Eastern Communication expands footprint in Negros

Bringing to life its continued commitment to helping businesses emerge stronger in 2022, premier Philippine telecommunications company Eastern Communications has officially announced its footprint expansion in Western Visayas.

In their “Via Eastern: Forging True Connections” virtual launch, Eastern Communications aims to service the locals in Bacolod City and Dumaguete City with its “High Tech” products and solutions paired with award-winning “High Touch” service.

The launch was graced by members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Region 7 (PCCI), Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), and Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce of Industry (NOCCI). For the event proper, invited speaker Christina Marie Gaston, President of Association of Negros Producers (ANP), spoke about strengthening competence among MSMEs through leveraging social.

The expansion is part of the telco’s goal of democratizing technology in the country by becoming a one-stop-shop for all connectivity and ICT demands across the country, as companies continue to strive in emerging stronger in 2022.

“Our goal this year is to make digital technology as accessible as possible, especially to serve the underserved and unserved area in the country,” shared Eastern Communications Sales Head Michael Castaneda.

“We are pleased to announce that Eastern is now ready to strengthen our strong connection with our kababayans in Negros through our best-in-class solutions and personalized service. It is our mission to always have the happiest customers in the business, and we’re looking forward to helping them harness technology to the best of our abilities, so we can emerge stronger together,” added Castaneda.

Aiming to be the one-stop-shop partner of businesses in the area, Eastern Communications’ comprehensive suite of products and services is designed to help address the digital needs of companies as they move into the next normal.

Among the solutions launched were its wide array of connectivity solutions, such as Internet Direct Service (IDS) a premium and dedicated high-speed business-grade connectivity, and other borderless solutions such as Eastern Cloud, their business-grade cloud service that offers efficiency and collaboration, and Eastern Cyber Defense, a suite of premium cybersecurity solutions equipped by global partners.

In its over 140 years of service in the country, Eastern Communications has evolved into a world-class telecommunications and ICT solutions company providing an extensive portfolio of services that include Data,

Internet, Voice, Managed Services, Data Center & Cloud Services, and Cyber Security Services. The telco continues to be the solutions partner of choice for the biggest industry players in the country.

"We’re grateful for Eastern Communications for choosing Negros as one of their first locations to expand into this year. This will definitely give businesses in Negros the opportunity to grow further with Eastern’s strong connection," shared Area Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Visayas and CEO of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Franklin Carbon.

“For many years, we have seen how technology is able to transform businesses, and it’s high time for small to large enterprises in Negros to have a tech-savvy and reliable solutions partner like Eastern Communications,” added Immediate Past Governor of PCCI Region 7, Edward Cu.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ products and services, visit eastern.com.ph.

ABOUT EASTERN COMMUNICATIONS

As one of the premier Philippine telecommunications companies, Eastern Communications has evolved into a world-class telecommunications and ICT solutions company providing an extensive portfolio of services that include Connectivity Solutions, Network Solutions, Security Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. It continues to be the solutions partner of choice for the biggest industry players in the country through its unique brand of "High Tech" and its "High Touch" service. Eastern Communications was awarded Telco of the Year in the 2020 Asia Leaders Awards and has received accolades from prestigious award-giving bodies such as The Stevie Awards program, Best Employer Brand Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, the Anvil Awards, among others.

IVORY: You know it's real when it floats!

Did you know that Shopee Supermarket carries Procter and Gamble USA products? 

Well, I just found out and I am happy that now,  I can easily order authentic imported Ivory soap with no hassle. I have been a lot of sellers online but I am a bit hesitant since there are also a lot of fakes. 

Why Ivory Soap? 

 

Ivory Clean is 99% pure and is free from harmful chemicals (dyes and perfumes) that are common in most commercial bath soaps. This has been trusted for many generations. Personally, I have been using these for years and it is also recommended by my dermatologist. 

Even without the fragrances, it smells really nice. It has the same distinct smell of ivory soap over the years.

It's so gentle and mild that you can use this for your face or your body. It is a soap that you can trust for the whole family. 

Are you sure it's authentic? 

Aside from the guarantee that Shopee Supermarket provides, one way to know if your ivory soap is legit is to test it. You know it's real when it floats! 

So, I did the test and yes, it floats! 

Anyway, here's the link if you want to order -> https://shp.ee/v66dv3f

It's currently at 40% off today! So, don't miss this chance to hoard. 

Shop at the 3.3 - 3.15 Shopee Consumer Day where you can enjoy Free Shipping with zero minimum spend, Piso deals, and 10% off daily. 

#ShopeePH1stMegaSaleOfTheYear #ShopeeCelebratesYou

 

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane through the Batang 90s Favorite Snacks on Shopee

"Nothing beats the original."

I totally agree with it because no matter how many new ones are available. I would also go back to the original and this applies to almost everything. 

For an instance, I still miss the old chocolates, candies, and snacks that I had when I was a kid. I mean there are a lot of great options today but there is such joy whenever you see the old ones. There is just a special connection that makes it impossible for most of us to really can't get over with. Sometimes I think it's not really about the taste but it's the wonderful memories we had during our childhood. :) 

Do you remember Pritos Ring? I remember putting it on my fingers before eating it. 

How about Pom-poms. It was so cheap that I would prefer to buy the whole package and share it with my friends. 

