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Publishers Note
The Bishop bill, as Id like to call it, also known as the Call Center and Consumer Protection Bill is gaining some traction. Last month, it was reported that it gained some 100 sponsors! Im not sure what our lobbyists and the Indian lobbyists are doing there, but what does this say about them? I hope they are doing whatever it takes to stop this bill as the failure of this bill is actually more valuable to the Philippines than the Scarborough Shoal in the next five years. I hope the Filipino lobbyists have as much resolve as our military as the next five years of positive GDP and per capita income growth rely on this. On a more positive note, Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia (CLSA) a leading independent brokerage and investment group has seen their crystal ball and predicted a consistent 9% growth for our middle class, crediting this to the BPO and the tourism industry. In my article BPOs: The Rise of the New Middle Class we discuss this further. Going back to the Bishop bill, it only covers outsourced voice work, and since American legislators have been attacking the industry every election year, BPO companies doing business in the Philippines have been aggressively branching out to non-voice. Actually, of the $ 11 billion earned by the industry last year one fifth came from non-voice. A report from BPAP entitled The 2011 Growth Report tells us more about this. All in all the trend is still looking up, but it is up to us to make sure the trend progresses. It is up the BPO entrepreneurs, executives, managers down to the rank file and especially the BPO lobbyists. Let us display true leadership in our roles no matter how insignificant they seem. In doing this, Im sure brighter times will come our way. Best,
Pio Granada
Publisher
Bayan de la Cruz
Editor in Chief
Brian Lu
Business Development Director
Contributors Writers
Dr. Jon Abaquin Greg Yan Ellen Landicho Chris Angeles David Bicierro
Editors Note
Last minute plans, leave applications and vacation bookings ensue this time of the year, especially when all youve done is work for the past three months. By this time, I know of a lot of BPO companies who have not done their annual summer company excursions yet. May and June are usually the months when BPO companies get out of town for summer team building activities. It is also the time when the denied leave applications from holy week get their requiem. Unfortunately, the weather is pretty erratic as the season transitions from dry to wet. Not to worry as in this issue we have prepared a quick guide that will get you in and out of town faster than your longest handle time. This issue is all about the procrastinated vacations and making them happen just before the wet season goes on full tilt. In our fashion section, we display Soaks latest collection, this will surely help if you are in the market for new swimwear. While our health section features an easy to follow guide to get toned for that beach trip arranged on the 11th hour. Starting this issue we are proud to announce that Rap Yu will be our official cover photographer. Rap Yu is also from the industry making After Call - truly by BPO people for BPO people. We would like to expand this by inviting BPO employees to contribute to our magazine in any way possible. If you want to get involved in our magazine in any way, just shoot us an email: aftercallmag@yahoo.com or simply post a message oin our facebook wall: http://www.facebook.com/AfterCallMag.
Photographers
Rap Yu Caloy Crencia
(PSIA) president Nora Terrado reported a high 37% growth in revenues from IT outsourcing, compared with just 11% in employment growth. Anecdotal indicators also point to strong demand for Philippine IT services into 2012. The Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., (ACPI), however, revealed that the sector lost out to some contracts as global competition heated up in back-room animation services, particularly from countries like China that subsidize animation operations. ACPI reported that its sector shrank by 10% to US$128 million in revenues in 2011 but it maintained its headcount at about 8,600 animators. ACPI has been running its annual animation competition, Animahenasyon, for the past 4 years to encourage local animators to produce original animated films and cartoons. Some of the winners have been featured on local cable channels such as the Knowledge Channel. The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) reported that their first competition also uncovered many young talented game developers. GDAP members have also produced games that have gained followers in the online world. The game development sector grew by 13% in 2011, reaching US$8 million in revenues and employing almost 1,400. Raymond Lacdao, BPAPs Executive Director for Industry Affairs, added that companies providing engineering services from the Philippines saw a 5% increase in revenues and employment in 2011 ending the year at over 9,000 employees providing US$172 million worth of services. This is a second consecutive year of positive growth after a contraction in 2009, reflecting a recovery in global markets for construction and engineering design. Finally, BPAP Senior Executive Director Gillian Virata reported that non-voice BP and knowledge process (KP) services grew by 24% in 2011 to over US$2 billion in revenues and almost 130,000 employees. These numbers are somewhat deceptive because we reclassified a chunk of high-value, non-voice services to HIMO, explained
Virata. Overall, Virata pointed out that the data shows that the industry has been steadily moving into high-value services. This year there was a relatively sharp spike in the revenue-to-employee ratio for ITO and also for HIMO (compared with the ratio for transcription), which increased the ratio overall for total industry. This trend is in line with BPAPs growth plans which are aligned with governments plans for the industry. Hernandez concluded by acknowledging that hitting the industrys targets for 2016 would not be possible without the strong government support that we are now experiencing. Government has already granted 450 million in subsidies for training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) led by Secretary Joel Villanueva. DOSTs ICT Office (ICTO) Deputy Executive Director Alejandro Melchor III also reported that 350 million has been allocated by the ICTO to support the IT-BP industry. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has also approved the offering of BPAPs Service Management Specialization Track starting June 2012 and has allocated about 125 million to SUCs to implement IT-BP programs. BPAP has also received support from Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, Labor Secretary Linda Baldoz, Trade Secretary Greg Domingo, PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima, BOI undersecretaries Adrian Cristobal and Cristino Panlilio, as well as from legislators such as Senator Edgardo Angara and Congressmen Freddie Tinga and Roman Romulo. The support has been overwhelming and we are beefing up our team and resources to be able to effectively manage the programs that we have developed and that government is supporting, explained Hernandez. With this support, comes great responsibility; we are investing in resources that will ensure we make good on our commitments to government and all our other development partners. A key success factor, Hernandez added, is our ability to engage our members and other stakeholders in these programs as volunteer leaders and team members, sponsors, and contributors. (
On the Cover: Janelle Olafson Photo by: Rap Yu Hair and make-up by: Jessa Areej Styling: Donna Chua Swimsuit: Soak swimwear Accessories: Stylists own
arvato inaugurates newly expanded Manila facility. Global business process outsourcing (BPO) partner arvato inaugurated its newly expanded facility in Manila, which supports multimillion-dollar BPO programs for some of the worlds leading brands. arvato has developed its Manila presence over the last four years to provide multi-lingual, multi-geographic, 24/7 support across a range of services, including revenue processing, query management and customer services. arvato announces Manila expansion. Global business process outsourcing (BPO) partner arvato announced the expansion of its Manila operations to support its strategy of providing secure infrastructure, high-quality dedicated client teams, and best practice frameworks for global organizations. The Manila site, located in Eastwood City, Quezon City, now also serves as Microsofts second offsite facility in Asia. 5
Gratitude,
International fashion model Sandra Seifert, joined by several IBMers, were the nights hosts.
