after call sept 2013

8/13/2019 After Call Sept 2013

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EXPERIENTHE ART & SCIE

BEAUT

DAVAO BPO PAYSBELOW MINIMUMWAGE

DEALING WITH W&DIABET

SME CONTACENTERS UNPHILCALL LEVELS TH

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Pio Granada

Publisher

Bayan dela Cruz

Editor in Chief

Brian LuBusiness Development Director

Ruby Diaz

Advertising Manager

Xian Anzures

Managing Editor

Contributors

Writers

David Montecillo

Greg Yan

Photographers

Rap Yu

Layout and Design

Jiar Castillo

THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THEOUTSOURCING INDUSTRY

With each release of the magazine we have been hard at workrealigning our content to match the industrys agenda and the `dynamic IT-BPO culture. In this issue, we have prepared a guideto go to Puraran, Virac and Caramoan in our travel section. Inour health section, we have an article about coping with workand diabetes, as well as using meditation to help you rebootyour body.

We want to break all the myths, the prejudices andmisconceptions that society harbors about the industry. This iswhy we would like to extend our invitationfor you to forward your success stories to us. You may contact

us through e-mail at [email protected] or hit us up on facebook: www.facebook.com/ AfterCallMag. We would also want to encourage IT-BPO professionals to contribute to the magazineeither as writers, photographers, and models or suggest topics for the magazine, as we want themagazine to continue to be the true blue IT-BPO magazine by the BPO people for the BPO people.

Thanks,

Bayan Dela CruzEditor-in-Chief

Editors Note

Publishers NoteFilipino IT-BPO Heroes

I especially like Convergyss recent campaign ofportraying their employees as heroes, for their contributionto the Filipino family and the Philippine economy. I commendthis campaign because for over a decade the economicalimpact of the people of the IT-BPO industry has been mostlyunsung. In fact its majority call center agents have beenslandered, maligned, and insulted by the very society itcontributes to, making this campaign a refreshing reversal.I myself would like to point out another hero the FilipinoIT-BPO entrepreneur.

Perhaps unnoticed for over a decade now, Filipinoowned IT-BPO companies have been slugging it out with multinational giants like Sykes,Teleperformance, and Convergys. Most of these Filipino owned companies have either mergedor been bought out by foreigners. Right now, the ones left are on the SME (small and mediumenterprises) scale, the likes of Pilipinas Teleserv and Magellan Solutions both 100% Filipino owned.I believe that it is a heroic effort that they continue to compete on a global level.

Last year, the IT-BPO industry bagged a gross of US $ 13.5 billion. My question is how muchof these billions stay in the country. I suppose, a huge chunk of the net profit goes back to foreignstakeholders based overseas. I have nothing against this as this is their right. However, I want togive honor and distinction to the Filipino Entrepreneurs in the IT-BPO industry as their 100% pinoyowned companies ensure that most of their earnings stay in our country. For more on this, pleaseread our article on Philcall, an association of 100% Filipino owned IT-BPO companies on pages

four to five.I hope we could see more of these companies in the future, as I believe that 100% Filipinoowned companies can beat multinational counterparts, and that seeing a better saturation ofFilipino owned companies will mean more Filipinos will feel the benefits of the IT-BPO industry.It is also my hope that the government would give more support to these Filipino companies on apolicy level. At the greatest rate, I would like to take this opportunity to give my highest respect andsincerest salute to todays unsung economic hero the IT-BPO entrepreneur.

Respectfully

Pio GranadaThe Publisher magazine is published by Gorilla Trad

For advertising & printingplease call: 355-9811

Email: [email protected]: www.aftercallmag.com

ON THE COVER

PHOTOGRAPHER: RAP YUMODEL: THERLYN ALCUITAS

STYLIST: SKY GAVINHAIR & MAKE-UP: TONI RODRIG


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SME CONTACTCENTERS UNITE

PHILCALL LEVELS THE FIELD

The Philippine Call Centers Alliance, Inc. (PhilCall) is a newly organized association of SME (SmaMedium enterprises), Filipino-owned call centers all over the country. The organizations operatingphilosophy is to set a high standard of customer relations management and professional ethicsamong its members; to be in the forefront of instituting industry alliances and linkages; and bring into thnational and international path the added value of working with SME Call Centers. PhilCalls key objectiveis to serve as a prime catalyst for continuous advocacy and reforms for industry development.

Business Process Outsourcing has developed into a

major driver of performance and strategic transformationin businesses today. With the countrys rapid BPOindustry growth estimated at 40-50% annually, thePhilippines is strategically poised to seize a bigger stakein the global outsourced service business with its largepool of highly skilled, English-speaking and customerservice oriented workforce.

The Philippine BPO scenario has evolved beyond itsestablished model of international companies operatingwith a thousand-seat capacity. Small & medium homegrown contact centers nationwide have come into play

serving as conduits for ICT growth in the locality as

it creates a ripple effect in the local economy with itsincreasing demand for technology, infrastructure andmanpower.

PhilCall is open for regular membership to allmajority Filipino-owned call centers running an operatingseat capacity of 200 seats or less with a sincereinterest in upholding industry growth and development. The Association also accepts associate members forcompanies whose business activities support those ofthe regular members e.g., Voip and software providers,training and recruitment centers, etc.

The Office

www.aftercallmag.com


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PhilCall is headed by the CEO of MagellanSolutions Fred Chua. After Call, interviewed him toknow more about PhilCall.

What is PhilCall? Philcall is an association of locally owned Small toMedium Sized call centers in the Philippines which

brings into the national and international path theadded value of working with SME call centers.

What is the difference of PhilCall with CCAP?

PhilCall aims to help startup and struggling SMElocally owned call centers succeed in this verycomplex and dynamic industry. Unlike CCAP, asPhilCall accepts call centers with less than 50 seats.It is unlike CCAP, since the major concern of SME callcenters is getting clients, PhilCall plans to proactivelymarket the association through marketing activities

abroad in the hopes of attracting potential clients tooutsource to its call center members.

