Concentrix Extends Rebrand Launch with Drone Show in Cebu FUNATIX Family Day

Cebu City, Philippines— Global technology and services leader Concentrix (Nasdaq: CNXC) extends the launch of its new brand positioning with a drone show in Cebu. Building on the momentum from a similar event in Manila, Concentrix’s Family Day in Cebu sustains its commitment as an industry leader and being the first customer experience (CX) company to host a drone show in the country. 

Attended by approximately 30,000 Concentrix Cebu game-changers and their loved ones, the show took place in what is considered the country’s biggest employee-focused multi-event series in which the company invests hundreds of millions of pesos each year, the Concentrix Family Day #OneFamNation. Called FUNATIX in Cebu, it was one of 11 location-based events nationwide. Aside from the drone show, FUNATIX featured bands Bamboo, Oh! Caraga and improv theater group SPIT performing for the gigantic crowd. 

“Bringing the drone show to Concentrix Cebu Family Day reflects our commitment to deliver exceptional experiences and personally engage our people where they live and work. Revealing our new logo with this experience is a testament to Concentrix’s human-centered, tech-led approach: blending fresh and modern innovation with entertainment to create an unforgettable moment,” said Amit Jagga, EVP and Country Leader for Concentrix Philippines.

Continuing the annual tradition of FUNATIX, the full-day event was held at SM Seaside. It included activities for the whole family, featured Concentrix game-changer talent showcase and Battle of the Bands, as well as recognition of Concentrix Cebu as inter-BPO Sports Champions. “Our commitment to put our clients and game-changers at the center of everything that we do remains the same, and anchors the ways in which we provide experiences that go beyond ‘WOW’. Our annual Family Day is an ongoing investment to celebrate our people who are the driving force of our business, as well as the loved ones for whom they give their best every day,” Country Leader Amit further remarked.  

Concentrix in the Philippines remains the nation’s largest private employer with over 100,000 game-changers in over 50 sites spread across 20 cities. It has recently been recognized at the Asia CEO Awards 2023 as Grand Winner for Top Employer of the Year. 

From Visayas to Manila: Celebrating Pride with Cebuana Lhuillier’s LGBTQIA+ Employees

Two LGBTQIA+ workers from Cebuana Lhuillier Visayas were granted the exceptional chance to travel from the Visayas to Manila to take part in the much-anticipated Quezon City Pride March. This trip was made possible by their employer as a part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s iBelong internal diversity campaign, which aims to promote a welcoming and inclusive work environment. 

The two employees, Hipolito “Pauline” Gonzales Jr and Oscar Buenavista Jr stood out in an internal contest which was hosted within the company, thereby earning much-deserved all-expense paid trips to Manila. 

Upon coming back to their respective provinces and work, Gonzales and Buenavista reminisce about their Pride March experience and how it feels to be a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier organization. 

A Dream Come True 

For Gonzales, an openly gay branch appraiser of Cebuana Lhuillier Surigao, the chance to join the Pride March in Manila was a dream realized since it covered many first experiences for her, including her first-ever plane ride. 

 “It was my first time, so it was a new and interesting experience for me. It allowed me to give myself permission to be the real authentic me. From riding a plane and going to Manila to attend the pride march 2024, I feel so grateful and honored for the whole experience,” says Gonzales. 

Having worked with the company for 6 years, Gonzales says that she never encountered any discrimination from the organization. Rather, she’s happy to have supportive colleagues who appreciate her hard work. “Never ko naramdaman na pinipigilan kami to express our true selves as long as we are fit to work and that we can do things with PRIDE,” she added. 

Marching with Pride

Buenavista, a proud LGBTQIA+ branch appraiser from Cebuana Lhuillier Claver, echoed Gonzales’ statements. “What made me stay in Cebuana Lhuillier is the non-toxic workplace that allows me to have peace of mind. Here, I feel respected, seen, and valued by my colleagues as well as our clients,” he said. 

In his 5-year stay with Cebuana Lhuillier, Buenavista shares that he has strongly developed strong values like hard work, determination, and patience as these have helped him get to where he is today. For Buenavista, his participation in the Pride March was more than just a personal milestone; it was a statement of visibility and acceptance. “As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we have to be visible and we should not be ashamed of who we are. Because I believe visibility leads to understanding and understanding leads to acceptance.” 