while living out company values. Kariton Klasrum Kariton Klasrum is a volunteer teaching program for urban poor children who otherwise would not have had the chance to get a basic education. If the name rings a bell, Kariton Klasum is the much-celebrated program formed by 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Penaflorida. Iskul Blue Kool Employees established a home-grown program called Iskul Blue Kool, which aims to enable college students with basic workplace skills, such as Corporate Survival and Presentation Skills. With training materials and presentations in hand, the 300-strong team went to various universities in Metro Manila and empowered over 700 students. Brigada Eskwela Employees were not afraid to get their hands dirty, either. In partnership with the Department of Educations Brigada Eskwela program, IBMers adopted two (2) dilapidated schoolhouses, and completely refurbished them. The result? Bright and stimulating facilities, just in time for the school year. Big Blue Jungle Finally, at the Big Blue Jungle, 1,000 IBMers,
with their families and friends, worked together to reforest 800 tree seedlings at the the La Mesa EcoPark and partake in a family fun fair set in the sites picnic-ready facilities. Glam Rock Year-End Celebration What better way to cap off this historic milestone than with a rockin year-ender? Last December 4, IBMers donned their best rock star ensembles and headed to the World Trade Center for Glam Rock: The IBM Global Process Services Year-End Gathering. Senior leaders opened the event with a look back at 2011. Highlighting the business accom-plishments, it was an opportunity to thank employees for their commitment to IBMs success. In line with IBMs innovation-driven culture, special awards were given to employees who made significant contributions to the business. IBM community grants were also awarded to various employee volunteer groups on behalf of their chosen partner organizations. Never short of talent, Glam Rock was also the culmination of a year-long talent competition, IMPACT. The winners, along with the IBM Dance Crew got the crowd pumping by performing energetic dance numbers onstage. IBMers were also treated to concert-worthy performances by theater actor and recording artist Gian Magdangal and singer CB Automatic, himself an IBMer. International fashion model Sandra Seifert, joined by several IBMers, were the nights hosts. (
IBM volunteers joined Kariton Klasrum, a project headed by CNN Hero of the Year 2009 Efren Penaflorida.
Last July, IBMers in the Philippines came together at the La Mesa Ecopark for the Big Blue Jungle, for a family fun fair and tree planting activity
s part of IBMs centennial in 2011, IBMers in the Philippines set out a yearlong adventure that paid tribute to its rich history and challenged employees to continue this legacy by helping shape the companys future. Dubbed as the Centennial Celebration of Service (http://www.ibm. com/ibm100/service), IBMers participated in various community-building activities. This meant going beyond the four corners of their cubicles and exploring possibilities to make the world work better for clients, industries, communities and of course IBMers. Innovative, dedicated, and collaborative. IBMers have transformed the company into what it is today, remarks Cassandra Candy Soto, Philippines
Delivery Leader for IBM Global Process Services. We make sure to strike a balance in an individuals career, through a fulfilling job, developmental opportunities and of course - a lot of fun along the way. IBMs greatest asset is the IBMer. Thats what we have always strived to uphold, and will continue to champion into the next century. An advocate of community projects herself, volunteerism has become such a way of life for Candy that even family and friends have been influenced to do their part for society as well. In fact, Candy rallied her teams towards various communitybased advocacies by participating in some initiatives herself. The activities offered IBMers an opportunity to bond, make a big difference to peoples lives, all
Innovative, dedicated, and collaborative. IBMers have transformed the company into what it is today.
The Winners
1. BPO Company of the Year: Accenture in the Philippines Accenture in the Philippines is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company and have achieved great strides in growing the business and its capabilities. The year 2011 saw a 25% increase in total export revenue driven by high growth areas in emerging technologies, such as analytics and cloud computing, and new capabilities in Healthcare and Finance. Headcount also increased 25% from 20000 to 25000 employees where they have a strong comprehensive leadership development program. The combination of world industry leadership, growth in the Philippines, as well as the companies premier commitment to developing Philippines as a global destination of choice are reasons Accenture in the Philippines has been selected BPO Company of the Year. 2. BPO Employer of the Year: Convergys Philippines Services Corporation Convergys employs over 28,000 people in 17 contact centers making the Philippines the largest site based headcount in their world-wide operations. Convergys is also the largest private employer in the Philippines and targets employee centric facilities and services. Each year, dedicated engagement teams per site facilitate more than 30 employee engagement programs. Convergys has also made a commitment to integrity for all employees and was the first BPO company to commit to the Integrity pledge in 2011. These are just some of the reasons Convergys has been chosen as BPO Employer of the year 3. Shared Services Excellence Company of the Year: HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines offers diverse and complex lines of services covering knowledge process outsourcing, voice and non-voice to 55 countries across 4 regions. HSBC reinforces the positioning of the Philippines as a global leader in Finance & Accounting Outsourcing. Employing over 5,700 professionals in the country, their success is proven by the significant revenue growth year after year. They are a strong supporter of development of Filipino talent for global career opportunities and play an important role assisting future investors in their start up plans by opening their doors to corporations looking at setting up shared services. The combination of growth in revenue and employment, in addition to critical and multi- faceted scope of functions they provide, highlights HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines as Shared Services Excellence Company of the Year. 4. Non-Voice Excellence Company of the Year: IBM IBM provides a broad range of high value non-voice services to its global customers. In the Philippines they provide Non Voice services to 46 clients who are leaders in their respective industries, 31 of those belonging to Fortune 500. In 2011, IBM launched EPIC (Enterprise Process Innovation Continuum) which utilizes a holistic, analyticsdriven methodology to provide continuous innovation for their clients business processes. With their service delivery anchored on Innovation and Process Excellence, IBM has made itself relevant and a leader in the local BPO community. It is for these reasons that IBM has been chosen as Non-Voice Excellence Company of the Year 5. Best New Locator of the Year: Tata Consultancy Services (Philippines) Inc. In 2011, TCS inaugurated its first BPO Delivery Centre in the Philippines, which is also their first BPO centre in Southeast Asia. The Philippine BPO expansion achieved double revenue growth and increased their full time employees by over 300%. The Philippines (Manila) Global Delivery Center of Tata Consultancy Services is a strategic growth unit within TCS with focus to build capability to serve global clients worldwide through the Philippines. 6. Fastest Growing BPO Company of the Year: Ingram Micro Shared Services Center Ingram Micro Inc., a Fortune 100 company, is the worlds largest technology distributor and a leading technology sales, marketing and logistics company for the IT industry worldwide. The previous year yielded unsurpassed organic growth in Ingram Micross operations in the Philippines with a 40% growth in associates, significant growth in
revenues and a depth of service lines has highlighted its selection as the Fastest Growing Company of the Year 7. Most Innovative BPO Company of the Year: Maersk Global Services Center (Philippines), Ltd. Maersk Global Services Centre in Manila (MNLGSC) is one of five global shared service centres of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group. In line with its vision to be the leading shipping line when it comes to environmental, sustainability and reliability, Maersk Line has made an innovative approach and widened its focus to include what happens while the vessels are at sea. The Energy Efficiency team was created in 2011 in pursuit of gaining benefits on fuel savings, sustainability, and being environment friendly for the entire Maersk Line network. Maersk Line decided to move the teams location to Manila and the team now monitors a total of 600 vessels and currently sends analytical stakeholder reports to their operations around the world. 8. Quality of the Year Program: Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific (Hong Kong) Ltd. Phils. ROHQ HP Asia Pacific started in the Philippines in August 2003. Their focus is on promoting a culture of quality and process maturity. Beyond obtaining numerous quality certifications in the past year, their quality and continuous improvement projects are complex in nature and all were directly related to business operations. They have led the way in partnering with industry peers to form an ITSMF Chapter in the Philippines that aims to provide visibility and access to a global network of service management practitioners. HP Asia Pacific invests heavily and has been in the forefront of driving quality programs to continue to remain competitive. This highlights their selection as the winner for this years Quality program of the Year Award.
