Boosting domestic tourism with Philippine Travel Mart 2019

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In its continuous effort to push forward the country’s tourism industry, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines gives its unyielding support to the 30th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) happening from August 30 to September 1, 2019 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Celebrating its 30thanniversary this year with the theme “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism”, PTM remains to be the longest-running travel trade exhibition in the Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc. (PHILTOA),this year’s event will have over 250 exhibitors offering the best deals from all over the country. With Philippines being part of the ASEAN community, intra-regional travel will also be promoted, with equally-exciting offers from China, Japan and Korea.

Other activities include “Sale ng Bayan business-to-consumer (B2C)” where travelers can directly book and buy holiday packages, as well as business-to-business sessionswhere potential clients can meet with tour operators and resort owners right on the floor.Visitors to PTM 2019 will also be treated to live entertainment and cultural events from the different participating regions.

With common goals shared with PTM 2019, TPB’s support of the event aims to bolster the tourism industry through the promotion of the country’s rich culture, natural attractions, and products, while supporting a sustainable business environment socially equitable for local communities.

Dare to Wash with Electrolux UltimateCare™ Washing Machines and Dryers

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Take that laundry leap of faith with Electrolux as it launches its latest UltimateCare™ washing machines and dryers, which promise to keep clothes looking good as new one year later. 

Wear it well, don’t wear it out. Electrolux is inviting women to wear what they want with confidence – and without fear of them wearing it out with its latest UltimateCare™washing machines and dryers. 

This award-winning washing machine line designed by Swedish brand Electrolux has come out with its most advanced model yet, which has clothing care features that helps keep garments looking like new even one year later – so you can dare to wash and dare to wear. 

The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washing Machine 

The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washing Machine comes with innovative features that help keep your favourites looking new for longer – even up to 1 year later. 

It comes with SensorWash™ which automatically detects dirt, adjusting cycle times to ensure that clothes receive the perfect wash and UltraMix™ technology activates detergents so that you can wash at lower temperatures. This reduces colour fading by up to 40%*, without compromising on cleaning performance. These technologies work together to keep clothes looking new for longer so you can always look and feel your best. 

The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 also comes with the Vapour Care option, which finishes the wash cycle with a soft spray of vapour to remove up to 99.9% of allergens and germs**. 

When it comes to cleaning performance, front loadwashing machines give clothes a more thorough clean and are gentler on clothes than twin tubs. Front loaders can clean clothes using a gentle tumbling action, using gravity to pick up clothes to lightly drop them in the water vs. twin tub models, which use pulsators to rotate clothes, allowing water and detergent to go through fabrics to remove dirt quickly but may also result to tangling and early wear and tear. 

Another exciting addition to this washing machine isWi-Fi connectivity. Through the Electrolux Life App, you can remotely control your appliance, allowing you to choose wash or dry programs and receive notifications on the go. The Care Advisor also provides intuitive guidance to assist you in expertly cleaning up to 48 fabrics and 40 of the most common stains.

The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washing Machine also comes with eco-friendly features like Load Sensor which displays real-time laundry weight and the recommended detergent amount for every wash. It is also able to automatically adjust time, water and energy according to your load. Coupled with its eco-inverter motor which consumes less energy, this washing machine care for the environment along with your clothes. While Front Load washing machines may cost more than twin tub washing machines up front, they are more energy and water efficient so you may end up saving in the long run.

The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washer Dryer

Those with less space in their homes can also consider investing in a washer-dryer. The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washer Dryer not only comes with the same features as the washing machine model but also includes SensiCare System, which measures temperature and humidity and adjusts the drying time to the moisture levels in each load to protect clothes from over-drying. 

The Electrolux UltimateCare™ 500 Front Dryer

For a complete care system and to make it easy to have fresh, dry clothes this rainy season, the Electrolux UltimateCare™ line also comes with new dryer models. Confidently dry your clothes with less need for ironing with the UltimateCare™ 500 Front Load Dryer that provides clothes the care they deserve with gentle drying for up to 32% less wrinkles***.

The Electrolux FashionCare Council can attest to how the UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washing Machine has helped keep their favourites looking new for longer. 

Top fashion designer and Electrolux brand ambassador Rajo Laurel marvelled at how Electrolux has kept its promise. “It’s been a year since I’ve given Electrolux my trust,” Laurel shared. “A year and my clothes still look as good as new. The UltimateCare™ washing machine has taken the best care of all my clothes, even the most delicate pieces.”

Amina Aranaz-Alunan, founder, executive director and teacher of SoFA Design Institute, and Creative Director of fashion accessories and bag label ARANÁZ, loved the UltimateCare™900’s Wi-Fi capability. 

“Running a global brand is not easy and it takes a lot of time,” she explained. “I’m so excited to have the Electrolux UltimateCare™ 900 Front Load Washer Dryer. It’s Wi-Fi connected so I can remotely control my appliance and receive notifications on-the-go, whether I’m in the design studio or a trade show in Paris.” 

