Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way

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Cebuana Lhuillier continues its tradition of acknowledging and honoring its dedicated and loyal employees. President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier, and Chief Administrative Officer Jo-Ann Tacorda stand alongside the esteemed loyalty awardees at the Brillo 2023 Event.

Cebuana Lhuillier has changed many people’s lives through the many products and services they offer. From a humble pawnshop to being one of the biggest microfinance companies in the Philippines, Cebuana Lhuillier has become synonymous with the words trust and reliability as it continues to financially empower Filipinos across the nation.

But in no place has the impact of Cebuana Lhuillier been more felt than within the confines of the company, where many of their employees have stayed for years and, in some instances, decades. And throughout their decades of service, they are grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier, who inspired their growth by imparting new knowledge and skills, applauding and giving them recognition, and showing that they are valued and cared for like a true family.

Recognition and Promotions

Ricardo Cruz has been with the company for more than 35 years and has been a dedicated Area Head since 1998. Before his journey in Cebuana Lhuillier, Rey completed a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management, and started his professional journey as a filing clerk. But fate led him to Cebuana Lhuillier, where his mother worked as a building caretaker for Agencia Cebuana. After passing the exams, Rey worked as a humble messenger and janitor at Agencia Cebuana Baclaran Branch. Among the many memories, Rey cherishes two significant milestones: he was appointed as an Area Head back in 1998 and won the highly coveted Best Area of the Year award. These moments of recognition and achievement fueled his motivation and inspired him to work hard for over three decades.

"I am incredibly proud, grateful, and privileged to have been a part of this company for over 35 years. The most rewarding aspect of working at Cebuana has definitely been the continuous learning and personal growth I've experienced, which I've also had the privilege to share with my fellow Ka-Cebuanas. And I’m thankful to be part of this family. Because of Cebuana Lhuillier, I'm able to provide a comfortable life for my family," said Cruz.

Marilyn Valencia, a dedicated member of the company for more than 35 years, holds a remarkable background. She is the Area Head for Region 1A, and her journey as a Ka-Cebuana has been filled with numerous achievements and significant milestones. During her tenure with Cebuana Lhuillier, she managed to earn 21 units in education and became a licensed teacher. Not stopping there, she also pursued and successfully completed her Master's in Business Administration at UE Manila, all while dedicating herself to the organization.

In addition to her educational achievements, Marilyn's dedication has led her to be appointed as one of the first Area Heads in 1996. In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing branches in the entire Northern provinces, CAMANAVA, and parts of Manila and Pasay City. This included the rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of over 100 branches, a significant contribution to local employment and the training of new branch personnel.

An Advocate for Continuous Learning

Grace Ferolino, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 4A, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she had various previous career opportunities, Ferolino eventually found a home in Cebuana Lhuillier and has been with the company for over 30 years. Among her countless experiences within Cebuana, Grace cherishes the memory of being selected for intensive diamond training at Gemlab and having the privilege to undergo Area Manager's training. For her fellow employees aspiring for longevity in the company, Grace emphasizes the importance of loving one's work and serving it with utmost honesty; treating the business as one's own; and mastering financial management to eliminate unnecessary debt.

Aurora Genilo, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 1A, is another exemplary employee who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving Cebuana Lhuillier. A graduate of BS Commerce Accounting, she holds her days as cluster leader and her involvement with the esteemed manning team closest to her heart. These roles, according to her, allowed her to nurture her leadership skills and actively contribute to the growth and success of the company. By working hard, she was able to ensure the education of her three children, one of whom has etched their own path within the company.

"My journey of 30 years with Cebuana Lhuillier has been a transformative one. Not only did it enable me to provide for my own family, but it also provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and advance in my career. I'm profoundly grateful for the continuous opportunities that Cebuana Lhuillier extends to all of its employees, including me," expressed Genilo.

Region 5’s Business and Client Relations Manager, Imelda Quidato, has been with Cebuana Lhuillier for more than 30 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she first ventured into the world of sales as a promodiser before becoming a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier family. When asked about the best part of working for Cebuana, Imelda cited the skills she acquired in appraising and attending enriching training programs, which played a pivotal role in molding her both personally and professionally.

An Open and Compassionate Heart

Armed with a degree in Aircraft Technology, Abelardo Aquino Jr. took a leap of faith and applied for a job at Cebuana Lhuillier over 30 years ago. As the Area Head of Region 3, he reveals that the best part about working for Cebuana is the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and tackle challenging situations head-on. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and embracing a "can-do" attitude. With determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and forge a lasting and fulfilling career at Cebuana Lhuillier.

