DULDULAO DOT NET This Day & Beyond

Month: December 2020

  • Better IT career opportunities, win cash prizes while learning enterprise computing

    Better IT career opportunities, win cash prizes while learning enterprise computing

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Forrester research found that careers in enterprise computing offer better salaries and more rewarding than other careers in information technology. Large enterprises are looking to hire students who can bring their own innovative ideas and passion while leveraging the company’s existing technological investments.

    “71% of Fortune 500 companies use IBM Z mainframes, 90% of credit card transactions globally are processed through mainframes, and 92 of the top 100 banks use mainframe technology,” according to Pat Toole, System Z General Manager at IBM.

    Master the Mainframe is a virtual coding competition designed for students ages 13 years old and above at any experience level to learn the foundations of mainframe programming. Powered by IBM, it is one of the world’s largest student competitions where participants can practice their new set of coding skills, implement it in a real-world challenge, connect with employers, earn recognized digital badges, scholarships, t-shirts, travel, and mentorship from mainframe professionals at industry events.

    The program let students win amazing prizes, while developing critical skills which are in hot demand by the world’s largest and most respected companies. There is no experience required and it can help them land a career in Fortune 500 companies, and just requires a desire to expand skillset! This is the easiest way to provide students hands-on experience with this industry critical technology and earn open badges along the way which they can add to their resume and differentiate themselves among the rest.

    Through three interactive levels, students will have access to a mainframe and get skilled up on the foundations of mainframe, including JCL, Ansible, Python, Unix, COBOL, and REXX, all through Visual Studio Code. Round it all out with a grand challenge where students can craft their own fully-equipped mainframe creation.

    “This is a fantastic opportunity for technology students to try something different, and explore a potential career path,” Julie Gauthier, Director of Technology Business Development at AngelHack said.

    IBM shall feed two children in the Share the Meal program of the United Nations World Food Programme for every student finishing level one.

    Get started today at bit.ly/MastertheMainframeAPAC and open doors to new opportunities with Fortune 500 companies. Contest deadline is on Sunday, January 17, 2021. Non-students are also eligible to earn digital badges.

    About AngelHack

    For over six years, AngelHack has been the leader in innovation; introducing hackathons, virtual competitions, accelerator programs, Meetups, and various developer initiatives to over 100 cities around the globe. AngelHack, a female-owned, female-majority company, encourages their diverse community of 150,000+ developers, designers, and entrepreneurs to become holistic and well-rounded hackers. AngelHack believes in providing entrepreneurs with emerging technologies and the best mentors, resulting in the creation of seamless technology both inside and out of the Silicon Valley bubble. Through their nonprofit arm, Code For A Cause, AngelHack challenges their community to build code that positively impacts the world and promotes an inclusive environment. Find out more at angelhack.com

    Reference & Contact

    Michael Lance M. Domagas
    mike@angelhack.com

  • Loving Your Homeland and Drive Better Recovery

    Loving Your Homeland and Drive Better Recovery

    The COVID-19 pandemic plunged the Philippine economy into a recession. However, after months of quarantine, the country started to slowly reopen, thereby driving economic recovery through various means, particularly tourism.

    Understandably, tourism was one of the country’s hardest-hit industries as its revenue dropped by 72 percent[1] in the first seven months of the year. Despite this reality, the Department of Tourism believes its recovery can also help the economy regain its losses since it contributed 12.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 5.71 million to employment in 2019, according to a Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) report[2]. 

    As major tourism destinations like Tagaytay, Boracay, Baguio, and Bataan has announced that they are now opening their borders to local tourists while following health protocols, local tourism can potentially help the economy get back on track, says CitiGlobal Realty and Development Inc., a top real estate developer that offers affordable and income-generating properties in the country. 

    “The pandemic may have given the tourism sector some setbacks like other industries, but still its contributions to local economies and people are immeasurable,” said Gary To, Managing Director of CitiGlobal. “Tourism allows entrepreneurs to gain more opportunities and develop products. Some businesses won’t usually succeed with local communities alone, but exposure to diverse audiences will allow it to grow faster.”

