SOCIAL MEDIA

Asia-Pacific PR industry recognizes impact of “Dear Survivor: The COMCO Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2”

Monday, October 3, 2022

“Dear Survivor: The COMCO Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2”, the groundbreaking and flagship initiative of trailblazing inter-regional integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia has won multiple recognition from the PR industry’s local and international award-giving bodies.




The project which championed the triumph of the human spirit through the inspiring stories of people during challenging times received more than a hundred narratives across the Philippines. Bloggers, content creators, and storytellers from Ilocos, Baguio, Laguna, Bulacan, Manila, Albay, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, and General Santos participated in the second season of the “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” to inspire their fellow countrymen to move forward amidst difficult situations through their uplifting personal stories.

From the 108 participants, the Top 40 finalists and 5 major winners were declared. Katrina Rivera of Kwento Ni Kat from Negros Occidental emerged as the Grand Champion, Carla Araniego-Sangoyo of Blissful Guro from Malabon, and Marjorie Ma-Ano of Dakilang Laagan from Cebu City were announced 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively while Berlin Domingo-Maynigo of Momi Berlin from Quezon City and Sarah Andres of Sarwrites from Davao City were awarded 3rd and 4th runners-up. Since then, the program has won and been nominated for multiple awards in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific region.

“Dear Survivor: The COMCO Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2” recently bagged the Top Awards for the Communication Management and COVID Communications categories of the 19th IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) Philippine Quill Awards, besting over 800 entries nationwide. The campaign also received the Excellence Awards for Communication Management – Media Relations, Communication Management – Corporate Social Responsibility, and Communication Skills – Digital Communication / Communication for the Web.

The initiative also won the much-coveted Purpose Award in the PRCA APAC (Public Relations and Communications Asia-Pacific) Awards 2022, besting other campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region.

COMCO Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Project Season 2” also received finalist citations in the following awards and categories: Best Use of Micro/Niche Influencers at Marketing Interactives’ PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2022, Best Use of Digital (COVID-19) at the Campaign Asia-Pacific’s PR Awards Asia 2022 in Hong Kong, and Best Comm Use of Social Media and Best PR Campaign in ASEAN at the ASEAN PR Excellence Awards.



Dear Survivor: The COMCO Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2, a program born right at the middle of a crisis, of a pandemic, answering a question on what we can do for our community of brand partners, writers and NGOs, a social media initiative was able to cull wonderful stories that inspire great writers to “write again”, connect to people, touch lives, and even move a nation. And we are thankful to these prestigious and credible award-giving bodies who honored our work that made an impact in people’s lives,” said Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy, Group Chief Executive Director, Partner, and Co-Founder of COMCO Southeast Asia and COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises.

“Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor” was created and organized by COMCO Southeast Asia, co-presented by Eastern Communications and Jobstreet, sponsored by AirAsia and Xiaomi, and supported by Teleperformance. Beneficiaries of the project were Gawad Kalinga, Make a Wish Foundation, Save the Children, World Vision, and WWF. SEA Wave pop culture magazine was the official media partner.




The COMCO Southeast Asia Write to Ignite Blogging Project will be back in 2023 for its much-awaited 3rd season. To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia and the “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”, please visit comcosea.com. For updates, visit facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.
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Get ready to glow with the Vitamin C range of The Body Shop

The Body Shop’s bestselling Vitamin C range is getting a glow up!




Global Google searches for vitamin C, a superstar ingredient in glow-boosting skincare, have soared by 1000% since 2020, while searches for ‘how to get glowing skin’ have climbed by 400%. Skincare has taken center stage in recent years. In fact, a whopping 73% of people have upgraded their skincare routine since the pandemic.

If natural radiance feels like something of a wonder, let The Body Shop’s new and improved Vitamin C range do the heavy lifting. The brand has squeezed even more vitamin C into its bestselling formulas, now with concentrations of up to 10% and made with at least 90% ingredients of natural origin.

