AboJeb Group Opens its New Office in Paranaque

In pursuit of its commitment to strengthen the maritime and manpower sectors in the Philippines, Abojeb Group commences its new office in Paranaque City in Ri-Rance Corporate Center 1 at Aseana City. They occupy the 5th and 6th floor with 3,000 square meters which provide a modern welcome to seafarers.

Before the actual inauguration, we heard some insights from the list of speakers in the forum and present some valuable information regarding Abojeb operations.

Arleen Asuncion, Senior Vice President for Crewing of Jebsen Maritime, shares how Abojeb’s crew management arm differentiates itself through market-leading tech innovations and welfare programs.

Capt. Allwyn Lobo, Head of Jebsen Ship Management, expounds on the advantages of operating ship management from the Philippines and the country’s promising position to lead in the said field.

Capt. Joeran Noestvik, General Manager of Jebsen Competency Development Center, shares the company’s take on skills development of Filipino seafarers including career progression to remain a competitive source of maritime talent.

Fritz Lim, Business Development Manager of Abojeb Manpower Solutions, gives a primer on the land-based manpower recruitment unit of the Abojeb group which is active in the healthcare, oil and gas, ship building, and engineering industries

During the inauguration, Carl Martin Faannessen, Managing Director, Abojeb Company, said that this signifies the company’s continued commitment as a major player in the Philippines’ maritime industry. “As we move to our new home, we are excited to serve our customer and seafarers even better. Our company exists to deliver great people and services to meet the demands of our customers all over the world, and we now have the infrastructure to do this even better.”

Mr. Faannessen also mentioned that though Abojeb Group will remain focused on recruiting and developing Filipinos seafarers and providing quality and cost-efficient ship management globally, they are also looking at hiring land-based professionals because of the global demand for Filipino talent in the healthcare and education sector.

“More and more countries are opening their doors to Filipino healthcare professionals and teachers. And by taking advantage of this opportunity, we will be able to give more Filipinos a chance to a better life as we extend our services beyond maritime,” Faannessen shared.

According to Faannessen, many industries are still in need of skilled and competent Filipino workforce. The Philippines is a top-of-mind choice when it comes to sea-based and land-based talent. Hence, the Abojeb Group continues to see the people of the Philippines as the backbone of its business also in the future.

Abojeb shareholders, Mr. Endika Aboitiz, IMO Ambassador Carlos Salinas, and Mr. Bjorn Jebsen, share the stage for the inauguration ceremony.

About the Abojeb Group

Abojeb Company is a leading and well-recognized ship management, crewing, and land-based manpower company. It traces its roots from the Jebsens Group of Bergen, Norway founded in 1929.

Jebsen Ship Management has delivered cost-efficient, globally competitive, technical services to vessels of various types. Jebsen Maritime, Abojeb’s crewing arm, has honed its crewing services to provide the best people to more than 400 ships presently under its care – boasting 87% retention rate and a pool of 12,500 seafarers for the ocean-going ships of its principals from Norway, US, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Singapore, Japan, and Philippines. Abojeb Manpower Solutions, its land-based manpower services division, provides hundreds of highly qualified land-based professionals to many overseas businesses across several industries. Abojeb Company continues to garner recognition from the Philippine government and various industry-led organizations. Abojeb has expanded presence in Australia, Greece, Japan, Norway, and USA.

Share the Love this Holiday Season with Carousell #Preloved Campaign

Manila, Philippines - Carousell, one of the world's largest and fastest growing classifieds marketplaces, today launched #PrelovedWithLove, a charitable movement which aims to encourage the act of gifting and giving in a meaningful way. The campaign was developed in collaboration with non-profit organization, Hands On Manila.

Celebrities like Laureen Uy, Martine Cajucom and Angel Del Peralta to sell their pre-loved items for charity.

Most of the personal items are underused and has its own story. Carousell encourages the act of passing these preloved items on to someone who may have a greater need for them.

"This is aligned with Hands on Manila's vision to empower every Filipino to contribute to the community. The proceeds will go to the ongoing social entrepreneurship program we are running in Mandaluyong Addition Hills Elementary School." said Emmanuel Bienvenido Marquez, Executive Director, Hands on Manila 

"On top of raising funds for our beneficiary, we hope this can kick-start a movement where our community can give away items they no longer need. With more than 11 million listings on our marketplace, Carousell is the platform to connect like-minded individuals to buy, sell, and also give away their items this Christmas," said Marita Galvez, Marketing Executive, Carousell Philippines. 

