PAL’s all-female flight crew participated in the Global Women’s forum held at the Guam Airport

Philippine Airlines (PAL) flew an all-female flight crew for its March 22 PR110 Manila-Guam and March 24 PR111 Guam - Manila flights to participate in the celebration of International Women’s Month. In command of the flight to Guam was Capt. Emmie Inciong-Ragasa, assisted by First Officer Lilybeth Tan - Ng. 

 

The all-women cabin crew team - led by Flight Purser Edrose Mae Tang - had FA Gladys Lim, FA Frances Anne  Alindogan, FA Verona Rae Salangsang, FA Ana Beatriz Alvarez, and FA Pamela Jaine Sta. Ana in its roster. Capt. Hidelina Patrimonio and FO Lilybeth Tan Ng will be in command of the flight to Manila via PR111 tomorrow March 24. 

 

A water salute – organized by PAL Guam and the Guam Airport Authority - greeted flight PR110 upon its arrival at Guam International Airport. 

Buong Pusong Alaga and warm smiles ready for the flight

To inspire more women around the globe, PAL’s all-female flight crew participated in the Global Women’s forum held at the Guam Airport, where FO Tan – Ng,  who is also PAL'S AVP on Pilot Affairs, said in her speech, "Philippine Airlines is an equal opportunity company. PAL's culture of inclusivity has empowered the female members of the workforce to lend their voices, talent and creativity for the good of the Organization."

“What a great way to celebrate women empowerment. Our all-female flight is an inspiring and exhilarating experience,” she quipped when asked to describe the milestone flight journey. 

 

Flight Purser Edrose Tang leading our all-female flight attendants

As part of her inspirational message, she quipped, “We – as women – do not exist in a box. We evolve amid the challenges of the times. We are strong and resilient. We support fellow women and we co-exist with all of humanity. We embrace inclusively.”

What will happen if you fail to register your SIM before the April 26 deadline

Since the announcement of mandatory SIM registration last year, many have been confused about what is it for and why is it important for us Filipinos.

Surely, you have read some articles, heard radio commercials, and even seen TV ads encouraging you to go to your telco’s website or app and register your SIM. Still, you and your friends refuse to comply with the government mandate thinking how something as simple as an unregistered SIM can disrupt our lives. 

In this article, we will tell you why it is relevant and what will happen if you fail to register your SIM before the April 26 deadline.

Your SIM will get deactivated

Yes, the very SIM you use to text and call your loved ones when times are tough, the SIM that contains the number you use to send and receive money, pay bills or make other transactions through mobile apps will get deactivated. As mobile phones become more valuable and intertwined with everyday life, so do SIM cards. 

But what does it mean to have your SIM deactivated? This means you’ll entirely lose your prepaid load balance and receiving OTPs for e-wallet and bank transactions would be impossible. 

Receiving updates from the government on your benefits, loans, etc. is another problem. You might need to contact each agency and undergo a long process to update your contact details. Also, following up and hearing back from your employment application can be more than tricky. Just imagine applying to your dream job only to lose your slot because your future employer cannot reach you.

Having your SIM deactivated means you will become unreachable not only to your bank but to your contacts list as well. Colleagues, friends, and family who contact you using that SIM number won’t be able to do so once that SIM gets deactivated. 

So no incoming nor outgoing calls. You won’t be able to send or receive messages either.  

Your broadband and prepaid SIM-powered mobile internet will not work

If you have been using or recently bought prepaid internet, you might wonder why it’s not working even after powering it up several times, loading the SIM, and reading and rereading the manual, even doing a little troubleshooting to make sure you started it correctly. The answer is this: your new SIM is not yet activated. 

As existing SIMs need to be registered, so do the ones you’re going to buy. Likewise, existing SIMs used for internet have to be registered or you risk rendering it useless. 

You will have problem accessing your online accounts

Most of us use our contact numbers as login details on our social media accounts. In any case you logged out of your account or need to log in to a separate device, it will be troublesome for you to receive OTPs for two-way verification authentication.

