Generation G Magazine

Schneider Electric names Jeff de Sousa as new VP for IT Business

fei — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:11:08 +0000

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, announces the appointment of Jeff de Sousa as Vice President for IT Business in the Philippines.

De Sousa brings with him a deep understanding of the IT industry being with APC for 17 years. His vast knowledge and extensive technical and sales experience is key in driving Schneider Electric’s IT business unit towards strategic growth and expanded market leadership in the country.

Philippe Reveilhac, Country President, Schneider Electric Philippines, said “As the Philippines’ new VP for IT business, De Sousa will responsible in overseeing the sales, services, and marketing aspects of the data center segment for the local market. This includes maintaining leadership in the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) market, further strengthening solution offerings in the data center space in major industries, and most importantly, educating the IT and facilities community on energy efficient and management solutions offered by Schneider Electric.”

Prior to being appointed as the VP for IT Business in the Philippines, Jeff served as the Country Vice President of Saudi Arabia for APC by Schneider Electric since 2008. In two years time, he has achieved the biggest references in large data center solutions in the Middle East Asia region, piloted medium and large size data center projects in the kingdom, and has positively contributed to the commendable growth of the company in Saudi Arabia.

“With Jeff on board, we are excited for our IT business and our customers, as well,” added Reveilhac.

Globe Telecom supports communication needs of DSWD in Guilhungan

fei — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:33:31 +0000

Globe Telecom was tapped by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support its communication requirements, being the only telecommunication company so far in the earthquake-devastated city of Guilhungan, Negros Oriental.

Globe will provide the DSWD Guilhungan City office with prepaid load for mobile phone and broadband tattoo sticks. Globe has strong 3G signal in the area which allows for fast delivery of data via the internet. The Globe-provided communication tools make it easier for DSWD to coordinate the mobilization of relief goods.

Aside from lack of food, drinking water, and medicines, Guilhungan residents are also suffering from the absence of electricity, thus, Globe has putt up Libreng Charging centers which the people can use to charge their mobile phones.

So far, Globe has already established a Libreng Tawag center at the Municipal Plaza of Guihungan as well as in Tayasan Police Station. Tayasan is another town in Negros Oriental which was severely damaged by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake which struck the province on February 6.

Globe is also mapping out relief operations plans for Guihulngan and is trying to figure out how to deliver relief goods to the city since access roads are currently considered impassable.

Schneider Electric goes straight in at 26th on the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World” list

fei — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:06:53 +0000

Schneider Electric has once again been recognised for its commitment to sustainable development by directly integrating the 26th place of the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World” list, directed by Corporate Knights and announced in Davos (Switzerland) on January 25. Schneider Electric is positioning itself as the leading company in its sector and in the top three of the eight French companies in the Global 100.

In its 8th edition of the classification published by Corporate Knights, the Canadian magazine for clean capitalism, the Global 100 includes companies from 22 countries and from all sectors of the economy. Together they represent over 3 trillion dollars in turnover and employ more than 5 million people.

For Philippe Reveilhac, Country President at Schneider Electric Philippines: “Schneider Electric’s classification in the ‘Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World’ encourages us to continue our sustainability approach based on an insight of the world’s stakes and an innovative way to tackle them that is good for our customers, the planet, and that can benefit to all our stakeholders.”

Schneider Electric’s inclusion on the Global 100 list marks recognition of how the Group has integrated sustainable development into its core strategy: via solutions in energy efficiency, promoting the production of clean energy and generating consumption practices which respect and preserve the environment on the one hand; and through an dynamic Corporate Social Responsibility commitment, symbolised by its Planet & Society Barometer publishing every quarter the key progresses of the company in all the dimensions of sustainability.

The company intends to actively pursue this policy with the development of solutions for smart cities and smart grids, a new Planet & Society Barometer for the next three years and the renewed commitment from all its employees throughout the world, to ensure that sustainable development becomes an increasingly important aspect of the Group’s DNA.

Last January 17, Schneider Electric also received the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP 2012) in the “Large Corporations” category. Presented to Abu Dhabi during the World Future Energy Summit (WFES 2012), this prize is awarded for commitment to the promotion of renewable energies and to the sustainable development of the Group.

Schneider Electric and Uni Cabwire boost partnership for more effective energy solutions

fei — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:47:04 +0000

Schneider Electric (SE), a global specialist in energy management, strengthened its partnership with Uni Cabwire Industries, Inc. (UC), a major supplier and distributor of cabling products, by hosting an Endorsed Installer Training recently in Pasay City.