As one of nature’s richest sources of vitamin C, the Amazonian camu camu berry extract is the hero ingredient in some of the new and improved Vitamin C creations. Native to the tropical forests of South America, camu camu berries have long been considered a symbol of good health and strength. Naturally rich in antioxidants, they’re acclaimed in beauty for their potential to help protect skin from free radicals and other oxidising agents that take a toll on the complexion.

At the same time, the celebrated skincare ingredient bakuchiol also takes the spotlight in one of the brand’s freshly innovated formulas. Known for its complexion-boosting capabilities, it’s said to help improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and skin texture. It stars in the all-new Glow Revealing Serum, enriched with 10% vitamin C – the brand’s highest concentration ever.

Two trusty favorites, the Daily Glow Cleansing Polish and Glow Boosting Moisturiser, also feature in the range, alongside brand new creations to transform that inner fire into a sizzling natural radiance. Get ready to glow like never before.

Go with the Glow with The Body Shop’s new Vitamin C Range! This is available at The Body Shop stores and on its online store www.thebodyshop.com.ph

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Yes, your family can now travel!

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Itching to go on a family vacation but still wary of mingling with crowds? Don’t worry. You can still take that much-needed holiday without overexposing yourself and your loved ones with the help of the right planning and itinerary. Here’s a compilation of off-the-beaten-path travel ideas that could satisfy your wanderlust.



Take to the outdoors


One of the easiest ways to shrug off two-year-long cabin fever is to literally take to the outdoors. Let the kids stretch their muscles and experience nature in full bloom by taking them on easy hikes. Beginner mountain trails on Mt. Oro in Rizal, Mt. Tayawan in Benguet, or Mt. Samat in Bataan can be trekked by children from one to three hours, depending on their age, weather, and trail. Hikes not only teach kids to care for the environment, it also helps them achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Better by a camp fire


If you’re not quite ready to go on a trek, try camping instead. There are various campsites that are open to day trips and overnight accommodations. More often than not, these camping grounds also have access to natural resources like lakes, rivers, hiking trails, or a breathtaking views. Don’t have camping gear? Not a problem! Some sites offer tents, cookware, boat, sports gear, or sleeping bag rental.

Sleep under the stars in style


Another option to this, of course, is glamping or glamorous camping. Glamping sites have decked-out tents with beds, electric fans, or air conditioning, while some offer tiny cottages or container van cabins. Some glamping sites also have pools, lagoons, or view decks to create a nature-inspired ambiance.

Your own private paradise


If you’re looking for a more secluded location that will guarantee your family some privacy, consider renting a private villa near a lake or beach, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, a private island. There are numerous beachfront properties for rent in Batangas, Zambales, and other parts of the country. While there are several private islands in Laguna, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro that accept short-term stays. Having a place all to yourself limits your exposure to the virus and encourages more bonding time with the family.

Cross-country road trip


Got time on your hands? Plan a road trip across the country. Through roll-on roll-off (RORO) transport access you can practically drive on and off one province to the next. You can also opt to stay close to your home base. If you’re based in Manila, for example, you can plan a trip a two-day trip to the north or a drive to the southern tip of Luzon. Make the trip more interesting and educational to young ones by incorporating stops at historical sites. You may also book experiential or cultural tours in each province where kids can learn a handicraft, local dish, or cultural activity.

Whatever travel option you choose, always follow the health protocols. You might also consider getting travel insurance to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from any travel emergency. Malayan Insurance Co. Inc.’s Travel Master provides a financial safety net in case you or your family gets COVID-19 or figures in an accident during the trip. For a safer travel experience, visit www.malayan.com.
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3 Reasons Why You’ll Need Affordable Fund Transfer Fees

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

 Affordable Fund Transfer Fees

No matter the reason, it’s easier and more hassle-free with EastWest’s low transaction fees


Sending funds online has become more of a necessity in this digital world. The ongoing presence of the pandemic and the press of busy schedules can make going to banks increasingly difficult. This is where easy and affordable online fund transfer systems can come in. With an app like this in hand, you can take control of your time and process your fund transfer needs easily online.

