Heroes Across the Sea

What are you willing to do for the people you love?

  

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), this question is something they live with every day. Every day, they answer it by spending time away from their families, working in a different world. Every day they choose to help, often at the cost of their own comfort. 

Working abroad requires big changes. It means going out of comfort zones and taking chances far from the convenience of the place they call home. Bringing their talents abroad for the sake of uplifting loved ones back in the country involves dedication, a strong will, and unarguably, a big heart. 

 

For actor and TV personality Robin Padilla, calling these people “modern day heroes” is not enough for the amount of glory and sacrifice they give to the country. The actor, who is an avid advocate of OFWs, can very much relate to the stories these people tell.

 

“Hindi ako bago sa kanila. Baliktad lang siguro ang sitwasyon ko dahil ako kumikita ako dito at pinapadala ko sa Australia. Pero alam ko ang pakiramdam ng malayo sa mga anak ko. (I’m not new to their situation. Maybe it’s the opposite because in my case I earn money here and send it to Australia. But I know the feeling of being away from my children.),” Robin added. 

 

The drive of these modern heroes and their dedication towards their loved ones are aspects that have always resonated with him. He shares the facets that make him admire these people succinctly and emphatically. “Kung sakripisyo lang, lahat naman tayo nagsasakripisyo eh. 

Yung tibay talaga. Kapag andun ka sa ibang bansa at solo ka, iba yun. (If it’s just about sacrifice, we all make them. It is really the strength of these people. It is different when you are in a different country alone.).”

 

Touching the hearts of OFWs

 

The actor’s innate compassion for these individuals is the reason why he was chosen by a leading global money remittance service to serve as its face--and heart. Alex Chan Lim, Country Manager of MoneyGram International, Inc., Philippines praises the man for his sincere stand towards OFWs. 

 

“There was a meeting of the minds. When we first talked to him, we saw how he keeps true to his word. All the things that he says, they come from the heart.”

 

He elaborates, “He isn’t the type of person who would just go out there for the sake of his job as an endorser. He has genuine care that touches the hearts of these people. And once you touch the softness of their heart, the rest will follow.”

 

The actor, who has represented MoneyGram since 2012, has been an effective conduit that connects Filipinos abroad to the culture they have temporarily left behind in the country. With the help of the brand, the TV personality has actively reached out to OFWs through a series of performances to bring joy to these modern heroes.

 

MoneyGram has been participating and at some cases, mounting its own shows for free as part of their efforts for the OFWs. Padilla religiously participates in them to gamely entertain the OFW communities across the sea. 

 

Lim shares one particular experience they had abroad. “There was a time when we went to Saudi Arabia and we met an OFW who works at the hotel we checked in. When he saw us, he naturally got awestruck with Robin. He returned three times just to talk to us. We talked for hours and not once did I see Robin show signs that he was tired.”

 

He continues, “What really surprised me is that he gave something that is really personal to him. That is out of his responsibilities as a brand endorser but he did it.”

 

Robin gave one of the shirts he uses for his prayer sessions. “Sabi ko sa kanya, etong pangdasal ko na to, ang daming humihingi. Hindi ko to binigay pero ibibigay ko ito sayo. (I told him, there are so many people who asked me for this. I didn’t give it to them but I am giving this to you.)”

 

A progressive approach

 

Lim and Padilla pride their approach towards OFWs as progressive.

 

“Nagsimula kami sa malasakit. Pero progressive kami sa approach. Sa mga performances, yung mga nagawa na namin, hindi na namin inuulit. (We started with compassion. But we are progressive with our approach. When it comes to performances, we do not repeat what we have done already.),” Robin explains.

 

This kind of approach is what MoneyGram also applies to their business.  “It’s a very transparent service. MoneyGram doesn’t have hidden charges. Whatever amount the OFW sends, it is the exact same amount that their family in the Philippines receives*,” says Lim. “Of course we are improving on other services. It is progressive.” 

 

These are just some of the ways that MoneyGram brings families closer. The brand has been to Japan, Singapore, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to name a few out of over 200 countries and territories. For this year, the company has laid out more plans to touch the lives of more Filipinos with Robin actively pitching in for ideas. 

