Teleperformance Philippines: Exclusive office tour and a sneak peek in the life and culture inside

I remember when I used to be part of the BPO industry years ago. I still couldn’t believe I lasted 5 years working for several healthcare companies but those were some of the most memorable and enjoyable years of my life. 

Not just because of the work, but because of the people I met there and the lasting friendships that came from it. The pay and the environment was also good. There was one account that I loved, (Canadian Healthcare claims) because it was easy to process. 

But that was the exception. A lot of the other accounts I handled were hard, and we had to work overtime almost everyday. So when working at a BPO, I’ve learned that the salary may be good, but its the people and the environment that makes the work load a lot less bearable and the night shifts worth reporting for. 

Teleperformance in the Philippines recently welcomed bloggers and vloggers to its TP Vertis North business site to give them an exclusive office tour and a sneak peek in the life and culture inside the leading IT-BPM organization.  

TP Vertis North is one of the most recent Teleperformance sites, launched only last year. The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to create a vibrant environment for employees.

The physical environment supports a culture that is focused on health and wellness, as well as ensuring fun and camaraderie in the workplace. The site features rest and relaxation areas such as themed lounges, sleeping quarters, and massage chairs where employees can relax. What’s more, the massage chairs are cash operated, and the money goes to the company’s corporate social responsibility program Citizen of the World (COTW) which supports the most vulnerable sectors such as chronically ill children. 

The TP Vertis North business site also has gender-neutral bathrooms, lactation rooms, a clinic, and a well-appointed gym with trainers from Elorde Boxing Gym, as well as entertainment rooms with billiards, karaoke, board games and game consoles.

Another strong aspect of the corporate culture is continuous learning and leadership development, and TP Vertis North houses the company’s second Leadership Development Center (LDC) that will be officially launched soon.

The LDC, a facility focused especially on the upskilling of TP employees for leadership roles in the workplace of the future, is the second branch that the company is offering to its people. The first one is located in TP Aura, Bonifacio Global City.

People programs that focus on continuous learning, diversity and inclusion, and health and wellness and indeed among advantages of being part of TP and its culture. Teleperformance Philippines, the first organization in the country to be certified as a Great Place to Work, is committed to keep honing and developing the talent and skills of their employees to mold them into the leaders and empathetic people managers.

In 2018 and 2019, Teleperformance Philippines earned back-to-back certifications from the Great Place to Work institute, a global research and consultation company that provides benchmark standards for companies to create the outstanding organizational cultures. 

The certification was earned through an organization-wide survey that asked the employees for their opinions. Over 26,000 employees across Teleperformance’s existing sites in the Philippines responded and participated in a confidential online survey that rated the company in terms of culture, teamwork, growth and learning opportunities, leadership communication and support, sense of pride, work environment, among others. This comprehensive survey was independently conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute.

Teleperformance serves as a strategic partner to the world’s largest companies in a wide variety of industries. Its customer care, technical support, customer acquisition, consulting and analytics, digital integrated business service solutions, and other high-value specialized services ensure consistently positive customer interactions that are reliable, flexible and intelligent.

To learn more about Teleperformance Philippines and their business solutions, you may visit their website at www.teleperformance.ph/en-us or their Facebook page at /teleperformance.philippines.

Vivo is set to unveil the new V17 Pro smartphone today

Vivo is set to unveil today the new V17 Pro smartphone in Taguig, Metro Manila. V17 Pro houses a total of 6 cameras on the front and back that allow users to shoot beyond their limits, including the industry’s first 32MP Dual Elevating Front Camera, a powerful upgrade to Vivo’s iconic Elevating Front Camera. V17 Pro also houses cutting-edge features such as the Super AMOLED Ultra FullView Display, professional grade 48MP AI Quad Camera, plus stunning makeover features created to compliment the lifestyle of today’s young and stylish consumers.

“The creation of V17 Pro once again showcases our strong consumer-centric innovation approach. The new V series member brings brilliant camera systems on both the front and back of the smartphone to empower consumers to shoot beyond their imagination,” said Charisma Buan, Vivo Philippines Public Relations Lead. “V17 Pro is a masterpiece that we are extremely proud of, as it reinforces our position as a pioneer in bringing best-in-class mobile experiences to the Philippines.”

