Vector GPS: Hassle-Free Driving in the Philippines

Where would you like to go today?

Vector Portable GPS Navigation takes care of getting you there.
Driving in the Philippines has never been this hassle-free.


The Asiatype Group of Companies has been in the cartography business since 1995. Its team of GIS (Geographic Information System) specialists has since then been gathering and updating data using GPS technology and advanced software, making Asiatype the country’s leading publisher of folded maps under the brand Accu-map.


Today Asiatype introduces Vector, its very own portable navigation device that employs electronic maps, route plotting and rerouting, and turn-by-turn voice directions designed to help motorists easily find their way in and around the city. Already a mainstream gadget all over the world, the portable navigation device is on its way to becoming an essential lifestyle product. And Vector, packed with local map data and updates, a friendly user interface, and fun multimedia features is out to do just that: become an indispensable convenience that says goodbye to days wasted on traffic, getting lost, and draining the gas tank from going in circles. Don’t believe us? Think it’s too niche? Too “up there”? Not really a necessity?

Didn’t they say the same thing about the cell phone?

The Vector Advantage
It’s true what they say, “If you can survive driving in the Philippines, you can drive anywhere.” Never mind the traffic. That’s old news. Add to that two-way roads that suddenly become one-way; u-turn slots that move without warning; street signs that disappear; street names that get renamed... again; or just the thousands of side streets that merge, diverge, then converge into the tiniest back alleys you don’t know if you’re still on the road or on someone’s driveway.

Now, imagine never having to worry about getting to a place you’ve never been to before. Like following to the reception venue from a church wedding. Or visiting a friend’s private resthouse in Batangas.

Anyone who’s ever had to do so knows well enough that those stick-figure “maps” sometimes help little. And that trying to get directions over the phone is not only hazardous but prone to several exchanges of “What? Huh?

Turn where?” It’s been proven that with Vector, one completely unaware of the directions can get to the chosen destination as though he knew his way around.

Imagine finally being able to indulge fantasies of spontaneity by going on a “wherever the road takes me” kind of adventure out of town, yet still feeling in complete control behind the wheel. Imagine almost never having to ask for directions. Or getting a ticket for that no-left-turn you didn’t know was there.

Imagine being able to choose an alternate route in the face of imminent traffic jams on major thoroughfares. Imagine having choices on the road. Powered by more than 15 years of mapping data, local updates, and a tried-and-tested mapping software, Vector takes the edge off driving and gets you where you need to be in the quickest possible way. And here’s why:

Tried and Tested Software. Software comes from NDrive, a leading European provider of navigation services to mobile platforms in over 50 countries worldwide (customers include prominent brands such as HP, Samsung, HTC, and Toshiba). Because of superior software, route calculations and rerouting are done fast, with more than enough time to spare for you to mull it over and decide which route to take. No missed turns, no chance for backseat drivers to say, “Oh we should’ve gone that way...”

Local Knowledge and over 38,000 Points of Interest. Vector’s map data are produced by local cartographers and GIS specialists who get constant feedback and regularly update points of interest in and around the city, so map and software updates are continuous. You can search through an exhaustive list of points of interest (POIs) in from different categories (e.g. Education, Restaurants, Shopping, Tourism, Utilities), and can even add your own POI to your device. Quarterly updates are free for one year from date of purchase.

Premium on Accuracy, Not Just Coverage. Vector’s maps have an accuracy rate of +/- 3 meters (industry standard is +/- 15 meters). While coverage of the entire Philippines is still underway, Vector already has complete street-level coverage of Metro Manila, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, Baguio, Bulacan, Bacolod, Cebu, Tarlac, Rizal, Subic, and Olongapo, with almost 38,000 points of interests as of October 2010. Nationwide mapping is slated to be completed in a few months’ time.




In the one-way concrete jungle that is Makati’s business district, for instance, superior accuracy rates spell the difference between getting to that business meeting on time (with parking, to boot!) and having to go around in circles because you were two turns behind. High accuracy rates become even more invaluable when negotiating unfalimar territory. Stuck on a return trip from out of town and need a place to eat or stay? Simply make a search among Vector’s 38,000 points of interest and find a restaurant, hotel, hospital, or gas station nearest you.

