Working Mom's "ALL ABOUT BABY BAZAAR" 2012

Working Mom magazine’s annual baby fair is the perfect market place for all your babies and toddlers’ needs. On it’s third year, The All About Baby Fair will be on a great big SALE of retail and independent retail brands. All merchants will be offering sale items and big, big discounts!

The All About Baby Fair offers the essentials, the latest and most innovative products for traditional and modern mothers.

Present your copy of Working Mom's AUGUST or SEPTEMBER issue to get you and 3 companions in for free!

For more infos, please visit  WORKING MOM MAGAZINE

The Phantom of the Opera in Manila!

Broadway's most popular musical "The Phantom of the Opera" invades Manila! 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano - Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. 

Starting August 25 to September 30,2012 at the CCP Main Theatre, presented in Manila by Smart Infinity & Citibank.

Get your tickets HERE

Understanding good nutrition for Filipino adults

THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF ADULTS change with every decade of life: to stay healthy for a lifetime, we need to change the way we eat as we move from our teens to our 20s; from our 30s to 40s and so on. We need to do this if we want to give our best performance at work, in sports, in our hobbies and during activities with our family and friends.

To get complete nutrition for a lifetime, we need to know the proper diet that is appropriate for our age group and take multivitamins and mineral supplements as needed.

According Rommel Tinio, M.D., a biochemist and medical doctor who specializes in nutritional medicine, adults need to restrict their calorie intake as they get older. They also need to change the portions they eat from different food groups.

Dr. Tinio operates his own clinic, Health Asia Medical Clinic in Makati, where he treats patients using nutrition therapies. He also coaches them on how a proper diet can help them stay in good health.

 “Our energy requirements decrease when we get older so, in general, we need less amounts of energy-giving foods like rice. This more true if, as adults, we live sedentary lifestyles. We should eat less carbohydrates in every meal.

“”For example, if we used to eat a cup of rice when we were in our 20s, we need to eat half a cup of rice in every meal in our 30s and 40s. Those who are overweight or obese need to take even less than that,” he explained.

On the other hand, adults would need to take more nutrient-rich foods as they get older. This means adults should eat more vegetables in every meal—as much as two fistfuls of vegetables in each meal, if a person is able to do so.

“A general rule of thumb would the ‘1-1-3’ food portioning guide. On our plate, at every meal, let’s imagine that we have a pizza with five slices. One slice would be our protein food, which is ideally fish instead of meat. Another slice is our carbohydrate food, which is our rice, for example. Then, the three other slices would be our vegetables,” he explained.

Dr. Tinio added that the “1-1-3” food portioning guide can be adjusted to a person’s individual appetite, as some people eat less than others. He also said that while fruits are also rich in vitamins and minerals, they should be counted as carbohydrates as well.

“Fruits are sources of carbohydrates as they have sugar in them. So, if we are eating fruits along with our meal, we count them as our carbohydrate portion and so we need to lessen the amount of rice on our plate.

“As much as possible, we should also eat vegetables raw. Cooking destroys vitamins and minerals. To get the full nutrition from vegetables, it’s best to eat them raw,” he said.

FNRI Food Guides

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) has a different approach to adult nutrition, compared to Dr. Tinio’s.

The FNRI created different dietary guides for Filipino adults within different age brackets—one for young and middle-aged adults at  19-29, 30 to 49 years old, and another for older adults within the ages of 50-65, and 65 and above. This is because adults at different ages have changing nutritional needs that must be met through adjustments in their diets.

There are also food pyramids for pregnant women and for lactating women.

Daily food guide for young and middle-aged adults (ages 19 to 59)

The FNRI recommends that young and middle-aged adults follow the serving recommendations below. The serving recommendations are for consumption for the whole day, not per meal. 

First of all, drinking the right amounts of water, which means about eight glasses of water and beverages a day, is recommended.

