DoT Launches Bring Home A Friend

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The Department of Tourism will be officially holding its Grand Launch of our BRING HOME A FRIEND program this Oct.14, 2017 that aims to invite more tourists to visit the Philippines while providing you and your invitees a chance to win attractive prizes!

DOT said the launch of the BHAF program is timed with the onset of the Christmas season, which in the Philippines usually lasts from October until January.

“We would like to close the year strongly for the tourism industry in terms of visitor arrivals and carry the momentum into the coming year,” the DOT chief said. The program takes after former Tourism Secretary Mina T. Gabor’s own BHAF implemented in 1994 by the DOT, and is meant to encourage Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to come and visit the Philippines.

Any Filipino, residing in the country or overseas, stands to win an array of prizes under the program that will run for six months from October 15, 2017 up to April 15, 2018. Among the prizes are a condominium unit from Megaworld Corp., a brand- new Toyota Vios and a P200,000 gift certificate from Duty Free Philippines Corp. Their “friends” or foreign guests can win round-trip international flight tickets and tour packages to Palawan, Cebu and Davao.

Home-grown performers and the newest Tourism Ambassador who will be revealed singing the official Bring Home A Friend jingle in a music video this Saturday at Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila.

For more updates, visit, follow and share the official BRING HOME A FRIEND accounts on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BringHomeAFriendPH/

Website: bringhomeafriend.online

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bringhomeph

Instagram: bringhomeafriendph

#BHAF2

#ItsmorefuninthePhilippines

Cebu Pacific Air doubles up on customer-first efforts, invests in Customer Command Center

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Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines' leading carrier, invests in 24/7 Customer Command Center equipped with social monitoring, publishing and engagement tools.

CEB is among the first airlines in Asia to invest in an integrated facility and technology for social intelligence and customer engagement.

Jala De Paz, Director for Customer Care

CEB goes all out in its customer-first initiatives, with the unveiling of its Customer Command Center to ensure that the right information to be given to he right people at the right time and the CEB Customer tasked to assist travelers on their concerns and inquiries.

The CEB command center, which went online last August, is manned by a 55-strong integrated customer care team. Aside from CEB's official Facebook and Twitter pages, they also handle schedule changes through the hotline. The team also works closely with the airline's Network Control Center, especially during weather or other flight disruptions, so it can provide passengers with the most updated information and options.

The integrated CEB Customer Command Center has created a heightened awareness of customer needs. Since the facility was put online, response time on CEB's official social media accounts went up from two days to hours, even as fast as eight minutes.

'The Customer Command Center is the physical representation of our enhanced customer-first efforts. Our long-term goal is to build lasting relationships with our customers, and this is an airline-wide initiative, driven by data, technology and a lot of heart,' said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Distribution of Cebu Pacific.

Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Distribution of Cebu Pacific

CEB has been ramping-up investments to boost customer satisfaction and experience with the airline. The carrier aims to improve its Satisfactory Rating from its own passenger post-flight surveys over the coming months.

Aimed at improving and personalizing communications with customers, the Customer Command Center allows CEB's customer care team to better address passenger concerns by providing relevant and timely information and updates. The facility makes it easier to engage customers and understand how CEB services are resonating with them.

Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, a leading global aviation marketing consulting firm, for his part, noted that social media has become integral to keeping conversations and engagement with customers. In its Airline Social Media Outlook for 2017, SimpliFlying found that social media teams have proven critical to airlines even in handling travel disruptions.

SimpliFlying initiated the command center strategy for Cebu Pacific in 2016. Nigam noted that, 'Cebu Pacific is the first low-cost carrier in Asia to invest in a 24/7 customer command center. It is a testament to Cebu Pacific's commitment to its customers, by using social media to reach and respond to passengers when it's needed the most.'

The new CEB Customer Command Center is the result of a broader transformation across the airline, where customer care and passenger experience are increasingly entrenched in the airline's operations. Recently, CEB has allocated over PHP100 Million for 35 DPLs (Disabled passenger Lifts)-the first carrier to invest in facilities that cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRMs). The DPLs will allow PWDs and PRMs to board and deplane aircraft safely, easily and more comfortably.

About Cebu Pacific (Cebu Air Inc.) (PSE: CEB)

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 25 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the US. Its 61-strong fleet is comprised of two Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320 and eight Airbus A330. Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of 7 more brand-new Airbus A321ceo and 32 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632)7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB's official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.

Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.

Iconic Children’s Show “Sesame Street” To Air On Knowledge Channel

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More sunny days are ahead as “Sesame Street,” the longest-running American children’s show, begins airing on Knowledge Channel this month.

