On May 23, 2023, Symph, a dynamic software development consulting company in the Philippines, conducted their #SymphAI30x30 Media Party at BGC. On May 18, 2023, a news conference was held at The Company Cebu just a few days previously. It was now Manila’s turn to host this amazing occasion.
Symph is committed to empowering people and advancing knowledge of the place of AI in society. An important step in achieving these goals was marked by the event. Symph expresses its sincere gratitude to the media representatives who enthusiastically supported the occasion, helping to inform the public about the effects of AI on society and addressing potential issues.
Our Chief Operating Officer, Jarrhey dela Peña stated during the event, “We have this theme, Build Openly with AI. We share our AI apps as work-in-progress. More importantly, we invite the community to try the apps and we listen to their feedback. Together, we are building the future we want to create.”
During the press conference, Symph showcased the AI apps developed by its talented team based in Manila. Edson Carreon, our full-stack developer, introduced Grognak, an AI Caveman app that simplifies complex topics for better understanding. This app holds great potential for museums and tech or science-related events, making learning a fun and effortless experience for kids.
Ragan Lamoc, our full-stack developer, demonstrated Fitplanr. It is an AI-powered personal trainer app that generates custom gym programs. By seamlessly integrating with gyms and fitness amenities, Fitplanr empowers both gym-goers and beginners to kickstart their workouts with confidence.
In addition, Michael Suarez, our AI and Fullstack engineer stationed in Cebu, presented a Prompeteer, which Jarrhey dela Pea built. Jarrhey himself makes daily use of the tool that enables users to make chatbots powered by AI without knowing any programming. After Jarrhey demonstrated the app, media members were able to quickly construct their own AI apps. With the use of an AI tool from Prompeteer, companies can present their brand identity to customers while guiding them through interesting conversations about purchases.
With its future AI events and projects, Symph is eager to enthrall audiences. The business is committed to altering the AI environment and is always looking for new opportunities and pushing the limits of technological development. Symph welcomes everyone to embark on this thrilling adventure with them as they remain steadfast in their mission to #BuildOpenlyWithAI. Prepare to be amazed and inspired!
Want to see the cool AI apps we’ve built so far? Check out https://www.symph.ai/ Keep an eye out for more of our AI apps we will continue to build! Know more about Symph here: https://www.symph.co
Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) and Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC) pose after the contract signing at The Ivory Residences in Davao. In photo (L-R standing and seated): SBA FVP – Vismin Consumer Lending Leila Amante, SLDC Corporate Services Group Officer Edna Alde, SLDC Chairman Nora Morada, SLDC Corporate Business Group Officer Estela Aguilos, SLDC Chief Finance Officer Maria Lourdes Estanislao, SLDC Executive Assistant to the President May Ann Plana, and SBA SVP – Consumer Lending Group Head Mary Rose Mendez.
In order to increase the home loan options available to its
present and potential customers in Davao, Sterling Bank of Asia inked a
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC).
The official cooperation between SBA and SLDC was established at the MOA
signing at The Ivory Residences.
The deal was negotiated by the Chairman of SLDC, Ms. Nora
Morada, and the Chief Finance Officer of SLDC, Ms. Maria Lourdes Estanislao,
along with SBA’s First Vice President for Vismin Consumer Lending, Ms. Leila
Amante, and Senior Vice President for Consumer Lending Group, Ms. Mary Rose
Mendez.
“We are excited about the recent expansion of partnerships
in the Davao region,” said Ms. Amante. “ This partnership with
SLDC will allow SBA to offer our current and future clients more home ownership
options,” she added.
The Ivory Residences is the most recent addition to Sterling
Bank of Asia’s current selection of home loans offered for SLDC properties. The
18-story residential condominium is a great option for local professionals,
businesspeople, and tourists because it is close to shopping centers, hospitals,
schools, and government buildings. A small number of individual homes on the
land have some of Davao City’s largest floor designs.
Visit the nearby
Sterling Bank of Asia branches or go to www.sterlingbankasia.com for further offers and details on
house loans.
Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) signed a partnership with Damosa Land Inc. (DLI). In photo (L-R): SBA FVP – Vismin Consumer Lending Head Leila Amante, SBA SVP – Consumer Lending Group Head Mary Rose Mendez, DLI AVP – Township and Tourism Macy Bibat, DLI AVP – Finance Virgmarie Bacalso, and DLI AVP – Residential Operations Danilo Manlangit.
One of the top thrift banks in the nation, Sterling Bank of
Asia (SBA), joins forces with Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), a company in the ANFLO
Group of Companies, to finance buyers of the company’s houses and condos who
have good credit.
