Century Tuna, the Philippines' leading tuna brand, finally unveiled the highly anticipated Top 18 male and female Finalists for Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever who have inspiring stories to share as they strive for the healthiest and fittest versions of themselves with Century Tuna.

Launched in 2006, Century Tuna Superbods celebrates individuals who have embarked on remarkable journeys of physical transformation, personal growth, and a commitment to healthy living. Now in its 9th season, Century Tuna Superbods has become an iconic national fitness challenge and movement that motivates Filipinos to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

After a rigorous evaluation process including online and onsite auditions, the finalists were selected from hundreds of hopeful applicants, each with a unique and inspiring story to share. The finalists were announced at the recently held Century Tuna Superbods Final Callback Event at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig City.

Century Tuna Superbods Top 18 Male Finalists

The Top 18 finalists for the male category are Nikko Nackaerts, Tony de Oteyza, Angel Mallari, Jerico Ejercito, Jether Palomo, Kris Guevarra, John Jenric Saldivar, Michael Ver Comaling, Jose Vicente Sobrevilla, Patrick Patawaran, John Paulo Dela Cruz, Carlo Adorador, Aaron Davis, Jeff Ong, Enzo Bonoan, Derick Hibaler, Naia Ching, and Joshua David Spider Webb.

Century Tuna Superbods Top 16 Female Finalists

Meanwhile, the finalists for the female category are Monique de los Santos, Mariah Nicole Valdez, Justine Felizarta, Brooke Barredo, Lea Macapagal, Hazel Ortiz, Morena Carlos, Chrystel Mae Correos, Jasmin Ariola, Julia Sucgang-Bonoan, Nælah Alshorbaji, Clare Dacanay, Jessica Marasigan, Miaow Ayesa, Keylyn Trajano and Teodora Marie Reiss.

Completing the Top 18 female Superbods are Imelda Schweighart and Inka Magnaye who were announced as the two online wildcard contenders who were automatically named as Finalists.

The esteemed panel of judges evaluated the finalists' journeys including Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Division Mr. Carlo Endaya, Marketing Manager of Century Tuna and Vita Coco Ms. Bea Ballesca-Martinez, Multi-awarded Actress and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, and Century Tuna Superbods 2022 Grand Winners Kirk Bondad and Christelle Abello who shared their expertise and insights throughout the competition.

The finalists were evaluated through a walk-off to showcase their physiques, charisma, and stage presence and a question-and-answer portion to demonstrate their ability to share their fitness advocacies and wits.

“This year, Century Tuna Superbods does what it does best - bringing out the best in individuals. The ‘Best You Ever’ campaign is truly a game-changer in how we define healthy living in today's times, as portrayed by every passionate heart that accepted this year's challenge. Congratulations to our Top 18 male and female finalists who have shown what becoming their best selves truly means and how different it can be for everyone's journey. We are excited to know more about your journey and watch you inspire others,” said Mr. Carlo Endaya.

The Century Tuna Superbods Final Callback Event was hosted by Robi Domingo with special performances by Sheena Belarmino and Klarisse De Guzman.

Century Tuna Superbods embraced the "Best You Ever" campaign this year, promoting self-love and holistic self-improvement beyond physical transformation. The theme encouraged participants to become the best versions of themselves, led by its celebrity Superbod ambassador, Kathryn Bernardo.

Be on the look out for the finals night of Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever Campaign in July and witness the glorious moment of naming this year’s #CenturyTunaSuperbodsBestYouEver winners.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Uratex Monoblock, the trusted Filipino plastic furniture brand in the market, amplifies its “Bawal ang Marupok” campaign with a hilarious bang reflecting Filipino values of resilience amidst challenges, facing it with a touch of humor, and finding joy within the struggle. 

The landmark initiative “Bawal Ang Marupok” positions Uratex Monoblock as both a trailblazer and a standard of its own, with Uratex Monoblock receiving local certifications from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), and the only brand to achieve Level 5 certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the highest plastic furniture standard in the country. The campaign was launched last year as part of the brand’s 30th anniversary. 

