A Meaningful Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

It was festive and fun over at Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day celebrations at BGC last week. It's been a while since they've done a physical event and it's been ages since bloggers and media guests have seen each other. Announcements of what's going to happen for the weeks going to Shopee 9.9 were in session, and from my seat, I'm quite happy with what I heard especially about the community part which I'll explain in a bit.

BARANGAY SHOPEE

During the sale day, of course you'll get the usual fare. This time however, Shopee is launching Barangay Shopee which is a part of their CSR initiative where users would be able to win a community project for their respective towns. From renovations of basketball courts, multi purpose halls, school supplies, all for the love of their own barangays. All you need to do is post public videos on Facebook with posting guidelines included, send the link on the Barangay Shopee page and you get the chance to win. Details for this are also listed on the Barangay Shopee page in app so make sure you join.

INTENSE "MAS MURA SA SHOPEE" DEALS THIS MONTH  

Starting today til the 11th of September, there will be huge offers on essentials, free shipping sitewide, and even Php 1 deals for items the whole duration. I've seen brands like INSPI, Garnier at the event and some of their other partners who are willing to make sure you get the best price at the app during these dates. 

Chance to Win Php 1 MILLION 

If you shop from September 1st to the 9th, you get the chance to win Php 1 Million if you claim codes for the draw. There will be a guessing game during the draws so you can also win thousands of pesos just by being a viewer and participating in the game. This will all be done during the Shopee Super Shopping Day TV Special which will be streamed live on the app and on GMA with the lovely Marian Rivera and other GMA stars taking part in it.

Here are some snippets of queen Marian Rivera at the Shopee event.

 Make sure you download the app and shop on the dates mentioned so you too have a meaningful Super Shopping Day like me! :)

 

 

Celebrating International Women's Month with TaskUs

Just got off the International Women's Month event of TaskUs. I could have entitled this artilcle "of TaskUs", but I felt I was part of the celebrations hence the change. I felt I was talking among peers rather than guests.

Their thrust this month is "Breaking the Bias", Ms. Victoria Alchachupas the Division VP of Integrated Marketing at TaskUs says "We need to admit that there is bias, I'm proud to be part of an organization that is part of the solution. We focus on talent and skills, the more diverse, the better. 49 percent of leaders at TaskUs are women, and our commitment to provide the best employee experience makes us ridiculously different. It's a conscious balance in internal promotion and hiring to do that, we look at the capabilities and background regardless of gender."

Vina Paglicawan the Director for Wellness at TaskUs says "Working Filipinas are burnt out with intensified challenges brought by the pandemic. We saw the same happen with mothers, balancing work and home responsibilities. TaskUs has been relentless in providing tools and support to create healhty workplace for its employees so as to improve any feelings of stress, anxiety or burnout. Currently, the company has Employee Assistance Programs, 100+ Mental Health Professionals, Outreach Activities, did flexible parenting workshops, and put up a Solo Parents Group. Our employees always have a high satisfaction rating, 94% and they appreciate, acknowledge that they are being taken cared of."

Regina Aguila says "Women think they have fewer career advancement opportunities than men, organizations need to proactively support their employees growth. TaskUs has been pro women, pro family and inclusive for all. We have scholarship programs, expanded maternity leaves, 24 leaves policy including a birthday leave, HMO, on site day care and lactation rooms. TaskUS advocates recognizing top talents, have internal job promotion opportunities, tuition fee and professional development programs, employee resource groups, bias detection and allyship leadership training, everyone is allowed to speak up."  

Hearing that from the people at TaskUs felt sincere, it felt good hearing that they've not been discriminated by their gender, role or ethnicity. They also have seen opportunities of advocating for others, women, coach them, make them aware about not taking biases. Their goal is equality, and it is evident that they are doing good. Hope this gets replicated elsewhere. It is their culture to be inclusive, encourage everyone to participate and I think that's a good thing.

Google Holds Talk on LGBTQ+ MSMEs

June is Pride and International MSME Month and with that, our friends from Google Philippines is taking time to honor small businesses that are owned by LGBTQ+ entities and feature them on this yearly event they mount called Pride Conversations. This is so they could share their stories, cherish their wins so the general public and allies would be able to celebrate with them.

As you know, when COVID-19 happened, they were not really spared. This difficulty has not brought them down, it has actually made most of them closer.

Ms. Dette of Google Philippines says "Google is aware of this and they have done Google.org grants for their businesses. We will help promote them through Google My Business and other assets (2 Million Dollar grant to different organizations). Aside from this, we are hard at work everyday to make our products more inclusive and helpful, to become safe spaces, and we thank LGBT Chamber of Commerce as their efforts are very important. We miss the annual pride march, we still have a long way to go but I'm hopeful there will be better days. Please be an ally in thoughts, words and actions. We hope to see you outside soon, stay safe and well!"

