Author: WILMAR NICOLAS DULDULAO

  • LAMUDI PH Gear Up For Second Affordable Housing Fair

    LAMUDI PH Gear Up For Second Affordable Housing Fair

    Now on its second year, the Lamudi Housing Fair continues its goal of bringing aspiring homeowners closer to the most affordable properties in the Philippines.

    Leading Philippine real estate website Lamudi Philippines is once again gearing up to help hardworking Filipinos finally achieve their dream of homeownership with the second installment of the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair happening at the Glorietta Activity Center on June 30 and July 1. Similar to last year’s successful first run attended by more than five thousand visitors, this will be a platform that will bring together some of the biggest names in affordable real estate in the country.

    “As industry experts have alluded to repeatedly, the low number of affordable homes in the Philippines is a growing issue. Many Filipinos who work hard to provide for their families want a home to call their own, and more often than not, low-cost properties are the more viable option. Unfortunately, these options are not enough,” Lamudi CEO and Managing Director Bhavna Suresh Chathambeth said. “As we have witnessed during the first Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair, there is indeed a great demand for affordable residential properties, which is why we are just as excited now for the second year of the affordable housing fair series.”

    Several low-cost residential options will be presented by the most prominent property brands brands in the country. Attendees can look forward to top-notch developments with attractive prices and payment options offered by Ayala Land, Filinvest, Data Land, and Profriends, among others. Investors who are in the market for foreclosures will have the chance to purchase their dream home during the event’s property auctions.

    As an event that will also serve as a learning venue, the housing fair will likewise host a number of speakers who will provide audiences with buying, selling, and investment tips. Talks covering everything from investing to applying for a home loan will be hosted by real estate brokers and government representatives, among others.

    On top of property displays, exclusive discounts, and informative seminars, the event will be hosting several exciting games and raffles. Various event sponsors will also provide guests with fun freebies.

    Join us for two days of property showcases, informative seminars, real estate auctions, and exciting games and prizes at the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair happening at the Glorietta Activity Center on June 30 to July 1, 2018 from 11AM to 10PM. For more information about one of the most exciting housing events of the year, visit the official website.

  • Brave New World – How AI Will Impact Work and Jobs

    Brave New World – How AI Will Impact Work and Jobs

    There’s no doubt that the advent of broadly-available Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers businesses the prospect of increased productivity and accelerated innovation, whilst also enabling society to help solve some of its toughest – and most persistent – challenges: disease, famine, climate control and natural disasters.

    AI is already delivering tangible economic benefits for many organisations across Asia Pacific. For example, leading global container shipping company OOCL reports that applying AI to their business is already saving them $10m annually, whilst Apollo Hospitals in India are using AI to help predict heart disease amongst its patients.

    While the benefits of Artificial Intelligence are undeniable, AI is a disrupter, especially when it comes to the displacement of jobs. The ramifications of AI on the workforce is a regular topic of discussion among CEOs and government leaders across Asia Pacific.

    That said, it is also pertinent to examine the far-reaching implication that AI brings to the workforce. Will the social disruptions that AI can potentially create ultimately overshadow its benefits?

    The Evolution of Jobs in the AI-Shaped Future

    To put things in perspective: large-scale disruption is a challenge with every industrial revolution. Technology will always have profound implications on the creation, elimination, or evolution of jobs. For example, just a few years ago, it was common for offices to have a pool of typists. Clearly, this role is no longer relevant in today’s modern office, thanks to the proliferation of personal computing. The advent of AI will reshape jobs in a similar way.

    Microsoft recently partnered with the leading technology advisory firm IDC to assess the digital transformation landscape across the region. Titled “Unlocking the Economic Impact of Digital Transformation in Asia Pacific”, the study surveyed 1,560 business and IT leaders from 15 Asia Pacific

    economies[i]. It showed that 85% of jobs in Asia Pacific will be transformed in the next three years. (See chart below)

    [i] Microsoft partnered with leading IT industry analyst firm IDC to study the state of digital transformation in Asia Pacific. The “Unlocking the economic Impact of Digital Transformation in Asia Pacific” was conducted with 1,560 business and IT leaders in 15 markets, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. These respondents were from medium- to large-sized organizations with  more than 250 staff and above.