In its recent short video advertisement, viewers are transported into a familiar scenario where a young girl, seated on a Uratex Monoblock, is seen admiring her crush from afar. Despite the girl’s funny and over-the-top antics and reactions, the Monoblock remains intact. The girl may have fallen, but the Uratex Monoblock remains firm and reliable, ready to support in any situation—a glaring testament to its durability, quality, and strength, even in the most playful of situations.

“For over 30 years, Uratex Monoblock has continued its promise of providing quality comfort to Filipino homes. Our distinctions reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, which caters to our customers’ comfort and peace of mind. With this, our products have surpassed a series of tests, including stress and drop testing, and ergonomic assessments, to ensure the brand's promise,” said Mr. Dindo Medina, Business Unit Director of Uratex Monoblock.

Similar to the girl in the video, we encounter daily scenarios that are often seen as 'marupok' or fragile. Through this campaign, we are reminded to be wise and prioritize the quality and safety that Uratex Monoblock guarantees in every piece. Investing in these sturdy, quality home furniture items is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of your loved ones, backed by a safety seal and reliable seat load capacity. In addition to the certifications, Uratex Monoblock can withstand up to 200 kilograms of weight, equivalent to the weight of three full-grown adults.

Uratex Monoblock offers a diverse range of home essentials that are carefully crafted, ensuring that the brand caters to various consumer preferences and home aesthetics. With common essentials like the 101 Classic, Americana, and Sofie Chair, they offer traditional monoblock chairs found in conventional Filipino households, ensuring that each chair not only retains its familiar appeal, but also upholds Uratex’s standards. 

On the other hand, they have a more trendy line that boasts innovative and contemporary designs such as the Olympia Armchair, Charlotte Bistro, and Marciana chair, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics and adding a touch of elegance and chicness to every living space.

This shared value of resilience forms the cornerstone of Uratex Monoblock's commitment to delivering products that withstand the test of time, ensuring that every piece enhances the comfort and quality of life for consumers, no matter the decade.

“With a longstanding presence in Filipino homes, Uratex Monoblock reflects the resilience and adaptability ingrained in Filipino culture. Just as Filipinos navigate life's challenges with determination and grace, Uratex products embody durability and longevity, making them enduring companions for generations to come,” shared Mr. Medina.

The “Sulyap” ad is just the first of the many exciting executions the campaign has in store for its renewed “Bawal Ang Marupok” campaign, showcasing not only Uratex’s superior products but also the indomitable Filipino spirit. 

Don’t miss out on the laughter! Check out the surprising twist by watching the video on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. For more information on Uratex and its products, visit https://uratex.com.ph/collections/monoblocs. As a Dad blogger In the Philippines, and as a Dad influencer as well - I found this truly to be hilarious. Check it out!

# # # 

Asia’s Superstar Star Kathryn Bernardo continues to make waves as she brings out her best self this year with the no.1 tuna brand in the Philippines, Century Tuna. 

Flaunting her well-toned physique, Kathryn Bernardo is ecstatic to be part of the Century Tuna Superbods campaign which is a dream that has become a reality since her teenage years according to the star. Dad Bloggers in the Philippines such as me, support fitness and wellbeing - hence I am a fan of what Kathryn Bernardo is trying to do.

Kathyryn is Inspired by Century Tuna Superbods

“I’ve always found the Century Tuna Superbods to be inspiring and being a part of this campaign feels like a dream come true. It’s an honor to become part of the Century Tuna Superbods and through this campaign, I hope that I’ll also become an inspiration for every Filipino to let them enjoy full, happy, and healthy lives,” said Kathryn Bernardo.

Leading the Best You Ever campaign, Kathryn started her fitness journey with her trainer, Mauro Lumba, who is also the Century Tuna Superbods 2014 Grand Champion.

As the Century Tuna Ambassador steps into a new phase of her life, she aims to inspire Filipinos to embody Century Tuna’s belief that every body can be a superbod through the Best You Ever campaign. Dad Influencers in the Philippines such as me support such an advocacy.

“Anyone can achieve the best version of themselves with the right discipline and determination, proper exercise and nutrition, and a good support system. So I encourage everyone to take that first step towards your 'Best You Ever' and join me in Century Tuna Superbods 2024! Let’s redefine fitness by embracing self-love, challenging growth, and inspiring others.,” Kathryn added.

