Hotel Sogo Embracing the New Normal: Innovation that lasts

The impact of Covid-19 has slammed businesses and different industries instantly in just a short period of time, despite the efforts made in making the economy move forward, there are still businesses and establishments that feel its continuous effects just like in the hospitality industry. 

These affected businesses has doubled its efforts to develop and adapt to the new normal by following heightened safety measures and investing on technological advancement for the protection of all guests and employees, just like the largest and fastest-growing Filipino-owned hotel chain in the country did across all of its branches.

“Here at Hotel Sogo, we are trying on things to help improve the situation in our hotels as early as March 2020 last year. From that point on, we continued to research, invest further and develop innovative ways to upgrade our safety protocols especially in cleanliness and sanitation.” Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Manager said.

Aside from the enhanced new normal protocols such as no contact fixtures and thermal scans, some remarkable changes and innovations that the Hotel Sogo management applied across its branches such as, UVC disinfection in rooms, lobbies, and air-conditioning units, increased ventilation, microbial testing (method to indicate the presence and amount of microorganisms), Covid sniffer dogs, reduced touch points, and application of anti-microbial coatings in frequently touched surfaces. 

Through Hotel Sogo’s 11 So Safe Innovations, the safety and wellness of guests as well as its employees are set first.

“This on-going pandemic has helped us to take further steps in giving importance to safety. The innovation that I speak of are the development and improvement of amenities that revolves around the 4 major ways to prevent the spread of the virus and protect our guests like reduction of touch points, improve air quality, disinfection and testing. It is important to test all these protocols to make sure that all these innovation are really effective to keep our guests safe; we want our guests to feel safe and secured whenever they stay at Hotel Sogo. We will continue to protect our guests and develop more upgraded protocols even after the pandemic,” Ms. Geminiano added.

More than just a hotel

Aside from the hotel innovations that has implemented, Hotel Sogo is also ramping up its effort in helping fellow countrymen through its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Sogo Cares. Hotel Sogo is helping indigent communities who are in need of basic necessities, such as food, medicines and water. 

“Recently, we donated food packs with linens and towels to the fire victims at Manila. We also donated essential needs such as bottled waters, linens, pillows, surgical masks, pillow cases, and mattresses to the Philippine General Hospital with the help of AFP and we also gave assistance in different community pantries in Bulacan and Quezon City. Our team will definitely help those who are in need in these trying times. Even this time of GCQ, Hotel Sogo is still accepting frontliners, essential, repatriated OFW, seafarers and economic workers across all Hotel Sogo branches. We are also accommodating those who prefer long-term stay for their work purposes,” stated by Ms. Geminiano.

Over the course of six (6) years, starting from 2015, Hotel Sogo through its Corporate Social Responsibility program Sogo Cares has conducted over 400 medical missions with 100,000 plus beneficiaries, led over 600 donations with more than 170,000 beneficiaries.

For more details, visit www.hotelsogo.com or like and follow Hotel Sogo on Facebook (facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter (@hotelsogo), and Instagram (@hotelsogo).

#HereAtHotelSogo #SoCleanSoGoodSoSafe #DahilMahalKitaGustoKoSaSogoKa

Mega Global's Mega Bigay Sustansya Year 3

The online launch event today of Mega Global's plans of turning Mega Bigay Sustansya into a legacy project not just for Metro Manila, but for Visayas and Mindanao regions as well. 

Malnutrition has been an issue for many years as a result of the country’s overwhelming poverty rates plus the fact that we're still struggling from this pandemic that makes the situation even worse. With malnutrition affecting many children, it is crucial for the community to work together to help these children, who will eventually become the future of the country. Good health is the greatest gift that Filipinos can ever receive. 

Recognizing its role in helping build the nation, Mega Global Corporation together with the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation will once again hold the Mega Bigay Sustansya program for the third straight year. A health and nutrition program that’s deep rooted from the company’s core value of malasakit. With its determination to improve the health sector of the country, Mega Bigay Sustansya aims to reinforce the importance of nutrition to every Filipino family nationwide and extend a helping hand to those in need. 