The FNRI recommends that young to middle-aged adults should consume more fruits and vegetables per meal. Carbohydrate foods like rice or pasta may also be eaten but in lesser quantities. They may drink six to eight glasses of various healthy beverages, including fruit juices, water and others

Daily intake of Centrum vitamins and minerals supplement helps young to middle-aged adults to get complete nutrition when it is combined with a healthy diet. Centrum gives six health benefits including energy, immunity, healthy eyes, healthy skin, healthy heart, and strong bones

Dr. Rommel Tinio, a specialist in nutrition medicine, says we need to take vitamins and minerals supplements—because we may not be getting enough nutrition in our daily diet. Our exposure to stress and pollution also requires that we take in as much vitamins and minerals as possible to protect us against illness

The FNRI recommends that middle-aged adults should consume more vegetables and fruits per meal. They may also consume more protein foods like fish, milk and other dairy products. They must control their intake of carbohydrate foods. Drinking six to eight glasses of water and other beverages is also recommended

The FNRI advises older adults (age 60 and above) to consume three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits, daily. Consumption of milk and milk products, protein foods, sugary foods, and fats and oils should be limited

Adults within this age range must eat five to eight servings of carbohydrate foods. These foods include rice, rice products, corn, root crops, bread and noodles. One serving is equivalent to 1 cup of rice; four slices of loaf bread; five pieces of small pan de sal; two pieces or slices of puto; one cup of corn; one cup of yellow camote; or two cups of noodles.

They must also consume three servings of vegetables, which is about 3 cups of raw leafy vegetables or 6 cups of cooked leafy vegetables. Young and middle-aged adults also need two to three servings of fruits a day,or 2-3 medium fruits or slices of a large fruit .

They also need to eat more protein foods. These include fish and shellfish, meat and poultry, dried beans and nuts. Other sources are eggs, milk and mild products

The serving recommendations are as follows: Three to four servings of fish and shellfish, meat and poultry, dried beans and nuts; one egg; and one glass of milk or other milk product.

The amounts of fats, oils and sugars consumed per day must be limited to amounts equal to six to eight teaspoons of fats and oils, and six to eight teaspoons of sugary foods.

This adult food guide is not recommended to pregnant and lactating women. Adults who are obese and overweight are also advised to follow the advice of their doctor, dietitian and nutritionist when it comes to their diet.

Daily food guide for older adults (ages 60 to 69)

The FNRI recommends that older adults consume six to eight glasses of water and other beverages, daily. They should also eat four and a half to six servings of rice, rice products, corn, bread or noodles.

Older adults should consume three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits, daily. Consumption of milk and milk products should be limited to two-thirds or three-fourths glass of milk and milk products.

They should also keep track of the amounts of protein foods they consume, limiting these to three servings of fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dried beans and nuts. They may eat one egg per day.

Older adults must also limit their consumption of sugary foods to four to six teaspoons, and take only two to five teaspoons of fats and oils.

Daily food guide for pregnant women

Pregnant adults are encouraged to eat five to six servings of rice, rice products, root crops, corn, bread and noodles. 

They should also eat three to four servings of vegetables a day, along with two servings of fruits. They may eat four to five servings of fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dried beans and nuts.

They may also eat more sugary foods, fats, and oils. Six teaspoons of sugary foods are recommended, while seven servings are recommended for fats and oils,

They need to drink six to eight glasses of water and other beverages a day.

Daily food guide for lactating women

Lactating women should eat more carbohydrate foods and more vegetables. They should consume six to seven servings of rice, rice products, root crops, corn, bread, and noodles. They need four servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits a day.

When it comes to protein sources, they may consume four to five servings of fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, dried beans and nuts. Also, they may drink one glass of milk, and eat one egg per day.

They also need to consume seven teaspoons of fats and oils, as well as six teaspoons of sugary foods. A daily intake of six to eight glasses of water and other beverages are recommended for them.

Supplements for adults

According to Dr. Tinio, taking multivitamins and minerals supplements are important to adults, especially nowadays.

Dr. Tinio said that the quality of our food today is no longer so good. In our daily life, we may not be getting enough nutrition. We are also exposed to more stress and more pollution. So he recommends that adults take food supplements in addition to eating a healthy diet appropriate for their age.

“There are many types of food supplements, including multivitamins, herbal supplements and probiotics--but the basic food supplements we should all take is a multivitamins and minerals supplement plus an omega-3 supplement.

“Just remember that a food supplement is not meant to replace a healthy diet. That’s what a supplement is: it’s supposed to add to whatever nutrients may still be lacking from the healthy foods we eat,” he said.

Centrum is a multivitamin brand that provides Filipinos with six health benefits including energy, immunity, and healthy eyes, skin and heart. Centrum helps fill in the nutritional gaps on those days when one eats too little or none at all.  It also helps a person reach his recommended intake of certain nutrients that are most difficult to get from food alone.