Yes, you’re sure to come up with a workaround for these. However, it will require you to go through a long process to resolve this issue.

You can try contacting the applications’ help center and prove to them your identity through a series of authentication documents. You could also try personally going to the offices of these platforms. Or you can just register your SIM to avoid these hassles altogether.

Fighting security and data breach

Security and data breach are the top concerns of Filipinos about SIM registration, especially with the rising incidence of text and other mobile-related scams. 

 

Interestingly, these – security and data breach -- are the very same issues the SIM Registration Law wishes to address. It aims to minimize the risk of users falling victim to scams perpetrated through calls, texts, and online messages. It hopes to make device owners more accountable and responsible users of technology. The law likewise hopes to lessen the occurrence of crimes and make it easier to track down perpetrators of cybercrimes and fraud. 

#SIMguradoAko, Register now!

When you’re ready to register, simply go to your telco’s registration website, input your info, upload government ID and selfie, wait for the SMS confirmation and that’s it! You have now registered your SIM.  

  

Reaffirming its commitment to be every Filipino’s partner Para Sa Life, Home Credit Philippines is urging everyone to register their SIM cards to comply with the SIM Registration Act through the #SIMguradoAko campaign, to help protect Filipinos against text and other phone-related scams.

 

Through its Wais sa Home initiative, the country’s leading consumer finance company has been actively campaigning against cyber fraud such as phishing, pharming, and spoofing to protect its customers. 

In line with its goal of promoting financial literacy and education, Home Credit aims to raise awareness on the basics of saving and budgeting and wise financial management. Amid the widening adoption of e-commerce, it encourages Filipinos to be digitally wise in investing and using the right money apps and to protect themselves against online risks and scams.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.

 

#ResetYourRegimen This Summer with the Cult Favorite Skin care Neutrogena

As we ring in the summer season, it’s time to reset our skincare regimens! This means adopting lightweight, yet potent and hydrating products to protect your skin from dryness, aging, and sun damage. As the #1 dermatologist-recommended skin care brand in the US, Neutrogena can help us achieve great skin this summer! Embrace healthy glass skin this season and confidently sport a glowing bare face at the beach with Neutrogena’s new and improved Hydro Boost range! 

Tested by dermatologists, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost product range is a cult favorite all over the world. The full range is formulated with hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin to combat the dryness brought by external aggressors like summer heat. “Just as it is essential to drink water throughout the day to help our bodies function properly, it is also important to keep our skin hydrated and moisturized to prevent the dryness caused by summer heat,” says Macy Agoncillo, Neutrogena’s brand manager.

This year, the classic beauty brand is introducing its new generation of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, a lightweight moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid. It’s the perfect product to complete your summer skincare routine. Suitable for daily use, this lightweight moisturizer boosts the skin’s hydration and helps retain moisture. Easily combat dry skin and achieve healthy glass skin with a formulation that is packed with 20% more hyaluronic acid (vs. previous formulation) that gives 5x more hydration. Tested on several users, visible results were seen immediately with 97% saying their skin felt instantly hydrated, 86% of users reporting smoother skin, 81% mentioning that their skin felt softer, and 73% felt their skin had become more supple. 

The new Hydro Boost Water Gel comes in two sizes – 15 ml and 50 ml that retails for Php 356 and Php 1,012 respectively. So, this summer, whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at the beach, out on adventures, or even lounging around at home, make sure to switch up your products and #ResetYourRegimen for a season of healthy, hydrated, and protected skin with Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost Water Gel. Before you head out in the sun, apply Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry Touch SPF50 after Hydro Boost Water Gel for UVA and UVB protection. It is a non-greasy sunscreen that offers broad protection from the sun.  So, what are you waiting for? Grab healthy glass skin in a jar and check out your nearest Watson’s store, or shop online in our official Shopee or Lazada stores!

Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video

 

Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video.

