Roberto L. Bacasong asked:


Yuppie Filipinos get the chance to be employed easily once they obtained their bachelor or diploma degrees because of the emergence of contact centers everywhere in the Philippines. These workers started to fill the 24-hour skyscrapers that gives a colorful background to metro Manila’s financial districts at nighttime.

This only shows that people employed in this job for a couple of years were used to on their ticking biological sleeping habit. They slept all day long just to regain their strength and wake up again at the wee hours to prepare themselves for a nightlong work. Clad in casual attire with matching fashionable coats are the most common props if you are a customer service representative. During break time some even used to occupy the al fresco various dining areas in Manila. In Ortigas for instance, call center agents enjoy their 30-minute to 1 hour break at McDonald’s, Starbucks, among others. For those who have extra pennies, they enjoy the hot aroma of Brazilian coffee in various blend. Others may sit on the corner and lit up their cigarette in a way of releasing their stress from work. It is enjoying isn’t it?

At 8 pm. about 100 people, most 25 younger, sit in a room of enclosed cubicles outfitted with phones and computers. They’ll be working until 4 am. or depends on the schedule of their shifts. As their shifts starts, it is usually morning in the US. These contact centers are following US standard zones such as Pacific, Eastern, Mountain and Central.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Luisa Geneta disclosed that call center is her first job when she finished her bachelor’s degree on May 4, 2007. At 12 am., Geneta left her house in Tondo, a suburb village in Manila, as her shift starts at 2 am. This Banking and Finance graduate from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is one of the top caliber representatives for Unique Interaction, an American call center based in Ortigas.

“Working in a call center in the Philippines is really a big challenge for me especially that I’m new to this business. I spent most of my time and energy on this job,” she said, who handles an inbound account.

It is a very risky to leave my house at midnight for a young lady like me. However, I consider that this is the most rewarding career that we have nowadays and this will be a big help in creating another means of livelihood for us Filipinos especially for fresh graduates like me, she claimed.

On the other hand, Margaret Estanislao, 19, a team leader of the same company, disclosed that placing the agents into action challenge her in keeping her job.

Estanislao, who started as an agent added that they tried everything in sorting out the problem of the customers. “We need to maintain our empathy if the customer is upset. They are pissed and upset not because of the representatives but to the products itself”.

Both Geneta and Estanislao agreed that this job has given them the opportunity to enhance their skills and boost their confidence when it comes of interaction with their clients in a phone-to-phone conversation.

“Not to mention the financial aid that it gives to me and my family. I think this industry will continue to prosper in the succeeding years and it will continue to be one of the leading providers of career opportunities for Filipinos,” Geneta further said.

It cannot be denied that outsourcing business is one of the most flavored industries in the Philippines and other Asian countries. It appears that contact center executives preferred this country because of the number of students produced every year, which can speak English in American way. As the third largest English-speaking country in Asia no doubt that business process outsourcing is in demand today.

BPO companies provides a state-of-the-art equipment in outsourcing their business in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. These companies trained their employees to speak like American way. In Unique Interaction, they provide fundamental call center training before the call center trainees will be allowed to take calls. The trainees has to learn account information first. Once they know the account then they are deployed ready on the floor and receive as many calls as they want. The company also teach their employees on how to handle their customers well. It is so hard to lose a customer, we know that they are considered as the lifeblood that gives full stream of support to make the company up and running and stay on the business for long.

The fact is call centers are part of the Philippine economic activity. Almost half of the 86.2 million people in the Philippines are younger than 20 years old. So don’t be surprised if you will be able to meet supervisors, team leaders, managers below 25. This is because that call center has the fastest way of promoting a career development. If the agent is performing better and receiving good CSAT ratings then no doubt that within six months or less than, this certain employee is entitled to move to another level in his or her career path. The Philippines is also one of the potential factors for outsourcing. It has been also forecast by the XMG Inc., Manila-based research and advisory firm that the nation will surpass India by 2008 as home to the world’s largest call center companies.

The Philippines offers attractive environment for the BPO companies, which is one of the key requirements by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) in applying for this business. Even now big contact center firms also expanded their centers not only in Manila but targeting the provincial levels. So it means, the revenues will not only take place within the National Capital Region (NCR) but it will also circulate to the provincial areas after passing the standard set by the Peza. Largest call centers are also found operating in Pampanga, Laguna and Baguio in Luzon; Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete and Iloilo in the Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro and Davao in Mindanao.

The Philippine Government is very supportive to this. Under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, she said that BPO companies will generate billions of pesos in the country with target by 2010. When it starts to operate in 2000, now off-shore call center industry estimates to employs 60,000 people.*

Ritu Raj Mishra asked:


Lying between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea and consisting of around 7,107 islands, Philippines is enriched with verdant nature, vibrant culture and various adrenaline pumping activities. Obviously, with all these enticements, this land of beauty has created its niche in the world’s travel map. Keeping a track with the inflow of travelers, the hospitality sector in the country is sprouting day by day. The hotels in Philippines have created a comfort zone for all travelers having different budgets and needs. So, while exploring this amazing archipelago, you will definitely enjoy the caress of comfortability available back at your home.

