Event Post: PLDT Digital Campus Suite Launch at Shangri-La Makati brought by PLDT SME Nation, Microsoft Philippines, Samsung Philippines, and Smart

Last August 26, 2015, I was invited by Millet Liberato of DDB to the launch of an innovative tech program of PLDT called Digital Campus Suite. The venue was at Shangri-La Makati at 10 am. The initial gathering was a press conference aimed at promoting this brand new venture while the second part was a grand celebration complete with a speech from Br. Jun Erguiza of COCOPEA and the stunning performances of the UP and NU Pep Squads. The bigger ceremony was kicked off by drum medleys by the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion and the La Salle Animo Squad. Apart from these offerings, the event also hosted a short skit performed by Improv Manila as regards the practical application of this new project. 

We got to know about the idea, aims, and capabilities of the Digital Campus Suite. It is a package partnership deal offered by PLDT SME, in cooperation with Microsoft Philippines and SMART Communications Inc. to primary, secondary, and tertiary educational institutions all over the country. The target of this program is the digitization of the learning experience in schools to simply the process and make it more stimulating and interactive for a generation that relies so heavily on technology. In this sense, the program takes advantage of the fast growing trend of technological utilization to create a generation that is more adept to the changing whims of today's world. 

Before we move on, let's check the statistics. The year 2015 has seen a sharp spike of over 50% in jobs that require basic to advanced technology skills. The number will shoot up to 77% in the next decade. Worldwide, over 14 million jobs will be created on the IT industry. Thus, there is an imperative need for tech savvy college graduates to fill this burgeoning demand in the job market and thus end the 50% unemployment rate of the country's employable youth. The Digital Campus Suite aims to just do that. With its emphasis on the use of Microsoft Office and other business software, it stands to create a well-rounded college graduate that doesn't lack the rudiments of a technologically literate employable graduate.

The Digital Campus Suite equips the schools with high-speed internet to cater to population of hundreds, if not thousands, of student in a particular, institution. In turn, the students can use the powerful tools supplied by the Microsoft IT Academy program to learn basic and advanced technological skills and courses that prepare students to become competent professionals. The Microsoft IT Academy program is a highly advanced software programs that makes the most out of cloud technology to connect the students to their teachers without the limitations of distance. Through this platform, the students will be able to use Microsoft Office 365 to draft, edit, and collaborate their reports, homework,  and other school requirements through the ease of the electronic and virtual world. Gone are the days when students would use the good old fashioned manila paper, snowflake correction fluid, the type writer, or the once ubiquitous Dewey Decimal System to create their output. Furthermore, students and teachers can meet using the Skype for Business Application without the limits of distance. Thus, teachers who are not physically present in school can still give their lessons and transmit their ideas through the electronic media. Lastly, the distractions of Facebook will not be able to bother students who need the advantage of group forums or pages to disseminate information. Yammer meets this need. The app is a social networking platform where the members can connect in group discussions and manage information pertaining to their classes. It is a highly secure and controlled online environment where the discussions can be highly moderated and tempered.

Software is not the only benefit of this package. Hardware is another integral benefit. Under the program, these schools will receive a generous supply of tablets and computers installed with the aforementioned software packages complete with legitimate licenses. Furthermore, the schools will be given wi-fi-equipment that will be able to give high-speed hotspots for a thorough and complete e-learning experience.

Availing the program will provide even more benefits aside from hardware and software. Students under this program will be able to avail of certification programs to formalize their learning experience for Microsoft software. This will enable them to avail of even more career opportunities in the tech industry. Also, preset curriculum modules will help assist students in learning skills that will enable them to succeed in life. Apart from these two, the schools will also be provided marketing resources for business programs. Lastly, the specialized Dreamspark software will be given for students to learn web development and design.

Through this program, PLDT SME Nation hopes to empower a new generation that can master an ICT System - a system that has solidly become the mainstay for rapid economic growth in today's world.