Maine Mendoza with the all-new V17 Pro in Crystal White

32MP Dual Elevating Front Camera to Capture Flawless Selfies at All Times 
The signature Vivo Front Camera raises the bar to another level. Now, two premium front cameras, an earpiece and the Selfie Softlight are housed in the entire elevating top module. Adopting a unibody alloy design, the new elevating system is built to last, while blending mechanical action with artistic elegance.

V17 Pro’s 32MP Front Camera and 8MP Super Wide-Angle Selfie ensure every detail in any selfie is captured clearly. The 8MP Super Wide-Angle Selfie is able to capture wide angles up to 105-degrees, bringing more fun and possibilities to group shots.

To solve consumer pain-points on taking the perfect night-time selfies effortlessly, V17 Pro is complimented with the Selfie Softlight that lights up the dark, and the Vivo exclusive Super Night Selfie feature that captures multiple frames which are combined into a final image to make user’s face stand out from the background in just one click.

48MP AI Quad Camera Delivers Sophisticated Photography Quality that Tells
Shoot beyond current limits with the 48MP 6P Main Camera. With AI algorithms embedded, it brings a new photography experience by capturing even better photo clarity. The smartphone also features a Super Wide-Angle Camera that expands landscape shots even further.

To complete the professional shot options, the V17 Pro smartphone also features 2 impressive beautifying features, namely the “Pose Master” feature that offers cool and natural poses to match a variety of photo scenes, and the “Super Night Mode” feature that enhances clarity even at night shots.

An Uninterrupted Visual Experience by Brilliantly Concealing the Camera, Earpiece and Sensors
Consumers can now enjoy the ultimate expansive view with the exclusive custom-made 6.44-inch Super AMOLED Ultra FullView™ Display with a ratio of 20:9, and a screen-to-body ratio of 91.65% view. The uninterrupted display is cleverly designed to hide the Dual Elevating Front Camera, earpiece, light and proximity sensors all inside the phone body. It is truly a brilliant creation that creates a supremely satisfying ‘visual indulgence’ that elevates the mobile experience to a new level.

The smartphone also comes with Vivo’s industry-leading In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology. With higher fingerprint pixel density and more sophisticated algorithms, it allows consumers to unlock the smartphone safely and easily.

Strong Hardware Performance to Ensure V17 Pro Runs Smoothly at All Times
V17 Pro is also designed for gamers. It comes with an optimized Game Mode that brings out a smooth new gaming experience. The Multi-Turbo acceleration technology actively tunes the operating system to ensure users can enjoy a more exhilarating game performance.

The smartphone is also equipped with other features such as Game Center which can quickly check phone performance to ensure an immersive gaming experience. V17 Pro also comes with “Voice Changer” which can inject more fun into game time with a variety of voices to match game characters.

V17 Pro is supported by Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE processor with 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM that ensures performance for applications and system can be operated smoothly at any time. Its 4100mAh battery with Dual-Engine Fast Charging Technology brings higher durability and faster charging that ensures the smartphone provides a long-lasting and safe mobile experience.

The smartphone comes in two trendsetting color options - Knight Black and Crystal White. 

Federal Land, Inc. partners with Nomura Real Estate for the first Mitsukoshi Mall

The Philippine real estate industry continues to enjoy steady growth attributed to, among other things, an equally steady increase in demand in the residential condominium segment. As the income of the middle to upper-middle class grows, their taste has also become more discerning. They are now more concerned about products that are reflective of their lifestyle choices and products that provide conveniences and comfort.

PROUD Tower Nagoya

Prime real estate developer, Federal Land, Inc., recognized this shift in demand. In one of their more recent forays, they have chosen to collaborate with another leading property developer from Japan, Nomura Real Estate Development, Co., Ltd., whose vision for quality, value, and customer satisfaction equals their own.

Artist’s Perspective of Mitsukoshi facade

Founded in 1957 in Tokyo, Japan, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. is one of the affiliates of the Nomura Group of Companies which has a history of more than 90 years of investment banking experience. One of the more prominent members of this group is Nomura Securities, one of Japan’s largest financial institutions. The Real Estate Company engages in residential development, corporate real estate brokerage, commercial property development, building leasing, and architectural design businesses across Japan, and recently, in China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Artist’s Perspective of The Seasons Residences

PROUD Tower Otsu

Nomura has not only dedicated itself to going beyond normal design boundaries, but has continuously explored new technologies that better serves the urban landscape of its properties. Under its quality residential brands, PROUD and OHANA, Nomura has gained a reputation for quality in market-leading locations they are present in, bringing life and value to the environments they build.

