Getting Your Dream Home Amidst Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit most people all over the world. It has been a year now since this nightmare shocked us all. We almost thought that it was over, yet it’s still lurking and crippling us to continue with our normal life.

The continuous surge of number of deaths and cases of covid-19 here in our country affects most of the economic growth. Establishments were forced to close again for another season of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Only essential businesses remain open to supply for people’s basic needs. Such as foods, grocery stores, hardware and pharmaceutical companies.

With this, real estate business was somehow affected, as the pandemic changed people’s priorities. Now to stick with your original long-term plan, to get a new home during the pandemic, can be a big leap of faith. While some industries are closing, people losing their jobs, people dying and many fears and all uncertainties in life, how do you see yourself with your “getting a new house” goal?

It may still be timely to pursue your goal of buying your new place. If the pandemic will still continue, it's important to stay in a comfortable place that you can call your own. The option of work-from-home or online schooling setting has been a struggle to many, specifically, to those who have a “not that cozy home”. Maybe sharing a room with the siblings or roommates, small place like a studio type without divider. With things like that, what you can definitely think of is to find a spot where you can do your thing.

There are still good reasons and ways to pursue our “new home goal” in the middle of this pandemic.

WHY BUY A NEW HOUSE THIS PANDEMIC

I had a quick chat with my neighbor friend who’s in a well-known real estate developer in our country. I candidly asked her with my question in mind. “Can you give me at least 3 reasons to still buy a new home despite this pandemic”?

 And I got a speedy response, she gave me 3 

PROMOS – stretched payment terms than the usual

2.    NO BIG CASH OUT – applicable to pre-selling properties

3.    CONTINOUS APPRECIATION BUT NOT HIGH percentage like the usual

While searching online on the latest status of real estate in the Philippines, I came across this news from CCN, “This would be a game-changer for the Philippine residentialsector as it would make housing more affordable for the lower- andmiddle-income sectors and likewise create a housing boom for many years tocome,” LPC explained.

This can be a sign. I myself also have a set goal of getting our own dream house. If not  this year, probably in the following year or so. My friend's answer to my question was so practical and encouraging.  I just need the right people to put this  thing into action to get my dream house.

MANAGE YOUR PRIORITIES

It's very simple to say, I'll buy a new house now. But I thought of my priorities. Maybe no more small purchases every crazy midnight sales or weekend sales. Because if you will notice, binge buying from online or actual shops can still empty our pockets. 

Stop dissipation, and start setting your priorities straight, considering that buying a new home will cause you a real amount of money.

NO PERFECT TIME, THE TIME IS NOW

There’s no such thing as “perfect time”, because when you say it’s the perfect time to invest on a new house, you will only expect everything to run smoothly. It’s a fantasy. Fears and realities are two of so many things that we need to face boldly this trying times.  If you have stable income and knows how to budget, the time is now.

The economy of man will surely tell it to your face that it is impossible. But if you will ask me, I would rather believe in the economy of God. All things are possible to those who believe.

There’s no perfect time, but we have our perfect God.

 

Why do I love Blogging?

Some years ago, I remember writing my thoughts and experiences through my personal blog. If I can remember it right, that was back in 1998.  My blog then served as my diary. But for some reason, I totally stopped and even forgot my password.  On 2015, I came to realized that I can give blogging a try since I’ve been a freelancer and a stay-at-home-mom for quite a long time. 

Entering the blogging world for real was a new thing for me.  It made a huge difference in my life. It opened doors of opportunities and so many "first" thing experiences. Here are some of the things I enjoy in blogging.

TRYING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 

Giving reviews on certain brands comes with products or services that I get to try and experience. Though sometimes, they pay in cash or in gift certificates. One of my favorite things was my eyebrows done by an expert.  It was an awesome experience having not to worry of putting on eyebrow make-up when I wake up in the morning.  

Aside from that, I really appreciate food products and household materials.  We also have the perks to go to the first dibs of a newly opened restaurants, movies, musical plays, products or establishments and more.

BUILDING FRIENDSHIP

Surprisingly, the blogging community in our country was already growing the time I entered the blogging world.  I then decided to create my own group of bloggers who I have worked with and spent days and nights attending special events like launching of new brands and products.

The United Bloggers Philippines, celebrates annual Thanksgiving of fellow bloggers of different niches with the support from brands that we work with. We always look forward to this once a year event where we get to enjoy each others company with all the singing, dancing, games and exciting raffle prizes provided by the brands as their token of appreciation to our work.