Ron of LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce says "Major corporations have a responsibility to share their successes, for sustainable development and giving opportunities for people in the community they are with. This is what our chamber continue to promote, together with out allies to multiply this, to hopefully learn from our speakers stories. Businesses should adopt non discrimination policies, include SOGIE education programs, learn more about diversity, training, promote equitable benefits, provide transgender access, hold company sponsored events and promote positive LGBT+ messages. It does not happen in June alone, but everyday. Happy pride!"

Abby Biyo of Nirvana Hostel and Restaurant Siargao

Abby is based in Siargao. Initially, she only wanted to have a vacation but now is doing a business with her partner. It's the first Kapampangan restaurant in the island, and they love food and cooking. They figured, they wanted to share it to locals in Siargao. They are also part of SIBO (Siargao Island Business Organization), it aims to help other business owners. She shares "Having no clients because of the lockdown at first was depressing, but challenges was a daily routine. We had to change plans, pray, take action, lessen shyness (because no business can flourish with it) as Nirvana is for my family and our employees. We need to generate jobs to help people and extend the blessing to others." They joined weekly markets, added human effort and now they are slowly recovering. Her advise was "Continue what you are doing, don't let the pandemic stop you, make sure what you're doing is what you really want to do and not just because it's a fad. NIRVANA is now open, not just the hostel but the restaurant as well. We now have a bigger dining area and formed different partnerships, this is what we are flourishing."

Sed Aguil of The Food Episode

Struggled work from home setup, Sed decided to go back to the kitchen and found new love for cooking. Now he posts videos online, then friends asked for food, got great feedback feedback from it and now has established THE FOOD EPISODE. He says "The biggest challenge was doing everything on my own, I had no one to do this with. The positive comments from customers felt good and I learned a lot by listening to them. Find the courage to pursue what you really love, it's normal to be scared, but don't let it become a hindrance. Be patient, as it's not a smooth ride everyday, you will peak at the right moment."

Amrei Dizon of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions

Vitalstrats Creative Agency was created a few years ago. When a client needed a receipt, they needed to register as a business, so it was somewhat accidental. They create videos, music videos for indie artists and during the pandemic she says "We had a number of challenges, because our setup was converted to digital and almost all of us had to work from home. We lost a lot of projects since we didn't have events and shoots possible during the lock down. We did digital projects, we adapted to changes and now able to thrive even in the pandemic. Don't be afraid, everything can be learned, embrace your uniqueness because it what makes you great. That's the value of a good team. You have to pivot your services to what is currently relevant. We have openings if you are a creative, we are open for that!"

Nariese Giangan of FFTG Cafe

FFTG (food for the gays) now has a physical cafe, a safe space. Started April last year, when she graduated in culinary school and decided to sell baked goods. She says "The name was really catchy, the LGBT folks were just on it as they felt like "supreme beings", now we have a business and opened it even in the middle of pandemic. When I opened shop, it was already going strong, but we had to close shop again after a few weeks. We had to be in deliveries and do it online. We needed to double our efforts, because at the end of the day, our bills don't stop. I was the only one who bakes, had to sometimes ask family to help out. Anyone can learn the skills, but you have to believe in your product, and know the services that you provide. Know your market and plan your business well and how to promote it not just to the community, but its allies. You have to also develop your products, and never stop dreaming."

They also consign products so if you want to sell your food there, they can accommodate.


Jeoff Solas of Comercio Central, Cooltura Hub, and Fitness Army

I've known Jeoff for a few years since I also cover hotels and restaurants in this blog. He's the head honcho of Think Smarter Marketing Agency and Cooltura Hub.

He shares "I do marketing, branding, press releases even during the lockdown. I have access to a barber shop, do drinks and have had to establish a provincial base here in Bulacan. Cooltura has been a project of mine when I was in the hotel industry, all of these things are just efforts that I put together. Inspired by "kwentong barbero", I came across friends who provided drinks. Initially, I came up with Cooltura Barbers. I have also worked in the tourism industry, but now I had to stay in one place and need to do it online. In order to thrive, I knew I had to know more people in my area, it gave me an opportunity to know people from Bulacan and in exchange give them opportunities, employment, and give the same services of salons and barber shops in Manila in our neck of the woods. If the physical venue of the businesses were challenging, I had to help bring it online. This is a safe space now for more people." His advice was "You always have to encourage yourself, establish a reputation, connect with people, develop new skills but still take care of ourselves. Be resourceful, utilize space, people will tell stories about you if they are happy and feel good about themselves and that has helped us thrive during these times."