Mainly, tropical climate is noticed in the country of Philippines, which makes March to May hot, June to October rainy and November to February cold. However, the best time to explore this country is from December to the middle of May. Getting in this country is easier as well. Two major cities, Manila and Cebu have connected Philippines with the rest of the world by air. Even more, it is also possible for travelers to come here by sea from the nearby parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

As a famous tourist spot, Philippines has so many things to offer to its guests. Beguiling beaches and hair-raising beach activities are the prime attractions to the travelers here. Especially, Boracay Island, Mactan Island, Panglao, Samal Island, Negros Island will entice you to get marooned amidst sun, sand and sea. In addition, the country has been adorned with some unforgettable sights. These are like, Banaue, Chocolate Hills, Hundred Islands National Park, Lake Taal & Taal Volcano, Siquijor Caves and so on. So, your itinerary for Philippines mustn’t miss all these places.

Nonetheless, Philippines houses a wide range of hotels sprawling in different parts of the country. Besides Manila and Cebu, other places including Bacolod, Bohol, Boracay, Butun, Davao, Palawan etc. boast a wide range of hotels. All kinds of accommodation ranging from luxury beach resorts to budget hotels are available here. And definitely, it gives an assurance of accommodation to all travelers having different budgets.

Some renowned hotel groups like Intercontinental, Hyatt, Sofitel, Shangri-La, Holiday-Inn, Pan Pacific, Crowne Plaza, Mercure have possessed a number of hotels in Philippines. Accenting on high-end facilities and services, all these hotels offer sheer comfort and luxury to their guests. On the other hand, the budget hotels in the island have catered to necessary amenities and services, with which budget travelers will enjoy their sojourn without comprising anything with their comfort.

Most of Philippines hotels have their official websites, where the briefs of their locations, rooms and amenities are available. Apart from that, other websites also publish unbiased testimonials and travelers’ reviews on various hotels in the country. All these information will enable you to choose your accommodation during your trip to Philippines.

Ruel Hinaloc asked:


The Philippines is an archipelago, having 7, 107 islands, and is abundant in nature, warm people, natural wonders, and filled with pleasant discoveries. Philippines is now considered as one of the top destination in the world, having 1.5 million distant tourist arrivals for the first semester this year.

With hundreds of destinations in the country, the top 3 on my directory are the following:

1. Boracay

Boracay is located in the northwest corner of Panay Island that belongs to the Visayas island board of central Philippines in the Pacific. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and now, became an international destination too. The White Beach and Bulabog Beach are just the two chief tourism beaches, which are located on opposite sides of the island.

Aside from taking dip of the crystal red water, you can also take a boat around the island, hire a motorbike or scooter to explore the place, or go horse returning riding, and experience the native villages and sceneries that usual visitors do not do.

And, did I inform you that Boracay has one of the most beautiful sunsets? Well, you don’t surely like to miss it. And, the fun doesn’t end there yet, since Boracay nightlife is pulsating amongst so many bars and restaurants available that will give you fun until dawn.

2. Bohol

Located in the Central Visayas region, Bohol is the home of hospitable and warm people. Boholanos, as what the natives are called, are very proud of the usual wonders which are bestowed in the island. To name a few, it is the property of the renowned Chocolate Hills! Imagine seeing no less than 1268 hills, that are uniform in shape and will turn chocolate brown during summer, and from which the name was derived. You can also see the Tarsiers, one of the smallest renowned primates and be amazed when they turned the heads by 180 degrees.

Bohol is also blessed with a numerous white sand beaches, and Panglao Island is one of the famous destinations, having powdery sand. It has a enormous number of top school diving sites, which both international and local divers are able to consider it as diver’s haven.

3. Palawan

Palawan is located in the Western Visayas Region and the islands stretches from what i read in Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest. The place is for adventure seekers and nature lovers and its famous for its marine sanctuaries, white sand beaches, and exotic wildlife.

One of the ?a-must-see? in Palawan is the Tabon Cave. It is a 138-hectares, of rugged cliffs and deep slopes. Because of its importance to Philippine History and heritage, the site was declared a Museum Reservation Site by virtue by the Philippine Government.

Another is the El Nido marine reserve. The scenic landscapes, crystal clear waters and the isolation from the big crowd of the city usually attracts and fascinates the travelers of the place. Kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking to the peak of the island, bird watching, sunbathing in a grey beach are just some of the activities you can enjoy.

There are significantly a lot of things that Philippines offers, and it is recently there, waiting to be discovered. So, travel in the Philippines now!

Sai Vallejos asked:


Bataan peninsula is located southwards from the western shores of central Luzon, forming the enclosed and well-sheltered Manila Bay to the east that is nearly cut off from the open China Sea in the west. The narrow outlet separates the peninsula from Corregidor Island and Cavite to the south.

The provinces of Zambales and Pampanga form common boundaries to the north. About 80% of Bataan is mountainous or hilly with Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib dominating the interior. Most of the agricultural portion of Bataan is in the north and east.

