Maxicare helps members reignite their businesses amidst COVID-19

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Manila, Philippines — Under the “new normal,” business and healthcare go hand-in-hand as industries recover and adapt to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To signify its support to the country’s outsourcing sector, Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s premier healthcare provider, joined the Call Center Association of the Philippines’ (CCAP) Serving the World: Contact Islands ‘21 Virtual Conference on Re-Igniting Growth in the New Business Environment.

During the virtual conference, Maxicare hosted a discussion on how COVID-19 will continue to impact the way businesses operate and how the company has been helping ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees.

Living with the impact of COVID-19

Maxicare invited Dr. Edsel Salvana, Director of Institute of Biology and Biotechnology and member of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Diseases, to provide an overview on the COVID-19 situation in the country. During his talk, Dr. Salvana emphasized the need for innovation in ensuring that workplaces are pandemic-resilient and less likely to spread diseases. “There are a lot of innovations that will outlive the pandemic, including working from home. If you don’t need your entire workforce to be in the office, then taking out half of them and allowing them to work from home will be the most effective.”

Dr. Edsel Salvana of the DOH’s Technical Advisory Group on Infectious diseases discussed the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and workplaces.

Dr. Salvana also expressed his optimism that businesses will flourish better towards the end of the year as we learn to better cope with the pandemic. “If we stick to public health standards and increase vaccination while reinforcing the healthcare system, we will be able to manage our severe cases and the economy can remain open as we continue to roll out our vaccines. We are already seeing the numbers go down, we ask that everyone cooperates. Make sure that aside from getting vaccinated, wear your masks and face shields especially indoors and stick to what you have been doing in terms of protecting each other.”

Re-igniting businesses through innovative and responsive healthcare services

Maxicare’s Assistant Vice-President for Wellness and Medical Resource and Research Dr. JC Sevilla also shared how they are helping partner companies reignite growth through the Maxicare HomeCare COVID-19 Management Program.

“We know that early detection is the priority when it comes to COVID-19. Our program, which simulates a hospital admission, provides continuity of care from consultation to treatment with 24/7 telemedicine and telemonitoring. Telemedicine includes consultations with in-house physicians where we also provide electronic prescriptions and lab requests. With telemonitoring, we are able to monitor disease progression. The Maxicare HomeCare program also offers medication including Remdisivir and steroids, as well as ambulance conduction if needed. The program is open for all COVID-19 cases and those qualified cases needing confinement.”

Sylvia Stolk, Chief Digital and Transformation Officer also shared how Maxicare is investing in technology to transform healthcare. “Access to basic health services is very important. We are helping businesses by making sure our members are healthy through protection, care continuity and easy access to healthcare, and understanding our members’ state of health through proactive, preventive, and predictive care.”

“Even before the pandemic, Maxicare already began to strengthen its customer experience vision and principles, where most of the member journey and digital transformation projects are anchored,” said Fiona Victoria SAVP/Group Head of Corporate Sales.

Some of these digital initiatives include the Maxicare Member Gateway platform for applying for Letter of Authorization (LOA) online, Maxicare Videoconsult for 24/7 video consultations with doctors, and the HR Viewpoint and Enroll Me platforms for human resource personnel. During the first months of the pandemic, Maxicare was also at the forefront of ensuring a manageable return to work process with the Re-Entry Assessment and Management Program. They were also one of the first companies to invest in COVID-19 vaccines, making it available to their corporate partners and their members, including dependents.

“Reigniting the growth of our company, Maxicare, means we are prepared to extend excellent patient service on top of medical care. Re-igniting our progress means being able to map our customer’s journey from their onboarding to their post-medical needs,” added Victoria.

To know more about Maxicare and its products and services, call their 24/7 hotline 8582-1900.

Landco Led the Mangrove Restoration in Laiya, Batangas

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In line with its commitment to environmental and community sustainability, upscale real estate developer Landco Pacific Corporation together with Aplaya Laiya Corporation initiated the mangrove reforestation at an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas through a recent series of planting of about 3,000 saplings.

Spearheading the mangrove reforestation in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas are shown on photo (From left): Neil Bryant Siy, Vice President, Aplaya Laiya Corp.; Ranel Domingo, Kagawad Laiya, Aplaya, Batangas; Noel Pasco, Head of MENRO (Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office); Allan Estillore, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) - Region IV; and Erickson Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corp.

The project was held in collaboration with Laiya’s local community, barangay and municipal officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and volunteers from Landco executives and staff.

