JG Summit to Upgrade Employee Experience Through Microsoft Office 365 and the Cloud Platform

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With a vision to become the leading digital conglomerate in the Philippines, JG Summit Holdings Inc. aims to achieve this goal through a digital transformation journey that will embed digitalization in its core business strategies to meet the evolving needs and lifestyle not just of its customers, but also of its employees.

(L to R): Jackie Buenviaje, Account Executive, Microsoft Philippines, Carlos Santos, Group Chief Information Officer, JGSHI, Lance Y. Gokongwei, President and Chief Operating Officer of JGSHI, Andrea Della Mattea, President, Microsoft Asia Pacific, Alberto Granados, Vice President, Microsoft Asia Pacific, Ricky Kapur, General Manager, Enterprise Operations Unit, Microsoft Asia Pacific, Tanya Aguila – Loo, Specialist Technology Unit Lead, Microsoft Philippines

“Our vision is to be the leading digital conglomerate in the Philippines. To achieve that goal, multiple groups within the JG Summit Business Units, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates have been working behind the scenes to bring about this transformation,” said JG Summit President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei.

Among the initiatives will be to upgrade the employee experience across the entire conglomerate through the use of Microsoft Office 365 and the cloud platform. JG Summit is transitioning from on-premise systems to Microsoft’s cloud services.

Office 365 is a set of Microsoft applications that allows users belonging to the same network to store files and share information. Compared to earlier versions of Microsoft applications, Office 365 uses the cloud platform, which offers agility, greater efficiency and security benefits.

JG Summit’s move to the cloud platform will further enable its employees to transform their environment into a digital workplace. With this project, the conglomerate envisions a New Culture of Work where employees will be introduced to the Modern Digital Workplace which will empower people across the organization to achieve more by enabling better communication, collaboration, and sharing of information from computers to mobile phones in a single cohesive platform.

The first step is to migrate everyone away from current e-mail platform and put everyone up unto the cloud platform accessible from anywhere in the world and enable collaboration on any device.

Ricky Kapur, General Manager, Enterprise Operating Unit, Microsoft Asia Pacific, reiterated how JG Summit’s initiatives closely aligns with Microsoft’s mission. “At Microsoft, we empower every person and every organization to do more. The fourth industrial revolution is here, and organizations must digitally transform not just to optimize operations, but to enable their people. We’re very excited to work with JG Summit and be part of their digital transformation journey.”

JG Summit is one of the largest and most diversified Filipino conglomerates, engaged primarily in businesses that serve a growing middle class with rising disposable incomes in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Australasia. These businesses include branded snack foods and beverages, commodities, agro-industrial businesses, air transportation, banking, real estate, and petrochemicals.

Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo Returns to Manila with Holiday Cruise Extravaganza this December

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SuperStar Virgo, the flagship of Star Cruises will return to her well-loved Manila homeport in December with consecutive holiday concept cruises that cater to a wide spectrum of holidaymakers.

Recently, a press conference has been hosted held at the Hippodrome Bar & Lounge in Winford Hotel, one of the leading 5-starred hotels located in the heart of Manila, where members of the press got the news first-hand from senior executives of Star Cruises.

Among the guests in attendance were celebrity chef Sandy Daza and world-renowned Manila Symphony Orchestra, who will both make their cruise debuts with SuperStar Virgo in the month of December.

With exclusive sales promotions of Cruise One, Take One or 3rd/4th Guest Free offers, holidaymakers will have more reasons to take their vacations aboard this December, thanks to the spectacular line-up of theme cruises on SuperStar Virgo, with 5-night journeys to the sandy beaches in Southern China, as well as idyllic destinations in Vietnam.

Concert Cruise Series with The CompanY

Departure Date: December 4 to 9, 2018

Destinations: Halong Bay, Vietnam and Sanya, China

The deployment kicks off will feature the much-anticipated holiday concert at sea by The CompanY, a vocal harmony group that excels in pen‘orming a wide range of music genres, from classical choral music to alternative pop. Formed in 1985, The CompanY has now released 24 studio albums and garnered 54 music industry awards, making them the most awarded recording vocal group in the land. Guests at all ages will be swooned and crooned on the high seas with this versatile quintet.