The story in pictures:

Br. Jun Erguiza delivering his keynote speech

The PLDT SME Logo

The true application of collaboration: the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion and the DLSU Animo Squad

The UP Pep Squad strutting their stuff

The Digital Campus presscon

A shot of the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion

The NU Pep Squad

The Lunch Menu - a la carte

The NU Pep Squad

The Juicy Lapu-Lapu Fillet

The Bloggers

Ms. Millet

Special Thanks to:

Mars Callo of http://mizzmars.tumblr.com/ for the pictures

Millet Liberato of DDB for the Invite

Event Post: Chigo Philippines launches new window type air conditioners

Last August 15, 2015, I was invited by Mr. Jerht Santos to the launch event of Chigo Philippines. The occasion was concerning the introduction of its new window type air conditioners in Fuze Bar and Resto in Antipolo. The event promptly started at 1 pm. The attendees were treated to a generous helping of food and drinks from the hospitable staff in the restaurant. Furthermore, Mr. Santos took time to answer our queries about the quality and performance of this emerging international brand.

According to Mr. Santos, Chigo airconditioning units are excellent tools in improving the life of its customers. Why? It's because these are environmentally friendly and efficient. The units, ranging from 0.8 HP to 2.0 HP, now come with a 3 in 1 filter system to transform the polluted air into to clean air. The first is a Cold Catalyst Filter. The latter has a certain effect on the decomposition of formaldehyde, a substance that has been known to cause adverse health effects. On the other hand, the Silver Ion Filter Screen possesses strong anti-bacterial effects that effectively suppress the breeding of germs at the air outlet. Lastly, the Vitamin C filter has the most beneficial effects to the human body. It helps contribute to the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It also helps ease the effect of mental stress and improve immunity. 

Another added feature to the units is an  Anti-Corrosive Gold Fin Condensers that help improve the product’s lifespan. This gold coating at the condensers make the unit more equipped to withstand the corrosive effects of air-borne pollutants, thus improving performance and durability. Apart from that, it help to keep the unit rust-free.

Chigo also recognizes the need to produce energy-efficient appliances and sustainable development programs. It keeps up with this trend by creating air-conditioning units that minimize carbon footprints for every use. By doing so, the company hopes to contribute substantially into reducing activities that aggravate global warming. Chigo realizes the need to create sustainable development to balance the interests of environmental protection and profitability. Hence, their units are geared toward becoming

Chigo recognizes this trend and is geared towards the same route. As stewards of the environment, people are called to take care of our surroundings in the choices that they make. Everyone is invited to reduce their carbon footprint in their daily activities to reduce the effects of global warming and thereby helping the environment. As a developing country, production and consumption will continue to increase to fuel the economy. Together with this, of course, is the fact that everyone is encouraged to be an active participant in sustainable development programs for the benefit of every person, including the succeeding generations.

ABOUT CHIGO PHILIPPINES

Guandong Chigo Air Conditioning Co.,Ltd is a Chinese brand that has been listed in the Hang Seng Index. Established in 1994, it has grown to become an industrial giant with a presence in over 200 countries in the world. It is involved in manufacturing and designing residential and commercial air conditioners.It produces 10 million units annually of a wide range of air conditioning units.

The local branch, Chingo Philippines, was established in 2005.While quite a new contender in the local playing field, Chigo Philippines has also expanded to retail residential and commercial air conditioners such as Window Type Air Conditioners , Split Type Air Conditioners , Inverter Split Type Air Conditioners , Floor Standing Air Conditioners , Air Curtains, Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) , Portable Air Conditioners , Ceiling Suspended , Ceiling Cassette , Ceiling Concealed, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Air Conditioners and Air Cooled Modular Chillers.

Chigo products are accredited by the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) and have ICC certifications. The company believes in giving its customers the best kind of service that they can provide. At the end of the day, providing for more than comfort to the customers is what matters.

Chigo products are available at the following outlets – MC Home Depot (Ortigas and BGC); Anson’s (Cash and Carry & Cainta) and Lazada.

The Story in Pictures:

The innovative 3-in-1 Filter composed of the Cold Catalyst Filter, Silver Ion Filter, and the Vitamin C Filter

The Gold Fin Condenser

A tarp posted for the event.

Chigo's new lineup consisting of 2 window type airconditioners and a portable airconditioner

The portable airconditioner - note: it's not run by dry ice

The 0.8 hp airconditioner

Food Review: My adventure in Burger Avenue, a new place bun and meat lovers in Taft, Manila

The well-connected Aldous Calubad once again invited me to try out a new burger joint in Taft Avenue. The place is called Burger Avenue. It opened just this month in the area in order to cater to the students of La Salle and neighboring universities and condominiums. This isn't the pilot branch however. They have one in The Fort Strip which has been actively operating in the past 7 years.