What is the vision of PhilCall for the Call Centerindustry in the Philippines?

The Vision of PhilCall is to uplift the businesses ofFilipino-owned SME call centers through a uniedbusiness development marketing effort, bestpractices of similar companies, and awareness of ahigher standard of professional ethics which wouldessentially increase job creation in primary cities andoutlying areas around the country with successful callcenters being established.

What is your vision for the Small and Medium CallCenter Companies?

My own vision for the SME call center companies isto help grow locally owned them in the hopes thatthey become successful enough to be multinationalorganizations similar to the likes of Infosys of India.

What is your vision and direction for your owncompany?

My own vision for my company Magellan Solutionsis to grow it to a 2000 seat center in 4 years, and,establish a family culture environment thats a truecommunity.

What are the expectation and the benefits injoining PhilCall?

There are 8 major value propositions for joiningPhilCall:

1. Marketing and business development assistance2. Benchmarking and Best Practices with similarly

established call centers3. Human Resource Development and training4. Call center investor and shareholder networking

with like-minded entrepreneurs and business

owners in the same vertical.5. Advocacy and representation for Government

agencies6. Access to nancing and fund support7. Sourcing and special discounts from associated

suppliers and providers of call center services8. Recognition and certication of call center

capabilities.

Who are the members of PhilCall?

The members of PhilCall are mostly startupcompanies and SME centers in metro manila andprovincial areas. We have a total of 20+ participatingcenters.

Can you discuss the brief history of PhilCall?

PhilCall was established back in 2007 by a group ofcall centers that were deceived by bad brokers andconsultants that caused many similar companiesto fold up. The companies decided that theywanted to share their experiences, so that, no othercenters would fall under the same trap that theydid. Unfortunately, after one and a half years, theassociation became inactive due to the advent ofthe US Economic crisis in 2008, which crippled thethriving outbound telemarketing and lead generationprograms that were the lifeblood of most SME Filipinoowned call centers. With the help of a dedicated groupof individuals, we re-established the association thisyear with the same values and principles that thrive tohelp its SME call center members.

How to Contact PhilCall

Currently, the association holds its meetings at theMetro Club in Rockwell Makati every last Thursdayof the month from 2pm to 5pm. The temporary officeaddress is located in grounds as Magellan SolutionsOutsourcing, Inc. @ PB Mezzanine Floor, Summit One Tower, 530 Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City.

For more information, you may contact the PhilCallSecretariat,[email protected]. PhilCall hasa website at www.philcall.ph.



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an attending nurse or sick bay to cater for staff which onceagain is mandated by Filipino labour laws. As the companyhas no sick bay for those who would need to rest and are notfeeling well, workers are forced to sleep on a bench outsidethe premises or at a local canteen located outside the office.Given the company has over 1,000 employees, that can be abusy bench. The company works through the night servicing its US clientsyet provides no break out areas. Instead, agents are forcedto go outside the building and look for a canteen. Given thatover half the employees are female, from an OH&S point ofview that is putting their night crew at serious risk. Neither arethere any re or emergency exits provided. If there was a re it

could be a catastrophe somewhat similar to the recentdisaster in Bangladesh.

Yet if they complain they can expect somerough treatment from the company and it

would appear that the local police are inon the game. The company, at its owndiscretion, can accuse and have theseworkers arrested accusing them ofstealing clients and client informationand working for them in their own time.

The police need no evidence to searcha persons home and seize what ever

they like, including computer lesand equipment. Not only is thishighly irregular and moreover illegal,

it is tramping on their civil rights anddenying them natural justice.

The Sauce will continue investigating thisstory and hopefully soon will be able to name the

BPO provider in question.

Everybody understands that one of the drivers to outsourcein the rst place is the cost differential between westerncountries and these developing nations, and that outsourcinghelps to redistribute wealth around the globe. It has helped

in bringing millions of people across the world out of poverty.

This bottom feeder organisation tarnishes the reputation ofthe Philippines entire industry by exploiting its work force. Theclients of this company are most likely completely unaware ofwhat is going on in their name. One of the clients is a religiouscharity and another is a kids safety program which kind ofsmacks of double standards. None the less ignorance of thesepractices is no excuse and in the same way that corporategiants like Apple or Nike look at their supply chain so to shouldcompanies or individuals who are using these cheap as chipsoutsourcing service providers.

The Sauce has received shocking reports on the

treatment and conditions of contact centre workers inDavao city, the Philippines. Working for a BPO providerowned and operated by an American citizen, the

workers are being paid less than half of the minimum livingwage needed in the Philippines. And those who complain arelikely to receive a visit from the local police and authorities.

Earlier this month, we received a note from an employee(we have withheld the name of this employee and others wehave interviewed for their protection) who works as a virtualassistant (VA) and gets paid $US 1 per hour for an 8 hourday. The company they work for charges its clientsbetween US6.30 and $8.70 an hour dependingupon the number of hours worked.

On these numbers the wagescomponent is between 11% to 16%of the revenue generated. Given thatthis is a business that you buy by thehour the gross prot component isimpressive.

The only problem is that this protis achieved by exploiting knowledgeworkers who are powerless tostand up to the exploitation. Clearly

these slave wages are not enough tosurvive on and they fall well short of theminimum rate of $US 350 per monthmandated by local authorities. Most ofthese workers are forced by necessityto take on additional work via on lineplatforms like freelancer.com, Guro.com, Odeskand eLancer.com just to make ends meet.One worker we spoke to sleeps on average 3 hours a day as hestruggles to put food on the table for his young family. Thiscompany also exploits these hapless workers whoare desperate for work by paying them US$2.50a day (Training Allowance) and t a k i n g

two to three months to train them.

The Philippines is a place where access tomedical assistance is provided by the employer. In factits a standard part of the employment conditions for BPOservice providers, so people rely upon it as part and parcelof their employment rights, however this company makes itsemployees wait a whole year before they allow them to receiveany company funded health benets.

The situation is not all that much better after the rst yearprobation period is over as the company does not provide


the workersare being paid

less than half of theminimum living wage

needed in the Philippines.And those who complain

are likely to receive a visitfrom the local policeand authorities.