Concert Cruise Series with the Manila PhilHarmonic Orchestra

Departure Date: December 9 to 14, 2018

Destinations: Halong Bay. Vietnam and Sanya. China

Imbibe the holiday spirit through a concerto at sea, as the wider-acclaimed Manila PhilHarmonic Orchestra will make her cruise debut aboard SuperStar Virgo. With over more than a decade of showcasing a solid passion for music through well-applauded live performances, records, tours. innovative programs of bringing the orchestra closer to the communities, guests of SuperStar Virgo will be presented the musical masterpieces by one of the leading orchestras in the country.

Festive Cooking Cruise with Celebrity Chef Sandy Daza

Departure Date: December 14 to 19, 2018

Destinations: Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang, Vietnam

Celebrity Chef Sandy Daza, also known as host of TV shows FootPrints and Case Daza, will host cooking demonstrations on how to perfect his signature dishes specific for the holiday family festivities with guests onboard SuperStar Virgo. As a toting dad of four young adults, Chef Daza will also share personal tips on how to bond with children over the love of food and cooking, as cruises also sail through the wondrous country of Vietnam.

Vacation at Sea with Bro. Bo Sanchez

Departure Date: December 19 to 24, 2018

Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, Vietnam

Presented in partnership with Executive Resources, Inc., world-renowned best-selling author, entrepreneur, and preacher, Bo Sanchez will bring a unique flavour to this holiday sailing to Vietnam with inspirational sessions aimed to bring out the best you during the most wonderful time of the year. Guests onboard will also be treated to special daily masses mirroring the Filipino Simbang Gabi tradition scheduled throughout the cruise.

Celebrations at Sea

Departure Dates: December 24 to 29, 2018 and December 29, 2018 to January 3, 2019

Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, Vietnam

Treat yourself and your family the ultimate gift of a magical Christmas and New Year’s festive cruises with SuperStar Wgo. Make merry and memorable your family celebrations on the high seas, as the ship will not just be decked out in full-on festive designs, but also be providing once-in-a-year onboard activities fit for the biggest holiday celebration at sea!

Vacationers can also choose to embark from Manila to explore amazing tropical destinations with SuperStar Virgo, with the special 5-Night Coron / Puerto Princesa / Kota Kinabalu grand finale cruise with a single departure on 3 January 2019 to commemorate the completion of her seasonal deployment in the Philippines early next year.

For more information on Star Cruises, visit: http://starcruises.com.

Saving Mother Earth, Juan Step at a Time, Join Juan Earth at BGC this Sept. 29

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Seeing the beauty of our country makes us passionate on doing great things, to take care and save the Mother Earth.

As a way of giving back to our planet, let's join "Juan Earth" on September 29, 2018, at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City,

Having more than 7,000 islands and 20,000 species of plants and animals, the Philippines is one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries in the world. Yet with all these rich resources, unfortunately the country’s situation is bleak and saddening. 

More than 50% of old-growth forests in the Philippines are lost. More than 30,000 hectares of mangrove trees are degraded. Families who have been displaced by natural calamities reached more than 900,000. More than 640 species of animals in the country are threatened or endangered. Metro Manila alone produces more than 861,967 tons of trash. And every day, more than 40 incident reports of animal cruelty are reported. 

Through time, the Philippines underwent changes and improvements due to modernization and development. Yes, many of us live a much easier life, but on the other side of the coin, the situation of the environment went downhill. It was as though we took Mother Earth for granted, forgetting to be mindful of its importance and significance. As Filipinos, we have our Pinoy duty to protect the only home we have before it is too late. Because where else can we live if the earth fades away? 

In celebration of Write On Track’s (WOT) 5th Year Anniversary, WOT produced a grassroots effort entitled “Juan Earth” as a way of giving back to our planet.