    About Microsoft

    Microsoft is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more

    Microsoft Philippines, the local subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, has been constantly bringing innovation and making its technology available to Filipino businesses and individuals since 1995. As a committed and trusted partner in nation-building, Microsoft Philippines has made it its mission to fuel growth and healthy communities, as well as transform locally-based businesses and empower them to compete in the global economy.

    For more information, please contact:

    Microsoft Philippines
    Yna Maclang
    Communications Lead
    v-marmac@microsoft.com
    M2.0 Communications
    Cathy Llanes
    Media Relations Manager
    +639209091990
    cathy.llanes@m2comms.com

    Diving deeper into the results, the respondents said that over 50% of jobs will be redeployed to a new position and/or retrained and upskilled for digital transformation. What’s interesting is that the Study shows that 26% of jobs will be newly created roles from digital transformation, which will offset the 27% of jobs that will he outsourced or automated. In other words, the overall workforce effect will be broadly neutral.

    These are clear indications that how businesses organize work, how people find employment and the skills people need to prepare for the workforce are changing dramatically. These changes are likely to accelerate in the decade ahead.

    As AI continues to transform the nature of work, education, skills, and training will have to transform as well in order to ensure that people are prepared for the jobs of the future and businesses have access to the talent they need to succeed. And as traditional models of employment transform, there will be a need to modernize legal frameworks to recognize new ways of working, provide adequate worker protections, and maintain social safety nets.

    Building a Better Future Together

    The recently published, ‘The Future Computed, Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Society’, makes sense of this AI conundrum as it offers three conclusions on AI and the impact on work and jobs:.

    • First, the organizations and countries that will fare best in the AI race will be early adopters. The reason is straightforward: AI will be useful wherever intelligence is needed and it helps us to be more productive in nearly every field of human endeavor, which can lead to economic growth. Put simply, new jobs and economic progress will favor those that embrace the technology, not those that resist it.

    • Second, while AI will help improve daily life in many ways and help solve big societal problems, its important to remain critical when examining the issues that it can bring. Beyond AI deployment, what’s equally important is to prepare society and the workforce for the impending changes that AI will catalyze by addressing the need for strong ethical principles, the evolution of laws, the importance of training for new skills, and even labor market reforms. These aspects must all come together in order to make the most of this new technology.
    • Third, to fully realize the benefits of AI, and to minimize the negative outcomes, technology companies, private and public organizations need to come together with a sense of shared responsibility — AI must be democratized.

    The AI building blocks that Microsoft is developing today, such as computer vision, speech, and knowledge recognition, should be made available to all so that they can create their own AI-based solutions. AI should not be controlled by just a few organizations. The AI future should be built by everyone with a vision on how AI can benefit economies and societies as well as how we can tackle AI issues and their implications.

    The future of AI can burn brightly or dimly. Disruption is a norm, and the ability to adapt to disruptions is what defines all of us. And to adapt to the fast-approaching, rapidly evolving AI future, all parties – from workers to enterprises to governments – will need to spend more time listening to each other, collaborate and constantly learn new knowledge and skills.

    AI

    Microsoft Philippines, the local subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, has been constantly bringing innovation and making its technology available to Filipino businesses and individuals since 1995. As a committed and trusted partner in nation-building, Microsoft Philippines has made it its mission to fuel growth and healthy communities, as well as transform locally-based businesses and empower them to compete in the global economy.

    For more information, please contact:

    Microsoft Philippines
    Yna Maclang
    Communications Lead
    v-marmac@microsoft.com
    M2.0 Communications
    Cathy Llanes
    Media Relations Manager
    +639209091990
    cathy.llanes@m2comms.com
  • Asia CEO Awards 2018: Let’s Build This Country!

    Asia CEO Awards 2018: Let’s Build This Country!

    Philippines has become one of the world top countries to invest. Let’s Build this Country
    together and lead it first world status.

    As the largest event of its kind in Southeast Asia, Asia CEO Awards, in its 9th year,
    highlights Filipino excellence and world-class leadership through this premier
    celebration business success. Join the leading visionaries of the nation on October 16,
    2018 at the country’s grandest event facility, the fabulous Marriott Grand Ballroom.