 

Lim enthuses, “Getting someone to represent your brand is easy. But how to effectively use him, you use him to grow the business and touch the hearts of the people. For us, there is equal importance to these two. Robin touches the heart of each and every Filipino outside this country. This is how business should be about.”

 

“Yung samin, gusto na lang naming iparamdam sa mga OFWs na andito ako para paligayahin kayo. Kahit isa, dalawang oras. Hindi mo na mabibili yun. (For us, we just want to make OFWs feel that I am here to make you happy even if it’s just for an hour or two. There is no price to that happiness.),” says the actor. 

 

He closes, “Ang pagsabi ng bayani, hindi sa salita yan kundi sa gawa. Ang mapangiti mo ang mga taong ito, ito na yung pinakasimpleng pwede nating gawin para pasalamatan sila. (You shouldn’t only call them heroes, you should act on it. Making these people smile is the least we can do to thank them.).”

 

Endorsements from top caliber celebrities are indeed, one of the great tools that companies nowadays employ to find that "hook" among its consumers. MoneyGram, with its dealings with Robin Padilla, was able to strike that goldmine of connecting with its market. However, what simply sets them apart is the genuine love and compassion of their endorser, to the strong mass of OFWs across the globe that the company serves. 

A truly unique, and a heartwarming relationship between MoneyGram and its endorser. Aptly put, quoting Alex Lim and Robin on what sets them apart, "being with MoneyGram, you look beyond business. For us, it's all about service, na "Galing Sa Puso" (service from the heart). 

MoneyGram and its agent will not apply any processing fee or any other fee to the recipients of money transfer service in the Philippines. However other fees may be charged to a recipient by a competent local authority in the Philippines.
 

MoneyGram and the Globe are marks of MoneyGram. ©2016 MoneyGram.

#tHRive 3: PMAP launches 53rd Annual Conference

The members of the 53^rd PMAP Annual Conference Directorate were presented during the association’s 614^th General Membership Meeting at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City last March 30. In the photo are (from left) PMAP Vice President and Conference Chair Leo Gellor, Serely Alcaraz, President Jesse Rebustillo, Past President Bong Austero, Immediate Past President Roberto Policarpio, Ging Igual, Treasurer Paz Malubay, Trustee Ellen Fullido and PMAP Foundation Executive Director Lina Aseneta. Other members of the AC Directorate are Past President Jimmy Isidro, Trustee Michelle Garcia, Trustee Gigi Alcasid, Felix Dan Lopez, Luigi Mapa, Jovie Monsalud and Bernardette Cunanan.

The Philippines today is at the cusp of new and great opportunities.

With the impending rise to power of new national leaders, the emergence of a more vigilant Filipino people, the advent of the ASEAN integration, and overall improvements in various global and national indicators, the challenge is not anymore survival, or development, but to ride the momentum.

The call of the hour is to bring the country to new and greater heights, towards sustainable prosperity. The greater need is to deliver inclusive growth for all Filipinos. The mandate for PMAP is to strategically position people – Filipino human capital, as the main driver of the movement

For this is the time to tHRive!

The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premiere organization of people managers and HR practitioners in the country, is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year and is coming up with bigger and more relevant initiatives and advocacies.

The 53rd PMAP Annual Conference with the theme “#tHRive3: Total HR Innovation. Velocity. Endurance. Execution. Excellence” will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City from October 19 - 21, 2016.

This year’s Conference is dubbed as a conference like no other featuring:

•       A VERITABLE MARKETPLACE of cutting-edge and fresh ideas, emergent theories, endless solutions, best practices, relevant advocacies, and state-of-the-art HR technology.

•        UNPARALLELED ROSTER of speakers with global, regional, national stature that includes “one of the greatest HR gurus in the world”

•        PROACTIVE BALANCE of session topics and learning fora – a conference that offers a variety of sessions that target various levels of learning needs as well as a variety of issues and concerns delivered through innovative and creative ways.

•        A DYNAMIC LEARNING DESIGN that allows attendees to customize their participation based on individual agenda.