UC has been in the cabling business for more than 10 years, supplying a variety of clients such as system integrators and contractors in the construction industry. Aside from closely working together and communicating with Schneider Electric, UC is now taking an aggressive stance in developing strategies to effectively serve the growing demands of its clients. At present, UC carries all of Schneider’s Lifespace products: VDI, Lighting Control and Wiring Devices.

“We have highly skilled employees, the right facilities and the experience in order to deliver well to our partners and customers” says Kenneth Tan, CEO, Uni Cabwire Industries Inc.

This partnership helped UC in seeding new clients and gaining more projects. UC soon expanded its office, added new employees, and added more training for employees and clients through seminars and workshops. SE assisted UC in familiarizing and educating clients on the different products and services that they offer.

UC plans to saturate the Philippine market of VDI, Lighting Control and Wiring devices with the help of their aggressive sales and marketing plans for SE. There are also plans of adding more SE products to push to their clients.

“With good communication with SE and within our company, we will be able to foresee future challenges and plan ahead. We are improving our processes and adapting quickly to address issues for the utmost satisfaction of our partner, SE and customers”, adds Tan.

To learn more about Schneider Electric’s solutions, visit www.schneider-electric.com.

MSI-ECS Supports Tulay Ng Kabataan Foundation

fei — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:24:34 +0000

As part of its CSR initiative, MSI-ECS donates PhP100,000 last January 24, 2012 to Tulay Ng Kabataan Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Quezon City to support its cause of providing shelter and taking care of street children in Metro Manila.

Photo shows (L-R), Jimmy Go, President/CEO, MSI-ECS; Alexandra Chapeleau, Communications and Partnerships Head, Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation; and Maurice Altar, AVP for Marketing and Communications, MSI-ECS.

This CSR initiative is part of MSI-ECS “Make-a-Difference” project launched in 2010 whose main goal is to help and support charity organizations and NGOs through financial assistance. MSI-ECS has been a corporate of WWF in 2010.

Schneider Electric Wins Zayed Future Energy Prize

fei — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:21:54 +0000

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has been recognised at the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP 2012) in the category of ‘Large Corporations’ for leading efforts in renewable energy and sustainability. General Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, presented the award to Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President and CEO, Schneider Electric.

The fourth edition of the Prize was hosted on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES 2012) at the Emirates Palace Hotel, in Abu Dhabi. ZFEP also rewarded winners in the categories of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Lifetime Achievement awards for individuals who received a total prize fund of US$4 million which includes a $500,000 prize that will be awarded to High Schools in 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, Jean-Pascal Tricoire said: “We are delighted on winning the ZFEP Award for Large Corporations. This award is a testimony to our commitment to sustainable development and reaffirms that we are moving in the right direction. We hope to continue leading the effort in resolving the global energy challenge with innovative and efficient solutions that curb energy waste, promote clean generation and influence consumption habits that respect and help resuscitate the environment.”

Schneider Electric was recognized for its work on clean-tech projects, which transcended beyond the company’s core business. Such initiatives include BipBop, the company’s pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that is based on ‘Business, Innovation, and People at the Base of the Pyramid’ and aims to develop access to reliable, affordable and clean energy for poor countries with limited or no access to electricity. While the company is not subject to CO2 quotas, Schneider Electric publicly reports its CO2 performance through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). For the CDP program, the company focuses on three sources of emissions: energy consumption at corporate sites, reduction of SF6 gas, and efficient freight control. Schneider Electric also offers industry-leading solutions such as EcoStruxure, which optimizes energy management by combining electrical distribution, critical power and cooling services, automation and industrial as well as building control systems. Schneider Electric has additionally contributed to the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica station – a zero emission scientific research station.

Members of the jury panel of the Zayed Future Energy Prize present at the ceremony included His Excellency Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, President of Iceland; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Masdar; Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation, and Timothy Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation and the Better World Fund. Panelists included actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, Tennis Grand Slam champion and education advocate Andre Agassi, and Dr Susan Hockfield, President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Oracle Philippines Employees Support Their Communities During Oracle Global Volunteer Days 2011

fei — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:23:41 +0000

More than 100 employees of Oracle Philippines dedicated their time and energy to support the MyShelter Foundation during Oracle Global Volunteer Days 2011. Now celebrating its twelfth year, Oracle Global Volunteer Days supports employees’ involvement in their local communities. Oracle Philippines volunteers worked together with the MyShelter Foundation to help light the homes of 3,000 families in Laguna through a sustainable lighting project called “Isang Litrong Liwanag” (A Liter of Light).

“Isang Litrong Liwanag” is a project led by social entrepreneur Illac Diaz that aims to provide light to one million homes in the Philippines by 2012. The Solar Bottle Bulbs will help families save at least P300.00 a month in their electricity bills. Last year, more than 11,000 Oracle employees volunteered 47,000 hours to support community projects in 47 countries through the Oracle Volunteers program.