As it expands the program, Mega Global will be working in partnership with the Reach Out Feed Philippines, who will spearhead the preparation of the meals daily, deliver these house to house to each beneficiary and provide a nutritional assessment of all recipes used in the program, and will also analyze and evaluate the results of the program. 

The program aims to support 870 children from various barangays across six provinces through a 60-day nutrition program. These include Batangas, Navotas, Valenzuela, Samar, Surigao del Sur, and Zamboanga. Beneficiaries are children aged 4-12 years old, who will receive two nutritious meals daily for 60 days. The daily meals will include at least one sardines meal, made using Mega Global’s vitamin- and nutrient-packed high quality sardines. 

At the beginning and end of the program, the weight, height, and mid-arm circumference of the children will be taken to gauge their progress. To encourage parents to support the nutrition program for their children, Mega Global will provide incentives to select participants who fit the program’s criteria - biggest gainer, most improved, etc. 

To further ensure that the progress made is sustained, Mega Global will also be developing leave-behind materials containing affordable nutritious recipes made from ingredients that are easily accessible to the families. This will empower parents and the community with knowledge on how to prepare nutritious meals for the health and well-being of their children and loved ones. 

“When we first launched this nutrition program two years ago, we saw how transformative it was for the beneficiaries, who not only saw an improvement in their weight, but also in their health and well-being. Inspired by their transformation, Mega Global decided to expand this program and make it sustainable by also educating the community on the importance of having good food and having good nutrition for the whole family,” said Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer. 

In all that it does, Mega Global Corporation gives life to its core value of malasakit. From products to people to the greater community, every decision made by the brand is anchored onto the belief of malasakit for all. This once again comes alive in Mega Bigay Sustansya, which is envisioned to uplift the lives of impoverished children and allow them to achieve their potentials. 

#MegaPrime #MegaTuna #MegaSardines #MegaGlobal #MegaBigaySustansya #HealthyPantryEssentials

July 29, 2021 (Thursday)

11 Anti-Covid Innovations by HOTEL SOGO

Take the extra step when it comes to safety, at Hotel Sogo rest assured that protecting each and every customer should always be the number one priority. This can be achieved not by just simple following the safety procedures but with extra care with the below implemented 11 ANTI-COVID INNOVATIONS BY HOTEL SOGO:

1. UVC Disinfection of Rooms, Utensils, Key Cards & Cash -Sogo was the first hotel, as early as March 2020, to use UVC (254nm) to fight Covid-19. Taking the cue from hospitals abroad, remote-controlled carts have been deployed for room disinfection. Compartments for utensils, key cards and cash were also fitted with UVC LEDs but kept away from personnel since 254 nm UVCs, while great for killing viruses may harm the skin and eyes. 

2. FAR UVC Disinfection at Elevator Lobbies -After extensive research, Sogo has acquired and tested the FAR UVC 222 nm lamps that effectively kill viruses while being harmless to humans. Just recently (2020 Q4) produced commercially, it is quite expensive and is sold by only a few manufacturers abroad. Sogo is the first hotel to install these revolutionary excimer lamps in all its elevator lobbies. 

3. UVC Disinfection for Room Aircons -All room aircons are to be fitted with specially manufactured UVC LEDs. Through germicidal irradiation, the UVC light attacks the DNA/DNR of micro-organisms, killing bacteria and viruses, and preventing their spread. As it is turned on with the aircon, room air is always sterilized each time it passes through the unit, ensuring the best possible room air quality for our guests. 

4. Ventilation ACR is Doubled in Lobbies & Hallways -The ACR (Air Change Rate) or the number of times the air is replaced for all general spaces is set at ≥ 4 per hour by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers). Sogo is doubling its current ACRs for intensified inflow of covid-free fresh air to accelerate indoor air replacement. 

