I just want to share my 2 cents about this …. For me this may be true but only at a certain point.

If the reason behind your hesitation is more on because you don’t know where to go, or what to do — the answer for this is easy! With proper research, and reading through articles and blogs you can create your own itinerary.

The same if you are worried about clothes to wear, the weather and etc.

If you are hesitating because of financial reasons, again research first because there are a lot of budget friendly places to go, to do, to stay at and etc.

However I believe that if you feel you shouldn’t in your gut then you really shouldn’t.

Photo shows (L-R) AXA Philippines chief customer officer Amor Balagtas, AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora, UAAP Season 82 president Emmanuel Fernandez, and UAAP executive director Rene Andrei Saguisag Jr.

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications is leading a nationwide tree planting activity on September 26 to commemorate the 10th year since Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international name: Ketsana) hit the Philippines and caused severe flooding, loss of lives, and damage to property.

The simultaneous tree planting initiative across the country is part of the #PlanetSmart initiative of PLDT and Smart, which aims to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by harnessing technology and promoting collective effort for environmental protection. It is also in line with the celebration of the World Environmental Health Day.

“Deforestation is one of the causes of flooding, and we saw that during Ondoy. The devastating floods opened the eyes of everyone to the importance of saving our forest cover, particularly in the Marikina Watershed,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT-Smart public affairs head.

PLDT-Smart employees and partners will conduct simultaneous tree planting sessions in Marikina Watershed, Antipolo; Talavera Watershed, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija; and Cebu Hillyland, Cebu City; while volunteers will plant mangrove seedlings in Minanga, Buayan, General Santos City.

Smart has been planting trees since 2004 in an effort to offset its greenhouse gas emissions in its operations. Together with various private collaborators, community stakeholders, school partners, and volunteers from PLDT-Smart and sister-companies, Smart has planted over one million seedlings and propagules in adopted planting sites, including Marikina Watershed and Ipo Watershed, Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism Area, Calatagan, Subic, Mt. Banahaw, Puerto Princesa, and Calabanga in Camarines Sur in Luzon; Cebu, Olango Island, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Iloilo, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, and Bohol in Visayas; and Misamis Oriental, Surigao, Zamboanga, Sarangani, Digos, Davao City, and Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao.

The companies’ reforestation efforts have proved beneficial to the residents in the respective communities. On Mt. Banahaw, where volunteers conducted planting in 2005, lanzones and rambutan trees are now bearing fruit; while in Calabanga, the once denuded mangrove area has grown into a mangrove forest that serve as coastal protection for the community and nurturing ground for marine species like fish, shrimp, and crabs.

Smart is also one of the main drivers behind the Marikina Watershed Initiative (MWI), a broad-based, public-private partnership launched by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) to help protect, reforest, and rehabilitate the watershed.

The tree planting activity is also part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of PLDT-Smart Foundation, which is committed to fulfill the needs and uplift the quality of life of each and every Filipino by contributing to education, livelihood and social enterprise, disaster response and recovery, youth and arts, and sports development.

 Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation  and ATN Holdings recently forged a partnership for Quarry Priority Supply Project to North Luzon Expressways (NLEX) projects. The partnership will ensure steady supply of quality construction aggregates for the following projects: NLEX-Harbour Link, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the NLEX expansion, the Manila-LRT Line 1 Cavite extension, and NLEX-SLEX Connector Road. 

Photo shows  MPTC President & CEO Rodrigo E. Franco and ATN Holdings President & CEO Arsenio T. Ng (2nd and 3rd from left) joined by Department of Public Works and Highways chairman of Build, Build, Build  Anna Mae Lamentillo (rightmost) with (from left)  MPTC Chief Development Officer Raul Ignacio and ATN Holdings Director Hilario T. Ng 

In addition to its over 40 locations nationwide, premier Apple partner Power Mac Center expands presence in the Entertainment City as it opens a store at the new Ayala Malls Manila Bay along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Drop by the brand new store and take advantage of the exciting opening promo deals, which will last until the weekend.

“Our newest Power Mac Center store joins the action within the premier gaming and entertainment complex in the country. Furthermore, it brings us closer to our goal of making everyone’s favorite Apple and tech products more accessible wherever they are in the country,” said Joey Alvarez, Power Mac Center Director of Product Management and Marketing.

