FEATURES

Nasubukan mo na bang mag-file ng leave sa iyong kumpanya dahil biglang nag-aya ng date ang ka-chat mo sa dating app?

Ang mga empleyado ng isang kumpanya sa Thailand, hindi na kailangang gumawa pa ng palusot para lang makapag-bebe time dahil mayroon silang paid date leave!

Katulad rin ng sick o vacation leave ang date leave na inaalok ng Whiteline Group, isang marketing agency. Upang makapag-avail nito, kailangan munang magbigay ng one-week notice ang empleyado.

Ngunit limited offer lamang ito dahil pwede lamang itong i-file mula July hanggang December 2024.

Bukod sa paid date leave, mayroon ding six months free premium subscriptions sa isang dating app ang mga empleyado.

Ayon sa ulat, isang empleyado ang nagreklamo na wala na siyang oras para makipag-date dahil sa kanyang trabaho.

Upang i-boost ang kanilang well-being, nagsimulang maghandog ang Whiteline Group ng mga nasabing benepisyo, dahil naniniwala rin silang kung matagpuan ng mga empleyado ang kanilang “The One”, mas magiging produktibo sila.

Showcasing the transformative potential of human-AI partnership, Google and Commune Cafe have teamed up to brew something that’s absolutely delicious and uniquely Pinoy at the same time.

From September 12 to 26, 2024, Commune will be serving the Filipino-flavored Special Bibingka Latte, a limited-edition coffee blend that’s created in collaboration with Gemini, Google’s generative AI.

The Special Bibingka Latte is heavily inspired by the flavors of the iconic Filipino delicacy, which is popular during the country’s extended Christmas season which anecdotally starts in September, the year’s first -ber month. The drink is comprised of Commune’s espresso and steamed milk, topped by savory shreds of salted egg and queso de bola to evoke the familiar feels of the holiday kakanin. Finally, the Latte is then rounded out by a torched banana leaf to complete the Pinoy experience.

To craft this unique drink, Commune used the power of Google’s Gemini, a helpful generative AI designed to enhance people’s capabilities to think, create, and work. Gemini presented an array of innovative drink concepts, serving as a springboard for Commune’s talented baristas to develop their own masterpiece.

As part of the partnership, Google provided training on generative AI and Gemini to Commune Cafe staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively harness Gemini. Following the training, the staff participated in a mini-workshop, where they were divided into groups and competed to put their knowledge into practice and explore the creative possibilities of Gemini within the cafe setting.

“Using Gemini for experimenting with concoctions was a lot of fun! It felt like having an extra brain in the room, ready to toss ideas around. It also streamlined our creative process significantly. Having access to Gemini’s vast knowledge made the whole process enjoyable and collaborative.” said Rosario “Ros” Juan, Chief Extractor of Coffee at Commune Cafe.

“We’re so excited to partner with Commune and bring the Special Bibingka Latte to coffee lovers across the city! This project is a celebration of the delicious possibilities that arise when human creativity and AI blend together. It’s also a tribute to the spirit of Filipino Christmas and the unique flavors of our local delicacies, like Bibingka, which we’re immensely proud to share with the world,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Google Philippines.

Located at the bustling neighborhood of Poblacion, Makati, Commune is renowned for its high-quality coffee that’s fully sourced from the Philippines and inviting cafe atmosphere. The Gemini-inspired Special Bibingka Latte will be available for a very limited time only, so if you’re a coffee enthusiast, visit the cafe and experience this delicious creation from September 12 to 26, 2024.

For every other creative and productive endeavor, Gemini is here to help with its impressive capabilities. Try it out now and see what it can help you come up with at gemini.google.com.

Over 900 alumni of the SM Foundation, now excelling in diverse professional fields, reunites at the SM Scholar Alumni Homecoming 2024 at the SMX Manila, Pasay City. The event celebrated the scholars’ achievements, resilience, and commitment to spreading social good. Joining the event are members of the Sy family.

The SM Foundation recently celebrated the achievements of over 4,000 college alumni from its scholarship program.

Founded by SM Group Founder Henry Sy, Sr., the SM Foundation scholarship program has provided quality education to deserving students from vulnerable communities. Since its inception in 1993, the program has nurtured 4,214 college graduates and currently supports 2,550 scholars pursuing degrees in various fields.

SM Scholars ignite ripple of positive change

The foundation’s commitment to holistic development extends beyond academic excellence. Through part-time job opportunities, internships, general assemblies, and alumni homecomings, SM Foundation shares its core principle of “people helping people”—a philosophy deeply embedded in the foundation’s values, guiding scholars as they make their mark on the world and inspiring them to spread social good in their communities.