“As a company, we look for equally strong partners in every project. We consider it an honor to bring the excellence that Nomura Real Estate is known for and to share it with the Philippines. We’re very happy to find a good partner in Federal Land Inc. so we can transform our vision of integrating all that is precious to people and communities, into reality,” said Mr. Eiji Kutsukake, Chairman of Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.

The Seasons Residences is the first project of the partnership between Federal Land, Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., and retail giant, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Co. Ltd. It is a four-tower Japanese-inspired residential development which will be home to the first Mitsukoshi Mall in the country. It is currently under construction at Federal Land’s Grand Central Park in Bonifacio Global City. This venture promises to offer a harmonious, innovative and technology-led home that elevates the lifestyles of the growing population of discerning buyers.

“By combining our knowledge and enthusiasm with our high level of technical skills, we can offer the best products and services to the partnership,” Mr. Kutsukake said. The Seasons Residences benefits from Nomura’s expertise on design efficiency. Among other features, this translates to maximized storage spaces within the units, clean technology (where each unit will have tiles that minimize excess humidity, unpleasant odors and harmful substances in the air), and safety (the use of visco-elastic coupling dampers to reduce wind and earthquake vibrations). 

“In Japan, we experience a lot of natural disasters such as earthquakes, and there is a great need for safety among consumers. The Philippines also faces the threat of earthquakes, so we would like to spread the importance of safety to the market by using a Japanese earthquake vibration technology that can protect the buildings from, not just earthquakes, but typhoons as well.”

The partnership will also be building the much-anticipated Mitsukoshi Mall at the podium of the residential towers of The Seasons Residences. This four-storey retail development is set to provide a holistic Japanese shopping experience to the Philippine retail.

For more information about The Seasons Residences, call hotline at (632) 359-6756, email digital.mktg@federalland.ph or visit the showroom at 7th Ave cor. 34th St, Grand Central Park, North BGC, Taguig City (across the Lexus Manila Showroom).

When eating out at the first cashless food hall in PH, don’t pay cash PayMaya!

Cashless is in and carrying money and coins is out, as you can see everyone, including myself using my PayMaya app for dining and shopping. 

Cash is definitely not king when you dine at Eatogether Food Hall, touted as the first cashless food hall in the country, as PayMaya powers a revolutionary dining and payment experience that will surely catch the fancy of those looking for a unique gastronomic feast. 


Food-lovers can experience a unique cashless dining experience at Eatogether Food Hall with the help of PayMaya’s seamless payment options.

From Singaporean hawker fare to staple Pinoy food, you can find a variety of cuisines at Eatogether Food Hall by the Vikings Group, which currently has branches in SM Megamall and Capitol Commons, Pasig City. 



And when it’s time to pay, you’ll have a lot of options, too, powered by the One by PayMaya device, which is integrated into the self-ordering kiosks mounted on each store of the food hall. 



Just pick your order on the kiosk and choose your mode of payment when you check out–you can tap or dip any Visa or Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid card, or - if you want to enjoy cashback of up to 100% on your bill - use PayMaya QR on your mobile phone to pay instantly. For visiting Chinese tourists, WeChat Pay is also available. 





Eatogether Food Hall customers can enjoy seamless payments and awesome rewards when they pay for their food and beverage using PayMaya QR.



If you don’t have these, you can also pay using the Vikings Pay card which you can top up at the entrance counter. 

“We’ve always been on the lookout for fresh concepts and experiences to offer the dining Filipino public, and having a total cashless experience at Eatogether definitely makes us stand above the rest. We are lucky to partner with PayMaya which helped us enable such an innovative dining experience to our customers,” said Jackson Go, Vikings Managing Director. 

After launching its first branch in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong last February 2019, Eatogether opens its second branch with new delectable food choices and more convenient payment options.  



The food hall features a modern interior setting which makes it a great place to dine with family or friends while enjoying a mix of International cuisines including Italian, Chinese, Singaporean, American, Malaysian and many more.  