    Asia CEO Awards welcomes many of the most important contributors to this nation’s
    success as sponsors. Title Sponsor is PLDT Enterprise. Award Sponsors
    include: Healthway Medical, ICM, iRemit, JLL, LBC Business Solutions,
    Regus, Sitel, Smart Enterprise, SPI Global, United Neon Media Group and
    White & Case. Cocktail Sponsor: Trends and Concepts. Official Knowledge
    Partner is PwC. Event partner: Espinosa Arts and Design (EADE). Official Venue
    is Manila Marriott.

    Nominations are officially open for Asia CEO Awards 2018 May 1st. The deadline for
    nominations is midnight on Monday, September 3, 2018.

    The categories of the awards this year are the following:

    Healthway Wellness Company of the Year
    Gil Buensuceso – President, Healthway Medical
    ICM CSR Company of the Year
    David Sutherland – CEO, ICM

    I-Remit Heart for OFW’s Company
    Bansan Choa – Chairman and CEO, I-Remit

    JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year
    Christophe Vicic – Managing Director, JLL Philippines
    LBC Business Solutions SME Company of the Year
    Michael Camahort – President and CEO, LBC Business Solutions

    Regus Entrepreneur of the Year
    Lars Wittig – CEO, Regus (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia)

    Sitel Service Excellence Company of the Year
    Craig Reines – COO Asia, Sitel
    Smart Enterprise Global Filipino Executive of the Year
    Jovy Hernandez – Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Groups for
    PLDT, SMART

    SPI Global TECH Company of the Year
    Ratan Datta – President, SPI Global

    United Neon Most Innovative Company
    Danny Lim – CEO, United Neon

    White & Case Top Employer of the Year
    Carlo Mata – Managing Director, White & Case
    Green Company of the Year
    Young Leader of the Year

    Executive Leadership Team of the Year

    Asia CEO Awards 2018 announces the addition to 2 new judges:

    Cesar Purisima – Former Secretary of Finance for the Philippines when the country
    achieved its first-ever investment grade credit from the three major credit-rating
    agencies. He was named Finance Minister of the Year 5 times by various awarding
    bodies and is a recipient of the Lifetime Contributor award at Asia CEO Awards 2017

    Marife Zamora – Previously Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East
    and Africa for Convergys, the country’s largest private sector employer at the time. She
    is past president of the Philippine Software Association and the 68th President of the
    Management Association of the Philippines and winner of the Global Filipino Executive
    of the Year at Asia CEO Awards 2011.

    Zamora and Purisima will be joining a prestigious line up of judges: Distinguished
    Economist Dr. Bernie Villegas; Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
    Director General Charito Plaza; Former President of American Chamber of
    Commerce of the Philippines Don Felbaum and; Ambassador of the Philippines to the
    United States Jose Cuisia; principal architect Jun Palafox; and former Lifetime
    Contributor recipient Oscar Sanez

    Due to the increasing woes of Filipinos concerning traffic, transportation systems, health
    facilities and other public necessities, the government recently launched the “Build,
    Build, Build!” program which aims to resolve the common problems experienced by all
    Filipinos.

    There is definitely a lot at stake. The end goal is for the greater benefit and overall
    economic progress of our country. We give our full support to this program, and even
    more so, take our own steps to contribute to the Philippines’ further development.
    The role of the Asia CEO Awards has always been to bridge the public and private
    sectors, and to empower more Filipinos to help build the Philippines to become a first
    world nation. With the Build, Build, Build program and the nation’s enormous economic
    and business potential in mind, our role has become much more important this year.
    Thus, we hope for your full support in helping us with our commitment to the country. Let
    us unite with the elite of Asia at the Asia CEO Awards 2018 and together, Let’s Build
    This Country!

    ASIA CEO AWARDS 2018

    NOMINATION ESSENTIALS

    Why Should You Nominate?

    The purpose of the event is to highlight the accomplishments of your organization and
    support your efforts to expand your business and develop the capabilities of your
    workforce. In doing so, you help to promote the nation as a premier business destination
    to senior decision makers across the world.

    Who Can Nominate?

    Any person can nominate candidates for the awards. Individuals and organizations can
    certainly nominate themselves for awards. Members of the Board of Judges of Asia
    CEO Awards are excluded from nominating candidates. Go to www.asia-ceoawards.org
    for details.

    Is There a Cost?

