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HOTEL SOGO’S 11 ANTI-COVID Advancements

 

Since the outbreak, we’ve all wanted to keep our families and loved ones safe and secure. We’re figuring out how to do the right thing, and as a result, SOGO has built more enhanced solutions to protect its valued clients in response to COVID-19. They prioritize the health of their valued customers, which is why they developed solutions that are particularly effective in combating the ongoing pandemic.

Here are the 11 equipment/tools to help combat the on going pandemic:

1.UVC Disinfection of Rooms, Utensils, Key Cards & Cash -Sogo was the first hotel, as early as March 2020, to use UVC (254nm) to fight Covid-19. Taking the cue from hospitals abroad, remote-controlled carts have been deployed for room disinfection. Compartments for utensils, key cards and cash were also fitted with UVC LEDs but kept away from personnel since 254 nm UVCs, while great for killing viruses may harm the skin and eyes.

2.FAR UVC Disinfection at Elevator Lobbies -After extensive research, Sogo has acquired and tested the FAR UVC 222 nm lamps that effectively kill viruses while being harmless to humans. Just recently (2020 Q4) produced commercially, it is quite expensive and is sold by only a few manufacturers abroad. Sogo is the first hotel to install these revolutionary excimer lamps in all its elevator lobbies.

3.UVC Disinfection for Room Aircons -All room aircons are to be fitted with specially manufactured UVC LEDs. Through germicidal irradiation, the UVC light attacks the DNA/DNR of micro-organisms, killing bacteria and viruses, and preventing their spread. As it is turned on with the aircon, room air is always sterilized each time it passes through the unit, ensuring the best possible room air quality for our guests.

4.Ventilation ACR is Doubled in Lobbies & Hallways -The ACR (Air Change Rate) or the number of times the air is replaced for all general spaces is set at ≥ 4 per hour by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers). Sogo is doubling its current ACRs for intensified inflow of covid-free fresh air to accelerate indoor air replacement.

5.Covid Sniffer Dogs for Screening of Employees -Dubai and Helsinki Airports have deployed Covid sniffer dogs to screen passengers and report a > 94% accuracy rate with dogs detecting the virus days before symptoms even start. Sogo has tied up with a leading K9 company, to have specially-trained Belgian Malinois dogs regularly screen its personnel for Covid.

6.Thermal Scan Controlled Doors -For most branches, guests on their own, can get scanned before entry and if within the safe temperature limit, main doors will open automatically without need of any contact.

7.Microbial ATP Fluorescence Testing of Surfaces -ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate) Testing measures ATP content to indicate the presence and amount of microorganisms. Each branch has an Anti-Covid Team that regularly swabs high touch point surfaces that pass through ATP Fluorescence Detectors to verify microbial presence and effectivity of the new protocols.

8.Anti-Microbial Coatings on Furnishings, Fixtures & Touch Points -Widely used in hospitals and mass transports in China, Hong Kong and Japan, these Polymer coatings are formed after spraying millions of nano-capsules with contact killing and anti-adhesion features that lasts for weeks. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and Covid. Sogo applies this over all furnishings and touch points.

9.Reduced Touch Points with No-Contact Fixtures (with photos of no-contact fixtures) -A Sogo study shows that pre-pandemic, guests had a minimum of 59 Touch Points (TPs) during a typical hotel stay. Due to new protocols that include contact-less fixtures, TPs have been reduced by 40.7% with the goal to achieve a reduction of 66.1% with more advanced technology centered on cellphone use.

 

10.Multi-Stage Air Purifying Equipment in Lobbies -To further sanitize indoor air, Sogo installed air-purifying equipment having several levels of filters: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, HEPA (H11), with built-in Cold Catalysts, Ion Generators and UVC lights that eliminate allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, odor, bacteria, viruses, and even reduces carbon dioxide levels.

11.No-Contact Key -Specially designed key (keychain) to avoid touching. This is one of our giveaways included in some of our promos.