Competitive Pricing. SRP is at an affordable Php13,900.
Continuous After-Sales Support. Local after-sales support is available through e-mail, phone, and web forums.



Fun Extra Features. Vector comes packed with games, multimedia functions, and other features that make it an all-around lifestyle must have. Packaged in a sleek, scratch-proof casing, this nifty pocket-sized road guide keeps you entertained during pit stops.

Technical Specs
MODEL NAME
Vector 100

Software: Ndrive 10
Turn by turn voice direction
Advanced search function
Unlimited itineraries
Alternative routes
Display
Type: TFT touch screen panel
Size: 4.3 inches (10.92cm)
Resolution: 480 x 272 pixels

LED Sensor Light
Sensor enables display brightness to self-adjust based on available lighting (brighter at night, not as bright in the daytime), which helps conserve battery life.




Bluetooth Hands-free Calling
Pair with your Bluetooth-enabled phone to make and receive calls hands-free.

FM Transmitter
Built-in FM transmitter enables you to listen to your favorite radio station while on the road.

Multimedia
Photo viewer
Music and video player

Memory
2GB Internal Flash

Party Party with Vice Ganda and My Unforgettable Stay at Thunderbird Resorts Rizal

To make my February a little bit crazy, I went to Thunderbird Resorts Rizal just by myself to see the much awaited free concert of Vice Ganda.

I really wanna watch her at Metro Bar but I think I still don't have the guts to watch her live (kasi baka okrayin ako, haha joke!) plus (walang kaperahan, symepre).  So given this opportunity, GOrabelles talaga ang lola nyo!

I went to ride a shuttle at SM Megamall and then pagdating ng Ortigas I can already see the signs, "This way to Thunderbird Resorts Rizal".  Iniisip ko, "Wow! Lapit!"  Until nakarating na ako ng Ever Ortigas, Junction, Tikling, at doon ko na-realize grabe ang layo pala.  (Napeke ako ng mga signs)!

Until I dropped to SM Taytay kung saan kami magmeet ni Sarah (ang higanteng prinsesa, mamemeet nyo nag picture niya sa baba).

Nagpapareserve ako sa shuttle ng Fiesta Casino from Thunderbird Resorts pero hinanapan ako ng ID ni manong guard.  Maglalaro daw ba ako sa casino?

Nataon pa namang office ID lang dala ko (sabi na kasi ni Nica magdala ng ID!) KALOKA! Ang bata daw kasi ng itsura ko.  Mahaba-habang interview pa at nakasakay din kami sa wakas.

Nakakatawa sa shuttle kasi may mga lola nagkukwentuhan, parang therapy daw ang casino sa kanya (casino therapy, teh?!) HAHAHA! Pati driver tumawa.  Pero syempre walang basagan ng trip di ba?  Kung iyon ang ikaliligaya ni lola.  Mayaman naman sya!

Tawa tawa pa ko eh di pa pala tapos ang agony ko.  Naharang nanaman ako sa immigration (este sa Casino).  Bata pa daw ako, di pwede pumasok, patingin ng ID, how old are you, when is your birthday???  Of course, naintindihan ko naman ginagawa lang nila ang trabaho nila at bawal talaga ang mga bata sa Casino, pero hindi na ako BA-TA!  harharhar!

With the help of malalim na boses and maayos na pakiusap at sinabi ko kung ano ang pakay ko sa casino, na walang iba kundi si Vice Ganda para mainterview!  "Okay, ma'am pasok po muna kayo, laro po muna kayo matagal pa kasi magstart."  Haha, maglaro daw?

Buti na lang nakita ko si Sir Ryan sa loob ng casino and nagfeel free na kami sa loob at labas ng Thunderbird Resorts.

While waiting for the sister of Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, pumunta muna kami sa resort at nagpicture-picture!

At last 10 p.m. na, CONCERT na!!!

SAMPLE! SAMPLE! SAMPLE!  Woooooooohhhhh!!!  Hiyawan ang mga tao!