    While the country does not need to reopen its borders to foreign tourists immediately, since the pandemic will not likely end soon, slowly opening local tourism opportunities can make an immediate impact. Local tourism alone can help generate revenues for provincial towns, increase local employment, spur demand for local products, and increase local hotels’ occupancy. Indeed, a renewed tourism will impact many industries —CitiGlobal shares just a few of these industries that will rebound from local tourism.

    Restaurants and Other Food Services. Some people say you can get to know a person more based on the food they eat, but in this case, you can learn more about a country’s culture and history. Restaurants specializing in local cuisine will have major success with tourism since it can expect more customers who are adventurous and curious about the local cooking.

    Historical Locations. Besides nature and tropical islands, historical locations are also attractions for tourists, especially knowledge seekers who want to learn more about history and culture. Since it is an attraction, it can be given more attention and care since this is one of the drivers for tourism.

    Souvenir Stores. Every location has its own culture, where even the smallest items can hold a significant meaning to its people, and tourists will most likely want to bring home a remembrance of it with them. These mementos can become other means of income for locals, as well.

    Hotels and Other Lodgings. The hospitality industry greatly benefits from tourism since most of its customers would be tourists looking to stay while traveling. Basically, the more tourists there are in the location is equals to more business for the hospitality industry.

    The money that tourists bring in allows businesses to grow quickly, especially if they offer a unique service or product that fulfills a tourist’s needs. Opportunities to start a business at locations where tourism booms are the best prospects investors can make to generate more income.

    One easy investment people can make to gather more income is to invest in real estate properties in known and potential tourism spots. One investment that investors, even beginners, can make, is investing in Condotels like properties from CitiGlobal. It allows you to passive income, have your own accommodations, and do not have to be hands-on to manage it for customers.

    CitiGlobal envisions becoming a top real estate developer in the country, effortlessly putting the country’s best tourism locations on the map through their real estate properties. The company also aims to provide investment opportunities for OFWs to have back in the country and be with their families.

    As a flourishing real estate development company in the country, CitiGlobal started as a marketing, landholding, and leasing company back in 2003. But after seeing how responsive and competitive the economy is, it accepted the challenge to become an efficient and lifestyle developer in 2011.

    CitiGlobal aims to deliver quality real estate projects that will revolutionize the Filipino mindset on leisure properties. Among their currently open real estate projects are Tagaytay Fontaine Villas, Tagaytay Clifton Resort Suites in Tagaytay, and Diamond Beach Resorts in Palawan. They also have future projects in line in Quezon City, Cubao, Bataan, Tagaytay, Palawan, Panglao, and Davao.

    To learn more about CitiGlobal Realty and Development, Inc., visit its website at https://citiglobal.com.ph/. If you have properties to offer, please message us thru Viber at 0949-889-3252.

    REFERENCE:

    Alvin A. Marayan

    PRC, Inc.

    Unit 206 State Condominium IV, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan M.M.

    CP # 0998-9613729 Telefax# 02-87250237 * 02-84708535

    Email: alvin.marayan@teamprcinc.com.ph

  • 7 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Loved Ones This 2020

    7 Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Loved Ones This 2020

    If you’ve been busy all year and haven’t found time to finish your Christmas shopping, you are not alone! It’s definitely not too late to get your family and friends something special before the year ends and show them your love. Since we’re all advised to stay home this holiday season, you don’t have to go out to get these items.

    Here are some gift ideas that are just a click away, and that you can order or make virtually and send to your loves ones before the year ends:

    1. A special playlist If you don’t want to spend money on a present but still want to make it extra special and personal, craft a special playlist for your friend that will make them remember the good times you’ve spent together. You can also include newly discovered songs or videos that you think they’ll love, or add in a few that you know will crack them up! Don’t forget to label it with a playlist name that’s very specific, quirky, or witty and share it via YouTube or Spotify!

    2. An iWantTFC premium subscription The holiday break is the perfect time for binge-watching! If your loved one is on the hunt for new shows to follow or intends to catch up with their favorite ABS-CBN show, you should sign them up for a premium, ad-free access to the iWantTFC streaming service, the biggest library of Filipino content! With over 1,000 movies, live channels, full episodes of classic and currently airing ABS-CBN shows, Thai boys’ love shows, and originals, one will never run out of things to enjoy on iWantTFC! Plus, premium subscription only costs P119 a month.