July 4, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Eurotel offers PLMSFI learners a scholarship

While educational institutions in several parts of the globe are resuming following pandemic-related disruptions, the Philippines’ courses are still closed down due to the COVID-19 problem. This disaster has exposed the multitude of inadequacies and prejudice in our educational system, and education is no exception. Another important lesson that the pandemic has taught us is the value of education.

Luckily, some private enterprises, such as Eurotel Hotel, continue to prioritize assisting children and youngsters with their education. Eurotel Hotel is sponsoring 10 students from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Scholars Foundation, Inc. (PLMSFI) for the academic year 2020-2021, thanks to the initiative of Mr. Edmundo G. Las, Director of Eurotel Hotel.

“Even before the pandemic, there were major holes for many poor or low-income families in the country who struggled to pay tuition fees for schools and lack of resources to cover emergency expenses. In this time of pandemic, all we need is care. We need more sensitivity. We need more people to care about one another; we should not let this pandemic drive down the will and eagerness of the children and the youth to brighten up their education. Actions can really create hope,” the Director of Eurotel said.

“As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility program, we at Eurotel Hotel are glad to help out by granting these students the opportunity to learn and grow despite the pandemic. We believe that education is a vital part of growing not only as a person, but a responsible Filipino as well. I hope that they will not forget our simple gesture thus, learn to share with people whenever they can.” Mr. Ed Las shared.

Eurotel Hotel continues to take further its cause in extending help to the community, by helping PLMSFI scholars who are in need, despite the current pandemic situation.

“We are aware that in these trying times; education is not something to be overlooked. As we extend our assistance to these gifted individuals just as we hope for a better future. Like PLMSFI vision, we believe that no student must be deprived of a good college education. There is an old Chinese proverb that goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody, and true happiness is found in helping others.” Mr. Edmundo added. The PLMSFI was established in August 1998 by a group of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) baccalaureate graduates it aims to preserve and promote the mark of PLM model university for the less privileged, intellectually deserving students of Manila. As of today, PLMSFI has fifty (50) scholar beneficiaries. Their goal for the next tove years is to double the number of scholars or more and that would become possible if they can get more sustainable donations.

July 3, 2021 by
Lifestyle

JJ-kun, a multi-genre Esports Caster, is the person behind the mic

The TikTok community has a varied range of creators, including our amazing local gamers and game streamers, who have only lately begun producing to the platform’s creative material. As TikTok continues to grow as a home for the gaming community, it gives a platform for fellow gamers and gaming aficionados to connect with creators who share their enthusiasm for gaming.

Professional esports star JJ-kun is one member of the Philippine gaming community to keep an eye on  TikTok. He is a major anime fan, and his moniker is a mix of “JJ,” his personal name’s letters, and “-kun,” a Japanese honorific used for males.

JJ-kun is a multi-genre esports caster, with fighting games like Tekken and Pokémon as his genre of specialization. He also covers racing, first-person shooter, and multiplayer online battle arena games. Before becoming an esports caster, JJ-kun was an aspiring esports player. However, he was quick to realize that he could do better as a caster than a player, and soon landed big projects as part of casting teams in the Philippines and abroad. He even became one of the Valorant casters for TikTok’s recent GGPH Creator Cup Tournament!

“I first thought that TikTok was only for short dancing and singing clips, but when I found out that TikTok started to support gaming, I dove into TikTok for content creation purposes,” shares JJ-kun, who joined the platform in late 2020. “In the early months, I made a lot of Valorant content but I figured, I am not enjoying it as much since I generally have a distaste for repetitive games that goes for a long period of time per game, only to lose,” he adds. “I tried incorporating what I actually want to do – Anime and gaming, and Pokémon! My recent videos are literally me playing Pokémon Smile, a game that requires you to brush your teeth to be able to catch Pokémon.”

A gamer at heart, JJ-kun has been playing video games for as long as he can remember. “For the most part, I’m a huge fighting game and RPG player, but if I have to choose which series is my most favorite out of all, it’ll be a flat-out battle between Kingdom Hearts, Pokémon, and Tekken,” he says.