1. Transfer Money to Anyone With Ease

Whether you need to send money to your loved ones or to anyone else for a simple transaction, one of the easiest ways to do it is through a bank transfer. Online and mobile banking make sending money easier in a few simple taps or clicks. And this can be done in the convenience of your own home or even from your workplace. You can easily reclaim any time lost when you had to physically go to banks and line up at crowded counters before.

2. Skip the Lines and Go Online Shopping

Many online apps and services for food and goods also require a reliable online fund transfer system. You can quickly gain access to all your favorite meals and items by completing your purchases via fund transfers. This way, you can have more control over your choices by being able to access multiple options when looking for exactly what you want, when you want it.

3. Pay Bills Easily and Conveniently

Another perk that you gain when you have a reliable online fund transfer app is the ability to pay your bills online. There will no longer be a need for you go to separate utility centers or payment outlets. All you need to do is select the necessary utility service on your app and pay online with ease.

With all the fund transfers you’ll be doing, transaction fees could add up to a significant amount. These are resources that you could have otherwise saved or allocated for other expenses. It is best to have a bank that has low online transfer fees that work in your favor. And low transfer fees are what you will exactly get when you send money with EastWest. Their fund transfers via InstaPay have a low transaction fee of only P10. Additionally, for other planned remittances and scheduled expenses, PESONet remains to be free! With these services, you will no longer be forced to pay steep fees when purchasing or transferring funds online.

You can now easily take control over your spending with EastWest’s low bank transfer fees! If you don’t have an EastWest account yet, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/easyway/account-opening for a faster and safer way to open an account. For more info and updates, follow EastWest on Facebook at facebook.com/eastwestbanker.

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Bayad and PLDT Global offer Filipinos more options for borderless payment solutions

Monday, September 26, 2022

 

Bayad, a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco and the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system in the Philippines beefs up its partnership with PLDT Global Corporation, the international arm of the country’s leading integrated telco company PLDT. 

Under the partnership, PLDT Global’s one-stop-shop payment platform TINBO (Tindahan ni Bossing), enables Filipinos overseas to conveniently settle their bills for Philippine brands that are powered by Bayad. These cover payments for electric and water utility, cable and internet, government contributions, loan payments, school tuition fees, online shopping, insurance, and many others.

Through TINBO's web-based portal, tinbo.ph that's accessible across Asia, Europe and United States, customers can pay for their bills using any MasterCard or Visa debit card or credit card, or via available payment channels activated in their respective locations.

Successful registration at tinbo.ph will activate a Smart Virtual Number (TINBO Number) for the user. The TINBO number serves as a SIM-less Virtual Smart Mobile Number which allows users to receive calls and texts from family and friends, as well as secured one-time PINs (OTPs) from the Philippines.

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared “With PLDT Global, we share a collective vision in elevating the quality of living of our kababayans, as we proactively scale up our real time bills payment services, to provide efficient and accessible one-stop-shop payment solution for our Overseas Filipino Workers and residents. Our partnership aims to ignite borderless connectivity, and promote financial literacy and digital citizenship.”

PLDT President and CEO, Albert V. Villa-Real added “This collaboration with Bayad would help us in providing seamless service to Filipinos overseas. It also strengthens the TINBO platform and enables migrant Filipinos to easily make transactions and conveniently pay for Philippine bills, empowering them to care for their families in the Philippines and strengthening their ties to home, even from afar.”

For financial institutions like PLDT Global that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.
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5 Affordable and Simple Ways Everyone Can Be an Eco Warrior

eco warrior


From changing weather patterns to disease outbreaks, we are already feeling the effects of global warming. We need to act now and work together in protecting the planet.
Understanding that collective effort is the way to go, retail giant SM Supermalls is committed to helping all Filipinos make more environmentally friendly choices in every aspect of their life.

“Many people care about the planet but find it hard to create a green lifestyle because of limited time or budget. That’s why we have community programs that make it more convenient and affordable to be an eco-warrior,” says Jonjon San Agustin, SVP for Marketing, SM Supermalls. 