“We are
happy to partner with the leading and one of the region’s trusted developers,
Damosa Land Inc.,” said Leila Amante, SBA’s First Vice President for Vismin
Consumer Lending. “We are in one goal with DLI in giving access to eco-friendly
housing and support uplifting the lives of our fellow Davaoeños,” Ms. Amante added.
For the Ameria and Seawind Condominium complexes, Sterling
Bank of Asia will, in accordance with the MOA, offer home loans to eligible
customers through its retail mortgage financing program.
“At Damosa Land, we have always wanted to give our clients as
many options for financing assistance as possible. So we welcome this recent
move as an opportunity to help them get their dream home with us,” said Ricardo
F. Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land Inc.
The first elite subdivision in Davao del Norte, the DLI
Ameria project is an award-winning development. In addition to its advantageous
location, it has generous lot sizes and open areas, which inspire potential
inhabitants to start farming in their backyards. However, for young families or
single professionals who enjoy waking up to a resort-like setting in the center
of Davao City’s next boom area, Seawind Condominium is the ideal choice. It features
one of the most open living spaces on the real estate market and provides an
amazing view of the Davao Gulf.
“We are looking forward
to making more strategic partnerships and extending easily accessible,
value-adding loan services in the region,” said Ms. Amante.
Visit the local SBA
branch in your area or go to www.sterlingbankasia.com to learn more about the most
recent products and services offered by Sterling Bank of Asia.
By endorsing the 59th Binibining Pilipinas
beauty pageant, scheduled for May 28, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater,
BingoPlus once more reaffirmed its commitment to supporting projects and
endeavors that highlight Filipino culture, Filipino pastimes, and Filipino
spirit.
The first live-streaming bingo in the
Philippines is the competition’s presenter, and by including viewers and
pageant enthusiasts in the voting process, they have increased the contest’s
excitement. The public can vote for their favorite candidates on a voting page
that BingoPlus has set up on its official website. The candidate who receives
the most votes will immediately go up to the Top 12 of Binibining Pilipinas
2023 and win a P100,000 cash reward from BingoPlus.
Forty lovely ladies from all over the
country will vie for the four prestigious titles of Binibining Pilipinas
International, Binibining Pilipinas Grand and Binibining Pilipinas Globe at the
pageant.
All that beauty contest fans have to
do is register and log in on the BingoPlus website (www.bingoplus.com) and cast their votes. When they do, they get the chance to win
BingoPlus credits and tickets to witness the Binibining Pilipinas coronation
night live. The more votes cast, the more chances of winning in the lucky draw.
Voting started April 29 and will run through May 26. Lucky draw winners will be
announced every Friday up to May 28.
The Binibining Pilipinas candidates
recently visited and toured the newly built and biggest studio of BingoPlus in
Quezon City where many of the grand, star-studded BingoPlus Nights are held.
The lovely ladies gave a glimpse of what audiences can expect on finals night
by putting on a mini show, introducing themselves per province, greeting
audiences via livestream and inviting them to cast their votes for their
candidates on the BingoPlus website.
Since its debut in January 2022, BingoPlus
has been fervently promoting businesses and initiatives that share its goal of
giving Filipinos access to high-quality entertainment. In addition to
aggressively promoting Filipino festivities including Sinulog in Cebu,
Dinagyang and Pintados de Pasi in Iloilo, and MassKara in Bacolod, BingoPlus
served as the presenter of Ms. Philippines Earth 2022. Along with sporting
leagues, teams, and special events, BingoPlus is a fervent supporter of musical
performances and concerts.
“BingoPlus will continue
to support activities that showcase our Filipino tradition and culture. As a
promoter of leisure and quality entertainment, we will be part of many more
initiatives that express our Pinoy love of merriment and recreation,” said Jasper
Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President, the company that introduced the
BingoPlus brand.
KSK-SAP farmers and partners from San Pablo City, Laguna.
In furtherance of its goal to improve farmers’
agricultural and entrepreneurial abilities, SM Foundation, Inc. The Kabalikat
sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) was recently
introduced by the organization in several Calabarzon locales.
The initiative was first introduced on April
13, 2023, in Padre Garcia, Batangas, and has since been expanded to Silang,
Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City. In order to assist
other recipients in improving their families and communities, SMFI is also
planning to offer free agri-skills training to local farmers in other areas of
the region.
Empowering
local farmers
The local farmer-beneficiaries
will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by its partner school Moca
Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.
