ISLAS PINAS, THE NEW ICON OF TOURISM THROUGH FILIPINO CUISINE, OPENS AT DOUBLEDRAGON PLAZA AT DD MERIDIAN PARK

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Islas Pinas, an indoor “Filipino Food & Heritage Village” and a new, distinct destination for both local and international guests, is now open at the DoubleDragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

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Designed to showcase the abundance and vibrancy of the Filipino culture, this new establishment lets guests discover, explore and experience the Philippines’s heritage sites, natural resources, hospitality and most importantly, its cuisine.

The result of collaboration between DoubleDragon Group and Chef Margarita Forés, Islas Pinas is a project that aims to inspire love for the Philippines and to cultivate patriotism by showcasing the country’s beautiful sites and diverse regional cuisines. With a seating capacity of over 700 seats in an expansive 2,500 square meter space, Islas Pinas is the perfect place to give visitors a taste of the best that the Philippines has to offer.

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ISLAS PINAS also hosts an authentic Sarao Jeepney, which for many generations became the king of the Philippine streets especially in the countryside.

“DoubleDragon has always believed in embarking on projects with relevance. We believe Islas Pinas will be a landmark in the country, and will showcase the diversity not only of our cuisine and handicrafts but also our landscape and architecture brought about by the rich heritage and culture of the country,” says DoubleDragon’s Chief Investment Officer Hannah Yulo.

At the helm of this project is none other than Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016, Margarita A. Forés whose mission is to bring Filipino cuisine to global prominence. Thus, Islas Pinas is a vision coming to life for her, where Filipino food is not just on the sidelines but at the centerstage.

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“This is an absolute dream project for me that has come at such a perfect time,” said Forés. “I give my thanks to then Undersecretary of Agriculture, now Secretary of Tourism Berna R. Puyat, for putting me together with the DoubleDragon group, who was looking for someone to operate this amazing Islas Pinas project about half a year ago. This fast-tracked such a blessed opportunity to continue pushing my biggest advocacy – that of helping to promote the best our country – our cuisine, ingredients, farers, artisan producers and home cooks from Batanes to Jolo – in the best way I can!”

It is her aim for guests to experience the Philippines with their five senses and beyond. Thus, aside from the culinary delights and a picturesque interior design worthy of Instagram posts, the venue will also feature modern and traditional cultural performances and games to ensure a fun and truly Pinoy ambiance.

SINAG, the Tagalog word for ‘ray of light’ offers all-day Filipino breakfast favorites like our TAPSILOG (TAPa – salted beef, SInangag – fried rice and ItLOG – fried egg) and Batchoy, an Ilonggo noodle soup with pork offal, crushed pork cracklings and beef loin.

ALAMAT or legend, tells the story of the different regions of the Philippines through its signature dishes. BILAO is coined after the woven winnowing basket where comfort snacks like pansit (fried noodles) and puto (rice cakes) are usually served, while PANADERYA offers neighborhood bakery favorites such as pan de sal and kalihim. TUSOK-TUSOK, on the other hand, offers urban street food finds like barbecue on stick, isaw (grilled chicken intestine) and kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs).

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PANULAK or beverage is where the samalamig (cold drinks with different flavors) will be available. Lastly, PAMPANG or shore will allow guests to enjoy chosen fresh catch cooked to their preference.

All these will be available daily, without the scorching heat and pollution as the space is fully airconditioned. Located at the bustling DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area along EDSA Extension and Macapagal Avenue, Islas Pinas can be easily accessed using both private and public transportation.

“Because of the ideal location of DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park – our close proximity to the airport terminals and being only about 5 minutes away from NAIA X – we believe ISLAS PINAS will become a must-visit stopover for both domestic and international tourists visiting the capital,” said DoubleDragon’s Chairman Edgar Injap Sia II.

ISLAS PINAS is the main anchor of DoubleDragon Plaza, which forms part of the 4.8 Hectare DD Meridian Park commercial and office complex.