According to the owner, Sir Martin, the idea of a burger joint was conceived out of his love for burgers from his childhood up to his adolescence. He described himself as having a preference for buns over rice meals. His idea has proven to be successful as evinced by the fort branch. In order to improve the clientele base, he then established a branch in La Salle. He also takes pride in the fact that the prices are uniform in both branches to demonstrate his belief in consistency. I'm sure this was another key to his success. 

After the short interview, I got down to what I do best - eating! As for the food, I'd give it 5 stars out of 5. The meals presented the right mix of taste, value, and serving size without being pretentious or too bourgeoisie. This means that the meals are a value for money for the typical private college kid or working adult. I'd say that these burgers capture the typical urbanite taste for meat and bread, coupled with the standard fries. Take for instance the cream cheese burger. The fat filled dish was still worth consuming due to the creamy texture of the cheese filling, coupled with the moist beef patty and the fluffy bun. Add to that the excellent size, and you have something that's fit for a king. The side dishes are excellent too. The onion rings gave a vibrant taste of crispy breading and caramelized onions without being too greasy or oily. The serving size is reasonable too.

Another remarkable side is the crazy fries which is comprised of chili con carne and cheese toppings coupled with a generous serving of thick potato wedges. This meal, as you have been warned, is known for its very spicy taste. Chili aficionados should gobble it down in no time at all, though. 

For rice lovers, the burger joint has them covered. Martin showed me the chodobo, which is essentially a greasy mix of adobo, egg, and chorizo coupled with yellow rice. It did remind me of arroz a la cubana, a Mexican dish transported to the Philippines via the Galleon Trade. Burger Avenue's version, though, presented an excellent mix of the ingredients which are well cooked and peppered with top notch spices. 

I couldn't end with my litany of praises for the food. The same goes for the drinks. I did try the strawberry shake artfully served in a mason jar. While a bit lacking in the creaminess department, the flavor was vibrant and reminiscent of fresh strawberries with milk. The drink did a lot to make my day. To say the least, it was still excellent in terms of quality.

The food price ranges from the 100 to the 200 peso range. Very reasonable for students with a bit more to spend, right?

In sum, my experience in Burger Avenue was memorable. I would recommend it as one of my favorite burger joints in Metro Manila.

Burger Avenue is located at Agno Compound, DLSU Taft, Manila. Call them at the Fort branch at 9708277 and at the Taft branch at 5222523. Visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/BurgerAve

The Story in Photos:

The Facade of Burger Avenue

The Spacious Dining Area

A wall mural reminiscent of Frida Kahlo's art

The ultra spicy crazy fries - chili con carne with cheese on fries

The milky strawberry shake

The unique chodobo - Chorizo and Adobo in rice - perfect for carnivores

A poster of the signature chodobo dish

The menu

wall posters promoting the food

a larger display of the sumptuous menu

Another pic of the dining area

My meal: the cream cheese burger with onion rings - note the oat toppings on the bun

the cream cheese burger bitten by a quarter - I simply couldn't resist

The chodobo before consumption

Special thanks to:
Aldous Calubad of aldousatetheworld.com for the invite
Janine Daquio of http://ladylagalag.com/ for the pictures
Sir Martin of Burger Avenue for accomodating our group

LiverMarin Dietary Supplement to protect liver health! The "Ber" months are coming

LiverMarin

There’s a reason why plane tickets to the Philippines become more expensive in the “ber” months. There is simply no happier place during this period. And in this extended period of bliss and friendship, alcohol is an inseparable companion. There will be a lot of social gatherings and drinking sessions during this period. And do expect alcohol sales to go up!

Make sure that the good times remain worry-free with LiverMarin.

LiverMarin is a dietary supplement that contains Silymarin and Sodium Ascorbate. It protects your liver by acting as an antioxidant, promoting the growth of new liver cells while preventing liver damage. Don’t forget to take LiverMarin every day to keep your liver healthy. 

For those interested, LiverMarin is available at Mercury Drug and all leading drugstores nationwide for P9.00 per capsule.