Haaayyyy, napaka-POWERFUL talaga ng boses ni Vice Ganda.  Nakakatawa kasi kinanta niya yung, "I wanna be a billionaire, so freakin' bad... la la la la la la la la..."  Haha, biglang napatingin yung mga naglalaro sa casino (",)!  Alam nyo na kung bakit pero hala sige laro pa rin sila.

Kumuha sya ng isa sa mga madlang people at hindi nya inaasahan na super galing nitong kumanta (naka-libre na si Vice ng 2 songs, hihi).

In between inilalabas nya ang kanyang pagiging kabayo (ayon sa kanya yan, huh!) pero what I mean is yung funny side nya.  In between ng songs nagpapatawa siya na kahit yung iba eh luma na at napanood ko na sa SHOWTIME, natatawa pa rin ako!

GASOLINE BOY:  Sir, magpapa-gas po kayo?
VICE:  Hindi, hindi!  Bibili ako ng sigarilyo para magsama-sama tayong sumabog dito sa gasolinahan.

WAHAHAHAHA!!!!  Babaw ng kaligayahan ko!

Pero nakakaaliw naman talaga kasi siya.  Kahit sa mga waiters nakikipagbiruan siya.  Then sa kalagitnaan ng show, aba!  Wala ng naglalaro sa casino... Kanina subsob lahat sa mga slot machines, pero ngayon lahat nakatingin na sa stage!  BONGGA!  It really means that Vice Ganda's funny antics are effective!

Hay, patapos na ang show pero bigla ko na lang nasabing bitin ang show kaya manood na talaga ako sa Metro Bar!

Ayan na!  Photo Op na! (Muntik pang hindi kasi pagod na talaga si Vice at naintindihan namin yun).  Pero HAPPY!  Kasi nakapag-papicture.  Di ko man na-interview, PAK pa rin!

Sarah and Vice Ganda

Yung lang!  Problema pauwi!  12:30 nagpareserve ng shuttle, 5:30 na ang biyahe, AYOS!

Si Sarah nagpapak ng asukal (ng Starbucks) oh di ba sosyal!  Ako naman naubos ko ang isang pack ng DoubleMint!

Pero kahit ganun pa man (oh di ba Tagalog na Tagalog), sobrang HAPPY pa rin kami ni Sarah.  Buti daw at hindi namin sinama ang mga THUNDERbelles sa office kasi aawayin kami sa sobrang late namin umuwi.

Pero hindi naman kami nagsisisi kasi sumaya talaga ang ARAW at GABI at MADALING ARAW namin ni Saring!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FIESTA CASINO THUNDERBIRD RESORTS RIZAL!!!

Thunderbird Resorts Rizal Event Center Unveiled

In just five years since its establishment in the Philippines, Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. has successfully developed leisure and entertainment businesses in the country with international standards.

It boasts of two world-class properties that hold luxury resort venues catering to leisure, sports, recreation and entertainment activities.

One is located in the highland oasis of Binangonan, Rizal; while the other Mediterranean-inspired property is in the peninsula of Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.

As part of its development plan, Thunderbird Resorts built the first state-of-the-art, 500-seat-capacity EVENT CENTER in Rizal, a destination perfect for transforming the dull into the dramatic.

The EVENT CENTER held its formal launch on February 18, 2011. A true masterpiece unveiled, guests are welcomed with festive performances from the Buganda drumbeaters and fire dancers.

The ribbon-cutting followed afterwards and was led by Rizal Governor Jun Ynares, together with Thunderbird Resorts executives namely Raul Sueiro, VP for Asian & European Operations; Angel Sueiro, VP for Design; and Fabio Moretti, Country Manager, as well as Former Finance Secretary Roberto "Bobby" De Ocampo. Beauty Queens of Miss Earth Philippines also graced the ribbon-cutting.

ABS-CBN young star Nikki Gil was the host of the night, while World Singing Champion Jed Madela belted out tunes from his hits and classics. Homegrown talents of Rizal, the Angono Youth Musical Ensemble provided the accompaniments for the performances.