Here are five easy ways on how you and your family can live greener.

1. Segregate your trash and Trash to Cash

Segregating your biodegradable and recyclable waste reduces the amount of trash that goes into landfills. Have separate containers for different kinds of trash: biodegradable for food and garden waste; recyclable for plastic, paper, and metal waste; residual waste for trash that can’t be recycled including used tissue or paper plates; electronic waste for old batteries or broken gadget which shouldn’t be mixed with other waste because they contain metals that can contaminate the soil.

You can bring your recyclable waste to SM Supermalls’ Trash to Cash Recycling Market, held 10 am to 2 pm on every first Friday and Saturday of the Month. Visit this link to find the kiosk locations near you.

2. Limit the use of plastic through Plastic Waste Collection

Did you know that it takes plastic over 1,000 years to decompose? 

About 10% of plastic materials will end up in the ocean and can kill marine life. In the Philippines, plastic waste often congests sewage systems causing floods. You can avoid using single use plastic by bringing your own reusable containers or eco bags when going to the groceries. 

You can also buy items in eco-friendly packaging.

Plastic cutlery and straws are optional during order delivery or takeout. For dine-in, you can have your own eco-kit which has a drinking bottle, a set of utensils, and a foldable eco bag. Go green anytime and anywhere!

You can also recycle your plastic waste through SM Supermalls’ Plastic Waste Collection programs. Make it a fun weekend and volunteer for SM by the Bay and SM Mall of Asia’s regular ocean clean-up drives.

3. Plant a garden

Plants help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air. If you don’t have a large yard for a garden, you can still get houseplants! There are many creative and beautiful ways to add more plants to a small home like using a backless bookshelf or installing vertical gardens.

Get plants, tools, and expert tips on how to take care of your home garden at SM Mall. You can also find beautiful containers like terrariums and plant hangers that are made by Filipino SMEs.

4. Buy eco-friendly products

Choose more environmentally friendly products to gradually create a sustainable lifestyle.

Environmentally friendly products can be reusable or biodegradable. They are usually made from sustainable materials with eco-friendly packaging. They also produced less toxic waste during manufacturing and after disposal.

You can find thousands of eco-friendly products within SM malls through the recently launched Green Finds pop-up stores. The selection of products can help go green in every aspect of your life.



5. Reuse as much as you can

Before you throw anything away, consider if the item can be either upcycled into something useful, or donated to someone who needs it. SM holds regular toy and book drives, where you can even get discount vouchers to use in the store.

Join the Green Movement

The SM Green Movement is a collective effort of SM, its customers, communities, and partners to promote green living, green culture and a green planet. For more information, visit this website.
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Emirates and United expand market presence through new agreement

 

  • Emirates customers to connect on United to nearly 200 new cities in the Americas, through Chicago, San Francisco and Houston
  • United to launch new nonstop flights between New York/Newark and Dubai in March 2023; connecting customers through Dubai to more than 100 new destinations on Emirates and flydubai

Emirates and United signed a historic commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations* within the United States and around the world.

From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston - three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S – will be able to easily connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket.

At the eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place.

United will launch a new direct flight between New York/Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities. Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale.

Emirates and United announced their agreement today at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier.

“Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer. We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East via the combined network of Emirates and flydubai. We look forward to developing our partnership with United for the long term,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

“This agreement unites two iconic, flag carrier airlines who share a common commitment to creating the best customer experience in the skies,” said United CEO Scott Kirby. “United’s new flight to Dubai and our complementary networks will make global travel easier for millions of our customers, helping boost local economies and strengthen cultural ties. This is a proud moment for both United and Emirates employees, and I look forward to our journey together,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines.

Customers of both airlines can soon book these connecting flights on a single ticket – making check-in and luggage transfer faster and easier. For example – travelers will be able to visit United.com or use the United app to book a flight from New York/Newark to Karachi, Pakistan or go to Emirates.com to book a flight from Dubai to Atlanta or Honolulu.