JJ-kun has this word of advise for anyone who wants to be an esports caster like him. “Cast a game because you genuinely have a passion for the game. The journey’s going to be tough, especially if you’re trying to get in on a game that is heavily played by the masses, but make sure you have a quality that makes you stand out from the already existing and aspiring casters. Hey, you might even replace me on one of the games I cast, and if you do, that means you did a good job and I have to make mine even better. Haha!”

Take a look at some of JJ-kun’s awesome gaming-themed TikTok content below.

Here’s JJ-kun brushing his teeth to catch Pokémon in Pokémon Smile.

JJ-kun talks about the TikTok GGPH Creator Cup Tournament in this video.

Ever get a Perfect while playing Tekken 7? JJ-kun shows off his perfect round in this post!

Check out some Smash Legends gameplay from JJ-kun in this video.

Follow JJ-kun and more of your favorite gaming creators on TikTok! Download the app on your iOS and Android devices today to get started.

 

 

 

July 2, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

Tide to Create First Space Laundry Detergent and Start Stain Removal Experiments in 2022 on the International Space Station

(Graphic: Business Wire)

Tide® and NASA have inked a Space Act Agreement to collaborate on the advancement of laundry detergent solutions and space technologies. NASA may test and evaluate Tide cleaning solutions in space under the terms of the agreement. The research could have on-planet ramifications, such as novel solutions to Earth’s resource and environmental concerns. Tide will hope to put apart learning back to daily consumer goods, in line with its ten-year sustainability goal, Ambition 2030.

On the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts currently wear their gear numerous times before changing it with a new set. Resupply shipping possibilities are used to bring clothing to the station. Because of the restricted cargo capacity, replacing the clothing supply for long space missions like the Artemis Moon missions and a crewed round trip Mars journey is difficult. Without the need for a laundry solution, the ISS receives 160 pounds of garments per crew member per year. Human missions to Mars could take two to three years to complete.

Major challenges for off-Earth laundering include ingredient safety and compatibility with NASA life support systems, and the limited amount of water available per wash load and the requirement that the wash water be purified back to drinking-quality water. To combat these challenges, Tide has developed a fully degradable detergent, specifically designed for use in space to solve malodor, cleanliness and stain removal problems for washable items used during deep space missions, while being suitable for use in a close-loop water system.

Onboard a 2022 cargo launch to the space station, “Mission PGTide” (P&G Telescience Investigation of Detergent Experiments), teams will test the stability of cleaning ingredients under microgravity conditions and exposure to the radiation levels experienced in space in partnership with the ISS U.S. National Laboratory and SEOPS. In addition, the stain removal ingredients and performance will be tested onboard the ISS through experiments with Tide To Go Wipes and Tide To Go Pens.

“The ISS National Lab is excited to work with the P&G team once again as they push the limits of their research and development onboard the orbiting laboratory,” said Dr. Michael Roberts, Acting Chief Scientist for the ISS National Lab. “Through private-sector utilization of the space station, companies like P&G can conduct investigations in ways not possible on Earth to develop new consumer products, enhance existing products, and better understand processes that further business models both on the ground and in low Earth orbit. We look forward to this first investigation of Tide in Space and hope that many more will soon follow.”

In addition to testing onboard the ISS National Lab, NASA and Tide researchers may study how an innovative combined washing and drying unit utilizing the special-formulated detergent could potentially be integrated into planetary habitats that may be used for the Artemis Moon and Mars missions under low-gravity surface conditions. There are also a unique set of challenges that present themselves for a crewed Mars mission. Future missions to and from Mars expect to span multiple years, and these long-duration flights will require laundry solutions designed for extreme space-based environments and varying gravity conditions.

“This partnership was created to rethink cleaning solutions – forcing us to rethink innovations for resource-constrained and challenging environments like the ISS, deep space and even the future of our home planet,” said Aga Orlik, Senior Vice President, P&G North America Fabric Care. “We are eager to apply our learnings from our partnerships with NASA and the ISS National Lab to Tide on Earth, developing a low-resource-use laundry solution for everyday use while meeting consumer demand for more sustainable products.”

