Kevin Mayer named CEO of TikTok

Tweet

• Mayer will serve as Chief Operating Officer of Bytedance and Chief Executive Officer of TikTok

• Mayer brings over 25 years experience, most recently as Disney's Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International

LOS ANGELES, MAY 19, 2020 - ByteDance Ltd. announced today it has named Kevin Mayer Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ByteDance and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TikTok, effective June 1. 

In his role as CEO of TikTok, Kevin will lead the rapidly growing platform as it continues to build its global community of creators, users, and brands. Kevin will report directly to ByteDance Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yiming Zhang. 

Commenting on the hire, Yiming said, "Kevin's wealth of experience building successful global businesses makes him an outstanding fit for our mission of inspiring creativity for users globally. As one of the world's most accomplished entertainment executives, Kevin is incredibly well placed to take ByteDance's portfolio of products to the next level. I look forward to working very closely with Kevin on our global development and the next chapter of the ByteDance story."

Kevin joins the company following a long and successful career at Disney (NYSE: DIS), most recently as Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International. As a key part of his role there, he oversaw the development and successful rollout of Disney+, the company's flagship streaming service. Additionally, Kevin led the company's other direct-to-consumer businesses, including Hulu, ESPN+, and Hotstar, as well as overseeing Disney's international operations, global ad sales, and global content sales.

Kevin said, "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join the amazing team at ByteDance. Like everyone else, I've been impressed watching the company build something incredibly rare in TikTok – a creative, positive online global community – and I'm excited to help lead the next phase of ByteDance's journey as the company continues to expand its breadth of products across every region of the world. On a personal note, I'm thankful to the entire Disney team for the tremendous accomplishments we achieved together. I'm especially grateful to Bob Iger for his visionary leadership and mentorship over many years, and to Bob Chapek whom I greatly admire. As I begin a new chapter, I'm humbled by the trust Yiming and the Board have placed in me as we move forward with a shared vision of how to scale ByteDance's growth." 

Alex Zhu, the current President of TikTok, will transition to ByteDance VP of Product & Strategy, where he will focus on his primary passion overseeing strategy and product design.

As part of its commitment to rooting its operations in the local markets it serves, TikTok's national and regional leaders will remain in their roles with their current responsibilities, reporting in to Kevin, who will be responsible for the global business.

Tagaytay Highlands, a worthy investment in times of uncertainty

Tweet

Investing in real estate is still one of the wisest decisions that can be made these days. At this point when the global pandemic still has everyone in its grip, it is incredibly tough to manage and protect one’s wealth as capital flows and business acquisitions are expected to remain volatile. While few business opportunities are still fluid, there is nothing like a disruptive crisis to prove that Tagaytay Highlands remains a rational asset one can have for keeps.

The Grove at Plantation Hills East Pond (Artist's perspective) - Tagaytay Highlands properties combine the majestic beauty of nature with the finest man-made conveniences.

Tagaytay Highlands continues to enact measures to keep the community safe and healthy during these trying times—such as creating a COVID-19 task force, routine cleaning and disinfection, protection for club frontliners, regulated operation of facilities as per government-mandated guidelines, and ongoing clean-up efforts in the wake of the recent Taal calamity.

According to research on trends and insights citing the pandemic’s impact on global real estate, the property industry offers good risk-adjusted returns compared to other asset classes even despite various downturns.

Potential investors are seeing this in Tagaytay Highlands, a premier leisure development that continues to build themed residential communities. On its 25th year of upholding its premium standing in the real estate industry, Tagaytay Highlands proves to be a worthy investment for property seekers with its new projects, improvements in facilities and amenities, and the expansion of its existing portfolio.

Tagaytay Highlands Amenity (Artist's Perspective) - Tagaytay Highlands continues to innovate on and upgrade its amenities to ensure that its properties are worthy investments for all prospective buyers.

Purchasing a leisure home in Tagaytay Highlands means acquiring access to its prime location and contemporary facilities. With approximately 1,200 hectares of land area, Tagaytay Highlands remains to be the only mountain resort of its kind and scale, covering the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. At 2,000 feet above sea level, the complex offers panoramic views of Taal Lake, Mt. Makiling, Canlubang Valley, and Laguna de Bay.

The development’s gated and themed residential enclaves are designed to achieve a balance between the majestic natural environment and man-made conveniences. These communities are primed for expansion, making them foremost choices for investment.