This agreement will also give the loyalty program members of both airlines more opportunities for more rewards: Emirates Skywards members can soon earn miles when they travel on United operated flights, and United Mileage Plus members flying on United’s New York/Newark to Dubai flight will be able to earn and redeem miles when connecting beyond on Emirates and flydubai.

Eligible customers traveling on codeshare flights will also soon enjoy access to Emirates and United lounges. More details on frequent flyer awards and lounge sharing benefits will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Both airlines have recently announced significant investments in customer experience. Emirates will retrofit more than 120 aircraft as part of a $2 billion effort that includes elevated meal choices, a brand-new vegan menu, a ‘cinema in the sky’ experience, cabin interior upgrades, and sustainable choices. At United, the airline will add 500 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet with a focus on a new signature interior that includes seat-back screens in every seat, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity throughout, and the industry’s fastest available in-flight Wi-Fi.



*Codeshares and United’s new flight to Dubai are subject to regulatory approvals.
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COMCO SEA promotes and appoints homegrown managers and award-winning talents to key deputy positions

Monday, September 19, 2022

Inter-regional integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia has recently announced the promotion and appointment of its homegrown managers and award-winning talents to key deputy positions in the company. They are AC Recio, Harvey Llamosa, Queenie Resmundo and Patricia Raña.




Each promotion is nothing short of special because they are some of the people who have been with COMCO SEA from the beginning and graduated from the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, the multi-awarded, intensive, and comprehensive talent incubation, industry linkage, and apprenticeship program of the Agency.


AC Recio


After graduating from the Ateneo de Manila University, AC Recio began his career as a Digital and Multimedia Arts Associate at COMCO SEA. Today, Mr. Recio holds an important role in the Agency’s digital innovation as a Partner, Digital, Social and Content Administrator Pro Tempore, and Senior Digital and Multimedia Arts Manager.

Mr. Recio is exceptionally skilled in all things digital and handled key digital accounts like Platinum Karaoke, Pioneer Insurance, Dragonpay, SureTayo, Unilab Foundation, Defensil Alcohol, and Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Headlice Treatment Shampoo. He also leads the Agency’s overall corporate branding through the CODY STUDIO project. It comes as no surprise that Mr. Recio has won numerous Quill and Anvil Awards. Some of the recognition and awards he received are for Pioneer Insurance’s “Move on Lang” songwriting competition, Lamoiyan Corporation’s “Si Kathy at and Kutostrophe” educational coloring book and “Kilusang Kontra Kuto (KKK)” campaigns, Defensil’s “Protection That Is Real – The Defensil Be Safe Now” campaign, and Unilab Foundation’s “Play Advocacy Week” initiative and tool kit.

“It's a privilege to work with a team that cultivates and sustains the growth of their employees. To be on the receiving end of that support is truly a blessing that cannot be measured. I'm looking forward to making the most of this new role and to give back to COMCO for igniting that spark in me. I will do my best to keep that flame burning bright and to kindle that passion for meaningful storytelling through my work,” said Mr. Recio.

Harvey Llamosa


Another homegrown talent given a strategic role in the organization is Harvey Llamosa who has been with COMCO SEA since the Agency launched in 2016. Mr. Llamosa’s first job when he graduated from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) was with COMCO SEA as an Executive Projects Associate and have been working closely with the company’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director Ferdinand L. Bondoy on various landmark executive and strategic initiatives. Today, Mr. Llamosa is not only the Senior Executive Initiatives and Communications Manager at COMCO SEA, but also a Partner and the Chief of Staff to the Group Chief Executive Director.

