Novuhair's Brand Ambassador Abby Asistio meets Mark Zuckerberg and her Facebook Friends Day Experience

Novuhair's Brand Ambassador Abby Asistio

 

 

 

Last January 31, 2016, Fellow Filipino Abby Asistio flew to San Francisco and had the wonderful opportunity of being chosen as one of the eighteen invited by Facebook on their 12th Anniversary Friends Day celebration with California-based Alopecia awareness advocate, Rachel Regal.  Alopecia is an autoimmune condition which results in partial or total head and body hair loss.  Abby Asistio have had it since she was four while Rachel just developed it sometime in 2012, the same year she discovered that her 10-year-old daughter, Eliana, had it, too.  Six inspiring stories were picked by Facebook among its 1.64 billion users and Abby’s friends were all amazed when they’ve found out that Abby’s Alopecia story was one of them.  Imagine that!

Rachel Regal and Abby Asistio

Moneygram considers Overseas Filipino Workers as heroes of the seas

 

Actor Robin Padilla endorses Moneygram

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.).”

AMD Brings the ASSASSIN’S CREED movie VR Experience to Life with the AMD Radeon™ Pro Duo GPU and AMD LiquidVR™ Technology

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) announced that 20th Century Fox, New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, and VR development studio Practical Magic chose the AMD Radeon™ Pro Duo GPU featuring the AMD LiquidVR™ SDK, the world’s fastest VR development platform[1], to bring the upcoming ASSASSIN’S CREED movie VR experience to life. ASSASSIN’S CREED VR is a film-based live action cinematic virtual reality experience produced all over the world that shot concurrently on-set with the ASSASSIN’S CREED film production.   ASSASSIN’S CREED, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, opens in theaters worldwide on Dec. 21, 2016. The newly announced AMD Radeon™ Pro Duo graphics card and AMD LiquidVR™ technology are foundational elements across the entire production of the ASSASSIN’S CREED VR experience.

By shooting on location, the studio is able to recreate the sets from the film at an extremely high quality level, using massive textures and complex geometry captured in places like Malta, Spain, and London.

“Creating such a complex and immersive experience in virtual reality demands an incredible amount of compute power. We asked AMD for their new AMD Radeon™ Pro Duo, which isn't just a fast video card - it's engineered from the bottom up with VR in mind. Features unique to AMD Radeon™ graphics such as asynchronous compute and LiquidVR™ technology are the actual difference between VR being good and VR being great,” said Matthew Lewis, president of Practical Magic VR and director of VR experiences, Practical Magic. “We're using the AMD Radeon Pro Duo and LiquidVR™ technology across the entire production of ASSASSIN'S CREED VR, and soon you'll understand why. To enable high end virtual reality experiences requires deep collaboration between creativity and technology, and AMD is helping Practical Magic push the boundaries of possibility in VR.”

Tutuban Center holds bomb explosion and simulation exercise

 To maintain the safety and security of shoppers, Tutuban Center recently conducted a bomb  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.

Why should the millenials vote for Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo?

Perhaps millenials may not know who they should vote for this coming 2016 elections. So allow me to introduce to you LP presidentiable Mar Roxas and his running-mate Leni Robredo. And why you should vote for these two? Here are their credentials and see for yourself why do I think both deserve to have  two of the highest positions in this country. Read on...

Coming from the family of politicians, Manuel Araneta Roxas III is the flag bearer of the Liberal Party for the 2016 Presidential Election.

More popularly known as Mar Roxas, he is the son of former Senator Gerry Roxas and the grandson of former President Manuel Roxas. He spent his primary and secondary education at one of the most prestigious schools in the country, the Ateneo de Manila University. He also tucked up his Economics degree at the Wharton School of Economics, University of Pennsylvania in 1979. 

The Call Center Life

Business Process Outsourcing or BPO is one of the most lucrative industries in the country. The   Philippine's economy went up because of such as well as everyone’s self-esteem. It gave a huge amount of hope to newly-graduates and gave  them a taste of financial freedom. There was a time that the only job opening that people knew of is a call center job. BPO jobs are still very much in demand and remain a pleasant choice for most people. Truthfully, a call center agent’s salary is much higher than any rank and file employee of other companies.

In my past blog posts, I have discussed a little trivia on how Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas played a huge part in establishing the BPO industry in the country. I have recently interviewed a few full-fledged Call Center Agents and asked them interesting information about their work.

"Whoever said that a Call Center's life is easy-peasy may not understand what it is all about. I want to debunk that misconception that the call center life is a no-brainer," says  *Tina Andrada.  "Most people may not have any idea how hard it is to pass all the tests and interviews before being able to work for a BPO company. It's not entirely blissful. It's not a walk in the park but worth every step of the way." 

Mar Roxas: The Father of BPO Industry in the Philippines

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is arguably one of the most prolific industries you can join once you enter the Philippine workforce.

The Philippine Information Technology (IT)-BPO industry actually unseated India as the call center capital of the world – a sign of bigger things to come in the next few years. Experts project industry revenue to reach $25 billion by next year and it might even reach $55 billion by 2020. Around 1 million people are currently employed by IT-BPO companies and the figures continue to grow.