From L-R: Lito Tayag Country Managing Director, Accenture in the Philippines; Cassandra Sotto Director, Business Process Delivery for Philippines, IBM; Alex Wozniak General Manager, Ingram Micro Shared Services Center; Kristina Beckendorf Managing Director, Global Delivery Lead Liner Operations & Head of Business Relations Management, Maersk Global Services Center (Philippines), Ltd.; Monchito Ibrahim; Virgilio Pea; Noel Mendoza Director, Global Deliver Center, Hewlett Packard Asia PAcific (Hong Kong) Ltd., Phils.; Vikram Singh Country Manager, Tata Consultancy Services (Philippines) Inc.; Carlo Jose President & Head of GSC Philippines, HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines; and Victoria Muego, Country Manager for Customer Management Operations, Convergys Philippines Services Corp.
Global management consulting, technology management and outsourcing company Accenture in the Philippines bags the International ICT Awards Philippines 2012 BPO Company of the Year Award in ceremonies held at the Marriott Hotel Manila last March 29, 2012. Over 500 guests from the countrys IT-BPO sector were present in this most prestigious sectoral awards jointly organized by the Business Process Association of the Philippines and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
Lito Tayag, Country Managing Director of Accenture in the Philippines, received the award on behalf of the Companys approximately 24,000 employees. This is the second time in the Awards history that Accenture won the title, also being the very first recipient of the award in 2007. Convergys Philippines Services Corporation, represented by Victoria Ivic Mueco, the Companys Country Manager for Customer Management Operations, was proclaimed BPO Employer of the Year. Also a consistent finalist throughout the Awards history, this marks Convergys third time to win the much-coveted award: First in 2007 and then again in 2009.
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Monchito Ibrahim A familiar face in the BPO industry, Ibrahim is currently with the Department of Science and Technology Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) as Commissioner, he also served in the same position at the now defunct Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), which the DOST-ICTO replaced, until June 30, 2011.
Other winners of the night were HSBC. Electronic Data Processing Philippines for Shared Services Excellence of the Year, Maersk Global Services Center (Philippines) Ltd. for Most Innovative BPO Company of the Year, IBM for NonVoice Excellence of the Year, Ingram Micro Shared Services Center for Fastest Growing BPO of the Year and HewlettPackard Asia Pacific (Hong Kong) Ltd. Phils. for a newly institutionalized category Quality Program of the Year. To ensure that the best new industry players are also recognized, the Awardgiving body recognizes the Best New BPO Locator of the Year. This award was brought home by Tata Consultancy Services (Philippines) Inc. Topping-off the list of awards is the
ICT Individual Contributors Award which were given to three of the most respected personalities in the Philippine IT-BPO sector: Virgilio Pena, Monchito Ibrahim and PEZA Director General Lilia De Lima. These awardees were honored for over 10 years of valuable contribution to the ICT industry. During his speech, Richard Mills, Chairman of the ICT Awards, urged fellow non-Filipinos to stand up and pay homage to the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who tirelessly work day-in and day-out to make the ICT industry in the Philippines what it is today. The crowd obliged in a standing ovation reinforcing a shared and strong belief that the Philippines is now a global force in business process outsourcing.
Lilia De Lima Appointed as the first PEZA Director-General in 1995, Atty. Lilia De Lima has served as the Director-General and Vice Chair of the Board of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) for over seven years now. It was in her maiden year of service when investments in Philippine economic zones increased five-fold to P52.5 billion from year-ago level.
decreased $1.6 million, or 1.2%, in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011. These results reflect a decrease (as a percentage) in the low teens from our financial vertical compared to the first quarter of 2011. Our pharmaceutical vertical experienced revenue growth in the mid single digits and our retail vertical grew in the low single digits. Our high-tech vertical declined in the low single digits and our select vertical was flat compared to the prior year quarter. Operating income margins were 11.2% versus 11.3% in the first quarter of 2011. During the quarter, Shoppers revenues increased for the automotive, communications and consumer spending sectors, but decreased for the real estate, services and restaurant sectors. Concluding, Franklin said, In the last call we said we expected the 2.2% Direct Marketing revenue growth in the fourth quarter to continue into 2012, that our profits would likely be down in the first half, and we would show slight revenue and profit growth for the year. Based on our first quarter performance this is still our expectation for Direct Marketing. In Shoppers, we are optimistic that the changes that have been made will lead to higher profits in 2012. (
To be considered a member of the middle class according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), your household should have an annual income ranging from Php 251,283 to Php 2,045,280, live in a domicile made of strong materials, a refrigerator and own a radio.
156,068.97 wealthier than the average family. The Eagle Flies Again According to the Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia (CLSA) report done by Mitzi de Dios entitled the The Eagle Flies Again, it is highly possible that the BPO industry will grow to a 1.2 million work force and will hit its target of $25 billion by 2016. This alone should motivate Filipinos to stay home as the income per capita is to increase in the following years and ignite continuous growth for the countrys middle class. The report also said that the middle class in countrys economic growth has lagged its regional peers. But, without much fanfare, the economy has transformed itself into an emerging services center, laying the foundations for todays growth. In a nutshell, what the report says is that the BPO industry is one of the main pillars of the Philippines GDP growth, and this has spurred the expansion of the countrys middle class over the past decade. A strong middle class is what the country needs to grow more and display stellar economic performance. The BPO industry is supplying exactly this, but Manager - $900 - $1,400 Manager - $1,500 - $2,500 Non-Voice BPO Salaries Entry Level from average school - $350 Entry Level from top schools - $450 Experienced - $600 - $900 Very Experienced - $1,000 - $1,500 Project Manager - $1,500 - $2,000 According to http://www. worldsalaries.org the average Filipino salary in all sectors is Php 10,719 per month. Entry level call center agents are paid at least Php 1,000
Harte-Hanks recently opened a recruitment office in Market!Market in Taguig City. (standing from left) are Kyle Kennedy, Group Managing Director of Harte-Hanks, and Ben Chacko, Country Manager Harte-Hanks, (seated from left) are Bud Melchor Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology-ICT Office, and Elmer San Pascual, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Public Information and Promotions Head.