Ongoing six years already, Mr. Llamosa has been pivotal to countless of the executive office’s major projects. Some of his best works are AirAsia’s “Red Talks” web series and “See the World” initiatives, M&M’s “Fun First Move” and “Screenbites” projects, SM Cinema’s “Reel to Real” campaign, WWF’s “Earth Hour” and “#AyokoNgPlastik” movements, World Vision’s “Social Innovation Challenge” and “One Voice for Children” campaigns and the global award-winning campaign of COMCO SEA, the “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. At present, Harvey is handling the accounts of Lenovo, RHEA Generics, and Theo & Philo chocolates, alongside his lead role in COMCO SEA's Corporate MARCOMAX (Marketing, Communications, Advocacy and Excellence) initiative. For his outstanding works, Mr. Llamosa has been recognized in MarCom Awards in USA, Marketing PR Awards in Singapore, PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong, and Quill and Anvil Awards in the Philippines, to name a few.

“I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to be part of COMCO Southeast Asia, with them I was able to learn from the experts of the industry and create wonderful and meaningful campaigns. With this new role, I will do my best to continue giving valuable contributions to what we consider as our life’s work,” said Mr. Llamosa.

Mr. Llamosa and Mr. Recio were both pioneers and members of the 1st Cycle of the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. As proof of the Camp’s success, the 2nd Cycle no doubt produced another homegrown talent, Queenie Resmundo.

Queenie Resmundo


Ms. Resmundo graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She started as a Production and Administration Associate and is now promoted to Public Relations and Communications Administrator Pro Tempore and Brand Communications Manager. She is also a lead in stakeholder relationship management through COMCO SEA’s MEXINAC (Media, Experts, Influencers, Activators and Communities) program.

Throughout her work journey, Ms. Resmundo managed accounts such as Electrolux, United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), Angkas, Oakley, Reef, Eastern Communications. Her latest clients include Takeda, Philusa Corporation, and JobStreet. Ms. Resmundo has won awards from the Quill Awards, Anvil Awards, Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, Stevie International Business Awards, Marketing Events Awards, and ASEAN PR Excellence Awards. Some of her award-winning projects include Eastern Communications’ 140th Anniversary campaign, “Eastern Link VIP Club”, “First Connections are the Strongest: Connecting Filipino People Amid the Pandemic”, “Eastern Home: Connecting Filipinos in the Social Distancing Era for Innovation in Consumer Products & Services”, JobStreet’s “The Future Workforce: JobStreet’s Find the Job You Love” and the “#TogetherAhead: JobStreet’s Response to the COVID19 Impact” campaigns.

“It's not every day that a company invests in its people to help them learn and expand their skills, and I have always been grateful to COMCO for believing in me since I started and allowing me to grow. I am excited to contribute to the company's continued success and looking forward to sharing more meaningful stories with the team,” said Ms. Resmundo.

Patricia Raña


Finally, there is Patricia Raña, a graduate from the University of the East, the 9th Cycle of Camp COMCO, and now one of the Agency’s most trusted Corporate Services Unit members. She has been promoted to Special Assistant to the Comptroller and Senior Corporate Services Officer.

Ms. Raña joined COMCO SEA in 2018 as a Finance and Administration Associate and has always been the best in handling the Agency's business processes, finance and administration matters. Moreover, she supports the growth of COMCO SEA’s corporate culture and team camaraderie through her work in the Agency Culture and Team Development (ACTDEV) special project.

“I want to express my gratitude to COMCO Southeast Asia as I truly value their support and encouragement. I'm grateful for the opportunity to advance my skills and grow with our company and I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities this new role provides and continue to work hard for the team,” said Ms. Raña.

The COMCO SEA team could not be more proud of these immensely talented people. Promotions may be common occurrences in the workplace, but not every day one sees a team member be so dedicated and grow together with their company.

“Harvey, AC, Queenie, and Pat all started as Camp COMCO apprentices at COMCO SEA. Now, they are experts and full-fledge deputies in their respective fields. They’ve grown so much in just a short span of time, so the word ‘proud’ is definitely an understatement of how I feel towards their progress. There’s still a lot in store to make their careers flourish, and I am excited for what they will make of themselves next,” said Corporate Services Director and Comptroller, Ms. Joan Maslang.