The mangrove tree planting is part of the coastal conservation of Landco to benefit the communities near and around its premium leisure developments in Laiya – Playa Laiya, the master-planned exclusive seaside residential community and Club Laiya, Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates.

“Wherever Landco develops premium Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE’s), our impact on the environment is an important concern. Our company helps ensure the restoration and conservation of the environment within the vicinity of our developments to deliver our commitment to build sustainable communities, undertake our socio-economic responsibility, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” stated Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation.

“Our primary goal is to make Batangas a leading sustainable tourist destination,” he emphasized.

“At Landco, our team strives to create a healthy environment for our residents, guests, investors and the community at large. Our company’s role is to be a catalyst for environmental, social and economic development within and surrounding our properties. The welfare of the local community is one of our top priorities and we do our best to engage them positively and productively through employment and their active participation in environmental conservation,” Manzano added.

Landco President and CEO Erickson Manzano led the mangrove tree planting of about 3,000 saplings at an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, as part of the company’s commitment to environmental and community sustainability.

Landco’s mangrove tree planting in Batangas was participated by Laiya’s local community, barangay and municipal officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and volunteers from Landco executives and staff.

The launch of the mangrove tree planting was led by Manzano, along with Aplaya Laiya Corp Vice President Neil Bryant Siy; Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) - Region IV Officer In-Charge Allan Estillore; Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Head Noel Pasco; Laiya Aplaya Kagawad Ranel Domingo representing Barangay Chairman Wivin Llana. Present during the activity were volunteers from Landco, Aplaya Laiya Corporation, and the local community.

Some of the volunteers from the Laiya’s local community and volunteers from Landco team are shown participating in the mangrove tree planting in an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

Within the framework of its long-term sustainability program, Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates -- CaSoBe and Club Laiya are both LEED-registered. Its affiliate Millennial Resorts Corporation is Edge-registered. Over-all, its developments implement practical strategies and solutions focused on sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, waste segregation, marketing campaign on sustainability and ethical consumption, and local communities’ livelihood program on recycling materials, and opportunities for socio-economic growth.

Landco’s sustainability initiatives including its mangrove tree planting are in line with Metro Pacific Investment Corporation’s commitment to help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

For more information about Landco visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.

Airbnb encourages Pinoys to #TravelAsJuan, as travel searches surge for beachside and nature destinations near Metro Manila

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●     New Airbnb data shows spike in domestic demand for stays after recent easing of travel restrictions; trending destinations include Zambales, Batangas and Tagaytay

●     More Filipinos are searching for getaways lasting a week or longer, at family-friendly villas
and bed and breakfasts

Manila, Philippines,  October 2021 - Airbnb launched its new #TravelAsJuan campaign that aims to energize the Philippines’s tourism recovery throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. As part of the campaign, the company is encouraging Filipinos to rediscover their country with their loved ones, while celebrating unique stays and hidden gems across the nation. The #TravelAsJuan campaign also aligns with the Department of Tourism’s 2022 plan to rebuild a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive domestic tourism industry

Responding to the Department of Tourism’s call for Filipinos to become “Ambassadors of Fun”, Airbnb’s #TravelAsJuan will work closely with its community of #AirbnbJuanderers including Filipino Hosts and local content creators. They will shine a light on the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations, from lesser-known beaches to mountainous getaways and farms, as well as tips for safer travel. The campaign will kickstart by highlighting destinations where intra- and inter-state travel are currently allowed and expand to cover more destinations as more cities and provinces reopen.

 Airbnb is already seeing surging interest in domestic stays as Filipinos look forward to traveling with the platform once more, following the recent easing of travel restrictions. In September, searches for Airbnb Stays in Zambales spiked by over 100% month-over-month* after the government announced travel rules allowing Metro Manila residents to travel to areas under more relaxed quarantine rules. In the same period, searches for Airbnb Stays in Batangas and Tagaytay also almost doubled month-over-month*.

Beachside and nature destinations, especially locations within driving distance of Metro Manila, remain popular among Filipinos. Zambales and Batangas, both popular for their beaches and coves, along with nature-based destinations Tagaytay, Pampanga, and Baguio, are currently the top five trending destinations among Filipino guests on Airbnb. This follows key findings from a YouGov survey conducted earlier in the year, which found that Filipinos want to travel to nature retreats and places within driving distance once they can get back on the road.