Tide’s space travel for essential to minimise washing solutions follows Tide’s Ambition 2030 goals, which were unveiled earlier this spring. Implementable objectives to discover commodity efficiencies in energy, water, and waste from across laundry lifecycle – from manufacturing process to consumer use phase and final disposal – were among Tide’s Ambition commitments, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of a load of laundry while increasing the impact of clean clothes.

“Humanity has reached a pivotal point where on one hand, we’re on the exciting cusp of space colonization, and on the other, facing a critical period where action must be taken now to save the planet we all call home,” says Orlik. “The collaboration with NASA and the ISS National Lab are particularly exciting because it allows us to push the bounds of resource efficiency to its absolute limit, uncovering learnings with practical applications for both the future of laundry in space and here on Earth.”

You may also visit here to get more information on Tide’s overarching sustainability goals

 

 

 

 

July 1, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

Tiktok will recognize creativity and talent on its first ever Tiktok Awards Show in the Philippines

The first-ever TikTok Awards will be held in the Philippines soon, thanks to TikTok, the premier destination for short-form mobile video. Countless local TikTok makers have used their talents and creative abilities to create amusement and delight on the site, particularly during these trying times, and today we get to rejoice and recognize the best of the best.

TikTok Awards PH will be streaming on July 4, 7:00 – 9:00 PM local time on TikTok Philippines’ Official TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, accounts. Aptly entitled “Ipakita Mo!”, a Filipino phrase which means ‘show it’, the event will award users on the platform who have showcased their amazing  talent, and contributed to the slew of creative and exciting content on TikTok. Presented in partnership with Globe and TM, this event will feature stellar entertainment from your favorite local celebrities and the biggest TikTok stars.

TikTok Awards PH will be hosted by singer and dancer Billy Crawford, voice talent Inka Magnaye, and model Vladimir Grand. Viewers can look forward to performances by actresses Ella Cruz, Sofia Pablo, Sanya Lopez, and Maris Racal; actors EA Guzman, and Mark Herras; vlogger Donnalyn Bartolome, dancers DJ Loonyo, Mannex Manhattan, Yumi, Dasuri Choi, and YanYan; sibling dance duo Ranz & Niana; singers Rico Blanco, Zendee, and Moira dela Torre; Pinoy boy band SB19, and rappers Gloc 9, and Shanti Dope.

Creators from various categories will be recognized for their ingenious use of TikTok’s creative tools along with their innate talents, to engage, amaze, impress and inspire their followers on the platform. Nominees were selected based on user votes, cast by the TikTok community on the TikTok Awards Campaign Page between June 8 to June 19, 2021.

The following are the nominees for the 2021 TikTok Awards’ various award categories: PH:

Top Talent Award

Top Celebrity Award

Rising Star Award

Top Creative Award

The Popular Creator Award, which is available to all creators who have not been nominated for any other awards, is another category. TikTok viewers can vote for their favorite producers in this category by like their videos, and the top three videos with the most views will be deemed the winners. A Top Creator Award will be given out by TikTok, which will be chosen by a panel of judges.

At the first-ever TikTok Awards PH, be sure to catch a glimpse of unique Filipino talent and originality, and show your support for all of your favorite creators! TikTok is now available on iOS and Android devices.

 

 

June 30, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Happy Life Naturals Launches in the U.S

Are you cleaning, sanitizing, repelling insects in, and deodorizing your home with the health of your family in mind?

The toxic chemicals in all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, pesticides, and deodorizers can have a negative impact on your family’s and pets’ health. According to scientific evidence, improper usage of these products can result in eye and skin discomfort, bronchospasm, and gastrointestinal issues. They could even make an asthmatic’s condition worse if he breathes the hazardous fumes and particles accidentally.

