Takatack and Smart eMoney celebrates Day of the Seafarer with access to cashless and convenient online shopping

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Pinoy seafarers will now be able to conveniently select, buy, and pay for gifts and have them delivered directly to their families in the Philippines through a partnership forged by Dohle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc. with shopping discovery platform, Takatack.

Developed by Voyager Innovations, the digital arm of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Takatack will provide Dohle’s seafarers with a special page that gives them access to a wide selection of gifts and products for their families as part of the Day of the Seafarer celebrations on June 25.

Spearheaded by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the Day of the Seafarer is of special importance to the Philippines given the more than 400,000 Filipino best-in-class seafarers it has produced and deployed around the world, including those provided by Dohle Seafront. 

Through this initiative with Takatack, Dohle Seafront aims provide more opportunities to their seafarers to connect to their families.

Mitch Padua, the vice president and head of product development for ecommerce at Voyager Innovations, believes that ecommerce can change the lives of our seafarers.

“Seafarers exist somewhere in between workers at home and OFWs. Sometimes, they’re docked at our ports; other times, they’re stopped over in other countries; but most of the time, they’re on the open seas. Just imagine how hard it is for them to buy gifts for their loved ones during special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. Our Takatack page for seafarers will allow them to send their love no matter where they are,” he said. 

Dohle seafarers can order from this page whenever they are docked at port. Padua thinks that their shopping portal on Takatack will be their preferred ecommerce destination because of the variety of choices it gives them.

“Takatack is an online discovery platform, which carries many different marketplaces and brands. As such, we have more products than any other online store in the Philippines with more than 100,000. For seafarers, this means they only need to make a single stop for all their gifting needs, and they don’t have to waste time hopping from site to site,” he said.

Atty. Iris V. Baguilat, President of Döhle Seafront believes that the partnership will help connect seafarers and their families. 

“This service and all the discounts are exclusive to Döhle Seafront seafarers who can now send gifts to their loved ones back home even if they are on board,” Baguilat said. 

When placing orders on Takatack, seafarers can pay using Smart Money, which is much more convenient and safer than other traditional payment options. 

“Since credit card penetration in the Philippines is low, the vast majority of ecommerce stores have to adopt localized solutions, such as cash on delivery. By offering seafarers a Smart eMoney card, we keep each of their transactions as frictionless as possible, ensuring that they get all the efficiency that e-commerce promises,” said Lawrence Ferrer, Vice President of Smart E-Money, Inc. (SMI). 

Robinsons Supermarket relaunches Island Favorites in line with DTI-led OTOP program

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Discover Philippines' Finest Delicacies at the Robinsons Supermarket nationwide.

In collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) One Town, One Product Program (OTOP), Robinsons Supermarket relaunches its Island Favorites section in select stores.

In support of the DTI-led program, the grocery chain giant will feature a variety of locally made products in the said section.

OTOP-Philippines is a priority program of the government to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs by promoting patronage of products using indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. And Robinsons Supermarket is the first retailer to launch the project by reintroducing the Island Favorites section to support the program.

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe

“As a Filipino retailer, we feel it is our responsibility to highlight the best of the Philippines’ products. Through the Island Favorites section, our consumers can be assured of the wide variety of pasalubong choices at competitive prices and of excellent quality – the same standards of DTI’s OTOP program,” said Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe.

Stacked in the Island Favorites shelves are delicacies such as Ilocos Fish Crackers, Cebu Dried Mango Chips, Memer Durian Candies, Peanut Kisses, El Tesoro de Cebu Turrones de Mani, Pampanga Chicharon, and Bundy Wine, to name a few. Its mission is to highlight products from different regions that have competitive advantages, in the hopes of improving local products’ quality and marketing.

Apart from being a staunch advocate of health and wellness, Robinsons Supermarket also recognizes its role in strengthening the economic base of every community it serves by supporting locally-made products.

Head on to the Island Favorites Section of Robinsons Supermarket and make a difference by supporting Filipino products.

The OTOP Legacy

What started in 1979, in Japan, as a regional development program to help small-scale businesses flourish is now a business model adopted by many countries worldwide. Called “One Village One Product” in Japan and “One Tambon One Product in Thailand, the program is more popularly known worldwide as “One Town One Product “ or OTOP.