Garden Villas (Artist's Perspective) - Premier leisure development Tagaytay Highlands features themed residential communities amid tranquil settings.

Horizon Terraces recently launched Westchase, its latest expansion. A project that features modern Asian-themed garden suites, Westchase comes with shared access to Horizon Terraces’ amenities—a lush Central Garden, swimming pools, a playground, therapeutic walkways, private nooks, and terraced gardens.

In the pipeline is the completion of Horizon Terraces’ Garden Villas, a three-level townhouse development in the Midlands enclave. Its first cluster continues to undergo fast-track architectural and structural works.

As Tagaytay Highlands’ upscale farming community, The Grove at Plantation Hills shines as a leisure, residential and eco-farming concept-in-one. It offers orchard and garden lots ideal for growing fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables in the comforts of one’s own backyard.

Prospective investors will be happy to note that Tagaytay Highlands is on an intensive drive to innovate for its customers.

It recently reconditioned its Swiss-engineered cable cars and funicular train transport system, which remain unique to the complex to this day.

Recreational facilities and beverage outlets such as Peak Bar, Tagaytay Highlands Gold Club, The Country Club, and The Sports Center have also undergone renovation to improve its services to its residents, members, and guests.

For a better Tagaytay Highlands experience, the development has likewise expanded its dining options. Its well-loved restaurants now include Concha’s Garden Café, Amare La Cucina, Lime and Basil, Gourmet Farms, Kaya Korean Restaurant, Brera Delicatessen, and Aozora Japanese Café + Bistro, while Highlander Steakhouse, Highlands China Palace, and The Great Room of The Spa and Lodge remain to be culinary hot spots.

Investing in Tagaytay Highlands delivers higher appreciation for lot properties and condominiums.

About Tagaytay Highlands

Tagaytay Highlands is a leisure development of the SM Group of Companies. Nestled in the highest elevations of Tagaytay is a premier leisure destination that speaks of exclusivity and luxury, where stunning views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation.

For more information on how to own a Highlands home, please call +632 75052422 and +63917 5150158, or visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com. Follow us on Facebook, Tagaytay Highlands, and Instagram @tagaytayhighlandsofficial.

Celebrities join forces for “Songs of Hope” online concert series to support World Vision’s COVID-19 Emergency Response

Tweet

World Vision Ambassadors Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Quest, Joyce Pring, Iñigo Pascual, Tippy Dos Santos, and the Perkins Twins with supporters Sitti Navarro, Janina Vela, and Pastor Rommel and Susan Guevara shared their talents for “Songs of Hope” online concert series that aims to increase awareness and support for World Vision’s COVID-19 Emergency Response.

As a Christian non-profit organization, World Vision encourages everyone to remain “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12) in the mist of these difficult times. Through “Songs of Hope”, the organization aims to contribute in keeping the hope alive through inspiring music and positive content from its celebrity ambassadors and friends.

“I’m happy we’re doing this ‘Songs of Hope’ for World Vision. I’ve been involved with this organization for 8 years now and I’m proud to be a part of their work”, said Ogie Alcasid.

To continue supporting the children and the communities being assisted by World Vision, the organization has implemented relief efforts in different parts of the country. All funds raised through this online series will be contributed to the over-all fundraising efforts by World Vision for its on-going emergency response.

“I want to thank World Vision for doing this, for spreading awareness that there are families out there who are having a hard time because of our situation. We don’t know until when this will last but what we can do is to keep hoping and praying that things will get better real soon,” Inigo Pascual shared during his Instagram Live.

The celebrity ambassadors hosted their online concerts on their social media accounts and was shared by World Vision to its online assets. While doing the initiative, the ambassadors inspired thru their personal stories, inspiring songs, positive words of encouragement, and prayers. They also honored our modern-day heroes, our frontliners, who despite the risks involved are selflessly serving people and saving lives. 

They also challenged their family, friends, and fans to join in the fight against COVID-19 by donating to World Vision’s emergency response efforts. The significance of their help is not in the amount they donate, but in the willingness to be a part of this great cause.