"As a hands-on leader of COMCO Southeast Asia, I have had the great pleasure of training and working with our most valued apprentices and witnessing them turn into rock stars of the industry! And for them to obtain the positions and recognitions they have now as well as grow in their craft and in their life as a whole, is my greatest honor, the best award I have ever received. To Harvey, AC, Queen, and Pat, I want you to know that your success, your growth, have always been part of our vision and you will always have our back as you continue in your journey. Never stop making us proud and being inspirations to our next in line in #ourCOMCOsquadron and in championing our brand of #MeaningfulStorytelling,” said Mr. Bondoy. To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.
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Shopee sends relief efforts to earthquake victims in Abra

As part of its mission to better the lives of the underserved through technology, Shopee recently partnered with the Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation, Indoplas, and Metro Bangued Water District to provide aid to those affected by the magnitude 5.2 earthquake which impacted key areas of Abra last 28 August.




Through its logistics arm, Shopee Xpress, Shopee delivered drinking water and donated 10,000 face masks for over 300 families in Barangay Lusuac in the Municipality of Peñarrubia and Barangay Patucannay in the Municipality of Tayum. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.



Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said “Shopee remains committed to utilizing our platform and resources to benefit local communities and part of this is providing help where we can, most especially in times of need. We hope for the recovery and continued safety of these affected communities.”



With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective of serving the underserved through technology, by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.
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Chairmom Merlee Jayme shares secret to successful mommyhood and career in new book

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Mommyhood + career = disaster. This seems to be the equation most people live by, and a woman needs to pick one or the other to fully realize success in life. But what if there’s a secret formula to achieving both? What if, instead of disaster, we can change the equation to mommyhood + career = success?




Chairmom Merlee Jayme has been on both ends of struggling to integrate climbing up the pinnacle of her career aspirations while raising her four lovely daughters. Like any mom, she experienced the mental gymnastics of focusing on performing well in the workplace and thinking about whether her daughters’ tutoring homework was done. She believes that the key to giving 100% at home and work is not “balancing” but rather “integrating” these two separate roles to co-exist.

“Integration allows one of two things to take up more of your time or focus at some point over the other. For me, this is how career and family should be dealt with–integrated, not balanced,” Jayme wrote in her book.

Sitting in a meeting while thinking about what you’ll cook for family dinner can take a toll on any mom. Often, it’s the recipe for disaster aspiring career moms are facing. But that doesn’t mean reaching for your dreams while nurturing your little ones is impossible.

Chairmom Merlee Jayme shared all her tips and secrets to succeed in both in her press conference and book launch held last September 12, 2022 for her new book “Chairmom: The Winning Combination of Mommyhood and Career” at Makati.

Together with Angel Guerrero, Founder of Adobo Magazine, and Madonna Tarrayo, CEO of Unitel Straight Shooters, Jayme opened conversations about the realities of being a Chairmom, the triumphs and sacrifices of being a working parent, and the fulfillment of living both dreams of becoming a successful career woman and homemaker.

Being mombitious (mom + ambitious), as the three women embodied in their lives, is not without its emotional rollercoaster. They tackled feelings of fear and guilt, as well as joy and hope, in the process of being Chairmoms in their respective industries. But more importantly, the book launch created the spirit of sistergood (sisterhood + good), fostering a community of love and support for moms, parents and young adults alike who aspire to maximize their lives and find purposeful meaning both at work and at home.

Chairmom was made possible through editor-in-chief Mio Borromeo, managing editor Leanne Tria, deputy editorial director Kyle Nate, copyeditors Faith Uy, Jhunie Balignasay, Gabrielle Cayabyab, John Clutario, Rhea Pulgado; layout artist Miko Quiogue, assistant layout artist John Isono, and cover artist, Sabine Jayme, Chairmom’s youngest daughter.




Find out how an ex-nun, high school dropout, an Asian creative woman fought her way to become the founder of one of the most awarded advertising agencies globally–all while being a mom of 4 by ordering a copy of Chairmom at bit.ly/BuyChairmom.
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