The said program kicked
off with an immersive 14-week training program, designed to equip participants
with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The modular training
curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates, capacity
building, financial literacy, product development, and market opportunities.
Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and enhance
farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable growth.
As a highlight of the program’s first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a collaborative initiative between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls. This platform offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their agri-businesses.
KSK Trainees at Tabangao Ambulong, Batangas City, Batangas
To prepare for the second phase of the program, SMFI will also assist the farmers in formalizing their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and profitable farming community through the assistance of its partner agencies.
Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr., the creator
of SMFI, had a goal for KSK-SAP to be a sustainable effort that would improve
the farming abilities, food security, and livelihood knowledge of low-income
Filipino farmers. The program has grown over time into a thorough training
program that creates chances for skill development, employment, and
subsistence.
More than 28,000 marginalized farmers from
rural and urban areas around the nation have benefited from KSK-SAP since its
founding in 2007, enhancing their capacity for farming and entrepreneurship.
Some program graduates have consequently evolved into seasonal vendors for the
SM group and other neighborhood markets.
KSK-SAP is carried out by the SM Foundation in
collaboration with partner agricultural schools, SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA,
DSWD, DOST, DTI, and DOT.
Three international award-giving organizations have
recognized SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the top integrated
property developers in Southeast Asia, for excellence in transparent
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting for its 2021 Annual
Integrated Report titled “Together, We Rise.”
Even before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in
the Philippines made sustainability reporting mandatory, SM began publishing
its sustainability reports in 2013. By alerting investors and other
stakeholders on its ESG performance and impacts, decision-making procedures,
and competitive positioning value in the industry, SM Prime further encourages
transparency and accountability.
“We are honored to receive these awards as a recognition of
our commitment to provide transparent reporting in our sustainable practices.
We value all our stakeholders, and we strive to enrich the quality of life of
the Filipino people,” SM Prime President Mr. Jeffrey Lim said.
At the summit of
international recognitions, SM Prime bagged accolades from the biggest and most
coveted awards competition in the business world called Stevie® Awards. The
Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards recognizes business innovation across the entire
Asia-Pacific region, whereas IBAs is one of the first and most highly
anticipated awards programs of the Stevie Awards that features a wide variety
of categories relevant to every facet of the workplace that is open to all
kinds and sizes of organizations globally. SM Prime was awarded the Bronze
Stevie® Winner at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards program and Silver
Stevie® Winner in the 2022 International Business Awards (IBAs).
Additionally, the business received a Silver Rank in the
National Center for Sustainability Reporting’s (NCSR) 2022 Asia Sustainability
Reporting Rating (ASRRAT), a ranking system for sustainability reports. The GRI
Standards compliance, GHG disclosure transparency, alignment with and support
of the UN SDGs are just a few of the criteria used in the ASRRAT rating system.
The awards and recognition from other countries are proof of
SM Prime’s active engagement in promoting sustainability throughout its
activities. SM Prime continues to be a driving force behind economic growth by
creating sustainable lifestyle cities that improve the quality of life for
millions of people.
A resident of Cauayan City, Isabela undergoes a routine checkup in Brgy. District 1 Health Center
The Community Health Organization Program was
established in the Philippines in 1971 with the goal of classifying health
services into primary, intermediate, and tertiary levels. Barangay health
stations were established as a part of this project to make sure that primary
healthcare enhances the general health and wellbeing of people, families, and
communities.
Since that time, these neighborhood clinics
have been extremely important in helping Filipinos achieve better health. They
have aided with the vaccination campaign in addition to offering normal
healthcare services and acting as agents during the COVID-19 a pandemic
Additionally, they continue to encourage illness prevention and healthy
lifestyles, especially among vulnerable populations.
Adequate
facilities for improved healthcare
SM Foundation (SMFI) has made it its mission
to provide adequate facilities and upgraded equipment to boost health centers
as they fulfill their mandate of delivering quality health care, even amid the
pandemic.
“Nakikita
ko ang sitwasyon nila na ultimo pamasahe, wala sila. Iniisip
ko, wala man lang akong maibigay na gamot sa kanila. Para sa akin, hindi ko man
sila lubos na mapagaling, lalabas sila sa facility na magaan ang pakiram dahil
sa tinatawag nating TLC (tender loving care),” she said.
Before, they had to use curtains as improvised
medical partitions or lock the health center’s door to provide comfort to women
seeking reproductive health care or pregnant mothers coming in for prenatal
checkups.