Launched in 2006, Century Tuna's Superbods campaign has been a trailblazer in promoting health, fitness, and an active lifestyle. This year, their "Best You Ever" movement takes it a step further by advocating for self-love and holistic self-improvement. As the leading tuna brand, Century Tuna inspires consumers to embrace their journey toward becoming the best versions of themselves, physically and mentally.

At Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever, all body types are welcomed and celebrated. Auditions are now open, check out this link for the #CenturyTunaSuperbodsBestYouEver mechanics: https://bit.ly/superbodkath.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

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LEGOLAND SCHOOL CHALLENGE 2024

Get ready to bring fantastical worlds to life with LEGO® bricks! Think magical castles, soaring dragons, enchanted forests – the fantastical possibilities are endless in this year's 'World of Fantasy' theme. Amazing prizes worth over PHP 1M (RM100,000) are up for grabs!  Winners will be invited to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort to attend a special LEGO building workshop led by a Master Model Builder and join exciting learning programs at the resort. Judges will be looking for creativity, technical skills, how well your LEGO build captures the fantasy theme, and the smart use of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) ideas.



Building on Success: The Ever-Expanding LEGOLAND School Challenge

The LEGOLAND School Challenge has ignited imaginations since 2022. This awesome competition is where students and teachers team up to showcase their extraordinary LEGO® building skills. Past themes like "Pride of Your State" and "Future Cities" spurred mind-blowing creations. In 2023, a staggering 370 school group submissions poured in from across the ASEAN region, marking an impressive 80% increase from the previous year.

"The LEGO brick is a universal language of creativity. By expanding the LEGOLAND School Challenge, we aim to build bridges between young builders from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration and a celebration of different cultures," said CS Lim, Divisional Director, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.

How to Enter

1 Form a team of 4-8 students and 2 teachers.

2 Register online between April 15th and May 24th on the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort website.

3 Dream up and build your ultimate LEGO fantasy creation!

Mark your calendars for April 15th and get ready to register for the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2024. Let your imagination and building skills shine.

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About LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort 

LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort brings together a LEGOLAND Theme Park, Water Park, Hotel and SEA LIFE in one LEGO® themed location. It is the ideal family holiday destination with more than 80 hands-on rides, slides, shows, and attractions. It is the first of its kind in Asia that offers comprehensive adventure, education, and fun for either an action-packed day trip or a short break destination ideal for families with kids aged 2 to 12 years old.

The Theme Park is divided into eight themed areas containing thrilling rides, exciting LEGO workshops, awe-inspiring Miniland where Asia's interesting landscapes, countries and landmarks are recreated in miniature made with more than 30 million LEGO bricks. The Water Park is the largest LEGOLAND Water Park in Asia which features 20 unique slides, waves, wade pools, interactive water-play structure and Build-A-Raft River.

LEGOLAND Hotel Malaysia is the first LEGO themed hotel in Asia. Choose your preferred theme room at a hotel all equipped with LEGO theming elements, giving you choices to be trained like a NINJA, playing pirate, commanding a Kingdom or embarking on an adventure option. All rooms include a king-sized bed for parents and a separate private sleeping area for 3 kids. Participate in our in-room treasure hunt activity and stand a chance to win cool LEGO gifts.  

SEA LIFE is the world's largest international aquarium brand with more than 50 outlets in the world and it is the latest addition to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. This attraction will immerse all guests in an intimate and interactive journey underneath the waves. All guests will have a chance to enjoy up-close experiences with sea creatures and be inspired to learn more about our blue planet's invaluable natural marine assets through magical storytelling, interactive displays and hands-on encounters. SEA LIFE Malaysia has more than 25 display tanks in 11 habitat zones featuring 13,000 amazing sea creatures. The Malaysian Rainforest is one of the unique exhibit zones featuring local creatures in Malaysia. Don't miss this special zone where you can never find it in other SEA LIFE attractions. 

About Merlin Entertainments 

Merlin Entertainments is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates nearly 150 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its millions of visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its employees. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

 ENGENEs “SHOUT OUT” their top 4 best moments with co-ENGENEs and ENHYPEN

As the Blogger Dad of Manila, I should be familiar with the hype and trending events in the metro. That is why, I was awestruck to find out that ENHYPEN is coming to Manila, and Samsung is a part of it.