Akrotiri brings modern EurAsian cuisine to the Philippine food scene

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The Filipino’s discerning palate has been cultivated by embracing local, foreign, and progressive cooking concepts. Constantly craving for fresh culinary adventures, passionate foodies are in for a delicious treat as a new restaurant presents an exciting gastronomic experience that has fused together diverse coastal food cultures from all over the world—Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine.

Some of the best culinary styles and dietary dialects found in different coastlines took center stage at the recently held Akrotiri VIP Blogger’s Night last June 1, at the Commerce Center, Filinvest City in Alabang. During the gathering, top local food and lifestyle bloggers got to taste Akrotiri’s mouthwatering offerings, took part in fun activities, and personally met the people that brought about this unique Eurasian culinary concept.

“We wanted to bring our knowledge to the Philippines and use all the incredible food that’s in the East and blended it with the West,” said Akrotiri General Manager, David Jones.

“Akrotini’s offerings reflect the Mediterranean classics, mainly Greek and other European influences but at the same time, we’ve localized the taste to create a new flavor. One can call it ‘fusion’, but we feel that ‘EurAsian’ highlights what we represent—an amalgamation of influences that have strong ties with the Philippine food culture.”

Akrotiri’s Menu is co-conceptualized by Chef Luca Maffei. An Italian chef with intricate taste to flavours and fusion, Chef Luca masterfully re-imagined Akrotiri’s food, bringing the blissful flavours of Asia and Euro-Greek cultures to our local cuisine.

A feast of specialty menu was offered as part of Akrotiri’s comprehensive food choices—a classic Greek heritage of Mediterranean triad themes that overlap with Malay, Oriental, and European influences. Guests also had their fill from a wide selection of wines, spirits, and beer, as well as carefully curated cocktails that collectively reflect Akrotiri’s distinct coastal blending ethos.

The Eurasian gastronomic experience

Akrotiri’s story was shared through an audio-visual presentation, but more so when its menu items were exhibited separately, plated attractively for every event-goer’s delight and indulgence.

The showcase included the Shell Fish Sauté with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and Tomato, and the Eurasian Sour Soup and Souvlaki Skewers for the soup entries. The mezze (appetizers) line-up was headlined by the Wagyu Burger with Cheese, Shitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, and Rustic Fries, plus the Grilled Prawns in Tamarind Dressing and Greens. For the mains, the Wagyu Skirt Steak with Spicy Chilli Jam, Roasted Vegetables, and Paprika Aioli, as well as the Seafood Tagliatelle with Clams, Mussels, Prawns, Squid, and Tomatoes were the highlights, while the Chocolate Garden Mosaiko topped Akrotiri’s dessert offerings.

Specialty drinks could be seen, surprising guests with unique blends infused with flavours from diverse influences.

A prominent shelf of the famous Jameson whiskey frames one side the back bar display and gives rise to a multitude of Irish blends and single malts. Carrying on the island whisky theme we see single malt scotch from island distilleries and the Japanese also are represented showing the fusion of drinking cultures around the world.

Manhattans and Martinis can be seen being shaken up behind the bar with even coffee being used to create the Espresso Martini. Traditional drinks from British Isles are served with people tucking in to Bloody Marys and Pimms & Lemonade. A Tequila Sunrise and the mysterious Dark and Stormy are resting on the bar waiting to be brought to the table. A surprising selection of Gin is on display with some creative combos such as a Rose Gin with dried chili, Gin Mare with mango & pepper and Portobello Road Gin with summer fruits.

Akrotiri’s signature libations are all made with quality ingredients that surely hit the right spots.

“Metro Manila is an emerging market for restaurants and we wanted to present something new, yet still familiar to the Filipino palate. Using local ingredients and principles plays a vital role in bringing to life our concept of showcasing global coastal food cultures through dishes that remain close to home,” said Akrotiri Head Chef, Ereyca Trinidad.

