Category: Advocacy

  • Tips to Fireproof Your Home

    Tips to Fireproof Your Home

    Fire incidents are considered as common as the perennial hot summer season in the Philippines. Every year, fire cases all around the country destroy resources and displace families. March once again marks the observance of Fire Prevention Month to alleviate this country-wide problem.

    In 2015, The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 1,727 fire incidents in March alone. March is considered the hottest month of the year, with the elevated temperature attributed for some of the incidents that occur during its period.

    Homes are very prone to fires and the kitchen, specifically, is among the areas that are very susceptible to such accidents. In January and February last year, 70 fires came from unattended cooking stoves while 162 incidents were caused by problems with electrical lines.

    With the kitchen being one of the most important areas of a household, making it a safer place should be a top priority for homemakers. Below are some tips to make your kitchen a fireproof place.

    1. Keep your focus

    One of the leading reasons behind kitchen fires is neglect. Often, it is easy to get distracted and leave a dish cooking. This kind of neglect causes the most injuries, deaths, and property damage than other roots of home fires.

    2. Keep a fire extinguisher close

    A fire extinguisher is necessary in any home. Keep one ready in the kitchen and store it in a place 10 feet away from the stove, in a spot where it is easy to grab. All members of the household should know how to use it in case of emergencies. Note also that all fire extinguishers should always be refilled every six to seven years to function properly.

    3. Keep from storing items on top of the stove

    It is easy to be less mindful of your actions while caught in a cooking mood. Refrain from placing things on top of a stovetop since this kind of surface can easily start a flame when it gets in contact with anything flammable. Instead, keep things orderly in cabinets and cupboards.

    4. Make sure your cooking appliances are free from crumbs and scraps

    Leftover pieces of food from stovetops, ovens, and toasters can catch fire so make sure to clean these cooking appliances after use. Unplug them from their sockets before cleaning and keep the cables away from water.

    5. Go fireproof

    It is nearly impossible to entirely fireproof a kitchen with all the flammable materials in the area. However, while it doesn’t entirely cancel out the probability of a fire, using cooking appliances that are designed for safety can add a layer of protection to this part of the home.

    Induction cookers, for example, lessen the risk of fire accidents. The Induction Cooker from Midea, one of world’s largest manufacturers of domestic appliances, is a good example of a household partner that values safety as much as efficiency.

    The induction cooker removes the risk for burns with its flameless technology. It also protects your home from possible gas leakages.

    In addition, this kitchen essential also works faster than an average electric stove as it heats up 25% faster than the latter. It also has an energy-saving Piso Meal feature which uses up 1Php worth of electricity for every 4 minutes of cooking or heating.

    Make your kitchen safe the whole year round with these nifty tips. A little precaution and awareness can go a long way when it comes to preserving the harmony in the household.

    To learn more about Midea’s Induction Cookers and other home solutions, visit www.midea.com.ph and like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MideaPhilippines for updates.

    REFERENCE:

    Contact: Jerome Samson
    Telephone: (02) 7061971/ 09178961568
    E-mail: jsamson@amprpublicity.com

  • Tutuban Center launches Tutuban Center Home Club

    Tutuban Center launches Tutuban Center Home Club

    Tutuban Center, Manila’s bargain shopping destination, recently established the Tutuban Center Home Club (TC Home Club) as part of its community development activities.

    TC Home Club seeks to empower women of today, especially the underprivileged ones living within the Tutuban Center community and nearby cities with little or no education, to gain the confidence of facing challenges in life when raising a family. The club will seek these mothers and reach out to them by providing a venue for trainings and seminars to help them develop and discover specific skills they may have to become a possible source of livelihood.

    The 3-hour training sessions started last February 5, 2016 and will run every Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 11, 2016 at the Tutuban Center Food Court located at the 3rd floor of Tutuban Center Centermall and at Tutuban Center TMX exhibition center.

    During the initial session, the mothers underwent training sessions to learn how to become a massage therapist, barista, manicurist/pedicurist, haircutter, or even how to make sweet treats like “pastillas.” Training was provided by representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA.  Attendees were also handed out TC Home Club shirts, ID cards, and other peripherals, including eco-bags.

    Next training sessions will teach women from different backgrounds how to become entrepreneurs, cosmetics/make-up application, even vital tips on parenting and other important topics.

    To join TC Home Club, participants must show a Barangay Clearance, ID and duly accomplished TC Home Club registration form at the Tutuban Center Marketing Office located near the Tutuban Center Food Court.  Also, this event would not be possible without Smart Communications, Inc., DKT Health, Inc., Torque Philippines, Robinsons Supermarket, Department of Health – Commission on Population, TESDA, Kalye Negosyo and HBC.