•        SHOWCASE of best practices, award-winning programs, and cutting-edge resources and technologies.

•        EXTRAORDINARY potentials for networking.

The sought-after PMAP AWARDS in human resource and people management excellence once again celebrate a rich harvest of HR talents and initiatives in both the private and public sectors:

§  The People Program of the Year (PPY).  Awarded to a company for its relevant, unique, innovative and/or cutting-edge program, which is designed to provide meaningful contributions and improve employer-employee relations to meet a specific need of the company.

§  The People Manager of the Year (PMY). Recognizes the HR practitioner who has imbibed and modelled the strategic role of human resources in the organizations, through exceptional people initiatives and programs addressing business challenges. The awardee continues to make significant contributions to the development of the HR profession. He or she is actively involved in advocacy and community work, and strives to continuously achieve personal mastery and a balanced life.

§  The Employer of the Year (EOY). Recognition to a company that satisfactorily fulfils its people management responsibilities, as demonstrated by its leadership, dynamism, professionalism, strategic thinking and implementation, continuous improvement in HR processes and programs, linkage of HR to business objectives, and employee focus.

On top of the highly-relevant plenary and concurrent sessions, our FELLOWSHIP EVENTS and PMAP EXPO will be bigger and bolder in time for PMAP’s Diamond year celebration with exciting activities and programs that every people manager or HR practitioner in the country should not miss.

For more information, please contact the PMAP Secretariat at tel. no. 726-1532, email pmap@pmap.org.ph, visit www.pmap.org.ph or “Like” www.facebook.com/PMAP1956.

Tips to keep your cool this summer season, Protect yourself from heat stroke

Summer is here. The cool, windy days are almost over. In a few weeks, everyone will be trading in their sweaters with their swimsuits to herald the days of sun and sand. But while the coming sunny days promise fun moments at the beach, one must never forget to be diligent when it comes to problems common during this season. 

With the heat index expected to rise, the public is once again reminded to be diligent against summer problems like heat stroke. The affliction, which becomes common during hot and humid conditions, is considered a serious medical emergency by the Department of Health (DOH). 

Heat stroke happens when the body overheats and includes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, intense thirst, and fainting. When left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and the brain.

Enjoy the moments of feeling sand between your toes while sipping piña coladas under bright umbrellas. While you are at it, practice the tips below to make sure you keep your cool this summer season. 

1. Wear appropriate clothing

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved, light-colored clothing when going outside. Other than preventing heat stroke, this will also help protect the skin from sunburn. 

2. Schedule your activities

The DOH suggests to schedule heavy-duty tasks during the beginning or end of the day when the temperature is much cooler. The risk of heat stroke particularly increases when doing strenuous activities (e.g. exercising). 

3. Keep hydrated 

We sweat more during summer so there is a higher need to replenish the fluids in the body. It is suggested to drink more water than coffee, soda, tea, and alcoholic beverages since they are believed to have a diuretic effect, meaning they can trigger the body to expel more liquid (in the form of urine) rather than replenish the body’s water levels. 

4. Limit your time outdoors

Limiting the time spent outdoors is advised during the hot summer days. Resting in places with air conditioning to cool down is highly recommended. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to air conditioning for a few hours a day can lessen the risk for heat-related illnesses. 

An air conditioner like Midea Genesis White Inverter split type model can help keep heat stroke at bay with its quality performance and technology. In addition to effective cooling performance, the model features a Quiet Mode that cancels indoor unit noise and a Bio Filter that makes use of specialized biological enzymes & HEPA filter to eliminate harmful microbes for a healthy indoor air quality. 

Worried that you’ll blow up your electric bills with increase used of air conditioning? The Midea Genesis White Inverter model is equipped with the Turbo DC Inverter that switches use between the compressor and the fan and the Eco Mode which automatically adjusts its cooling function to save energy. In fact, an hour of use of this cooling appliance only costs Php 2.96 (for 1Hp) according to Meralco testing. 

Heat stroke is a serious problem. Keep your chill by practicing these four steps and enjoy the summer with no worries. 