This was the case of Joe Sevilla, current President/CEO of Happy Life Organics Philippines Inc., when he was seven years old and had chronic asthma. Joe’s condition got occasionally triggered when general cleaning was being performed in his ancestral house in Fairview, Quezon City in Metro Manila, Philippines. His father, Victor Sevilla, took this as a serious problem that he had to tackle right away.

Thus, in 2007, Victor collaborated with acclaimed chemists and developed an all-natural and plant-based insecticide and disinfectant having neem as its prime ingredient. This they named as Happy Life Liquid Concentrate (LC) which became the flagship product of a company now known as Happy Life Organics Philippines Inc. This pet-safe and kid-safe concentrate is a handy cleaner, disinfectant, insect repellent and deodorizer made with neem and citronella extracts. Neem is known to have natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties and pesticidal properties. As such, it can help in making a germ-free environment that can stop the spread of diseases.

Over the years, Happy Life Organics Philippines Inc. (HLOPI) carried this all-purpose cleaner and even produced other neem-based all-natural products such as heavy-duty sanitizer, household and industrial cleaner, pet grooming solutions and insect-repellant/ insecticide and ornamental garden flower bloomer and natural fertilizer. The company’s success comes from the effective use of the health benefits of this neem tree extract. Previously available only in India, now, the neem tree extract can be sourced out from Santa Maria, Bulacan in the Philippines.

Neem oil, one of nature’s best ways to deal with problem insects, is pressed from the fruits, seeds and bark of an evergreen tree which is known in Sanskrit (or Indian language) as Sarva Roga Nirvani or ‘’cure of all ailments’’. Imagine having this substance in your insect spray or deodorizer, then you know you are in good hands.

With the overwhelming fame of Happy Life Organics (HLO) in the Philippines, its management wants to bring the same goodness, the same safety and the same health benefits of the company’s products to the United States. The company in America, Happy Life Naturals, LLC (HLN), will introduce to the market the Happy Life Pet Shampoo and Conditioner, Waterless Shampoo and Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

Happy Life Naturals is committed to developing high-quality, consumer-safe products that are all-natural, plant-based, pet-friendly, healthy, and efficient, with the goal of bringing nature’s best to you.

Love can be expressed in a healthy and natural way. Get Happy Life Naturals items as soon as possible. On social media, look for HLO @happylifeorganics and HLN @happylifenaturals.

June 30, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Pasig Day Sale at Tiendesitas and Estancia this July 2

Good news for both Pasigueños and non-Pasigueños this Friday, July 2 in time of Pasig City celebrate its founding day! Shops at Tiendesitas and Estancia for amazing deals and special promos are marking this day with special offerings will definitely enjoy it.

Whether you’re on the lookout for home accessories, a new outfit, or the latest gadget, there’s something you’re bound to find. Special discounts and great promos from participating establishments are up for grabs.

At Tiendesitas and Estancia, you are guaranteed safety and can freely make the most out of shopping and strolling thanks to the health protocols put in place. Here, you can also safely enjoy delicious meals al fresco style with your loved ones at the restaurant of your choice.

For more information, check out the official Facebook pages of Tiendesitas and Estancia. And don’t miss out on these special Pasig Day exclusive offers!

 

 

 

June 30, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

Lumina Homes at the Vicon discusses its success tales

Last June 24 and 25, at The Villar Group Convention, Lumina Homes shared triumph tales and raffled off exciting prizes  (The ViCon).

Villar Group of Companies successfully gathered Vista Land and Golden MV’s strong property brands—Lumina Homes, Bria, Lessandra, Camella, Crown Asia, Brittany, Camella Manors, and Vista Residences; as well as Golden Haven and Vistamalls—in its first-ever virtual expo dubbed The Villar Group Convention (The ViCon).

Lumina Homes, the affordable housing arm of Vista Land demonstrated its unrivaled efforts and accomplishments over the last eight years. Lumina Homes has already become a household name in less than a decade, having generously sponsored house and lot awards for over 40 series on various television networks.