From: http://thesauce.net.auRepublished with the permission of Martin Conboy, Publisher, The Sauce


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InterGlobe Technologies (IGT) is a global traveldomain expert providing travel technology and BPOservices that help maximize business performancefor its customers. IGT is committed to delivering innovationand business excellence across the entire spectrum ofthe travel and hospitality domain. The company offersIntegrated Application Development and MaintenanceContact Center, Back Office Services and SolutionFrameworks to the travel industry worldwide.

This year, InterGlobe Technologies launched its rstSearch for the Next Faces of IGT which showcase not only

the individual diversity of its employee but also the diversitycampaign of the company for being distinct from other BPOCompany.

Chito one of the organizers of the pagaent said that youcan be you; we encourage every one to be who they are andsupport them as well.

The nalists of the Next faces will represent the companyin corporate ad campaigns and other promotional activities.

Marcel from India, one of the nalists is an expat andpioneer of IGT gave an insight on working at IGT. I started asa bouncer in a disco in India my work their is not to technical,when I rst worked in IGT, I saw the technicalities, at rst Ithought that I could not do it and Id rather go back to India, but

here in IGT they give you enough room to cope with everythingand to grow. Here in IGT we treat every one as family.There are misconceptions when it deals with the BPO

industry, like its a dead end job and not really a career, but thismisconception are only created by the people who are workingor have worked in the BPO industry. These people are the onewho are not satised or impatient they seek for another job. Buthere in IGT we gave the people space, we make them stable bytaking care of them that is the difference of IGT with the otherBPO company, Marcel added.

IGT is a part of InterGlobe Enterprises Limited a leader inaviation and travel related services. With its footprint, spanningacross the globe from 10 state-of-the-art delivery centers IGT

employs over 5000 travel experts worldwide.

Christian V. Anzures

Photo by: Xian Kahlil Anzures

The IGT Contestants



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The elite beauty spot for dishy perfection boasts anambience of luxe, chic sophistication that pervades asone steps into the entryway, its architecture is done in apalette of gold on green accented with harmonious huesreminiscent of greek mythology, interspersed with moderntouches of chrome. It is more than posh. This creative,fabulous beauty clinic is the scene.

Our homey feel along with personalized service arewhat our patients like about us. We talked and walkedthrough nearly every detail of the client experience atAescultura, to be positive that it would be what we wanted:perfect and tasteful, says Dra. Loves Labaniego-Liwag, theclinics Operations Manager.

With the proliferation of beauty clinics all over thecountry, Ms. Dang Tan, owner of Aescultura quippedWe are simply different she added, We are not here tocompete or aim to be most renowned, we are here for ourclients satisfaction, and our own satisfaction in knowingthat we have helped bring out the beauty in them.

B u t the beauty of Aescultura does notstop there, clients when asked,

would readily answer

superb when askedabout satisfaction, theyclearly put a premiumon superior service,the aestheticians havethe lightest hands that

instantaneouslyputs a client

at ease ontreatments

t h a tw o u l d

Exper ience the Ar t and Sc ienceof Beauty a t Aescul tura

Ruby Diaz

otherwise give them jitters. The staff keeps tabs on theclients needs, that would make you want to give thema gold star, the instant you park your car, an attendantwould be at your door with an umbrella to escortyou inside, talk about exceptional service! They sureknow how to go the extra mile.

For their anniversary offering, the guestsw e r e greeted with either a glass ofwine or a refreshi ng iced tea drink top r e p t h em for a day of free

treatments andsampling premium itemGuests were als

given exclusivAescultura

s o a p s e s p e c i a l l ym a d e t o a n s w e revery Skin problem

Nurses and attendants are apt toanswer every query a guest may have

on services offered by the clinic, to top it

all, freebies and humongous discounts weregranted to their loyal and growing clientele. The launch of a new treatment called Zen obagi

skin health facial which is offered only at Aesculturacoincided with the anniversary; its a comprehensivetreatment for the face that is suitable for any skin type. Wecontinuously offer products and look for revolutionarytreatments that would further service for our patientsand cater to their every need explained Dra. LovesLabaniego-Liwag

For a relatively young beauty clinic, the futureof Aescultura looks bright indeed, Weare planning of putting up more clinics in strategic

areas in our country, and we want to further ourreach, for them to experience how we treat every job as a masterpiece. In the meantime, the whole

team works to be at par with the best in the world,because our clients deserve only the best saysMs. Dang Tan.

You could reach AESCULTURA AAND SCIENCE BEAUTY at +63(2) 376G/F Future Point Building, 112 Panay Avenue

Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.


Get ready to enter a fab beauty clinic, where luxury, pampering and style abound. The ultimate destination forbody and skin celebrated six beautiful years last July 6, 2013. Aescultura, the art and science of beauty is ind

in its prime.


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Looks like a scene from the Matrix, I muse while fighting thenotorious Tubbataha Reef current, which is trying its best topeel our fish counting team off a coral-covered wall into openwater where hungry hammerheads lie waiting.

Around us, forming a dense cloud of coloured confettiabove jagged heads of stag horn coral is a massive,pulsating shoal of Anthias and damselsh. Easily ten-thousand strong, the coloured mass seemingly swims andfeeds as one just like the squid-like sentinel swarms inthe Matrix. The sh are obviously having no trouble with thecurrent.

Having spent the last two hours counting sh, TubbatahaMarine Park Rangers Seconds Conales, Manny Bundal,Jeffrey David and I are now struggling 30 feet below thesunlit waters of Tubbataha South Atoll, trying to retrieve100-meter transect lines used as guides to count not justsh, but invertebrates, substrate types and reef damage aswell.

Though conducted annually, this years researchexpedition is way out of the ordinary for not one, but twolarge ships ran aground the famed reefs coral-coated atolls.Led by renowned coral scientist Dr. Al Licuanan, divers from

the Tubbataha Management Office, Department of Scienceand Technology, World Wide Fund for Nature, University ofthe Philippines Marine Science Institute and De La SalleUniversity have already witnessed rst-hand the effects ofship groundings on one of Earths richest marine biodiversitybastions.