“We are proud to partner with the Vikings Group in offering yet another one-of-a-kind food concept and experience to their customers via Eatogether. By using the One by PayMaya device to power the whole dining experience, Eatogether becomes a completely different food hall concept that is definitely a cut above the rest,” said Mar Lazaro, PayMaya Head of Enterprise Business. 

Aside from smooth payment transactions, the One by PayMaya terminals at the self-ordering kiosks can easily be navigated with its user-friendly interface. The all-in-one payment device is also equipped with connectivity options including mobile data, LAN, and WiFi which allows merchants to easily set this up across all food kiosks. 



PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, is the only financial technology company in the Philippines offering integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. It is the first to give millions of Filipinos an e-wallet that allows them to pay cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. It is the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations, the leading technology company in the country backed by PLDT, KKR, Tencent, World Bank’s IFC and the IFC Emerging Asia Fund.



To know more about other merchant and payment acceptance solutions of PayMaya, visit business.paymaya.com. 

World-renowned Filipino wrestlers TJ Perkins and Jeff Cobb headline PWR Homecoming

Sparks will fly when the world’s best Filipino pro wrestlers come home and clash this October at PWR Homecoming, the biggest wrestling event in the country to date.

  

Two top Pinoy grapplers in former WWE and current Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star “The Fil-Am Flash” TJ Perkins, better known through his ring name TJP, and NJPW and Ring of Honor (ROH) star “Mr. Athletic” Jeff Cobb will be flying home to wrestle in the premier Philippine wrestling company’s historic event on October 12 at the ABS-CBN Vertis Tent.

TJP, a former WWE Cruiserweight Champion, winner of the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Classic, and former Impact Wrestling X Division Champion, is set to face off against former PWR and Philippine Excellence Champion “The Senyorito” Jake de Leon, as announced on PWR Live: Championship Spirit last July.

Cobb, a former NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, ROH Television Champion, and Lucha Underground Champion, announced his participation in PWR Homecoming at PWR Renaissance 2019 last August 25.

Also announced for PWR Homecoming is former PWR Champion “Beautiful” Billy Suede, who was last seen in the promotion in 2017.

“We’re committed to advancing the Philippine wrestling scene the best way we can, and there’s no better way to do that than to bring home some of the world’s most famous Filipino talent,” said PWR president Red Ollero.

“TJP and Jeff Cobb, as well as other international Filipino wrestlers, have long expressed a desire to wrestle in their home country, and we’re also happy to give them that opportunity for themselves and the Pinoy fans as well,” he added.

Tickets for PWR Homecoming are already available at Ticket2me.net, starting at PhP 1,499 for Bronze, PhP 1,999 for Silver, PhP 2,499 for Gold, and PhP 3,499 for Gold seats with limited meet and greet passes.

PWR Homecoming is presented by ABS-CBN Vertis Tent, Mow’s Group, NetworkRentals, Set & Stage, and Immerse.

For more info and updates on PWR Homecoming, like Philippine Wrestling Revolution on Facebook at facebook.com/PHWrestlingRevo, and follow PWR on Twitter and Instagram at @pwrofficial.

Experience HOOQ like never before with “A SEA of Stories”

HOOQ, Southeast Asia’s leading video-on-demand service, embraces regional diversity by kicking off new commercial partnerships and ground-breaking diversification of content and pricing models in a mega event in Jakarta, Indonesia.

HOOQ explores content geared towards the evolving taste of Filipino audiences, with stories of love and romance, victories, and other untold authentic stories of Asia – created by Asians for Asians. 

Jennifer Batty, HOOQ chief content officer, said, “We are very excited to bring new content to our viewers. HOOQ will offer never-before-seen stories of what makes Asia tick and will give a glimpse of the pulse of the people who live here. These are very exciting times for our viewers."

Nadine Lustre

A SUPPORTER OF FILIPINO CREATIVITY

In the last six months, HOOQ Philippines has embarked on adventurous co-productions with indie and big production outfits to bring some of the most provocative and timely stories ever told in Philippine entertainment. HOOQ launched four HOOQ Originals in a row, starting with the smash-hit movie ULAN, a co-production with Viva Entertainment.