The recent ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE’ IN NEW CLARK CITY left Filipino ENGENEs with  concert “FEVER” as they reminisced about their best moments during the concert. From the start of the line to the end of the event, New Clark City was filled with excitement as ENGENEs from all around the country gathered for the concert experience of a lifetime. 

Read on as ENGENEs shared their top 4 highlights of the ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE’ IN NEW CLARK CITY, featuring experiences with the concert’s exclusive brand partner, Samsung as it unveiled the ultimate concert phone perfect for every K-pop fan. 

Concert hype and making new friends! 

Of course, one of the best things about going to concerts is making new friends. ENGENEs from all around the Philippines gathered in New Clark City for a day, showing their love for the group with their  fellow fans in the venue. Yel, an ENGENE from Marikina City shared, “It was great interacting with other ENGENEs, especially since we all have a lot in common. It was a great opportunity to meet new ENGENE friends'.”

The fun began even before the concert as ENGENEs gathered to claim their ENHYPEN themed concert straps and hung out at the entertainment zone hours prior to the concert. Samsung, the exclusive partner of ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE’ IN NEW CLARK CITY also hosted activities ENGENEs could enjoy like interactive AI stations they could experience together and a raffle to win exclusive ENHYPEN merchandise. It was a fun moment to enjoy with fellow fans and an avenue to make new friends in the area. “Being in one area with co-ENGENEs and ENHYPEN was the highlight of my ‘FATE’ World Tour,” avid k-pop fan Lily shared.

During the concert itself was also a great opportunity to connect with fellow fans in between songs. “The ENGENEs I met were sweet! I met fellow fanboys and we had fun shouting and screaming during the concert,” James, a multimedia professional ENGENE, stated.

An elevated concert experience with the Samsung Booth

As the exclusive partner of ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE’ IN NEW CLARK CITY, Samsung hosted a booth at the entertainment zone near the venue, allowing ENGENEs to learn more about the new Galaxy S24 Series and how it was designed to make the concert experience of K-pop fans truly epic with its amazing camera capabilities. ENGENEs could also win an ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE’ merch t-shirt if they enter Samsung’s raffle. 

James also shared that the Samsung booth in the experiential zone helped them get to know the Galaxy S24 devices while waiting for the concert to begin.  “I visited the Samsung booth! It was actually the nicest booth out of all the booths present in the Entertainment Zone. I was curious about the Samsung Galaxy S24 and from that booth I learned the many capabilities of the phone and how it's actually perfect for taking fancams!.” 

ENHYPEN’s energetic and unique performances 

ENHYPEN gave it their all in the concert, showing their love for ENGENEs as the group performed a galaxy of their greatest songs from “CRIMINAL LOVE”, “Sweet Venom”, “Bite Me”, and fan favorites “SHOUT OUT” and “Polaroid Love.” 

When we asked what their favorite performances were, artist and ENGENE, Ran  shared: “‘Polaroid Love’ and ‘SHOUT OUT.’ Those songs really mean a lot to both ENHYPEN and ENGENEs. I even got emotional with those two songs.”

ENHYPEN also shared their love for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra featuring its upgraded camera during the performance of their popular song, “Polaroid Love'.” This experience was also one that fans deemed unforgettable as the boys got closer with their fans and went around the concert venue in moving carts.

Their energetic vlogs and live selca (self cam) were also featured on the concert wide screen for viewers to enjoy. “I thought ENHYPEN was taking a selfie with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the audience! That was such a sweet moment between ENHYPEN and ENGENEs,” James said.

Reminiscing our time with ENHYPEN

While concerts may only be a few hours long, the memories created will last for a lifetime. For one K-pop fan, “Concerts are investments to our happiness.”  Reliving concert moments after it had happened brings back the joy a hundred fold, especially when re-watching the clips taken during that time. 

Many fans also attend concerts excited to take photos and videos of the group and especially of their bias members that they can share with fellow fans and friends. James said, ”K-pop fans are always looking for a device to record high-quality fancams on. And fancams, we take those seriously!” 