Ed originally wrote ‘Eyes Closed’ a few years back. Starting out as a break-up song, the lyrics took on a whole new meaning after Ed suffered heartbreaking loss, which led him to revisit and reimagine the original version of the track for ‘-ʼ. One of the most pop-leaning sonics on his highly anticipated new record, ‘Eyes Closed’ captures the essence of love and loss, which is also reflected in the official video. Directed by Mia Barnes, we see Ed on a night out being followed by a blue monster - serving as a metaphor for grief, Ed is unable to shake it, wherever he goes, reminding him of the void that’s left in his life.

Speaking of the new song and the video, Ed says – “This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it. 

ED SHEERAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

When I was thinking of concepts for the Eyes Closed music video, I wanted to make a video inspired by movies like Harvey, where the main character has an imaginary friend who’s a giant rabbit that no one can see. There’s also a book I read my daughters where sadness is encapsulated by an imaginary creature. Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can. So I decided to create my own big blue monster for the video. He gets bigger and bigger as the video goes on, til he takes up whole rooms, and is all I can see, just like sadness.”

Ed’s soul-baring new album ‘-‘ will be released on 5 May through Asylum/Atlantic. Written against a backdrop of grief and hope, Ed wrote and recorded the fourteen-track record with Aaron Dessner (The National) in February last year after a series of hard-hitting events impacted his life.

Announced earlier this week, his all-new, four-part documentary ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All’ will air on Disney+ from 3 May 2023. Blending never-before-seen personal archive, interviews and performances, the intimate documentary explores how his personal experiences have shaped him to become the artist he is today.

TaskUs officially opened the glass doors of “Greenhouse” situated at Molino in Cavite

TaskUs,  a provider of outsourced digital services and next-generation customer experience to fast-growing technology companies, officially opened the glass doors of “Greenhouse” situated at Molino in Cavite, Philippines on March 23. The newest site is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing a world-class, refreshing workspace aimed at promoting a healthier and greener lifestyle for its employees. The launch comes two days before Earth Hour, the perfect time to kickstart the site’s operations. 

Through the Looking Glass: TaskUs Greenhouse

Aptly named Greenhouse, the new site features a distinct architectural design that sports a “daytime-bright” lighting and uses non-harmful, environment-friendly finishes and materials for its interior decorations, fixtures, and wall paints. 

 

The site is also designed with large open spaces, allowing for natural sunlight to permeate through and conserve energy. Meeting rooms like the boardroom and interview rooms are built with motion-sensor lights that turn off automatically when unoccupied. The site also has heat emission films that lessen the heat inside the building, making the use of air conditioning units more efficient.

 

Just as importantly, the supplies that were used to build Greenhouse—carpets, vinyl floors, office chairs, and workstations—are sourced from suppliers who share the same commitment to lessening carbon footprint.

 

“We aim to continuously reimagine workplace culture and the employee experience. From building functional and inspiring spaces to providing benefits that are beyond the norm, TaskUs is committed to building an environment that empowers people to thrive and create a positive impact in and outside of work,” shared Dean Van Ormer, TaskUs Senior Vice President of Operations for Southeast Asia.

 

Arjay Angodung, TaskUs Division Vice President of Operations, believes that Greenhouse will not only be a bastion of sustainability but also of boundless growth for TaskUs. “This is truly an inspiring workspace for teammates to learn how to achieve wellness through nature and start embracing a healthy and sustainable lifestyle with both their families and colleagues,” he added. 

 

The newly minted site in Molino sits in more than 34,000-square-feet of commercial space, occupying two whole floors. Similar to other TaskUs sites, Greenhouse is fitted with dynamic color themes, vibrant walls, well-designed production and lounge areas, and incredible amenities for its teammates to enjoy. 

 

Why Molino?

The site in Molino is TaskUs’ 10th site in the Philippines and was chosen for its strategic access to talents from Cavite and nearby provinces such as Laguna and Batangas. This also furthers the company’s goal of extending meaningful jobs to locals in non-metro areas.

 

Moreover, Molino has access to over four major universities within the Bacoor City vicinity and is surrounded by villages and residential areas that house more than 650,000 residents. Molino also has access to a diverse talent pool from industries such as banking and finance, healthcare, and IT due to its proximity to Metro Manila. 