All week Ive been haunted by images of crushed coral,pulverized to grit. Ive been trying to envision how thescars can heal, but Im totally stumped. Transformed intograveyards of broken coral and bare rock, the groundingsites hosted only surgeonsh drab-hued reef residents,

easily eclipsed by the reefs shinier stars.We wait and ght on as the current gets stronger.

THE CRADLE OF LIFE Bursting through the vastness of the Sulu Sea, 160kilometres southeast of Puerto Princesa in Palawan are thetwin atolls of Tubbataha, spectacular worlds brimming withwealth both beneath and beyond the blue. Formed from theeruption of undersea volcanoes over 15 million years ago, Tubbataha for the Philippines is what the Serengeti is forAfrica an unmatched cradle of life. It is the undisputed jewel of the Coral Triangle.

T h e F i s h C o u n t s

0 www.aftercallmag.com

Gregg Yan

Travel &Ecology


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A multi-awarded UNESCO World Heritage site whichcelebrates its 25th anniversary this 2013, the 97,030-hectareNatural Marine Park and no-take zone encompasses bothatolls plus nearby Jessie Beazley reef.

Tubbataha earned its moniker from visiting Samaltribesmen who called it long reef after the exposedcoral formations revealed daily by the tide, explains WWF Tubbataha Project Manager Marivel Dygico. It is accessiblevia a 12-hour live-aboard cruise from Puerto Princesa City,though strong waves conne recreational diving to themonths of April, May and June.

It is a sh-lovers wet dream, as over 600 types of sh ranging from the ngernail-sized pygmy seahorse to theoccasional truck-sized whale shark patrol coral-coatedslopes and dramatic drop-offs. Each dive reveals a treasuretrove of nned jewels, distinguished by the way they swim.Adorned in gold and amber, buttery sh strut like beautyqueens. Trailing sweetlips follow us with schoolboy curiosity.Ghostly silver batsh swim with creepiness, while grey reefsharks exude pure awesomeness.

The area also hosts 360 species of coral, 14 speciesof shark, 12 species of whale and dolphin, endangeredgreen sea and hawksbill turtles plus over a hundred seabirdspecies, adds Dygico.

All this biodiversity translates to unrivalled productivity.Whereas a typical square kilometre of healthy coral reefannually yields up to 40 metric tonnes of seafood yearly, Tubbataha generates over 200. Though shing within the parkis not allowed, the larval dispersal effects continually seedthe far reaches of the Sulu Sea with sh and invertebratespawn.

Above the blue yonder peek two tiny land masses spacedeight kilometres apart. North Atoll spans 12,435sq m andhosts over 200 trees, many shorn and pitted by ravenousred-footed boobies. The scrubby landscape rises no higherthan two meters above the sea. South Atoll is much smaller,at 3140sq m. A meter-high concrete wall, cracked and pittedby the elements, forms a protective ring against erosion,while a solar-powered lighthouse erected in 1980 by thePhilippine Coast Guard stands sentinel over all.

Sadly, both atolls bore back-to-back bruises from shipgroundings this year.

A TALE OF TWO SHIPS On 17 January 2013, the USS Guardian, a 68-meter long USNavy warship, entered Tubbataha without proper clearanceto accidentally plough into the north-western portion of SouthAtoll. Though its 79-man detail was swiftly evacuated, it took73 excruciating days and $45 million to slice and remove

the 1300-tonne Avenger-class minesweeper from the reef.When the silt settled, Tubbataha South Atoll was 2345sq mof reef poorer.

Just eight days after the American warship was extracted,another vessel followed suit. On 8 April 2013, Tubbataha ParkRangers discovered the F/V Min Long Yu, a 48-meter longChinese poaching vessel, oundering a nautical mile east ofthe Ranger Station, part of Tubbataha North Atoll. Thoughsmaller than the wood-and-breglass hulled USS Guardian,the Chinese vessel was steel-hulled. This plus the fact thatthe craft kept bucking up, down and sideways, proved deadlyto the reef. By the time the craft was towed out 11 days later,3902sq m of reef had been obliterated, with some massive500-year old Porites corals sheared cleanly in half.

Our team spent days investigating both sites. Thoughthe reef damage was shocking, worse was to come. Addinginsult to injury, 2870 endangered pangolin carcasseswere found aboard the Chinese vessels holds. Thoughinternationally protected, poachers still hunt the harmlessmammals for their meat and scales to fuel the traditionalEast Asian medicine trade. Advocates the world over are upin arms to claim compensation for the groundings.

LITTLE DOCTORS Back in South Atoll, drab squads of surgeonsh whiz by asSeconds secures the last transect. Suddenly, the striped shstart to, well shimmer. Dumbfounded, I soon rememberwhat Tubbataha Park Superintendent Angelique Songcotold us before our dive. When the tide shifts, hot water fromthe lagoon mixes with cold water from the depths. The effectmakes the water glimmer.

Painted in a whole new light by this eerie phenomenon,I realize that these surgeonsh are far more than drab reef

denizens. Perpetually pecking and grazing, forever ignoredbecause of their dull colours, these unassuming sh are thesecret to Tubbatahas recovery. After visiting the groundingsite of the USS Guardian the day before, Dr. Licuananexplained his theory of reef regeneration. The key to it allmight be surgeonsh. Their constant grazing keeps algaefrom taking over the freshly-exposed rock. It is becauseof them that coral larvae will be allowed to resettle on thegrounding scars.

Named for the scalpel-like extensions by their tails, thesevaluable reef denizens are like real-life surgeons expertsat bringing things to life.

The sh count done, we begin our ascent, leaving Tubbataha in the hopeful hands of these little doctors. Andthough lacklustre in colour, they to me shone brighter thanany of the reefs other jewels.