Distinguished personalities were also present during the launch: Sonny Dominguez, former Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; Palawan Governor Abraham "Baham" Mitra.

Appealing to the appetite of the attendees, Thunderbird Resorts Rizal Executive Chef Jean Paul Capitaine served delectable Mediterranean dishes that were also fitting to be called masterpieces.

Then, further adding excitement to the celebration, 18 lucky guests went home with their respective raffle prizes such as (10) iPod Touch, (5) iPad, and (3) LED TV.

As the night came to a close, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky and with that, the Event Center Launch celebration ends on a very high note.

Thunderbird Resorts Rizal EVENT CENTER sets the stage for performances, concerts, exhibitions, meetings, banquets, and all other kinds of moments to remember. The night unveiled the latest, biggest, grandest masterpiece in the community – and a facility unlike any other. Where one can experience drama, euphoria, success, bliss, and excitement.

Commenting on the growth of the business, Fabio Moretti, country manager of Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. says, “It was challenging but very rewarding. When I look back I can see that we have already come a long way, but at the same time also makes me feel how much more opportunities there are in the future.”

Moreover, Thunderbird Resorts sees to it that the EVENT CENTER will benefit Rizal and its communities, providing them improved facilities that can pave way for more tourism and economic gains.


To know more about the new EVENT CENTER, call (02) 886.5555 or (02) 651.6888. 
Visit www.thunderbird-asia.com


About Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. 
Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. is an international property developer of dynamic, themed and integrated venues that are anchored by casinos.  The company is publicly-traded on NYSE Euronext Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Germany) and has operations in Central & Latin America, Asia and Europe.  The Philippines is the Company’s first market in Asia, which will serve as its platform for regional development.  Thunderbird Resorts is focused on being the most successful recreational property developer and operator in each of its markets by creating genuine value for the community, its employees and its shareholders. Additional information about the Company is available on its website at www.thunderbirdresorts.com. 

Coke Dream Pack Contest - Get a Chance to win an iTouch!

If you were the inventor of Coca-Cola (coke), how would you want it to look like?


Slim?  Has a hand grip?  In tetra pack?  How about having a different color aside from red and black?

Photo credits:  pagaspas.com

Now, if you think more out of the box than I do, then here's your chance to win an iTouch as Coca-Cola Philippines is giving away one to one lucky genius (haha kidding!).  I'm not kidding about the iTouch, okay? Hehe.


ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS answer the following questions in 150 words or less and submit them to dreampack2011@gmail.com: 

1. If you had a dream Coke pack/bottle, what would it look like? How would you make it portable? How many mL/oz.? What would you call it and why? (e.g. in the same way we call the small Coke bottle Coke “Sakto”).


2. It’s fun to make up nicknames. How would you call a new Coke pack/bottle if it had the following characteristics and why?

“It's a new handy and re-sealable bottle which I can drink to go with my snacks, anytime, anywhere, whenever the need strikes. It is convenient, instant refreshment whenever, and wherever I go: be it travel, trip to the mall, gimmick, or just simply when I'm on- the-go. Truly a great companion for my mobile lifestyle.”

You have from February 18 to February 28, 2011 to submit your answers to dreampack2011@gmail.com with the following information:

• Subject: Coke Dream Pack Contest Entry
• Your First and Last Name
• Your Age
• Your Contact No.
• Your Email Address

Easy, right? So what are you waiting for? Get those creative juices flowing now!