The easing of travel restrictions has spurred Filipinos to quickly plan for upcoming trips with their family and loved ones. While Filipino guests on Airbnb are largely searching for Stays with a duration of 1-6 nights, there is a growing trend towards longer domestic getaways of one week and longer, to make up for the past year spent at home. Larger family-friendly Stays are also increasing in popularity, as Filipino guest searches for villas and bed-and-breakfasts spiked by more than 50% month-over-month*. 

As Filipinos eagerly make their travel plans, Gen Zs and Millennials who make up 68% of Airbnb’s community of new Hosts who came onboard the platform in the first half of this year are looking forward to welcoming fellow Pinoys into their homes**.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Airbnb shares: “Filipinos are eagerly anticipating the return of domestic travel, and search trends on Airbnb indicate a strong, positive uptick in travel sentiment as restrictions ease. With our wide variety of unique stays hosted by locals across the Philippines, Airbnb offers something for everyone through our #TravelasJuan campaign, which highlights the wonderful places, experiences and communities that make the Philippines such an incredible place to experience for both locals and visitors alike. Airbnb is committed to being a good partner to the government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector; and help drive travel that is more diverse, resilient, and empowering for more people and communities than ever before.”

Safety remains a priority

Health and safety remain a top priority for travelers as they search for upcoming travel accommodation. To that end, Airbnb introduced the Enhanced Clean protocol in June last year, the first overarching standardized guidelines for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry. Endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the protocol helps guide Hosts across the Philippines to provide safer and cleaner accommodation for guests.

Airbnb also recently announced a partnership with global provider Sherpa, an online tool that provides travelers with real-time travel information on their destinations. Travelers can access information on COVID-19 related requirements including testing, quarantining and social distancing guidelines. This will help guests plan their trips more effectively as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 regulations.

Note:

*Based on internal Airbnb guest search data in September 2021, as compared to August 2021.

**Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 2021.

 

Styler: Complete Clothing Care, The LG Way

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Coming into the second year of the pandemic, cleanliness and safety is still the number one priority for families. Even as vaccinations are slowly rolled out, nothing beats preparedness in keeping sickness at bay. Worldwide innovators, such as LG, have been hard at work to provide tools to help in the new normal. Its newest product, the LG Styler, is designed to keep clothes fresh and clean without needing to launder it excessively.

L-R: Jun Lee, LGEPH product director for Home Appliances, Stephanie Zubiri, LG brand ambassador, Sungjae Kim, LGEPH managing director

In a recent online event, LG introduced the Styler to the local market. Hosted by LG Brand Ambassador Stephanie Zubiri, the event showcased the different uses the LG Styler has for individuals from all walks of life. LG envisions the Styler as the future of wardrobe management, especially with the Philippines’ unpredictable weather. Normal clothes are easy to wash, but some, such as outerwear like jackets, or dresses with fragile fabric, are a different story. This is where the LG Styler comes in.

With the Styler, all you need to do is put your clothes inside and it’s good as new in minutes - no fuss and definitely, no damage. You can also do this to shake off wrinkles and odors. You can take care of suits, dresses, sweaters and more with the touch of a button, so you and your clothes will always look at your best. Shake off odors, leaving your clothes fresh and clean. You don’t have to worry about special fabrics. The LG Styler prevents shrinkage and damage courtesy of its Heat-Pump Technology. Gently dry clothes that require special care without worrying about shrinkage or damage. No more dampness or accidental damage - only fresh, clean clothes as they were meant to be.

During the event, event host Stephanie, who’s a mom and a journalist, shared how she loves using Styler to sanitize her kid’s stuffed animal toys. She interviewed Victor Basa and Dra. Vicki Belo who both shared their unique perspective on how the Styler helps them at home and at work. 

Victor, actor and fashion blogger, appreciates great clothing and the transformative power they possess. “I have these prized menswear pieces that really make you feel good wearing, a custom suit, Italian bespoke trousers, heirloom barong, and they all deserve the proper care and longevity. The LG Styler is definitely a game-changer. I often have to bring out my seldom used clothes like my barong out of the closet for my hosting gigs and so I don't need to get out for dry cleaning! It’s like having your own valet or gentleman’s gentleman at home, specifically responsible for my clothes. It also looks great in my interior because of the reflective mirror finish and sleek design.”