From left to right: Arjay Angodung, TaskUs Division Vice President of Operations; Dean Van Ormer, TaskUs Senior Vice President of Operations for Southeast Asia; Lana Delos Reyes, Vice President of Operations - TaskUs Greenhouse; Victoria Alcachupas, TaskUs Division Vice President of Integrated Marketing; Marlon de Mesa, TaskUs Vice President of Talent Acquisition for Southeast Asia unveil TaskUs’ 10th site located in Molino called “Greenhouse”

 

“The launch of Greenhouse becomes a full-circle moment for TaskUs as we go back to the same city, in Bacoor, where we started our operations atop a vulcanizing shop in 2008. But this time, with a bigger and greener site,” shares Lana Delos Reyes, Vice President of Operations - TaskUs Greenhouse. “We also want to bring jobs closer to Filipinos, allowing them to spend more quality time for themselves and with their loved ones.”

 

To kick off the launch of the new site, TaskUs hosted a variety of events such as a concert, a site blessing, and logo unveiling. 

 

TaskUs’ Ridiculously Good Culture

As a key player in the outsourcing space for over a decade, TaskUs has established itself as a company that provides positive experiences, outstanding benefits, learning and career development opportunities, and people-first programs to its employees. 

 

TaskUs boasts of its extensive Wellness + Resiliency (W+R) programs that are supported by a well-trained W&R team solely focused on caring for employees’ well-being. More so, the company also upholds diversity, equity and inclusion by working towards a healthy gender ratio across all of its sites and providing gender-inclusive facilities and benefits, among others. 

 

Because of its investment in its employees, TaskUs has accumulated a number of accolades under its belt in the past year, including receiving a Great Place to Work Certification, being named as the Fastest Growing Service Provider in the 2022 Everest Group Business Process Services Top 50 Report, as well as earning a Gold Stevie for Most Exemplary Employer, Comparably’s Best CEO for Women and Best CEO for Diversity, and Best Place to Work from Business Intelligence (2022), among others. 

 

Those interested in exploring the Ridiculously Good life with TaskUs may apply via these channels:

1. Onsite Recruitment Hub - Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 4pm
2. Virtual Recruitment Hub (https://taskus.me/GRNVRH) - Join us via Zoom via link or ID 574-707-2784, Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm
3. FB Messenger Chatbot (https://m.me/TaskUsPH) - You may chat anytime and accomplish a self-paced application.

They may also create a candidate profile through https://taskus.me/GRNMolino to jumpstart their application journey. Everyone may also refer prospective applicants via TaskUs’ Xperience External Referral Program taskus.me/TaskUsXRPand receive rewards.

To learn more about TaskUs, visit https://taskus.me/TaskUsPR or the following social media accounts:

 

• Facebook: https://taskus.me/FBPR  
• LinkedIn: https://taskus.me/LIPR  
• Instagram and Twitter: @TaskUsPH 

 

Greenfield District is home to strategically located residential and commercial buildings

To fully enjoy a convenient city life, the location of the property where one lives and works is a crucial factor to consider. Keeping up with the modern on-the-go lifestyle, many Filipinos go for an easily accessible single setting for their residences, workplaces, and recreational activities. The daily grind becomes a lot easier when they are situated in an area that offers geographical connectivity, a safe community, and other conveniences.

 

One of the places preferred by today’s urban dwellers is Mandaluyong, a small city with bustling economy in the middle of Metro Manila. At the heart of the Mandaluyong Central Business District sits a future-ready urban development that offers a myriad of possibilities. Opportunities for employment, business, recreation, and urban living abound in the 15-hectare Greenfield District. The transit-oriented mixed-use development of Greenfield Development Corporation is home to strategically located residential and commercial buildings, green open spaces, and various exciting events and activities.