    There is NO FEE to submit nominations. Organizations and individuals are asked to
    attend the event and join us to advance Philippines and the ASEAN region as one of the
    world’s premier business destinations.

    How Legitimate is the Judging Process?

    The judging process is scrutinized by PwC. Judges with commercial involvements with
    any of the nominated organizations and individuals inhibit themselves from voting.

    When is the Deadline for Nominations?

    The last day for nominations is Monday, September 3, 2018.

    When are Finalists Announced?

    The Finalists of each award category are announced after the judges have arduously
    agreed upon the short-list.

    When are the Winners Announced?

    Winners are announced on the night of the grand night on Tuesday, October 16,
    2018

  • Tips How To Save Your Money During Summer

    Tips How To Save Your Money During Summer

    Who else wants to save money and enjoy the summer without breaking your wallet?

    Everyone of us no matter what the differences and status of the people are officially experiencing summer in the country and as the temperature rises, it’s time to level up your gears as you enjoy Sun, Sea and Sand.

    If the sudden closure of Boracay got your plans wayward, there are other worthy and beautiful beaches in the country to save the day, in fact, some of these beaches are far better and cleaner than the ones we are used to and not to mention way cheaper in terms of cost of stay.

    1. Resist the urge to fly – Look for beaches that are within your region. Road trips are way more enjoyable and gets you more bonding time with family and friends as you sing and swap stories along the way.

    Camping Lantern

    2. Camp – Instead of booking those high-priced resorts, why not bring out your tent and enjoy the compliments of outdoor.

    Water Proof Power Bank

    3. Some water activities like Scuba diving and Surfing may require hefty fees, you may substitute these activities with snorkeling, swimming and island hopping in groups.

    Floater

    4. Protect your gears. You might want to protect your gadgets from the water, using waterproof gears is the wise way to go.
    CD-R King, you one-stop media provider has got these summer ready items that matches your endless activities this summer.

    Water Proof Gadget case

    Get up and get going and let’s plan those summer escapades. Visit CD-R King branches near you or better yet, shop online thru http://www.cdrking.com/shoponline and enjoy nationwide delivery.

  • Shopee Announces Anne Curtis as First Brand Ambassador

    Shopee Announces Anne Curtis as First Brand Ambassador

    Ann Curtis was introduced by Shoppe as its first brand ambassador of the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, in line with the launch of 5.5 Shopee Super Sale last April 11, 2018 in Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig City.

    The campaign is set to be the biggest mid-year online sale in the Philippines and runs from 13 April to 5 May. It features discounts of up to 90% off on thousands of products, with deals as low as 55 peso and daily flash sales. The Filipina-Australian superstar will also be making her debut as Shopee’s brand ambassador in Shopee’s first ever television commercial in the Philippines.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BhcS5XjnpA2/?taken-by=wnduldulao

    Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee, said, “We are thrilled to announce Anne as Shopee Philippines’ first official brand ambassador and to have her join us in kick-starting the biggest mid-year online sale in the Philippines. Her friendly, fun and sociable personality best represents Shopee’s brand positioning as the leading online shopping platform, especially among millennials.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhf3lmlHpuw/?taken-by=wnduldulao

    In addition to being the face of Shopee, and the upcoming 5.5 Shopee Super Sale, Anne will also be starring in our first ever television commercial,”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BhcapTLnRmH/?taken-by=wnduldulao

    “I am always on the move because of my busy schedule. Shopee makes it so convenient for me to do all my online shopping on my phone. Shopee has grown tremendously over the past few years, and I am excited to be part of the Shopee family.

    As brand ambassador for Shopee Philippines, I look forward to more exciting campaigns and events to come,” said Anne Curtis.

    You may check out 5.5 Shopee Super Sale at https://shopee.ph/m/55shopeesupersale.

    For Shop BLK cosmetics at shopee.ph/blkcosmetics

    Enjoy shopping online with great deals and privileges.

  • Dagupan City, Register Now For COLORMANILA’S Exciting CM Glitter Run

    Dagupan City, Register Now For COLORMANILA’S Exciting CM Glitter Run

    ColorManila, the country’s number one fun-run organizer,
    will bring its CM Glitter Run to Dagupan City, Pangasinan, on April 8, 2018.  The event is co-presented by CSI Malls.