Embracing a Culture of Diversity and Inclusion

Cebuana Lhuillier has a transformative internal campaign called iBelong that promotes understanding, respect, and diversity across all levels of the organization. For employees like Gonzales and Buenavista, this initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels they belong, regardless of their differences, including gender. 

“Diversity and inclusion are personal commitments of mine. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we believe that our strength lies in our diversity. The iBelong campaign demonstrates our dedication to standing with our employees and celebrating their identities, no matter their background or identity. Through this campaign, we have fostered a culture of acceptance within our organization while contributing to the broader societal movement towards equality for all,” says Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. 

The experiences shared by Gonzales and Buenavista are just some testaments that highlight the positive impact that supportive workplace initiatives can have on individual lives. As Cebuana Lhuillier continues to champion inclusivity through iBelong, it sets a powerful example for other organizations to follow, especially when it comes to embracing diversity in the workplace.

Fiesta Señor 2021 – Sinulog Schedule of Novena Masses at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

The 456th Fiesta Señor is kicking off in a few weeks, Sinulog 2021 will finally be on full swing! With the theme “Santo Niño: The Abiding Presence of the Father in our Journey of Faith”, the religious activities for the annual Sinulog festival will kick on January 8, 2021.

For your convenience, do take note that the Basilica will implement the one-way entry system and other COVID-19 protocols. Only residents of Cebu City are allowed to enter the vicinity of the Basilica. ALL Novena Masses are streamed on their Facebook page. BACKPACKS and other bulky bags are NOT ALLOWED so as not to delay the security inspection process.

Several activities like the Penitential Walk with Jesus, Penitential Walk with Mary, Traslacion (Cebu City to Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu City), Fluvial Procession and Reenactment, and Solemn Procession are CANCELLED. As of the latest update, Traditional Sinulog dancing after the last Mass of the day is also CANCELLED. 

Check out the full schedule of novena masses below (SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM FOR DOWNLOADABLE PHOTOS OF THE SCHEDULE):

The Sinulog Festival 2021 schedule is also available here.

DAY 1: January 8, 2021 (Friday) – OPENING SALVO

5:30AM – Enthronement of the Image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu
6:00AM – Opening Salvo Mass (Installation of Hermano and Hermana Mayores)
Continue reading →

Sinulog 2021 Schedule of Festival Events and Activities in Cebu

The country’s biggest festival, Sinulog 2021 is back once again this year with the theme: A New Life in Faith, Hope, and Love. One Beat. One Dance. One Vision. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected most of the activities lined up to celebrate the Feast of the Child Jesus, there are still several events, physical and virtual, scheduled to keep the festive spirit alive.

See below the full schedule of events and activities for Sinulog Festival 2021!
Meanwhile, you may also check the full schedule of Fiesta Senyor 2021 Novena Masses and other religious activities here.

January 1-31, 2021 – Sinulog One-Stop Shop at Ayala Center Cebu
January 3-10, 2021
– Sinulog Kick-Off “FUN RIDE” Virtual Bike Challenge Continue reading →

Sinulog Tribu sa Kabataan 2020 Winners

Formerly called the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and more recently Sinulog sa Barangay, here are the winners of the recently concluded Sinulog Tribu sa Kabataan 2020.

Best in Musicality:

1st Place: Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P50,000)
2nd Place: Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe (P35,000)
3rd Place: Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon (P25,000)
4th Place: Banay San Nicolas of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P15,000)
5th Place: Banay Budlaan of Barangay Budlaan (P10,000)

Best in Costume:

Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P50,000)

Best in Streetdancing:

1st Place: Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P70,000)
2nd Place: Banay Labangon of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P50,000)
3rd Place: Banay San Nicolas of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P30,000)
4th Place: Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe (P20,000)
5th Place: Pundok Maampoong Cambihanon of Barangay Cambinocot (P10,000)

Best in Ritual Showdown:

GRAND CHAMPION: Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P400,000)

Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas

2nd Place: Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon (P350,000)

Banay Labangon of Barangay Labangon

3rd Place: Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe (P300,000)

Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe

4th Place: Banay San Nicolas of Barangay San Nicolas Proper (P250,000)

5th Place: Banay Budlaan of Barangay Budlaan (P200,000)

6th Place: Pundok Maampoong Cambihanon of Barangay Cambinocot (P150,000)

7th Place: Tribu Mabolokon of Barangay Mabolo (P100,000)

Non-winners

Barangay Inayawan

Tribu Kinaiyahan

Barangay Sapangdaku

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2020 Winners

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2020 Winners – Of Victories and Comebacks.

