Araneta City ensures safety measures as stores reopen on May 20

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The management of Araneta City has announced the reopening of its three malls- Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza- starting Wednesday, May 20, in accordance with the resumption of most businesses in Metro Manila under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) regulations set up by the Covid-19 Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

To ensure the health of customers and employees, the Araneta City management will continue the regular sanitation and disinfection of all interior and exterior establishments within its premises, as shown in this photo.

For the safety of customers and employees, established Covid-19 rules and regulations will be followed such as “no face mask, no entry”, the requirement of presenting a quarantine pass or authorized company ID upon entry, temperature checks at entrances, minimum one meter social distancing, two steps between persons on escalators, limited elevator capacity, among other regulations. 

For pregnant women, the elderly, and PWDs, they may be accompanied by one person when visiting any of the malls of Araneta City. 

Other measures that have already been in place at Araneta City since the declaration of enhanced community quarantine will continue to be implemented such as the placement of disinfectant-soaked foot baths and alcohol dispensers at entrances, hand sanitizers and alcohol dispensers located in concierge, booths, and restrooms, and floor markings for social distancing. Regular sanitation and disinfection of interiors and exteriors of Araneta City establishments will also be maintained.

In the photo, floor marks indicating where elevator riders should stand are seen as a worker disinfects the elevator's surfaces. The Araneta City management urges customers and employees to follow social distancing protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

Food and other service establishments are mandated to follow workplace safety guidelines promulgated by the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure the safety of customers and service providers.

Sanitation is essential in combating COVID-19. Knowing this, the Araneta City management will continue to sanitize and disinfect all of its spaces, especially those that are frequented by customers such as washrooms.

For the information of the general public, safety guidelines such as advisories and infographics will be posted in prominent areas in the malls, especially at entrances, parking and smoking areas, escalators, elevators, and restrooms.

Mall hours will be from 11 AM to 7PM and only non-leisure stores and establishments will open as per the guidance set by the IATF. A complete list of open stores and establishments is available on facebook.com/AranetaCity.

“We welcome back our customers and employees to Araneta City. Your safety and well-being is always our top priority, which is why we will continue to implement social distancing and enhanced personal hygiene protocols,” said Antonio Mardo, Senior Vice President for Operations of Araneta City. 

Experts say Tourism industry will recover

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MANILA – The tourism industry will recover amid the uncertainty brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. 

This is the consensus of tourism experts tapped by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) in partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in a webinar Tuesday.

In the virtual talk titled “The Future of Travel: A World Travel and Tourism Council Exclusive Panel,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed confidence in rebuilding the local tourism industry with the help of WTTC, whose primary initiative is crisis preparedness, management and recovery in the travel and tourism industry.

“The WTTC has worked with the World Economic Forum, the World Health Organization and key stakeholders in coming up with recommendations to minimize the impact of past pandemics in the industry. Acknowledging this fact, we are definitely certain that their insights will be greatly beneficial to our local tourism players,” she said.

WTTC president and chief executive officer Gloria Guevara Manzo focused on discussing a global coordinated approach to re-establish effective operations, remove travel barriers and re-open borders.

Manzo underscored the need to add health components and combine the latest technology, and necessary protections and protocols to enhance a seamless traveler journey experience.

She said global protocols or standards defined by the travel and tourism private sector, health experts, and public sector can help gain back travelers’ confidence.

Craig Smith, president and managing director of Asia Pacific Marriott International, shared optimism the industry will “certainly recover” and that Asia will recover faster than any part of the world, though one can expect that it will happen in different segments and geographies.

Smith has lauded the bullish travel and tourism industry in Philippines for the past five years, citing the construction of at least 21 projects in the country undertaken by Marriott International, 

“Travel will change and there will be a new normal, we have to be ready for that,” he said.

Foreseeing major uncertainties in global capital flows, Shirley Tan, chief executive officer of Rajawali Property Group, reminds investors of the importance of securing new investments, while putting in effort in asset management, capital preservation, and liquidity management at the same time.

She also cited increased collaboration among the private sector and government as one of the keys to tourism industry recovery.

Tan also encouraged Philippine tourism industry players to explore and take advantage of the latest technologies in offering novel and more creative on-site experiences that can attract the younger travel demographic.

Gary Chapman, president of the Group Services and DNATA Emirates Group, forecasts a three- to four-year recovery period for the airline industry. 

He underscored the necessity of setting “consistent and clear standards,” adding it will be a “different world, a different tourism industry in general”.