Terms and Conditions

1) You may send as many unique and valid entries as you want to increase your chances of winning provided that these entries fall within the duration of the promo period
2) You waive any and all rights to your entries to this contest (winning and non-winning). Coca-Cola is free to use the entries/suggested names/nicknames you submitted (whether or not the name/nickname was chosen as a winning entry) in any way it deems fit without need of or obligation to pay or compensate you thereof
3) You grant Coca-Cola the right to use your name and entry details for advertising and promotional purposes related to this contest
4) Entries will be judged solely by The Coca-Cola Export Corporation’s (TCCEC) and its agency based on creativity and originality of ideas
5) Should duplicate answers arise, the winning entry will be determined based on how well participant defends his/her answers
6) Winner will be notified via official email and verified through a phone call by The Coca-Cola Export Corporation’s (TCCEC) Third Party Supplier. Winner will be acknowledged on the official Coca-Cola Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/coca-cola on March 7, 2011
7) Winner shall receive one 4th Generation 64GB iTouch 4Gen with Philips Headphone SHM7110 as his/her prize
a. Winner should present a print out of the notification email sent and at least 2 valid IDs to claim the prize. Details of how to claim the prize will be indicated in the official email sent
b. If the winner is (1) a minor (18 years old and below) he/she must be accompanied by legal guardian, or legal guardian claims on his/her behalf (presenting all necessary documents); and, if the winner is (2) unable to claim the prize him/herself, a representative must present the necessary documents:
i. A letter of authorization duly signed by the winner, nominating the parent/legal guardian, or representative as the acknowledged recipient of the prize on the winners behalf
ii. Two (2) original IDs of the winner with picture (acceptable/valid ID’s are SSS, TIN, Passport, Office or School I.D.)
iii. Two (2) original IDs of the representative/legal guardian
iv. Print out of notification email
8) Employees of TCCEC and McCann Worldgroup Philippines, including those of their parent companies, affiliates, their third party suppliers, FDA and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity are disqualified from joining this promotion 

Miss B’s Tuckshop: Pretty Little Tucked Away Restaurant

Cocktail events are really not my thing.  So after attending one, I really wanna go home, but my friends still want to have a little caffeine fix or anything light.  We were along Jupiter St. then.  I used to work in the area so I am familiar with the restaurants and I gave them the idea on what kind of food they will have if we eat in one of the lined-up restos.

I was surprised when we spotted one that I am not familiar with.  It used to be a Persian grill I said.  I thought there was a construction going on because it is still not painted inside and one of my friends thought it was a tailor shop because of the word “tuck”.

Moving closer, we saw the signs fish and chips, burgers, dine-in or take out and that is when we proved to ourselves that it is, indeed, a new discovery food shop.

Upon entering… WOW!  What a concept!  For me it was like a classroom (with the colorful chairs, the blackboard).  Brings back the memories of my grade school days.  You’ll not ask for the menu as it is written on the green board.

And what caught our attention?

The Lechon Salad

The pieces of deep fried meat and strips of fried breadsticks really complement the tangy-sauced cabbage, pomelo, and carrots, etc.  Sounds healthy but not so healthy, huh?  But you should try it for yourself.

Calamansi Beignet

We thought it was calamansi with bagnet, hahaha.  But when it reached our table, they are round brown pieces sprinkled with confectionary sugar.    And on the first bite?  It melts in my mouth with a little tangy flavor .  I prefer it not dipped in white chocolate that accompanies it when served.

In the middle of our chit chat, the owners approached us and ask if the food is good and we definitely said yes.  They offered us one of their best sellers, the Manila Cheesecake.  While waiting for it, we found out that the owners are really hands on.  The owner is a Filipina who conceptualized and helped in making the chairs and tables in the resto and the Singaporean guy owner is the head of the kitchen.

Okay, before I forgot.  The Manila Cheesecake.

As you know, I’m not really a fan of cheesecakes until I found the triple decker of Del’s Kitchen.  But that’s a different story because it’s sandwiched between two chocolate cakes.  It’s still my favorite.  But if you say just the cheesecake itself, well, well, well, Miss B’s Tuckshop’s Manila Cheesecake is my favorite.  It’s not that so soft, not that creamy and not that cheesy.  It’s really a fine mix of flavors for a cheesecake.

Other things I find cute inside the food shop:

Miss B's Tuckshop

Address:  # 20 Valdecon Bldg., Jupiter St. Bel Air MakatiCity

Operating Hours

I will let you discover other things here, guys, especially in their menu and share it to me, okay?  Hurray!  A new food discovery!

Mercato Centrale: Mercato by Day, Mercato by Midnight

As the night unfolds, food craving is not yet over.  It has just started at Mercato Midnight.  Mercato Centrale will satisfy our midnight cravings during weekends.