The recent alumni homecoming brought together over 900 graduates from different batches and fields, providing a platform to celebrate their collective achievements and the positive impact they have made in their families and communities.

During the event, SM Foundation Executive Director Debbie Sy emphasized the importance of giving back. “As SM Scholar Alumni, you have been given a gift—an education, opportunities, and a brighter future. Now, it’s your turn to pay it forward and inspire others to spread good in the world,” she said.

The homecoming served as a reminder that the SM Foundation scholarship program is not just about individual success but also about creating a ripple effect of positive change in Filipino communities.

Katulad ng ibang babae, ang makasal ang isa sa mga pangarap ni Jenny Calimlim.

Natupad rin ito noong September 6 nang mag-isang dibdib sila ng kanyang long-time boyfriend na si Jayson De Guzman; ngunit sa halip na sa simbahan, sa ospital ito ginanap. At ang bride, walang malay.

Na-comatose kasi ito at naka-confine sa ospital dahil sa sakit na brain tumor.

Pinamunuan ng pari ang kasal, habang nakahiga sa hospital bed si Jenny at nakatayo ang groom sa kanyang tabi.

Ilang oras makalipas ang seremonya, tuluyan nang binawian ng buhay ang babae.

Si Jenny ay 26-anyos lamang.

Naiwan niya ang kanyang dalawang anak na may edad limang taon at anim na buwan.

Malungkot man ang kanyang pamilya dahil sa kanyang pagpanaw, nakaramdam pa rin sila ng kasiyahan dahil kahit papaano, natupad rin ang pangarap ni Jenny na maikasal sa kanyang pinakamamahal.

Biglang nagising ang diwa ng isang inaantok na lalaki mula sa Jiangsu Province sa China.

Nagsisipilyo kasi ito nang aksidenteng dumulas sa kanyang lalamunan ang hawak na 15 cm na toothbrush. Ang dahilan niya, kulang siya sa tulog kaya hindi niya napansin na nalunok niya na pala ito!

Gamit ang kanyang mga daliri, sinubukan ng lalaki na sungkitin ang toothbrush mula sa kanyang lalamunan, ngunit sa kasamaang-palad, naitulak niya pa ito paloob!

Mabilis siyang nagtungo sa Taizhou Fourth People’s Hospital kung saan siya isinailalim sa maselang gastroscopic operation.

Aminado si Dr. Wang Jianrong, head ng Department of Gastroenterology ng nasabing ospital, na hindi naging madali ang isinagawang operasyon na umabot ng ilang oras dahil madulas ang sipilyo.

Gayunman, pinuri ng doktor ang lalaki dahil agad itong nagtungo sa ospital, sa halip na sumubok ng iba pang home remedy.

Matagumpay namang nakuha ang toothbrush mula sa sikmura ng lalaki na sa ngayon ay nasa mabuti nang kalagayan.

Himas-rehas ulit ang isang 50-anyos na lalaki matapos magwala at makuhanan ng sumpak sa Navotas City.

Ayon sa awtoridad, isinumbong ng mga kabataan ng barangay bangkulasi ang suspek na lasing at nagwawala sa kanilang lugar.

Sa pagresponde, nahuli sa akto ang suspek na nagwawala at nakuha sa kaniya ang isang improvised gun na may bala.

Nabatid na nabilanggo rin ang suspek dahil sa paglalaro ng sugal na cara cruz.

Nahaharap siya sa reklamong Alarm and Scandals at paglabag sa Comprehensive Firearms and Regulation Act.

Hindi na natapos ng isang bride mula sa Uttar Pradesh, India ang kanyang sariling kasal matapos mawalan ng malay.

Sinubukang i-revive ng doktor si Surabhi, subalit huli na ang lahat dahil tuluyan na itong nawalan ng buhay dahil sa heart attack.

Ngunit sa halip na matigil ang seremonya, itinuloy pa rin nila ito—at sa pagkakataong ito, ang nakababatang kapatid ng biktima na ang nagpakasal sa naiwang groom!

Habang nakahimlay sa kabilang silid ang mga labi ng bride, idinaraos naman ang kasal ng kanyang kapatid at groom na si Manjesh.

Ayon sa tiyuhin ng magkapatid na si Ajab Singh, magkahalong emosyon ang naramdaman ng kanilang pamilya. Malungkot sila dahil sa biglaang pagpanaw ni Surabhi, ngunit masaya sila dahil natuloy pa rin ang kasal.