Weaving together the different flavors found on different coastal food cultures all over the world and presenting them as delicious gastronomic offerings makes Akrotiri a unique destination that delivers an exciting culinary experience that will surely indulge every type of Filipino diner.

Akrotiri Modern Eurasian Cuisine is open from 11AM daily. Visit them at Unit 103 G/F Commerce Center Alabang, Commerce Avenue corner Filinvest Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, or log in to www.akrotiri.ph and PR@akrotiri.ph for more information.

OPPO DROPS NEW F7 YOUTH

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OPPO Philippines has recently added a new member to their F7 family with the OPPO F7 Youth. Designed for the younger crowd, the model is the midrange smartphone brand’s response to the needs of today’s generation of smartphone users with its top-notch performance, 4GB RAM, large 64G Storage, and stylish design and color.

The model, which only retails for Php13,990, is the more affordable version of the best-selling OPPO F7. With the brand’s long-standing partnership with Fintech company Home Credit, anyone can easily avail the F7 Youth even without a credit card in 6-month installments at 0% rate until June 30. All one needs to do is approach a Home Credit sales associate from a participating store, submit their application form, present two (2) valid IDs, and wait a few minutes to get approved!
Despite its pocket-friendly price tag, the F7 Youth comes packed with the latest smartphone features like the Facial Unlock, AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, and AR Stickers to name a few. It also carries the same Helio P60 Octa-Core processor which is 80 percent faster than smartphones in the same price range.

Selfies made smarter

Of course, OPPO stays true to its title of ‘Selfie Expert’ with its front camera’s AI Beauty Technology 2.0—a feature that can also be found in the F7. The F7 Youth redefines selfie-taking with the technology’s capability to analyze a person’s features and beautifying them using OPPO’s improved facial optimization technology.

The 13MP rear camera also packs a punch with its A.I. Scene Recognition function which processes 16 different scenarios shot in real time to capture the right balance of brightness, exposure, color, and contrast. This, together with the depth-of-field effect, makes for impressive-looking photos.
Function and power combined

To fit the generation it is designed for, the F7 Youth is streamlined to be intelligent and powerful with its functions. Its screen showcases navigation shortcuts for convenient app surfing while its A.I. Recognition Technology equips the model with a smart and fast facial unlock feature.

In terms of power, the model carries the world’s first nm A.I. processor which gives it the edge of being 80 percent faster than previous smartphones. Its 3,410mAh battery, which has enough juice to last 15 hours of continuous usage for a whole day of charge, is complemented by an equally smart A.I. battery management system.

Designed for the stylish youth

The OPPO F7 Youth is as impressive on the outside as it is inside. It comes in two sophisticated colors or Solar Red and special Diamond Black which has a unique triangular-cut pattern on its cover that shimmer as it catches light.

In terms of the screen, the model provides an immersive viewing experience with its 6.0-inch FHD+ screen. Its bezels are 1.98mm razor-thin with the display maximized to keep the F7 Youth’s lightweight but comfortable design.

Though the model is designed with the younger generation in mind, the OPPO F7 Youth is a great smartphone of choice for anyone. Thankfully, everyone can have a chance to take it home with help from Home Credit. As Home Credit Philippines Head of Sales Petr Korinek says, “We want to bring brands like OPPO closer to consumers because they always manage to offer something new to the market. Home Credit wants to provide a good smartphone experience to a wider public with the help of our products.”
The OPPO F7 Youth will be accepting pre-orders from May 28 to June 1, 2018.

You may visit www.homecredit.ph for more information on Home Credit’s promos for OPPO, store locations, and loans.

Samsung TV Kicks Off its 20th Anniversary with Special Offers from May 31 to June 3!

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For 20 years, Samsung has been providing Filipino families with powerful TV moments that they can share at home. From May 31 to June 3, 2018, they are kicking off this joyous celebration by offering special discounts and freebies in select stores on their Anniversary models. This limited-time offer is your chance to experience the best in home entertainment!