The home to well-loved characters such as Big Bird, Bert, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Grover, Oscar the Grouch, has taught children across the world how to become smarter, stronger, and kinder with the life lessons for over 40 years.

“A lot of Filipinos grew up watching ‘Sesame Street’ and they have learned valuable lessons from the show. This time around, Knowledge Channel would like to extend that enriching childhood experience brought by ‘Sesame Street’ to the new generation of Filipino kids by airing it in crystal clear digital TV,” Danie Sedilla, Knowledge Channel channel head said.

The show introduces a new character, Armando, a Puerto Rican who lives on the street, to show that it is still inclusive of varied cultures, as well as a new segment called “Cookie’s Crumbly Pictures,” which shows Cookie Monster in different situations as he learns how to control his emotions.

Adding excitement to learning on “Sesame Street” are the visits form Hollywood artists such as Charlize Theron, Usher, Anna Kendrick, Forrest Whittaker, and Pentatonix.

Meanwhile, Kapamilya stars have joined forces with some of the “Sesame Street” characters to excite kids with the airing of “Sesame Street” in the Philippines, marking a milestone for Filipino kids of all ages.

Jolina Magdangal, Darren Espanto, Ylona Garcia, Bailey May, Nash Aguas, Alexa Ilacad, Krissha Viaje, Kyle Echarri, and Yeng Constantino have teamed up to add a Pinoy touch to iconic Sesame Street opening song “Can You Tell Me How to get to Sesame Street?.”

Elmo, one of the show’s most loved characters recently flew into the country for a fun collaboration with the kids of “Team YeY,” the only original TV series for kids airing on YeY, the premium entertainment channel for kids on ABS-CBN TVplus.

Along with Team YeY hosts Nhizky Calma, Sam Shoaf, Noel Comia, Athena Guanzon, AJ Urquia, Raven Cajuguiran, Mitch Naco, and Sophia Reola, Elmo shot a Kidieoke, a sing-along video for kids, and TawaTime, short segments of jokes kids can share, for kids to watch across ABS-CBNchannels 2, YeY, and Knowledge Channel.

“We are thrilled to be reaching a new generation of children in the Philippines. From the very beginning, Sesame Street has always helped kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. With each new season, we continue to develop new content based on the latest research. Our mission is to educate and entertain, and to cover all the topics that families care about in the Philippines and around the world,” said Will De Pippo, assistant director for International Licensing at Sesame Street.

Come and play at “Sesame Street” and be part of the A-OK neighborhood filled with fun Monday to Friday at 7:30 AM, with replays at 6:00 PM, only on Knowledge Channel, available on ABS-CBN TVplus, SKYcable, and SKYdirect.

BlueWater Day Spa gives a peek into the "slashie" life, and presents ambassadors of current lineup of massages services and wellness treatments

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Last October 10, BlueWater Day Spa held a grand launch at the posh Novotel Hotel for its lineup of ambassadors to promote its current lineup of massages services and wellness treatments.

Always espousing on the benefits of rest and relaxation for good health and wellbeing, BlueWater Day Spa (BWDS) has put together a special group of ambassadors who embodies this growing group of professionals. 

During the event, BWDS also offered the chance for the guests to get first-hand tips on how to manage the "slashie" life by being able to mingle and interact with the BWDS ambassadors such as actor, model, athlete Ervic Vijandre whose active lifestyle makes him a good fit  for giving tips on sports, career woman and mother Blanca Mercado on how she maintains her youthful glow in spite of her busy schedule, and young actor and model David Licaoco on self improvement and style to help people build their self confidence.

Model Fabio Ide

Model Fabio Ide as the event host talks about the life of the "slashie" and how we could all relate to it before a special appearance of actress Kim Chiu. He also proceeds to introduce each BWDS ambassador while mentioning the specific massage/treatment that they are promoting. 

 Kim Chiu 

Celebrity endorser and actress Kim Chiu for the Lymphatic Massage.

Blanca Mercado

Manila Times COO Blanca Mercado for the Anti-Aging Facial

Ben Alves

Ervic Vijandre

Celebrity actor Ben Alves, actor and model Ervic Vijandre for the Athlete's Massage

David Licaoco

Actor and model David Licaoco for the Combo Herbal Massage

Mustafa Galal Elezali

Man of the World 2017 Mustafa Galal Elezali for the Revitashape

For the very popular Baby Massage, promoting it are BWDS' youngest brand ambassadors Yasmine Chloe Simisim, Kurt Wyatt T. Yap, and Jaden Emmanuel Trinidad. 