    Dagupan is also one of ColorManila’s biggest markets, with one of its events having a sold-out event with 3,000 runners previously.

    Jeto Seen, Marketing Manager of CSI Malls says, “Because of our partnership with ColorManila, we are able to bring these kinds of events, to our region.  ColorManila has been our partner, and has helped us bring lifestyle events in our community.”

    Justine Cordero, VP of ColorManila says, “We are glad to be back in Dagupan City and to be working again with our partner, CSI Malls.  We would like the residents of Dagupan City and the neighbouring provinces to take part and experience CM Glitter Run, which is one of our exciting franchises.”

    CM Glitter Run – Dagupan will have three (3) race distances as well, 3K, 5K and 10K, with 3 race kits to choose from, Deluxe, Rockstar and Superstar Kit.

    The Deluxe Kit, comes with a drifit shirt, race bib, color packet, and a finisher’s medal.

    The Rockstar Kit, comes with a drifit shirt, race bib, sunglasses, drawstring bag, headwear, color packet and a finisher’s medal.

    While CM Glitter Run’s Superstar Kit, comes with a drifit shirt, race bib, sunglasses, two (2) drawstring bags, headwear, color packet, finisher’s medal and a foldable water bottle.


    Registration is still ongoing for both the CM Glitter Run Dagupan.  For more information, visit www.colormanila.com.

  • Microsoft Draws Over 900+ delegates In The First Ever Azure Summit In The Philippines

    Microsoft Draws Over 900+ delegates In The First Ever Azure Summit In The Philippines

    Microsoft Philippines recently showcased how Microsoft Azure services enables organizations to: open new possibilities, accelerate innovation, future proof their business, and stay compliant and secure. Several Microsoft partners and clients – including Crayon, Philcare, and the Department of Budget and Management – shared their own stories of, and insight into digital transformation (DT).

    Attendees also heard from several Microsoft executives who shared actionable insights from their latest DT study. Microsoft also gave a glimpse of what to expect from Azure as they help organizations navigate their Digital Transformation journeys. Hans Bayaborda, Microsoft Philippines Country Manager, even gave a glimpse of Microsoft’s own inspiring DT journey as a company.

    (from L-R) Microsoft Philippines COO Christian Lim, James Indino – VP-IT of Philcare, Marian Lontoc – IT Sales Director – Crayon, Andres Valencia – Global VP of ISV and Verticals, Crayon, Dir Angel Magtalas – ICTSS, Dept of Budget and Management, and Microsoft Philippines Managing Director Hans Bayaborda.

    The first ever Azure Summit in the Philippines was given a warm Filipino welcome as it was attended by over 900+ IT/Data Pros delegates, eager to see how organizations are using technology to change the game. Microsoft also gave away 25 Azure certifications to enable even more organizations through the cloud.

  • The Floating Cottages at La Virgen Milagrosa

    The Floating Cottages at La Virgen Milagrosa

    Do you consider to travel in the north of the “Pearl of the Orient”? May be you prefer to explore a place where you can experience recreation, peace, hospitality, unique, clean and green environment. Stay relax, because I can suggest a tourist spot for your life light shine bright.

    In the past few weeks, I was able to visit the beach in La Virgen Milagrosa located in Barangay Paguetpet, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. This tourist destination in Ilocos Norte is a place where you can find the La Virgen Milarosa Shrine and white sand beach with floating cottages.

    Other amenities includes parking space, comfort rooms and showers and other beach accessories which you can use in swimming and enjoying the calmness of the water in the La Milagrosa beach. Another good thing is that you can find a nearby stores that offers a food service or cook service of your favorite dishes such as Sinigang na “Lapu-Lapu” and other Ilocano of Filipino cuisines.

    We enjoyed eating our dishes in the floating cottage we rented in the beach. The gentleness of the waves of the ocean makes the floating cottage swinging with calmness that made us to enjoy the picnic in the La Milagrosa or “Miracolous” beach.

    I enjoyed staying in the floating cottage while watching the other floating cottages and persons who are swimming with excitement and joyfulness in the water. The freshness of the air and clearness of the sky makes the rendezvous beautiful for recreation and relaxation.

    In Badoc, you can also visit other tourist spots in Ilocos Norte such as Luna Shrine, Luna Park, Badoc Island, Badoc Church and other beautiful beaches.