DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

Davao Adventure Challenge

DOT XI launches Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign at Mindanao Tourism Expo

The Department of Tourism XI proudly announces the successful launch of the Davao Adventure Challenge at the Mindanao Tourism Expo held on April 28 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Davao Adventure Challenge tourism campaign aims to promote the diverse and thrilling adventure activities that Davao Region has to offer. It also endeavors to attract adventure seekers from around the world and position the region as a premier adventure tourism destination in the Philippines.

“Together, we will rediscover Davao Region’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and exciting adventure pursuits in this year-long tourism campaign,” said DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan.

During the launch event, attendees were treated to a presentation showcasing the various adventure activities in Davao:

For Hiking Trails: Mount Apo, in Davao del Sur; Mount Hamiguitan, in San Isidro, Davao Oriental; and Mount Dinor in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. For Water Thrills: Water Tubing in Sibulan River, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; White Water Rafting in Davao City; Skimboarding in Dahican Beach, Mati City; and Giant Clam Sanctuary Tour in Samal Island.

For Scuba and Freediving: Samal Island in Davao del Norte; Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental; and Pujada Bay Dive Sites in Mati City. For Extreme Adventurers: Canyoneering in Tagtugonan Falls, Kapalong, Davao del Norte; Spelunking in Su’bon Cave, Matanao, Davao del Sur, and Okbot Cave in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

For Heights and Flights: Ultralight Plane Experience in Mati City, and Sky Adventure Rides in Eden Nature Park, Davao City.

The Department of Tourism XI is collaborating with local government units, DOT-accredited establishments, tour operators and guides in curating unique adventure packages that cater to different interests and skill levels. To join, interested participants can simply sign up via www. dotxievents. com.

Once registered, they can choose any, if not all, of the 15 initially available adventures for the entire year. Challengers can then scan the QR codes at the sites, and then post photos via social media. For every completed challenge, they can earn points, which would qualify them for e-badges and rewards.

“Beyond the thrills, it’s an opportunity to explore unfamiliar places, learn new cultures and sustainable practices, meet locals as well as your fellow adventurers, and create memories that will surely stand the test of time,” added Tan.

For more information about the Davao Adventure Challenge and to plan your next adrenaline-filled getaway, visit the Facebook page of the Department of Tourism – Davao Region for regular updates.

Chinabank Reaffirms its Customer Focus with New Campaign

Focused on You

Chinabank Reaffirms its Customer Focus with New Campaign

Chinabank has launched a brand refresh program and digital campaign to evolve the 103-year old bank’s brand and image, making it more resonant and engaging to a new generation of customers.

The bank replaced the signages of its head office and branches in an ongoing rollout, released on social media its new ad and new jingle “Focused on You”, and placed billboard ads in EDSA-Magallanes and SM MOA Globe featuring its first ever brand ambassador, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, a third-generation member of Chinabank’s founding family.

The brand refresh builds on Chinabank’s solid foundation as a trusted bank with a keen understanding of its clients’ needs in an evolving landscape. The bank’s new tagline “Focused on You,” which is also the title of its new jingle and digital campaign, reflects its firm commitment to serving its customers and putting their best interests in mind. For the last 103 years, the bank has helped tycoons when they were just newbies, billionaires when they only had a billion to one shot. To this day, the bank gives the same focus and attention to all its customers, not caring whether they are big or small, but only seeing the size of their dreams. The new logo, with its stylized “CBC” monogram, a symbol that embodies stability and simplicity, gives Chinabank a younger, more agile, and dynamic look.

“Chinabank has been growing and transforming through the years, in step with the times and more importantly, in line with the changing needs and perceptions of our customers,” Chinabank Investor & Corporate Relations Group Head Gerald Florentino said. “We believe this brand refresh will develop the Chinabank brand in the right way and enable us to deepen existing relationships and connect with a broader market.”

Established in 1920, Chinabank has been known as a businessman’s bank with a strong affiliation with the Chinese Filipino community. While maintaining its deep ties with this niche market, Chinabank has grown into a strong and stable universal bank—now the country’s fourth largest private domestic bank—offering a full suite of banking products and services for corporate, commercial, and retail customers. As it pursues its growth plans, embarking on a digital transformation, the bank’s board and management also saw the need to revitalize Chinabank’s brand and image.

“How you take the brand forward is vital to any company’s future success. Even if you’re already well established, you have to find fresh approaches to re-engage your loyal customers and build connections with new ones,” Chinabank Marketing Communications Department Head Aileen Vallesteros said. “Our ‘Focused on You’ campaign reinforces the brand’s strengths and makes Chinabank more relatable to the new generation of customers.”

The whole brand refresh process went smoothly, Vallesteros noted, because the bank’s Chairman Hans Sy and President & CEO Romy Uyan were on board and hands on, from the choice of the brand ambassador to the messaging and design. With the leaders’ buy-in, everyone in the bank embraced the change./PR

Emerging trend of Job Title Inflation in the Philippines sees limited success in Attracting and Retaining Talent

Emerging trend of Job Title Inflation in the Philippines sees limited success in Attracting and Retaining Talent

….. there has been a noticeable rise in job title inflation among employers in the Philippines.

Philippines, 5 April 2024 –Over the past year, there has been a noticeable rise in job title inflation among employers in the Philippines. Positions with titles such as ‘Directors’ have seen a significant 34%^[1]  increase and a 22% increase in titles like ‘Presidents’ for jobs intended for professionals with only two years of experience. While using inflated titles may be seen as a strategy to attract and retain talent, it is crucial to carefully consider the implications when making hiring decisions, as this can potentially lead to challenges for both employers and employees alike. These are among the observations and insights from Robert Walters Philippines about this trend.

Job title inflation refers to a practice by companies to offer inflated or exaggerated job titles that may not accurately reflect the responsibilities, seniority, or even salary of the position.

Using inflated job titles to attract and retain talent

Job titles and promotions are valued by professionals. Based on LinkedIn polls conducted by Robert Walters Philippines in January, 92% of professionals agree that the job title is important or very important when applying for a role. Among young professionals, 23% also expect to be promoted within 12 months of working in a company.

While some companies have tried inflating job titles, the success rate varied. Among companies, 38% of hiring managers surveyed shared that they have or are considering inflating a job title to attract or retain professionals to a role within their organisations. However, only 3% shared that this move has worked to its desired effect while a significant 59% have not adopted this strategy at all.

Inflating job titles can present challenges, as professionals may not view them as a meaningful indicator of seniority. According to our recent findings, factors such as managing a team (44%) and the perceived importance of the role (41%) hold greater weight in determining seniority. Surprisingly, only a small percentage (15%) consider a C-Suite or Head-of title as a true sign of seniority. This underscores the notion that while an inflated job title may seem appealing, factors such as team leadership and the perceived significance of the role are more influential in establishing seniority than the title itself.

“While job title inflation may offer certain advantages, it also carries the risk of causing confusion regarding the actual roles and responsibilities associated with these positions. Additionally, using overly inflated titles may lead to disillusionment among employees if their job titles do not accurately reflect their duties or level of seniority. It is worth noting that this trend is not applicable to all industries, but is commonly seen in technology, startups, digital media, marketing, advertising, and professional services sectors due to the intense competition for talent and strong reliance on innovation and creativity,” shares Jayson Mendoza, Manager of Human Resources and Industrial at Robert Walters Philippines.

Robert Walters Philippines strongly advises hiring managers to exercise caution and thoroughly evaluate the situation before considering the option to inflate a job title. While there may be valid reasons to consider this approach, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons and fully understand the potential long-term implications for the organisation.

“Elevated job titles can often create a mismatch between the skills and qualifications of employees and the actual requirements of the job. When hiring individuals solely based on their desire for a grandiose title rather than their suitability for the position, organisations run the risk of experiencing poor performance, increased turnover, and wasted resources. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain accurate and meaningful job titles to ensure clarity, fairness, and trust within the workplace,” concludes Mendoza.

For more information on Robert Walters in the Philippines, please visit www.robertwalters.com.ph. (PR)

^[1] Based on LinkedIn Talent Insights

2024 Film Selection

#FiveFilmsforFreedom

2024 Film Selection – Five Films For Freedom: British Council celebrates a decade of LGBTQIA+ Stories

Little One

Directed by Clister Santos (Philippines – 9 mins)

A pregnant mother, unsure of how to raise a child, arranges an interview with her two gay dads but fate intervenes when his dad suffers a heart attack. Her dad reflects on their family’s history, captured on an old camcorder.

Halfway

Directed by Kumar Chheda (India – 14 mins)

A turbulent couple ends up at different entrances of Juhu Beach, forcing them to walk towards each other and meet halfway.

Cursive

Directed by Isabel Steubel Johnson (UK – 9 mins)

When a woman on the verge of a breakup gets help from a mysterious stranger to improve her handwriting, she finds the inner voice she longed for all along.

The First Kiss

Directed by Miguel Lafuente (Spain – 9 mins)

Today is a special day for Andi, he is going to Madrid to have his first date with a boy he’s met online.

Compton’s 22

Directed by Drew de Pinto (USA – 18 mins)

Three years prior to Stonewall, transgender sex workers and drag queens revolted against police violence at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.

Watch this year’s five films online for free on British Arts YouTube channel.

https://wordpress.com/post/prixbanzon.wordpress.com/13643

Five Films For Freedom: British Council celebrates a decade of LGBTQIA+ Stories

Watch this year’s five films online for free on British Arts YouTube channel.

Five Films For Freedom: British Council celebrates a decade of LGBTQIA+ Stories

PHILIPPINES, 7 March 2024 – Five Films For Freedom, the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns on 13 March bringing five new films from the Philippines, India, Spain, the UK and USA to audiences across the world.

Over two weeks (13 to 24 March 2024) audiences worldwide are invited to dive into the world of LGBTQIA+ cinema from the comfort of their own homes and watch the films online for free.

The film programme continues the British Council’s partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, with the short films promoted across the British Council’s global digital networks and BFI Player for free.

Our tenth anniversary edition will showcase global LGBTQIA+ stories that resonate with strength and spirit, from the historic defiance of Compton’s 22 in San Francisco to the heartfelt journey of love and understanding in Halfway. This year’s selection, including Little One, Cursive, and The First Kiss, dives deep into themes of family, identity, and the universal quest for acceptance. 

“We are immensely proud to mark the tenth anniversary of Five Films for Freedom,” said British Council Director of Film, Briony Hanson.

“This platform has not only provided a vital space for LGBTQIA+ stories to be heard but has also fostered a global movement for equality and acceptance. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite audiences everywhere to join us in championing love in all its forms.”

Audiences in Philippines are encouraged to watch the films online for free from 13 to 24 March 2024, and share their experiences using the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom. For more information and to access the films, visit our British Arts YouTube channel.

“It is a privilege to showcase the exceptional work of these immensely talented filmmakers to audiences worldwide and we are truly proud to have a Filipino film included in this year’s selection,” said Lotus Postrado, British Council in the Philippines Country Director.

 “Throughout the ten-year journey of Five Films For Freedom, we’ve been able to reach over 23 million viewers globally with these remarkable films. We take pride in our ongoing commitment to supporting this initiative, which not only sheds light on new narratives but also fosters new connections and understanding.” (PR)

About Five Films For Freedom
Five Films For Freedom is an annual online celebration of global LGBTQIA+ stories, presented in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. Launched in 2014 by the British Council and the British Film Institute, the initiative aims to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and advocate for love as a human right.

About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.www.britishcouncil.org

2024 Film Selection

JFF in SM City Davao runs until March 3

A toast during the opening of the Japanese Film Festival (L-R) Japan Foundation Manila representative Carlos Ortiz, Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, Counsulate General of Japan in Davao Consul General Ishikawa Yoshihisa, and SM Supermalls assistant vice president for Mindanao operations Engr. Jonathan Nick D. Santos

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) offers free movies to Dabawenyos that opened Friday, February 24 and will run until March 3 at Cinema 3 in SM City Davao. Featured at the opening day was “The First Slam Dunk”, a hit movie in Japan earning over $112 million or 15.74 billion yen.

During the opening night, Consul General Ishikawa Yoshihisa of Japan Consulate Office in Davao announced that top rated Japanese films of 10 movies will be featured with the hope that the film festival would continue to “strengthen friendship, coordination and understanding between Japan and the Philippines”.

At the opening program, Davao City 1st district Councilor Pilar Braga welcomed the holding of JFF here saying this partnership between two countries promotes goodwill, brotherhood, and peace between Japan and the Philippines. “This platform (movies) highlight the culture, the art, tradition, values and people of the two countries,” she said.

Engr. Jonathan Nick D. Santos, assistant vice president for Mindanao operations of SM Supermalls said the JFF, which has grown to become one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country, target to captivate audiences with a variety of visual delights.

This year’s run he said is exciting as it will bring us back to our youth with films “Slam Dunk, Voltes V and Detective Conan”.

Santos said “SM Supermalls is grateful to Japan Foundation, Manila and the Consulate General of Japan in Davao for this partnership and for mounting the Japanese Film Festival here in SM City Davao.”

Santos advised moviegoers to secure tickets in advance at the ticket booth for hassle-free cinematic experience.

“I challenge all of you here to watch these full-length movies during the festival,” he said.

Japan Foundation in Manila Director Yojiro Tanaka said in his message as read by its representative Carlos Ortiz, “with Davao’s rich culture it is worth highlighting the significant Japanese population and their descendants. The Japanese Film Festival is just one of their initiatives to deepen their engagement in the Davao region.

Please check the screening schedule here

Aside from SM City Davao, the 2024 Japan Film Festival is also held in SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Baguio, SM City Iloilo. The JFF is also held in Shangri-la Plaza and UPFI Film Center.

Korean Film Festival in Davao

The 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 (𝐊𝐅𝐅) is in Davao City with a spectacular roster of award-winning films for free at SM Lanang Cinema 1!

Movie Lineup and schedules

September 23

Director’s Intention (dir. Kim Mingeun) – 1 PM

Life is Beautiful (dir. Choi Kook hee) – 3 PM

Everglow (dir. So Joon Moon) – 5:30 PM

September 24

Bori (dir. Kim Jin yoo) – 2 PM

The Book of Fish (dir. Lee Joon ik) – 4:20 PM

September 25

Jukdo Surfing Diary (dir. Lee Hyungseung) – 6 PM

September 26

Gyeongju (dir. Zhang Lu) – 6 PM

This is presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in collaboration with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (KTO), and SM Cinema.

*See the 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 here: https://bit.ly/KFF2023TicketingGuidelines

#KoreanFilmFestival2023#KoreanFilmFestivalAtSMCinema#KoreanFilmFestival#SMCinema

Grand Love, Grand Fun: Have a grand time with your lolos and lolas at SM !

Celebrated “Grandparents Day” in Davao

It was all smiles for the Lolas and Lolos of Davao when they had a fun celebration of Grandparents Day at SM. Sharing below how the grannies and the grandfolks had the time of their lives bonding, playing, dancing, dining and building happy memories together.

Grand Love, Grand Fun: Have a grand time with your lolos and lolas at SM!

SM Supermalls is rolling out the red carpet for the pillars of society

that light up our lives. Yes, it’s Grandparents Day at SM! And this year, the celebration is bigger, bolder, and bursting with more fun than ever before. Brace yourselves for a grand time with your lolos and lolas that promise unforgettable memories, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of groove.

Grannies Food Fiesta: Where cravings are satisfied, grannies-style!

Indulge in a feast that is sprinkled with a dash of love for your grand folks. SM Supermalls will be giving grand dining deals– free treats, desserts, and meals– for lolos and lolas who will celebrate Grandparents Day at the malls. Enjoy comfort food at its finest with your best grannies, and it’s all served with a side of cherished family moments.

Snap picture-perfect memories with your folks

What’s a celebration without capturing the moments that matter most? Take your whole family to SM Supermalls’ designated spots and step into a beautifully designed frame with your grandparents. Whether it’s a goofy grin or a heartfelt hug, strike a pose with your folks and don’t forget to share it online!

Groove like nobody’s watching at the Grannies Disco Tunes

Get ready for live performances that will make you want to dance, groove, and simply let loose. From timeless tunes that your grandparents loved in the 70s and 80s that had everyone on their feet, it’s a celebration of life, love, and endless fun at SM Supermalls’ Grannies Disco Tunes.

Get your essentials at the Seniorpreneur Bazaar

Age is just a number, and the Seniorpreneur Bazaar is living proof! Get ready to shop ’til you drop as senior entrepreneurs showcase their products. From handmade crafts that will add a touch of magic to your home to delicious treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth, this bazaar is all about celebrating the creativity and innovation of our grand folks.

Say a prayer for lolo and lola

Amidst all the excitement, it’s important to take a moment to utter a prayer for our grand folks. The Special Mass for Grannies is a beautiful way to come together, offer blessings, and reflect on the journey of life that our grandparents have guided us through. It’s a moment of serenity and connection that adds a meaningful touch to the festivities.

This Grandparents Day, SM Supermalls is throwing a celebration that’s all about honoring the ones who’ve helped us grow and learn. So take your grandparents to your favorite SM mall and get ready to have a grand time at the Grandparents Day festivities!

To know more about SM Supermalls’ fun activities for the whole family, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.###

2023 Korea Festival, KCC’s first big event in Davao City

Spring : season for family outings and picnics

2023 Korea Festival, KCC’s first big event in Davao City

Photo shows (L-R) Davao Korean Community Association President Min Jun Hong, Ma. Cielo Estrada of the Department of Education Special Program on Foreign Language – Korean Language, Department of Tourism regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan, Korean Cultural Center Director Im Young A, Davao City Council committee chair on Tourism Councilor Al-Ryan Alejandre, Councilor Bonz Andre Militar, representing Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos, SM Supermalls vice president for regional operations Mindanao. (Photo by Prix Banzon)

“As we bring our rich culture here through Korea Festival, we also look forward to learning more about Davao,” said Korean Cultural Center Director Im Young A as she delivered her welcome remarks during the launch of the 2023 Korea Festival: Spring in Joseon held at SM Lanang Premier, April 29 to 30.

She said this is our first big event in Davao City and we are honored to bring the Korea Festival here as we thank our official partner, SM Lanang Premier for making this event possible and also to the city government of Davao and the Department of Tourism for supporting this event.

She said this year’s theme ‘Spring in Joseon’ is an adaptation now that it is springtime in Korea.

Spring, she said is a season for family outings and picnics so we wanted this event to be an opportunity for everyone to enjoy with the family and friends.

“The other reason for mounting this festival here is for you to feel and experience Joseon when the Korean traditional culture bloomed, ” she added.

The traditional spring activities and entertainment were held for everyone to enjoy and imagine how spring was during the old Korea.

Sharing some photos by the Korean Cultural Center and Prix Banzon

“Joseon Dynasty marks an important time in the Korean culture,” she said.

She shared that “when Hangeul was created under King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty, it opened doors for the common people to be able to express themselves in writing. Before Hangeul, songs and stories of common people were by word of mouth. But after the creation of Korea’s unique characters, common people was able to write scripts, novels and love letters for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Hangeul is an important part of this festival, she added.

“And this is how the K-Drama and K-Pop was born,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said that it’s been 5 years since students in Davao started learning Korean as a second language.

“Congratulations to DepEd, the students and teachers for this milestone. KCC will continuously be with you in this journey,” the Director said.

Photo shows KCC Director Im Young A turns over some Korean materials to Ms. Ma. Cielo Estrada of the Department of Education Special Program on Foreign Languange – Korean Language with host Kyungmin.
(Photo by Prix Banzon)

Sharing also photos below by the Korean Cultural Center

DOST Davao’s GRIND Program Qualifies for Regional Excellence Award

Tribal dress and bead works

DOST Davao’s GRIND Program Qualifies for Regional Excellence Award

The Department of Science and Technology XI’s (DOST XI) Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program was shortlisted as a qualifier for the Davao Regional Excellence Awards in Project Implementation and Monitoring (DREAPIM) under the Outstanding Government Program category for the year 2022. 

Through a field validation activity, DOST XI’s GRIND Team showcased the impact of grassroots innovations of Matanao, Davao del Sur, and highlighted the innovations of the community such as tribal dress and bead works to the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XI of the National Economic and Development Authority XI. 

One of the highlights of the evaluation activity is the ‘Pasibantug Hub’, a center located in Davao del Sur State College, that serves as a venue to link people with grassroots innovations to support innovation further and promote entrepreneurship within the grassroots communities. 

The Pasibantug Hub also features the Community-Led Innovation Center (CLIC) which is operated by the community members with activities and initiatives shaped according to their needs and priorities.

Through the GRIND program, DOST XI assists community-led solutions developed by the people in the countryside that are responsive to the local needs, interests, and values through product development, prototyping, patenting, and capacity enhancement geared towards sustainable development.  

The DREAPIM was launched last April 2022 and it aims to recognize exemplary programs and projects by government agencies which support the Davao Region’s thrusts and priorities.