their budget.

With the HP LaserJet Pro M15w, there is no need to worry much about how it will satisfy all these concerns as it is the world's smallest LaserJet in its class that not only makes for a perfect fit in any space but also suits most budgets for a quality and reliable printer.

Almost the size of a shoebox, the HP LaserJet Pro M15w measures only 13.6 inches long, 7.5 inches wide and 6.3 inches tall to fit any tabletop, divider or cabinet, even in a packed small condominium unit.

Despite its diminutive size, the printer boasts of fast, professional-quality black and white prints with speeds of up to 19ppm. The smallest HP LaserJet printer also makes a big impact on energy savings with its HP Auto-On/Auto-Off Technology while pre-installed Original HP Toner cartridges can help ensure hassle free print jobs.

With the HP Smart app, users can set up and manage the HP LaserJet Pro M15w and view printer status directly from the app. With the app, users can enjoy easy mobile printing using the printer as they can send prints on the go and share documents and images directly from their mobile devices. Users can also connect their smartphones or tablets directly to the printer using Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or Wi-Fi Direct to easily print using wireless networking.

Available for only P4,990, HP’s smallest wireless LaserJet printer is smartly and elegantly designed so it can perfectly fit into any modern home. There is also the HP LaserJet Pro M15a printer without the wireless functions that is available for only P4,490. Get the HP LaserJet Pro M15 printers at authorized HP dealers nationwide.

You can also have the printers conveniently delivered to your doorstep when you order online at Lazada.com.ph, through https://bit.ly/2Qlv2Sj for HP LaserJet Pro M15w and https://bit.ly/2x6FtAi for HP LaserJet Pro M15a. Installment options for up to 36 months are also available.

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SYKES Enterprises spending $69 million to raise its intelligent automation game

SYKES Enterprises has acquired  Symphony Ventures, a London company that uses software robots to automate a lot of routine business tasks, for $69 million.SYKES sees the acquisition as a chance to take a leading role in an emerging area of technological expertise known as robotic process automation, or RPA.

In announcing the deal, SYKES president and CEO Chuck Sykes said adding Symphony’s specialties will help his company work with clients to modernize, optimize and integrate their digital operations and improve customer service.

"The digital revolution continues to transform our clients’ businesses, their customer service needs, and by extension, the customer support industry," he said. "The acquisition of Symphony is another significant step in building our company’s capabilities to succeed."

SYKES, based in Tampa, mainly used to focus on providing call-center customer service after its clients made a sale. Over the last three years, however, it has acquired two other companies — Qelp and Clearlink — plus 30 percent of a third, Xsell, that together have allowed it to add services ranging from assistance navigating software challenges to marketing and analytics to real-time support for sales agents.

Acquiring Symphony, the company said, is another step in that evolution. Founded in 2014, Symphony has about 200 employees and has grown four-fold in the last two years. Its robots can perform a wide range of tasks as a human would: They can log into a web site or program, enter data, do complex calculations and log out. They’re best suited for tasks that are repetitive, structured and driven by rules: searching records, filling out forms, creating, updating and deleting records, producing reports and archiving transaction logs.

Symphony’s clients include companies in financial services, health care, business services, manufacturing, consumer products, media and entertainment. The $8.1 billion intelligent automation market is estimated to be growing about 30 percent a year. The purchase price is estimated to be twice Symphony’s projected revenues for 2019.

Sykes said the acquisition will  position SYKES to support clients’ use of robotic process automation and intelligent automation across all facets of their operations. It will also Enhance SYKES’ portfolio of services and help SYKES drive innovation and enhance productivity in a tight labor market. "The world of intelligent automation systems is approaching a tipping point," Sykes said. "We’re excited to be able to participate in this new technological advancement in a meaningful way."

In the Philippines, SYKES has been providing exceptional support since it opened in 1997, becoming the first multinational call center to operate in the country. A true trailblazer in nature, SYKES is also the first call center to venture out in Manila, opening the first call center in Cebu. Today, SYKES has six sites in the Philippines – Glorietta, WCC, Shaw 500, Gilmore, Alabang and Cebu, which employ over 15,000 employees and is continuously growing.

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Seafarers’ mental health take center stage at SM

Hundreds of Filipino seafarers attended “Kumusta, Kabaro?”, a comprehensive mental health program launched by GOLD Foundation and SM Global Pinoy.

Over 25% of the world’s seafarers show signs of depression, according to the International Maritime Charity Sailor’s Society. Stress, harassment, bullying, fatigue, loneliness, and isolation from family can easily impact their mental health, which makes seafaring the second-most at risk profession worldwide when it comes to suicide.