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the perfect concert companion with its super high-definition photos enhanced with ProVisual engine that shoots incredible photos even at night. The Galaxy S24 Ultra hosts 4 powerful cameras equipped with up to 100X Space Zoom including 10x optical quality zoom and 100x digital zoom with Super Resolution technology, ideal for taking videos. 

With upgraded Nightography capabilities, photos and videos shot on Galaxy S24 Space Zoom are brilliant in any condition, even when zoomed in, with a 5x sensor that aids its low light zoom video capabilities. This means the photo and video captures of the device look high-quality even in low light or at night.  

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also a win with its powerful adaptive battery that accompanies you all-day in enjoying moments to the fullest with zero worries of running low on steam, with a battery life that can last up to 30 hours of video play and 95 hours of music listening.  

The year is still young and there are more epic concerts coming this year so capture and relive your concert experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra - find out more at https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/. 

I still love these amazing Samsung products! Two thumbs up from a blogger dad in the Philippines.

Stay tuned for more updates by following Samsung’s social media page: www.facebook.com/SamsungPH/.

***

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

With you through thick and thin: A captivating story of love with Home Credit


The perfect partner para sa love

The lifelong companion in every chapter

A tale of love at first sight

Learn more about Joemar and Diana’s love story here.

Dad bloggers like me love tech so much. This is why I am excited that Samsung Galaxy has launched its new 2024 campaign. Treat yourself to a new Galaxy mobile device and be the best YOU ever this 2024! Create more, play more, save more and connect more through gadgets with the latest features to help you experience moments at their finest and enable you to achieve your life goals.  

With Samsung’s “Welcome the New You, with Galaxy” deals, you can kickstart your New Year’s resolutions with great deals, discounts and bundles on your dream Galaxy device from Jan. 1 to 31, 2024.

Flip for creative possibilities or Unfold a world of greater productivity  

Join the Flip Side this year! Find new angles to create content with the Galaxy Z Flip5 or discover a productivity powerhouse with the huge screen of the Galaxy Z Fold5. 

The Galaxy Z Flip5 flaunts the series’ biggest cover screen yet, at 3.4” giving you more ways to be productive on the go while expressing yourself with just a few clicks and swipes. You can also explore new ways to capture moments and memories using the Flexcam – say hello to hands-free selfies!

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold5 has a massive and immersive 7.6” main display screen perfect for multitasking and comes with an S Pen to help them stay productive. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is also powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor to deliver smooth viewing, gaming and multitasking capabilities. 

Get P7,000 off when you purchase a Galaxy Z Flip5 or P10,000 off when you purchase a Galaxy Z Fold 5. You can also enjoy bundle deals on Galaxy Wearables like 30% off on Watch6 or Watch6 Classic, 50% off the Buds2 Pro, or 30% off the Buds FE.

An Epic New You awaits 

Epic productivity by day and epic content creation at night await you with the Galaxy S23 series. This phone comes with enhanced Nightography features so that low light photos and videos remain bright and vivid from dusk to dawn and the “Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for fast and smooth processing. 

Purchase a Galaxy S23 Ultra for P13,000 off or get it with a free Galaxy Watch6 40mm. You can also consider a Galaxy S23+ for P10,000 off or a Galaxy S23 phone for P6,000 off. Both phones also have bundle deals where you can get a free Buds2 Pro. 

You can also let your creative juices flow and work whenever inspiration strikes with the Galaxy Tab! The Galaxy Tab S9 FE model offers a 10.9” display while the FE+ offers a 12.4-inch display with the Galaxy’s signature in-box IP68-rated S Pen, which you can use with creative tools like Goodnotes, LumaFusion and Clip Studio Paint. And let’s not forget that it comes in super trendy colors like Mint, Gray and Lavender! 

Meanwhile, the new Tab A9 and Tab A9+ offer an even more affordable tablet option with multiple productivity and entertainment features. It has an 8.7” screen, a MediaTek Helio G99 processor and a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Galaxy Tab A9+ boasts a wide 11” display, a Snapdragon® 695 5G processor and a 90Hz refresh rate for a fast and crisp viewing experience.

Grab a Galaxy Tablet this New Year with fantastic discounts. Enjoy P5,000 off with the Tab S9 Ultra, S9+ and S9, or P3,000 off with the Tab S9 FE+. All of them come with a free keyboard slim cover. You can also get the Tab A9 and A9+ for P3,000 off.