Thanksgiving Parties of United Bloggers Philippines

I made friends. Plus, meeting celebrities, chefs and some prominent people that you only watch on the screen, news or movies come alive. Yes, it feels good to personally see people that you’ve never met before. Take a selfie/duofie/groupie or two and posting right away to my social media handles, that’s the most enjoyable part in attending and covering an event for blogging.

MEETING CELEBRITIES AND PROMINENT PEOPLE

With Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

With Chef Carlo Miguel

GETTING DOLLED UP 

This is one of my favorite things in blogging, attending events and dressing up like a celebrity. Because it means, photo opportunities and mingling time with the brand ambassadors and officers. Plus joining social media contest during the events really spice up the occasion. Guess what, I already won many times.

I'm one of the winners for the Best Hat/Head Dress at a virtual party

GOING TO PLACES

Travelling widens our horizons. We learn and discover new things.  And that's what makes blogging a lot more fun. Going to places I’ve never been before, isn't that exciting?  An out-of-town staycation to explore a new place for me is a breather from my daily routine. Amazing adventures to enjoy with fellow bloggers and at times with my family as well. I could say that travel time is a real life education to my homeschooling daughter. Her classroom is the big world outside the box. 

At Camayan Beach Resort

SHARING THE BLESSINGS

With all the shower of blessings from blogging, I found a way to reach out to other people who are strangers to me. Followers supports me and so I give back by sharing through giveaways. As an influencer, it's not enough to just take and take, it's also important to give. I do it on random days or occasions, such as holidays or my birthdays. And I really feel good doing it out of love.

Blogging is actually a special thing to me, an avenue where I get to express my thoughts and even my emotions at times.  But most importantly, I have learned so much from all my blogging experiences. Trying new things, places, products and making bold honest reviews can be the challenging part.

In the blogging world, meeting new people and maintaining a good relationship also takes time and effort. Good thing, I love dealing with different personalities and I get to use my Psychology major background in understanding them. It’s not that easy, but it’s worth it.

I remember attending an open market event of food and stuff. With an intention to buy a refreshment from one store, the lady vendor recognized me as a blogger and mentioned that she remembered me from other events. She offered me a free drink and was so happy to see me again. What a feeling. People remember you as a blogger, as an influencer.

Another lesson, like, keeping a schedule and a calendar to be able not to miss an event or deadlines for an article or two. Honestly, blogging keeps me on my toes.  Professionalism is also practiced in blogging. It's also a serious thing that others might have missed to understand.

Blogging gives me an opportunity to invite or encourage my readers and followers to try new things or ideas from the campaigns that I do support and I believe in. I enjoy the thought that this journey leads me to eat, love, travel and pray more. As life is short and we really have to enjoy living a life.

Being an influencer is a life-changing experience for me, knowing that having the ability to express myself and my passions also entails responsibilities and accountabilities as well. And I'm loving it. My main goal is to write to make a difference.

World Vision empowers children to change their future through Chosen™ campaign

 

World Vision, an international Christian NGO, has been instrumental in changing children’s lives, and their communities, in the Philippines for more than 60 years. Through holistic programs, innovative and child-focused campaigns, and strategic partnerships, thousands of children continue to receive the opportunity to live their lives to the full, most especially as the world goes through a health crisis.

 

Last year, the Chosen™ campaign was launched in various World Vision offices changing lives around the world. Though the pandemic has affected the launch last January 2020, World Vision in the Philippines was still able to have 263 children sponsored.

 

Through World Vision’s Chosen™ campaign, children are empowered to contribute in changing their future by giving them the power to choose their sponsors. This new and effective way in child sponsorship is also transforming the lives of the sponsors and supporters.

 

Nikki Gil supports Chosen™ Relaunch

 

Though the pandemic has tremendously impacted individuals, corporations, institutions and even the government, World Vision stays committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable Filipino children are healthy, educated, safe, and protected.

 

This year, as World Vision relaunches Chosen™ with Celebrity Nikki Gil, the organization is hopeful that through this partnership, more individuals with hearts for children will know about the campaign and be willing to sign up to be chosen.

 

“The fact that I got to where I am today is a series of moments of being chosen first and foremost by God. I think that’s such a beautiful display of how powerful God’s love is for us. There are times in our lives where you are in a situation where you have limited choices in life. For you to be given this to choose who will journey with you to a brighter future, that’s such a big deal,” shared Nikki Gil.

 

Protecting the most vulnerable children from the coronavirus is World Vision’s priority today. With the support of local partners, preventive health measures have always been a vital part of its child sponsorship programs.

 

“When you sign up to be #Chosen, you are empowering kids to take the first step in changing their future. Together with thousands of individual and organizational partners, World Vision welcomes you to this ministry that looks after the welfare of the most vulnerable children. Thank you for being a channel of God’s blessing today”, said World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte.