    3. Tickets to concerts on KTX.ph Treat your loved one and their family to a concert without them having to go out of the house! Let them enjoy great live music while helping others in need by buying them a ticket (P1,200) to the special benefit Christmas concert titled “Our Grown Up Christmas List,” featuring musical theater royalties Gian Magdangal and Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who will sing songs about “home, love, family, and friendship.” Access to the show is available for 48 hours from December 24 (8 PM) to December 26 (8 PM). Your friend can also usher in the New Year on December 31 starting 7 PM by watching Resorts World Manila’s “The Grand Countdown to 2021,” which will offer performances by Morissette, Jed Madela, Jona, and Jon Santos. The general admission ticket costs P600 and gives the holder access to the show only, while the special ticket costs P1,200 and gives the holder access to the show and a chance to win exciting gifts.

    4. Digital scrapbook Instagram carousel posts are a good way to show your appreciation for someone, but why not make it more fun and unique by crafting a digital scrapbook of your favorite photos together? You can DIY your own design and layout using Photoshop or use free templates available online!

    5. Cover of a song you want to dedicate to him/her In the mood to sing your heart out? Pick up an instrument and give your loved one an intimate performance of their favorite song! If your group or family wants to surprise someone, you can also use a social karaoke singing app like Smule to let you all cover a song separately without sharing a microphone! Unleash the performer in you and upload the video of your song cover on social media or just send it to your friend for their safekeeping.

    6. Gaming skins or in-game goodies Got a competitive friend who’s into Mobile Legends or League of Legends? The holiday season is the best time to spoil them by getting their gaming champions or their weapons a festive makeover, or by purchasing them event passes! If you’re not sure what to gift them, you can just send them over currencies in their favorite game.

    7. A personalized video greeting from your loved one’s favorite Kapamilya star If your goal is to make your loved one shocked or surprised by your gift, you should definitely go for a personalized video greeting from their favorites! Just head over to FanLove.ph, a new online video shoutout request platform that allows you to book a special video message or a song dedication from over 50 Kapamilya stars. You can also enjoy their special holiday promo if you book from December 24, 2020 to January 7, 2021.

    Book a personalized video greeting from your favorite Kapamilya artists such as Elisse Joson, Belle Mariano, Loisa Andalio, LouDre, KiaNo, KarJon, FumiYam, and many more by visiting FanLove.ph! For updates, like www.facebook.com/fanlove.ph or follow @fanlove.ph on Instagram and @fanloveph on Twitter.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Joy, delivered: Jollibee App gets over 1M downloads!

    Joy, delivered: Jollibee App gets over 1M downloads!

    Jollibee is definitely bringing Joy online through the Jollibee App, with its easy-to-use and convenient features that makes ordering your favorite meals a breeze. In just a few months since the Jollibee App was launched last September 2020, the mobile app has quickly racked up to 1 million downloads to date!

    To thank its loyal patrons and as a special holiday perk, Jollibee is extending its app-exclusive promo that gives customers P50 off for every P500 worth of purchase and P100 off for a minimum order of P1,000 for delivery orders. This special treat is available on the Jollibee App until December 31, 2020. Whether it’s to satisfy that craving for a Jollibee Super Meal, Jolly Spaghetti Pan, or for some mealtime family bonding over a Chickenjoy bucket, Jollibee lovers have more reasons to have their langhap-sarap favorites delivered!

    Ordering through the Jollibee App is not only rewarding, but also convenient and easy to use with its user-friendly design and interface. Once downloaded, customers can create an account and save their delivery address and contact number for future orders. There’s also a store locator feature to help them find the branch that is nearest to their location. 

    Payment is also simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Customers can opt to pay cash when their delivery arrives or choose online payment via the PesoPay Portal. The app even allows them to claim discounts for PWDs and senior citizens for every order. 

    With the all-new Jollibee delivery app bringing joy to its 1M users, many netizens flocked to social media to voice out their support and appreciation.

    One of the users, Butch Afante, expressed his admiration for the app’s ability to customize orders. “Astig talaga ng Jollibee App! Pwede i-customize yung order! Tapos may Senior discount din! Galing!”

    Be one of the many satisfied customers who got to enjoy safe and hassle-free langhap-sarap goodness delivered right to your home! Experience the joy and ease of having your Jollibee favorites anytime you want by using the Jollibee App and avail its app-exclusive promos with just a few taps. Download the new Jollibee App now! 