“I’m pleased that Oracle took part in our Isang Litrong Liwanag Project,” said Illac Diaz, Founder, My Shelter Foundation. “Oracle volunteers assembled enough Solar Bulb Bottles to light more than one hundred houses in Southville 3A, enabling families to save on electricity and money for years.”

“At Oracle, we recognize the importance of good corporate citizenship. Oracle Global Volunteer Days provide opportunities for our employees and their families to actively contribute to the communities where they live and work,” said Judith Rivera, Human Resources Director, Oracle Philippines. “I am honored that Oracle Philippines employees volunteered their time and talents to make a difference in our world.”

MyShelter Foundation was established by Illac Diaz to create a system of sustainability and reliability through its capability-building and employment-generating projects. Introducing groundbreaking social enterprise, appropriate technologies, and alternative construction in the Philippines, the foundation has pioneered projects such as the Pier One Seafarer’s Dormitory, the Design Against the Elements (DAtE) competition, and the Bottle School Project.

Oracle Volunteers encourages employee volunteerism in partnership with nonprofit organizations globally. Through events including the Global Volunteer Days and the Season of Sharing, Oracle employees offer their time and energy to drive positive change. Last year, more than 11,000 Oracle employees volunteered 47,000 hours to support community projects in 47 countries. For more information, visit: www.oracle.com/us/corporate/citizenship/giving-volunteers/employee-volunteering/index.html.

Globe builds planet-friendly network

fei — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:27:24 +0000

As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Globe Telecom’s state-of-the-art mobile network will utilize technologies that are environment-friendly, harnessing and integrating “green” solutions in its operations.

The modern Globe network will use alternative sources of power and renewable energy by using solar and wind-energy powered cellsites, as well as delaying genset mode features, increasing the company’s “green” cellsites by over 200%. This will boost energy savings through reduction in carbon footprint and reduce power consumption, generating fuel savings of up to 60%.

Network equipment will also be refreshed with upscale battery autonomy and delaying genset mode feature, as well as operate on natural cooling methods, resulting to more efficient use of commercial power and 30% worth of fuel savings. Once the network modernization program is completed, Globe will have one of the “greenest” network infrastructures in the ASEAN Region.

“Globe has always been conscious of how our operations impact the environment with our small-scale renewable energy deployment in previous years,” said Robert Tan, Chief Technical Adviser of Globe. “With the network modernization in place, we are moving to a bigger and more massive green network with the introduction of highly efficient and reliable hardware technologies and solutions for reduced operational expenses and lowered carbon dioxide emissions.

Globe will partner with Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider in rolling out the network modernization program. To drive the development of a green telecom industry, Huawei exerts end-to-end control over its products, promotes assessment of carbon emissions throughout the product lifecycle, and carries out technological innovations in energy saving and emission reduction through green communications solutions that feature green sites, green equipment rooms, green transmission, and green energy.

The company has considered Huawei’s Green Energy and Green Site solutions to be implemented in its cellsites. With the help of Huawei’s innovative green techniques such as improving power amplification, adopting smart power control, increasing maximum temperature for base stations, and employing distributed or integrated equipment rooms, Globe will not only provide an unparalleled experience to its customers, but give them a network that values the importance of the environment and its natural resources.

Globe has long been at the forefront of environmental sustainability and development guided by its environmental strategy to identify areas of operation where it could utilize renewable energies, develop products and services that enable consumers and businesses reduce their environment impact, manage industrial wastes, and help protect the environment through various volunteer programs and related projects. Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program Globe Bridging Communities, Globe institutionalized an integrated program called Globe Goes Green and spearheaded programs such as the Globe Cordillera Challenge and Globe Adventure Taal for Clean Water to express its support to environmental conservation.

Mobile Tips and tricks for Yoga enthusiasts

fei — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:59:43 +0000

Yoga has been growing in popularity with the Metro Manila crowd, as evidenced by the growth in the number of yoga studios offering to help Manilans stretch, bend and centre their bodies and minds. Known to provide numerous health benefits — from improving sleep to reducing stress and musculoskeletal pain — Pinoys are getting into shape with this unique workout, whether it is hatha, ashtanga, bikram, or power yoga.

Here are 10 tips and tricks on how to use your mobile device to improve your yoga workout:

Look for yoga studios around the Metro with Google Maps for mobile: Cant decide what’s the best and most convenient studio for you? Simply search for ‘Yoga in Manila’ by clicking on the Places icon in your Google Maps for mobile app, and you will find a list of various establishments, their names, addresses, websites and telephone numbers.