Engr. Joemi Tan, Division Head of Lumina Homes, expressed his gratitude to everyone especially the partner sales network: “We in Lumina are very grateful for the active support of our partner sales network, which adjusted to the changing landscape of real estate selling with us. Our strengthened partnership will undoubtedly lead to achieving our goals in the shared mission of providing affordable homes.”

Lumina was a game-changer in digital advancements in real estate sales even before the epidemic, which has only become more important in this difficult period. The country’s first mass housing company introduced an online reservation system, which currently incorporates an interactive project map.

Lumina was also the first developer to open stores on major online shopping sites, selling affordable house and lot and frequently discounted reservation vouchers.

Aside from Lumina’s wide presence in social media sites and messaging apps, it takes pride in its best tech practices, including: (1) text automation for faster billing and contact info update; (2) creation of Juan Support, the virtual assistant for all Lumina Homes queries; (3) a separate chatbot named Juan ZoBot for housing inquiries on the Lumina website; (4) Lumina Online Appointment System; and (5) the downloadable Lumina e-Services app.

Lumina Homes has been diligent in conducting online events for its residents, future purchasers, salespeople, and staff, adapting to new-normal ways and embracing the benefits of virtual events. It has completed its annual awards, Gawad Lumina, as well as the Lumina-wide DigiCon, Kumustahan sa Bayan ni Juan Admin & Pag-ibig Summit, and Admin & Bank Summit in the last year.

These initiatives have resulted in spectacular development in the brand’s reservation sales and network, as well as many awards from organizations such as Pag-IBIG Fund and BestStartUp.Asia.

Outside of the digital sphere, Lumina continues to develop safe homes across the country to provide Filipinos with more affordable housing options. Lumina Homes is expanding its geographic reach, with over 100 projects in over 50 key cities and municipalities across the country.

Aside building houses and lots, the company recently introduced its first integrated vertical community, Prima Tanza, in Cavite.

Lumina Homes generously raffled off some fantastic prizes during The ViCon, as promised!

The ViCon Lumina Cool Deals Raffle awarded prizes to several purchasers who reserved a Prima Tanza condo unit and Lumina house and lot during the event.

Mary Rose Dela Cruz, the grand prize winner, received a P30,000 reduction on her downpayment.

 AllDay Supermarket gave each of the five lucky winners a P2,000 shopping gift:

  1.            Reynaldo Dumaual
  2.            Bernard Sigue
  3.            Alexter Martinez Guatiz
  4.            Jaymart Dela Cruz Alonzo
  5.            Ritchie Dalisay Espital

All attendees who just came to The ViCon and watched Lumina Homes’ The Own Your Home Series also had the chance to win exciting prizes.

Php500 worth of AllEasy Load winners:

  • Ana May Factuar
  • LA Guasis
  • Marco Cortez
  • Mark De Guzman
  • Ma. Lourdes Baez

Php500 worth of AllDay Grocery winners:

  • Junel Jumagbas
  • Gracelyn Soliva
  • Joan Domingo
  • Danilo Factoran
  • Florie May Valle

Winners of Cash worth Php 1,500:

  • Joyce Ann Esguerra
  • Michael Bala
  • Lalaine Tobias

The ViCon was indeed a resounding success, and that is well worth repeating each year. Lumina Homes is dedicated to delivering greater joy and excitement to the many Juans searching online for a lovely home and lot to call their own until that time comes.

Visit www.lumina.com.ph for more information on Lumina Homes and Prima Tanza.

 

 

 

June 30, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

TikTok and Shopify Partnership Reaffirms TikTok’s Commitment to Filipino Businesses

TikTok, the world’s most popular short-form video platform, has announced a partnership with Shopify in the Philippines as part of a global agreement that will begin in October 2020. The partnership seeks to assist Shopify merchants in expanding their commerce strategy to TikTok, allowing them to build and manage campaigns targeted at TikTok’s highly engaged audience.

Following the recent introduction of TikTok For Business in the country, the partnership was announced. TikTok For Business ensures that both large multinational companies (MNCs) and smaller enterprises may reach their target audiences on the app. TikTok For Business, through TikTok Ads Manager, enables small and medium enterprises to be recognized and interact with the app’s user community, establish their brands, and achieve profitability.