“It
takes time to prepare and attend to the next patient. Kailangan
pa namin takpan ng kumot o ilock ang pinto ng center para magkaroon ng privacy
ang mga pasyente. Dahil dito, isa lang ang naaaccommodate namin. Minsan, hindi
sila komportable dahil nakikita ng iba yung procedure na ginagawa namin sa
kanila,” she said.
Through the upgrade, the Brgy. District 1
Health Center had its own room for maternal and child health services, equipped
with necessary medical tools. It was also fitted with a breastfeeding area and
a designated space for immunization.
Health workers of Brgy. District 1 Health Center provides free prenatal checkups in the newly renovated health center
The upgrade served as the boost they needed to
complement the TLC they have always given their community.
“Malaki
ang connection ng renovation ng center sa pagsasaayos ng kalusugan ng aming
komunidad. Kaming mga health workers ay mas eager na sa pag-pasok sa trabaho at
mas marami na kaming pasyenteng mabibigyan ng serbisyo at matutulungan,” she
said.
Through the newly renovated health center, residents of Brgy. District 1 health center enjoy free medical checkups.
“Dahil
maganda na at maaliwalas, nakakatulong ito para gumaan ang pakiramdam ng
pasyente bago pa man sila gamutin,” she added.
A
change for the better
Sharing the same passion for health care
service is Corazon Tanguilan, a Barangay Health Worker from Brgy. Cataggaman
Pardo Health Center in Tuguegarao City.
“As a
healthcare provider, hindi po namin gaano iniisip ang kalakihan ng aming health
center. Ang importante po ay taos pusong pagbibigay ng
serbisyo sa patients namin. Nasa kalooban po namin kung
paano namin gagawing maayos pagpapatakbo ng aming operasyon,” she said.
Through their dedication, they strived to
accommodate the healthcare needs of their patients despite unfortunate working
conditions–from broken tiles, cracked wall paint, and damaged cabinets to
limited electric fans for ventilation.
“Sira po
ang aming mga tiles. Mahirap po ito dahil baka madulas o mapaano ang aming mga
pasyente na kadalasan ay buntis at mga bata. Kaya nilagyan na lang po namin ito
ng masking tape para makaiwas sa aksidente,” she
recalled.
Due to the center’s layout and space
limitations, it became even more difficult for them during the pandemic. With
sick children, pregnant women, and TB-DOTs patients, it felt like a weight was
pressed against their chests as they hoped to safely accommodate all patients
while implementing social distancing.
Brgy. Cataggaman Pardo Health Center health workers cater to the general medical needs of its community in the newly renovated health center.
“During
immunization days, may mga pregnant mothers na darating for prenatal check-up.
Ine-entertain namin sila dahil hindi namin puwedeng pauwiin ulit at pabalikin
pa. Mahalaga po ang sapat na espasyo para maisagawa ang infection prevention
and control measures. Kaya mainam po ang ginawa ng SM Foundation na
pagpapalawak ng health center namin para sa kaligtasan ng patients namin,” she explained.
As their center was rebuilt from the ground
up, they felt relief and gained renewed optimism to improve their operations.
Pregnant mothers from Cataggaman Pardo, Tuguegarao City can now get comfortable prenatal care in the newly refurbished health center.
The updated health centers now include
specific rooms for maternal care, medical check-ups, and TB-DOTs treatment, in
addition to the installation of new equipment and facilities, as well as
cosmetic enhancements such as fresh paint and tiles. The spacious and
well-ventilated lobby greets Tuguegaraonos with a warm welcome, urging them to
seek healthy living and become great contributors to the progress of their
city.
“27
years na po ako sa serbisyo at bihira po ang health center na naka-aircon at
well-ventilated. Kaya ngayon pong naisaayos na po ito, tiyak po ako na mas
maeengganyo ang constituents ng namin na
pumunta sa aming Center,” she said.
SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), in collaboration
with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI), and the Department of Education (DepEd),
has recently worked to construct two new school buildings in Laguna and
Batangas, as part of its commitment to helping upgrade the country’s education
system.
Two two-story four-classroom school buildings
will be donated to the Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro City,
Laguna, and the San Antonio Elementary School in Sto. Tomas City is located in
Batangas.
To ensure that children, particularly from
low-income neighborhoods, have access to contemporary, secure, and conducive
learning environments, each of the school buildings is planned to be furnished
with instructional materials, chairs, handwashing facilities, emergency
equipment, and PWD-friendly amenities.
At the signing of the memorandum of
understanding on April 28, 2023, at the National Educators Academy of the
Philippines (NEAP) in Malvar, Batangas, representatives from the SMFI, DepEd,
and the local government units of the aforementioned provinces formalized the
collaboration.