Here are my finds when we visited the food hub last February 11:

Fruit and Vegetable Jams

Squash Jam - P200

Tamarindo (Tamarind Flavored) Drink

P50

Mixed Nuts (Macadamia, Almonds, Pistachio, and a lot more.

P200

Grilled Burger with Oatmeal Bread

Human Nature Products

Twisted Potato Fries (sorry guys forgot the name)

It's not just food that Mercato offers.  Mercato does also have live band performances to keep the night alive!

If ever I will visit Bonifacio Global City again on weekends, I will surely pass by Mercato.  It's free to enter and the tents are air conditioned.  I will surely come back for more like the Mochiko (ice cream filled mochi) and other great food finds.


Mercato Centrale Daytime Organic Market and Food Bazaar
Saturdays and Sundays
7 am to 2 pm


Mercato Centrale Nighttime Food Bazaar
Fridays and Saturdays
10 pm to 3 am

Feb Gimik!

I really don't want to celebrate Valentine's the day itself, so here are the ideas in my mind where to go this whole month of February.

Wish you could consider my list too!

I will see to it that I will watch UAAP Season 73 Women's Volleyball at Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan this month.

I really don't know how to play volleyball.  I was also shocked that I woke up one morning and I love watching this game at Studio 23 especially if De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University are the ones inside the court.

Of course, will watch with the guys in my life (dad, kid brother, and my guy)

Photo Credit:  UAAP Website

Hope to really have time this Sunday to see the 16th Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark.

Wash Day kasi sa Sunday so sa tingin ko next year na naman ako makakapunta... tsk!

Chefs on Parade 2011 at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia

Before going to Thunderbird Resorts tomorrow for the Vice Ganda show, I will first attend a food photography class in this event.

As of now ito pa lang.  Will add more, hahaha... More pa eh di ko na nga alam kung paano ko hahatiin sarili ko (",)

SPi Global's Maulik Parekh tackles building companies for the next generation BPO in Asia CEO Forum

PRESS INFORMATION

Makati, Philippines—08 February 2011—A company that is solution-centric, people-centric, and innovation-centric is what describes the DNA of the next-generation business process outsourcing company, Maulik Parekh, SPi Global's President and Chief Executive Officer told executives in the recently-held Asia CEO Forum.

The Asia CEO Forum, which is operated by the Chalre Associates and headquartered in Manila, is one of the most important regular networking events for the international business community in the Asia Pacific region. The forum provides an opportunity for the spreading of ideas that help both expatriate and Asian management personnel overseeing enterprises in Southeast Asia. 

 

Being a seasoned executive and a recognized thought leader in the Philippine BPO industry, Maulik knows whereof he speaks. Clearly familiar with global and local BPO trends and developments, he noted that despite the impressive performance of the offshoring and outsourcing industry in the Philippines, BPO companies should not be complacent. Instead, they must still be able to create value for their clients; nurture their leaders to their full potential, taking advantage of the opportunity to employ many good ones because BPO is a people intensive business; and foster entrepreneurship and creativity that would manifest ideas into reality to ensure growth in the coming years.

“The Philippine offshore market size is expected to triple by 2016 with revenues growing from US$9 billion to US$25 billion. Globally, the revenues in the BPO sector may reach US$124 billion in 2016, up from the $45 billion recorded in 2010,” Parekh said recognizing the huge potential of companies to get a bigger slice of the market if they are poised for it

With competition growing, especially in the Asia Pacific region, companies must be able to differentiate themselves and be able to offer services with increasing value for their clients. “One of the trends that we should all watch out for is the shift in the level of business that’s generated from voice to non-voice. In 2016, the non-voice sector is expected to grow to 58% from 2010's 43%, looking at the local BPO industry as an example. The ratio between voice and non-voice already showed what the future should be. Non-voice is the future.”

Expounding on value creation for clients, Parekh stated that companies must have a holistic understanding of the industry and the way products or services can be delivered not only cheaper but also better and faster. He noted that although cost-saving strategies offered by BPO vendors are essential in driving the industry's growth, it would be more helpful to look at the other side of the equation.“ Engagements are driven by clients and they have realized that creating more value with less cost is done by leveraging their existing offshoring and outsourcing partnership with companies like SPi Global,” Parekh added.