While Dra. Vicki Belo, founder and medical director of Belo Medical Group, the pioneer and number one medical aesthetic clinic in the country, was elated with her new home dream machine and all it’s amazing features. “I’m obsessed! Thanks to LG Philippines for bringing it here. I saw it in Milan around 3 years ago. The first thing I loved about it is the ease of use! I’m not that techie so this one I can easily operate after unboxing. I also like the fact that you can practically use it every day. We wear PPEs as doctors in Belo clinics so as soon as I remove it, pasok agad in the Styler. It feels as if I have a whole new wardrobe in my walk-in closet because I have a lot of delicate items that I wouldn’t wear as often, like the couture dresses, so now I can freshen them all up. Also, lahat na we wanna put inside the LG Styler, and not just the clothing, even the stuffed toys of Scarlett.” The one-of-a-kind appliance can effectively prolong the life of not only clothes but a whole variety of household items.

At the core of Styler is the patented LG TrueSteam™ technology, which eliminates over 99.9 percent of the germs and bacteria found in clothing and toys and is approved as asthma and allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Clothes placed on the moving hangers shake out wrinkles and unpleasant odors while the Gentle Dry cycle removes moisture quickly and thoroughly. Heat Pump Drying reduces energy consumption by recycling heat from the hot, moist air inside Styler, and Pants Crease Care creates a crisp crease-line without an iron.

In addition, style icon and fashion+travel blogger Laureen Uy with 1M followers on Instagram posted about how amazing is her new LG Styler. Representing a new way to care for her designer clothes and other accessories, the Styler boasts many practical uses and thoughtful features including a mirror-like finish that fits her snazzy space and chic personality.

Aside from being functional, it’s sleek, stylish, and blends well with any interior. Whether you’re living by yourself or with a family, the LG Styler is a key piece in anyone’s wardrobe. With it, you can refresh clothes in the comfort of your home. From unpleasant smells, harmful pollutants, dripping wet, wrinkles, seasonal clothes and even difficult to clean items - effortlessly remove them quickly and effectively at your home.

LG also remains committed in providing smart solutions for its appliances. The Styler can be controlled using your smartphone. ThinQ™ app lets you operate or monitor precious garments from anywhere, anytime. You can use Cycle Download to add newly developed care cycles.

L-R: Sungjae Kim, LGEPH managing director, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Young Park, LGEPH product director for Air Solutions

Knowing the need to efficiently eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses in the community, LG recently donated Styler and Wearable Air Purifiers and more than 2000 hygiene kits to the local government of Pasig City through Mayor Vico Sotto. LG has always been a long and ardent supporter of the LGU where the LGEPH headquarters is located. Over the past months, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, LG also donated washing machines, refrigerators and digital signage displays to help out city frontliners and its constituents.

Seungjae Kim, LG Philippines’ Managing Director, shares his piece on how the LG Styler can benefit Filipino families and the community. “The LG Styler provides a fast and easy way of disinfecting your clothes, which is crucial in the time of COVID. It helps keep you and your family safe. It is also a perfect addition to any household, whether you’re living alone or with a family. We also believe that the CSR initiatives we have done, including the recent Styler donation will make a difference in helping out Pasig City’s civil servants.”

Read more about the LG Styler and its features on https://www.lg.com/ph/clothes-styler/lg-s3mfc or visit LG’s official social media channels. The LG Styler is available through authorized dealers and in LG flagship online stores at Lazada and Shopee.

Mark Zuckerberg : Facebook changes its name to Meta

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Facebook changes its name to Meta

The newly-rebranded name of Facebook’s parent company has been announced to be Meta on Oct. 29. The company said the change would bring together its different apps and technologies under one new brand.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg, speaking at the company’s live-streamed virtual and augmented reality conference, said the new name reflected its focus on building the metaverse.

The name change was announced at the Facebook Connect augmented and virtual reality conference. The new name reflects the company’s growing ambitions beyond social media. 

Facebook, now known as Meta, has adopted the new moniker, based on the sci-fi term metaverse, to describe its vision for working and playing in a virtual world.

“Today we are seen as a social media company, but in our DNA we are a company that builds technology to connect people, and the metaverse is the next frontier just like social networking was when we got started,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

The metaverse, a term first coined in a dystopian novel three decades ago and now attracting buzz in Silicon Valley, refers broadly to the idea of a shared virtual environment which can be accessed by people using different devices.

In addition to reflecting their vision to be seen as a metaverse, Zuckerberg wants the new name to anchor their work and identity on what they are building towards.

”Meta” was chosen as it means “beyond” and alludes to the social technologies they are building beyond pre-existing digital connections. Accompanying the new company brand is a new logo and color.

The company also said in announcing the new name that it will change its stock ticker from FB to MVRS, effective Dec. 1.