Simply put, daily intake of a multivitamin supplement like Centrum helps ensure that one is at his best every day.

Complete from A to Zinc, Centrum completes every Filipino’s daily meals with a comprehensive range of 30 essential vitamins and minerals.   It helps one carry out his daily tasks with efficiency and focus. 

Centrum offers several types of multivitamin supplements that are suitable to an adult’s age group. Centrum for the average working age group of below 50 years old while Centrum Silver is apt for those who are 50 years old and above. 

By keeping up with the latest research on nutrition, eating a proper diet, plus a  daily dose of a multivitamin supplement like Centrum, we can perform at our peak whether at work or at play. A quality multi-vitamin is a great addition to an already healthy diet.  Take one today.

Avida expands southward with first condo project in Davao City

Avida Land, the affordable brand of property giant Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has offered to the market its first ever residential condominium project in Davao, which is also its second offering in Mindanao—Avida Towers Davao. This continues the property developer’s steady expansion in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Strategically located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City, Avida Towers Davao offers residence unmatched convenience as it puts them close to all essential, modern urban conveniences: Avida Towers Davao is close to malls, the business district, places of recreation, hospitals, schools and churches.

At the same time, Avida Towers Davao is located within a peaceful community that heightens the experience of relaxation and privacy. The structure is designed for both function and aesthetic pleasure with its modern contemporary architecture.

BEDROOM at a 1-bedroom unit in Avida Towers Davao. Sleep soundly and wake
up refreshed enjoying much-deserved peace and quiet. AT Davao has fewer
units per floor to ensure more privacy and less crowding

ALL UNITS at Avida Towers Davao are built with the 5 Condo Must-Haves
integrated: free flowing air and sunlight; fewer units per floor for more
privacy and less crowding; sensible amenities; emergency power even inside
one’s unit; and easy payment terms.

AVIDA TOWERS DAVAO has built-in amenities that are sensible and functional,
all accessible at the fifth floor. Shown in photo is the pool area with
both adult and kiddie pools. Other fifth floor amenities are a children’s
play area; an outdoor playground and exercise equipment; a meditation area;
and a multi-purpose hall. There’s also a retail area at the ground floor

AVIDA TOWERS DAVAO is a master planned community with a total land area of
6,124 sqm., including its two residential towers. It is located within a
peaceful community close to the business district, malls, hospitals,
schools, churches and public transportation

AVIDA TOWERS DAVAO is designed for both function and aesthetic pleasure
with its modern contemporary architecture. Depending on which side their
units are located, residents will enjoy panoramic views of mountain ranges,
the Davao River, the Davao Gulf and the Amenity Area

AVIDA TOWERS DAVAO studio units are perfect for professionals and newlyweds
yearning for a conveniently located home. AT Davao studio units have all
the 5 Condo Must-Haves: free flowing air and sunlight; fewer units per
floor for more privacy and less crowding; sensible amenities; emergency
power even inside one’s unit; and easy payment terms.

AVIDA TOWERS DAVAO one-bedroom units are idea for professionals and small
families. Unit plan shows how the space is maximized and sensibly used for
the best condo living experience

UNIT PLAN of Avida Towers Davao 2-bedroom unit. These units are ideal for
small to medium-sized families and offer ample space for family bonding. AT
Davao 2-bedroom units have all the 5 Condo Must-Haves: free flowing air and
sunlight; fewer units per floor for more privacy and less crowding;
sensible amenities; emergency power even inside one’s unit; and easy
payment terms.

Master planned

Avida Towers Davao is meant to be a master planned community with a total land area of 6,124 sqm., including its two residential towers. Tower One will house 431 residential units including special two-bedroom units from the 19^th to the 23^rd floor and 170 parking units from the ground floor to the fourth floor.

Residents will enjoy sensible amenities at the podium level at the fifth floor, which serves as the main amenity area. Amenities include kiddie and adult pools, a children’s play area; an outdoor playground and exercise equipment; a meditation area; a multi-purpose hall; and a retail strip at the ground floor area for convenient access to basic necessities.

As standard in all Avida developments, Avida Towers Davao integrates the Five Condo Must-Haves for the best condominium living experience: free flowing air and sunlight; fewer units per floor for more privacy and less crowding; sensible amenities; emergency power even inside one’s unit; and easy payment terms.