Be an early bird on opening day for better chances of getting the best of the deals. Visitors on the store’s first day are entitled to a 5% discount for every purchase of Apple devices and 10% on all Beats by Dr. Dre products. Meanwhile, extended until September 29 (Sunday) is an up to 20% discount on select premium accessories. Terms and conditions apply.

Run to the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, touted the biggest Ayala mall to date, and head on to the 4th level to get your hands on the exclusive discounts and freebies available from September 26-29, 2019 only.

To know more about Power Mac Center products and services, visit the website or follow its official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

Soft serve sundae + delicious milk tea base + brown sugar pearls — what more could you ask for?

Experience bliss in every sip starting this September 27 with the new McDonald’s Milk Tea McFloat with brown sugar pearls, all for an affordable price.

At only P75, you get to take your milk tea experience up a notch with the goodness of milk tea, creamy vanilla soft serve, and chewy brown sugar pearls. Still available in both Classic and Wintermelon, the Milk Tea McFloat— topped with sundae, dunked with pearls— is the perfect drink for your next milk tea craving!

The new Milk Tea McFloat with brown sugar pearls is available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery. Sip into the sweetness of the Milk Tea McFloat with brown sugar pearls by ordering now at mcdelivery.com.ph. Share your experience online by tagging @mcdo_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and visiting McDonald’s Facebook.

Nearly 200 teachers from Metro Manila recently attended a cybersecurity caravan to improve their knowledge on online safety and data privacy.

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications organized the #CyberSmart Caravan in observation of the National Teachers Month and Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

“As technology advances, teachers also need to stay updated on the latest developments online,” said Stephanie Orlino, Smart public affairs senior manager and education program head. “The more they know, the more they are equipped to safeguard themselves and their students from online hazards,” Orlino added.

Held at Don Alejandro Sr. Science and Technology High School in Quezon City, the #CyberSmart Caravan featured lessons on data privacy, social engineering, internet safety, child protection, and fake news, among other issues, through interactive installations, virtual reality games, relay races, and talks by subject matter experts.

The resource persons included Geri Cauilan, Smart cybersecurity operations group head; Newsbytes.PH cofounder Melvin Calimag; and Faye Balanon, Unicef Philippines child protection officer, among other speakers.

The activity also kicked off the #CyberSmart Caravan series, which will go around various schools and universities nationwide to help teachers and students strengthen their online safety and cybersecurity knowledge.

JLL Country Head Christophe Vicic announcing the list of nominees for the JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year

For the 10th straight year, JLL Philippines will present the JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year Award at the 10th Asia CEO Awards. Considered to be the largest business awards event in Philippines and Southeast Asia, the Asia CEO Awards annually recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of business leaders in the Philippines.

During the media launch held last September 20 at the Marriot Grand Ballroom, JLL Country Head Christophe Vicic presented the list of  this year’s list of nominees for the JLL Expatriate Executive Award : Angeline Tham (Founder & CEO, Angkas), Arthur Nowak (Senior Vice President – Asia Pacific, Teletech), Aseem Roy (Country Head, Wipro Philippines), Elek Toth (Country Leader, Concentrix), Maurice Levine (CEO, Anytime Fitness Asia), and Romulo Nati (CEO, Italpinas Development Corporation).

The selection process of nominees was based on management achievement, financial contribution, international recognition, pioneering achievements, social commitment, and cultural integration. The award will be given to the nominee with the most measurable success while overseeing a business enterprise within Philippines, and the accomplishment must have made a strong contribution to the development of the country’s economic capabilities.

“For the past decade, JLL has been recognizing outstanding expats in the Philippines who have brought their expertise and have become Filipino at heart for their strong contribution to the country’s economic progress,” said Vicic.

JLL, which has been a partner of Asia CEO since its founding in 2010, has consistently honored expats over the past years. Winners included Chandra Anamirtham of Hitachi GST (2010), Maulik Parekh of SPi Global Solutions (2011), Dan Spinks of Fluor Philippines (2012), Joseph Sigelman of AG&P (2013), Lars Wittig of Regus Philippines (2014), Michael Raeuber of Royal Cargo, Inc. (2015), James Donovan of ADEC Innovations (2016), Mark Lwin of AIG Philippines Insurance and President – AIG Shared Services (2017), and Craig Reines of Sitel (2018).

The 10th Asia CEO Awards will also honor Young Leader of the Year, Wellness Company of the Year, SHERO of the Year, Top Employer of the Year, SME Company of the Year, Executive Leadership Team of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Global Filipino Executive of the Year, Technology Company of the Year, Service Excellence Company of the Year, Diversity Company of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, and CSR Company of the Year.