Score great deals on the QLED TV, Premium Ultra High Definition (PUHD) TV, and Curved UHD TV. These TVs have changed the standards of the industry with its life-like picture quality, space-saving sleek design, and cutting-edge smart features for a simplified, yet immersive viewing experience.

In addition to the special discount, get a FREE Samsung Soundbar, Platinum Karaoke with Microphone, or Samsung Wireless Rear Speakers along with your new device.

This exclusive promo will be available in select stores of the following Samsung Authorized dealers:

• Abenson
• Addessa
• All Home
• Ansons
• Automatic
• EMCOR
• First Family
• Imperial Mega Showroom
• Landers
• Magic
• Robinsons
• Savers
• SM
• Solidmark

The Anniversary Kickoff promo is Samsung TV’s way of expressing its heartfelt gratitude to its loyal customers and supporters over the past two decades. Looking ahead, the tech giant will continue to develop exciting innovations that will elevate the whole entertainment experience further.

Do not let the opportunity to create more powerful family moments with Samsung TVs pass! Know more about this by visiting Samsung Electronics Philippines’ official Facebook page or samsung.com/ph/offer/20thAnnivPromoAV/.

Eastern Communications revitalizes client recognition program with the Link VIP Gold Club

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In its continued effort to forge stronger connections with long-term clients, Eastern Communications held a special movie screening to launch their Link VIP Gold Club.

Held at the SM Mall of Asia Cinema last May 25, 2018, members were treated to a night of full of intergalactic adventures and swashbuckling action with the much awaited big ticket film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. A spinoff film from the Star Wars franchise, Solo features the story of young Han Solo, setting the course for how this adventurer becomes one of the universe’s most unlikely heroes.

The Link VIP Gold Club aims to provide even better service for long-term customers. Gold members will be able to enjoy top tier benefits, such as invitations to special screenings and other perks, plus 24-7 customer support that will allow questions to be resolved with speed and ease.

Catherine Muynila, Eastern Communications’ Marketing Division Head, shares that “We [Eastern Communications] want to express our gratitude to our long-term clients by creating this new program that will allow them to enjoy the high touch service that Eastern Communications is known for.”

One of the country’s premier telecommunications company, Eastern Communications is committed to not only providing enterprises with a portfolio of dependable and affordable internet, data, and voice products, along with relevant business-centric managed offerings, but also highlighting the importance of human connections through its unique brand of “high tech and high touch” service.

For Eastern Communications, high touch means providing customer support that goes above and beyond the norm and offering client with personalized service and customized solutions to fit a client’s business needs. From entrepreneurs to established companies, Eastern Communications promises to become the partner of businesses of all sizes in achieving their goals.
The launch of the Link VIP Gold Club is part of Eastern Communications’ revitalized client recognition program. Earlier this year, Eastern Communications also celebrated the creation of the Eastern Link VIP Platinum Club, where members are entitled to a dedicated senior staff that will handle their billing, credit and collection concerns, along with access to an exclusive email address and hotline for their concerns.

Gold Members can also look forward to more exciting activities in the coming months as Eastern Communications’ Customer Service team continues to find more ways provide high touch service to their customers.

For more information on Eastern Communications’ products and services, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

The Medical City Launches its Center for Behavioral Health

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Mental Health has previously been in the background of overall health. Through the years, the World Health Organization (WHO) included mental health in its definition of health to emphasize its importance. The magnitude of the consequences of undetected and untreated mental illness has been evident in the number of suicide cases and increasing health costs.

According to the most recent data gathered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, the 3rd leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 14 and the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-24.” According to the data, “the United States has lost $193.2 billion of earnings per year from serious mental illness.”

As a response, the Department of Health (DOH) has improved and increased its mental health programs which include a Suicide Prevention Program in partnership with a non-government organization. The Philippine Psychiatric Association has also sponsored the Philippine Mental Health Act to help make mental health services more accessible in the country.