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select few are awarded this honor as it takes a long list of credentials and at least three PEZA accredited industry awards to get to this point. Achieving this award shows Sitels leadership is at the zenith, the objective from here forward is to build on that momentum. He believes that this big win was a team effort and wants to give credit to Sitel as a cohesive unit. Work-Life Balance Trevor is a dedicated family man. He has a beautiful Brazilian wife and two sons. Every weekend he makes sure he spends quality time with them. An enjoyable pastime is cooking, which his family likes to do together. He sees to it that all their needs are met and that all members of his family are enabled to pursue what makes them happy. In keeping himself fit, Trevor hits the gym 2 to 3 times a week and keeps healthy food accessible. For him, happiness means a genuine feeling that his family is secure and that they are provided everything to be successful themselves. At work, he sincerely cares about Sitels employees, he wants them to feel this through the companys initiative to Mean More. In the end, the objective is to properly balance all employee, client, and shareholder goals. If employees desire to work for the company, clients see the value of doing business with Sitel, and that the companys objectives are being met, then according to him that is happiness.
enuine leader, family man, corporate visionary and a former Marine, Sitel General Manager for PHANZ (Philippines, Australia and New Zealand): Trevor Friesen is at the helm of Sitel 2.0. He is steering the company from merely focusing on operational excellence to an organization that brings equally remarkable results for its employees, clients and shareholders. Having 18 years of BPO experience and starting in an entry-level position, Trevor is the man for the job. He has a proven track record that spans from partnerships with countless Fortune 500 companies and keeps it all balanced. For him, success doesnt end in the workplace and should continue to ones personal life. He believes that leaving a legacy behind is paramount to be considered to have led a positive life. At first glance, Trevor may seem reserved, unapproachable and emits that the presence of authority. Get to know him and you will understand how genuine he is and why he can motivate employees simply through his presence and actions. With a fast mind, broad industry experience and military discipline Trevor is the kind of man who brings value to partnerships, focuses on operational excellence and improves organizational leadership. Having almost unparalleled results in the industry, After Call magazine is pleased to announce its leader of the quarter Trevor Friesen. Humble Beginnings Trevor began his call center career when he was leaving the military. He responded to a job ad just like most people in the industry. Referring to his rough start, he says, [When I started] I was the subordinate person so I received the absolute worst shift available. I was working in the US and given a schedule from 5:30 PM to 2:30 in the morning. My schedule was from Tuesday to Saturday, which left little time for my family, but I stuck with it. Early on to be successful, Trevor knew that he had to treat his call center agent post more than a job but as a career. When asked the difference between a job and a career. He answers, It is all attitude and behavior that sets the two apart. Those that pursue a career think about what they can do to better their selves professionally and improve the position of their company. A career requires professionalism, problem solving, and innovation. The professionals find themselves with pride [in their work] they are inquisitive and constantly looking for development plus continuous improvement. I was trying to be professional in
what I was doing. Simply put, a job is for those that follow a process for the purpose of collecting a paycheck. Not long, because of this outlook, he was promoted to be a supervisor, then to a workforce position and eventually into his first senior leadership designation as a site director. Trevor comments, I received experience from the various positions I held. I was patient and took time to master what I was doing before pursuing the next step. I knew I was ready for leadership when those working for me where, themselves, promotable. Too many people today focus on what is next rather than what is right in front of them. Opportunities and recognition will come from the results produced. Trevors Competitive Edge Trevor doesnt just want Sitel to be the best BPO company in the industry. What he wants is for Sitel to become a world class company, a Starbucks or an Apple, which other executives look up to and wish their company was just as impressive. He said, We want to build Sitel into a company that our employees are proud to work for, and people are attracted to because they believe in what the company stands for. We also want our clients to consider us to be invaluable, and they chose to do business with us because we are an excellent partner. He sees the BPO competitive landscape as highly commoditized at the moment and advocates that to be successful; any BPO company needs a unique value proposition. For Sitel, he believes that it is Sitel 2.0 that provides it. The simple shift from focusing on just being an operationally excellent call center to prioritizing the goals of their clients that provides them value is Sitels differentiator. He thinks that the key is to understand not only the business objectives but to realize the competitive landscape of customers and how Sitel can provide solutions that give his clients the advantage from a CRM standpoint. He considers himself to be a highly competitive person. He believes that defeat is simply having somebody else more prepared. Stating the importance of preparation, Trevor said, It is especially disappointing when as a team, and me as an individual, were not ready for an event, whether it was going after a new client, or in personal life having a contest that Im trying to win. Learning from this experience, Trevor and his team focused on business development and went on to win more clients for Sitel. It was only last year that Sitel was elevated by PEZA to the hall of fame as an outstanding employer. Only a
Early on to be successful, Trevor knew that he had to treat his call center agent post more than a job but as a career.
Vision and Legacy When asked, What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Trevor answers, Being recognized and respected as a word class leader would be nice. However, to be considered a person that has made a positive impact on all those around me, including my family would be great. He continues, Do you leave behind a legacy of integrity, ethics, respect, and admiration? My vision is to help my family better themselves, make sure my kids are healthy and educated. To continue to work towards what success looks like for me at work and at home, and to have happiness all around me. He elaborates, Happiness is a level of comfort and security. Security in that I know there is [a sense of] accomplishment [in my work and personal life], a focus on providing value and encouragement. That others look at me as an inspiration rather than look at me as somebody they have to follow because of a position I hold or because I tell them to do something. I want people to work with me because they believe in me. I want them to emulate my behavior my vision and passion for success. I am a very competitive person, so happiness [for me] is when you can walk away from life or business, and say that Ive accomplished all my objectives, Ive produced results in the company, in my community and the people I touched are better for it. (
Travel
ake the Caticlan flight but this time youre not going to Boracay. But why shouldnt you? You can party yourself out on Saturday, ferry back to Caticlan and take the boat to Carabao Island. Here, you can detox the alcohol for a day and live like Robinson Crusoe, as this island is what Boracay looked like about 40 years ago. There are already plans to develop this island. Right now, to experience Carabao island at its finest, the thing to do is bask in this Islands virgin paradise as much as you can. So better book that flight ASAP.
Winter is coming says Ned Stark from the Game Thrones, and just as true for the Philippines the wet season is almost upon us. The clock is indeed ticking , and you havent hit the beach all summer long. Leave application, after leave application has been denied. Your absences are at the limit, another one would see your promotion down the drain. Youre on the edge, nearly burned out. Caffeine has lost its jolt, youve become numb to nicotine, and every workday your nerves feel they are about to give way to a breakdown you need to disconnect.
3. Real, Quezon
1. Batanes
Finally, you choose one of your weekends to detox, but you have no idea where to go on a limited time. Its crunch time , and its time to commit to a break. Its a matter of do or die, and thats death by an exploding aneurysm in the arms of your next irate caller. In this case, one of Hunter S. Thompsons quotes come to mind, Buy the ticket and take the ride. This is exactly what you have to do when you absolutely just have to get out of town in a flash. Here, are four quick junkets that are only about two hours away from Manila either by land, sea or air. Thats faster than braving the weekend traffic to the usual Tagaytay quick weekend getaway. These four escape routes will get you out of Manila faster than your longest call. So bring out the weekend warrior in you and book the trip.
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hat? Quezon in two hours? By land? The answer is yes, and this is actually the closest surf break to Metro Manila. If you love to surf then you probably know about this beach. If not its a great place to learn, you can book lessons here with the Philippine Surfing Academy (http://www. philippinesurfingacademy.com/). If surfing isnt really your thing you can head to Balabag falls for a picnic. You can stop by the road side wet market, buy fresh seafood and ask them to cook food for you, much like your local dampa (seafood market-cum-restaurant). The seafood in Real is amazingly fresh, from tiger prawns, to blue marlin and almost any salt water fish you can think of is available here. Real offers a fresh water chill or the salt water rush of a five foot wave. Take your pick. At any rate, due to its proximity to fishing villages, eating fresh seafood here cant matched by any Dampa in Manila. Another plus factor is you can jump off to Polillo Island if you have the time to spare.
atanes maybe the northern most province and seems a millennia away, but in reality, its just an hour and 45 minutes away by plane. Although, the plane ticket can cost as much as Php 15,000 but believe me, its worth it. Going to Singapore might be cheaper, but seeing breathtaking highland landscapes comparable to only to the ones seen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, combined with pristine white sand beaches and Ivatan culture in the Philippines is an experience not to be missed. A three days and two nights itinerary is already enough to explore the 3 main islands Basco, Sabtang and Itbayat, however to maximize your time, take the plane ride if you are going to Itbayat. This will save you time and from getting seasick from the boat ride going to the Island, as it infamous from making most of its passengers use barf bags even some of the locals are not spared. When in Basco, make sure to rent a motorbike, there is nothing like feeling the fresh wind in your hair while touring the islands unique landscapes and lighthouses. In Sabtang, make sure to tour the beaches and visit the limestone houses.