Awesome Made Possible

For a more wallet-friendly option, the Galaxy A series also has amazing deals up for grabs to help you have an awesome 2024. 

Collect heartwarming memories every day by capturing them with the Galaxy A54 5G’s awesome 50 MP main camera and 32 MP selfie camera while you can enjoy awesome gaming and streaming on the immersive Super AMOLED displays, 6.4-inch on the Galaxy A54 5G and 6.6-inch on the Galaxy A34 5G, with FHD+ resolution for realistic colors. Get the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 this January and get a free travel adaptor. 

You can also get up to P2,000 off when you purchase a Galaxy A24 LTE until January 31. Enjoy your favorite shows on its 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display while flaunting a premium-looking phone for under P15,000!

You can also get a free 25W travel adapter when you get the newest members of the A-Series family and  Samsung’s most affordable 5G smartphones - the Galaxy A15 5G and A25 5G, which now comes with a Super AMOLED display and supercharged battery for more immersive entertainment!

Wear a Healthier You

Get fit this 2024 with the Galaxy Watch6, which has tools to help you stay fit during the day and sleep well at night. 

This fitness watch comes with customized workout features and a new Personalized Heart Rate Zone feature to analyze your physical capabilities and define five running intensity levels to match your fitness level. Enhanced sleep monitoring functions like an in-depth Sleep Analysis for you to fully understand their sleep patterns and a Sleep Coaching feature to help you build better sleeping habits will help you continue your wellness journey into the night. It even includes blood pressure and ECG measuring tools, which can be activated via the Samsung Health app. 

To help you block out the noise and relax with your favorite playlist, the Galaxy Buds FE bring powerful bass and offers deep and rich sound that allows you to enjoy music the way the artist intended, while powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound enable you to hear more of what you love and less of what you don’t  It also boasts the long-lasting battery life, providing up to 8.5 hours of playback with earbuds.

Get the Watch6 or Buds FE at 30% off when you purchase these with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series, Fold/Flip5 series, A54/A34 Series, Tab S9 FE Series and Galaxy S23 Series. 

Dad Bloggers and Dad Influencers like me want to Celebrate You this 2024 and gear up to achieve your personal goals with a Galaxy device! Enjoy these amazing promos by visiting samsung.com/ph or the official Samsung Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee to learn more about Samsung products made for you. The deals will run until January 31, 2023, so get your hands now on these affordable steals!

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DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-182571 Series of 2023

Now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing up and wearing of face masks outdoors is already optional, a lot of people are starting to go out more often to make up for the time lost to the pandemic. Yet, the fact that COVID-19 is still here remains. It’s still important to stay cautious and be aware of the quality of air around. Keeping hands sanitized and social distancing can only do so much for people to stay safe. The next best protection? Keep air quality at home virus-free and clean with air purifiers.

Trillions of ultrafine pollutants build up in the air that everybody breathes, even indoors. They are everywhere every day. The dirt and dust in the room, pollen and allergens from plants, gases from cookstoves and heaters—these are invisible particles that decrease indoor air quality and can potentially harm one’s health. [S2] 

That’s why it helps to have Samsung’s new AX32 Air Purifier, which keeps indoor air pure by removing ultrafine dust and reducing harmful bacteria and viruses with little to no effort. Young homeowners today invest in compact and stylish air purifiers such as this to have a functional home appliance that will fit their space and also increase productivity. After all, working from home and sprucing up a condo space feels way better when it’s guaranteed that there’s fresh, clean, and odor-free air around.

The Samsung AX32 Air Purifier has a multi-layered high-efficiency purification system for bigger spaces and can cover up to 41sqm area. It has a washable pre-filter that extracts larger house dust particles, an activated carbon deodorizer that removes harmful gases, and a dust collecting filter that captures up to 99.97% of ultrafine dust. 

Doing air purity checks can also be instantly done with this home appliance. It has a 4-color indicator with a sensor which intuitively monitors and shows the level of air pollution at home, from low to high. It also has an Air Sensing Light, which immediately tells how clean the air is. 