    Jollibee celebrates with its 1M users on the Jollibee Deliver App via exclusive discounts and promos!

    REFERENCE:

    ERIKA GARCIA

    erika.garcia@stratworks.com.ph

  • Sun Life Concludes 125th Anniversary With “Himig Ng Pasasalamat” Featuring Ben&Ben And The CompanY

    Sun Life Concludes 125th Anniversary With “Himig Ng Pasasalamat” Featuring Ben&Ben And The CompanY

    Sun Life Philippines concludes its 125th anniversary by bringing together two of the most talented musical groups in the country, Ben&Ben and The CompanY, in a virtual OPM Christmas concert especially for clients, advisors, and employees.  

    Entitled “Himig ng Pasasalamat,” the event was held on December 18, 2020 at 8pm. Sun Life’s brand ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli, Enchong Dee, Inigo Pascual, and Charo Santos-Concio who made an appearance, while the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir performed a special number.  

    Sun Life clients who registered the concert got a special treat, including access to a virtual venue which were simulated a live setting, making the experienced more interactive. They were also qualified for a raffle of a chance to win a Sun Life Prosperity Card loaded with P5,000 credits which can be invested in any of the Sun Life Prosperity Mutual Funds, an overnight stay for two in a Seda Hotel of choice, gift certificates, and P50,000 worth of investment credits. Given the limited slots, Sun Life clients were encouraged to register early through the registration link they have received via email.  

    To build up the excitement, Sun Life has counted down to the online Christmas concert with “12.5 Days of Pasasalamat,” a daily promo on its Facebook page until December 17, 2020. Participants got a chance to win gift certificates, Sun Life Prosperity Cards, and special access to the “Himig ng Pasasalamat” virtual venue. 

    A replay of the concert will be shown to the public on December 28, 2020 via Sun Life’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SunLifePH.  

    “For us at Sun Life, this is an opportunity to thank our clients, advisors, employees and partners for their continued trust and support throughout our 125 years in the Philippines. Besides, this is also a chance for us to pay tribute to those at the frontlines in our battle against the pandemic and various calamities,” Sun Life Chief Marketing and Client Experience Officer Gilbert Simpao said. “We look forward to bringing some yuletide cheer in everyone’s homes. The year may have been a challenging one, but there is still reason for us to be thankful and celebrate Christmas.”   

    About Sun Life  

    Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of CAD $1,186 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.  

    Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. 

    Reference & Media Relations Contact:

    MARIQUIT LINTAG

    Mobile no: +63928-5050088

    Email: mlint@sunlife.com

  • Celebrate the Holidays with these real’ good recipes

    Celebrate the Holidays with these real’ good recipes

    Kids and adults look forward to celebrating the holidays with gifts and good food. While Christmas might be different this year, you can still make it special by dining with your loved ones on some home-cooked family favorites.

    If you’re looking for ideas for your Noche Buena feast, here are some easy-to-cook and delicious recipes that you can try. Level it up even further by using El Real.

    1. Classic Chicken Alfredo

    For a classic pasta dish that your family will surely love, try this Chicken Alfredo recipe:

    What you’ll need:

    • 900g El Real Spaghetti
    • 1kg Chicken breast fillet strips
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp butter
    • 2 cups cream
    • 1 cup milk
    • ¾ cup water
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 1 can button mushrooms
    • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
    • ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
    • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese                

    Procedure:

    1. Cook El Real Spaghetti in lightly salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
    2. Heat olive oil in a pan. While heating oil, season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
    3. Cook chicken strips in pan for 7-10 minutes per side.
    4. Once cooked, removed chicken from pan. Do not turn off the heat.
    5. Melt butter in the same pan used to cook chicken.
    6. Sautee minced garlic and onions until soft and fragrant. Add in mushrooms and continue to sauté until fragrant.
    7. Slowly pour in milk and cream, and mix. Add in water and boil until sauce thickens.
    8. Slice cooked chicken strips into cubes and toss them in to boiling sauce.
    9. Season sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    10. Serve sauce with cooked El Real pasta and top with parmesan and cheddar cheese.
    11. Enjoy!
    • Creamy Tuna pasta