HOOQ PH Country Manager Sheila Paul with Nadine Lustre and Donnalyn Bartolome

Another HOOQ Original co-produced with Ninja Dog, Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes Season 1, launched on the platform in July. Sex Talks is a 10-episode series which dramatizes the ‘taboo’ subject of sex in a provocatively engaging and light-hearted way. In as short as one month, Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes has shot to HOOQ’s top 5 most watched list and reinforced Dr. Margie Holmes’ reputation as the country’s foremost expert on sex.

In its pursuit of creativity and the celebration of Filipino film artisans, HOOQ braved the highly challenging world of independent filmmaking. HOOQ proudly launched two original movies that won critics over at the Cinemalaya 2019 Festival.  The first offering is ISKA, a co-production with Firestarters Productions under the direction of Theodore Borobol, and HOOQ’s official competition piece. Touted a masterpiece by film critics, Iska bagged awards in Best Sound Design, Best Screenplay and Best Actress for veteran Ruby Ruiz.  Next is the highly-acclaimed finale feature film – MINA ANUD – co- produced with Regal Entertainment and Epic Media, and helmed by Kerwin Go in his directorial debut.  Mina Anud is a true-to-life story about drugs and how it ravages lives and corrupts the human spirit.  It stars some of today’s hottest talents like Dennis Trillo, Jerald Napoles and Mateo Gudicelli and veteran Lou Veloso in their most offbeat roles to date.  Both Iska and Mina Anud are slated to join international competitions this year before they land on the HOOQ platform.

ONLINE IS THE NEW TV

HOOQ Philippines has some of the best TV shows for Filipinos to binge on, from Hollywood’s The Flash, Supergirl,The Arrow and Desperate Housewives to classic Tagalog shows like OTWOL, Pangako Sa ‘Yo and Sino Ang May Sala.  With wall-to-wall sports and variety shows on broadcast TV, Filipinos fancy a break by following these shows on HOOQ whether on throw-back or catch-up mode. 

HOOQ has added to this roster new shows that are racking up the TV viewership ratings, such as The Good Doctor Seasons 1 & 2 and Emmy-winning Killing Eve Seasons 1 & 2. Killing Eve Season 1 can be streamed on HOOQ FREE without the need to sign up.  And finally this month, HOOQ launched the much-awaited GMA 7 drama series THE GIFT which features Kapuso prime star Alden Richards.  The Gift is HOOQ’s latest catch-up show which viewers can watch within 24 hours from its live TV broadcast.

ALL KINDS OF ENTERTAINMENT IN THE HOUSE OF HOOQ

HOOQ’s mission is to serve all types of audiences by bringing all forms of video entertainment – from movies to TV shows to online celebrity vlogs – in one place.  This month, HOOQ is all set to launch celebrity Youtube channels on a wide range of subjects. From Nadia Montenegro and Pokwang Lee vlogs about home-style cooking ideas, or Joyce Pring and Jing Monis’ beauty, lifestyle and fashion inspirations to Mikhael Daez’s road trips for the adventurous at heart. 

MORE WAYS TO ENJOY HOOQ

This month marks the launch of Google Play and GCash as  new payment avenues for subscribers who are unbanked and prefer the flexibility of paying in cash. This gives HOOQ access to over 30 million Android users and 20 million GCash users. Also, to be announced later this year are exciting HOOQ offers for Globe At Home Prepaid Wifi subscribers.

With a region-wide partnership with Grab, HOOQ Philippines will eventually tap into the super app’s growing subscriber base. According to Sheila Paul. HOOQ Philippines Country Manager, "This will allow HOOQ subscribers and Grab users to enjoy fully integrated and connected experiences within Grab's platform. The ambition is to let Grab users enjoy and pay for their HOOQ content from within the app. We see this lighting up early next year.”  

To further expand its footprint in the Philippines and accessibility to the budget-conscious “tingi” market, HOOQ Philippines has partnered with market leader 7-Eleven Philippines, Gate Distribution  Enterprise, Inc., Shop4Fun and Load Central, to bring HOOQ VIPiso Deals to physical trade level, allowing Filipinos to purchase their HOOQ subscriptions in the same places where buy personal products, pay for their utilities and buy pre-paid load - the malls, payment centers, internet cafes, and neighborhood convenience stores. Under the HOOQ VIPiso Deals are affordable plans that start at daily, weekly, all the way to annual subscriptions.  HOOQ VIPiso Deals are now available in over 30,000 Load Central outlets across the country.  