The Medical City (TMC) Department of Psychiatry, being the only private institution in the country that offers complete psychiatry subspecialties, also takes a more active role in addressing the growing mental health needs of the country. Hence, the Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) was established.

The CBH is the first in the country to offer services that cover the entire continuum of mental health care – from wellness to illness; from assessment to early recognition, to therapeutic intervention to home care; from care that necessitates one therapist to care that necessitates shared responsibility among several team members; from individual therapy to group therapy, and from promotive to preventive care. The CBH is headed by Dr. Mary Daryl Joyce Lindo-Calleja.

Aside from General and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry services, the CBH offers services to address addiction, and children and teens’ behavioral health challenges.

The CBH’s Addiction Psychiatry Services include an Outpatient Detoxification Program, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and Relapse Prevention I and II. The outpatient detoxification program is designed for patients with a history of substance abuse who wish to undergo detoxification to get rid of the substance and its ill effects.

The Motivational Enhancement Therapy or MET is a five-session module designed for patients with a history of substance abuse who wish to live a life of sobriety, but are also undecided about abstaining and how to initiate change. There are two programs under Relapse Prevention, namely Group Therapy and Distress Tolerance and Emotion Regulation Skills Training.

The following services are being offered to address children and adolescents’ mental health concerns − Group Therapy for Teens, The Parenting Toolkit, and School Mental Health Consult. The Group Therapy for Teens is a group therapy module for adolescents with depression and anxiety designed to enhance self-esteem, utilizing arts-based activities and sharing of experiences to foster a sense of group cohesion and individual empowerment.

The Parenting Toolkit is a half-day workshop designed to teach parents effective skills to raise emotionally and behaviorally healthy children. It combines lectures, role playing, and case-based group discussions. Separate workshops are designed for pre-school and school-age children as well as adolescents.

The School Mental Health Consult is a consultation service designed to continuously provide school counselors and administrators expert assistance on how to address the myriad mental health challenges schools face today.

For more information, please call the Center for Behavioral Health at 9881000 ext. 6135 or 6282.

What would the ideal workspace for millennials look like?

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If an imposing or isolated desk, and a nameplate on the door defined the ideal office space of the 80s and 90s, today’s employees want the exact opposite. With millennials taking over the workforce, it’s time to reconsider just how at tune an existing work space is with their needs.

Founder and owner of the BOOGI concept and furniture store, Burkhardt Zipperich, said that the workspace needed today is one that is responsive to the needs of its users at a particular time.

“Millennials require more than just a desk and chair; they need space that can easily adapt to the need at hand – whether it is for them to prevent external distractions, or to create a space that would be conducive for collaboration and the free flow of ideas,” Zipperich said.

Meeting the needs of millennials are ergonomic, functional, and cool office furniture pieces from some of the multi-awarded European furniture brands housed in BOOGI. One particular brand that stands out is Actiu, one of the most innovative Spanish furniture brands that have been consistently receiving awards in its home country and across Europe.

Banking on its Cool Working Space ideology, Actiu has designed workspace furniture, taking into consideration the changing individual functions and the various ways of collaboration. Initially implemented in their offices across the globe, the Cool Working Space business strategy eventually found its way into the design concept.

In February, Actiu was bestowed with the National Innovation and Design Award by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Dubbed as the highest award for design in Spain, it recognized the excellence and exemplary career of Actiu in the field of design and innovation.

“The Cool Working Space of Actiu actually promotes collaboration, improves focus, and enhances team work. But the best thing about the workspace made with Actiu is how it can easily adapt without sacrificing its primary functions,” said Zipperich.

BOOGI is located along Arnaiz Avenue in Makati City.

Seascape Village Redefines Dining Experience in Metro Manila

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Seafood indulgence in Metro Manila is on a whole new level with the opening of Seascape Village Bay Market.