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Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa is an intimate 4-hectaregreen resort nestled in the heart of Sabang Beach, PuertoPrincesa. Approximately, one hour and a half ride from the

airport and 20 minutes away to the spectacular SubterraneanUnderground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.The resort is located between the statuesque mountains andpicturesque beaches characterized by powdery sands, crystalclear waters and majestic view of mountains. Postcard perfectphoto-ops can be situated at different points within the wholearea, ideal also for scenic travel by a private helicopter. Theuntamed nature presents the impression of abundance atreasure trove of infinite possibilities.

The modern-classic concept and interiors appointed toembrace wide range of cultures and diversities, to balanceluxury and simplicity without a feeling of inhibition. Crafted95-rooms are equipped with Triple-A amenities, sensibleequipments, commanding breeze of highlands, and lushgardens. The focal point of the resort is the 340-footlong azure innity pool, reputed as one of the largestin Palawan, inset with a stunning Sip n Dip Pool Barperfect with our signature cocktails. Dining is lavish witha breathe of the beach at South Sea Restaurant that willtickle ones palate with distinctive avors of Asian-Westerncuisine, selected herbs and spices freshly picked from our50-hectares Sheridan Organic Farm, grilled premium seafoods, wood-re oven pizza, sumptuous buffet and nightlyentertainment of acoustic guitar. Dine Al Fresco andenjoy the beautiful ambience of the sea. Blue Bar invitesa toss of ne wines and spirits. For instant caf vibe, theLobby Lounge sets a variety of coolers, cakes, pastries,and array of good reads for mental stimulation. It is alsomerged with a souvenir shop that features classy SouthSea Pearls and gift items.

Fitness and thrill-seekers can pick range of activities; be it

By Marjiel P. Gono

in the Gym, Sports Bar or ATV in Sheridan Jungle Track.For water sailing, MV Sheridan Banca is tailored-t forzesty adventures await at the beach or sunset islandtours. Active children can stretch educational activitiesfor learning at Kids Club with anointed Medical clinicto ensure safety. These prestigious inclusions are wellintentioned to be Children and Family Friendly Resort.

In accordance to Going Green Advocacy, SheridanNature Spa incorporates the principle of Reuse, Reduceand Recycle, extended to resort operations. Based onthe holistic concept, we use only the best natural oilsand organic remedies for treatments. The aroma of freshowers and variety of massages by well trained therapists

do wonders to well being, inspired by rich Asian traditionand respect for peace and privacy.

For conventions and special events, function areas canhold a total of 450 persons by capacity complete withconference and banquet facilities. Event Executives areseasoned to plan, conceptualize and execute. The Foodand Beverage Team are dedicated to serve in various waysto accommodate by partitioning the set up at the beach orpool view. Romantic proposals, weddings, anniversariesand joyous celebrations of life are legendary and worthto cherish with a stunning backdrop of the beach and

manicured landscape.

The Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa is more than justa beach resort. It is a visionary property all geared forromantic venture, tranquil sanctuary, healthy lifestyle anddiscovery of natural beauty. Our commitment to protectand preserve natural environment delivers exceptionalservices and stronger team content to all our guests andvisitors. Our company spirit inspires warmth, sincerity andpassion.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa,Post Card Perfect


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To Gota, Puraran, and Back

Pio Granada

You have never truly experienced the country side until youve seen it from the top of a Pinoy jeepney.Riding with hog feed and boxes of Emperador light brandy, I was sunbathing on the rooftop of a passenger jeepney, shuttling me from Virac, Catanduanes to the town of Barras. I was in search of places that ringedof silence, stillness and peace; I was nding my sanctuary my church. In my junket to Caramoan, CamarinesSur, and Cataduanes, I have found many of these places, sometimes in between destinations. I want to share theunconventional route my friends and I took in nding these places: Manila Naga Caramoan Catanduanes Tabacoand back.

port, a van was waiting for us, which took us straight toGota Village Resort.

Where to stay and eat/ActivitiesIf you want the Survivor Experience then Gota VillageBeach (+63 920-9650390 or +63 920-9672942 look forResty Vidad, website: www.caramoanislands.com ) resort

is the only option. For a 3 days two nights package,the cost was Php 7,000 per head when went there. Thepackage included the following activities: Kayaking, islandhopping, rock climbing, and a nature hike. The roomincluded was a quaint one bedroom wood cabin, it had aqueen sized bed and two single beds. The package onlyincludes breakfast. The land and sea transfers (round trip)mentioned earlier are also included.

Gota Beach, CaramoanI have always wanted to go to Gota Village Resort for thepristine islands dotting its perimeter with powder whitesand comparable to that of Boracays. It is famous forbeing the place where different batches of Survivor stayed,and the islands where they shot different incarnations ofthe show.

How to get thereWe got to Gota Village Resort by way of Naga. We tooka bus from the Cubao terminal (behind Shopwise),specically the RSL bus, which had lazy boy seats and itsown comfort room. A ticket to Naga costs Php 1,200. Whenwe got to Naga, a shuttle from the Gota Village resort tookus to a port which took us straight to Caramoan. At the

Hunongan Co ve

If y ou i nt end t o sur f i n P ur ar an mak e sur e t o br i ng aqua

soc k s, and some ant i sept i c , as g oi ng t o t he r eef br ak e may

r equi r e y ou t o st ep on r oug h st ones w i t h shar p ed g es.


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is recommended. There is a wet market in the town ofBaras, buying food there before taking off for Puraran isa good idea, as lobsters are cheap in Catanduanes.

Obviously, the best thing to do here is surf. From Marchto May the waves here are small, so summer is the besttime to go for beginners, but if you want to ride theMajestic, then going to Puraran between July to Octoberis your best bet. In Puraran, I have found the solitude Iwas looking for. When I was at Gota beach, the peace Ienjoyed on the rst day was immediately destroyed bya trove of tourist doctors accompanied by their families,who seemed to invade the resort all at once, like aMongol horde. The other thing I enjoyed doing Puraranwas meditating in the middle of the beach with no one insight to disturb me.

Going back, we rented a van from the resort, which tookus to back Codon Port. From there we rode a roro goingto Tabaco, Albay and nally we rode a bus at the Tabacobus terminal.