4. Guimaras
atch a plane to Ilo-ilo, take a cab to the Ortiz port in the city, board the boat to Guimaras, and in less than two hours youre in Guimaras. With white sand beaches and islets that tend to have their own character, this destination is unbeatable, especially if you want to disconnect. Out of the main town of Jordan, there are only a few hotels available. Some people opt to just camp it out in the beaches or islands. I was lucky enough to have relatives to stay with during my trip there. So, unfortunately, I cant recommend a hotel here; however Baras beach resort seems to be a good place to stay. When it comes to Island hoping make sure you visit Ave Maria islet and Baras cave island. The Baras cave was really interesting, when I was there, the boatmen were able to park our pump boat inside the cave and hang out there while the afternoon sun raged. Snorkeling, island picnics/parties and just plain chilling out are the doctors orders here. Finally, dont forget to try the mangoes.
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WWF Ambassadors Marc Nelson & Rovilson Fernandez Do Marine Conservation Work in Tubbataha Reefs
By Gregg Yan
Lying at the heart of the AsiaPacific region is the Coral Triangle, a spectacular underwater world brimming with wealth of unparalleled proportions. The Coral Triangle is the planets richest center of marine life, the nursery of the seas. Few reefs within the Coral Triangle can rival the productivity of the Philippines own Tubbataha Reefs, located in the Central Sulu Sea in Palawan. Tubbataha, touted as the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle, is a project site of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This April, WWF-Philippines national ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez went on a fiveday diving expedition to do hands-on conservation work at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park. Onboard WWF-Philippines research vessel M/Y Navorca, Marc and Rovilson stood at the front lines to ensure that the reefs remain pristine for generations to come. Im an avid scuba diver and Tubbataha has some of the best diving in the world. Being able to see sharks and turtles on every dive and even running into a whale shark underwater is proof positive that WWFs conservation efforts in the area is a success, says Marc. Since Marc and Rovilson were named WWF-Philippines national ambassadors in October 2010, the dynamic duo has led a slew of activities to create more awareness about the Philippine environments immense biodiversity. These activities include WWF environmental education sessions to help empower thousands of public school students to become young stewards of nature. The Tubbataha Experience The twin atolls of the Tubbataha Reefs lie in the middle of the Sulu Sea, approximately 160 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. The reefs are only reachable by boat, a journey which takes 10 to 12 hours and is only attempted from mid-March to mid-June. Entry to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park without proper clearance is strictly prohibited. Tubbataha spans more than 97,000 hectares and hosts approximately 600 species of fish; 360 species of corals (approximately half of all coral species in the world); 14 species of sharks including the ferocious tiger shark; 12 species of dolphins and whales; a nesting population of endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles; and over 100 species of birds, including rare migratory birds. During our trip, we saw spinner dolphins, black and white tip reef sharks, stingrays, manta and eagle rays and a whale shark, which is rarely seen in Tubbataha. Such sightings manifest the excellent health of these waters, says Rovilson. Best dive ever! exclaimed Marc after seeing the four-meter juvenile whale shark. Marc has been diving since he was 11 and has had hundreds of diving trips around the world. Marc and Rovilson likewise interacted with rangers from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Marine Park, the bestmanaged offshore marine protected area in the country. The ranger station stands on a sandbar in Tubbatahas north atoll. The rangers ensure that Tubbatahas waters are protected from illegal fishermen and poachers. They also maintain a steady watch on the licensed dive boats in the area and are trained to come to their aid in any emergency situation, adds Marc. The Tubbataha Reefs: Ensuring Food Security But the Tubbataha Reefs go beyond being a Mecca of Philippine diving. The reefs rich marine biodiversity also ensures an ample food supply for over 20 million Filipinos, who depend on fish as a source of protein. The Tubbataha Reefs twin atolls produce fish biomass of at least 200tons per square kilometre. This is five times greater than the productivity of a healthy reef. Tubbataha is the seeding and growth area of the fish stocks for Palawan and the Visayas. Without this protected area, fish would not have the opportunity to grow to maturity and repopulate other areas, says Marc. Adds Rovilson, With a burgeoning Philippine population, escalating food prices, and unmonitored unsustainable fishing practices, it is only imperative that we protect the Tubbataha Reefs. As ambassadors of WWF-Philippines, we want to raise more awareness about Tubbataha so we can better safeguard this cradle of marine life. Home from their trip, Marc and Rovilson are more determined than ever to protect the Tubbataha Reefs plus other critical ecosystems in the Philippines.(
We are privileged and proud to represent WWF, the worlds largest independent conservation organization. At the same time, Marc and I also carry the responsibility to communicate the need to protect the Philippine environments fragile beauty, concludes Rovilson.-
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Pantry
Barkadas get a slice of their favorite Ultimate Hawaiian Overload. Greenwich once again proves why they are the Philippines favorite pizza with the Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload
Greenwich customers who got the chance to participate in the Barkada Crust Course really had a fun time, Melo Del Gallego recalls. They did not only get to meet John Lloyd, up close and personal, but they also had the opportunity to experience the freshly-made goodness of a Greenwich pizza. It is no wonder that customers are in love with Greenwichs latest pizza offering. What with its two kinds of cheeseMozzarella and Cheddar, glazed pineapples, and two types of premium meat ham and bacon. It does not even stop there, the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload also boasts of its crisp-on-the-outside-yet-soft-andchewy-on-the-inside crust that is freshly made everyday in all Greenwich stores making pizza eating even more delightful. This latest pizza innovation from Greenwich definitely satisfies Filipinos craving for an overload of Hawaiian pizza goodness. From the first bite down to the last, one can savor the blend of the juicy and sweet taste of glazed pineapples, the other delightful toppings, the perfect pizza sauce and the freshly made crust. It has the goodness no other Hawaiian pizzas have. Enjoying pizza will never be the same with the Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload, now even better than ever.(
The new Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload levels up the pizza experience with glazed pineapples, two kinds of premium ham and bacon and two types of cheese toppings to complete that delicious pizza goodness.