Meanwhile, actress, model and host Bianca Kingshared that having a washing machine and dryer has helped make her laundry life stress-free. 

“My advice on caring for clothes? Invest in a complementing washing machine and dryer that combines care and expertise. I’ve found the perfect pair with my Electrolux UltimateCare™900 Front Load Washing Machine and Electrolux UltimateCare™ 500 Front Load Dryer,” she said. 

Dare to wash with the Electrolux UltimateCare™Front Load Washing Machines and dryers. For more information on Electrolux and its products, visit www.electrolux.com.ph and follow@ElectroluxPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

*In comparison between previous model as endorsed by Intertek.

** EFF902BQWA with vapour compared to same model without vapour

***32% less wrinkles vs line drying - tested and certified by THT

Electrolux shapes living for the better by reinventing taste, care and wellbeing experiences, making life more enjoyable and sustainable for millions of people. As a leading global appliance company, we place the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Through our brands, including Electrolux, White-Westinghouse, AEG and Frigidaire, we sell more than 60 million household and professional products in more than 150 markets every year. In 2018, Electrolux had sales of SEK 124 billion and employed 54,000 people around the world.

For more information go to www.electroluxgroup.com.ph. 

A Toast to New Beginnings! 2020 Year of the Metal Rat

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See you on the 15th Philippine Feng Shui Convention

2020 Year of the Metal Rat

November 24, 2019, Novotel Manila Araneta Center

A Toast to New Beginnings!

Yes, that’s what the 2020 Chinese New Year is all about. The Rat is the first animal sign in the Chinese zodiac, and its arrival marks the start of a new 12-year cycle. The good news is that the winning traits of this clever and adventurous animal have indications for a stable and abundant year.

We would like to share with you many important forecasts for the Year of the Metal Rat. Join us on November 24 – a good day for starting important events, and deemed lucky for those who expect superiorvalue fortheir investments.

Here’s what you gain by being there:

• Insights on lucky/unlucky prospects for your personal/professional life

• Updates on energy types and directions that may work for or against you in 2020

• General forecasts for important life areas (wealth, health, relationships, etc.)

• First dibs at the latest luck enhancers and cures for the Metal Rat Year

• Convention brochure filled with useful takeaway points

• Engaging presentations, excellent food, auspicious company

• Chance to win raffle gifts and lots of other surprises

Don’t miss this chance to learn from international fengshui master Ms. Marites Allen who is also set to launch her 2020 horoscope books and Feng Shui Almanac and Planner.

Get your tickets at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-marites-allen-philippine-feng-shui-convention-tickets-71031468033) or call the following numbers: 0920-9509390 / 8188858/ 7360512 / 4707661.

Take advantage of our Super Saver Rate of PhP3,980 until September 15, 2019. 

WWF-Philippines reinforces battle against unnecessary plastic with “No Plastics in Nature” initiative

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In line with the 1st anniversary of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines’ #AyokoNgPlastik movement, the leading environmental organization launches the ‘No Plastics in Nature’Initiative, a larger approach that seeks to stop the flow of plastic waste in nature by 2030.

The problem with plastics has been escalating for decades, where the Philippines has been identified as the world’s third largest contributor of plastics in the ocean. Plastic pollution has always been a huge issue in the Philippines with the continuous generation of plastic wastes and poor waste management. 

In 2016, global plastic production has reached 396 million metric tons, which translates to 53 kilograms of plastic per person on the planet. A third of this number has already become land or marine pollution and with a projected increase of 40% by 2030, an additional 104 million metric tons will leak into nature in a business as usual scenario. This poses harmful effects not only to our environment, but to human health as well. It is estimated that on average, people could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic every week.

Recognizing the threat brought about by plastic pollution, WWF-Philippines rolled out the #AyokoNgPlastik movementlast year in hopes of addressing the issue by creating awareness among Filipinos to reduce dependence on single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups, among others.

This year, WWF-Philippines reinforces their campaign against unnecessary plastics by adopting the ‘No Plastics in Nature’Initiative, a global WWF approach that intends to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery,and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly. 

“With the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, we are hoping to make the Philippines free of unnecessary plastic wastes, but we cannot do this alone, we need the help of everyone. Every individual, company, and institution should be mindful of the amount of plastics they produce and use daily, and take action accordingly, to make this goal a reality,'' said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO.

The initiative is a holistic approach consisting of four main strategies such as lobbying for a global legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, Plastic Smart Cities movement for cities and tourism destinations, Plastic Action (PACT) forbusinesses, and #AyokoNgPlastik for the general public.

The WWF network is continually pushing for a new international legally binding agreement to comprehensively address marine plastic pollution throughout the full life cycle from both production to disposal and recovery back into a circular loop. This is the network’s response to the agreement made at the recent 14th Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (COP 14) in Geneva, which stresses that the developing world could no longer be a plastic dumping ground and that any trade would require the prior consent from the receiving country. 