Seascape Village Bay Market is home to restaurants that offer Filipino, Asian, and fusion cuisines, and a wet and dry market that features fresh seafood trading. It is also a place where dining customers can enjoy an unobstructed view of the glorious Manila Bay sunset.

The Philippines being a tropical archipelago, is also one of the world’s primary sources of fresh seafood. It comes as no surprise for locals and tourists to search for dining places that specialize in seafood. Setting apart the Bay Market is the unique experience of how it elevates the whole process of seafood dining – from selecting fresh and live fish, crabs, shells, and even lobsters, to choosing how it will be cooked – something that everyone is sure to enjoy.

“We really wanted to bring a new experience for locals and tourists alike. Seafood is one of the bountiful resources that we have and with Seascape Village, we are able to bring a more interactive experience to dining,” said Christine Suntay, Seascape Village Marketing and Events Head.

To cater to different segments, the Seascape Village Bay Market has several restaurants that offer various price points – from casual gatherings to the more refined dining. Seascape Village is home to Mr. A’s Bar, Asian Taste Restaurant, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps, Darwin’s Café Hong Kong Special, Fish Music Bar, GoGo Kitchen, Golden China, Golden Fortune, Lhong-E, Lola Ina’s Seafood Paluto Restaurant, Mazu Seaside Diner, Wow Cow Fresh Beef Hot Pot, Yatai Asian Cuisine, and other exciting food stalls.

The Seascape Village Bay Market is the first of the four phases of Seascape Village, which are all set to open in the next two years. The second phase is geared towards lifestyle and wellness. The third phase of the development is all about events and entertainment while the fourth phase will feature a hotel and commercial complex. Upon its completion, one of the main highlights of the property is a beachfront that accords a view of Manila Bay and its famous sunset.

Seascape Village is located at Atang dela Rama Street corner Zoilo Hilario Street, in between Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel and the Manila Film Center, within the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City.

SHELL HELIX ULTRA GIVES ULTIMATE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND PROTECTION

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No matter the challenges on the road, Shell Helix Ultra is designed to meet every motorists’ needs. Developed using ground breaking technology, Shell Helix Ultra is the first natural gas-based fully synthetic oil that can withstand it all, enabling its users to drive on uninterrupted. Made with PurePlus technology, it has less of the impurities and sediments found in crude-based oils that can cause engine damage and corrosion over time.

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By delivering superior protection for ultimate engine performance, car engines are fully protected from extreme temperatures to urban city stresses. Shell Helix Ultra stays stronger for longer to provide superior protection against wear, up to 32% better resistance to oil degradation and up to 50% less evaporation to deliver on fuel and engine efficiency. With its active cleansing technology, it also protects from harmful sludge and deposits that can seriously affect the car’s engine power and performance.

With confidence in the long-lasting engine performance of Shell Helix Ultra, Shell is now offering drivers added peace of mind and the confidence to drive without worry. AXA Partners Philippines, one of the largest and fastest growing assistance solutions companies in the country, joins Shell to provide Shell Helix Ultra users with an extended engine warranty for up to 12 years (or 200,000km). Because Shell stands by its products, the warranty will cover engine problems caused by lubrication issues. For added protection and value, Shell will provide Shell Helix Ultra users with two roadside assistance every six months for peace of mind on the road. Incidents can include towing and minor repairs like accidents, breakdowns, flat tires, battery boosting, emergency fuel delivery, and sending of locksmith.

On top of the extended engine warranty and free roadside assistance, Shell Helix Ultra users can experience world-class service at Shell Helix Oil Change+ centers, one of the most convenient, affordable, and best quality service centers available in the market. Shell Helix Oil Change+ service centers are fully equipped with a complete vehicle servicing set-up and comfortable customer lounges with Wi-Fi access and viewing windows. All technicians are highly trained and certified by the Don Bosco Technical Institute, a premier institution for driver education and for technical-vocational training. Shell Helix Oil Change+ goes the extra mile by providing comprehensive historical data for future visits and free service reminders for car owners’ ease and convenience.