Delving deeper into how SPi is poised for the next generation BPO, Maulik shared a recent major initiative that his company is undertaking—the so called SPi Healthcare Academy, which he says is a value–centric solution to an identified industry gap. Knowing the huge potential of healthcare information management in the major markets and aware that the Philippines can play a key role in the sector the SPi Healthcare Academy aims to develop the required talent and skills that can prepare Filipinos in the healthcare industry for high-value work through Certified Professional Coding Program, Mentor Training Program, and Web-based Continuing Education.

On being people-centric, Parekh explained that BPO being a people-intensive business should foster the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity among its people as this will help fuel company and industry growth in the coming years. To be truly people-centric, employees need to be provided an environment that has the right organizational structure that supports career advancement, the right leadership that inspires the mind and nurtures the spirit, and the right culture that rewards performers based on merits. 

 

“I really believe that if a company creates a more people-centric culture and create an environment that is sticky to the people, we won't have to worry about trying to bring in 100,000 people incrementally into the system every year,” he added.

“Be innovation-centric,” the last point emphasized by Maulik as important to be ready for the next generation BPO. For SPi Global, this is about developing cutting-edge technology and solutions for the changing landscape of the publishing marketplace done through the SPi Innovation Lab. 

 

About SPi Global

SPi Global is one of the world's largest and most diversified Knowledge Process Outsourcing and Customer Relationship Management service providers in the industry. The company has more than 14,000 employees globally, serving more than 500 clients worldwide. It is also the largest Filipino-owned BPO company employing 11,000 people in the Philippines.

MERALCO: Calculate, Estimate Your Electricity Bill and Save!

The New Meralco Appliance Calculator Web Application (M.A.C)

Since 2003, MERALCO has activated the MERALCO Appliance Calculator (M.A.C) in response to our customers’ information needs.
The MAC is envisioned to serve MERALCO customers, in that it allows them to estimate their consumption and aids them in purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

The Meralco Appliance Calculator is designed
to become the electricity bill management tool
of Meralco residential customers to help them:

Better manage their electric consumption and their electric bill

Make wiser decisions in buying home appliances

Get home energy efficiency tips that are customized to their home electricity consumption

Meralco Appliance Calculator (M.A.C)
“my electricity budget buddy”

What’s new about the M.A.C?
With the new Meralco Appliance Calculator (M.A.C), users can now have the option of using either “My Appliance Calculator” or “My Bill Manager”.
“My Appliance Calculator” allows the user to calculate the estimated consumption cost of appliances - one at a time.
“My Bill Manager” allows the user to calculate the estimated consumption cost of appliances in a table format. It allows the user to get an estimate of the household’s total electric consumption cost and see which appliances consume more electricity.

Other features of “My Bill Manager” menu include:
CONSUMPTION MANAGER – allows the user to see the corresponding electric consumption pie chart and some text description of the chart based on the information provided by the user
ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISER – allows user to see some energy efficiency tips based on the information provided by the user
TARGET BILL AMOUNT ESTIMATOR – allows the user to see an estimate of his “monthly target kWh consumption” and “estimated price per kWh” by just inputting the “ target electric bill amount"

Emailing of the M.A.C web link to friends through the “email” button
Sharing the M.A.C web link to Facebook and Twitter accounts through the “share” button
Sending feedback to Meralco regarding the new M.A.C through the “feedback” button
Getting tips on how to use the M.A.C through the “help” button
Printing the computation results of “My Bill Manager” through the “print” button
Viewing the end-user license agreement for using the M.A.C application through the “agreement” button
Viewing the basis for computing the estimated electricity consumption of home appliances for the M.A.C application through the “formula” button


HOW TO USE THE M.A.C.
Using the “M.A.C Welcome Page”
Launch the Appliance Calculator by clicking on the M.A.C icon
Click on the “Agreement” button to view the end-user license agreement for using the Meralco Appliance Calculator (M.A.C) software
Click on the “Formula” button to view the basis for computing the estimated electricity consumption of home appliances for the Meralco Appliance Calculator (M.A.C)