Secrets to Defy Aging now revealed! Be positive and drink HyC 150

While it is true that "laughter is the best medicine," we should also do our part in making sure we lead positive lives. It has a good effect not just on our aura but also on our own being as well. Laughing releases endorphins and makes you feel good inside. 

So how does one acquire a positive outlook or mindset? The two doctors suggested injecting humor into our lives by watching TV shows or reading stuff like books or reading blogs that induce laughter, or simply hang out with friends for some mood-boosting time. You can even go to the park with your dog or play dress up with the kids. One study that was cited involved helping others to help put oneself in a positive mood. They said “volunteering is a great way to give as much as you get and get as much as you give.” It is a positive cycle, they added, that “The more you do it, the easier it gets—and the younger you’ll feel and look.” Aside from positivity, it is also good as well to supplement your positive affirmations with a powerful and potent food supplement that’s proven enough by many generations—Premium HyC150!

Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo as Father and Mother of this Country

What are the qualities of your presidential bet? What makes a president a great leader? The presidents were great leaders because they knew how to guide and to inspire the Filipino People. The great presidents had leadership qualities such as possessing persistence, having resilience through education, demanding excellence, having sympathy or compassion, communicating and informing people, being decisive, developing esteem, having nerve or courage, practicing team leadership and finally sharing a vision. All these great qualities as leaders will transform a vision into reality. 

Just like what beloved parents, our country needs responsible leaders as parents of the nation. So what exactly is the role of a parent?  The parents’ roles are of the maximum importance for personality development of the children. Parents provide the foundational role of support, nurturance, and guidance for their children.  That role includes the fundamental right to direct the child’s upbringing.  It is essential that society support parents by respecting their natural right and present legal authority to make decisions for their children, including educational and medical decisions.  They need to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment that allows the children to grow healthy. For an optimal development, children need: adequate physical home environment; a tolerant and positive atmosphere; conditions for positive changes and improvements; opportunities to explore and experiment in his environment; consistent routine; etc. 

Get your child into sports: Join the Milo Summer Sports Clinics 2016!

I could vividly recall how I used to mimic former champion gymnast turned Taekwondo jin and Olympian Bea Lucero as she made her stunts on a balancing beam as a young child in that popular Milo commercial during the early '80s. I'm a proud Milo Summer Clinic graduate myself. There was a time in my life when I dreamed of becoming an athlete.  I dabbled into sports such as swimming, ice skating and I also took up karatedo by AAK (Association for Advancement of Karatedo) under the Milo Summer Sports Clinic Program. I used to get some LSS from that TV ad jingle, "Great things starts from small beginnings...growing up, reach early for your dreams...face the day, there's a new challenge...a chance to be better, a chance to become your dream. Growing up with Olympic energy, growing up with Milo, Milo everyday."  Well, so much for reminiscing. 

Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas on Bukid Revolution

Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas has started its grassroots level campaign to discuss what he coined as “Bukid Revolution” to farmers and fishermen to properly address the need for farm-to-market roads, financial support and irrigation to further improve production. Roxas listened to the litany of farmers, seed producers and cooperative members during a meeting held at his grandmother's (Trinidad de Leon, wife of former President Manuel Roxas) hometown in San Miguel, Bulacan. 

This is just one of the many programs he mentioned during the campaign kick off.  Bukid Revolution, aims to develop the agricultural sector since it is said that 1 out of 4 Pinoys are farmers or fishermen. 48% of jobs come from agriculture.

One of the developments for Bukid Revolution includes, loans, better infrastructure such as farm to market roads and technology which will have post-harvest and post-catch facilities to keep one's harvest fresh.

Rep. Leni Robredo on Gender Equality

Men are physically stronger while women are more emotionally aware. Men are best suited as providers while women are better nurturers. Of course, there are always exceptions, but these generalizations are relative to our biological origins. We acknowledge the differences between the sexes, but who can say that one is better than the other? They balance each other out. But, in a male dominated world, masculine tendencies are utilized and associated with power. Feminists recognized this and pushed for equality within the sexes. When women finally were able to enter the workforce, they had to prove themselves in a "man's field, often forgoing their feminine qualities, and mimicking male attributes. Now females are born with a disadvantage, not only do they have to ignore their natural tendencies, but learn male behavior to succeed in the workforce. Cultural norms have inhibited advancements in equality often exploited by the media, by supporting the association of submission with women and dominance with men. 

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park: Unearthing this perfect family getaway in Cavite

Definitely not an ordinary resort to begin with. Unlike any other tourist attractions, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a league on its own that offers an off beaten path toward a happier and momentous celebration of life and living. It envisions to provide everyone a more unforgettable getaway that is completed with a unique experience in embracing the beauty and wonders of nature. Established with a vision to provide one and all a perfect place to go away with the hustle and bustle of the metro, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park boasts of its high-class amenities and facilities that allow everyone-of all ages from all walks of life-to have a taste of sweet vacation and enjoy life to the fullest.