5. Covid Sniffer Dogs for Screening of Employees -Dubai and Helsinki Airports have deployed Covid sniffer dogs to screen passengers and report a > 94% accuracy rate with dogs detecting the virus days before symptoms even start. Sogo has tied up with a leading K9 company, to have specially-trained Belgian Malinois dogs regularly screen its personnel for Covid. 

6. Thermal Scan Controlled Doors -For most branches, guests on their own, can get scanned before entry and if within the safe temperature limit, main doors will open automatically without need of any contact. 

7. Microbial ATP Fluorescence Testing of Surfaces -ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate) Testing measures ATP content to indicate the presence and amount of microorganisms. Each branch has an Anti-Covid Team that regularly swabs high touch point surfaces that pass through ATP Fluorescence Detectors to verify microbial presence and effectivity of the new protocols. 

8. Anti-Microbial Coatings on Furnishings, Fixtures & Touch Points -Widely used in hospitals and mass transports in China, Hong Kong and Japan, these Polymer coatings are formed after spraying millions of nano-capsules with contact killing and anti-adhesion features that lasts for weeks. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and Covid. Sogo applies this over all furnishings and touch points. 

9. Reduced Touch Points with No-Contact Fixtures (with photos of no-contact fixtures) -A Sogo study shows that pre-pandemic, guests had a minimum of 59 Touch Points (TPs) during a typical hotel stay. Due to new protocols that include contact-less fixtures, TPs have been reduced by 40.7% with the goal to achieve a reduction of 66.1% with more advanced technology centered on cellphone use. 

10. Multi-Stage Air Purifying Equipment in Lobbies -To further sanitize indoor air, Sogo installed air-purifying equipment having several levels of filters: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, HEPA (H11), with built-in Cold Catalysts, Ion Generators and UVC lights that eliminate allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, odor, bacteria, viruses, and even reduces carbon dioxide levels. 

11. No-Contact Key -Specially designed key (keychain) to avoid touching. This is one of our giveaways included in some of our promos.

#HereAtHotelSogo #SoCleanSoGoodSoSafe #DahilMahalKitaGustoKoSaSooKa #SogoCares

Stories of Success by Lumina Homes Take Part at the Vicon

Everyone dreams of having his or her own property specifically a house and lot. A home that you can call your own is a place where you can spend the rest of your life with your family and loved ones.

Last June 24 and 25 The Villar Group Convention (The ViCon) held its first-ever and biggest property virtual expo in the Philippines. Lumina Homes took part to share its own success stories and raffles off attractive prizes.

Villar Group of Companies successfully gathered Vista Land and Golden MV's strong property brands—Lumina Homes, Bria, Lessandra, Camella, Crown Asia, Brittany, Camella Manors, and Vista Residences; as well as Golden Haven and Vistamalls join together in this one big webinar event.

Lumina Homes, offers value-priced home quality yet inexpensive house and lot properties in the country. Having generously sponsored house and lot awards for over 40 series on various television networks. It has already become a household name in less than a decade. The affordable housing arm of Vista Land demonstrated its unrivaled efforts and accomplishments over the last eight years. 

Engr. Joemi Tan, Division Head of Lumina Homes, expressed his gratitude to everyone especially the partner sales network: 

"We in Lumina are very grateful for the active support of our partner sales network, which adjusted to the changing landscape of real estate selling with us. Our strengthened partnership will undoubtedly lead to achieving our goals in the shared mission of providing affordable homes." 

Prospect clients  can now have easier access and transaction to Lumina because the country's first mass housing company introduced an online reservation system, which currently incorporates an interactive project map. Lumina was a game-changer in digital advancements in real estate sales even before the epidemic, which has only become more important in this challenging time. 

Plus the fact that most of the businesses nowadays can be done in cyber world, online shoppers can now add to cart your dream house because Lumina was also the first developer to open stores on major online shopping sites, selling affordable house and lot and frequently discounted reservation vouchers.  