Convenience at your fingertips

 

Greenfield District’s prime location offers its homeowners and visitors convenience in everyday life.  Living or working at the Greenfield District allows Filipinos to save on gas and avoid spending hours stuck in a traffic as the property is just minutes away from key areas such as hospitals, learning institutions, shopping centers, and central business districts.  Aside from that, Greenfield provides more transportation options and makes the daily commute more convenient as the development is surrounded by major thoroughfares such as EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.  It also has an easy access to the Metro Rail Transit System (MRT).

 

At Greenfield District, everything you need is within reach. Inside the pedestrian-oriented At Greenfield District, everything you need is within reach. Inside the pedestrian-oriented neighborhood, there are lifestyle centers wherein you can enjoy food, drinks, and at the same time, take care of your well being.

            

Digital connectivity in daily living

 

A digital lifestyle is essential for a modern community to thrive in the post-pandemic era.  At Greenfield District’s future-ready condominium developments,  residents benefit from the ultra-fast Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology integrated within the township’s masterplan.  Through the FTTH technology, residents of Zitan and Twin Oaks Place have an option to various smartphone-based functionalities such as app-controlled lighting, climate control, telecommunications, and many other possibilities. The unparalleled speed of the internet at Greenfield’s residential properties is also a must-have for residents who continue their remote work or online learning at the comfort of their homes.

 

Offices of the future

 

As many companies have now resumed onsite work, the importance of having an office space that is safe, comfortable and conducive to working in the new normal arises.  Office spaces at the Greenfield District such as the Greenfield Tower, the Square, Pavilion, and the IT Center are designed to offer employees connectivity and work-life balance as they resume working in their office desks. A unique environment where wide open spaces co-exist with advanced fiber-optic internet connectivity, the Greenfield District offers post-pandemic workplaces that promote a lifestyle of productivity, health, and wellness. After a long day of work, employees can either conveniently pursue their fitness goals at Greenfield’s open spaces or take a break in the nearby lifestyle centers.

 

A world of wellness

 

Living in the city need not mean being trapped in the concrete jungle every single day.  At the Greenfield District, there is no need for urban dwellers to travel far just to experience nature.  Homeowners and visitors have an easy access to open and green spaces where they can enjoy a 

 

leisurely walk, play with their pets, and do activities that help improve their health and well-being.

 

Residents and visitors alike can also unwind by doing various fun activities at the District.  From food trips to retail therapy, there are many recreational activities in store for everyone. If you feel like hanging out with family or friends over great food, choose from a wide array of dining options at Greenfield District—Food Truck Fest, Weekend Market and restaurants within the District. Fitness enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to stay active in Greenfield District. Joggers and bikers can explore the streets of Mayflower, United, Reliance, and Sheridan, which offer wide sidewalks and scenic views. The Climb Central Manila, the biggest indoor air-conditioned sport climbing venue in the Philippines, is a must-visit for climbers. 

 

Nature lovers will appreciate the green spaces and fresh air that Greenfield District has to offer. The park is a safe and well-maintained area where families with young children can play and have fun. Pet owners will also find the district to be pet-friendly, with plenty of spaces to walk their furry friends.

 

In the middle of a metropolis, Greenfield District is a well-rounded community offering unlimited possibilities to urbanites. Working or living in this smart and connected urban center at the heart of Mandaluyong is surely a smart choice for many Filipinos.

Ms. Rafael’s journey tells a story of vision, commitment, and persistence

 

Life can sometimes send us signals or challenges that encourage us to change direction and explore new opportunities. As we navigate our careers, we may find that our interests, skills, or circumstances evolve over time, leading us to consider new paths or explore different industries.

 

This is something that Ms. Rosemarie Rafael, chairperson of logistics company Airspeed, a part of SM Investments Corporation’s portfolio investments, has learned over her 40-plus years of experience. 

She fondly looks back on her early years as a passenger ticketing and reservations agent for an airline company. As dedicated as she was to that role, she also recalls facing many challenges along the way. For instance, there was that one time she went back to her desk in tears after being locked out from a meeting she was late to by ten minutes. Her phone call with a client for the company ran a bit longer than expected, and she found herself ‘not needed’ anymore in the meeting.