Tutuban Center holds bomb explosion and simulation exercise

To maintain the safety and security of shoppers, Tutuban Center recently conducted an bomb explosion and simulation exercise to test the capability of its emergency response team.

The simulated exercise was also meant to determine the strength and weaknesses of its Disaster Emergency Response Team (DERT) in responding to emergency situations and enhance its response procedures when dealing with delicate situations.

Tutuban’s Assistant Vice President-Safety and Compliance, Ted Mosquito, led the activity in close coordination and collaboration with PNP Police Station 2 to comply with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Council (NDRRMC) manual and its implementing rules. The station, located at Nolasco corner Morga Streets in Tondo, Manila, has jurisdiction over Tutuban, and is headed by P/Supt. Nick Pinion.

“We have conducted this activity on a yearly basis in our efforts to serve our customers better, and maintain a safe and secure shopping center. By doing so, we also train and equip with enough knowledge and awareness our DERT staff, our tenants, employees and contracted service providers on how to respond and react properly in this kind of emergency,” explains Mosquito.

The activity was conducted in two phases: preparation and actual. Preparation involved coordination, collaboration and meetings with concerned offices/units and careful planning in terms of personnel and logistics, and the actual, where there were lectures, briefings and rehearsals of Tutuban’s DERT and other participants to ensure success.

Bottom line, the participants were proven effective and efficient in performing their individual roles and assigned tasks when responding to this type of emergency.

There were a total of 168 registered participants, comprised mostly of Tutuban personnel and police officers from Precincts 6 and 7 both under Police Station 2. Other units that participated include the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD), the Special Reaction Unit (SRU), Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Manila Traffic Bureau, plus other Manila Police Department (MPD) units headed by no less than P/Senior Superintendent Carlito Felicano.

Tutuban Center is located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight. Visit our Facebook page Fb.com/TutubanCenter, follow us at Twitter and Instagram accounts, @TutubanCenter. 

Tips to Fireproof Your Home

Fire incidents are considered as common as the perennial hot summer season in the Philippines. Every year, fire cases all around the country destroy resources and displace families. March once again marks the observance of Fire and Burn Prevention Month to alleviate this country-wide problem.

In 2015, The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 1,727 fire incidents in March alone. March is considered the hottest month of the year, with the elevated temperature attributed for some of the incidents that occur during its period.

Homes are very prone to fires and the kitchen, specifically, is among the areas that are very susceptible to such accidents. In January and February last year, 70 fires came from unattended cooking stoves while 162 incidents were caused by problems with electrical lines.

With the kitchen being one of the most important areas of a household, making it a safer place should be a top priority for homemakers. Below are some tips to make your kitchen a fireproof place.

1. Keep your focus

One of the leading reasons behind kitchen fires is neglect. Often, it is easy to get distracted and leave a dish cooking. This kind of neglect causes the most injuries, deaths, and property damage than other roots of home fires.

2. Keep a fire extinguisher close

A fire extinguisher is necessary in any home. Keep one ready in the kitchen and store it in a place 10 feet away from the stove, in a spot where it is easy to grab. All members of the household should know how to use it in case of emergencies. Note also that all fire extinguishers should always be refilled every six to seven years to function properly.

3. Keep from storing items on top of the stove

It is easy to be less mindful of your actions while caught in a cooking mood. Refrain from placing things on top of a stovetop since this kind of surface can easily start a flame when it gets in contact with anything flammable. Instead, keep things orderly in cabinets and cupboards.

4. Make sure your cooking appliances are free from crumbs and scraps

Leftover pieces of food from stovetops, ovens, and toasters can catch fire so make sure to clean these cooking appliances after use. Unplug them from their sockets before cleaning and keep the cables away from water.

5. Go fireproof

It is nearly impossible to entirely fireproof a kitchen with all the flammable materials in the area. However, while it doesn’t entirely cancel out the probability of a fire, using cooking appliances that are designed for safety can add a layer of protection to this part of the home.

Induction cookers, for example, lessen the risk of fire accidents. The Induction Cookerfrom Midea, one of world’s largest manufacturers of domestic appliances, is a good example of a household partner that values safety as much as efficiency.