    Into red sauce more? Try this mouthwatering Creamy Tuna Pasta recipe:

    What you’ll need:

    • El Real Sarap Sweet Style bundle pack 1.7kg (800g Spaghetti and 900g sweet style spaghetti sauce)
    • 2 cans tuna flakes
    • 1 large can mushrooms
    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 3 tbsps butter
    • ½ cup all-purpose cream
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 cup grated cheese
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Procedure:

    1. Cook El Real Party Pasta in lightly salted boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    2. Melt butter in hot saucepot
    3. Sautee onions and garlic in melted butter
    4. Right before garlic turns golden brown, toss in tuna flakes followed by mushrooms and continue to Sautee until mushrooms are tender.
    5. Once mushrooms are tender (about 2 minutes), add in El Real Sweet Style Spaghetti Sauce and let boil for a few minutes.
    6. Add in water and cream then season with salt and pepper. Continue boiling for 3-5 minutes.
    7. Serve sauce with cooked El Real spaghetti and top with cheese.
    8. Enjoy!

    Made with durum wheat, this pasta can absorb and blend well with your sauces. It’s also a good source of iron, fiber and protein so you can be sure that you’re serving something nutritious for the family.  

    This season, have a Merry Christmas with your family by preparing a delicious Noche Buena feast using El Real. Grab this Sarap, Sustansya and Sulit El Real Pasta in groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

    For more recipes, follow El Real on Facebook. El Real is a pasta brand from Universal Robina Corporation, makers of well-loved goodies such as C2, Chippy, Cloud 9, Magic Crackers and Maxx.

    REFERENCE:

    JEAN RICELLE A. AQUINO

    Sr. Media Relations Officer

    StratWorks, Inc.

    0927 027 8975

  • Revitalizing PH Tourism with “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila”

    Revitalizing PH Tourism with “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila”

    The “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” online concert held last December 13 was a resounding hit! Aiming to promote Manila’s cultural heritage sites, the highly anticipated virtual concert succeeded in taking both local and international audiences at the edge of their seats for a unique and totally breath-taking spectacle.

    Hundreds of thousands of viewers of “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila’s” live online broadcast were thrilled to watch and listen to great local artists perform the groundbreaking Manila sound of Hotdog, at different Manila heritage sites. Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas and Bing Austria performed the song “Annie Batungbakal” at the intimately charming Paco Park, Raymund Marasigan and Yeng Constantino gave an animated performance of the song “Beh, Buti Nga” at the Museo Pambata, Bea Lorenzo showed off the walled city of Intramuros as she sang “Langit Na Naman”, and Nicole Laurel Asensio provided an elegant rendition of Hotdog’s “Panaginip” at the gloriously restored Jones Bridge. Equally magnificent were Ebe Dancel and Blaster Silonga who serenaded viewers with the Hotdog classic “Ikaw ang Miss Universe” at the National Planetarium. Gary V and Armi Millare regaled audiences with the Hotdog standard “Manila” at Rizal Park, Luneta and,Team Vibe dancers who performed to “Bongga Ka ‘Day” at Manila City Hall’s Kartilya ng Katipunan, Lagusnilad and Kapetolyo in the finale. The mastering of the music was made possible by Rubber Inc and the foundation of all the songs, instruments, and arrangements were played by Bras Pas Pas Pas Pas, who also performed their rendition of “Una Sa Lahat”, “Pandesal Sa Umaga” and their own original tribute to Manila sound, “Disko Na.”

    The music videos presented at the concert’s satellite locations were creatively directed by Juno Oebanda, RA Rivera, Paolo Valenciano, Jason Tan, Alco Guerrero and Quark Henares. The concert was produced by Juno Oebanda, Dindin Araneta and Jezreel Apelar with Department of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila Chief Charlie Duñgo and National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Cecille Lorenzana Romero at the helm.

    Tourism and the creative industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors of the economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the support of the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, City of Manila, Juancare Foundation Inc., and Viva Music Publishing Inc. working together with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), Intramuros Administration (IA), National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), Nayong PIlipino Foundation (NPF), and Museo Pambata to mount concerts like “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila”, revitalizing the Philippine tourism sector is well within grasp.

    If you missed “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita Manila” or simply can’t get enough of it, check out the entire concert by visiting this link.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia