Jun 302017
 
Japan Cruise Lines to boost cruise tourism in PHL

Japan Cruise Lines (JCL) has committed to send MS Pacific Venus on a regular port call to the Philippines by 2018. The anticipated visit of the Osaka-based cruise liner’s 600-capacity passenger ship carrying mostly Japanese tourists is expected to grow cruise tourism in the Philippines.  The MS Pacific Venus FB page lists the cruise ship as having 9 decks, 2 pools, casino, gymnasium, various bars, 402-seat main show lounge, 250 outside cabins with 20 having balconies, 16 inside cabins, which can carry over 600 passengers and a crew of 180. The cruise ship is mainly used for the Japanese market where businesses often charter them for incentive cruises. Their main cruise destinations are to Australia, New Zealand and throughout Southeast Asia. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said, “We are confident that with JCL resuming its operations in the Philippines, visitor arrivals from Japan will notably increase to enable this top four source market to inevitably rise from its present rank.” JCL, Japan’s leading cruise line, last made port calls in Manila, Boracay, Bohol, and the Hundred Islands in 2016, and in Puerto Princesa and Manila in 2015, according to Teo. Mr. Kenji Yoneda, JCL Senior Managing Director, made the commitment at the 2017 Philippine Business Mission (PBM): “We are happy to announce that we will be deploying the Pacific Venus to the Philippines next year. We hope to receive the usual support for the safe and enjoyable stay of our passengers.” DOT reported the latest statistics showing that Read More …

Jun 302017
 
Fil-Am comedian Jo Koy stars in Netflix TV special

Netflix has featured Filipino-American Jo Koy’s self-produced comedy special that is riding the boom in televised stand-up comedy. Jo Koy or Joseph Glenn Herbert’s show “Live from Seattle” episode features his brand of comedy that pokes fun at his Asian-American experiences and Filipino heritage, more notably his Filipina mother’s insistence of doing things “Pinoy” in America. The preview of his Netflix show has the Filipino comic taking potshots at US-Philippine relations saying he is half-white, half-Filipino and therefore, his father was in the military. Jo Koy goes on to say how his Filipina mother met his American father, "A lot of soldiers were fighting for this country; my dad was dating." He also affectionately recalls how his 4’10” mother used Vicks Vaporub as an all-around cure saying, “She treated us like we were still in the Philippines.” Jo Koy: Live from Seattle was filmed at the Moore Theater in the comedian’s hometown of Seattle, Washington, with all aspects running with his creative input. “I worked every hat,” he said. “It felt so good and so rewarding to be able to submit that piece of work to Netflix because it was my heart, my soul, my blood,” Jo Koy said in an NBC News report. The 45-year old comic started his career in 1989 at a Las Vegas coffeehouse and credits his mother for encouraging him to join school talent shows, hold impromptu performances, which eventually inspired his move to Los Angeles. Jo Koy has since appeared in NBC’s “The Tonight Read More …

Jun 302017
 
How to Know If You Have a True Friend?

Chinkee Tan Let’s say you were suddenly promoted, or you have a new gadget, or perhaps something really good happened to you. Then from out of the blue, here comes this person who is suddenly full of praises for you, “Wow, man you’re so lucky! Don’t forget to share your blessings with me, okay! After all, you and I go a long way!” Or maybe you have been in these situations: “Hi, I want to offer you these really great products. I’m sure you can afford my terms. C’mon, let’s have coffee.” “I’m so embarrassed. We haven’t seen each other in a while, but I really need some money. I don’t know who else to turn to for help.” “Wow, you’re a manager now. Imagine, you were just a rank and file officer? Maybe you can squeeze in an opening for me?” Bottom line is, you haven’t seen each other or even talked to each other in a very, very long time…hey, you’re not even sure if you ever became friends but you clearly remember when he would belittle your skills in front of others and won’t even lift a finger to help you in your times of need. This is what you call a “user friendly people”. People like them are like “mushrooms”, they sudden show up when they have something to gain from you, but when they don’t need you anymore then they quickly disappear. What are the signs that a person is a fair-weathered friend?   PRESENT Read More …

Jun 292017
 

Filipino national hero Lapu-lapu is the newest hero on popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game Mobile Legends: Bang bang. Warrior Lapu-lapu won the mobile phone game poll for the Philippines’ choice of the next Mobile Legends hero, beating Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. The concept art for Lapu-lapu depicts the hero as a native with a tattooed muscular body, an absolute warrior which fits the known image of the Philippine hero. The MOBA game describes the hero Lapu-Lapu as one who “took up his twin blades and led his people into battle, slaying countless invaders. Under his leadership, they won victory and the respect of the enemy, free once again to live in peace.” “The incident of ‘outside invaders’ made our hero aware of the world beyond the island, and though beset by enemies, he packed his bags and began a journey to learn about this world,” reads the caption on the introduction video. Lapu-lapu is known as the pre-Spanish warrior who defended Mactan, Cebu from the Spanish conquerors led by Ferdinand Magellan.   The post Lapu-lapu is the new hero on Mobile Legends: Bang bang appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Globe shines in SingTel Mobile App Challenge PH-made Flippy Bottle Extreme tops Google Play Pinoy mobile app LAWIN spotlighted at UN forum Bemz Benedito recognized as Global Transgender hero

Jun 292017
 
Filipina Maureen Wroblewitz wins Asia’s Next Top Model Title

Maureen Wroblewitz is the first Filipina to be hailed “Asia’s Next Top Model Season 5 winner. Maureen Wroblewitz [via Asia’s Next Top Model] The 5’6″ Fil-German beauty, who moved to the Philippines at the age of 15, bagged the title after outlasting Shikin Gomez of Malaysia and Minh Tu Nguyen of Vietnam in the finale episode. On her way to winning the title, Maureen withstood some not-so-kind words from some fellow top model candidates who told her in one widely shared video clip that she didn’t deserve to be in the competition. With her victory, the 19-year old Wroblewitz took home a Subaru Impreza, and a coveted modeling contract with London-based Storm Model Management. She will also be on the cover of Nylon Singapore’s online edition, in addition to being featured in other high-profile fashion campaigns Wroblewitz was one of the three Filipinas who joined the competition. Other Pinoy hopefuls were 22-year-old Anjelica Santillan and 20-year-old Jennica Sanchez. Shot in Singapore, the show was hosted by Cindy Bishop with show judges Cara McIlroy and Yu Tsai with guest judge, 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach. TAGS: Maureen Wroblewitz, Asia’s Next Top Model, Shikin Gomez, Minh Tu Nguyen, Anjelica Santillan, Jennica Sanchez, Cindy Bishop, Cara McIlroy, Yu Tsai, Pia Wurtzbach   The post Filipina Maureen Wroblewitz wins Asia’s Next Top Model Title appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Filipina is Asia’s Next Top Model 1st Runner-up Filipina Top Gun pilots US Air Force F-16 Fighter Jet PH wins 4th straight Read More …

Jun 292017
 
Philippine Airlines gains 16 spots in World Airline rankings

Philippine Airlines has moved up by 16 spots in the ranking of the Top 100 Airlines in 2017 of the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The flag carrier of the Philippines is now at 67th, up from its 83rd ranking in 2016, as voted by airline customers around the world. Skytrax released the results for the Top 100 Airlines from among more than 325 airlines surveyed. The survey covered over 325 airlines, from the largest international airlines to smaller domestic carriers, measuring Quality standards for 41 KPI’s across front-line product and service factors in the Airport and Onboard environments. Travelers across the globe took part in the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to decide the winners. 19.87 million eligible survey entries were counted in the final results, and 105 nationalities participated in the survey from August 2016 to May 2017. The World Airline Awards, described as "the Oscars of the aviation industry", are most coveted Quality accolades for the world airline industry, and a global benchmark of airline excellence. Any airline in the world can be nominated. There is no outside sponsorship for the survey, with the voting process and results analysis subjected to detailed, independent assessment.   The post Philippine Airlines gains 16 spots in World Airline rankings appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: PH rises in innovative economy world ranking PH rises 5 notches in WEF competitiveness rankings PHL internet speed makes huge gains, Akamai says PH one of the world’s best to raise a family for Read More …

Jun 292017
 
Reel Time docu bags award at Monte Carlo TV Festival

GMA Network’s Reel Time documentary “Isinulat sa Tubig (Forgotten Children of the Waves)” has received the Golden Nymph Laureate Special Amade Prize at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival – the first to be received by a Philippine TV program. Reel Time documentary “Isinulat sa Tubig” via TV Festival Reel Time was also the lone Asian country television show awarded at the 57th edition of the Monte-Carlo TV Festival European awards. AMADE jury president Michel Merkt praised the Philippine program saying, "The access to education is crucial and we were all touched and amazed by the determination of these children from the remote village of Matnog in the Philippines." "This year, we wanted not only to give the award to a project which shares AMADE’s vision but also brings hopes and a strong positive message to the community,” Merkt said during the awarding ceremonies in Monaco. A GMA network release described the winning documentary a feature on students crossing oceans and trekking up mountains on foot every day just to get an education, written and directed by Reel Time's executive producer Jayson Bernard Santos. "The students from Matnog, Sorsogon in the southern part of the Philippines no longer have to swim going to school after several individuals and organizations have sent their donations. These kids will forever remind us of our responsibility to give voices to the marginalized especially the children," said Santos. The Golden Nymph Awards are among the most prestigious prizes in international television, rewarding the best TV programs and Read More …

Jun 292017
 
Nurturing a business with the important ‘Ps’

Armando Bartolome A lot of people nowadays no longer just rely on their day jobs. While some may be earning enough from their 9-5 work, it is always better to grab business opportunities that give you an edge in building a brighter future for your family.  Whether you're starting a business from scratch or availing of a franchise, the basics are the same. THE 4Ps OF MARKETING Building a business and sustaining it means familiarity with the 4 Ps of marketing. – Product You must have a clear picture of what you want to offer your market. You should know what products or services are in demand. You may also offer a unique product that other companies have yet to offer.  But before finalizing your product, you need to first conduct a market study to find out how your product may fare. Your product’s potential buyers must also be identified. – Price It is vital to come up with a competitive price that will entice customers to purchase your product or service. The price of the product will directly affect how it will sell in the market. The cost of the product should also make your customers see its value.  Setting the price of the product must be based on the value chain costs, distribution plans and how competitors price a similar product. “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” – Warren Buffet – Promotion No business can survive without promoting its product. Sales promotion, advertising, and Read More …

Jun 262017
 

Need help with Shopify ecommerce platform? Whether you are located in the Kansas, Missouri , USA or elsewhere in the country or for that matter anywhere in the world, we can help you with Shopify ecommerce. Our designers and developers are experienced in Shopify and can help you with Shopify in particular and ecommerce in general.

Jun 252017
 
UN tourism org tells world to experience Philippines

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Taleb Rifai has hailed the experience of visiting the Philippines and said the world’s people must come visit because “You haven’t lived if you have not experienced the Philippines.” Dinagyang Festival [via Iloilo Today] The Department of Tourism posted how the UNWTO chief praised the Philippines and the Filipinos for managing to survive difficulties and still come out with their best saying, “The world is lucky to have the Philippines. Culture, nature, upbeat people give the country so much life. The Philippines is a country to travel and respect, and its greatest gift is its people.” Rifai told delegates of the 6th UNWTO International Conference on Tourism Statistics, “We are here, ladies and gentlemen, to tell the world to come to the Philippines and make no mistake about it. Anybody who tries to present any other version of the story should come and see with your own eyes.” “All of the countries of the world that have experienced difficulties have come back and have shown their best and their beauty comes out,” the UN organization head said during the WTO meeting hosted by Manila – the country’s second time to host WTO after 1980. UNWTO described the Manila Conference as “a landmark opportunity to discuss methodological advances, explore emerging issues and learn from pioneering country experiences in this area of measurement.” The 3-day conference gathered Tourism Ministers from Thailand, Seychelles, Fiji, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and 721 international and local delegates Read More …