Happening on September 29, 2018, at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, Write On Track partnered with various non-government organizations (NGO) and schools in making that “Juan” step towards taking action to save Mother Earth. 

From 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the activity center in BGC will be buzzing with activities. NGOs will have booths, talks, and workshops regarding their group advocacies.

Interested individuals can choose and support projects of their likings such as :

“Adopt-a-Seedling” by Haribon Foundation“Adopt-a-Pawikan Nest” by SIFCare-CURMA“Adopt-a-Giant Clam” by University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute: Bolinao Marine Laboratory“Adopt Bruno and Katy (Dogs and Cats)” by CARA Welfare. 

A limited edition Juan Earth shirt will also be given away, in exchange of a used empty plastic bottle or used rubber slipper.

Attendees can exchange it at the designated booth. 

Hosting “Juan Earth” are Renz Ongkiko and Rica Garcia of Monster RX 93.1. Performances from FEU-IAS Dance Company and PUP Teatro Komunikado will add an energetic vibe during the event. And in closing, attendees will be serenaded under the stars by the famous OPM band, Silent Sanctuary.

Together, let’s all make that JUAN step towards taking ACTION to SAVE Mother Earth! 

For more details on 

What: Juan Earth

Where: Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

When: September 29, 2018; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Free Admission

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JuanEarthPH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/juanearthph

Website: www.juanearth.com

Drew Arellano is Best Travel Show Host Awardee of The EdukCircle

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 Drew Arellano wins the Best Travel Show Host Award (for Biyahe ni Drew) given by The EdukCircle. 

The awarding ceremony was held last September 8 at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. According to its website, The EdukCircle - International Center for Communication Studies (ICCS) is an institution that provides a venue for the advancement and essential evaluation of communication practices in different academic fields.

Drew has received various recognitions for his travel show Biyahe ni Drew where he introduces viewers to exciting destinations and provides travel tips and recommendations. Biyahe ni Drew is one of the longest travel shows on television.

“As a tv host, I have responsibilities to the viewing public. The shows that I host must be wholesome, educational, and values-oriented. I also learn from doing my shows, while the viewers gain knowledge from watching them. I am blessed to be given this wonderful opportunity. It is fun traveling while working. I am grateful and honored to receive this prestigious recognition from The EdukCircle,” enthuses Drew.

Drew Arellano is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries about Asian Artists Agency, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visitfb.com/asianartistsagency

Globe Telecom sets up Rewards points donation channel for Typhoon Ompong victims

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Use your 917 Day Rewards points to help those in need 

In the aftermath of Typhoon Ompong, Globe Telecom has opened its Rewards services to accept donations for disaster relief. Donations will be given to Rise Against Hunger PH (RAHPH), the local affiliate of Rise Against Hunger, an international relief agency that has been advocating to end hunger across the globe for the last 18 years. RAHPH provides meals packaged by volunteers. Globe customers can make donations to the organization by donating their Globe Rewards points via the Globe Rewards app. 

"Through our Rewards facility, customers will find it easier and more convenient to lend a helping hand to fellow Pinoys affected by the typhoon. We encourage everyone to spread the word to their families and friends so that more aid could be provided. Every little donation counts," says Miguel Bermundo, Director for Globe Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing. 

Aside from opening this donation channel, Globe has set up Libreng Tawag and Charging stations in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Isabela. More stations are expected to be deployed within the week as Globe continues to assess the requirements in coordination with local government units. Visit facebook.com/GlobeIcon for a complete list of stations. 

Distribution of relief goods has also started as Globe has sent out relief goods to over 400 families in Cagayan Valley with additional meal packs set for distribution this week to 1,800 families in other provinces. 

Long-time Postpaid and Platinum customers can opt to share Rewards points received in commemoration of 917 Day as donation to RAHPH. A little can go a long way, and with a simple click and swipe, Globe customers can easily reach out to help send relief to those in need.