 

It’s as if spontaneously, the future founder of logistics company Airspeed will soon have one foot at the door into an industry she will lead one day when a phone call from a freight company presented an opportunity—she took it. Years later, she rose through the ranks.

Airspeed Chairperson and President Rosemarie P. Rafael

Venturing beyond her comfort zone, Ms. Rafael felt right to set out on her own—but not without being at a crossroads once more. The Airspeed story was set when she consulted her then-boss about her idea, the fact of leaving the currently recognized number-one company by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) came to mind.

 

“Why be a small fish in a big pond?” her boss remarked. The answer to this was clear to Ms. Rafael, who said, “because it has so much room for growth.”

 

Within five years of her company’s founding, Airspeed eventually claimed the number one spot in the IATA ranking.

 

Ms. Rafael attributes this success to the relationships she built with her clients during the early stages that helped Airspeed thrive in the industry. From a meek startup with six employees and a single delivery van, the company now has over a thousand skilled personnel and a fleet of vehicles that can be swiftly mobilized at more than 300-strong.

 

Among of Ms. Rafael’s notable achievements is paving the way for women. Not only is she leading a successful business, but she has also established a formidable company in an industry that is commonly associated with the male demographic.

 

The proud mother of four has been defying the odds. She also notes the distinct group of people that sets Airspeed apart from other logistics providers. For one, key decisions in the company are being made by empowered women. This is evident in female leaders making up 70% of Airspeed’s top executives and 45% of their middle-tier managers. Ms. Rafael has empowered them to lead a company that highlights solutions-based decisions to drive further progress and innovation.

She discusses how the empowerment of women in the company allows their innate vision and nurturing qualities to permeate throughout the company transcending the work done in Airspeed as it crosses to a personal level of trust.

 

“Airspeed is known for the kind of people we have. We are a company of integrity and this is not to be compromised even in the hardest times,” Ms. Rafael said. “We prioritize our people and stakeholders. We believe that if we have happy people working for us, then we will have happy and satisfied customers.” 

 

Ms. Rafael’s journey tells a story of vision, commitment, and persistence. Her first few jobs may not have been the best fit for her, but she was composed and did everything to the best of her abilities. When it was clear she wanted to change, she followed through with her dream, all the lessons in tow, and established her company Airspeed. 

 

Dr. Romantic 3 will begin streaming from late April on Disney+

Following a remarkable first two seasons, the third season of the hit Korean medical drama Dr. Romantic 3 will begin streaming from late April on Disney+.

Continuing the story of Boo Yongjoo, a highly accomplished surgeon who gives up his prestigious position at Seoul’s top medical center and relocates to Doldam Hospital, a remote hospital in a rural province, Dr. Romantic 3 is set to come back strong with new doctors, a captivating new antagonist, and an unmissable romance.

Starring Han Sukkyu (Deep Rooted Tree) as Boo Yongjoo, the only surgeon in South Korea to become triple board certified in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and emergency medicine; Ahn Hyoseop (Business Proposal) as Seo Woojin, a slandered doctor who is trying to rebuild his life under Yongjoo’s tutelage; Lee Sungkyung (Call It Love) as Cha Eunjae, a second-year surgery fellow who frequently competes with Woojin but who has issues when she performs surgery, Dr. Romantic is written by Kang Eunkyung (Bread, Love and Dreams) and Lim Hyemin and is directed by Yoo Inshik (Dr. Romantic 1&2, Extraordinary Attorney Woo) and Kang Boseung (Why Her).

Slated to debut in late April with new episodes being released every Friday and Saturday, fans of Dr. Romantic can also enjoy Call It Love about a girl driven to revenge but who falls in love with her intended victim; Soundtrack #1 about two friends who are secretly in love with each other; and Big Bet about a serial entrepreneur whose life is turned on its head when he is arrested for murder – all streaming now on Disney+.

Enjoy Dr. Romantic 3 from late April on Disney+.