On October 23, 2019, 7-day, 30-day, 3-month and 12-month VIPiso Deals will be launched in nearly 2,800 7-Eleven stores nationwide.  Exclusive to 7-Eleven is the annual subscription plan worth only P500 which gives 7-Eleven buyers a whopping 70% discount.

Bren Esports and CX Blanc won at the recent 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup

It was once a solitary activity, to play alone in your comfort zone. Now many popular games sync across platforms, to break out into the real world as a social activity that friends and family alike can do together. As The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup kicked off on a high note on October 4, Friday, at the SM City North EDSA. 

Gamer and singer Ashley Gosienfiao and  athlete, TV personality, and avid gamer Eric “Eruption” Tai hosted the October 5 event. 

The three-day event, which highlighted top gaming products from Taiwan PC brands, Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends (LoL) tournaments, and a cosplay competition drew crowds of eSports fans, gaming enthusiasts as well as media guests and VIPs.

Hosted by athlete, TV personality, and avid gamer Eric “Eruption” Tai, the thrilling event opened its first day with an energetic dance number from Upeepz Dance Crew followed by opening remarks from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Director Mr. Wen Chun-Chang and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Director Mr. Clement Chen, who both emphasized the importance of the Taiwan ICT industry’s support for the local eSports community. As the Philippines continues to grow into a viable gaming and eSports market, the introduction of the most advanced technologies and powerful gaming devices from Taiwan can help boost the gameplay of aspiring Filipino eSports athletes.

Also gracing the grand opening ceremony is actress and celebrity cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa, who got first dibs in experiencing the products on display at the free-for-all brand booths. Among the devices she got to try were Asus Republic of Gamers’ ROG Zephyrus S (the world’s lightest and thinnest gaming laptop), the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus WaterForce Xtreme motherboard, Aorus memory cards and video cards, AVerMedia’s plug-and-play AM310 USB microphone and Live Streamer Cam 313, InWin’s WINBOT Limited Edition Transparent Spherical case, Kingmax Semiconductor, memory cards and external portable SSDs from Transcend and T Force, Zyxel’s tri-band Wi-Fi system, and peripherals from XPG, Zadak, and G.Skill.

The product experience zone also included ten units of gaming desktops that were made available for guests to use in playing games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends. Fans also had the chance to take photos with cosplayers dressed as their favorite game characters and jammed with pop rock band GraceNote, which added excitement to the three-day festivities.

The intense CS:GO battle on October 4 and the LoL games on October 5 were also witnessed by eSports fanatics all over the world via live streaming on the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page. Day 1 was hosted by shoutcasters Nomadph and Ilustrado, and  Day 2 by G10 and Een Mercado. Celebrity cosplayer and gamer Ashley Gosiengfiao also made an appearance on October 5 to meet with her fans.


Winners' circle

Bren Esports dominated the CS:GO tournament and won the grand prize of P56,000 in cash. Each team member also took home an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth of Sodexo Gift Certificates. In a short speech, the captain of Bren Esports expressed the team's collective sentiment about their victory, "We're very happy about winning. I think we deserve this because we worked hard for this."

Aside from these prizes, Bren Esports also has the honor of representing the country in an upcoming CS:GO friendly match against Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup winners from Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Taiwan. "We're going to practice more in preparation  for our upcoming matches abroad," promises Bren Esports.

Meanwhile, CX Blanc took home the grand prize of P56,000 for the LoL tournament. Each team member also received an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth for Sodexo Gift Certificates from Taiwan Excellence.

Taking the second, third, and fourth places for the CS:GO tournament are Fallen5, WIMAX, and Station 751, respectively. For LoL, the runner up positions were nabbed by PlayLoud, Ruyal, and Archeous accordingly.

On the other hand, the cosplay competition on October 6 showcased the creativity and talent of Filipino costume artists. Judged by representatives from TAITRA and cosplayer, game streamer, and video content creator Kang Dupet, 30 contestants took the stage in their best CS:GO- and LoL-inspired costumes. Izaiah Luke Buelos took home the grand prize of P40,000, while runners up Sergio Sta. Ana and Nicholai Dizon won P20,000 and P10,000 in cash, respectively.