The new Samsung air purifier will also fit right at home with its compact and sleek design. It is available in the color sand beige, perfect for minimalist city dwellers and homeowners. Its cube-style shape also takes up less space and features smooth rounded corners, making it a practical choice for homes that sport modern interiors. 

Lastly, this air purifier makes it possible to conveniently take care of one’s home anytime and anywhere because it is SmartThings-compatible. Just by connecting it to the SmartThings app, homeowners can remotely turn it on and off, check the air quality, and control other functions even before they get home. They can also set an operational timer in the app to save the air purifier’s energy consumption. 

The new Samsung AX32 Air Purifier is now exclusively available online for only PHP 10,995. Visit samsung.com/ph/air-care/air-purifier/ to know more. 

For more information, visit samsung.com/ph. 

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About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

Uniqlo just recently held its 2022 Fall/Winter Lifewear collection and it was such a delight and a special privilege to be able to witness this exquisite event.  As a call center dad, I was really so excited to see the newest and trendiest fashion for the cold “BER” months.  I’d say their collection is truly a must-have especially for Call Center Agents like me.  I surely believe Call Center Agents in the Philippines will be truly delighted to see all those collections and have some for themselves, especially since this industry is refuted to have offices with ultra-cold room temperature – mostly because their machineries are not suited to the kind of climate we generally have in the Philippines.  That is precisely the reason why, Uniqlo’s jackets, coats, and winter clothes are definitely a must-have especially for Call Center Agents in the Philippines.

The pieces looked warm – although, not “too warm” -- and exhibits comfort and practicality. We all know that jackets and winter clothes can be fashionable.  However, we understand that some of these clothes may not really be the usual fashion trend -- especially for a tropical country, like the Philippines.  The reason why I mentioned that these clothes are perfect for the Filipino call center agent is due to the fact that there are lots of call centers here in the country that really keep their temperature at an extremely cold level (since it helps cool down most of the equipment).  

Overall, Uniqlo PH has recently released a new line of clothing which is truly perfect not only for BPO workers but also, for those other people who work in any corporate setting and even the younger generation as well. Kudos to Uniqlo for their 2022 Winter/Fall Lifewear collection.

Pieces were practical and perfect for any  BPO setting.

#uniqloph

How to survive Working in a call center

Call centers in the Philippines are known as one of the most toxic work places. So for a call center Dad like me, the best advice I can give to survive in a call center -- is to simply toughen up and adjust. 

While it is indeed true that some call centers in the Philippines have accounts that are technically a walk in the park, most call center environments are still so hard to survive in. If that's the case, there are some steps you can take to get through it without losing your cool or getting overwhelmed by stress.

For call center dads like me, work is defined as an activity that involves your mental as well as physical effort in order to achieve your purpose or your intended result.  That definition suggests that work is not an easy matter. Just like any other form of work, working as a call center agent in the Philippines has its challenges and in most cases, it is actually more challenging compared to some desk-jobs. 

Most Filipino call center agents will surely agree that by far, the biggest challenge, aside from knowing the product, mastering the tools and resolving issues, is handling irate callers.  Some callers can really be mean and nasty as if you were responsible for whatever issue they happen to be encountering. Some callers seem to come from hell itself.

So here are some insights on how to survive stressful calls and handle irate callers. 

As a call center agent in the Philippines, always remember that there are those who are frustrated with the service your company offers and since you represent the company, they blame you for the issue they have encountered as if you were responsible for it or have anything to do with it.  While some just want to vent out their anger on someone and that someone happens to be you.  

As a call center agent, you get to encounter different people with different personalities.  The key to survival in this kind of job is to never take the call personally.  Remember that these callers are not exactly mad at you, precisely because they have no reason to be – so, make sure not to give them a reason to.  Therefore, your task as an agent is to pacify the caller first by empathizing with him and second, by assuring him that you were trained to address his concern.  Once you have them on your side, they will be willing to work with you.  However, there may be some callers who stay aloof for whatever reason –maybe, they’ve had some bad experience with customer service before, but you just have to focus on doing your best to help this caller the best way you can.  Remember -- working in a call center is not just a job, but rather, an opportunity to help someone.

Anyway, the best way you can help your caller is first, by listening intently on what problem the caller has encountered -- therefore, bringing it to your attention.  Be sure to ask all the right question to make sure you obtain all the necessary information to address his/her concern.  Make sure that you jot down all the important details so that you do not forget them.  These details can help you analyze the problem and plan on your most suitable solution.  