My take away from the trip was that I saw Godsmajesty seeing magnicent rock formations (especiallyduring island hopping in Caramoan and on the boatride to Catanduanes), the powder white beaches andexperiencing being on the middle of the Pacic on a small

boat whilst being banged by waves. In the middle of theocean, I have never felt the magnitude and vastness ofGods creation. In its greatness, one may feel small, but Ididnt, rather I felt one with its endlessness. Undeniably,nature brings me closer to God than any church orreligion can, and in this adventure, this was the peace mysoul craved for and found.

Puraran Beach, CatanduanesI have never found tranquility like on Puraran beach,where everything was so still and silent, you can hearGod speak. Fabulous rock formations are blissfullyscattered on a shore laden with corals and stones.Puraran Beach is best known for being the home of theMajestic Waves, 7-footer barrel waves which pro-surferscrave to ride.

How to get thereWe got to Puraran by contracting a pump boat to take usdirectly to Catanduanes, while we were at Gota. The tripcost us Php 2,000 and about an hour. We arrived at theport town of Bislig, San Andres. From there, we took atricycle to the provincial capital of Virac. There we went

to the port of Codon, from there took a jeep going to thetown of Baras. I highly recommend riding on top of the jeep, not only did I get more natural air-conditioning, Igot to take in the sights and avoided the crammed spacein the regular passenger area. From Baras, you need totake a tricycle to nally take you to Puraran Beach.

Where to stay and eat/ActivitiesStaying in Puraran is a stark contrast to Gota VillageResort, here you get to rough it out in Nipa huts.Accommodations range from Php 500 to Php 800 a

night. The options here are Puraran Surf Resort ( +63 915764-9133, +63 949 134-3443, website: www.puraransurf.com) and Majestic Puraran (+63 919 558-1460, +63 927628 2251, website: http://www.majesticpuraran.com/). In Puraran, you cant expect the creature comforts inGota Village resort, save for a sari-sari store whichoffers cooked meals. Bringing your own food and booze

Go t a Be a ch

W ooden Cabins in Gota V illage Resor t


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Tucked in a hilly city in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges,this spa and resort is the perfect getaway for people whowant to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of urbanliving without going too far from the countrys capital.

Callospa and Resort in Antipolo City, a 45-minute drivefrom Metro Manila, is an escape and a haven in one. Itslandscape boasts of several species of plants that can onlybe found in exotic tropical locales. The lush surroundingsmake the summer a little less scorching and rainy daysheat breakingly romantic. Imagine raindrops falling onplants and on its man-made ponds, as you whisper sweetnothings to your signicant others ear.

The 1,900-square meter property of Evangeline Garciabecame famous for its spa services, with prices rangingfrom Php 400.00 to Php 1,000.00. You can relax for anhour or so from its array of massages, such as stone,lymphatic drainage, mandara twins, herbal compress,Ayurveda, signature massage and massage ventosa.

Other services include body and facial treatments foras low as Php 250.00. If a body scrub or a basic facialisnt enough to pamper yourself, then why not try footspa, manicure/ pedicure, Xiamen or Malaysian foot reex,and many, many more. A swimming pool is also ready tocomplement your stay.

More than being a spa, Callospa is also slowlybecoming a favoured destination for wedding. Fromphoto-shoots to the actual ceremony and reception, thisvenue has everything to make this important life event trulymemorable.

YOUR NEAREST

HAVENIN THE CITY

Callospas 24-hour Dream Wedding DestinationPackage costs only Php 178,000.00. This includes anexclusive resort use from 9:00 am to 7:00 am the next day,Brides family stays overnight at Tatami Room, Groomsfamily at the Family Suite. The Couples HoneymoonersSuite, on the day photo-ops at the spa, lights and soundsenergy charges is free. The package includes a buffet for

150 pax.Callospa is not just a wedding destination. Debuts

and other celebrations can also be held here. Companyoutings or barkada bondings are denitely welcomehere. Tournaments, team building sessions, reunions,meetings, childrens parties and other events can also beaccommodated. As a private resort, only one event at atime only is accommodated.

Aside from the pool, the spa and the rooms, youcan make your stay more enjoyable by singing withyour buddies using Callospas videoke. Complete yourexperience by trying its exfoliating steam room, relaxing

hot and cold Jacuzzi and detoxing sauna.Most popular here? Couples Affordable Overnight

Getaway at Php 4,000.00 during weekdays and Php4,500.00 for weekends. This includes use of the PremiumSuite, complimentary breakfast for two, swimming, anduse of sauna, Jacuzzi and 1 hour full body massage.

For packages, promos, rates and other informationabout Callospa, you can contact them through theirnumbers at (02) 6507889; (02) 5701376; 4014621;09228007889 or 09178243715. You can also email themat [email protected] or visit their website www.callospaweddings.com.

Photo by: Xian Kahlil



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What happens to a regular computer when there are too many programs, or windows, open and running at the same time? Eventualthe system hangs. The cursor doesnt respond, warning notifications appear rendering the computer useless. During this time peopleuse a set of simple of keyboard sequences that usually refresh the system: Control-Alt-Delete. Other keyboard action is pressingthe restart, reboot or just pulling the plug all together to give it a rest.

Alleviates stress Qigong improves physical

coordination and strength Manages blood pressure Improves sleep Enhances immune systems Releases toxic emotions Releases toxic emotions

and energy absorbed fromtoxic people.

Improves relating withothers

Improves creativity

Better focus andconcentration Improves condence and

self worth Relaxes nervous

system Good compliment

to Yoga and weightloss program.

Seeking clarity in timesof confusion.

Reboot with

Qigong & M editatioPeople are just like a regular PC. We go through the day withmany programs and windows running in our minds. These runningprograms come in the form of work deadlines, clients, customers,bosses, subordinates, personal and professional relationships,traffic and other things that threaten to make our mind and bodieshang. Although we dont have keyboards, we can reboot oursystems with Qigong and Meditation practices.