Using “My Appliance Calculator”
Click on the “My Appliance Calculator” icon.
Type in your average monthly electric bill amount in the “Monthly Bill Amount” field (e.g. 1500).
Click on an “appliance category icon” (e.g., Aircon).
Select a specific appliance from the “Type of appliance” list by clicking on the drop down menu and clicking on the specific type of appliance (e.g. Air conditioner 0.5 HP).
Select how many hours per day, days per week, and weeks per month you use the appliance using the drop down menu.
Click on “Calculate” button to see the estimated operating costs of your appliance.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 to compute other appliances.

Using “My Bill Manager”
Click on the “My Bill Manager” icon.
Type in your average monthly electric bill amount in the “Monthly Bill Amount” field (e.g. 1500).
Select a specific appliance from the “Appliance Type” column by clicking on the drop down menu and clicking on the specific type of appliance (e.g. Air conditioner 0.5 HP).
Type in the number of appliances on the corresponding field under the “Quantity” column
Change the values under the “Wattage” if you have more accurate information about the wattage ratings of your appliances
Select how many hours per day, days per week, and weeks per month you use the appliance using the drop down menu.
After providing the required information per appliance, you will automatically see the “estimated cost” and “estimated kWh consumption” of your individual appliances.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 for other appliances and complete the table to see the total “estimated costs” and “estimated kWh consumption” of your household.

Using “My Bill Manager’s New Features”
Click on the “Consumption Manger” button to view a pie chart of your household’s estimated electricity consumption to see which appliances contribute most to your electric bill
Click on the “Energy Efficiency Adviser” to get energy efficiency tips based on your electric consumption pattern
Click on the “Target Bill Amount Estimator” to know the estimated kilowatt-hour consumption at a certain bill amount to better manage your household consumption in order to stick to your budget.

Other helpful tips
To compute for appliances not found or listed:
Follow the same steps above. For “Type of Appliance”, select “Others” at the bottom of the list. For “Wattage”, type in the wattage rating found in the operator’s manual or on the body of the appliance (usually in watts or w). NOTE: Select the GENERAL APPLIANCES category if you are not sure of the appliance category.
To compute using specific wattages:
Follow the same steps above. Change the wattage that appears after selecting the type of appliance by typing in the specific wattage in the “Wattage” field.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
The M.A.C computation is based on MERALCO residential electricity rates which are being updated on a monthly basis.
This computation is an estimate based on assumed data.
The computation results of the M.A.C may slightly vary from the actual consumption reflected in the MERALCO customer’s monthly electric bill and therefore, the M.A.C computation results should not be used in any way for billing purposes, complaints, claims, or suits against MERALCO, its officers, employees, agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers and other partners.
The M.A.C should not be used by any person to estimate electric consumption of appliances and/or equipment used for non-residential or business or commercial purposes.

Chic and Cheap Valentine Gift Ideas


The day of hearts is fast approaching.  If ever you are preparing for a big surprise or just a small but nakakakilig surprise to your loved ones, but still have no idea of what would that be, then let me suggest where to find kakaibang gifts for this Valentine's day.

Lucky you 'cause these two stores can be found in one place, SM Mall of Asia.  They are both near SM Ice Skating Rink.


First on the list are the Lucky Hermits!!!

They are more commonly known as "omang".  They were first sold on near schools before.  Instead of giving the usual hamsters why not try these colorful hermits.

Some of you might think it's a cheesy gift, but aren't they cute?  If someone will give one to me, I will surely be happy and think that it is "sweet".  They don't need much attention just like the hamsters that you need to clean their cages everyday.  But I think they could be personalized and write our messages on their backs.

Each hermit costs P180 and a packaged deal of P250 with this small cute cage.



Another cute and cheap gift... Cakes R Us Cupcakes!

I bought them for only P200 during the birthday of one of my loved ones.  I'm sure they will have an available Happy Hearts' Day or Happy Valentine cupcakes.  You can also order personalized cakes but make sure to contact them five days before.

I'll be suggesting more, guys, so please stay tune... (",)