In some instances, there are callers who checks on you whether or not you were able to write down and understand their concerns.  Most call center veterans know that especially with irate callers, failing to take notes about their concern, kind of makes them doubt your sincerity to help them or your ability to fix things.  

Being a call center agent who does not understand a callers concern will add to the customers frustration. This will make them even more irate. 

On the other hand, giving your caller your full attention, somehow assures him/her that you are indeed sincerely willing to help.  Once you have the caller’s trust that you are there to help him or her solve whatever issue or issues he or she is encountering with your product, then both of you can work together more efficiently in getting the issue resolved.

So to handle irate callers in a call center. 

Listen

Jot down notes

Show empathy - put yourselves in their shoes.

Focus on the problem and make sure you understand it.

Then pause and try to think - IF you were the caller, what words/solution would you want to hear.

If the decision is beyond your jurisdiction, reiterate the problem and inform the caller that you will get back to them.

Be calm and professional at all times.

Pro TIP: Irate callers and people will always be a part of life. IF you learn to deal with irate callers in a call center, you will hone a skill that you may use for life.

A CALL CENTER AGENT -- CAN THIS BE A LIFETIME CAREER?

Being a call center dad means that I should have a good career for my family. I know that the advent of technology has drastically changed people’s lives.  In fact, the introduction of call centers in the business arena basically attracted an influx of workers from varied professions.  

The Philippines, having generally, an abundance of English-speaking work force -- easily became the call center capital of the world.  The rise of call centers in the Philippines sparked the exodus of workers mostly from jobs that some people generally labelled as ‘toxic’ like teaching and nursing.  

Toxic Jobs in the Philippines

 "Toxic job" is the label that was popularly given to jobs that are not only strenuous but at times, also requires a person to work more than 8 hours in a day.  Take for example the teaching profession.   Generally speaking, the work of a teacher does not really start nor end in the classroom.  A teacher needs to prepare lesson plans, teaching and visual aids, seat-works and quizzes as well as check papers and also record grades.  Most of these tasks are done outside the classroom.   Likewise, with regards to working as a nurse, the current rise in health concerns like viruses and other sicknesses due to unhealthy lifestyle, have resulted in increased hospital cases. Since hospitals are required by law to maintain a corresponding number of nurses on duty in proportion to the number of patients, some nurses are required to render overtime work or what they call double-shift.  

Nurses and Teachers work in Philippine Call Centers

Therefore, a lot of teachers and nurses opt to work in a call center instead since generally speaking, call center workers only work on an 8-hour shift.  Furthermore, the Call Center industry has basically attracted workers from other professions as well.  Another factor is that Call Centers in the Philippines do not necessary require their applicants to have a college degree nor speak in perfect grammar.  The basic requirement is for you to have at least two years of college education and of course, pass their English test and interview.   

As long as you are able to aptly express your ideas confidently in English, you stand a very good chance of landing a job in a call center.  This scenario, basically resulted in the exodus of workers from various industries.  Not only that -- fresh graduates likewise, easily gravitated to the call center industry as well as undergrads.  

Why Filipino's make good call center agents

Generally speaking, the Philippines, being once under the American rule, has a populace who are quite adept in speaking the English language.  Add to this the fact that most Filipinos, speak English as a second language since it is the medium of instruction in almost all the schools especially, in private schools.  This, as well as other factors like lower operating expenses, has basically attracted more call centers to set up their offices here.  Soon enough, the younger generation -- college students as well as graduates, aim to pursue a career in the call center.  Another important factor is that most of these call centers offer a much better compensation package compared to most local industries since call centers generally have their main offices in the western countries.

So is being a Call Center Agent in the Philippines a long term career?

Since call centers are here to stay – therefore, it is safe to assume that working as a Call Center Agent can be considered a life-time career.  That is -- the Philippines, being deemed as the call center capital of the world, can somehow provide Call Center Agents the assurance of a lasting career.

What is also good is that Call Center Companies will always have jobs available. While accounts under a call center may lose a particular account, there will always be openings and other accounts that an agent can transfer to. This means security of tenure for most of their agents.