At Cebuana Lhuillier, employee appreciation is a top priority. The company demonstrates this commitment through comprehensive training programs, fostering a healthy company culture, and recognizing and celebrating exceptional employee contributions. This culture of appreciation, value, and nurturing is what sets Cebuana Lhuillier apart.

Christmas magic comes alive with Robinsons Department Store’s Enchanting Christmas Shop

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Bring in the holiday cheer with a wide selection of Christmas décor for every design inspiration

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, you know the season of joy and splendor has begun. There’s no better time to spruce up your home than now to avoid the Christmas rush.

This year, Robinsons Department Store (RDS) is pulling out all the stops to make your Christmas shopping magical and stress-free with the opening of its Celebrate Christmas Shop—in stores and online.

Robinsons Department Store is letting shoppers choose how they want to shop for their holiday décor with different Christmas themes. Browse the e-catalog and add to your cart if you’re pressed for time to go to the mall but want to start with your home decoration right now, or visit the Christmas Shop for additional inspiration as the department stores are decorated for the holidays.

Here’s a guide on how to achieve a cohesive theme for your home this holiday season.

Choosing a Christmas Tree

The first step in choosing a Christmas tree is determining the size that will best fit your space. Where will you put the tree? In the living room, dining room, or foyer? Measure the height and width of the area and ensure that there’s enough clearance for the tree—and the tree topper—to stand upright without touching the ceiling.

Robinsons Department Store’s Christmas Shop offers a variety of trees in different colors (white, silver, and green), materials (tinsel, vinyl balsam, and royal Dakota), and shapes (slim and full). Price and size also come in a wide range to suit your space and budget.

Classic Christmas

Nothing says enchanting Christmas more than the timeless colors of red and green. For those who cherish the holiday traditions they grew up with, the Christmas Shop offers delightful décor in these classic colors. Think red and green Christmas balls, Nutcracker soldiers, twinkling fairy lights, poinsettias, green and red leaves on slim branches, wreaths, tabletop trees, garlands, and other ornaments like plush toys. Classic Christmas embodies the warmth of nostalgia and holiday traditions.

Splendor Christmas

On the other end of the color spectrum are the rich, jewel colors that bring a touch of luxury to your home. The ornaments sparkle and shine in deep blue, maroon, fuchsia, gold, and even black and translucent — and are mostly embellished with silver or gold trims. Gold fillers and ribbons are strategically wound throughout the tree for that extra touch of luxury. Gold wreaths, stylized nativity figurines, reindeer, and brush-like tabletop trees complete the look.

Christmas with Santa

One of the most beloved symbols of Christmas is Santa Claus. With his never-ending supply of gifts from his sack and his jolly laughter, Father Christmas has caught the hearts of generations of children and adults. What better way to celebrate the happy spirit of the season than with a Santa theme? Mini Santa, Rudolph, and the Snow Man can decorate your tree for that festive spirit, while tabletop Santa on his sleigh, and Christmas socks and throw pillows create a cheerful atmosphere all around your space.

Christmas tablescape

Entertaining is a huge part of the holidays and you can flex your cooking as well as your decorating skills in one go. Create a truly unforgettable holiday dining experience with dinnerware and cutlery from the Christmas Shop. They range from minimalist white plates with just a hint of holiday print to colorful ones. Your table can be as opulent or as simple as you want. Pick a couple of tree ornaments or slim tabletop trees to scatter around the table. You can also create an intimate ambiance with Christmas lights bunched up in glass containers or just winding around on the table like a garland.

Robinsons Department Store’s Christmas Shop is your one-stop shop for all your Christmas decorating essentials. Browse the e-catalog here and add it to your cart on GoCart, LazMall, and Shopee Mall. Or visit any Robinsons Department Store near you for more holiday inspiration.

UNICEF urges intensified catch-up vaccination efforts to eradicate polio

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The World Health Organization Polio Risk Assessment for 2022-2023 shows that the Philippines is still considered at risk for polio outbreaks, with 24 out of 81 provinces considered high-risk. 

UNICEF Philippines, on the occasion of World Polio Day, urges the government and immunization partners to continue intensifying catch-up vaccination efforts to prevent the resurgence of this infectious, life-threatening disease, especially in vulnerable communities with limited access to essential health services. 

Globe’s next-gen leaders delve into AI and humanity at International Design Conference

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Globe’s next generation leaders shared invaluable insights on the blend of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the human experience at the 7th International Design Conference, an event that marked the 50th anniversary of the Design Center of the Philippines.

Returning with more disruptive design concepts and an immersive environment that encouraged attendees to rethink limits, the two-day conference, held in cooperation with Globe, unveiled the evolving landscape and transformative potential of design.