Building amenities include the main lobby; a mailbox for each unit; two elevator units for Tower One; garbage chute; fire protection and alarm system; and a CCTV camera at the Lobby. Security is provided 24/7 and property management is provided by Ayala Property Management Corporation.

                                                      Panoramic views

Available units include studio units (22 to 25 sqm; priced at Php1.69M to Php 1.93M); one-bedroom units (37 to 42 sqm; priced at Php2.83M to Php3.65M); and two-bedroom units (58 sqm; priced at Php5.01M).

Residents who avail of special units will enjoy lovely panoramic views of mountain ranges, the Davao River, the Davao Gulf and the Amenity Area, depending on which side of the building their units are located.

Those who wish to know more about Avida Towers Davao may go to www.avidaland.com or call (+632) 848 5200 (within Metro Manila); 1-800-10 848 5200 (outside Metro Manila); details regarding where to call from overseas are available at the Avida Land website.

For more than 20 years, Avida has focused on enriching the lives of the hardworking Filipino middle-class by offering their families a home to be proud of; homes that thrive in a peaceful and safe community and are accessible to public transportation.

As of the first half of 2012, Avida Land has 55 projects in 31 unique locations. Avida homes are all beautifully and practically designed, and built to provide reliable performance over time. Avida means affordable living at its best. 

A bite of the Big Apple for Filipino investors

VIPs and other special guests basked in a wealth of possibilities and rich opportunities, enjoying delicious entrees and refreshing cocktails, as they joined the launch event of AXA Philippines’ Global Advantage Fund, held at The Loft at the Manansala Tower in Rockwell, Makati.

The Global Advantage Fund is the first U.S. dollar-denominated insurance-linked equity fund of its kind to be offered in the Philippines, providing investors the opportunity to grow their wealth by trading in the NASDAQ 100 Index, the second most profitable stock exchange in the world, second only to the New York Stock Exchange.

AXA Philippines is the first to offer this kind of U.S. dollar-denominated equity fund in the country, with the backing of Metrobank and leading world insurance provider AXA Global (the world’s number one insurance brand, according to a 2011 Interbrand Report).

The launch party gave guests a taste of the good life in the Big Apple right from the start: slick, sharp-looking ushers and usherettes, power-dressed in trendy New York-style business suits, met them at the entrance and the registration area.

Overall, the formal, suit-or-barong-only event gave everyone a taste of wealth and privilege, as well as a sense of being on top of the world. Even something as routine as the guest registration was done using an iPad, instead of the usual pen and paper.

During the registration, guests were given the chance to choose mock versions of “stock certificates”, each having a corresponding dollar value. These were given out for use at the auction activity held later on. Glossy images of New York, Wall Street and Broadway glimmered on the surrounding LED and LCD screens at the venue.

After all the guests had settled down, a video message from AXA Philippines President and CEO Rien Hermans was played on-screen. According to Hermans, the Global Advantage Fund is the latest among 23 innovative wealth management funds that AXA Philippines is offering its high net worth clients in the AXA Privilege category.

These solutions are ideal for high net worth clients due to their greater flexibility and higher returns for medium-term and long-term investments—making them superior to the usual market offerings.

Hermans also quipped that, with AXA Philippines offering 23 funds that high net worth clients may choose from, it is now “more funds in AXA Philippines”—making a pun out of the popular Department of Tourism slogan.

“These funds allow us to give you multiple investment possibilities to give you the opportunity to match the risk and upside potential of your investment with your personal risk tolerance.

“Together with the best bank in the Philippines, Metrobank, we have defined that by having our experts working together we can provide high net worth clients of Metrobank and AXA with the most appropriate investment products to better manage their wealth,” he said.

After Hermans’ video message, it was time for Amor Balagtas, AXA Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer, to share more information about the Global Advantage Fund. She said that the Global Advantage Fund gives AXA Philippines’ high net worth clients the opportunity to invest in the top 100 non-financial companies in the NASDAQ Index.

She said that these NASDAQ 100 companies include major global players in the retail, computer hardware and software, telecommunications, wholesale trade, and biotechnology industries. Among them are international brands including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, Dell, Google, Intel, Yahoo, Starbucks, and eBay.

“With the launch of [Global Advantage Fund], AXA opens a world of opportunities for you to diversify your portfolio and explore the potential gains of investing in this US-dollar denominated equity fund,” she said, adding that the Global Advantage Fund offers the potential for “maximum returns with minimized risk.”