OTOP Philippines was established by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs). OTOP products are created by local communities, highlighting tradition and culture while emphasising sustainability and generating livelihood. OTOP’s role in nation building is extremely vital. Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the country’s economy and generate jobs nationwide. OTOP Philippines focuses on and develops a particular town’s or province’s or region’s main product or industry with the view of revitalizing each region’s economic activity. In the long-term, OTOP-supported products are envisioned to be very competitive in the world market.

DTI enables these budding enterprises by supporting them through product development, marketing, promotions, business counselling, skills and entrepreneurial training and capital sourcing. Their products are showcased nationwide through regional and national trade fairs. Those whose products have evolved in stature and with better quality standards are, then, introduced in the mainstream market through established retailers thus giving the general public and tourists as well, easier access to the country’s diverse and unique products. OTOP products are also introduced to the world market through international trade fairs and exhibits.

OTOP Philippines stands as a symbol of quality as well. Only products that pass DTI’s stringent standards for quality, market acceptance and competitiveness can carry the OTOP seal. To buyers, it is an assurance that they are getting even better value for their money.

Blue Bloods Season 5 premieres on 2 July on AXN

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BLUE BLOODS is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops dedicated to New York City law enforcement. Frank Reagan is the New York City Police Commissioner and heads both the police force and the Reagan brood. He runs his department as diplomatically as he runs his family, even when dealing with the politics that plagued his unapologetically bold father, Henry, during his stint as Commissioner.

A source of pride and concern for Frank is his eldest son Danny, a seasoned detective, family man, and Iraqi War vet who on occasion uses dubious tactics to solve cases. The sole Reagan woman in the family, Erin, is a N.Y. Assistant D.A. and single parent, who also serves as the legal compass for her siblings and father.

Jamie is the youngest Reagan, fresh out of Harvard Law and the family's "golden boy;" however, unable to deny the family tradition, Jamie decided to give up a lucrative future in law and is now a newly minted cop. Jamie's life takes an abrupt turn when he's asked to become part of a clandestine police investigation even his father knows nothing about, and one that could impact the family's legacy.

Synopsis of Blue Bloods Season 5

As Danny and Baez escort confiscated drugs to a remote location for incineration, their convoy is attacked and Baez is seriously injured, leaving Danny to track down the drug cartel responsible. Meanwhile, Frank must carefully navigate personal and political waters when an exemplary lieutenant's actions cause controversy for the NYPD, on the fifth season premiere of BLUE BLOODS.

Blue Bloods Season 5 premieres on 2 July, Thursdays at 10.40pm first and exclusively on AXN.

AXN is seen on SKYcable Channel 49, Cignal Digital TV Channel 49, Cable Link Channel 38 and Destiny Cable 61.

 

How to be a Registered Nurse qualified to work and live in Australia Registration now open for Free Manila Seminar

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Australasia, a region of Oceania, comprises Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Australasia is a continent of boundless beauty and opportunity. Many people wishes to take in the highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks, buzzing cities and picturesque lakes all while learning about its fascinating history and heritage along the way.

Are concerns about understanding the correct process preventing you from fulfilling your dream of building a successful nursing career in Australia?

If you are among nursing professionals who would like to create a brighter future in the Land Down Under, you can have your questions answered during free 2-hour seminars in Manila hosted by Aide Australasia (AA), an assistance immigration diversity employment organization that aims to help Filipino and other professionals within the Southeast Asian region achieve their dream to work and live in Australia.

Aide Australasia will assist overseas professionals access the vast opportunities and possibilities available in Australia.

The free seminars, which are scheduled on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Binhi ng Kalayaan Building at the Rizal Park (Luneta), will accommodate only PRC –registered nurses and address their questions on how their can start their journey. 

Aide Australasia is led by Filipino-Australian Ms. Joie Lacson, a registered nurse with 26 years of experience in the Australian workforce. Her first-hand experience has made her realize that there is not one organization that can help Filipino nurses go through the whole process smoothly. That is when she decided to establish Aide Australasia, the first organization to offer a full-service delivery program and the support of knowledgeable and experienced experts in helping other professionals achieve their Australian dream. 

“My personal experience in migrating to Australia as a nurse has taught me that the concern is not limited to just knowing about the job requirements. It is also about the difficulty of looking for assistance in getting into the right school, understanding the different visas, securing the professional license, acquiring residency, and even looking for a place to live. 