This past year has been especially challenging for SMBs in the region, with Asian Development Bank reporting 70.6 percent of micro and SMBs are forced to temporarily cease operations due to the pandemic. With recent statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) showing that 99.52% of businesses operating in the Philippines are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this partnership, helps address the challenge the pandemic poses. The partnership makes it easier for Filipino Shopify merchants who are mostly small and mid-sized businesses, to not only smoothly onboard onto the platform but also tap into the creativity of the TikTok community, kickstart their advertising campaigns as well as optimize their marketing campaigns.

Since launching the TikTok For Business platform in the Philippines, businesses of all sizes are now empowered to grow through creative content and storytelling as well as make real connections with users by embracing the culture that makes the platform unique. TikTok has become an increasingly important channel for merchants to expand their audience, and provides simple, scalable solutions that enable businesses to authentically and impactfully engage with the TikTok community.

“TikTok offers Shopify merchants an unrivalled opportunity to reach audiences that love connecting with brands who are creative and engaging. We are delighted to be bringing the TikTok and Shopify partnership to the Philippines, to provide local merchants a channel to reach TikTok’s unique and leaned-in community. Our partnership with Shopify is one of the ways we’re exploring new and innovative solutions to connect merchants with customers. Small and mid-size businesses can leverage this partnership to run effective ad campaigns on TikTok with ease, reach and engage with potential customers, and share their online journey in a fun and creative way,” said Esme Lean, TikTok’s Head of South East Asia SMB, Global Business Solutions.

“We are excited to be partnering with TikTok to offer local merchants new ways to reach and connect with consumers in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Filipino businesses will be able to create interactive and entertaining content to reach existing and new customers on their preferred platforms amid the growing importance of social commerce,” said Jason Suen, Head of Shopify SEA.

New Channel for Shopify Merchants to Engage TikTok Users

Through the new TikTok channel, Filipino Shopify merchants can access core functions of the TikTok For Business Ads Manager without leaving the Shopify dashboard. Highlights include:

  • A One-Stop-Shop for TikTok Campaigns: Merchants can create campaigns, target audiences, and track performance directly within the Shopify environment.
  • Creative Made Simple: Everyone has a story to tell on TikTok, and TikTok’s creative tools enable Shopify merchants to create native, shareable ads that resonate with the community. TikTok’s intuitive creative tools help turn merchants’ products into high quality TikToks in minutes.
  • “1-click” Pixel Installation: Shopify merchants can create or connect an existing TikTok Pixel, making it quicker and easier to see customer behaviour from Page Views to Complete Payments (including Return on Ad Spend) in a single click.
  • New Advanced Matching: This new TikTok Pixel feature enables Shopify merchants to send hashed customer information to more effectively track conversions from TikTok ads, and retarget audiences on TikTok while maintaining user privacy.

Visit the TikTok For Business Help Center to learn more about how to utilize TikTok For Business. TikTok is now available on iOS and Android devices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 29, 2021 by
Lifestyle, News

An ex-janitor has been named Digital Marketer of the Year

Ruben Licera, CEO of ESTRAT 360 Marketing Company, has been named “Digital Marketer of the Year” at the renowned 2021 Asian Leadership Awards for Excellence in Branding and Marketing. For the past 19 years, the award ceremony has been conducted almost every June 10 in significant Asian cities.

The Asian Leadership Awards recognizes the accomplishments of Asia’s outstanding leaders. Ruben Licera was honored for his efforts to the region’s economic progress by using “Digital Marketing” as a growth engine for the individuals and companies with whom he has worked.

Genesis of A Digital Marketer

Unknown to many, Ruben Licera started his career in the industry as a janitor of a computer shop in Davao City. During his off-cleaning time, he was exposed to learning the basic skills in using Microsoft 95 and connecting to the world via the then starting world wide web.

His International Trade Fair Management and Marketing in Rotterdam in 2007, sponsored by the Royal Government of Netherlands, opened his eyes to the opportunities digital marketing can provide to careers and businesses.