Balagtas also introduced VIPs and guests to the exclusive website for AXA Philippines’ high net worth clients—available only to members of the AXA Privilege Program. This website, www.axaprivilege.com.ph, contains policy information, financial tools, and information on the latest products, events, and services available to AXA Privilege members only. Guests had the chance to try out the website as several laptop stations at the venue.

The event was consistent with its New York stock market theme right down to the ceremonial ringing of the bell, a ritual that begins each trading day in stock markets around the world.

In the AXA Philippines bash, the bell was rung to signal the official launch of the Global Advantage Fund, adding to everyone’s excitement and anticipation. Event host Anthony Pangilinan called the night’s guest of honor, IC Commissioner Atty. Emmanuel Dooc, along with  top Metrobank and AXA officials onstage to ring the bell.

After the bell was rung, a special video presentation on the Global Advantage Fund was played on the various LED and LCD screens.

With the Global Advantage Fund officially launched, guests had the chance to participate in the auction, where fifteen coveted items were put on the block for the highest bidders. The “stock certificates” they picked at the registration were put to good use as they bid for the various items.

Though the official program had ended, the celebration itself was still in full swing. While guests enjoyed the good food and each other’s company for rest of the evening, they were treated to some world-class jazz performances by the chanteuse trio of Baihanna, one of the hottest jazz vocal ensembles in the country today.

Truly, it was an event that fulfilled its promise: putting AXA Philippines’ high net worth clients even closer to achieving their dreams of making it big in the Big Apple—their chance to manage and grow their wealth in the biggest league there is.

AXA is one of the world’s leaders in financial protection and wealth management. Originating from France, it serves a global clientele of 95 million customers in 61 countries, with 4.3 billion Euros in adjusted earnings as of 2010. For more information, please log on to http://www.axa.com/en/group/profile/

The ladies of AXA Philippines (left to right): Marie Raymundo, Chief Bancassurance Officer; Amor Balagtas, Chief Marketing Officer; Ruth Aguilar, Project Consultant; and Connie Roldan Human Resource Head,  were all on-hand at the Global Advantage Fund Launch of AXA Philippines at The Loft, Manansala Tower in Rockwell

Mixing small talk and shop talk, from AXA Philippines (left to right): Jay Anne Rempola, Wealth Management Segment Head,  Ruth Aguilar, Project Consultant, Amor Balagtas, Chief Marketing Officer,  and Gae Martinez, Channel Strategy and Marketing Director with Rose Reyes, Head of Domestic Subsidiaries of Metrobank

AXA Philippines management (left to right): Camilo Velasco, Corporate Solutions Head, Amor Balagtas, Chief Marketing Officer, Solomon Cua, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Ariel Magtoto, Customer Experience Head at the launch of AXA Philippines’ Global Advantage Fund

Marie Raymundo, Chief Bancassurance Officer, AXA Philippines; Solomon Cua Chairman of the Board of Directors, AXA Philippines; and Toto Tansingco, IMDD Head of Metrobank are some of the top people behind the synergy between Metrobank and AXA Philippines in providing wealth management to high net worth clients.

(From left to right) AXA Philippines' Camilo Velasco, Corporate Solutions Head, Amor Balagtas, Chief Marketing Officer, Jay Anne Rempola, Wealth Management Segment Head, and Abel Vergara, Customer Segment Manager, together with Metrobank IMDD Head, Toto Tansingco,  were on hand to answer questions from VIPs at the launch of the Global Advantage Fund.

The event’s Guest of Honor, Insurance Commissioner, Emmanuel Dooc, with AXA Philippines and Metrobank at the ceremonial ringing of the bell during the NASDAQ stock exchange-themed launch of AXA Philippines’ Global Advantage Fund.

Winning bidder Edmond Lipana, center, took home his brand new iPad after his winning bid at the mock auction of the Global Advantage Fund launch. The event was organized by AXA Philippines to showcase its new U.S. dollar-denominated equity fund invested in the NASDAQ 100 index, a first of its kind in the Philippine life insurance market.

Management trainer, motivational speaker, and media personality Anthony Pangilinan was the host of AXA Philippines’ launch event for its Global Advantage Fund. The fund is used for AXA clients’ insurance-linked investments traded at the NASDAQ 100 Index, the second most profitable stock exchange in the world.