Aside from Lumina's wide presence in social media sites and messaging apps, it takes pride in its best tech practices, including: 

(1) text automation for faster billing and contact info update; 

(2) creation of Juan Support, the virtual assistant for all Lumina Homes queries; 

(3) a separate chatbot named Juan ZoBot for housing inquiries on the Lumina website; 

(4) Lumina Online Appointment System; and 

(5) the downloadable Lumina e-Services app. 

 

Lumina Homes has been diligent in conducting online events for its residents, future purchasers, salespeople, and staff, adapting to new-normal ways and embracing the benefits of virtual events. It has completed its annual awards, Gawad Lumina, as well as the Lumina-wide DigiCon, Kumustahan sa Bayan ni Juan Admin & Pag-ibig Summit, and Admin & Bank Summit in the last year. 

These initiatives have resulted in spectacular development in the brand's reservation sales and network, as well as many awards from organizations such as Pag-IBIG Fund and BestStartUp.Asia. 

Outside of the digital sphere, Lumina continues to develop safe homes across the country to provide Filipinos with more affordable housing options. Lumina Homes is expanding its geographic reach, with over 100 projects in over 50 key cities and municipalities across the country. 

Aside building houses and lots, the company recently introduced its first integrated vertical community, Prima Tanza, in Cavite. 

Exciting prizes generously raffled off during The ViCon, as promised!

The ViCon Lumina Cool Deals Raffle awarded prizes to several purchasers who reserved a Prima Tanza condo unit and Lumina house and lot during the event.

The grand prize winner, received a P30,000 reduction on her downpayment:

• Mary Rose Dela Cruz

AllDay Supermarket gave each of the five lucky winners a P2,000 shopping gift:

• Reynaldo Dumaual 
• Bernard Sigue 
• Alexter Martinez Guatiz 
• Jaymart Dela Cruz Alonzo 
• Ritchie Dalisay Espital 

All attendees who just came to The ViCon and watched Lumina Homes' The Own Your Home Series also had the chance to win exciting prizes. 

Php500 worth of AllEasy Load winners: 

• Ana May Factuar 
• LA Guasis 
• Marco Cortez 
• Mark De Guzman 
• Ma. Lourdes Baez 

 Php500 worth of AllDay Grocery winners: 

• Junel Jumagbas 
• Gracelyn Soliva 
• Joan Domingo 
• Danilo Factoran 
• Florie May Valle 

Winners of Cash worth Php 1,500: 

• Joyce Ann Esguerra 
• Michael Bala 
• Lalaine Tobias 

The ViCon was definitely crowned victorious, and it is well worth repeating every year. Lumina Homes is committed to bringing more pleasure and excitement online among the many Juans looking for a beautiful house and lot to call their own till that time comes. For more information about Lumina Homes and Prima Tanza, visit www.lumina.com.ph

#LuminaOfficial #EveryJuansHome #ViCon #BiggestVirtualPropertyExpo

Puritan's Pride Ambassador Camille Prats Promotes Health is Everyday Campaign

To lead a healthy life a person must be fit and fine both physically and mentally. Amid uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, living healthy everyday has become a necessity. Taking a proactive approach to one’s good health is essential to achieving good health – whether physical, mental, or emotional.  

Through its extensive range of vitamins and supplements, this is exactly what Puritan’s Pride, one of the leading health supplement brands in the US, brings to Filipinos. Since coming to the Philippines in 2015, Puritan’s Pride has quickly established a solid following in the country with its wide range of vitamins and health supplements to meet various health needs. 

As people navigate the new normal, Puritan’s Pride is promoting its #HealthIsEveryday campaign with Camille Prats as official ambassador.  

Camille, who values good health by prioritizing her fitness routine, shares Puritan’s Pride vision, as she inspires others to achieve a better and healthier lifestyle. 