Meanwhile, Puyat enjoined the support of all sectors to ensure that health and safety protocols are in place to regain travelers’ confidence.

“There is more to tourism than just counting the numbers of arriving tourists. We are in the business of selling destinations so communities will thrive; we market adventure so our people will be employed; we promote culture as a way of preserving our heritage. The concept of tourism is deeply embedded in our consciousness, and I would like to believe that this is what makes our industry resilient from all the challenges, even the toughest one that we are about to overcome,” she said.

Since April, the DOT has successfully organized a handful of online learning courses that aim to help local tourism players become more competitive, with new knowledge, technological advances, and ways to innovate and to be able to cater to a new breed of travelers.

“The challenges brought about by the current health crisis that we are experiencing should not deter us from fulfilling our mission to ensure that the industry is seamless, secure, safe, inclusive and sustainable,” Puyat added.

Converge ICT Helps Protect Frontliners

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Representatives from the Municipality of Mabalacat, Pampanga receiving the PPE donation

As everyone continues the plight against Covid-19, Converge ICT has reaffirmed its commitment to be of service to the Filipinos. Recognizing the nation’s primary line of defense in the current virus situation, the company is helping make sure that front-liners are properly equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment. Thousands of the said protective equipment have been donated to certain areas in Tarlac and Pampanga (Angeles, San Fernando, Mabalacat, Porac, Apalit, Mexico, Bacolor, Magalang, Arayat, Sta. Ana, Candaba, San Luis, Macabebe, San Simon, Floridablanca, Guagua, Lubao, Sta. Rita).

Hon. Edwin Santiago, Mayor of San Fernando Pampanga, accepts PPE donation

“This is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to the men and women who act as our first line of defense against the virus. The frontliners sacrifice their lives to take care of us. We hope that small efforts such as this, may somehow alleviate concerns about their safety. They have been protecting all of us from day one, so let us try to protect them as well. Again, all our gratitude goes to the true heroes of today. Thank you, dear frontliners, for allowing us to stay strong at home,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, President and CEO of Converge ICT Solutions.

The said personal protective equipment are currently being distributed in Central Luzon. Ensuing efforts for other areas will follow in the coming days.

Mayor Romulo Pecson of Magalang Pampanga welcomes Converge’s donation in the form of personal protective equipment.

For inquiries, you may visit www.convergeict.com

Bedtime Hacks to Sleep Better At Night

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Getting quality sleep is easier said than done especially for people who are often exposed to stressful environments. According to Huffpost, stress is one of the major causes of brain hyperactivity which keeps us wide awake until the wee hours of the morning.

Sleep deprivation affects the body much more than people may think. Harvard Health says that aside from being cranky all day, not getting enough sleep also causes people memory loss, weight loss, slow learning, or worse—cardiovascular diseases.

With a few tricks that can be included in a daily night ritual, this stress can be managed in order for people to get that better sleep. Here are a few things to consider doing before hopping on the bed at night.

1. Put down the phone

In this day and age, it’s no surprise that a lot of people are on their phones almost 24/7. Whether it’s current news, gossip, or communication with friends, almost everything can be done with just a few taps on the screen. However, one does not realize that being on the phone and on the internet at all times causes much more stress on the mind.

Aside from physically hurting the eyes from the light of the screens which causes discomfort, it also makes a person psychologically active from scrolling through thousands of posts without end. Put it down. Those posts can wait in the morning.

2. Get the right room temperature

According to SleepFoundation.org, the suggested room temperature in order to maintain an optimal sleep is somewhere around 18 degrees Celsius. By making sure that the room is in the right temperature, waking up in the middle of the night either freezing or sweating can be avoided.

Samsung Digital Appliances’ Premium Wind-Free Plus Wall-Mounted A/C with Wind-Free Cooling Technology has micro holes that gently disperses cool air. These holes create a still-air environment so there’s no annoying wind that directly hits the face in the middle of a peaceful sleep.

It also has AI Auto cooling which automatically optimizes its temperature setting through analyzing the usage behavior and even the outdoor temperature of the room. Once the desired temperature has been reached, that will be maintained so it doesn’t make the room any colder than you wanted.

3. Drink a cup of tea

According to Heathline, there are various teas that have been used as sleep remedies for centuries. In general, herbal teas have been great for bedtime. The process of making the tea can be a tranquil, mindful experience. It helps the body and mind wind down which makes the preparation as relaxing as drinking it.

The best kinds of nighttime tea are chamomile, peppermint, and lavender tea, or as they are called “sleepy teas,” and are also non-caffeinated.