To inspire the community during this season of giving, Carousell has teamed up with local celebrities and personalities such Laureen Uy, Martine Cajucom, Angel Dei Peralta and more. Each of them have put together a box of items that they no longer use, along with their personal stories attached. These boxes will be sold on Carousell and all proceeds will be donated to the Hands On Manila public school programme.

Hero's how you can be involved:

1. Buy a box for charity: From December 6 until December 10, you may support the cause by buying for the boxes listed on Carousell.

2. Donate your preloved items: You may also be a part of the movement by listing your own box or item at $0 using the hashtag #PrelovedWithLove from now until Christmas, to pass your item on to someone who may benefit from it. These $0 blessings will be featured in a Special

Collection also launching on December 11 to facilitate preloved exchanges for those in need.

About Carousell 

Carousell is a classifieds marketplace that makes selling as easy as taking a photo, buying as simple as chatting. Launched in August 2012, Carousell began in Singapore and now has a presence in seven markets across Asia. With over 171 million listings, we are one of the world's largest and fastest growing marketplaces in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and is backed by Rakuten Ventures, Sequoia India, 500 Startups, Golden Gate Ventures, DBS and EDBI. The Carousell marketplace has a diverse range of products across a variety of categories, including cars, lifestyle, gadgets and fashion accessories. Download the app for iOS or Android, and visit www.carousell.com for more information. 

About Hands On Manila 

Formally established in August 2001, Hands on Manila (HOM) brings to the Philippines an innovative and alternative model of volunteer service. The flexibility model of volunteer service allows for volunteering to be integrated into daily schedules of busy individuals. 

Our Story the Vista Residences Five University Projects

Vista Residences launch five university projects that were renamed to create a more academic, student-centered vibe of the projects and this is "Our Story" held last November 22, 2018 in Green Sun.

The highlight of the event is the 360-degree appearance in the wall showcasing their latest project and at the same time, they launch also the two Prime Properties in Cebu the Suarez Residences is the first development of Vista Residences in the Queen City of the South. Designed to create the ideal human habitat by responding to life’s necessities, Suarez Residences Cebu is master planned to redefine condominium living – a shopping center, hotel and residential hub in one tower; a perfect investment for those who are working or studying in uptown Cebu.

Vista Recto will now be ORWELL HEIGHTS, named from the English novelist George Orwell who was popularly known on his works about awareness on social injustice, literary criticisms, and support on social equality.

Vista Heights 2 will now be named as TENNYSON HEIGHTS from the British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson who became known when he was appointed as Poet Laureate during the era of Queen Victoria.

Vista Laong Laan will now be BRADBURY HEIGHTS named after the American author and screenwriter Ray Bradbury.

Vista Katipunan 3 will now be named HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS from the American novelist, dark romantic and short storywriter, Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Vista Plumeria will now be PLUMERIA HEIGHTS, named after the flower that once grew and bloomed profusely in Manila, more popularly known by its local name kalachuchi.

Lastly, Encore South Triangle – is a 32 storey development that will stand along Eugenio Lopez Drive; a short distance away from ABSCBN, and GMA, Trinoma, SM North EDSA, Miriam College, Ateneo de Manila and UP Diliman.

Vista Residences takes pride in building for the nation's future leaders. This is by truly understanding the journey of students and the pressure and difficulties that come with it. We believe they deserve nothing but the best so we have been very dedicated in creating better living options for them – the birth of the University Series Projects.

Vista Residences is the condominium development arm of Vista Land. Since its launch in 2003, it has become a formidable player in the fast-growing vertical development sector of the real estate industry. Vista Residences continues to address the rising demand for condominium living with over 50 mid and high-rise towers across the country’s most progressive business districts.

The New Maya Happy Mug Product Launch from MAYA's

Make your Christmas more fun and exciting with the latest product from Maya Kitchen that everyone can enjoy this holiday season. Introducing the Maya Happy Mugs that comes in two yummy flavor and easy to prepare procedure that makes it more enjoyable. Give some happy treats this holiday season and spread the love of giving. See how they smile when they open the Happy Mug.