Check out yoga postures with Google Images: Not sure if your pose is correct or whether it needs improvement? Type in the name of the posture in your Google Search app, and you’ll find diagrams and pictures of both professional and beginners executing the pose.

Track the number of calories burned in your yoga workout: Want to see how many calories you just burned during your yoga session? Install the Calories Burned app on your Android device to calculate the numbers of calories burned during a workout in two easy steps.

Do yoga in the comfort of your own home: Don’t have the time to go to a yoga studio or want to squeeze in some extra practice by yourself? The Android Market offers useful yoga apps that provide step-by-step videos of each posture. Daily Yoga for Back details 19 yoga asanas in 10-minute routines. A demo, along with a timer and background music guide yoga beginners from start to finish.

Challenge yourself with new poses: Want to try poses not covered in your current yoga class? The Android app, My Yoga Routine, offers beginner to advanced yoga asanas that will make you sweat. The app has animated yoga classes that include instructions and voice narration.

Find instructional yoga videos on YouTube for mobile: Stay updated and keep your routines fresh by checking out instructional videos on your YouTube mobile app. A quick search will get you tutorial videos on specific poses, introduction you to the different types of yoga and even demostrate full yoga routines.

Remember to rehydrate: Yoga routines — especially those that involve heat like Bikram or Ashtanga — can be pretty intense and cause dehydration. So remember with stay hydrated the whole day with Drinking Water – Carbodroid, an Android app which helps you reach your goal of drinking the eight recommended glasses of water per day.

Maximize the benefits of your yoga practice by eating healthy: Yoga teaches its practitioners to have a healthy mind and body. Embrace the holistic living embodied by yoga and turn to the Android app, BBC Food, which offers over 160 healthy recipes with full screen photos.

Read up on yoga with Google Books: To find out more about the ancient art, or to glean more tips for your practice from informative books and magazines, head over to Google Books. Simply select Books under the ‘more’ tab in your Google Search app, and enter a search for ‘yoga’. Google Books hosts millions of publications, many of them available free to viewers.

Share your experiences on the Web: Want to share the goodness of yoga with other people? Or need a space to chronicle your journey with yoga to keep yourself motivated? Sign up to Google+, access it on your mobile and let the world know about your experience with and passion for yoga. Who knows? You might just reach out to someone else in need of a lifestyle change.

Microsoft Philippines holds its first Partner Volunteer Day

fei — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:16:26 +0000

With the primary aim of giving back to society during the holidays, Microsoft Philippines recently hosted its first MPN Volunteer Day where Microsoft partners and employees celebrated with the children of Virlanie Foundation, one of Microsoft’s citizenship partners whose goal is to uplift the lives of the abandoned, abused and neglected street children of the Philippines.

Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) is a program of Microsoft that caters to different types of business partners, providing support and resources that can enable them to reach their full potential. This provides Microsoft partners opportunities to strengthen their capabilities, expertise to help them serve their customers better, and become part of a community that spark innovation and connection.

“Microsoft believes in the power of helping people, most especially during Christmas. Through the first MPN Volunteer Day, we are showing our support to the community by inviting the kids of Virlanie Foundation to celebrate a day filled with happiness, fun and excitement with the Microsoft family,” said Clarissa Segismundo, Partner Development & Programs Lead, Microsoft Philippines.

“We have already built a long-term relationship with Virlanie Foundation and we believe that with this simple gathering, not only will we be able to strengthen our ties with the organization, we are also given the opportunity to put smiles on the faces of many children,” Segismundo added.

Virlanie Foundation is a non-government organization focused on helping children who lack attention and protection by providing them with homes, donations, and programs. The foundation is committed to find ways to sustain its operations by conducting fund-raising activities, seeking sponsorships, and maximizing its human resources.

Microsoft invited around 30 children to feel and celebrate the early holiday season. In fact, Microsoft prepared a number of fun-filled activities for them that include party booths such as Xbox and Kinect adventure stations, storytelling activities, face painting, and even arts and crafts, among others.

“We are very happy to have been chosen to partake in the MPN Volunteer Day and we are thankful that Microsoft is continuously giving importance to our children’s happiness. The kids will be delighted to join the activities, most especially as they will feel loved and cared for,” said Chris Sanchez, Fundraising Officer, Virlanie Foundation.

Partners have been encouraged to take part in this endeavor by signing up as a volunteer for the day or by sending donations for the foundation.

“This event is proof that MPN does not end by trading with its partners. We at Microsoft also commit to helping others, most especially our partners and beneficiaries, through innovations and services we provide,” concluded Segismundo.