A working mom of three, Camille religiously takes her supplements daily. Her daily routine includes Puritan’s Pride’s Hydrolyzed Collagen, which has helped keep her skin, hair, and nails healthy and has aided in alleviating signs of aging. To ensure that she has adequate rest, she takes Melatonin, which supports restful sleep and helps regulate moods. She also takes immune health boosters such as Puritan’s Pride’s Vitamin C with Citrus Bioflavonoids and Rose Hips, which provides antioxidant support and prevents aging; Vitamin D3, a more potent and bioavailable form of vitamin which supports bone health; and Zinc Gluconate, which assists in the proper functioning of insulin and promotes healthy skin, vision, and smell. 

Camille takes these necessary steps to ensure that she is always ready and prepared to take on daily tasks and protect her family from diseases, which Puritan’s Pride also advocates for. The #HealthIsEveryday campaign encourages holistic wellness practices that combine a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and of course, ensuring that we meet our daily vitamin requirements with the help of their wide range of supplements. Through its affordable line of high-quality health supplements, Puritan’s Pride makes healthy living a reality for thousands of Filipinos. In fact, A Healthy Life for Every Juan is the guiding vision of Alphacommerce Corporation, which introduced Puritan’s Pride to the Philippines in 2015 and continues to democratize access to good health and wellness among Filipinos.  

“Staying healthy is a form of self-love, and is also an act of love and concern for others. I choose to stay well and healthy for my family, so that we can all get through these tough times, and so that we can enjoy what life has to offer,” she said. 

 Staying well and healthy is a must to get through these trying times. 

“Through the #HealthIsEveryday campaign, we want to encourage more Filipinos to start living healthier lives, and we want them to know that Puritan’s Pride can be someone they can depend on to support their various health needs,” Jedrick Gatpayat, General Manager of Puritan’s Pride Philippines. 

Puritan's Pride is available nationwide in select Watsons stores, and online at Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, BeautyMNL and Watsons Online.

Tips & Ideas to Start your Own Business with Orabella

Orabella is a skincare and direct selling business that promotes beautiful skin while providing earning opportunities to Filipinos. 

Beginner entrepreneurs? It's time to get inspired by good tips and ideas to run your own business. Learn some strategies on how to handle your earning resources especially during this current pandemic situation. 

Award-winning actress Gladys Reyes is a part of a growing industry of mompreneurs — mothers who have successfully balanced family life with running a business. 

Gladys, together with her husband and fellow actor Christopher Sommereux, run a food and catering business. The 36-year acting veteran is also currently conducting a workshop for aspiring actors. 

Most recently, she was tapped by Orabella to host an online press conference for members of the media and the blogging community that featured Arabella del Rosario, Orabella’s skincare brand ambassador; Anne Acuña, Orabella Marketing Manager; and Aina Tejada, Orabella distributor.

During the said event, Gladys shared her insights and tips on how to become a successful mompreneur. 

• Study the business you are entering. 

“Mas maganda kung ang papasukin mong negosyo ay passion mo (It would be better if you are passionate about the business that you are getting into),” she advised. Additionally, you should study the ins and outs of the business and be knowledgeable about the products and services you are offering. Learn more about its marketing, sales, accounting, and customer service aspects as well. 

• It takes guts to start a business. 

“Hindi pwede sa negosyo na konting failure, susuko na agad (It’s a no-no in business to easily give up when you experience failure),” Gladys advised. As a mompreneur, don’t let obstacles overwhelm. Remember that challengers come with running a business.  

• Set realistic goals and timetables. 

“Sa ano mang gawain, dapat magkaroon ng specific objectives (In whatever you do, it is important to have specific objectives),” Gladys said. If you're into sales, set a sales target every month. It is also advisable to have a time frame for your return on investment. 

• Find people who will support you. 

Having a support system is important. During times when you feel down and discouraged, they are the ones who will help lift you up. Your support system can be your husband, friend, or neighbor, as long as they are someone you can trust. 

• Believe in yourself and use what you’ve learned in being a mom in running your business.

Being a mom is a good preparation for running a business, according to Gladys, as mothers will do everything to give their children a good future. 

In the same press conference, Orabella user-turned-reseller and distributor Tejada shared her experience in becoming an entrepreneur.