MAYA’s brand-new product, Maya Happy Mugs, is sure to bring back memories of making Santa a treat before going to bed. These special, versatile mixes come in single servings that are ready to mix: just microwave for 2 minutes and a warm, tasty cake will be in your hands! Available in Chocolate and Caramel, these delicious and convenient little mug cakes also come with their own rich, delectable sauces. But everyone’s free to add even more toppings from fruit slices to chopped nuts to enjoy it their own way. It’s an easy and hassle-free way to make a quick treat for themselves or their families this Christmas.

To celebrate Christmas past and present, The Maya Kitchen transforms into a cozy holiday home, complete with special themed Christmas corners that evoke cherished memories from recreating holiday photos at the Holiday Photo Corner to reminiscing about family Christmas dinners in the Dining Hall. But this isn’t where the festivities end: anyone can recreate their childhood Christmases with MAYA.

Christmastime often comes with nostalgic memories of childhood lovingly putting finishing touches to the tree, tearing into colorful presents, and enjoying delectable Noche Buena feasts with friends and family.  From their hotcake, brownie, and cake mixes to their All-Purpose Flour, MAYA makes it easy to craft the perfect Christmas meals and snacks for reliving the warm, happy memories of the season. 

For unforgettable Christmas breakfasts, Maya Hotcake Art is the best family activity there is. Whether parents and kids get creative with different cartoonish designs or simply cut their hotcakes into fun shapes and decorate with toppings, MAYA Original Fluffy n’ Tasty Hotcake Mix and MAYA Complete Quick N’ Easy Hotcake Mix are perfect for making these visually-appetizing treats on Christmas mornings. 

This year, MAYA lets you relive the childhood Christmases you so fondly remember with products that will turn your household into a cheerful, creative holiday haven. Make some new memories with MAYA, where the best kitchen moments are just a few steps away.

Follow and like MayaHotcakesandMore on Facebook, and @MayaHotcakesandMore on Instagram and Twitter.

For more information on this, log on to  www.themayakitchen.com, e-mail  contactus@themayakitchen.com , or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City. You may also call us 8921185 or 892-5011 local 108 or +63929 679 6102.

First Ever Customer Service Robot at Sm Megamall

Say hello to SM’s newest interactive mall attendant!

Be the first to experience the initial run of SM’s newest smart robot at SM Megamall. Truly, shopping has never been this fun and interactive at SM Supermalls!

“In pursuit of bringing family fun experiences for all, SM is excited to bring to customers another fun innovation that aims to transform shopping and retail experiences in the country,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO.

The New Kinpo Group (NKG) is a Taiwan-based technology company that specializes in global electronic and original design manufacturing services. This tech giant is known for its developments in robotics, smart-home appliances, and electronic beauty products among others.

Taking mall-going experiences to a whole new level, the country’s first ever in-mall smart customer service robot debuts at SM Supermalls during 1st quarter of 2019, in partnership with New Kinpo Group – a Taiwan-based tech company. Your newest in-mall, go-to guide will provide mall directions, deals, promos, and other new happenings to watch out for at SM!

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com.

Downy launches the first ever hug-activated Scented Christmas Tree

Downy the leading global fabric softener launched their #Spread100Hugs campaign with Miss Universe 2015 and hug ambassadress Pia Wurtzbach. Downy Scented Christmas Tree is the first ever hug-activated that lights up when people inside hug each other in the perfume-scented chamber. Decked with red LED lights, the sea of red roses inside the 50 feet Scented Christmas Tree. It stands majestically at Eastwood Mall’s open park in Quezon City.

Christmas is the time of gathering and reunion for families, relatives & friends and the first time that we see each other we offer our warmest hug or shake hands to show how we miss each other. The power of hugs is undeniable gives comfort and that's the priceless gift. With this campaign, Pia Wurtzbach and Downy redefines gift-giving this Christmas with a simple yet meaningful gift idea — a hug.   

The crowd is ready for the much-awaited lighting of the first ever scented Christmas Tree. Some celebrity guest like Mariel Rodriguez, Say Alonzo, Melissa Ricks, Helga Krapf, and Princess Velasco and family are joined also the event in the culmination of Pia’s hugging tour.