AXA Philippines' Chief Marketing Officer, Amor Balagtas, shared with VIPs and other special guests the advantages of getting an insurance-linked investment plan that taps into AXA Philippines’ U.S. dollar-denominated equity fund, Global Advantage Fund. Balagtas says the fund lets AXA’s high net worth clients invest, with higher potential maximum gains and minimized risk, into the NASDAQ 100 Index.

The Philippines’ hottest jazz vocal ensemble, Baihana (with members Krina Cayabyab, Mel Torre, and Anna Achacosa), gave world-class entertainment to guests at the launch party of AXA Philippines’ Global Advantage Fund held at The Loft in Rockwell Makati’s Manansala Tower

It's all about kids at the Araneta Center!

Kids Depot, the country's leading distributor of quality children's products, is having a Creativity Carnival at the Gateway Mall and Ali Mall from August 11 to September 30, 2012

For a minimum single receipt purchase of P100 of any regular-priced Moon Dough, Rose Art, and Beados items, you and your kids can join fun kiddie workshops like beads-making and computer learning activities at the Gateway Cineplex 10 lobby and the Ali Mall activity area.


You can also enjoy great deals from participating brands such as Beados, VTech, Oregon, Moon Dough, Rose Art, and more! Plus, your little princesses can enjoy a bit of pampering and primping at the Barbie Booth also at the Ali Mall activity area.

Plus, your little princesses can enjoy a bit of pampering and primping at the Barbie Booth also at the Ali Mall activity area.

Visit the Araneta Center Facebook fan page for more details!

See you there!

Shu Uemura Philippines' Chocolat-Donna Beauty Workshop in Trinoma 2012

Attending a makeup class, whether a local or a professional one, is something i have been wanting to do ever since. Don't miss this chance Shu Fanatics because Shu Uemura is bringing the Chocolat-Donna Beauty Workshop to Trinoma this coming August 18, 2012, Saturday!!

and YES!! the workshop is totally Free!!
PLus, all participants will get 10% discount on all SHU UEMURA products, excluding the color atelier, for that day :)

Know their beauty secrets and discover the beauty of their newest Chocolat-Donna mode makeup collection!


WHat : Chocolat-Donna Beauty Workshop
When : August 18,2012
            4pm- 530pm
Where : SHU Uemura Boutique
             Level 3, Trinoma
            (Beside Kiehl's and Team Manila)

RSVP Karen Crisostomo 0917-816-7903

For more infos, Please visit shuuemuraphilippines

Smart Parenting Baby Shower 2012!

Welcome mommyhood with Smart parenting!

Get fit with preggy-safe yoga,
lots of fun and freebies, 
nutritional basics for you and your baby in preparation of the arrival of your little bundle of joy!

Date:     September 1, 2012
Time :    12nn to 4pm
Venue : Columbus Room
                Discovery Suites
                Ortigas, Philippines

Share and discover the beauty of motherhood by pre-registering now!

To Pre-register : 

Send your
NAME , HOME ADDRESS, CONTACT NUMBER and specify if you're in your second or third trimester by emailing them at smeap@summitmedia.com.ph
with subject heading "SP BaBY SHOWER"
Walk-in registrants will also be acoomodated (Limited slots only)

Globe Business offers new infotech solutions for SMEs

IT’S AN EXCITING TIME to be an SME, according to the Department and Trade and Industry and other financial experts. A lot of potential growth is being seen for this economic sector, and government is providing many incentives. Still, the question for many entrepreneurs is, how do I make my small/medium enterprise more competitive?

One solution for SMEs is to invest in the advantages that information technology can bring to their businesses. Information technology is a great equalizer when it comes to dealing with larger competitors. An SME, for example, would not be spending a lot by creating and putting online its own website—but that alone allows it to potentially reach millions of customers and clients locally and overseas.

“Using the right kind of Information Technology, an SME will be able to somewhat level the playing field even among larger competitors. This is where Globe Business can be their ideal partner. Globe Business provides effective, reliable and affordable solutions that help SMEs operate their business simpler, more efficiently and at less cost. This, in turn, will give entrepreneurs advantages that they can use to grow their business,” says Manny Aligada, Head of Corporate & SME Segments, Globe Business.