“Nagsimula po ako sa pagiging user ng Orabella. Nagustuhan ko ‘yung products, kaya naging reseller ako. Sa una po mahirap kasi nagpapakilala pa lang po si Orabella. Pero nung marami na pong nag-try at nagkaroon ng good feedback na nagandahan sila, dumami po ‘yung mga orders ko at na-meet ko po ‘yung pagiging distributor (I started as a user of Orabella. I really liked their products, so I became a reseller. I found selling difficult at first because Orabella was just being introduced that time. But when a lot of people tried it and had very good feedback, I had a lot of orders that I was able to meet the requirements of being a distributor,” she said. 

Being an Orabella reseller or distributor is easy, according to Acuña. Their membership package retails at only P599, which includes 2 sets of products for selling, a paper bag, and a door banner where you can place your contact details. 

The event also served as a venue for Orabella to introduce its latest whitening line. Together with its brand ambassador Del Rosario, the company unveiled its NanoCare Body whitening range. It includes a whitening soap, white feminine wash, whitening hand and body lotion, whitening toning gel, and a whitening deodorant--all made using Orabella's NanoCare technology

“When you’re using products with NanoCare particles, it really penetrates your skin. It protects it, instantly whitens, and moisturizes,” Acuña said. 

She pointed out that “whitening” for Orabella means making your skin glow to its full potential. All Orabella products are also gentle and are safe to be used by pregnant women and teenagers who are starting to experience skin problems. 

To learn more about Orabella’s latest products and promotions, visit their official social media accounts. Orabella products are available through its distributors and stores on Shopee and Lazada. Type in Orabella Direct Selling, Inc. to search for it on Lazada. Type Orabella PH to search for it on Shopee. 

You can also visit orabella.com.ph for more information on how you can be part of its direct selling business. 

Quality Appliances at Hanabishi’s LazMall Summer Sale

Happening on May 15, 2021, Saturday, Hanabishi’s LazMall Summer Sale offers up to 38% discount on select appliances. Now’s the best time to do so. Head on over to the Hanabishi Appliances flagship store on Lazada to get amazing deals on a wide range of quality products from one of the Philippines’ most trusted brands.

“This is one of the biggest sales of the summer, and we are making some of our top-selling appliances available at discounted prices. Being on Lazada, we have noticed a new emerging market for our products. Aside from the usual female homemakers, we also have a lot of millennials and young professionals who are starting to venture into the world of ‘adulting’ as buyers of our products. This is a good opportunity for those who are looking for quality appliances at more affordable prices.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Hanabishi Appliances Vice President for Finance and Marketing

Hanabishi Appliances on Sale

Among the items up for sale is Hanabishi’s top-selling air fryer oven (HAFEO30SS). Add it to your cart now, so you can check it out by Saturday.

Also on sale are the Hanabishi smokeless indoor griller (HSMOKELSS-50), ice maker (HICEMAKER240), hand mixer (HHM56), food steamer (HFS-75), coffee maker (HCM45GCM), electric oven (HEO48RED), juice extractor (HPJ50), slow juicer (HSJ1500), and juice blender (HJB126).

Don’t miss out on its selection of microwave ovens as well. On sale are product models HMO20GS and HMO31ZYM, and the Hanabishi pure stainless steel microwave oven (HMO31PSSM). Its rice cookers (HRC10BRC, HRC15BRC, and HRC18BRC) are also available at discounted prices.

For your cooling needs, there’s the Hanabishi ground fan 20” (HHURRIC-20), industrial floor fan 12” (HIFF-1200BLK), air cooler 6.0L (HAC-650), industrial wall fan 24” (HIWF24), and Desk Fan ((HRA16DF). Its Insect Killers (HINSK50SQM and HINSK70SQM) are likewise on sale.

Vouchers of Up to PhP1,000

Apart from the sale, the appliance brand is also giving away vouchers that you can use for your Hanabishi purchases on Lazada. Up to PhP1,000 will be given away from May 15 to 17. Follow Hanabishi’s Facebook page for announcements.

About Hanabishi:

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