The main inspiration of this Christmas tree takes from the luxurious fragrance of Downy. It takes essence from the smell of an endless field of flowers, to which is exactly what this tree is made of and something we recreated in a mirror room that’s right in the heart of this beautiful structure, and the opulent feel of velvet, a fabric which embodies softness, both wonderful elements to inspire a loving, hugging emotion.

Most people underestimate the power of a hug. A hug has the ability to affect us all, and facts attest to their incredible power on how it can make us feel warm and special. Renowned family therapist Virginia Satir famously stated, "We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth." 

What can be a more powerful way to express your affection and love to others than with a warm, meaningful hug? Through Downy’s #Spread100Hugs campaign, we want to let people realize that hugs are a wonderful way to connect with the people that truly matter to them. And with Downy Parfum Collection’s long-lasting scent, every hug will smell fresh, from the first until the very last hug.” said Louie Morante, Regional Brand Communications for Fabric Care P&G Asia Pacific.

Joining the event are some real and inspiring stories of Filipinos—Diane, a deaf and mute mother of two, and breadwinner to the family, who showed how a hug can be able to say how much you care and love a person even without uttering a word.

Dhorie, an OFW who needs to leave her children this coming December once again, showed how she can hug as long as she can (even up to 45 seconds or more), even during the times you need to say goodbye.

Kenjie and JJ, and Catherine and Robi, who are same-sex couples who never feared to show their affection to the public, and how a hug can show that they can power through any obstacle together.

Fernanda Baky, a retired teacher, and David Baky, Head of Security for the US World Relief Corporation, about to celebrate their 51st anniversary, showed how a hug can truly be long-lasting.

These hugs are not the brief, half-armed hugs or just pats on the back, but heartfelt embraces that we long for. And because hugging means getting real close to people that we care for, Downy Parfum Collection™ gives everyone the confidence to spread hugs. 

It featured Pia Wurtzbach in a hugging tour around the Metro, showing her affection and appreciation to friends who have stood by her throughout the years, including her glam team, former classmates, fans, and her mentor, Tito Nad Bronce.

The Downy Parfum Collection™ is a premium fabric enhancer line that offers softness and long lasting scent from wash to wear. Each variant contains a carefully curated formula that enhances the scent and longevity of the fragrances. 

Get into the spirit of hugging and make your holidays extra special this Christmas with the Downy Parfum Collection™. 

Visit the hug-activated Downy Scented Christmas Tree located in Eastwood Mall’s open park (near the fountain area) from November 20, 2018 to December 19, 2018, and #Spread100Hugs starting today, and every day, to experience a hug’s undeniable power.

Learn more about #Spread100Hugs and watch Downy’s heart-warming #Spread100Hugs video on Downy Philippines’ Facebook.

To further show how hugs can bring about a spirit of positivity and make people happier, Downy has also released a video diary that showcased a variety of heart-warming stories of appreciation, reconciliation, and reunion. Her last hug, a special and meaningful embrace for her boyfriend, Marlon Stockinger.

Miss Universe 2015 and hug ambassadress, Pia Wurtzbach and Downy encourage everyone to share a moment with people who matter to you. Continue to spread long-lasting and meaningful hugs this holiday season.

Discover the stories behind the important people that matter to Pia - her boyfriend, Marlon Stockinger, BB Pilipinas Q&A mentor, Tito Nad Bronce, her make-up artist and managers, her friends from childhood and her beloved fans, Pianatics. Watch her full hugging tour video and be inspired to #Spread100Hugs this Christmas season.

Behold, a very Merry (scented) Christmas! The main inspiration of the first ever hug activated, Downy Scented Christmas tree takes from the luxurious fragrance of Downy. 

It takes essence from the smell of an endless field of flowers, to which is exactly what this tree is made of and something we recreated in a mirror room that’s right in the heart of this beautiful structure, and the opulent feel of velvet, a fabric which embodies softness, both wonderful elements to inspire a loving, hugging emotion.

Drop by Eastwood Mall’s open park (near the fountain area) from November 20, 2018 to December 19, 2018, and #Spread100Hugs to experience a hug’s undeniable power.

About Procter & Gamble 

P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.