The induction cooker removes the risk for burns with its flameless technology. It also protects your home from possible gas leakages.

In addition, this kitchen essential also works faster than an average electric stove as it heats up 25% faster than the latter. It also has an energy-saving Piso Meal feature which uses up 1Php worth of electricity for every 4 minutes of cooking or heating.

Make your kitchen safe the whole year round with these nifty tips. A little precaution and awareness can go a long way when it comes to preserving the harmony in the household.

To learn more about Midea’s Induction Cookers and other home solutions, visit www.midea.com.ph.

Tutuban Center launches Tutuban Center Home Club

Tutuban Center, Manila’s bargain shopping destination, recently established the Tutuban Center Home Club (TC Home Club) as part of its community development activities.

TC Home Club seeks to empower women of today, especially the underprivileged ones living within the Tutuban Center community and nearby cities with little or no education, to gain the confidence of facing challenges in life when raising a family. The club will seek these mothers and reach out to them by providing a venue for trainings and seminars to help them develop and discover specific skills they may have to become a possible source of livelihood.

The 3-hour training sessions started last February 5, 2016 and will run every Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 11, 2016 at the Tutuban Center Food Court located at the 3rd floor of Tutuban Center Centermall and at Tutuban Center TMX exhibition center.

During the initial session, the mothers underwent training sessions to learn how to become a massage therapist, barista, manicurist/pedicurist, haircutter, or even how to make sweet treats like “pastillas.” Training was provided by representatives from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA.  Attendees were also handed out TC Home Club shirts, ID cards, and other peripherals, including eco-bags.

Next training sessions will teach women from different backgrounds how to become entrepreneurs, cosmetics/make-up application, even vital tips on parenting and other important topics.

To join TC Home Club, participants must show a Barangay Clearance, ID and duly accomplished TC Home Club registration form at the Tutuban Center Marketing Office located near the Tutuban Center Food Court.  Also, this event would not be possible without Smart Communications, Inc., DKT Health, Inc., Torque Philippines, Robinsons Supermarket, Department of Health – Commission on Population, TESDA, Kalye Negosyo and HBC.

We hope more women will join our training sessions because it will definitely help them be more self-reliant as they face life’s challenges. We invite them to attend because they will definitely learn here. And if these initial sessions prove successful, we can hopefully extend this program for the whole year,” says Ms. Sylvia Tecson, Vice President for Sales and Marketing of Tutuban Properties, Inc. (TPI).

Tutuban Center is located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight. Visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TutubanCenter, follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts @TutubanCenter for more details. 

Conquering New Territories: NEW at 10

Everything starts from a simple dream, for Myren Garcia, founder for Network of Enterprising Women (NEW), her dream was to give a helping hand to her fellow women entrepreneurs. But little did she know that what she created ten years ago would bloom into a such a community of motivated and driven women who ventured into the world of business.

 

To commemorate a decade of NEW, the 9th Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference is at place on March 5, 2016 at the Crown Plaza-Ortigas. The conference will feature best-selling author and inspirational speaker Mr. Francis Kong and none other than, one of NEW's prime members Ms. Mary Grace Dimacali of Mary Grace. And to further inspire more women to respond to their entrepreneurial callings, the conference will also guest long-time NEW members and women behind Milea, Imagere, Strip it, Smart Concept, Status Hair Salon, Dreambook Journal and Sweet Blooms Pastillas.

 

The half-day conference will be a Pandora's box of business ideas, tips and advices from real-life business women who braved the world and took on the plunge. They will also be sharing their insights and forecast on the future of women entrepreneurship. From modern advancements, trends and anticipated developments of new market niches, NEW's 10 year anniversary will surely gear up to a better, evolving and innovating strategies for all ladies with an entrepreneurial dream.

 

NEW 9th Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference is brought to you by Mary Grace, Online Philippines, ProAccess, The French Baker, JCI Manilena and Write On Track.

 

To learn more about NEW 9th Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference, visit www.new.com.ph or facebook.com/newphils. To register, visit new.com.ph/event-registration-form.