It's been more than a decade since I first saw the beauty of Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park. I was very young then-totally unaware and innocent on what the island could truly offer. In fact, I remember not being able to roam around that much because we were there on a very limited time. I could vividly recall how my family and I enjoyed Oceania Swim and Splash Park and the giant chess display where I even had a photo taken as remembrance.  But, what made our trip more extraordinary was the refreshing offerings made in a more personalized way by the Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park staff.

Island Cove was indeed the ideal place to bunk out because the moment we arrived, we felt home and couldn't ask for more. Nestling along Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, Island Cove give both locals and tourists something new and better. Though the hotel resort isn't considered a "rookie" in the industry, it keeps up with the challenge through its incomparable features and quality services. Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park has accommodations that serve guests and clients of every need and budget. In fact, they have recently finished major room renovation of their accommodation facilities. 

Each rooms now have USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. I am also pleased that they have remote control dockers. The suites are truly cozy and inviting. Moreover, connecting and handicap rooms are available. And get this, they have two units on Superior De Luxe for PWDs (Persons with disability). This is really good news for me because my mom has orthopedic disability. I'm pretty sure the other families would also appreciate that their PWD loved ones are given importance in this hotel/resort. Of course, that is aside from the discount that PWDs receive when they make the booking. 

At Island Cove, there's always something for every member of the family to enjoy. Dog lovers will also be happy to note that the resort allows guests to bring in their pets. Kids will surely have a blast as they spend hours at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park. The 3,000 square meter kid-friendly splash park were installed with water safe rubber flooring  to minimize the possibility of accidents. They also have four giant slides and inflatables. These spots are perfect for guests to bask under the tropical sun. Certified lifeguards are also on standby as well as first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross. An outdoor lap pool, a lounge pool, and a jacuzzi can likewise be enjoyed by the guests.

For the more active kids, Island Cove also has what they call as King Crawler. Designed by a Dutch company, it's a vertical urban play structure which combines both play and climbing opportunities. The brightly colored platforms are floating between muted posts and wire mesh. They're perfect for energetic kids to while away their time.

Island Cove also boasts of their Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to different species such as reptiles, mammals and birds. Guests can feed crocodiles, monkeys, tigers and ostriches. If you're adventurous enough, you can have photos taken with a 15-foot python. It also has an adventure zone where guests can do paintball, air soft games and they can also try their Island Cove Maze Challenge too. Other outdoor facilities include basketball and tennis courts, 1.4 kilometer jogging path, children's playground, bicycle rentals and a giant chess.

For those who hate the outdoors, there's an indoor billiard and table tennis, a game room where guests can play Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles. Of course, when families and friends would gather, singing in KTV will always be part of it. Island Cove has their Bayside KTV which can accommodate seat groups from 2 to 30 pax. It has nine private function rooms for your enjoyment with the latest songs in Chinese, Korean, English, Japanese and Filipino.

What is a vacation without rejuvenation? Island Cove is equipped with its first class spa facilities and top-notch services, ensures that each resort guest is treated to detoxyfying treatments and therapies. Island Spa has well-trained masseuses and therapists. 

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park's Executive Assistant Manager, Ms. Malu Samaco explains that they always welcome everyone here, "We want to put in personal touches to our services, so our guests would feel welcome and home." Apparently, we just felt that. For this year, Samaco says they want to continuously improve. "We always look for something new, something fresh. We think outside the box, but we don't usually follow the flow. We also make sure we head into that direction that we want," she shares on how Island Cove is able to outplay its rivals.

For those eyeing a relaxing spot, Island Cove is truly the place to be. With the resort's offering of ecological wonder, a lost soul may find reprieve under the trees situated within the premises.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park also houses Sangley Point Restaurant, iCafe and The Fishing Village which caters to everyone and serves delish local and international cuisine that are bound to satisfy one's palate. Along its delectable menu, The Fishing Village features an al fresco facility and a unique experience appreciated by balikbayans and tourists. With 21 bamboo huts atop the water with the sight of the spectacular view of Makati and Manila skylines. It provides guests an ultimate and unique dining experience.  I'll have a separate blog post on the above mentioned restaurants on my food blog if you're interested to know what can I say about their food at the resort.

What's more? Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park features a picturesque setting, ideal for those who are planning to tie the knot or for those who are looking for a pre-nuptial photo shoot destination. The resort's spacious grounds and great room capacity, which can house up to 14,000 persons, are definitely best for corporate events. Activities for team-building and company outing are also ready for use. The resort's corporate clients can indulge on an in-house fun obstacle course and media-ready function rooms! Plus they have an ample parking too. Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is  ISO 9001:2008 certified and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple "A" resort.

Clearly, an excellent choice for the holidays, corporate events, and special occasion, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is the go-to place for individuals who seek to create a happier and momentous life event! 

I used to believe that spending for traveling and some well-deserved rest and recreation are quite over the top-an unnecessary expense that is only for the rich and the blessed. I was wrong. This unexposed troglodyte's eyes have indeed been opened to Island Cove Resort's wonder. One doesn't have to spend much and travel far to enjoy life's simple pleasures. 

Island Cove and Leisure Park is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, only 15 minutes away from SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. For more information, please log on to www.islandcovephil.com. Call (046) 434-0210 or email inquiry@islandcovephil.com 

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