Rui Mariano of The Fairygodbarbie House of Beauty

Proud Transpinay Rui owns and operates Fairy God Barbie Aesthetic Wellness and Spa. She says "It started when I won a pageant, sisters asked how they love my hair and skin was nice so while working in Amazing Philippine Theater, I started to put up my beauty and wellness and spa. Now it's on its 7th year, I wanted to help our trans sisters. I wanted it to feel like a home, to build friendships, and now it's a huge community. When the pandemic hit, we need to follow the protocols of the government to close down. It was then when I started selling beauty products together with my sisters, and now it has grown into a branch, basically has grown my business overnight." She shares her secret and says "Be dedicated, committed, know your purpose and your happiness. If you fail or listen to other people, you won't succeed. If your heart is good, the one above knows about it. If you fail plan B, there's a lot of letters left in the alphabet which you can use." which I think was smart. :)

They also held a Google My Business preso after the talk

Now is the time to support local businesses, so always be nice. If they make mistakes, give them time to recover. Spread positivity, celebrate pride, celebrate YOU. Celebrate with the causes they are fighting for, especially on the topic of equality. Support campaigns of the community. If you are an LGBT entrepreneur, be visible. There's a strong community that can support you, educate yourselves in the SOGIE bill, support the businesses and commit to pride. It's not just in pride month, but the whole year. It'll pay off in the long run, kindness is the key, your business will survive with your friends, regular customers, you can inspire people to be more inclusive.

This was definitely a good talk with very interesting people. Thank you Google Philippines for doing this not just for the community, but the public; to keep them informed about existing LGBT+ businesses and shared their successes to others who might go through the same challenges they have gone through. Thanks Google Philippines!

Jollibee Celebrates Family Thanksgiving Month

Thanking the special people in your life is the greatest gift you can give them during this season. Although we're all locked up and in mumbo jumbo quarantine, our families have always been there for us. Jollibee has always connected with Filipinos for years now, and this time, they're going to make you say what you haven't been telling them.

 

Director Joel Ruiz who did this commercial says "Given the challenges this pandemic, we Pinoys have shown our love for family. I am greatful to be part of this project that champions Filipino families. It is my first time to work with Anne, we used real families as models and it was nice to see them naturally act, real authentic emotions that they share with each other."

Anne says "I was really nervous doing this because of the pandemic, being a Mom now you want to be with you family and he helped me to geyt through this, and now we get to see the final product that's full of joy, full of love. I was teary eyed to be surprised with a message from my family in Australia, I really miss them (she cries) since its been a long time since I haven't seen them. Being a Mom, my life has been changed. You know your time in real life, you realize how precious it is spent with them. I think I'm overwhelemed with the amount of support and love I'm getting from people, I really appreciate that."

Edric and Joy Mendoza, Anne Curtis and Francis Flores from Jollibee also had us listen to them when they went live on Facebook. During that session, they shared their experiences bringing up their kids and how they want their families to grow even during your lowest times. Jollibee being a brand spreads joy and this is an opportunity for them to focus on good things we have during these hard times. This campaign is certainly timely, powerful and relevant.  

Thank you for starting this Jollibee!

Feng Shui Goodness from Yang’s Charms and Crystals Marikina

Yang’s Charms and Crystals just opened up shop last July 28 in Marikina.

Sat down with Ms. Joy Lim, owner of famous Charms and Crystals. She started as an accessory dealer since 1995. It was just a hobby for her, she liked it and her best friend had love problems, she wanted to help and in Binondo they only sold Jade, and common charms but none were really apt for what they needed. They saw the need for it - so that’s when they started with lucky items often seen in the house but made it special by using different precious crystals as base. From frogs, crystals, Buddha figures, she is Filipino Chinese so it was like second nature for her.

In Hong Kong she saw how this was done and the lucky objects were just more fancy, attractive and when she took home most of her ware it was sold like hotcakes. Add to that her sudden exposure in popular TV shows on ABSCBN, she became a byline in society when you hear Charms and Crystals by Joy Lim. You probably have seen her name many times in ABSCBN shows.

Not to burst your bubble but the hungry ghost month is not over yet. If you do offerings for wandering ghosts and they actually can give you something in return, this is what the Ghost Month Offering is for. It’s got candles for light (done outside the house), paper money to burn and incense. It’s like doing good deeds that are unexpected, do it every year with your family’s third generation, and you will be lucky. They have a packet available in the shop (which you can also purchase) with the complete items for one person, or for your whole family.

In this franchise, personal consultations can be done every Wednesday and it is FREE but you have to build your own charm bracelet during this time.