 

To know how you can change a child’s life by signing up to be Chosen™, you may visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/chosen/.

 

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

 

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Easter Egg-Hunt Extravaganza!

Have a happy Easter with Goldilocks, the country's number one bakeshop, as they celebrate Easter with a special Egg Hunting Promo!

Special QR codes have been hidden in select Goldilocks stores. The customer must find and then scan these unique QR codes for a chance to avail exciting prizes!

These prizes include exclusive discounts and other freebies like Php55 off with every purchase of Greeting Cake 8x12, Whole Roll Cake and Fluffy Mamon Bitbit 6s for only Php 399, a Free Snack Cake Slice when you purchase any 2 Flavored Polvoron Boxes, and Php55 off with every purchase of Premium Cake 8rd.

Join this exclusive egg hunt from April 4-11, 2021, at select Goldilocks Stores nationwide, and for more information, you may follow @GoldilocksPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph

Hanabishi Introduces Two New Additions to Its Top-Selling Air Fryer Range

 

If you haven’t invested in an air fryer yet, now is an excellent time to do so. Hanabishi, your trusted kapartner when it comes to quality appliances, has just rolled out two new air fryer models.

 

“We are giving our customers more options to choose from, from the features to the price points,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President for Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi Appliances.

 

Fry, Bake, Grill, and Roast With Just One Device

 

The new air fryer models, the HAFRYER - 28 and HAFRYER - 38, both run on rapid hot air technology. You can fry, grill, and roast  meat, seafood, and vegetables on them. They require little to no cooking oil to make crispy fried food. They both come with a detachable non-stick frying basket (at 2.8-liter for the HAFRYER - 28 and 3.8-liter for the HAFRYER - 38).

 

Both air fryers have a baking feature as well. So, you need just one device for your frying, baking, grilling, and roasting needs.

 

Using and cleaning the new air fryers won’t take much of your time. They have easy-to-use dials with adjustable temperature control and a 30-minute timer. Their food drawer and basket are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.

 

“There are many air fryers available in the market right now. To choose the one that best fits your needs, take the time to study their features. Make sure that they’re really worth investing in,” said Ong-Chua.

 

You can learn more about theHAFRYER - 28 and HAFRYER - 38 when you visit www.myhanabishi.com. Hanabishi products are available through their online store, www.myhanabishi.com/shop/, and their official flagship store on Lazada. You can also purchase their products at leading appliance stores in the country.

 

For their latest product offerings and promos, follow Hanabishi’s official accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

  

 

About Hanabishi:

 

Spanning more than three decades, Hanabishi has established its reputation as a provider of affordable yet quality home products that lasts, which paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Hanabishi Home Appliances are available at leading appliance stores nationwide. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

 

Women Make it Happen in Airspeed

 

There is no better time than National Women’s Month to highlight the ever-increasing role of women in shaping Philippine society in general, and the business world in particular.

In the Philippines’ male dominated corporate world, a woman named Rosemarie P. Rafael has been breaking stereotypes and challenging the big boys since the 1980s. In 1985, Mrs. Rafael founded Airspeed, one of the leading logistics solutions and express courier companies in the country. Airspeed is a company that reflects Ms. Rafael’s values and beliefs as a woman, a mother, and a leader. Being Airspeed’s Chairman and President and a true advocate of women, Ms. Rafael chose to empower women at Airspeed because she believes women are naturally nurturing and she knows that when people are supported and enabled, they can do great and impossible things. 

These three women executives of Airspeed – together with the management team, envisioned to help propel the company to greater heights and, in the process, make the company better and reach success.  

Anna Lyn Discaya is the new Chief Administrative Officer under Airspeed Group of Companies Holding Corp. In her new role, Ann will be in charge of managing and overseeing the company’s Administrative Group which comprises the Human Resources Team, Procurement Team, Security Group, Legal and Compliance Team, and Administrative Maintenance.

Claudette ‘Claude’ Lucasan-Canta is the new Chief Supply Chain Officer, and will oversee the supply chain solutions design, warehouse operational processes, distribution, procedures, and work process flow of all companies under the holdings group. She is tasked to align with different business unit heads on the requirements of prospects and accounts, as well as the review of onboarding processes of each account. Claude will also help define the goals and programs for each of the businesses operation units and review financial projections per cost modules for new and existing business.

Liza Fallar-Marquez, the Chief Information Technology Officer, leads the Management Information System Department. Liza has been with Airspeed for 23 years, and has made sure to establish and direct strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for their information technology department. She leads the implementation of new IT Systems by adapting new technology platforms to improve the client experience, as well as monitor changes in the technology sector to discover ways the company can improve and develop its IT Infrastructure.

