ePLDT, Microsoft continue empowering PWDs through inclusive workplaces

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(Manila, Philippines ) ePLDT recently marked its first year as a Microsoft employer-partner for the Microsoft Enabler Program. This seeks to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workplace by fostering inclusivity and helping them increase their employability through training and mentorship.

PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Fay Ocampo and ePLDT Group Head for Workplace Management Fe Arlene Villanueva-Bassig

As a Microsoft employer-partner, ePLDT accommodated two students from its accessibility partner Virtualahan to take their internship under the group and acquire the necessary digital skills to help them secure gainful employment.

Rowell Navarro and Alfrey Redd Umali are aspiring graphic artists who have hard-of-hearing conditions. They were trained under ePLDT’s People Experience & Communications Team to hone and contribute their skills in developing creative visuals for the company’s awareness campaign on social sustainability.

“My internship has given me the opportunity to learn more about the company and essentials in Graphic Designing. The team [PWM – People Experience & Communication] gave me advice that was indeed helpful for me to accomplish my tasks more creatively and efficiently,” Navarro shared.

Likewise, Umali expressed his gratitude to ePLDT for the invaluable learning experience he attained as a graphic artist intern, and for the opportunity to support the group in producing short videos and other publicity materials.

“Working with the People Experience & Communication team has been a pleasure as I have gained much practical knowledge about graphic designing and video editing… Thank you again for making my internship a rewarding experience,” Umali said.

ePLDT reflects Microsoft’s commitment to giving utmost importance to building accessibility and a culture of inclusion at work.

The team that assisted Navarro and Umali was encouraged to use a meeting platform with closed-caption capabilities, to convey instructional procedures in text form, and to also attend a sensitivity training organized by Virtualahan to fully equip them towards inclusivity.

“The ePLDT Group is steadfast in its commitment to foster an inclusive working environment that provides opportunities for growth to persons with disabilities. We look forward to assisting more talented individuals through this engagement program with Microsoft,” said Fe Arlene Villanueva-Bassig, ePLDT Group Head for Workplace Management.

Meanwhile, during the launch of the APAC Microsoft Enabler Virtual Hackathon, PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Fay Ocampo said that as a Microsoft partner, ePLDT’s main goal is to expand their initiatives that foster disability-inclusive workplace within the group.

“Our hearts are full when we on-boarded two Virtualahan interns, Alfrey and Rowell who provided digital creative inputs in ePLDT’s company announcement under the wing and the guidance of People Experience & Communications Team,” Ocampo said.

“Now that we move to the next chapter, we carry on our purpose for having an ever-evolving culture of inclusion which starts by expanding our talent pipeline and connecting job-seeking PWDs in having ICT roles within ePLDT,” she added. 

For more information, visit epldt.com.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s Leader Ferdinand Bondoy elected to UK-based Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) International Committee

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COMCO Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director, Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, has been elected to the International Committee of the United Kingdom (UK) based Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) composed of PR leaders from across the world – Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.

Mr. Bondoy is the only committee member based in the Southeast Asian region and he brings in diversity and representation in the globally renowned professional body for public relations practitioners. He will also be the lead for online events of CIPR International.

Founded in the United Kingdom, the CIPR is the world’s only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners, with nearly 10,000 members across the globe. As pioneers in the industry, the CIPR champions its expertise in public relations through standards and skill guidance to accelerate development among PR practitioners.

“Now that the CIPR has become a fully virtual international organisation, there are equal opportunities for PR professionals across the world to become involved in our activities or even to get Chartered. I am delighted that Ferdinand Bondoy has joined our committee, and we look forward to collaborating with him to expand our activities and reach in the Philippines and across Asia,” said Ms. Samantha Seewoosurrun, Chairperson of the CIPR International Committee.

As an industry trailblazer, Mr. Bondoy’s election to CIPR adds to his extensive responsibilities in the industry. He is also the current Corporate Secretary of the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Philippines and the Co-Chair of the Philippine Student Quill Awards. Last year, he was also elected to the Board of Trustees of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and led the successful run of the 2021 PRSP Students’ PR Con, the 1st virtual, interactive and nationwide edition of the organization’s annual activity for the students. It will be concluded this coming February 2022 via the Grand Prix Hack Sprint edition, which is also a first for the organization and the industry.

Mr. Bondoy is also part of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippines composed of PR icons and leaders in the country and he served as one of the regional jurors of the ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Organization) Next Generation PR World Cup. The Southeast Asian leg of the competition for young PR practitioners was organized by the Public Relations and Communications Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC) where Ferdinand Bondoy represents COMCO Southeast Asia as a corporate member.

On top of all that, he is the Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of COMCO Southeast Asia, a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency he co-founded. Last year, he led the celebration of the Agency’s Blazing Sapphire 5th Anniversary which launched COMCO Middle East & Africa and COMCO AOX League of Enterprises, the umbrella group for all of COMCO’s existing and upcoming ventures, initiatives and advocacies. He also takes time to pay homage to his roots by serving as a mentor, often referred to as “Coach”, in COMCO Southeast Asia’s Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, an intensive and comprehensive talent incubation initiative, industry linkage course, and apprenticeship program designed to transform communication, marketing, and multimedia arts students and fresh graduates into revolutionary practitioners of the industry.