SM
Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd in various
educational programs. This social good initiative aims to
promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it
has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.
In a perfect world, everything will go your way. You may
always buy whatever you want, the MRT will never be late or crowded, and
despite indulging your sweet taste, you won’t put on any weight. Unfortunately,
there is no such thing as an ideal world, and sometimes navigating through
daily life is more difficult than we would want.
The fact is, having these minor hiccups doesn’t really ruin
life. Instead, see them as delightful tidbits that add a little extra spice to
your experience. The way we respond to difficulties has a huge impact on how we
handle them, as does occasionally giving in to pressure rather than resisting
it.
If
you need a little refresher that feeling BAD is not really all that BAD, then
here are a few daily reminders that will surely turn that frown into a smile.
1.
The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. – Dennis
S. Brown
Could
this be any more true? It may sound cliche or even too idealistic, but it is
how we take and give in to things that change the way we view and feel them.
2.
Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.
-Robert Louis Stevenson
This
is the perfect reminder to all of us who can be a little tough on ourselves
when we fall short of our expectations. Sometimes you win. Other times you just
get to be a step closer to your goal. Both are okay.
3.
Sometimes you need those bad days, to help you appreciate the good ones. –
Unknown
Read
that again. If every day is perfect, then what makes a good day… good?
Appreciating your wins is so much sweeter when you’ve experienced losses, too.
4. I
am learning to trust the journey even when I do not understand it. – Mila Bron
Not
ultimately knowing where you are going or what’s coming next may be one of the
most terrifying things in life. But it’s the element of surprise and the way
that we enjoy the ride that makes life all the more special.
5. If
life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. –
Eleanor Roosevelt
Yes,
flavor. All the limitations we put on ourselves to make sure everything goes
our way are the roadblocks that can make life black and white. Live truly and
honestly by going through flavors. Bitter, sweet, or both, all are important in
the great recipe of life.
When
was the last time you allowed yourself to just ‘give in?’ When you feel like
the day is tougher than usual, tap on your inner child and remember how you
used to handle your big emotions. For a lot of us, it is simply allowing
ourselves to FEEL. That, or a bite or two of simply good ice cream.
The
next time you are feeling down, get yourself your favorite Nestlé Ice Cream
cold treat. The leading ice cream brand has never failed to make anyone smile
with its quality flavors, one bite of which can turn a bad day into a good one.
Being
the true champ that it is, Nestlé Ice Cream is making everyone’s summer extra
special with its Great Ice Cream Sale. The promo, which will run until June 30
gives big discounts to cult favorites like Nestlé Temptations (Strawberries
& Cream, Almond Brownie Fudge, Double Dutch, Cookies & Cream, Rocky
Road, Mocha & Cashew), Nestlé Drumstick (Double Choco Vanilla and Ube
Cheesecake), and Nobrelli (Choco-Keso-Ube, Choco-Manga-Ube, Choco-Pandan-Ube).
This special treat is available when you buy in all leading supermarkets and
Nestlé Ice Cream’s official Lazada store: Ice Cream Party PH.
If that isn’t an indication that it’s time to take a break
for yourself, we don’t know what is. Ice cream does, after all, make everything
better, but should you really save some for bad days? Do it now. Indulge.
The best theme park in the nation, Enchanted Kingdom, is
happy to announce its special offer for mothers: the Faerie Queen Mother Online
Promo. This unique promotion, created to give all mothers the royal treatment
they merit, is available to all visitors who want to mark this happy occasion
in style.
Visitors can spend a special day at Enchanted Kingdom with
their loved ones for a cost-effective Php 4,700. The Faerie Queen Mother Online
Promo provides the entire family with a unique experience by including four (4)
Regular Day Passes and a delicious lunch for four.
What better way to commemorate Mothers than by spending time
with the Queens of your home? Enchanted Kingdom strives to make lifelong
memories. As you and your loved ones experience fantastic adventures together,
capture those priceless moments of joy and laughter. Visitors can go to the
online store of Enchanted Kingdom to take advantage of this fantastic deal. The
Faerie Queen Mother Online Promo’s booking window is open until May 31, 2023.
Visit the official Enchanted Kingdom website at www.enchantedkingdom.ph for additional details. The easiest place to use the Faerie Queen Mother Online Promo is the online store at https://store.enchantedkingdom.ph/. Updates and other information on this unique offering are also available on Enchanted Kingdom’s official Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph.