If you see Christian symbols on the charm don’t be worried, according to her it builds your faith. She says “We guide out clients and that’s the difference. We do not just sell charms and crystals. We don’t say we have to worship, but it is symbols, it follows the same ideas as nature so the lucky symbols around your house have meaning, it is based also on God’s creations. Crystals can be brought with you, it doesn’t have to be a bracelet like charms in your pocket. These days I have my son and daughters already stable, my family too, this is just my way of giving back.”

Owner Ms. Ria Dimalanta was excited to share her story and says “Meeting Ms Joy Lim was a dream. I am in the construction business and I met her in January. Initially I really only wanted a Feng Shui consultation for my own place and told me things would happen from 3 to 6 months. This talk happened in January of this year and it kind of bore fruit to build this new franchise from Ms. Joy Lim. I was a little afraid we would reach the ghost month and you know those dates won’t be good for business. In May we already set up shop, it was just like magic. I opened before ghost month, we already had a lot of walk ins and it was surprising. We are also targeting Antipolo soon. For me doing charms and crystals is like sharing what happened to me; and now I want to share the same experience with other people. I felt the change and it’s not a fools story, I now have a lot of projects in my construction business and also now own this franchise in Marikina. I met her through a friend and after the consultation, in my line of work I got triple (even more) the luck I got when I started. I believe it was fate who brought us together and by faith our businesses will flourish. It all stems from there, we are working on our second Yang Charms and Crystals branch which will be opening very soon.”

The store’s name is hailed from Yin and Yang with the latter pointing to the bright side of things. Luck definitely exists, but Feng Shui has been practised for years and is a science if you think about it. If it plays a role in your life and makes you believe with intent on how it would bring more harmony in your home and life, then why not right? We have our own free will, let’s use that to make our lives better.

YANG’s Charms and Crystals is located at 116 Lilac Street SSS Village Concepcion II in Marikina City. You may call them via 9597271 or their mobile numbers 09171054146/09491238039. You can also email them via ycandc.yangcharmsandcrystal@gmail.com or walk in if you want to know more.

KUMAGCOW
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WeChat's Got Special Stickers for Women’s Month!

The most awesome person in the world is my Mom. I'm sure most of you will say the same. That goes with your sisters, friends and relatives of the female form. At the end of the day, you hold certain special things in the past. Most of them are memories; and the energy you get from them is insurmountable. I am proud of them!

If you may have seen in recent days, the Philippines in almost every media outlet has celebrated Women's Month. We have participated together with other nations the recent International Women's Day which happened March 8, 2014. To give honor to these individuals, WeChat has just released new stickers to give thanks to the women in your life.

Miss Sweetness Alive - She's that refined woman who's as charming as the one you see in books. Warm and welcoming in any situation. They make you feel comfortable and are always there whenever you need advice. They're exactly like your Mom, or close friends because you can confide to them your hardships in life but still gives sound advice whenever you need it. They are your go to persons if you want TLC. Isn't she sweet?!

Miss Live Wire - They are real born leaders, heroes in their own right. They are the existing alpha in the Greek alphabet. They hunger for the win. If you have that certain femme fatale personality then these stickers represent you. Almost like Wonder Woman and can juggle all the facets of her job and still have time to take care of the family. That's her! She's likely to use also WeChat's Group Chat feature that can get 100++ people in one group. It makes instructions easy to send to a multitude of your work personnel or friends too.

Miss Atlas Trouper - She's always out in the world, finding external forces that could influence and make her professional and personal life better. A go getter, easily can be seen anywhere she goes and inspires others to do the same. She does good things and shares that same trait with other people as much as she can. Use the sticker and you would likely be someone who would use WeChat's location sharing and discovery feature. Try Shake, Friend Radar or People Nearby and you can get more friends in the process. One who's got a happy social life, a better person inside and out. That's Miss Atlas Trouper for you!

Miss Get Happy - If she's too non predictable and radical, she's bound to be the one to think of creative and inventive things every time you get together then she's Miss Get Happy. They will always try to make you happy, get your spirits up whenever she sees you need it. Her free spirit will be always contagious. They think about happy things and enjoy if you get bursting into laughter. They are the sunshine to your rain and the first person to start good times. She's bound to use WeChat's Walkie Talkie or Hold-to-Talk voice notes to get you in the mood. She also initiates those fun times by making video calls so that no distance can be between you. We always have a friend/sister that's like that. Something that would instantly tell you to utter the words "I love her!". A woman who never simmers in dull moments and makes your gloomy day a brighter one on cue!

WeChat has got so many ways to get you connected with the special people in your life. They also have stickers that can tell that special one what you feel in that particular time when text is not enough. To my Mother, sister and friends, thank you for being there for me when I needed it most. I might not like most of the women outside my circle, but if it's you... I'd make an exception to love you just like you do me. :)

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