Enchong Dee gets a lift with the new Jollibee Coffee and Chocolate Floats
Not only is Enchong Dee one of the hottest leading men in the country, he is also one of the busiest and most hardworking actors in the entertainment industry. To keep his energy level up no matter how busy he becomes, he turns to his favorite things that never fail to give him a lift. The young heartthrob shared that dance music gives him a surge of energy whenever he feels stressed. A movie buff, Enchong also said that he likes watching films during his free time and counts Click, which stars Adam Sandler, as one of his favorites. The actor also wants to widen his horizons this year, and is planning to devote more time to muay thai and dabble in music. Enchong also shared his newest cravings, the Jollibee Coffee Float and Chocolate Float, that give him the lift he needs. Theyre my perfect cure for a bad day, he said. Were very happy that Enchong remains a part of the Jollibee family. We believe that he perfectly embodies the youth of todayalways on the go and determined to soar to the top. They juggle a variety of activities on top of school and work, and they nurture their hobbies and passions. As such, they need delightfully cool refreshments to make them feel good and give them an energy boost, and they can find that in the new Jollibee Chocolate and Coffee Floats, said Jollibees Vice President for Marketing, Albert Cuadrante. The newest float treats from everyones favorite fast-food chain, the Jollibee Coffee Float and Chocolate Float are made up of deliciously smooth iced coffee and delightfully rich iced chocolate, crowned by creamy vanilla soft serve and chocolate syrup topping. These refreshing drinks are the best and most delicious way to perk up a hectic workday, said Enchong. Like Enchong, anyone can get the lift that they need anytime, anywhere with Jollibees new Coffee Float and Chocolate Float, only P45 in all Jollibee outlets nationwide. (
Customers get to experience making their own Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian pizza via the Greenwich Barkada Crust Course.
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Rap Yu Donna Chua Jessa Areej Magana Janelle Olafson Patar Beach, Bolinao
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Health
You work at night, and youre fat. You cant seem to stop putting on weight. Youre working 8 hours a day so you obviously have the time to work out, but youre a night worker, and for biological reasons, you simply dont have the energy or motivation to do it. Youre not at fault. Its the incompatibility of your working hours and your body. Still, you know you have to do something because being fat isnt just unsightly, its downright dangerous. What if we tell you theres a way to lose weight and keep it off without working out, starvation, or in any way feeling deprived? What if we tell you theres a way to lose an average of 7 pounds in just 7 consecutive days? Say hello to Chia Seeds, The most nutritionally dense food known to man. Its one of the greatest things to take the world of healthy living by storm. Chia seeds are categorized and widely accepted as a Superfood. A Superfood is a type of food that come with tremendous health benefits that set it apart from regular food. Compared to other Super Foods, chia is the big daddy of them all, surpassing others in nutrition, health benefits and just as importantly but rarely given attention: culinary adaptability. You can mix chia seeds to nearly any food or drink preparation without altering its taste. What is it like? Theyre tiny seeds that look like miniature dinosaur eggs about half the size of sesame seeds. When you put them in water, they soften and form a Chia seeds gel, making them look like tiny tapioca pearls or sago. Whatever food you you mix chia seeds with is the flavor it will take on. Meaning if you put it in coffee, it tastes like coffee flavored sago. If you put it in orange juice, it tastes like orange juice. Its so nutritionally dense and complete that a single tablespoon is more nutritious than an average rice meat, and veggie meal. You can research it, and I guarantee you will be amazed at just how extremely nutritious it is. None of the information youll get is an exaggeration of a lesser truth. Its just powerful. Aztec warriors, mixed martial arts practitioners and even NFL players have used it. The hardiness of Aztec warriors in battle is a staggering testament to its prowess. SO WHAT DO YOU EXACTLY HAVE TO DO? For a complete 7-day meal replacement, you will substitute each meal with a fresh supercharged smoothie that has all the nutrients your body needs. Unlike all other dieting methods, this one is fun, engaging, and unless you step on the weighing scale, you wont feel like youre actually losing weight because all throughout you will feel strong and lively. Weight loss pills, teas, or the like are dangerous because all they do is turn off
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Health
If youd like your body to look great at the beach, try these two exercises. Youll get a total-body workout and you can adapt them to whatever shape youre in. Please dont forget to warm up for a few minutes before doing these. I recommend you do the following twice: 30 seconds of marching in place followed by 30 seconds of jumping jacks, 30 butt kickers and 30 seconds of pushup walkouts. After your warm-up, lets get started with dirt diggers (For an instructional video go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zAe5EerMos). Theyre one of my favorites. Theyre easy to learn and really work your core. You start out almost as if youre doing pushups. Put your hands flat on the floor, about shoulder-width apart. Extend your legs almost all the way out, but keep a very slight bend at the waist. Now, lift your left foot a few inches off the floor and bring your left knee forward (towards your chin) as far as you comfortably can. Then straighten your leg and touch your toes to the floor again. Next, do the same thing with your right leg. Repeat, always alternating sides. You can do these as slowly as you need to or as fast as youre comfortable going. For a little extra challenge, you can add a rotation. Heres what I mean: When youve brought each leg forward, stop and rotate from the hips so you swing that leg under the opposite leg. Try to keep your upper body straight while you do this. Then swing your leg back to its normal side, and extend it all the way back before returning to your starting position. Youll really feel it after youve done a few of these. Another exercise thats great for building a beach body fast is the burpee (For an instructional video go to: http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=OKBfVncsq_4&feature=fvst). This is an exercise lots of pro athletes use. But they can be done at any intensity level. Stand about a foot back from a sturdy table or weight bench thats about knee-height. Place your hands flat on the bench, palms down. The heel of your hand should be right at the edge of the bench. Now, leaving your hands resting on the bench, hop upwards slightly and thrust your feet back 12-18 inches. Land on your toes and the balls of your feet. With your hands still on the bench, hop back into your starting position and stand straight up. Thats all
CABANA www.soakHotpink above Nail Spa, 109 Gamboa Ayala, Cebu swimwear.com st. Legaspi Village, Makati
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ALIAH DIMAPORO
2nd District of Lanao del Norte
ADVOCACIES
I. Mindanao NOW! Pegged by Manila Bulletin as Mindanaos Child of Peace (Pamaran, M. 9 October 2011), having been born to parents coming from previously warring families, Rep. Aliah Dimaporo is introducing a campaign she calls Mindanao Now! that focuses on the awareness of Mindanao arts and crafts, fashion, traditional cuisine and tourist sites, particularly in the predominantly Muslim areas. II. To Forge Peace Through Sports Rep. Aliah Dimaporo, one of the youngest solons at the House of Representatives, is pushing for the promotion of sports among the young people as one avenue to foster unity and peace in Mindanao and other conflict-ridden areas of the country. At present, Rep. Dimaporo of the 2nd District of Lanao del Norte is laying the groundwork for the launch of a national movement called the Young Leaders for One Philippines (Y1P). One of the Y1P thrusts, she says, will be the conduct of sports activities for the young people to promote peace. Unity is an essential element of peace and throughout history, sports has proven to be one effective, universal, tool for its promotion. She cites the phenomenal influence of sports stars like the Azkals, the Philippine Dragon Boat Racing Team and her colleague in Congress, Rep. Manny Pacquiao, in promoting unity and national pride among Filipinos. Our excellence in sports has opened the world to the Filipino and has united us in national pride. Sport builds nations, brings pride to a country, and unites people in diversity. Among other benefits, the young solon also adds that Sport also helps in the development of social skills and promotion of values, such as the responsibility and leadership in teamwork, respect and humility in sportsmanship, and discipline and perseverance in play. Dimaporo admits that she has become an ardent promoter of peace for personal reasons. I am a product of peace. My forebears were from two warring factions and were literally killing each other until the marriage of my parents, through their union, put an end to it in 1977. Aliah graduated magna cum laude in Sociology at the Mindanao State University. Before joining Congress, she was the Executive Director of World Youth Alliance Foundation Inc, in New York City, New York.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth: 12 March Place of Birth: San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines Nationality: Filipino Parents : Mother: Imelda Quibranza- Dimaporo Father: Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo
EDUCATION
Graduating 2012 MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, University of London, Distance Learning Programme 2000 2002 BA Sociology, Mindanao State University Magna Cum Laude Undergraduate Thesis: A Socio-demographic Profile of Families with Child Deaths in the Municipality of Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2010 January June Executive Director, WYA Foundation Inc., New York City, New York 2008 2010 International Director of Operations, World Youth Alliance, New York City, New York 2007 July November
HOUSE RESOLUTION
1. HR01056 - A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING, COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING FILIPINO-AMERICAN PRODUCERS GIGI DEMENT, STEFANIE WALMSLEY AND STEPHEN DYPIANGCO FOR WINNING THE BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM AWARD DURING THE 83RD ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS.