The reigning champion of the Sinulog-Based Category in Sinulog 2019 emerged as the top winner of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2020. Carcar City bagged top honors for Ritual Showdown, Best in Costume, Best in Musicality, and 2nd place for Best in Streetdancing.

Last year’s top contingent in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2019, Talisay City, settled for 2nd place for Ritual Showdown in this year’s edition, while also bagging 1st Place for Best in Streetdancing, and 2nd Place for Best in Musicality.

Meanwhile, Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City has successfully made a comeback after a six-year absence in the Sinulog as it ended up as 3rd Place in Ritual Showdown, Musicality and Streetdancing. Check out the full list of winners below.

Best in Musicality:

1st Place: Carcar City (P50,000)
2nd Place: Talisay City (P35,000)
3rd Place: Lapu-Lapu City (P25,000)
4th Place: Bogo City (P15,000)
5th Place: Toledo City (P10,000)

Best in Costume:

Carcar City (P50,000)

Best in Streetdancing:

1st Place: Talisay City (P70,000)
2nd Place: Carcar City (P50,000)
3rd Place: Lapu-Lapu City (P30,000)

Best in Ritual Showdown:

GRAND CHAMPION: Carcar City (P400,000)

Carcar City

2nd Place: Talisay City (P350,000)

Talisay City

3rd Place: Lapu-Lapu City (P300,000)

Lapu-Lapu City

4th Place: Bogo (P250,000)

Bogo City

5th Place: Toledo (P200,000)

Toledo City

6th Place: Ginatilan (P50,000)

Ginatilan

Cebu Parklane launches Sugbuanong Bahandi

In celebration of Cebu’s truly global festival, the Sinulog Festival, Cebu Parklane International Hotel opened earlier today Sugbuanong Bahandi, an exhibit featuring Cebuano art and fashion.

Ms. Cenelyn Manguilimotan – General Manager – Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Ms. Jaybee Flores-Aquino – Marketing Communications Manager – Cebu Parklane International Hotel

The exhibit features three elements:

Sugbuanong Obra, a Painting Exhibit by Ruel Rosello,

Linya Sugbuana, an Amano Collection by Dexter Alazas,

and Balaanong Gasa, a Display of Josie Pereyra’s Sto. Niño collection.

Mr. Ruel Rosello, Ms. Josie Pereyra, Mr. Dexter Alazas

Check out the exhibit at the lobby of Parklane Hotel until January 31. Pit Señor!

Maayo Hotel ramps up Sinulog 2020 offerings

If you’re in Cebu, the festive season doesn’t end on New Year, as it is extended to Sinulog! Maayo Hotel, Cebu’s only wellness hotel brings to life Cebuano culture and tradition as it ramps up its Sinulog 2020 activities.

Kumbira

What is a Cebuano celebration without food? Maayo Hotel prepares a feast of a wonderful culinary journey at Uma Restaurant in time for the Sinulog festival with Kumbira: A Cebuano Heritage Cuisine Feast. Enjoy the different featured dishes from around Cebu to your heart’s content! The feast is available until Sunday, January 19 for P750 net per person for lunch and P870 net per person for dinner. Check out some of the sumptuous dishes below.

Capture the ritual prayer dance and music to celebrate the Sinulog festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño and catch Mandaue City School for the Arts Dance Troupe at Maayo Hotel’s main lobby on Saturday, January 18 from 1:00PM-3:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM and on Sunday, January 19 from 7:00AM-9:00AM.

Illuminate

Light up the night and dress to illuminate in neon or white at Maayo Hotel’s annual Sinulog Roof Deck party this coming January 18, Saturday. Dance the night away with some of the renowned DJs in the metro. Have a glowing-good time together with your friends and family. Tickets are sold for P300 net per person with a round of drink while Open Bar tickets are sold at P1,100 net per person.

For reservations and inquiries, you may call Maayo Hotel at (+63 32) 517 0200 or follow them on their social media pages on FB and IG @maayohotels