Let us not forget about Ovalteenies? How I wish all medicines and tablets would taste like that. 

Sadly, it has been years that I was not able to see these in groceries stores. All this time I taught they were out of the market or the companies simply stopped making them. 

But I was so wrong! They're back and are here to stay! 

Imagine my excitement when I found them on Shopee. I did not realize that our Batang 90s favorites can be readily ordered online. I hurriedly added them to my Shopee cart. 

Is this still the same? I noticed some slight difference (perhaps my preference has changed) but one thing that I am certain is that it still brought me joy just like when I was a little kid. 

Thus, if you are feeling nostalgic, take a trip down memory lane through these favorite snacks we had in the 90s. Here's what I found so far. :)

• Pritos Ring - https://shp.ee/9tkj4qj
• Pom-poms - https://shp.ee/du2tajj
• Peter's Butterball - https://shp.ee/ch5h99j
• Annie's Langka and Ube Candy - https://shp.ee/6wkpabj
• Ovalteenies - https://shp.ee/xxab8zj

They even have the popular orange juice drink. Do you still remember the song? 

𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒚 𝑶𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆, 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖! 𝑳𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏, 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒚...

• Sunny Orange Juice - https://shp.ee/veftypj

That's it for now. Enjoy! 

Will update this list once I find more. :)

Don't miss the chance to shop for your Batang 90s favorites at the 3.3 - 3.15 Shopee Consumer Day where you can enjoy Free Shipping with zero minimum spend, Piso deals, and 10% off daily. #ShopeePH1stMegaSaleOfTheYear #ShopeeCelebratesYou

Common Business Risks Faced by SMEs and Startups

Having a business is not as easy as you can imagine. Though it may sound very exciting, running and ensuring that it stays sustainable is another story. According to recent studies, the failure rate of startups is around 90% where 20% fail in their first year, 30% in the second year, and around half or 50% only remain operational after 5 years. 

This is because of the several factors that affect our businesses. In reality, there are just so many things that you need to consider in order to make one's business successful. It's doesn't end by simply making a sale or coming up with a great marketing strategy. 

Now, let me make it clear that we are NOT trying to discourage you from taking that leap in starting your own business because just like what Mark Zuckerberg said, "The biggest risk is not taking any risk." 

Instead, this is to inspire business owners and aspiring business owners how we can be smart about the risks that we are taking. As business owners, it is our responsibility to help minimize or make it safe to take the said risks. 

What are the common business risks faced by SMEs and Startups in the Philippines? 

1. Business Interruption - According to the 2020 Allianz Risk Barometer, 42% percent of the respondents mentioned business interruption as a major risk factor for Philippine-based businesses. Indeed, the pandemic has provided us a clear insight into what can happen during business interruptions and its possible causes. 

For one, government regulation and mandate can trigger business interruptions (e.g. quarantine lockdowns where offices and stores are asked to temporarily close or manpower is prevented from reporting to the workplace. 

There are also supply chain distribution and logistics issues that can also halt the daily operations. 

What can we do about it? 

Having a risk management plan which includes alternative solutions (a.k.a Plan B) can help. Taking immediate action to cut back the risks as soon as they present themselves is the key. 

For example, in supply chain issues, businesses can readily prepare a list of alternative suppliers/ sources or identify substitute materials. Prioritize local suppliers if possible in that way challenges in logistics can be minimized. 

For manpower concerns, check for alternative work arrangements. You can even opt to outsource if needed. 

2. Fire and Natural Disasters - The Philippines is considered to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world subject to calamities and climate change. The country gets hit by at least 20 typhoons annually and no matter how frequent it happens, this is something that we should not take lightly.  We have seen the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and the most recent Typhoon Odette in December 2021. 

Aside from typhoons, we are also prone to earthquakes, floods, and even fire. With 5 active major fault lines in the country, the possibility of the "big one" is not impossible. In 2020, the Bureau of Fire Protection reported more than 14,000 fire incidents that destroyed billions worth of property. 

Sadly, these types of incidents can happen at any time. 

What can we do about it? 

To avoid financial losses with things beyond our control, getting insurance for property damage caused by typhoons, fire, lightning, flood, and earthquake helps minimize risks.

Initially, I thought that acts of God or damages caused by natural phenomena are not insurable but I was wrong. There are actually insurance products such as the CL Microbiz Protek Jr. that can help protect our properties. The best part? It's actually affordable and the coverage is quite comprehensive. 

Aside from its coverage of property damage, it also offers Personal Accidental coverage, Burglary, and Robbery.  

3. Cyber incidents - As we transition to more online services and digital platforms, the threat of cyber incidents, which include cybercrime, IT failure/outage, data breaches, fines, and penalties is a primary concern for many businesses. 

What can we do about it? 

In order to protect your business, you need to invest in both your infrastructure and human resource. Install a firewall. Make sure to keep your software and system up to date.

It is also important that you train and educate your team on how to avoid and handle cyberattacks and data breaches. Ensure implementation access management and security (e.g. usage of passwords)  as this helps safeguard your cybersecurity. 

Lastly, back up your data to avoid major downtime and loss of important data. Businesses should realize that data is actually a major asset of the company even if it's not reflected the financial statements. 

Despite all of these risks, don't be discouraged to make that big idea come to life. Start your business. You have the power to minimize the risks and keep in mind that the world is rooting for you.