Aligada encourages SMEs to check out the Globe Business website or visit any Globe store in order to see for themselves what information technology is available for them to use in helping their enterprise achieve productivity and growth. Some of these solutions include the following:

Fast, reliable, affordable Internet

The Internet helps SMEs develop their businesses by increase their visibility and market reach. Using email, social networking and the World Wide Web (for product, business operations, and market research), SMEs can also work towards making their production and promotion more efficient at lower cost.

Globe Business Ambassador and Tomato's managing director Lennie Dionisio saves up to 70 percent per month on her mobile phone bills using Globe Business’ call and text plans

Globe Business offers Direct Internet, a high-speed, secure and reliable Internet access for SMEs. This broadband connection provides up to 10 Mbps to help businesses accept product orders, communicate with their employees and customers, send reports in no time, and address their marketing and website needs.

Direct Internet also provides 24/7 support system to maintain the quality and reliability of the Internet connection. SMEs can use this Internet access to expand their reach to provincial or even international markets.

There’s also Globe Tattoo Broadband, which provides entrepreneurs and employees with mobile access to the Internet anytime, anywhere. Globe Tattoo Broadband allows users to send and receive email; teleconference with business partners and clients, and do your business online with this fast, “on-the-go” wireless broadband. A Globe Tattoo Plan subscription could go for as low as P499 per month.

Affordable call and text plans

SMEs are able to save as much as 70% per month on their mobile phone bills if they are subscribed to Globe Business post-paid call and text plans. These plans come with unlimited talk and/or texting features that can be customized to fit an SME’s needs—so that they only pay for the mobile services that they need.

These plans include: 1) Globe Business Plus, which offers unlimited talk and texting features for as low as P499 per month; 2) Globe Business Company Capped Plans, which sets a flexible cost ceiling for a business’s mobile lines; and  3) AutoloadMAX Corporate Edition, which helps manage, schedule, and automatically reload Prepaid credits directly to employees’ cell phones. It includes the option to reload employees’ lines individually or in bulk, and may even track down the mobile phone spending of a department  or individual employees.

Easier, cost-efficient text messaging

SMEs can now broadcast high-volume text campaigns in just one send, at more affordable rates, thanks to the TxtConnect service by Globe Business.

Through TxtConnect, SMEs can now send text blasts to employees and customers through a Web-based service that is more affordable compared to than regular text messaging or phone calls. Since the system is Web-based, SMS blasts can be sent with just one click on a computer or a cellphone.

Subscribing to TxtConnect results in as much as 35% in saved cost compared to the regular text messaging service charges.

Seeing more with WebEye

SMEs can better protect their business premises using Globe Business’ WebEye, an online video surveillance system that has many advantages over ordinary CCTV systems.

Through WebEye, activities in one’s business premises may be monitored, at any time, thru the Internet. The surveillance video is viewable by the business owner or managers on any Internet device: a desktop computer; laptop; mobile phone or tablet device.

WebEye can help secure practically any business, from banks to lending companies; to moneychangers or pawnshops; to hospitals and clinics; and schools, as well as restaurants, bars or resorts. It also helps secure factories and warehouses; retail outlets; and government or law enforcement agencies.

Private, secure network

SMEs such as franchised food or retail outlets; and other businesses with branches that need to coordinate with one another will find two Globe Business products useful: these are the Virtual Private Network (VPN) Express and the Multi-Protocol Label Switch (MPLS).

These products allow entrepreneurs and managers to remotely access business data and inter-connect a company's branches and company sites.

A sporting goods chain for example, may network its branches so customers are able to find a particular athletic, exercise or gym product that may be available in some branches but out of stock in others.

Entrepreneur and Globe Business Ambassador Amina Aranaz-Alunan uses Direct Internet and TxtConnect subscriptions in Globe Business to help her run her restaurants and other businesses, even when she’s on the move

VPN gives access to company emails and allows for the upload and download of files; it lets one check reports and do other business tasks online—even outside the office.

This business solution ensures private, secure communication between two or more multi-site companies. It provides real-time connectivity and access to a company’s secured network. Business owners may access business data and assist colleagues, all in real time, live from home or anywhere with Internet access.

VPN Express provides highly secured and efficient networking. It is useful to any business where the head office needs to connect with company sites.

On the other hand, MPLS allows interconnection of systems and applications among business branches within a scalable and reliable network.