With newly acquired skills in both offline and online marketing, he launched his digital marketing career as an online part-time writer by night, and PR and Marketing officer by day at an international resort.

Before joining full-time as a digital marketer, Ruben Licera was a respected blogger and influencer from Cebu. His stories have garnered him awards from the Philippine Blogging Awards, and the Globe Media Excellence Awards – Visayas (formerly Cebu Media Excellence Awards).

It was during his stint as Community Manager for the Google Developers Group (GDG) and Google Business Group (GBG) that he was able to get trend information of the “next big thing” in digital while working at nights as a full-time digital freelancer.

Digital Marketing CEO

In 2010, Ruben Licera first launched his Search Engine Optimization (SEO) agency with Php 500.00 and a borrowed PC from his brother and failed.

With the first failures in starting businesses, Ruben Licera founded ESTRAT 360 Marketing Company (ESTRAT360.com) – now an international award-winning integrated communications and digital marketing agency from Cebu, serving the world.

Some of the successful brands and companies ESTRAT360 is fortunate to work with are: SUBWAY®, Anejo Gold Rum, Ginebra San Miguel, Cemex Philippines, PASAR Corporation, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Rico’s Lechon, Cafe Laguna Group and a dozen more international and national brands in FMCG, Coaching and Consulting, Hospitality and Real Estate sectors.

From a one-man agency, with Coach Ruben Licera at the helm of ESTRAT360.com, the company has grown to more than 35+ full time digital professionals and have managed more than 300+ clients, 58,000+  campaigns serving 28 nationalities.

“Live The Great Life” Advocate

Coach Ruben Licera is widely connected to grassroots organizations providing pro-bono mentorship on how to scale their business through digital marketing. He is also empowering other Filipinos from the countryside in learning online freelancing and digital marketing through partnerships with Philippine government agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

“ ‘Live The Great Life’ is Coach Ruben Licera’s mantra,” says ESTRAT 360’s Customer Experience Director Kezia Rico.

“As an active youth leader in his younger days, Coach Ruben believes that one’s role after serving God is serving others by sharing one’s blessings. And he never forgets to share wherever, whenever,” shares Rico.

Awards and Recognitions

In 2017, Ruben Licera and his team at Rico’s Lechon won the prestigious Asia Pacific Stevie Awards SILVER for “Innovations in Public Relations”.

It was followed by strings of local awards. In 2018, Ruben was chosen as a delegate of the Google Connect Live 2018 in San Francisco, USA.

In that same year he was recognized as one of the “Pillar of Youth Leadership“ Awards given by the Parliament of Youth Leaders, Inc. for his advocacy of providing jobs through online freelancing.

In 2019, Ruben Licera was awarded as one of the Outstanding CAS Alumni of the University of the Visayas (UV).

Coach Ruben Licera capped 2019 with a BRONZE “Communications Professional of the Year” Award from the 2019 International Business Awards (IBA) in Vienna, Austria.

“Coach Ruben is always goal and success driven to provide the best for his family and extended family in ESTRAT”, says ESTRAT’s Chief Operating Officer Iren Sangre-Licera.

Secrets to Success

When asked about the secrets of his success from a  computer shop janitor to founder and CEO of an international award-winning digital marketing agency, Coach Ruben Licera quips, “As an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member, we always start our planning and execution with a prayer. We can plan all we want, but success will always be from God.”

Coach Licera adds, “We always aim to win and excel as a team in all our campaigns. For those we fail, we will always aim that we get the wisdom of the experience and then move fast forward with action and determination.”

Coach Ruben ends, “I choose to define success not with how much I can accumulate in this life. Creating impact for others to grow is my measurement. Want guaranteed success? Always aim to serve others.”

Thus, Ruben Licera brings inspiration from being a former janitor to a successful Digital Marketer. He proves that we can do everything if we have courage to go beyond our comfort zone and try to explore different opportunities in various fields.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 28, 2021 by