Laganap pa rin sa India ang arranged marriage o ang pagkakasundo ng dalawang pamilya na ikasal ang kanilang mga anak. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit hindi na nakatanggi ang nakababatang kapatid na humalili sa kanyang nasawing ate dahil ito ang obligasyon niya sa kanyang pamilya.

MPCALA Holdings Inc., the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), announced that the CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange has reached its 25% completion milestone. The interchange, slated to open by the first quarter of 2025, is expected to decongest traffic on major roads in Cavite, specifically Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, and help spur economic activities for the cities and municipalities along the alignment in the province of Cavite.

Spanning 7.8 km from the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive, this segment will be the longest operational section of CALAX by the first quarter of 2025, while the two remaining segments are still under construction. Currently, ongoing work includes excavation works, bridge and drainage construction, and the installation of fences.

Raul Ignacio, President and General Manager of MPCALA Holdings Inc., acknowledged construction challenges by the recent typhoons but affirmed the company’s commitment to deliver this vital segment within schedule.

Despite the challenges faced in construction brought about by the recent typhoons, we are pressing forward to ensure the timely delivery of the Governor’s Drive Interchange. Once operational, this vital infrastructure will ease traffic congestion, provide a faster route for thousands of motorists, and stimulate economic growth across Cavite and CALABARZON. ;
Ignacio stated.

In addition to the Governor’s Drive Interchange, two other major segments of CALAX, Subsection 2 (Open Canal Interchange) and Subsection 1 (Kawit Interchange), are progressing steadily, with 15% and 25% completion, respectively. Both segments are expected to open by the third quarter of 2025 and will eventually connect CALAX to the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) via the CAVITEX-CALAX Link.

Currently, the overall completion rate of the entire CALAX project stands at 64%.

At present, CALAX serves over 45,000 motorists daily. Once the full expressway is connected to CAVITEX, it will serve at least 95,000 motorists daily, significantly improving traffic flow and accessibility between Cavite, Laguna, and the greater Manila area.

About CALAX
CALAX is a 45km 4-lane expressway with eight interchanges with operational segments at Laguna Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, and Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, with remaining segments Governor’s Drive, Open Canal, and Kawit still in construction. When fully completed, CALAX will reduce travel time from

CAVITEX (Kawit) to SLEX (Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna) from 2 hours to 35 minutes, enhancing connectivity between the NCR and the CALABARZON region.

Patay ang isang delivery rider habang kritikal ang kasama nitong babae matapos silang harangin at tangayin ng limang armadong lalaki na nagpakilalang mga pulis sa Carmona, Cavite.

Kinilala ng pulisya ang nasawing biktima na si John Mark Cruz Samonte, Delivery Rider, habang inoobserbahan sa ospital ang kasama nitong babae na si Marithe Ashley Tila, isang Online Seller.

Ayon sa pulisya, sakay umano ang mga biktima ng itim na sasakyan nang bigla silang harangin ng isang itim na kotse lulan ang mga suspek.

Mabilis umanong sumakay ang isa sa mga suspek sa sasakyan ng mga biktima saka sila tinangay.

Hindi pa man sila nakalalayo, bigla umanong pinababa ng suspek ang dalawang biktima saka pinagbabaril na bumulagta sa daan.

Agad na sumibat ang mga suspek tangay rin ang sasakyan ng mga biktima.

Patuloy namang nagiimbestiga ang mga pulis kasabay ng backtracking sa mga cctv sa lugar para matunton ang mga salarin.

Dead-on-the-spot ang isang lady rider nang bumangga sa plastic barrier ang sinasakyan niyang motorsiklo at masagasaan ng trailer truck sa Paco, Manila.

Kinilala ng awtoridad ang biktimang si alyas ‘Gianna’ habang nasa kustodiya naman ng pulisya ang driver ng truck na si alyas ‘Archie.’

Ayon sa Vehicle Traffic Investigation Section (VTIS) ng Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MDTEU), lulan umano ang biktima ng kaniyang motor at binabagtas ang naturang lugar nang aksidente niyang mabangga ang isang plastic barrier sa lugar.

Dahil dito, sumemplang ang motorsiklo ng biktima at bumagsak siya sa kalsada.

Dahil sa bilis ng pangyayari, hindi na nagawa pang pumreno ng driver ng trailer truck at nasagasaan ang biktima, na agaran niyang ikinasawi.