4. Meditate to calm your mind

By simply sitting or lying comfortably, anyone (especially beginners) can meditate on their own. The key is to shut the eyes and focus solely on breathing. See how the body moves with the inhalation and exhalation. Do it for a couple of minutes and get to enjoy it for longer periods of time.

Having music as a background and using it to shut out other outside noises also helps in keeping the mind focused on meditating. As mentioned by SleepFoundation.org, slow tunes are ideal in these situations, especially classical, jazz, or folk music with 60 to 80 beats per minute.

Sleep is a vital part of people’s everyday lives so no matter how stressful the environment is, it’s important to find time to give the body its much-deserved slumber. Get that needed rest by following these simple tips and using appliances with innovations that are meant to make people’s lives better..

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About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com and SamsungPH on Facebook.

Western Union to provide 50% money transfer fee reduction for frontline and essential workers

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Western Union provides fee reduction for frontline and essential workers as a part of company’s ongoing efforts to provide essential money transfers and payments services amid the COVID-19 pandemic

MANILA, MAY 11, 2020–Western Union (NYSE: WU), a leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, today announced a 50 percent fee reduction1 for front-line responders and essential workers sending money globally via any of the company's digital channels for the next two weeks. The promotion is a small tribute by the company to these customers for their endless commitment to their local communities and dedication to maintain the infrastructure and resources necessary to keep local economies afloat.

More than 65 percent of global citizens working and living across the world perform roles as first responders or in essential service industries, according to Western Union’s business intelligence. These global citizens indexed high across major countries including 63 percent in the U.S., 67 percent in the U.K, 68 percent in France, 70 percent in Germany, 62 percent in Australia, 58 percent in the UAE and 71 percent in Saudi Arabia.

“When the world stopped, our first responders and essential workers kept going,” said Western Union President and CEO Hikmet Ersek. “They have continued to show up, day after day, to make it possible for our communities and economies to carry on.”

“Many of the world’s frontline or essential workers are global citizens who regularly send money to loved ones back home. At Western Union, our inspiration comes from our customers who trust us with their hard-earned money. We want to acknowledge their dedication to keeping remittances moving to the communities and economies around the world that depend on them the most and support them as they continue promoting the health and safety of the communities around them.”

The fee reduction, valid with transfer code Thanks2020, applies to any transaction initiated in the majority of Western Union’s digital-enabled countries at westernunion.com or via the Western Union app, and received anywhere Western Union’s Global Network reaches: via bank account or wallet payout in more than 100 countries, as well as retail Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. The fee reduction will run from now until May 20, 2020 and is available to first responders representing medical, police, and fire department professionals as well as essential workers across food, transport, utility, and other essential industries, including manufacturing and construction.

Last month, Western Union announced the expansion of its digital money transfer services, the fastest-growing part of its business in 2019, to more than 75 countries. The end-to-end coverage ensures that these safe, convenient digital services are available to millions of the world’s most active money movers, especially during COVID-19. The company also last month announced, “Digital Location”, a phone-based concierge service meant to help customers complete digital transactions from the safety of their homes as well as home-delivery of remittance funds in some markets.

Western Union and the Western Union Foundation, along with partners, have pledged more than US$1.0 million in the fight against COVID-19. The foundation is prioritizing initiatives that include strengthening healthcare systems around the globe, serving vulnerable populations, including refugees and migrants. Additionally, the Foundation will continue to support local and global nonprofit organizations providing access to essential services, including hunger relief, medical training, education, supplies and equipment for frontline healthcare workers.

In addition, Western Union Business Solutions’ WU® NGO GlobalPay platform has enabled NGOs to focus on the vital work at hand delivering critical international operations to support communities in need. Since 2012, more than 2,000 NGOs have sent nearly $8 billion around the world in 132 currencies to more than 200 countries, through the platform.

All of Western Union’s responses and initiatives related to COVID-19 may be accessed via our dedicated Resource Center here.

WU-G

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Our omnichannel platform connects the digital and physical worlds and makes it possible for consumers and businesses to send and receive money and make payments with speed, ease, and reliability. As of December 31, 2019, our network included over 550,000 retail agent locations offering our branded services in more than 200 countries and territories, with the capability to send money to billions of accounts. Additionally, westernunion.com, our fastest growing channel in 2019, is available in over 75 countries, plus additional territories, to move money around the world. With our global reach, Western Union moves money for better, connecting family, friends and businesses to enable financial inclusion and support economic growth. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

Reference:

Western Union makes money on the foreign exchange conversion