With a total prize pool of P430,000, this has been one of the biggest eSports tournaments in the country to date. Not only the players and contestants were able to bring home prizes, guests who registered at the  venue also had the chance to win prizes from the Shopping List, Guess Whose Logo, and Scavenger List games.

The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup is organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), with partners Asus Republic of Gamers, Aorus, AVerMedia, In-Win, Kingmax, Transcend, XPG, T Force, Zadak, G.Skill, and Zyxel. For more information, like and follow the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/.

Experience the art of wellness and good health with Ogawa

When I think of pampering (the works, massage)during the weekends, I always head up to my favorite spa inside the mall. But when the schedule is full, just like today. I always turn to a reliable massage chair. A massage chair will do the  deed for 15 minutes.  I was told that if it gives you pain, then stop using it. 

You might have to change it to a better one that can really give you comfort. Just like Ogawa, a massage chair should make you feel comfortable and relaxed and does not promote pain. 

I have been seeing Ogawa massage chairs in the mall. I have tried it, and its different from the other massage chairs that I have sat through. 

Last week, I had an opportunity to try all the massage chairs presented at the Ogawa showroom in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. 

In a chaotic world, your mind is a battlefield and your body is a tired shell. Your vessel asks love, welcome the spring of wellness live in pain no more. A retreat not simply for rest and relaxation, but to be restored and reborn;for having an Ogawa original is having an invitation to your purest state of being.” 


This October, OGAWA offers its innovative Japanese Technology and reaches out to more Filipinos with their newest store location at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

With its calm ambiance complemented by warm lighting, OGAWA gives you a tranquil space even for just a few minutes in your daily hectic life. With their wide array of massage chairs, one is guaranteed to be lulled to a serene nap that will revitalize you for the day ahead.

Born in 1996 in the heart of Southern Asia– the country of Malaysia—OGAWA started as a health and wellness retail store until it swiftly expanded its reach in the Philippine market in 2011 with over 30 stores nationwide including its cozy and tasteful flair of OGAWA showroom and pop-up stores.  

“Immersing one’s self in a healthy lifestyle and learning to relax can be life-changing. A nurtured mind and body are essential for one’s well-being as OGAWA strongly believes that everyone deserves to enjoy good health and to experience the art of wellness,” shares Marianne Rodillo, Marketing Manager for OGAWA Philippines. 

The Art of Wellness

In this day and age where every individual is immersed in the digital world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives and has innovated itself to improve our lives, and in this case our digital wellness.

The Brand “OGAWA”is identified with its craftmanship, sophistication, luxury, style and comfort that have cultivated itself to be the leading player in the design, development and marketing of health and wellness equipment across the world.  OGAWA continues to provide holistic brand experience to its customer to further strengthen its advocacy of promoting the art of living in the age of digital wellness in the country—“THE ART OF WELLNESS”. 

The Art of Wellness is defined through art created by mind, body and soul, in collaboration with OGAWA massage chairas the instrument of art, where the attainment of wellness requires a combination of art and technology that only OGAWA brand can provide.  It is considered as a “Masterpiece” crafted and designed by creative minds of the organization. 

OGAWA has 38 pop-up and outlet stores nationwide, including the newest store in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, along with locations like Ayala Malls Vertis North, Edsa Shangri-la Plaza, SM Seaside Cebu, Greenhills Promenade, Lucky China Town, Robinsons Galleria, SM City Clark, Ayala Malls Solenad, Ayala Malls Glorietta, Ayala Malls Circuit, Venice Grand Canal, Evia Lifestyle Center and Alabang Town Center.

To know more about the brand, visit https://www.ogawaworld.net.ph/

Kuya J Restaurant now delivers in Metro Manila and other nearby areas

Getting a taste of Kuya J’s mouthwatering menu items is now just a phone call away. No need to leave the comforts of your home or brave heavy traffic because Kuya J now delivers in Metro Manila and other nearby areas.

Just dial #80000 to enjoy the perfect salo-salo at home with Kuya J's bestsellers, such as their famous Crispy Pata, Grilled Scallops, Kare-kare, Beef Caldereta, and Halo-halo Espesyal. 