“Our World Vision ambassadors are our long-time supporters as well. Every moment, situation, and crisis that we have, they are always ready to help us in every way they can. World Vision is so blessed and grateful to have these talented artists on our side. With prayers and hope, and everyone helping each other, this crisis shall pass,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

To help and learn more about World Vision’s initiative against COVID-19, please visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/coronavirus-health-crisis/

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Love Within the Lockdown : Goldilocks' Mother's Day Story

Tweet

The threat of the pandemic has continuously put pressure on Filipino families both physically and emotionally, that is why a stable support system at home is a must during these trying times. Even more so for families of frontliners and essential workers.

Sam Etcuban, a Correctional Officer and Registered Nurse who works at the Bureau of Corrections as a COVID – 19 Nurse finds the strength to continue forward thanks to the encouragement of his loving wife. 

"My wife is my greatest supporter and number one fan," Sam gushed when asked about how he would describe his wife. 

"We love to watch movies and go to the grocery together," he added. However, with the new normal settling in, Sam now must deal with a new reality.

"Now, I'm doing all these activities alone due to COVID. I would rather expose myself outside since my body is stronger," but that does not stop Sam's wife from encouraging him to the best of her ability "she prepares everything I need before my shift starts, and she will never forget to remind me how much she loves me," he concluded. The simple boost of encouragement is all Sam needs to get through his shift, which often lasts for weeks at a time. 

Goldilocks sees and admires the sacrifice that Sam makes for his family and community and that is why they surprised Sam's wife a special Mother's Day cake which serves as a simple gesture of gratitude for courageously fighting for Filipino lives. 

 

Goldilocks is celebrating mothers for the whole month of May because our moms definitely deserve more than just a day of celebration for their love and care. 

With the desire to make frontlines like Sam and his family happy, Goldilocks will be sending cakes to some deserving families throughout the month. 

Daikin donates aircon units to medical facilities fighting COVID-19

Tweet

Daikin, the world’s leading air conditioning manufacturer, recently donated aircon units for use in newly constructed emergency medical facilities for treating non-critical COVID-19 patients.

Lung Center donation:

Employees from the Lung Center of the Philippines receive 600 ready-to-cook chicken packs from Daikin Philippines.

According to Takayoshi Miki, President of Daikin Philippines, the donated aircon units was their own way of supporting the frontliners and the community in the battle against COVID-19. “Amid this global pandemic, we at Daikin recognize that our medical workers are at the forefront of saving lives, and we are deeply committed to working with our community to support them in whatever way we can,” he said.

Daikin donated 11 floor-mounted aircons for the newly built Emergency Quarantine Facility (EQF) in Camp Aguinaldo, which was built in partnership with WTA Architecture + Design. Daikin also donated 17 ceiling suspended aircons to Philippine Contractors Association (PCA) and EEI Corporation, for container vans converted into mobile medical facilities.

Daikin donated 17 ceiling suspended aircons for the construction of mobile medical facilities.

The newly built medical facilities came as the country’s hospitals continued to battle the coronavirus pandemic, often straining to handle the growing number of affected patients.

Daikin continues to service and repair aircon units for essential establishments like supermarkets, drugstores, and banks

“We need to pool our resources to control the spread and rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country,” said Wilfredo L. Decena, President of PCA. 

That Bayanihan spirit was echoed by the other members of this COVID-19 initiative, with both WTA and EEI Corporation expressing their gratitude for Daikin’s support in outfitting Emergency Quarantine Facilities in Metro Manila with proper thermal comfort, and lending modular cabins to hospital facilities in Luzon.

As part of their advocacy to support frontliners during this time, Daikin also donated 600 ready- to-cook chicken packs to Lung Center of the Philippines. Additionally, the aircon manufacturer extended much needed financial assistance to all its home appliance promoters.

Beyond donations, Daikin has committed to continued emergency service response during the enhanced community quarantine. This is to promote business continuity, especially to the essential business category.

Since March 27, Daikin has serviced and repaired aircon units of several supermarkets, convenience stores, and other food establishments to ensure that essential services continue to operate in comfortable working environments.

More recently, Daikin announced that a select authorized dealers have resumed their operations, with others eventually opening up in the coming weeks. “With summer already here, we want to be able to provide comfortable and sustainable living environments for the many Filipinos stuck at home during the ECQ,” said Ikuo Kani, Vice President of Daikin Philippines.

For a list of authorized dealers, visit https://www.daikin.com.ph/dealer-locator.