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With over 100 years of experience, Shell has proven time and again why it is one of the most trusted leaders in the energy and petroleum industry, and the number 1 global lubricants supplier for 11 years now according to the Kline Global Report. Shell’s partner OEM manufacturers globally and locally including Ferrari, Maserati, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Subaru, Mercedes Benz, Jeep, and Hyundai are confident that Shell Helix Ultra lives up to its guarantee. Fueled by these smarter mobility partnerships, Shell Helix Ultra keeps car engines running stronger for longer, enabling the passion for driving.

For more information on the extended warranty, free roadside assistance, and Shell Helix Oil Change+ locations, visit http://share.shell.com/consumer/ph

The Advantage of a Human Resource Expert in Recruitment’s Digitized Ecosystem

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In recent years, the human resource function in any organization has undergone many changes, from the recruitment processes to employee retention efforts and performance management systems. Most management teams have found and continue to find ways to make human resource acquisition, retention and development more convenient for both the job applicant and employer as seen in some of the latest trends in recruitment such as chatbots, AI, and machine learning which are examples cited by Jake Go, CEO and co-founder of pioneering recruitment firm Springboard Philippines.

Springboard is a company that aims to bridge the gap between the employer and job seeker, to be the launchpad for careers and company growth. The firm is organizer of the upcoming Wake Up Manila, a unique job convention with the purpose of strategically matching the right job candidates and companies.

Recruitment’s screening process alone has significantly improved through technological advances such as automated systems that are starting to imitate Google’s way of tailor fitting ads using a person’s user data to learn that person’s interests and needs. Most also use systems that narrow job candidates by using specific keyword searches that allow HR managers to scan resumes in a matter of seconds. Some of these tools include Entelo and TalentBin, which both use artificial intelligence to search for and pick the best fit among the candidates online. Job portals and job fairs now provide job seekers and companies a more convenient way of interacting through digital platforms.

The advent of social media has also provided some companies a new way of screening their applicants and vice versa. According to a survey by CareerBuilder in 2017, 70% of employers screen their candidates through social media before anything else. As of 2017, LinkedIn already has 500 million users while Facebook has 2.2 billion users. With the Philippines being the world’s “social media capital of the world,” spending an average of 4 hours online according to a survey by Hootsuite this year, a company’s online presence and branding is important to attract the right applicants.

According to the CEO of a software company in the USA, “Savvy candidates will evaluate company brands before applying to or accepting a job, much in the same way they evaluate consumer brands when shopping.” Interviews meanwhile can even be done through phone and video calls, allowing job applicants to be interviewed at the comfort of their own homes. With social media sites like Facebook and Glassdoor, applicants now have access to the company backdoor that allows them to get a glimpse of its environment, culture, and other factors they may be looking for.

Although technology has been beneficial to the recruitment process, Springboard co-founder Jake Go believes that no robot can replace human connection. “This somewhat idealistic view that we apply in our screening process is what made us successful in our work. We connect with every single one of our candidates, every single one of our clients. We treat them as friends, as people, and it worked,” said Mr. Go.

In their recruitment process, they have Human Resource Executives who conduct psychometric exams to determine level of commitment, intelligence, and cognitive ability, along with their long term suitability for the job role. This recruitment process leads to a 30-50% employment hit rate, a number of loyal clients since their first year, and a fast applicant replacement turnaround rate.

Now on their 5th year, Springboard aims to bring together both the employers and job seekers even closer through Wake Up Manila job convention. Happening on July 6 to 7, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Wake Up Manila will allow companies to “find the one” through engaging and fun interactions with job seekers to bring back that human connection amidst this digital world we live in.
For companies in search of new members, Springboard is inviting you to join them at this exciting job fair that give you the chance to bring you closer to the people that will help your company grow even further.

For inquiries about Wake Up Manila Job Convention, email jake@springboardph.com or tristan@springboardph.com.