Kuya J’s delivery services are available in its branches in the following cities and municipalities: Valenzuela, Caloocan, Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Antipolo, Taytay, Cainta, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Makati, and Taguig.

For more information on Kuya J’s offerings, you can visit their website at www.kuyaj.ph or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @kuyajresto.

Rebisco on supporting the Philippine national team “SAMBANSA” in this year’s SEA Games

The Volley Hall of Fame
The Philippine National Volleyball training pools are currently working hard to bring their A-game in this year’s Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines this coming November. Whatever the final line-ups will be, the men’s and women’s teams will continue a storied tradition of volleyball excellence when they step on the court to represent our country.

Current volleyball fans may be familiar with today’s collegiate and professional stars, but did you know that the Philippines has produced top players for decades? Philippine volleyball has had quite the glorious history, thanks to the contributions of these five legendary volleybelles:

Nene Ybanez-Chavez

(Photo courtesy of Arvin Lim)
The Philippines has been a superpower in volleyball, especially on the women’s side, ever since it was introduced to the SEA Games in 1977, with the Women’s National Volleyball team ranking second behind Thailand in gold medals won.

Those powerhouse teams were fronted by the likes of Nene Ybanez-Chavez, the 6’1” legend from Southwestern University in Cebu who helped the Philippines dominate the SEA Games in the early ‘90s. She’s best known for leading the women’s team to its last SEA gold in the 1993 games in Singapore, earning the MVP and Best Spiker honors along the way. Possessing extraordinary endurance in the sport, Ybanez-Chavez played competitively until 2013, and now continues to make her mark in Philippine volleyball by coaching a team in the Philippine Super Liga professional league.

Mozzy Ravena

The mother of the famous Ravena phenoms in Philippine basketball is a former volleyball champion in her own right. Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, the volleyball analyst/sportscaster and University of Santo Tomas alumna, was a two-time UAAP volleyball champion from 1988 to 1992. She also represented the country as a part of the Philippine Youth team in 1988 and the seniors’ team from 1988 to 1989. Today, her legacy lives on through her daughter Dani Ravena, who plays volleyball for the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo

Before Philippine volleyball went mainstream via the collegiate scene, there was Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, holding up the sport in the country. Balse-Pabayo, from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, is another champion UST alumna and one of the players who carried the Philippines to a bronze medal in the 2005 SEA Games. Balse-Pabayo is still going strong today, currently playing for the Philippine Army Lady Troopers in the Philippine Super Liga and also the Premier Volleyball League, where she is a two-time champion.

Tina Salak

(Photo courtesy of Tina Salak)
One of the sport’s most successful players, Tina Salak has a storied career representing the country as part of the national team for many years, with huge wins such as the silver finish in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1995 and bronze in Manila in 2005. She also competed in the 2015 SEA Games held in Singapore.
Salak also has a rich professional career, with 10 seasons logged in the Shakey’s V-League and the Philippine Super Liga, where she won five championships and six medals with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers. She’s since retired, going on to work as a coach in the PSL.

One of Philippine volleyball’s contemporary stars, Angeli Tabaquero is a renowned collegiate champion, having won titles as part of the UST Golden Tigresses. Tabaquero also represented the country as a member of the Philippine National Team in the 2013 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, and as part of the PLDT Home Tvolution national team in another stint in the 2014 Asian Club Championship. An unfortunate injury forced her to retire in 2016 and become a coach for the Adamson Lady Falcons.

The road to the 2019 SEA Games continues
The Philippine Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Team will compete against the rest of the region from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. The athletic firepower of current volleyball stars like Alyssa Valdez and Aby Marano brings bright prospects in making the Philippines a regional powerhouse in the international volleyball scene once again.

With the steadfast support of organizations and companies like Rebisco, the national teams will be looking to bring pride and glory to the Philippines when they give their all on the court. Together, Filipinos will again cheer for the national team fighting as Sambansa – or one nation – under the colors of our flag.

Rebisco has been a proponent of Philippine volleyball and various organizations and leagues that comprise it. Aside from supporting the Philippine national team in this year’s SEA Games, Rebisco has also backed the Philippine Women’s Volleyball Team in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The company is also committed to developing the future of the sport with the newly-launched 18-and-under Rebisco Volleyball League.

For more info and updates on the Philippine National Volleyball Team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.