    “We hope more women will join our training sessions because it will definitely help them be more self-reliant as they face life’s challenges. We invite them to attend because they will definitely learn here. And if these initial sessions prove successful, we can hopefully extend this program for the whole year,” says Ms. Sylvia Tecson, Vice President for Sales and Marketing of Tutuban Properties, Inc. (TPI).

    Tutuban Center is located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight. Visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TutubanCenter, follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts @TutubanCenter for more details.

    REFERENCE:

    Contact: Jerome Samson
    Telephone: (02) 7061971/ 09178961568
    E-mail: jsamson@amprpublicity.com

  • Keep the chills away this sweater weather

    Keep the chills away this sweater weather

    The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted the blowing of the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan, to peak from mid-January to mid-February. The monsoon, which originates from Siberia, brings cool, light weather —a welcome change for a tropical country like ours.

    For most parts of the country, this favorable forecast means that we still have time left to revel in this chilly weather.

    However, this implies another thing: More days of shivering under cold showers!

    Or not. If there is a time when water heaters become handy the most, it is during these cold mornings when the least you want to do is shiver during a bath. Water heaters prove to be a necessary investment to your home. But what exactly should you look for in one?

    1. Efficiency

    Water heaters are meant to provide instant comfort during those cold days.  Midea’s Water Heaters deliver this by providing warm water in just a few seconds. One of the largest appliance manufacturers of the world, Midea ensures that their water heaters deliver better heating efficiency via its advanced stainless steel heating element (this is for the 6500W model only; the material of the heating element of all the other models is copper). Additionally, a Midea Water Heater is equipped with seven power steps for selection and advanced water flow techniques for better control (this is for the 6500W model only; the two 4500W models have a “stepless” power adjustment while the 3500W model  has only three – low, mid, high).

    2. Safety

    Water heaters, when not installed or used properly, can be a source of hazard in your home.  A dedicated electrical circuit is required to ensure that the appliance will work reliably. Additional safety technology like Midea’s safety sensors are a huge plus, too.

    The multiple safety protection of these water heaters ensure that there will be no scalding, electric shocks, and overheating from the unit. The anti-overheat protection, particularly, prevents the water temperature from rising above 55 degrees Celsius, in case of any abnormality that might remotely occur. Moreover, its built-in electric shock protection assures that even if the unit gets wet, the user is protected from any possibility of electrocution.

    3. Affordability

    With power rates fluctuating, energy efficiency is a very important factor that should be considered before getting any appliance. Midea’s Water Heaters provide an energy-friendly way of enjoying hot showers without worrying about the cost.  A 10-minute shower only costs Php8.00. of power usage

    4. Durability

    Water heaters are long term investments so go out and find one that is built to last for years. Midea does not only provide durable appliances but is also backed-up by a concrete after-sales service network. Midea’s Water Heaters also come with a 5-year warranty, to assure its longevity and performance quality.

    Regardless if you are fighting the chills or just craving a hot shower after a long tiring day, a water heater is definitely a significant addition to any home. For more information on Midea Philippines’ products, visit their website http://midea.com.ph/ or Facebook page https://www/facebook.com/MideaPhilippines.

    REFERENCE:

    Contact: Jerome Samson
    Telephone: (632) 393 4028
    (632) 706 1971
    E-mail: jsamson@amprpublicity.com

  • Tutuban Center honors Gat Andres Bonifacio on his 152nd birthday.

    Tutuban Center honors Gat Andres Bonifacio on his 152nd birthday.

    Tutuban Center honored one of the country’s most recognized heroes, Gat Andres Bonifacio, via a solemn wreath-laying ceremony held today at the Bonifacio marker site fronting Tutuban’s main building to commemorate the celebrated hero.

    (From L-R) Engr. Ted Mosquito, AVP for Safety & Compliance, Tutuban Properties, Inc.; Sylvia Tecson, VP for Leasing & Marketing, Tutuban Properties, Inc.; Carminda Arevalo, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Obet Asilo, Councilor of 1st District of Manila.

    Reference:         

    Jerome Samson

    09178961568

    AMPR Publicity & Communications, Inc.

  • Join the 1st iHeaRt PMAP Run

    Join the 1st iHeaRt PMAP Run

    Did you know that 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines are health related? Are you aware that just by eating better, making small lifestyle changes and doing moderate activity on most days of the week, we can reduce the risk of many diseases and increase our quality of life?

    The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of HR practitioners and people managers in the country, is advocating health and wellness in the workplace as one of the most important issues that companies need to address today. With this, PMAP has organized an annual nationwide event called National Wellness Day that is being participated by various companies in the country every third Friday of June.