What is Qigong?Qigong (pronounced Chee-gong) is like the Chinese exercise TaiChi. Qigong uses slow, mindful movements to enhance the owof Qi (Chi) in the body. Qi is also known as Life-Force energy,and Prana in Yoga tradition. Through the practice of Qigong, lifeforce energy circulates through the body. The ow of Qi energy isessential for health in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi is also vitalin the generating power in the Martial Arts. The ow of Qi is just asimportant in rebooting the tired mind and body.

What is Meditation?Meditation is appreciating the present moment and being wherethe body is. Many times the modern persons mind is in the past,

1. Choose a place with littledistractions. If youre in theoffice, your work desk is neas long as the sounds areeasy to be with.

2. Sit on a comfortable chairwith feet at on the oor,hands on you lap, posturestraight but relaxed, closeyour eyes.

3. Take a deep breath for4 seconds. Do this byexpanding your diaphragmand with little movement onyour chest. Visualize the airgoing to your mid section.Hold for two seconds.

4. Exhale slowly for 4 to 5seconds. Imagine yourereleasing the stress Qi fromyour body and mind.

5. Breathe this way ve moretimes. Focus the mind on thebreath and the feeling of theexpansion and contraction ofthe diaphragm.

6. After the last breath,remember where you are andopen your eyes.

BenetsHow to

future and entertaining fears and anxieties. There are manymeditation styles that offer the same or similar benets. One mostsignicant benet is the balance of mind and body amidst tryingtimes. Qigong is considered moving meditation. Qigong seguesperfectly into stillness meditation. When the mind rests, the bodyfollows.

In these fast paced times, our minds are running with too manyprograms that get us closer to hanging like an overworked PC. Thespeed of technology and industry is constantly on the go. We as

human beings can only keep up for so long. The reboot protocolsof Qigong and meditation help the hard working professional and/orcity dweller to manage the demands of modern life. Unlike the PC,there is no risk to the system if humans make it a habit to rebootourselves.

If you would like to experience Qigong and Meditation to rebootyourself, with friends, or your company contact: [email protected], [email protected]

Health


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Busy professionals need a cup of rich, aromatic and full-flavored coffee to boost their energy in the morning andbreeze through the days challenges. Great Taste offers

Pinoys a chance to enjoy their daily pick-me-up in a sweeterblend with its 3-in-1 Brown coffee.

A delightful blend of coffee, non-dairy creamer andbrown sugar, Great Taste Brown has a distinct caramelizedavor. Moreover, coffee lovers can treat themselves to arich delicious cup for only PhP6 (suggested retail price).

On-the-go individuals can stay on top of their dailytasks with Great Taste Brown to help them stay alert

throughout the day. Busy professionals like call centeragents can also count on the delectable taste of Great Taste Brown to keep them energized during long hours ofwork. And thanks to its convenient 3-in-1 format, they canalways get that much-needed perk any time they want.

Keeping up with the requirements and demands ofmy job can be really stressful says Anne Lorraine, a callcenter training specialist. I l ike Great Taste Brown becauseit gives me the caffeine x I need without being too sweet.Its become a regular habit of mine to drink it after a dayswork.

Meanwhile, Czarina San Agustin, a systemsprogrammer, says Great Taste Brown is my reward for

when I get to nish all the items on my to-do list. I lookforward to making myself a cup every afternoon, or beforeI start on a new account. Its like getting a fresh boost ofenergy.

Czarina adds, Its a lot cheaper than going to acoffee shop. Ive saved a lot of money and time ever sinceincluding it in my grocery list. Now, even my friends arehooked on it!

Whether preparing for the busy day ahead or rewardingyourself for a job well done, Great Taste Brown can helpyou get the extra push you need to keep up with thechallenges of your day. Enjoy a cup of smooth, rich coffeenaturally sweetened with brown sugar, and in a moreconvenient, more affordable way throughGreat Taste Brown.

The newGreat TasteBrown, isavailable inall leadingsupermarkets,groceries,convenience storesand sari-sari storesnationwide.

Great Taste Brown

Pantry

Busy days madesweeter with


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F1 Hotel is the first hotel at theBonifacio Global City in MetroManila, inaugurated Luzvimindaa feast of ingredients, food and

collaboration of chefs in the wholeregion of the country. According to Mr.Tony Co Director for Operations of the F1Hotel, the idea is to promote the food andingredients that originate or could only befound in every region of the country. Thebanquet would be an everyday sequencethat would run until the 30th of June incelebration of the Fathers Day.

The F1 Hotel, F Caf lead by ChefSao Del Rosario, the Head Chef of thehotel invited chefs from different partof the country to highlight the Mastersway of cooking and presenting theirart. Some of the celebrity chefs thatare invited include; Chef Boy Logro forhis Visayan mastery of cooking, ChefMartin Jickain of Station Juan Caf forLuzon and Chef Karl John Noel andChef Paul Sydney Uy for Mindanao. The event does not only highlight thefood but it also illustrates the talent ofthe Filipino by providing more hype andquality service.

The luncheon buffet offers differentvariety of food or dishes that could befound only in a particular area of theregion, the chef introduces fusion withthe traditional dish that we know.

The launching show case also thetitle holder of the recent pageant of theMs. Earth which includes Ms. CaneilleSantos Fire, Ms. Kim Suiza water andMs. Angele Delos Reyes Earth andalso the participant of the said event.

F1 Hotel Manila was the rst hotelto open at the Bonifacio Global City thatoffers the high standards of services,starting from the facilities and amenitiesonto the food that they serve.

Located within walking distanceto shopping centers, corporate offices,recreational facilities and boutiqueshops. It is also a short drive fromdomestic and international airportsand even from other cities within theMetropolis. The Hotel offers 243 stylishrooms with 3 room categories; Deluxe

Launched Luzviminda;a Collaboration ofFood and IngredientsChristian V. Anzures

Rooms, City Suiteand Fort Suite toprovide its guestwith a luxuriousexperience.