The MPLS has three levels of Quality of Service—Standard, Business, and Premium—to manage network traffic in a cost effective manner.

Business data protection

Organizing and securing SMEs’ vital data and ICT resources is now possible with Globe Business’ Data Center—a technologically advanced, highly secured facility built for data storage.

Entrepreneur and Globe Business Ambassador Rose Ann Bautista of Fino fine leather boutique makes full use of her Direct Internet and TxtConnect subscriptions in Globe Business to help her run her company operations, in both her factory and her stores, even when she’s on the move

Data Center’s wide range of services include co-location, dedicated service hosting, LAN-based Internet, media storage, disaster recovery seats, recovery services, and email hosting. 

Any business that relies on and processes huge amounts of confidential information—including financial institutions, government agencies, hospitals, schools, hotels, resorts, restaurant chains--will benefit from this service.

Globe Business’ Data Center prevents the loss data due to a computer virus, deliberate hacking, spying or data theft; or computer hardware/system failure.

Fleet management service

Globe Business can helps SMEs manage their fleet of company vehicles through a real-time tracking system that ensures the delivery and security of products and supplies. It uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) to monitor the precise location of assets like trucks, cargo and products and determine if these arrived at their destination/delivery point on time.

Fleet management may be accessed and used through any computer with Internet connection. This tracking system increases the efficiency of deliveries to helping reduce fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses, by helping determine faster routes. This service is vital to manufacturing, retail, distribution and other businesses that rely on the transport of goods.

Fleet Management is under Globe Business' M2M (machine-to-machine) Solutions-- a high-tech system that allows computers, machines, equipment and assets to remotely communicate and share information with other machines, people and computers. M2M Solutions are connected to the computerized Globe Business M2M Management System.

Fixed Assets Management

Globe Business' Fixed Assets Management service allows one to monitor the functioning, operation, maintenance, and security of a company's fixed assets. These would include freezers, vendo machines, factory machinery, ATMs, computer servers, and other equipment.

Using this system, the productivity of such assets may be determined through their status; output projections may also be made based on the data collected from these assets.

Fixed Assets Management enables one to monitor the condition of fixed assets –whether these are working normally or are showing signs of malfunction. One can also track if there are attempts to tamper, sabotage or steal these fixed assets. Alarms and alerts may also be integrated with the monitoring system.

Through Fixed Asset Management, SMEs can minimize machine downtime by undertaking preventive maintenance based on the collected data on the machine's status. Operating costs due to frequent on-site inspections are reduced because the state of the machine may already be determined through the data obtained remotely. There is also increased protection of off-site machines.

This service is ideal for restaurants and fast food chains; vendo operators; banks; factories and other businesses engaged in manufacturing.

Security and surveillance

Globe Business offers SMEs a Security and Surveillance service for greater control over the security of company sites. Security and Surveillance installs security devices (such as motion and door sensors, panic buttons) that are linked to Globe M2M Management System.

When an intruder breaks in to the secured site for example, the M2M security devices send out alerts through the computer network. This signals the system to deploy an emergency response team to deal with the threat.

The M2M Security and Surveillance system is pro-active and preventive: the security devices are always ready to activate alarms and trigger an emergency response.

Globe Business' M2M Solutions optimize the functionality and productivity of a company's machines/assets. They make business operations less costly yet more efficient. They also provide greater security and control over a company's mobile and fixed assets.

M2M Solutions are ideal for a wide range of businesses—including the food and/or service industries (restaurants, resorts, hotels, etc.); financial enterprises (banks, pawnshops, etc. ); manufacturing, distribution; practically any business that benefits from machine-to-machine networking and pro-active security.

“There is a wide range of applications of Globe Business Solutions to fit the every type of SME. We are happy to sit down with an SME to discuss how we could customize a package of solutions to meet their needs,” says Aligada.

Experience the benefits of having customized solutions to support your business. Consult a Globe Business Account Manager, visit Globe stores, call the Globe Business Hotline at +632 730-1288 or log on to http://www.globe.com.ph/business  today to find out more.

Globe Business is the corporate arm of Globe Telecom, the leading mobile telecommunications company in the Philippines. Globe Business provides wireless and wireline solutions for a diverse set of industries, businesses, and commercial enterprises. It assures SMEs of affordable, reliable, and dependable services for all communication needs, both wireless and wireline solutions, to generate the highest possible profit at the lowest possible cost.