    During the National Wellness Day, companies conduct wellness events in their workplaces that includes sponsored healthy lunch and snack; learning sessions on work-life balance, holistic and spirituality; and the 7-Minute PMAP Wellness Moment, a quick wellness activity that involves stretching and meditation done simultaneously across the nation by employees at exactly 3:00 pm.

    On 19 September 2015, the organization will hold the first-ever iHeaRt PMAP fun run at the Camp Aguinaldo Grounds, Quezon City as part of the initiatives of PMAP in promoting workplace wellness. There will be three categories: 3K, 5k and 10k with minimal registration fees of P300, P400 and P500, respectively. Aside from the singlet and race bib, runners will receive cool freebies from sponsors. Also, awesome prizes await all race winners per category.

    Get your running shoes ready and join this fun-filled and exciting activity. For registration, sponsorship and other inquiries, please call 7261532 or email pmap@pmap.org.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac

  • GetMed: Revolutionizing healthcare in the Philippines

    GetMed: Revolutionizing healthcare in the Philippines

    We have all experienced the difficulties of finding a doctor and quickly get an appointment. More importantly, on emergency situations, we might not even have an idea where the nearest hospital is or which doctor to call.

    For Arthur John Abarquez, one of the founders of UNA I.T. SOLUTIONS, it was on a Maundy Thursday a few years ago when his wife suffered a serious fall, which resulted to shattered bones in her left forearm and hand that compelled him to recognize this need. “We rushed my wife to the hospital but the ER Doctors couldn’t do anything to relieve her pain. They needed a specialist who, at that time, since it was a holiday, was not available. It took them several hours to locate a doctor who had to travel from Calatagan, Batangas to Manila. It was grueling hours of waiting for my wife and myself. I wanted so much to help her but I was helpless, we were at the mercy of the capabilities and the reaction time of the hospital where we brought her,” he shared.

    “Had a medical directory, at the very least, been available then, it would have helped us locate the nearest available doctor, not necessarily from the hospital we brought her to but still within immediate reach,” Arthur added.

    UNA I.T. SOLUTIONS, the company behind the Health Lifestyle app called GetMed, envisions the product to revolutionize healthcare in the Philippines. The company was built in collaboration with some of the country’s profile experts in pharma, information technology, and consumer marketing – all coming together for one direction – to develop a product that would give everybody an upperhand in managing their healthcare, emergency or otherwise.

    GetMed simplifies patient experience in just one touch of a button. Just as how we use online tools to book a restaurant or request for a cab service, patients will certainly demand the same experience in self-booking a doctor’s appointment.

    “You would not even want to entertain the idea of waiting,” says Paolo Castaño, a reputable pharma and marketing expert, “so GetMed capitalizes on convenience. With the app, you can conveniently book appointments with MDs, find out nearest hospitals or clinics. The app can immediately give you a directory of doctors grouped geographically and according to specialization.” It is also linked to Waze so you get to manage traffic as you proceed with your respective appointments.

    Unlike the many medical apps which are limited to information base, GetMed is highly interactive. “The app is not just an information base, but engages the doctors, patients, and helps build a better lifestyle on day-to-day basis,” shares Chris Hatton, an I.T. expert who had professional stints with a leading global software company in Europe & the Middle East and specialized in Government contracts.

    A free download, GetMed Version 1 is available in Android and IOS version. Initially, Version 1 has over 17,000 registered doctors on the database, covering the majority of the country. It also has over 3,000 Hospitals, Clinics & Barangay Health Centres located in Luzon, Visayas & Mindanao. All listings for both doctors and hospitals are 95% accurate.

    “A lot of things are coming for the app,” says Chris, “but we do not want to rush things. Importance of the app right now, with Version 1, is the simplicity and usefulness. We just want to make sure we are doing it the correct manner.”

    GetMed is aimed at making the Philippines a major player in the app-business, a product that is made in the Philippines that will make us proud. Its mission is to bring healthcare at the touch of a button, manage your healthcare more efficiently, conveniently and more precise.

    From L-R- Arthur John Abarquez, Paolo Castaño and Chris Hatton

    “We believe in the project. And Philippines is the right place to launch this kind of product and that’s important. We have such great faith in the Philippines. Great technology skills. We’re very Filipino. We have Filipino staff. We use Filipino developers. We are proud that this is a Filipino-made product. It’s the first time that we are consolidating the data of doctors and patients into one big picture. We’re bringing quality life.”

    REFERENCE:

    Jerome G. Samson
    Event and Activation
    09167861568
    jerome.g.samson@gmail.com

  • Infographic: What will your house look like in 10 years?

    Infographic: What will your house look like in 10 years?

    Smart home technology gaining traction in emerging markets.