PRIVILEGE SPEECHES
1. POWER CRISIS IN MINDANAO talked about the power crisis in Mindanao and the need for government to actively search for alternative sources of energy. Discussed the impo rtant role of electricity consumption to economic development. Urged the House of representatives to initiate propoor and productivity-oriented legislations, such as the revision of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). 2. ON PRIORITIZING THE YOUTH Talked on the role of family in the protection of youth.
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CO-AUTHORED BILLS
1. AN ACT PROMOTING RURAL FARM SCHOOL AS AN ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY MODE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION. 2. AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT FUND, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 3. AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT BY PROHIBITING THE DUMPING OF SEWAGE SLUDGE AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE INTO THE SEA.
QC Times Supplement
ignition risk when compared to gasoline. Natural gas is lighter than air and will not pool as a liquid or vapor. Nevertheless, indoor leaks can form a flammable mixture in the vicinity of an ignition source. Reported incidents of CNG bus fires are related to engine failures, not the use of natural gas. Natural gas buses have onboard gas detectors and other safety devices such as tank safety valves that only allow fuel flow when the engine is running. CNG is a readily available alternative to gasoline thats made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. Consisting primarily of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Its drawn from domestically drilled natural gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production.
Clean
Reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 20% to 30% Reducing carbon monoxide (CO) emissions up to 75% Reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 50% Reducing up to 95% of particle matter (PM) emissions Reducing volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions by 55%
Abundant
This offshore oil well called the Malampaya Gas Field off the coast between Mindoro and Palawan has been working for over ten years within an estimated life span of 20 years. This vast reserve has been operating at a total generating capacity of 2,700 Megawatts in Ilihan power plant off the coast of Batangas to provide 40-45% of Luzons power generation requirements.
Affordable
According to the DOE, CNG would cost the consumer just P14P18/liter because of the abundance of CNG. Less production and processing cost is also a crucial factor in its affordability. Because the gas can be distributed and utilized straight out of the oil well in its natural state, fewer refining and production process is necessary making it less expensive than its counterparts. Infrastructures can be focused on immediate distribution and can be easily transported through pipelines.
Safe
The spate of recent oil price increases topped by the increase of prices in commodities has stirred another wave of mass protests and transport strikes all over the country. While the drivers and operators are calling for an end to escalating fuel costs, the government seems helpless in addressing the crises that have its roots in global problems and tensions between the oil producing nations. International oil importation has become politicized due to regional tensions affecting the supply chain all 34 over the world. International oil prices started to pick up affecting our economy in a drastic way.
Although CNG is flammable, it has a narrow flammability range, making it an inherently safe fuel. Strict safety standards make CNG vehicles as safe as gasoline-powered vehicles. In the event of a spill or accidental release, CNG poses no threat to land or water, as it is nontoxic. CNG also disperses rapidly, minimizing
Ellen Landicho is a civic leader and an entrepreneur advocating clean energy. She heads ENTRA, an NGO advocating CNG development in the Philippines.
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Space
by the presence of scheduled buses that service Lancaster Estates Lawton, Manila route, passing through major thoroughfares like Coastal Road and Roxas Boulevard. Twenty-four hour security is guaranteed so you can sleep your worries away. Inside Lancaster Estates are amenities that you can already enjoy. At the heart of the development is the Leighton Hall, a modern, three-storey clubhouse that can accommodate up to 300 guests for birthday celebrations or family reunions. It also has large swimming pool where you can cool off from the tropical heat. Right beside the hall is the community chapel, the Church of the Holy Family, which is available for your spiritual needs. You do not need to go far to provide excellent education to your children as the St. Edward Integrated School, a private school under the consultancy with the Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO), offers this at affordable rates. Shuttle service is available to transport you from one point to another inside the estates. A commercial area will soon rise to provide you with additional shopping, dining, and recreational options. To make it easier for you to realize your dream of owning a home, PRO-FRIENDS also offers one of the most affordable financing schemes in the market today. To know more about Lancaster Estates or to schedule an ocular trip, contact them at (02) 491-7700 or visit www.profriends.com. (
Send your children to St. Edward Integrated School. Classes open this June 2012.
Fortunately, there is a company which can help you own your dream home at a price you can afford PRO-FRIENDS (Property Company of Friends, Inc.). Founded in 1999 by a group of friends, PRO-FRIENDS has been in the business for more than a decade and is one of the fastest growing property developers in the country today. Its flagship project, the 600-hectare Lancaster Estates in Imus, Cavite, offers quality, spacious, and stylish townhouses and single attached homes in gated communities. You can avail of these homes starting at approximately P8,000 a month, or just half of a starting agents monthly pay! Lancaster Estates offers superior accessibility and convenience as the project is located only 15 to 20 minutes away from SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), via Cavitex. Travel time going to and from your place of work is significantly cut short, giving you more quality time to spend with your friends and family. Convenience is further enhanced
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Tech + Mobility
Get the mobility and productivity your business needs with Dell Vostro
Invest in the future of your business and get the Vostro V131 and the Vostro 3350. Enjoy efficient and reliable features that increase your productivity, keep costs low, and ultimately boost your business. With Dell, you can do business the smart way!
Vostro 3350
Intel Core i5-2450M processor Windows 7 Professional 4GB* DDR3 SDRAM Memory 500 GB* SATA HDD Drive 133* HD WLED LCD 1-Year Next Business Day Onsite* 1-Year Accidental Damage Services
Vostro V131
Intel Core i5-2430M processor Windows 7 Professional 4GB* DDR3 SDRAM Memory 500 GB* SATA HDD Drive 133* HD WLED LCD 1-Year Next Business Day Onsite* 1-Year Accidental Damage Services
Windows 7 makes the things you do every day faster and easier. With faster searching, easier browsing, and simpler ways to connect, theres less between you and what you want to do.