In closing off National Women’s Month, Airspeed is committed to pay tribute to females by entrusting them extraordinary roles as trailblazers and forerunners of change. In shining the spotlight on women, Airspeed is confident it can attain greater success for many more years to come.

Teleperformance Philippines’ leadership and safety programs win in 18th Quill awards

 

Manila, Philippines, March 26, 2021 – Teleperformance Philippines was once again recognized for its leadership and employee programs at the recently held 18th Philippine Quill Awards by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines.

 

The company received an Award of Excellence in Leadership Communication for its “A Message from Mike” video series, and an Award of Merit in Safety Communication for its “TP is a Safe Place to Work for all” campaign.

 

When Covid-19 first reached the Philippines, the government implemented a strict lockdown to help prevent the spread of the virus. Recognized as an essential service provider, Teleperformance Philippines was tasked to remain operational as the company provided essential support to government services, and industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, banking and finance, logistics, travel and hospitality.

 

Within the first year of his tour of duty, Mike Lytle, CEO of Teleperformance USA, Canada, and Philippines, led the organization of 47,000 people through the COVID-19 crisis. Using his personal leadership approach of empathy and mindfulness, the “Message from Mike” video series was an effective tool that offered an accessible and transparent channel of communication to reach TP employees.

 

Published in the company’s official Facebook page, the videos featured Lytle giving his personal messages to employees, providing updates, responding to their questions, and reminding them of essential health and safety protocols.

 

The video series was also part of a larger communication campaign that empowered Teleperformance employees to be well-informed advocates of responsible behaviors and decisions. At the core of the “TP is a Safe Place to Work for All” campaign was keeping every employee alert and equipped with useful information to help them navigate through a life-changing time.

 

A variety of communication materials were produced and disseminated and batches of signage were placed in all Teleperformance sites and facilities, including physical distancing markers, indoor traffic directional signage, elevator reminders, shuttle reminders and markers. Health and Wellness engagement activities such as yoga and mindfulness sessions were promoted through both internal and external channels. There were also forums and talks conducted by experts and professionals to help employees understand the virus and how to protect themselves.

 

“Through this continuing crisis, our commitment was to create a safe place to work for all, not only through strict compliance with our government’s health and safety protocols, but by empowering and enabling our people with essential knowledge and skills so that they can effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from the pandemic,” shared Lytle.

 

These wins are a testament to Teleperformance Philippines’ commitment to their employees’ health and safety, which was also reflected by the recently awarded extension of their certification as a Great Place to Work®.  

 

Leading up to the certification, over 34,000 employees of Teleperformance Philippines were asked to anonymously rate the company in several areas and measured how employees perceive the organization based on the quality of workplace experience. Teleperformance Philippines became the first company in any industry in the country to win Great Place to Work® certification in 2018 and the only company in the country who has won for three years straight.

 

 

 

ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE

 

Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, serves as a strategic partner to the world’s largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model combining three wide, high-value solution families: customer experience management, back-office services and business process knowledge services. These end-to-end digital solutions guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high tech, high touch approach.

 

The Group's 383,000 employees, based in 83 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the “Simpler, Faster, Safer” process. This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry’s highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2020, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €5,732 million (US$ 6.5 billion, based on €1 = $1.14) and net profit of €324 million.

 

Teleperformance began operations in the Philippines in 1996 and has grown to become a preferred offshore contact center outsourcing option. The company employs over 45,000 people in the country and operates over 30,000 workstations in 22 business sites located across Metro Manila, Antipolo, Cavite, Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

 

From 2012 to 2020, Teleperformance has received the Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Contact Center Outsourcing Service Provider of the Year Award for its significant performance in revenue management, market share, capabilities, and overall contribution to the contact center industry. In addition, Teleperformance Philippines was awarded as Outstanding Employer and Outstanding Community Project of the Year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Top Employer of the Year and Corporate Social Responsibility Circle of Excellence at the Asia CEO Awards, and the Outstanding Volunteer by the National Economic Development Authority.

 

In 2020, Teleperformance Philippines was again certified as a Great Place to Work® and is the only organization in the country to receive this certification from the Great Place to Work® Institute for three years in a row. This 2021, Teleperformance celebrates its 25th year of continued excellence and leadership in the country. This milestone highlights the company’s commitment to steadily provide the best employment experience for Filipinos, proactively support the nation’s IT-BPM sector, and uphold its socio-civic engagements to create a difference in the lives of the Philippine community.

 

For further information, visit the Teleperformance website at teleperformance.ph.