    From the moment you wake up in the morning, the house reacts to your needs. The automated lights turn on slowly to wake you up at a scheduled time. From the comfort of your bed, you switch on your coffee machine so your morning cup is fresh and hot by the time you arrive downstairs for breakfast.

    You enter the bathroom and stand in front of your intelligent mirror. The mirror’s reflective surface springs to life with all the information you need to kick-start your day, including the weather and the morning’s top news. The device also plays your favourite music so you are always guaranteed to start the day in a good mood.

    After getting ready, you go to the kitchen for breakfast where your smart refrigerator alerts you that you are nearly out of milk. With the tap of a finger on the fridge’s touch screen, you can restock your fridge and order all your groceries for the week through an online store.

    The infiltration of technology to assist with these small daily tasks may just be the beginning. The fully-connected home is designed to boost energy efficiency, protect against intruders and even monitor your family’s health. With the rapid growth in the home automation industry, so-called smart home systems have already hit the mainstream – although the high cost of such devices keeps them out of reach for many. But there are signs that this is about to change.

    This year, revenue from the smart home market is expected to exceed $US48 billion, according to recent Strategy Analytics forecasts. By 2019, the sector’s market revenue will increase to $115 billion. By the end of this decade, nearly 12 percent of global households will have at least one type of smart system installed. In fact, Tony Fadell, the CEO of Nest – the connected homes product company that was bought by Google earlier this year – has predicted that within a decade, every electrical device in your home will be connected to the internet.

    While the smart home market is quickly gaining traction in developed countries, there are now signs that the trend is spreading to the emerging markets. Consumers in the Asia Pacific region has been particularly keen to embrace the new connected technologies, as tech companies begin to acknowledge the opportunities in this sector.

    Connected home firm Icontrol Networks expanded to Asia in October, with the company partnering with a Japanese cable provider to offer a smart home system that consumers can install themselves. This month, Chinese electronics firm Xiaomi invested 1.26 billion yuan (about $200 million) in home appliance company Midea, as it looks to expand into the smart homes market.

    Lamudi’s Global Co-Founder and Managing Director, Kian Moini, said: “The smart home concept is all about making living much more comfortable, as well as more efficient, which means that the concept has universal appeal. As prices come down in the coming years and people worldwide begin to focus more on issues such as energy saving, we expect to see this trend sweep the emerging markets as well.”

    REFERENCE & MEDIA CONTACT

    Rodel Ambas
    Head of Content and PR, Lamudi Philippines
    Email: rodel.ambas@lamudi.com.ph
    Phone: +63 917 3015127

  • 2013 PSTD Gawad Maestro Call for Nominations

    2013 PSTD Gawad Maestro Call for Nominations

    The Philippine Society for Training and Development (PSTD) has issued a call for nominations to the 2nd PSTD WLP Gawad Maestro Awards 2013.

    The Gawad Maestro Awards was launched on March 28, 2011 with the objective of honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and creativity in the field of workplace learning and performance or WLP. The categories include: Leader Extraordinaire; Outstanding WLP Program of the Year; Outstanding WLP Organizational Champion; Outstanding WLP Manager; Outstanding WLP Professional.

    Honored during the 1st PSTD WLP Gawad Maestro Awards Night at the Grand Ballroom, Manila Diamond Hotel on November 21, 2011 were: Sec. Herminio Coloma of Presidential Communications Operations Office, Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera of the Dept of Education, Tita Puangco of Ancilla Consulting and Arthur Luis Florentin of the Center for Innovation, Change and Productivity – Leader Extraordinaire;Globe Telecom – Outstanding WLP Program of the Year; Pfizer – Wyeth Philippines and Integra Business Processing Solutions – Outstanding WLP Organizational Champion; Benedict Salvador of Integra Business Processing Solutions – Outstanding WLP Manager; and Cherry Crisostomo of Concentrix Phil., Inc.– Outstanding WLP Professional.

    This year’s awardees will be honored at the 2nd PSTD Gawad Maestro Awards Night, in line with the 38th PSTD National Convention which will be held on May 8-10, 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. The 38th National Convention, with the theme, “Delivering Performance Breakthroughs through WLP,” will be a venue for the exchange of breakthrough experiences, models, and strategies in workplace learning and performance improvement. It will bring together practitioners from the public and the private sector nationwide.

    PSTD is the country’s premier professional organization dedicated to providing development and learning opportunities, global standards and ethical guidelines in the practice of workplace learning and performance (WLP). Send in your nominations to pstd.gawadmaestro.secretariat@gmail.com now. Deadline for submission of nomination forms and all pertinent documents is February 28, 2013. You may call PSTD Secretariat at telephone nos. (02) 7038789 or (02) 8140372 for details and inquiries.

    Reference: Richard Mamuyac