Being away from your loved ones in the Philippines is also a big factor. This is why our mission in Aide Australasia is to provide service as a one-stop-shop service to assist and provide guidance to eligible professionals all these steps, and much more. Our objective is to help our Filipino nurses every step of the way,” said AA Director Joie Lacson. 

With these in mind, Aide Australasia has aligned and secured accreditation with all the relevant government and private organizations in Australia necessary for a smooth process for qualified Filipino nurses. This list includes key schools and universities in every Australian state, including New South Wales University, Flinders University, University of Adelaide and Melbourne University. 

During the seminars, which Aide Australasia is hosting for free, the AA Australian team of experts will give all the necessary information and conduct spot assessments for the participants. 

Each two hour session- one in the morning, one in the afternoon – will accommodate a limited number of participants. To be able to book a seat to the FREE AA Seminar, you may request for a Pre-registration Form through e-mail at aide.australasiaph@gmail.com or call 998-2790. You can also send an SMS request (text message) to 0917-5324780. 

For more information on how Aide Australasia can help fulfill your goal of living and working in the Land Down Under, please visit www.aideaustralasia.com . 

You can also “Like” us on Facebook to receive helpful tips and inspiring success stories who have already started their journey on this opportunity of a lifetime.

Budget friendly Kata F2 , Simplicity with functionality

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Created with simplicity, Kata F2 launched by Kata Digital, a fast-growing mobile brand specialize in innovative mobile technology producing high-end mobile devices with exceptional style and design.

Kata F2 is a quad core Android smartphone that retails for Php3,999 only.

Take a glance of this sleek and smart mobile phone that offers not just extra durability and good functionality.

During the second week of June, I had Kata F2 Unboxing, Hands-on and Initial Impression

Check this out:
(http://www.myrnaroman.com/2015/06/kata-f2-unboxing-hands-on-and-initial.html ). 

Giving me comfort in using a dual sim phone, Kata F2 is with one normal size sim and one micro sim with an expandable port for a 32 gig microsd.

Kata F2 is powered by MediaTek MT6582M processor with four CPU cores clocked at 1.3GHz coupled with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage

The Kata F2 with 4.5-inch display and qHD resolution. 

Kata F2 has a clear and bright display.

Here are some shots from Kata F2:

And most enjoyable experience I have with Kata F2, Video shots!  Here are some videos I did during events I covered.

Check this out! Asian Got Talents Grand Champion  El Gamma Penumbra presentation at the 38th Gawad Urian Awards held at ABS-CBN Studio 10 last June 16, 2015.

And here's another video when the country's ‪‎superstar‬ Nora Aunor honored with songs performed by Darren Espanto Jed Madella , Gwyneth Dorado and Kyla at the ‪‎38th Gawad Urian‬ Awards night held at the ABS-CBN Studio 10, Quezon City.

I was at the not so near seat at the stage. But it was nice video shots with Kata F2. 

As I have one Kata F2 unit, I am using it many times, even with my family and people around me, and in some beautiful places. 

Janet Marie havin' fun with Mysha Brielle #capturedbykata #Ilovekata #kataf2

Kata F2 Specifications:

Quad band 2G, triple band 3G

Dual SIM (regular+micro), dual standby

4.5-inch IPS capacitive qHD (960x540) touchscreen display

Dimensions: 135.07mm x 68.72mm x 8.95mm

Weight: 135 grams

Android 4.4 KitKat

1.3GHz quad core Cortex-A7 CPU, Mali-400MP GPU, MediaTek MT6582M chipset

1GB of RAM

8GB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB

8MP auto focus main camera with LED flash

5MP secondary camera

Multimedia player

FM Radio

3.5mm audio jack

GPS with A-GPS

WiFi 802.11 b/g/n

Micro USB 2.0

Sensors: accelerometer, proximity

Bluetooth v4.0

1850mAh Li-ion battery

Price: Php3,999

Kata F2 is a budget-friendly smartphone at Php3,999 and available in different colors: Blue, Grey and White. It also comes with 10 gig Kata Cloud Storage free.

With the pace of smartphone evolution moving so fast, there’s always something waiting in the wings and Kata proved that they are continuously striving to establish themselves as provider of high quality and innovative smartphones and tablets.

Try it and enjoy wonderful world with Kata F2.

Visit the online networks of Kata Philippines

www.katadigital.com.ph

www.facebook.com/katadigitalcom

www.twitter.com/katadigitalcom

www.instagram.com/katadigital

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