Design luminaries and game-changers from the design sector and the Philippine creative economy collaborated to captivate audiences with immersive keynote presentations, provocative fireside chats, inspiring case studies, future-focused visioning, and an industry meet-up.

Globe’s Wil Sarmiento, Director and Head of Customer Lifecycle, and Paolo Toledo, Director and Head of Creatives, stood out with their forward-thinking perspectives. They joined world-renowned personalities such as award-winning design critic and author Alice Rawsthorn, program director of the Danish Design Centre Christina Melander; Sarah ichioka, founding director of Desire Lines; Dr. Anna Whicher, Policy Consultant of the “Making Design Count: The Value and Impact of Design on the Philippine Economy”; and Professor Daniela Bohlinger, Sustainability Design Pioneer.

Sarmiento, delivered a keynote that delved into the future skills in the age of human-machine collaboration, underscoring the potential of a symbiotic relationship that harnesses the strengths of both.

“Remember the value that you bring to the table: creativity, empathy, and the ability to change. AI will open doors that only humanity will be able to walk through,” he pointed out.

In a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Beth MacDonald, Chief People Officer of Biocellion SPC, Toledo, highlighted the intrinsic value of human intuition and design in an AI-driven world.

“Being human is the greatest design of all. While technology provides efficient solutions, it simply answers “what’s right” or “what’s needed”. BUT it's us humans who trigger innovation and purpose. We hold the power to ask “what's next?” and more importantly, “what for?” he said.

The International Design Conference, with its rich legacy of championing design innovation, is a thought leadership platform that celebrates the intersection of design, business, technology, and policy while thriving at the edge of disciplines to remain provocative and to use design and creativity to ask difficult questions and to take the audience to new territories.

Globe's design leaders not only contributed to this dialogue but also illuminated the path forward, emphasizing a future where technology and human ingenuity seamlessly converge.

For more information about the International Design Conference and its key takeaways, please visit www.facebook.com/DTI.DesignCenterPH.

To learn more about Globe, go to https://www.globe.com.ph/.

PetPal revolutionizes business for vets, helps expand clientele

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PetPal, a portfolio company of Globe’s 917Ventures, is transforming the landscape of veterinary practice in the Philippines. With its innovative solutions, PetPal has successfully onboarded over 1,000 licensed and accredited veterinarians and partnered with more than 300 trusted vet clinics across the country.

PetPal's commitment to excellence is evident in its user-friendly platform, which is trusted by millions of pet owners nationwide. It does not only offer a seamless experience for pet owners but also provides veterinarians with an opportunity to expand their clientele and increase their revenue.

Dr. Paulo Mercado, DVM, shared how PetPal helped him grow his clientele.

Dr. Paulo Mercado says PetPal helped him gain 90 new clients as it makes vet consultations easy and convenient.

“Through PetPal, I have gained over 90 new clients, all thanks to the convenience and accessibility of online consultations. PetPal has changed the way I practice vet medicine and allowed me to expand my clientele reach,” he said.

Similarly, Dr. Gladys Magdaraog, DVM, credited her career growth to PetPal.

“Since joining PetPal, my vet career has experienced tremendous growth. I have gained over 60 new clients and the increased demand allowed me to open my clinic’s second branch. My vet journey with PetPal has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally,” she said.

For veterinarians looking to elevate their practice, PetPal offers a myriad of benefits. From setting up a digital clinic to receiving marketing support and nationwide reach, the platform ensures that vets are well-equipped to serve their clients efficiently.

Dr. Gladys Magdaraog says her practice has grown with increased client demand through PetPal.

Moreover, joining PetPal is absolutely free, with no monthly fees, making it an attractive proposition for both up-and-coming and established veterinarians.

Miguel Guerrero, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at 917Ventures, passionately articulates the mission of PetPal, declaring, "PetPal is committed to elevating pet care standards across the Philippines and empowering veterinarians with the resources and backing they deserve to excel."

Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, added, "We are immensely proud of the trust and credibility PetPal has built in the industry. It's more than just numbers. It's about making a genuine difference in the lives of pets and their caregivers."

For pet owners, PetPal offers a comprehensive suite of services, from online consultations and home vet visits to vaccinations and grooming services. The platform also introduces the PetPal Club, where members can enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts all year long. Meanwhile, digital pet booklet Pet Pawrtal makes it easy and convenient to track pets’ healthcare journey.

With its all-encompassing solutions, PetPal is on a mission to ensure pets live their healthiest lives. As the top digital pet care solutions provider in the Philippines, PetPal invites veterinarians to join their growing community and be part of the revolution.

To become a PetPal vet, sign up at https://expert.petpal.asia/registration. Learn more about 917Ventures and its startups by visiting https://917ventures.com/.