Winners will be announced on October 15, 2019 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

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About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.3 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of over 90,000 as of December 31, 2018. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com

In the Philippines, JLL has been operating in the country since 1997 as a 100% wholly-owned entity and currently manages about 5.2 million square meters of real estate with a workforce of over 1,100 employees. With more than two decades of local expertise working hand-in-hand with its global legacy, JLL provides to the Philippine real estate market an unparalleled synergy of services with a strong commitment to achieve real estate ambitions through future-ready approaches. For more information, visit jll.com.ph.

Starting your first job brings a whole new set of demands – from being able to send work files on the go, staying online for work chat updates, surfing for information to back your presentations, or making urgent calls to your colleagues or clients.

Good thing best-value mobile brand Sun lets you cover all your connectivity needs with Non-Stop Sim-Only Plans, which come with calls, texts, and data. A Sun postpaid plan that you can get for as low as Php399 per month.

To keep you connected, Sun Non-stop Plans feature non-stop access to Facebook, Messenger, and Google Search plus open-access data for surfing and apps: 1 GB for Plan 399; 2 GB for Plan 599; 4 GB for Plan 799; and 8GB for Plan 999.

Sun’s Non-Stop Sim-Only Plans offers a limited time only promo that includes new FREE 60 minutes of calls to Smart and TNT; non-stop All-Net Texts and non-stop calls to Sun to cover all your communication needs at work. Visit the www.suncellular.com.ph/Postpaid/Plans for more info!  

Get a chance to win a trip for two to SG 

Aside from the promo, Sun gives you a chance to make your #TravelGoals come true! Sun subscribers who upgrade or sign up for a new Non-Stop Plan until October 31 may earn raffle entries for a chance to be one of three lucky Sun subscribers to win a four-day trip for two to Singapore at the grand draw on November 7! Visit www.suncellular.com.ph/Postpaid/nonstoptravelpromo for the full promo mechanics.  

Sun is powered by Smart LTE, which has been recognized as the country’s undisputed fastest mobile network by reputable network analytics firms including Ookla, OpenSignal, Tutela, and P3. 

Sign up for a Sun Non-Stop Sim-Only Plan today by heading to the nearest Sun Shop or by visiting www.suncellular.com.ph/Postpaid/Plans.  

For more details and updates, like and follow Sun Postpaid on Facebook at www.facebook.com/suncellularph, Twitter (@suncelldeals) and Instagram (@suncellular).

(From left to right) President of Brother Philippines Mr. Glenn Hocson, VP for Operations & General Manager of Bai Hotel Cebu Mr. Alfred Reyes, Corporate Sales Manager of Brother Philippines Mr. Joel Eugenio, Corporate Sales Executive of Brother Philippines Ms. Roxanne Clerigo, and Operations Manager-Information Technology, Mr. Jose Canete.

In another victory for the environment, Brother International Philippines Corporation is announcing a new partnership with bai Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu that will allow the latter to become a more eco-friendly workplace.

Beginning October 1, bai Hotel Cebu—which already relies on Brother for their printing needs through the latter’s Print Smart Plus (Toner Management Program) — will utilize the environmentally-friendly features of their Brother MFC-L5900DW and MFC-L8900CDW multifunction printers at the premises, including Power Save Mode, paper reduction through the use of automatic back-to-back prints, among others.

Brother, which has long placed a premium on having their products be eco-friendly and sustainable, will be working closely with the bai Hotel’s IT department this month to ensure that their employees may easily use these features at all times, and will also be conducting a product orientation to instruct the staff on how to use them.

Beyond this, Brother is also looking to expand its environmental awareness to all of its partners and implement this sustainability initiative in all their other corporate clients who are currently enrolled in their Green Project Program. The Green Project Program is an optional additional service that provides more eco-friendly solutions to Brother Corporate Clients.

“We at Brother are always careful to protect the environment in the pursuit of serving our partners’ printing needs,” said Brother Philippines president Glenn Hocson. “This new partnership with bai Hotel Cebu is an important step in bringing awareness to this cause.”

Be part of Brother’s Green Project Program. For more on Brother’s eco-friendly solutions and products, visit the Brother Philippines website at www.brother.com.ph, like its Facebook page (Facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside), and follow it on Twitter (@BROTHERPhils) and Instagram (@BrotherPhils).