“It is an honor and a responsibility to represent the country and the region in CIPR and work for the industry on a global scale. And we will continue to contribute, be heard, and be part of this international community of PR experts and leaders to further grow the discipline and impact social change across the globe,” said Mr. Bondoy.

For more information about COMCO Southeast Asia, please visit www.comcosea.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.

About COMCO Southeast Asia

COMCO Southeast Asia is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency formed by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, COMCO SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

At the core of COMCO SEA is its unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling based on its corporate mantra and the mission to Ignite Brand Love, Social Change, Talent Growth and Regional Collaboration. In just 5 years, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Best PR Agency in Southeast Asia – Silver Award at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards, and 85 metals from various local, regional and international award-giving bodies.

The SM Store opens 2022 by sharing toys with partner organizations around the country

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Despite the pandemic, The SM Store’s Share-A-Toy collected more than 45,000 toys in December 2021. Customers and partner organizations donated new and pre-loved toys to The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches nationwide. Customers received a P100 discount voucher for every donation courtesy of The SM Store.

Representatives from The SM Store, Toy Kingdom and HSBC’s Global Resourcing Corp. during the turn-over of donations held at The SM Store North EDSA

The toys collected will be distributed to children from the SM Foundation and The SM Store partner organizations. Among the recipients in Metro Manila are pediatric patients from the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and the Philippine General Hospital.

Recipients outside Metro Manila include non-government organizations such as the Heart Warriors Tarlac Chapter and the Islamic orphanages under the Arkat Lawanen network in Mindanao. Indigenous groups, the Mangyan community in Sipitsaburan, Puerto Galera, Palawan tribe in Brooke’s Point, and the Panay Bukidnon in Calinog, Ilo-ilo, will also receive toys from The SM Store’s Share A Toy.

In addition to the toys collected from The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches, a global resourcing company and its employees shared 2,000 gift boxes containing educational materials and toys. Students of Doña Luisa Obieta Elementary School in Amungan, Iba, and the Sta. Martha Elementary School in Pangolingan, Palauig, will receive these donations. Both schools cater to the Aeta community in Zambales. Children of fishing folks from Panglit Elementary School will also receive toys and learning materials.

Watch out for more stories as The SM Store visits and distribute toys to partner communities around the country. For more information, see The SM Store’s website.

COMCO Southeast Asia Appoints New Deputy Account Operations Director as Part of its Expansion

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Coming from its successful Blazing Sapphire 5th anniversary celebration in 2021 and as part of its expansion plan in 2022, trailblazing and global award-winning integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia proudly announces the appointment of seasoned public relations and communications practitioner Joyce Yu as the Agency’s newest Deputy Account Operations Director for Marketing PR.

Joyce Yu is a public relations and communications expert with more than a decade of experience working in the field. A graduate of AB Journalism from the University of Sto. Tomas, she specializes in media relations, copywriting, social media management, event management, and journalism.

Joyce has been the lead of several successful campaigns including European Higher Education Fair 2017-2020, Levi’s x Justin Timberlake PH Launch, EuroPinoy Virtual Concert & Bersong EuroPinoy Poetry Reading 2020 and Cine Europa 2019-2020. She is a former PR Officer for Lifestyle & Performance Brands of Skechers Philippines and has worked for accounts such as PLDT, EU Delegation to the Philippines, Embassy of Hungary Manila, Belo Medical Group, Rider Philippines, and Vision Express PH.

As COMCO's Deputy Account Operations Director for Marketing PR, Joyce will lead the team managing Eastern Communications, Jobstreet, Sunlife ASCP, Skechers, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She joins the senior team of COMCO Southeast Asia spearheaded by Ferdinand Bondoy as Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director (who also leads COMCO AOX League of Enterprises) and composed of Tricia Cusi-Jimenea as Business Development Director (who also leads COMCO Middle East & Africa), Rachel Syfargo as Supervising Account Operations Director, Joan Icotanim-Maslang as Corporate Services Director, Carl Cuevas as Deputy Account Operations Director for Corporate PR, Peachy Taculod as Supervising Digital and Social Strategist, Jane Ibay CPA as Finance and Compliance Adviser and Atty. Leo Lim as Corporate Legal Counsel.

“Prior to joining COMCO, I’m already familiar with the company, the team, and the projects that they’ve accomplished through common friends in the industry. I’m very excited to be part of an award-winning dynamic team, to learn from the leaders, and hopefully give back through mentoring those who want to learn about the ins and outs of the industry. I’m really thankful to be given this opportunity,” said Ms. Joyce Yu.

The Agency is also thrilled to welcome its newest staff members, dubbed as COMCO SEA All-Stars, who are graduates of the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. They are Louise Macaraeg and Cherry Gajito as Brand Communications Associates, Bea Cabrera as Digital and Integrated Communications Associate, and Narah Faigal as Digital and Multimedia Arts Associate.