To shine light on the issue, Gregorio Oca Leadership & Development (GOLD) Foundation, in partnership with SM Global Pinoy, the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and International Seafarers Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), held the “Kumusta, Kabaro?” Day at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

“Kumusta, Kabaro?” is a comprehensive mental health program launched by GOLD Foundation to raise awareness of the maritime community and the general public about the struggles seafarers face during their repeated departures from home. With the theme “The Seafarer Community for Global Mental Wellness,” the project aims to deliver hope and to promote mental wellness among Filipino Seafarers. The event was also held in celebration of World Mental Health Day and was attended by over 500 members from the maritime industry and their families.

“Ang issue ng mental health ay kailangan nating pag-tuunan. Hindi na ‘to isang bagay na kailangan natin i-deny,” (The issue on mental health needs attention and we can no longer ignore this) said Marissa Oca, chair of the Gregorio Oca Leadership & Development (GOLD) Foundation.

Atty. Noli Partido, AMOSUP Legal Department head, also pointed out that the issue on mental health is something we need to look at closely. “We need to act on the issue and come up with preventive and relevant steps to take care of our seafarers’ mental health,” Partido said.

The event consisted of various talks and inspirational messages from different maritime groups, the Department of Health (DOH), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Psychotrauma Clinic. It also included Zumba exercises and other wellness activities.

“SM believes that the seafarers’ mental health is a serious concern that we need to focus on. We fully support the maritime industry’s advocacy in raising awareness about the issue,” said SM Global Pinoy program director Glenn Ang.

SM Global Pinoy is the program of SM Prime Holdings that supports the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. It aims to give back and honor OFWs and their families through exclusive services, perks and privileges in its 31 SM Global Pinoy Centers nationwide.

To know more about SM Global Pinoy, you may visit www.smglobalpinoy.com or www.facebook.com/smgpc. You may also e-mail [email protected].

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Araneta Center BusPort, GCash team up for more convenient payment system

Offering more expediency to its patrons, the Araneta Center BusPort (ACBP) has partnered with GCash to add another convenient mode of payment: GCash’s “scan to pay” technology.

Passengers will just have to download the GCash application on their smartphones, register an account and deposit an amount on their digital wallets at any of GCash’s 15,000 partner outlets in the country. They will then just have to tap the “Scan QR (quick response)” code option on the app, point their camera to the QR code available at the ACBP, and pay.

This new option is a testament to Araneta Center’s commitment to making the lives of its patrons more convenient. With another seamless payment scheme available, ACBP passengers who use this option no longer have to go through longer lines and bring large amounts of money to purchase their tickets—safe and practical.

Mynt VP of Business Development Mr. Jose Luigi Reyes explains Globe’s GCash cashless payment to Araneta Center Inc. Senior Management Consultant Mr. Rowell Recinto

“Araneta Center is always looking for opportunities to make it more convenient for our mostly young and digitally-savvy customers.  GCash provides a powerful and convenient payment method for them to transact on the fly.  We are now able to offer another seamless and efficient cashless payment platform with the use of QR code for over-the-counter transactions in our BusPort,” said John B. Castelo, Araneta Center Inc.’s Senior Vice President for Business Development, who, along with other Araneta Center bigwigs, attended the launch at the ACBP last July 31.

“The GCash QR will enable the Araneta Center BusPort to service its customers with convenient, secured and seamless payment experiences. For instance, with the GCash scan to pay feature at ACBP, customers can easily pay the exact amount for their tickets using their phones. They no longer have to wait for loose change, or even stand in line for a long time,” added Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of Mynt, the operator of GCash.

The new payment option also cements ACBP’s reputation as a one-of-a-kind premium bus terminal in the country.

Present at the launch of GCash QR Code cashless payment system at the Araneta Center BusPort were Mr. Antonio T. Mardo, SVP Operations, Araneta Center Inc. (ACI); Mr. JM Aujero, Head of Merchant Solutions–Mynt;  Mr Luigi Reyes, VP Business Development–Mynt; Mr. John B. Castelo, SVP Business Development, ACI; and Mr. Rowell Recinto, Senior Management Consultant, ACI

Boasting of first-rate facilities, reliable security, updated announcements and information, the ultramodern ACBP is the central stopover of those going to and coming from Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, the Bicol region, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Last June, it started offering to its patrons the availability of booking their trips online and payment of their tickets through their credit cards.  

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