Contact
Only thru Dell Authorized Distributors *Weights vary depending on configuration and manufacturing variability. **By delivery only. Prices shown are inclusive of delivery (Manila only) and Value Added Taxes. *IMPORTANT DELL DETAILS: FOR HARD DRIVES: GB means 1 billion bytes. Actual capacity varies with preloaded material and operating environment and will be less. DELL WARRANTIES AND ON-SITE SERVICE AND ADVANCED EXCHANGE SERVICE: Customer is required to contact local Dells Appointed Distributor for any support, technical advice and resolution. The service may be available on a chargeable basis by the Distributors. Shared Memory: Between 32MB and 224MB of system memory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on the system memory size and other factors. ALL PURCHASES FROM DELL AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS IN THE PHILIPPINES. Pricing, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. All efforts will be made to check for errors in typography and photography; however inadvertent errors may occur for which Dell may not be responsible. Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Celeron, Celeron Inside, Centrino, Centrino inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel Viiv, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, Viiv Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Copyright 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
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Money
I need to get out of this rat race and start living the life I always wanted and have my money work for me rather that me working for it.
reading Kiyosakis book Rich Dad Poor Dad and knowing the secrets of the millionaires mind from reading T. Harv Eckers book of the same title, whats nextor where do we go from herewhat do we do with our moneyor maybe in some instances, how should I budget my money when I do not even have enough to pay my bills and loans? The simplest and workable solution is to do the Money Jars! Its a simple money management system I learned from T. Harv Eckers Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar. Basically, it is a set of rules for budgeting your money on a daily basis for 30 days. Then hopefully, if you get the system right it becomes a productive habit and would help you with your financial troubles. Materials Needed: 6 clear jars of coursecan be made out of glass or plastic just make sure it is clear or transparent. the saw!) PLAY 10% - for play (for your inner child) GIVE 10% - for tithing (the law of abundance, what you give so shall you receive) Whats our objectivewell there are different objectives for the different phaseswhen you are just starting the objective is to develop a habitthus the calendar to help track down your daily routine of putting money into these jarsat this stage, the amount of money is not importantwhat is important is the habit of daily putting money into these jars. The second objective, when you have done these for 2 -3 whole months, is to have enough money saved for your FFA to invest on some assets that would generate money for you and lessen money spent on NEC, while you allow yourself some PLAY money and GIVE / tithe to others. How does this work? income. And to add insult to injury, I do not have any FFA yeah the golden goose that would lay golden eggsbummer! So on that desperate note I used these money jars for a year and at the end of that year my NEC was down to 50% and I am now managing my money and my life based on the right percentage as indicated in my money jars. It was not a smooth journey, especially on the first few months but I have no way to go but up and I said to myself, I need to get out of this rat race and start living the life I always wanted and have my money work for me rather that me working for itso that was my motivation, it is true what they say no pain, no gain so I hope this short article about money jars would inspire you to take on the fight for financial freedom. Have a cool summer and should you be interested to know more about these do drop me an email at jon@ommdorm.com (
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Senses
Masterfully-blended from Scotlands finest single malt whiskies, Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature boasts itself as a distinct aged scotch among others. With its deep amber color and multi-layered aroma tinged with dried fruits, toffee, and chocolates, Chivas Regal 18 Gold Signature has a smooth taste with notable dark chocolate bursts and hints of citrus and spices. Its finish is warm and long, leaving you with just a craving for another sip. Its bespoke craftsmanship, flawless blending, and originality draws in all your senses. An exclusive event entitled Chivas 18: Crafted for the Senses was held at Skye, W High Street last April 24, 2012. Crafted coming from Chivas Regal 18s origins as a Scotch with an intricate process of distillation and blending, with a hand-selected mix of superior single malt whiskies, each of which has been aged no fewer than 18 years prior to blending. Senses signifies the multi-sensorial experience of the brand, from seeing the impressive bottle shape, the arresting colors and hues of the liquid, an inviting aroma, and of course, its truly remarkable taste. The success of the brand lies
in its quality and consistency, according to Chivas Master Blender Colin Scott. He believes the creation of a superb and smooth blend of whisky is the result of creativity, experience, inspiration, and patience. Automotive brand Mini Cooper and Anonimo Firenze had special participation in the event. Similar to Chivas Regal 18, Mini Coopers British pedigree and chic style make it a global iconic brand. While Anonimo Firenzes handcrafted timepieces exude uniqueness and sophistication, also found in the 18 year old Scotch. The venue was lavishly decorated for the evening with golden accents and trim, and the air itself teased guests with hints of chocolate and fruit. Guests were able to elevate their experience of Chivas 18 Gold Signature by pairing their drink with an array of delectable treats such as dark chocolate truffles, sultanas, hazelnuts, panna cotta, and crme brulee, among others. The night was also highlighted by a visually-stunning contemporary ballet performance, and the audience enjoyed a live performance by the Techy Romantics, indulging guests with their signature edgy music style.
Chivas 18: Crafted for the Senses was hosted by Pernord Ricard Philippines Inc., the exclusive importer and distributor of Chivas Regal.
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Some believe that working for BPOs is a springboard or a stepping stone to living your dreams. It wasnt long ago when Rap Yu was working as agent for Convergys Philippines. Back then, he never lost sight of his passion for Photography. It was at Convergys where Yu got one of his first breaks. When his skills were identified, Convergys commissioned him to take company photos of company events and the like. From there on, he took the steps towards being a professional photographer. After Call goes head to head with up and coming fashion photographer Rap Yu in this quick Q&A. Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in the call center industry? Rap Yu: After College, it was my first job. I had just applied with some of my classmates at Convergys. Honestly, I never expected to receive a call back. I felt that I wasnt able to give my best during my interview. Back then, I got motivated to work in the BPO industry because I needed funding for my career in photography. A photographers equipment isnt cheap at all. Therefore, I needed to persevere and work really hard for the equipment I own. Q: Can you briefly tell us about your call center career? RY: My call center career at Convergys was really one hell of a blast. I was in an account where values and a sense of family were well intact. During those times, I was always considered the youngest of my peers, so my colleagues would always give advice not only in my career as an agent or a photographer, but also in life. My team mates always had a positive perspective, which influenced me to have a great outlook in life. Q: Why did you decide to become a photographer? RY: I decided to become a photographer when I was making my thesis during my college days. It was always my dream to make it to the top as a great photographer, someday. I remember my professor then challenged me to have some of my shots published before I can call myself a real photographer. Ever since, I worked hard on improving my craft until I was able to get my first published work. Q: How did you make the transition? What were the challenges? RY: The transition from working in a BPO company towards becoming a full time photographer was really hard, as I had to fend for myself. When I wasnt established as photographer yet, the comforts of having a steady paycheck when I was in Convergys were surely missed. After putting in the effort and sacrifice, the rewards are great. However, there would be times when youd miss getting paid every 15th and 30th of the month! Hahaha! Q: Currently, how are you doing as a photographer? Please elaborate RY: Right now, Im doing great in my career. Little by little, Im meeting the right people, and Im learning more than what I couldve ever learned when I was an agent [about photography]. I get to meet many [creative] personalities, and Im able to collaborate with them. Some of the photo projects that I did were for Alodia Gosseingfiaos show entitled Alodias Fantasy, another is for One Shangri-la magazine where I did a fashion editorial spread as well as their kids selection. On one of my latest projects, I shot Megan Young and Lauren Young for a tech magazine. Q: Would you recommend the work you did in the call center industry? Why? RY: Yes, in a way that you get to meet a lot of new people and it might be the key to meet the right people. [In my experience] You can also get new ideas that can energize your life bring you new perspective in life, which will motivate you to work harder to reach your goals. Being a photographer working in a BPO industry has some of its perks too, youll never know when that one big break comes, on the right time at that same office where you take calls. Q: What advice can you give to agents who want to follow their passion and get their dream job? RY: Follow your dreams, have faith, always believe, have passion and work hard for it. If you want it then go get it!
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