F`1 Hotel has243 stylish guestrooms with 3

room categories- Deluxe Rooms,City Suite and FortSuite, to give itsguests a luxuriousexperience. Allrooms are wellappointed andinclude a choiceof king or doublebed. Each roomis equipped withan individuallycontrolled airc o n d i t i o n i n gsystem, a minimumof 2 line NDD/IDDaccess telephones,work desk withinternet ports,electronic safe,coffee & tea -making facility, LCD TV, iPod dock withradio and alarm,and walk-in shower.

F Cafe Head Chef , Chef Sao Del Rosario

Photos by: Xian Kahlil Anzures

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TONY CO (Center) WITH RAN

HOST SAM OH INTERVIEWS THE CHEFS



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Celebrity group Manoeuvres, through member Gringo Baring, nowteaches Hip-Hop classes at the newly-opened I-Dance Studio locatedat The Penthouse Level of Future Point Plaza 3 Building along Panay

Ave. Classes are scheduled every Saturdays 11:00am-12:00pm for theintermediate level while the advanced class is at 3:00-4:00pm.

According to business owner Ms. Dang Tan, the idea of putting up a dancestudio was suggested by her friend Mr. Jon Supan, pioneer and managerof Maneouvres group, the good-looking male dancers that served as theof cial back-up dancers of Mr. Gary Valenciano during the 80s to mid 2000.

From the beginning, Jon knows about my passion for dancing. He mademe realize that through this business, I can regularly dance and keep myselft, while at the same time, help dancers, beginners and pros alike, nd theirsecond home in I-Dance Studio, said Ms. Tan at the grand launch of thestudio in a Mardi Gras party She adds that it is important for a dance studio to be built with the well-beingof consumers primarily in mind. We put premium on quality, hospitality, andcomfort among others, things that will make our students look forward towearing their dancing shoes again with us. I-Dance also extends one-on-one coaching sessions to those who havemissed their classes, or simply to those who prefer close supervision withthe instructor.

The studio can gladly accommodate requests of students who want tostudy other types of classes other than ballroom dancing, hip hop, and thefast-rising class I-Yoga. Soon, salsa, striptease and belly dancing will beincluded. Like dancing, managing a dance studio requires openness, patience, anddynamism. We are excited to hear more from our guests, and together wecan make I-Dance Studio better in whatever way we can, explained Tan. Thanks to its owners eye for details and aesthetics, the studio is not only aneye candy but also a haven of comfort. I-Dance Studio uses a state-of-theart technology for its ooring system so that the dancers will be protectedfrom the impact of the oor while they dance. During the launch, Quezon City of cials Rep. Kit Belmonte, CouncilorMarivic Co-Pilar and Fiscal Luchi Marcos joined Ms. Dang and husband Dr.Edwin Tan, a seasoned real estate developer, in the opening rites. For inquiries and studio bookings, please call 961-6410 or visitwww.idancestudio.ph or like their page @www.facebook.com/idancestudiophilippines

like a

CELEBRETYA popularall-male dancegroup forms part ofthe pool of expert instructors at

the newest dance studio in the busydistrict of Quezon City.

DANCE

at I-DANCESTUDIO

Ruby D




SMAC intensifying pace of business transformatioIT-BPM unleashes innovation

with social, mobility, analytics, and cloud(Manila, Philippines)The advent of the

information technology (IT) architecture calledSMAC, or social, mobility, analytics, and cloud, israising the stakes for the global business processmanagement (BPM) industry, opening up insights,new revenue streams and greater service impactthrough innovation.

SMAC is unleashing innovation at a rapid pace.It is transcending the digital space and revolutionizingthe IT-BPM value chain, says Jose Mari Mercado,president and chief executive of the Information Technology and Business Process Association ofthe Philippines (IBPAP). Access to credible, rich andcompelling data and channels allows companiesto compete better as well as manage risk. In manycases, it liberates organizations from incorrect

assumptions that dene their strategies or goals.Dubbed as a stack, SMAC components mustoperate as an integrated system of processinginformation to deliver maximum business innovationand value. Social and mobility solutions are seenas effective drivers of productivity and engagement,while business analytics and cloud-basedapplications are enabling decision-making at optimalcosts.

Demands are outpacing traditional capabilitiesacross all industries. The pressure to adapt to rapidchanges is very intense, and many are being left

behind, Mercado said. By transforming the role oftechnologies from a basic support function to thecore of business model, adopters are disrupting howservices are envisioned and brought to market.

Examining SMAC in multi-process humanresources outsourcing (MPHRO), global advisoryand research rm Everest Group reports thatbuyers and service providers see SMAC as a wayto extract new value from MPHRO engagements.

Multi-process HRO is dened in a value stack, fromtop-level HR strategy; employee relations, regulatoryand compliance; recruitment, benets and payroll;and nally support infrastructure such as informationsystems and contact centers.

In consumer health care, SMAC is fostering ahigher level of engagement among patients andconsumers, with models evolving from physical carein clinics or hospitals to virtual care. As people learnmore about their health and risk factors, they arebeing empowered to work toward desired healthbehaviors.

Global industry leaders will focus on SMACduring the 5th Annual International OutsourcingSummit, taking place October 6 to 8, 2013 in MakatiCity. In the opening plenary, IOS will delve on

how rms across geographies are revolutionizingbusiness through SMAC. The summit will alsofeature keynote presentations by industry anddomain experts; panel discussions with top industryexecutives and other respected and inuentialresource persons; gala dinners; business matchingsessions; exclusive briengs; unconferencingsessions; and, a supplier exhibit.

SMAC is bridging the vast landscape that isIT-BPM. This is central to the theme of our summit,Unlocking Possibilities, Creating New Vistas,Mercado said. We hold fast to the view that our

industry has played a crucial role in helping manyadapt to the new business model that denes what itmeans to be truly global.

For more information on the summit, visit www.internationaloutsourcingsummit.com. Delegatesmay also download the app for free from iTunes andGoogle Play Store. For inquiries, contact +632 7573500 ext. 309 or email Dana Abasa at [email protected].

Tech +Mobility


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after call sept 2013

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