“Despite recent challenges and limitations brought by the pandemic, I’m immensely proud to see our COMCO Squadron thrive and grow. Joyce, Louise, Cherry, Bea and Narah joining the team is very exciting as we cap off our Blazing Sapphire anniversary and expand to new horizons this 2022,” said Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy.

 

About COMCO Southeast Asia

COMCO Southeast Asia is a powerhouse and global award-winning integrated communications agency formed by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, COMCO SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels.

At the core of COMCO SEA is its unique brand of Meaningful Storytelling based on its corporate mantra and the mission to Ignite Brand Love, Social Change, Talent Growth and Regional Collaboration. In just 5 years, the Agency has done groundbreaking works for more than 70 local, regional and international brands including reputable development and humanitarian organizations. COMCO SEA has been awarded twice as Agency of the Year 2nd Runner-up at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, Finalist for Boutique PR Consultancy of the Year in Asia at Campaign Asia Pacific’s PR Awards Asia, Best PR Agency in ASEAN - Silver Award, and 80 metals from various local and international award-giving bodies.

 

To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.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.

Double up on savings as realme joins Lazada, Shopee 2.2 sale with discounts up to P8,500 off

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The month of February truly holds great promise and tremendous luck for all of us as we officially ring in the Chinese New Year. With the Year of the Water Tiger just around the corner, realme, the PH’s no. 1 smartphone brand for three consecutive quarters in 2021 (based on Canalys and IDC sell-in data Q1-Q3 2021) is giving everyone another reason to celebrate as it joins the upcoming 2.2 sale on Lazada and Shopee.

Starting February 2, 12MN, the realme Squad can get lucky and double up on savings with discounts of up to P8,500 OFF on realme’s best-selling smartphones, audio, wearable, and home products, via the realme Official Store on both e-commerce platforms.   

 

This campaign is in line with the brand’s vision of making the best tech lifestyle experience within the reach of every Filipino. With sale opportunities and partnerships such as this, realme upholds its commitment of providing quality tech products at affordable prices, coupled with the convenience of online shopping.   

 

 

realme Book available on Lazada at P8,500 OFF  

 

During the Lazada 2.2 Free Shipping Festival on February 2 to 6, those on the lookout for new gadgets can score massive discounts on realme favorites.  

 

For young professionals and students looking for a powerful yet affordable laptop, the realme Book will be available at P8,500 OFF for the i3 variant (P29,490), and P7,000 OFF for the i5 variant (P40,990), an impressive deal for a laptop with a 14” 2K Full-Vision Display and  11^th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor.  

 

In terms of smartphones, the MediaTek Helio G85-equipped narzo 50A will be up for grabs at P7,289 (P701 OFF SRP), making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts looking for a capable tech companion. The latest Number Series smartphone, the realme 8i, equipped with 120Hz Ultra Smooth display will also be available at a discounted price of P10,989 (P1,001 OFF SRP).   

 

Other realme products on sale include the realme Watch 2, which is capable of monitoring heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and supports up to 90 sports modes, as well as the realme Pocket Bluetooth Speaker which supports 6 hours of total playback and has a 3W Dynamic Bass Boost Driver. These will be available for P1,890 (P1,100 OFF SRP), and P540 (P450 OFF SRP), respectively.   

 

realme Pad, C-Series smartphones on sale on Shopee  

 

Shopee enthusiasts will surely have a blast during its 2.2 Free Shipping Sale as realme will also host incredible discounts on the platform from February 2 to 3.   

 

Those planning to invest in reliable bang-for-the-buck smartphones can avail of realme’s best-selling C-Series offerings at more affordable prices. The capable realme C11 2021 with a 5000 mAh massive battery will be on sale for only P4,989 (P301 OFF SRP). Meanwhile, the realme C21-Y which has TÜV Rheinland High Reliability certification will be up for grabs for only P5,989 (P501 OFF SRP). Rounding up the list is the recently launched realme C25Y that comes with a 50MP AI Camera for all-around content creation. It will be available at P501 OFF for both 4GB+64GB variant (P7,489) and 4GB+128GB variant (P8,489).   

 

Aside from smartphones, realme TechLife products will also be available at amazing deals and discounts. The realme Pad, a portable entertainment powerhouse with a 10-inch high-resolution screen, crystal-clear Dolby Atmos quad speakers, and a 7100mAh mega battery will be available at P2,000 OFF for all three variants: 3GB+32GB (P8,990), 4GB+64GB (P12,990), and 6GB+128GB (P14,990).   

 

In addition, the sleek and stylish realme Buds Q2 with a 10mm Dynamic Bass Boost Driver will be available at P870 (P420 OFF SRP) while the 24/7 health companion, the realme Band 2, will be on sale at P1,490 (P1,000 OFF SRP).   

 

Aside from these incredible deals, FREE SHIPPING vouchers will also be offered site-wide for both Lazada and Shopee. What are you waiting for? Double down on savings and get lucky with your tech lifestyle! To know more about the complete line-up of discounts and other deals, be sure to check out the realme Official Store on Lazadaand Shopee, follow realme on Facebook at www.facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit www.realme.com.ph.