Offering a wide variety of wellness and beauty services, BWDS has always been at the forefront of being able to provide the extra care that busy individuals need to keep their minds and bodies in top form. 

As people says, how busy life gets and the many different responsibilities that we all have to juggle, one must never forget to take care of his/her body and wellbeing. 

While we all strive to be the best at work or be generous of our time and be of service to others, we must never neglect our own bodies and being kind to ourselves, making time to relax, take a breather, and recharge our batteries. 

Events such as this enables BWDS to stay true to its brand promise of offering its clients only the best wellness and beauty treatments. 

It continues to advocate the benefits of self love by making the time and effort to take one's self, regardless of how busy he/she may be. 

With October being BWDS' anniversary month, the country's popular chain of spas is happy to offer a special 40 percent discount on wellness and beauty services 'till the end of the month. This gives guests more reasons to enjoy its lineup of services and give their bodies its much needed boost to fight off life's daily stress. 

For more information on BlueWater Day Spa and its services and other promos, you may "like" their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/bwdspa/ 

Go on the “Ultimate Foodventure” with CEFBEX 2017!

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Get ready to immerse yourself in a new kind of adventure as Worldbex Services International – the country’s leading events management company – officially opened the doors to the 9th Cebu Food and Beverages Expo (CEFBEX)! Happening until October 15, from 10am to 8pm, CEFBEX 2017 offers FREE admissions for everyone. 

To kick off its first day, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held yesterday, October 12, at the venue lobby. 

In attendance during the grand opening were VIP personalities such as Ms. Marina Hermoso, Mr. Carlo Suarez and Mr. Allan Poquita representative, Ms. Rosalina Paleno along with WSI’s key executives Joseph L. Ang, Jill Aithnie Ang, Jon Richmond Ang and Abaigeal Quiohilag. 

Occupying a total of 1,582sqm of exhibition space, this year’s CEFBEX aims to uncover the dynamic landscape of the region’s food and beverage industry – revealing not only its vibrant heritage but also, its future as a global culinary force. In its bid to offer no less than an exciting and all-inclusive food show experience, CEFBEX gathered 130 of Cebu’s most popular and innovative F&B brands! With participating companies hailing from various sectors such as beverages, bread & pastries, cookware, food machines, food packaging, food picks, food service equipment, franchising companies, snacks, dairy products, dried fruits, confectionery, condiments, and wines, visitors are encouraged to explore both the familiar and otherwise in search of new tastes and flavors.

Proving to be the multifaceted food show that it is, CEFBEX 2017 has rolled out with this year’s line-up of food-related pocket events and activities. Not to be missed is the Cebu Farmers Market, a pavilion which will showcase produce from organic farmers across Cebu. Also, headlining the show is this year’s CEFBEX Culinary Cup Interschool and Home Chef Edition. 

For the Interschool edition, the categories which include the black box competition, napkin folding, fruit carving, cooking, etc. all aim to showcase and hone the skills of up and coming F&B professionals. Presented with the support of Fly Ace, Jolly University, Most Reliable Metal, Globe My Business and H2 Zero. 

The participating schools include Benedicto College, University of Cebu, University of San Carlos, University of Visayas, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, Philippine School of Culinary Arts (PSCA), Cebu Roosevelt Memorial College

Meanwhile, the Home Chef edition will witness 10 participants from different parts of Visayas battle it out on stage. With no formal background in culinary yet immensely passionate about cooking, it would be truly inspiring to see how the participants would manage to serve up topnotch dishes under serious pressure! The sponsors for this edition include Clara Ole, La Espanola, Lee Kum Kee, Tabasco, Tree Top, Tulip, Sysu International Taste Setters, San Remo, Big J, International School of Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM), Philippine School of Culinary Arts (PSCA), Unichef Apparel.

Teaming up with the Cebu Bartenders and Barista Association, a series of competitions will also be mounted to turn the spotlight on the art and practice of crafting beverages. Divided into two categories of Interschool and Professional, visitors are encouraged to check out the Barista Competition, Latte Art Competition, Taster Cup, and the Brewers Cup.

Finally, cooking enthusiasts are sure to delight over the live cooking demos which will be held throughout CEFBEX. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with the industry’s most seasoned chefs and learn a thing or two about their expert cooking techniques!

Don’t miss out on the biggest food event of the season – the 9th Cebu Food and Beverage Expo: The Ultimate Foodventure! 

For more information, follow Cebu Food and Beverages Expo on Facebook and @CebuFoodandBeveragesExpo on Instagram. Tell all your foodie friends and family about it and we’ll see you there!