Plastic Smart Cities, on the other hand, is a global movement of cities and tourism destinations that are fighting plastic pollution through improved collection, recycling, reduction of key waste plastics, and landfill management. Currently, the Philippines is working in six cities including Davao City, Digos City, Tagum City, Manila City, Parañaque City, Island Garden City of Samal,and four municipalities including Lupon, San Isidro, Sta. Cruz, and Donsol. 

Meanwhile, WWF-Philippines was able to partner with at least 20 businesses for the sustainable journey movement where programs to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics in their supply chain system, workplace, and business operations were implemented. This program resulted in the prevention of over 1.5 million pieces of plastic waste from leaking into nature. Currently, WWF-Philippines is adopting the Plastic Action (PACT), which is a regional initiative on engaging businesses to take on a circular economy. 

Finally, WWF-Philippines’ successful #AyokoNgPlastikmovement will continue to educate the general public about plastic pollution, its impacts, and how people can help in addressing it through the Facebook community and the recently launched AyokoNgPlastik microsite. Members of the movement have also demonstrated their commitment to this cause by signing the petition to support the call for a new legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution.

“The problem on plastic pollution will only continue to worsen if we don’t do anything about it. We are determined to address this issue to ensure that there will be no more plastic pollution in nature by 2030, and we hope to achieve that through the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative,” Palma reiterated.

WWF-Philippine’s ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative was launched on the 5th of September at Shakey’s Quezon Avenue. Shakey’s Philippines is one of the newest partners and supporters of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement. 

To know more about WWF-Philippines and the ‘No Plastics in Nature’ Initiative, visit www.ayokongplastik.org or follow /WWF.Philippines on Facebook. To engage in conversations on plastics, join facebook.com/groups/ayokongplastik. 

ComCo Southeast Asia Hits 3rd year with Big Wins in IABC Quill Awards, PR Awards Asia and New Business

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As ComCo Southeast Asia marked its 3rd year in the industry, the new communications powerhouse won 9 Excellence and Merit Awards and emerged as Agency of Year 2nd Runner-up at the prestigious 17th Philippine Quill Awards, represented the country in PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong, and celebrated major account wins. 

ComCo Southeast Asia at the 17th Philippine Quill Awards represented by (from left): AC Recio, Digital and Multimedia Arts Officer; Jam Bufi, Senior Brand Communications Associate; Rachel Syfargo, Brand Communications and Operations Director; Ferdinand Bondoy, Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director; Joan Icotanim, Brand Communications and Administration Director; Queenie Resmundo, Senior Brand Communications Associate; and Harvey Llamosa, Executive Initiatives Officer.

Local and International Recognition

Aside from winning Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up, ComCo Southeast Asia also reaped IABC Quill Awards for “Eastern @ 140: A Celebration of 140 Years of Strong Connections” in the Communication Management Division: Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication Category; “Where Movies Come Alive and Move You - The SM Cinema Reel to Real Campaign” for both the Communications Management Division: Customer Relations Category and Communication Skills Division: Special And Experiential Events Category; and “Be A Play Champion – Unilab Foundation’s Play Advocacy Week Toolkit” in the Communication Skills Division: Publications Category.

ComCo SEA also won for “#AyokoNgPlastik: The WWF-Philippines’ Movement Against Single-Use Plastics”; “#Connect2Earth: The WWF-Philippines Earth Hour 2018”; “Together Possible: the WWF-Philippines Environment Communications Program”; and “Art for a Cause: the WWF’ “Art, Heart, Earth” PR Program”, all under the Communications Management Division: Non-profit Campaigns Category.

The Agency’s mentorship program for communication students and young professionals, the Camp ComCo Mentorship Program, also won a Quill Award in the Communication Training and Education Division. 

Organized by the International Association of Business Communications (IABC), the Quill Award is the world’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication. It has been bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals, and to make a difference in society. To win a Philippine Quill means being recognized as achieving the highest Global Standard for business communication practices.

ComCo Southeast also earned 2 citations as finalist for Boutique PR Agency of the Year and PR Event of the Year for SM Cinema’s Reel to Real initiative at the equally prestigious PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong. The Agency represented the Philippines in Boutique PR Agency category, and competed against other finalists in Australia, China, Myanmar and Singapore. Organized by Campaigns Asia Pacific, PR Awards Asia celebrates the most outstanding, inspired, and successful communication campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region. 

New Business Wins

ComCo SEA also continued to strengthen its client portfolio, winning major accounts in recent agency pitches for SM Retail, Teleperformance, Jobstreet, SMDC, Essilor and World Health Organization. Premier brands Electrolux, SM Cinema, Eastern Communications, Lamoiyan Corporation, Dragonpay, Goodyear as well as reputable global organizations WWF, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and World Vision also renewed its communications partnership with the trailblazing agency.

Ferdinand Bondoy, Partner, Co-Founder and Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of ComCo Southeast Asia shared, “We are honored with the recognition given to us by our colleagues in the industry, our fellow communication practitioners, not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia-Pacific region. It validates the kind of work we have been doing for our clients - our partner brands and organizations, our industry and our society, and our own people.”

To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comco-hq.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.