The province experiences two pronounced seasons; dry from November until April and the wet from May to October. During World War II it was the scene of heavy fighting between Allied and Japanese forces from January 6, 1942, to April 9, 1942. Bataan fell to Japan on April 9 and was retaken by an American force on February 17, 1945.

HISTORY

Several villages in the coastal plains of Bataan were already thriving communities when Spanish missionaries found them in the 1570s. Bataan, then known as Vatan, was part of the vast Capampangan Empire that included what now are the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and some portions of Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan, These coastal villages were inhabited by natives who were predominantly fishermen, farmers and craftsmen. Meanwhile, the hillsides were inhabited by nomadic Aeta tribes.

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. Before this, the region was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that was under the jurisdiction of the Recollect Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The province of Pampanga included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa and San Juan de Dinalupihan. The latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.

Long before the outbreak of Word War II, Bataan already earned herself a secure place in the history of the Philippines. The prince of Filipino printers, Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay, who either authored or co-authored some of the oldest books in the Philippines and printed them himself between 1610 to 1639 in the printing press located inside the Abucay Catholic Church. In 1647, the plundering Dutch Naval forces were resisted in Bataan, the defenders ultimately chose the glory of death to the ignominy of surrender.

Bataan was among the first provinces to rise in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were instrumental in ensuring that the Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the selection of the peninsula as the locale of the last defensive stand by the USAFFE against the invading Japanese forces brought fame and infamy to Bataan. The loss of life and property cannot be estimated. Bataan then became the symbol of valor and tenacity in its hopeless stand against the much superior invading Japanese Imperial Forces. Today, a national landmark called the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) stands majestically on top of the Mt. Samat in Pilar as testimony to the gallantry and sacrifices of the men and women who with their blood, tears, and sweat made the grounds of Bataan hallow.

CULTURE

Most of the 424,000 people living in Bataan are Tagalogs. Kapampangans comprise a significant minority of less than 10% and are concentrated in the municipalities adjoining the province of Pampanga. Recent rapid industrialization has lured thousands of people from other provinces to settle within Bataan.

The province of Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture and economy of Manila. Much of what the province produces is exported to Manila. The primary traditional industry of Bataan is fishing. It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has spawned a unique craft of net and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan take on various forms and shapes like the panli, kalukutok, pambonot, pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon, panglusong, hila-hila, kitang, pangapak, bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw and the gulgureta.

Each net type responds to various needs and uses. There are also various fishtraps like the saluhin, paclang, aguila, panghipon and pangalalo.

The province exports the excess of its fish catch and the town of Orion is famous for its tuyo (dried fish). Orani used to have large tracts of nipa groves, which used to produce a native beverage called tuba. Tuba is still produced but in smaller quantities and primarily for local consumption.

POINTS OF INTEREST

First Line of Defense Marker (Dinalupihan) – Marks the first strong line of defense of combined Phil. and USAFFE troops against the Japanese invasion during World War II.

Fall of Bataan Marker (Balanga) – This commemorates the fall of Bataan, in memory of war veterans, living and dead. The marker symbolizes the courage and the enduring commitment of a Filipino soldier to his country.

Surrender Site Marker (Balanga) – Marks the spot where the grim surrender of Bataan and Corregidor was signed by Maj. Gen. Edward King Jr., on April 9, 1942. Surrender marker can be found within the compound of Balanga Elementary School.

Democracy Marker – Situated at the provincial boundary between Pampanga and Bataan which depicts the role of Bataan in the fight for freedom for the preservation of democracy.

Death March Marker (Orani) – The folk arts statue commemorating the defiant spirit of Bataan, where Death march marches passed on their way to the prison camp.

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) Pilar – Natural shrine atop Mt. Samat which immortalizes the agony of the Filipino and Americans against the forces of aggression and articulates the Commitment of the Filipino people to freedom and dignity.

Tomas Pinpin Monument – In memory of first Filipino printer. It was in Abucay church where Tomas Pinpin co-authored and printed the earliest books in the country with Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1610

Mt. Samat – Was the scene of the most heroic defensive battle during World War II.

First Abucay Catholic Church – On this site a fierce battle between the Dutch and the natives together with defenders took place in June 23, 1647. The church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It housed the first printing press in the country which outdated any single press in the US

Mt. Malasimbo – A cinica-shaped mountain cinsidered as a weather forcasting device predicting a coming typhoon when its summit is covered with dark clouds.

The Main Battle Position (Abucay Town) – The battle possition of the USAFFE, known officially as the Abucay -Morong Line, under the War Plan Orange 3. The then second Lieutenant Alexander R. Miniger, Jr., 57th Infantry (PS) Gainsville, Georgia was posthumously decorated the Congressional Medal for an action on this line 12 January 1942, and became the first America’s highest military decoration.

Abucay Municipal Building – A historic relic of one of the largest town of Bataan.

Bankal Settlement -A newly created barangay where the Actas still maintain their traditional customs and usages in accordance with our cultural heritage.

Battle of Toul Pocket Marker (Bagac) – Marks the significant pockers where a battle ensued as a prelude to the final defense in Bataan. The series of fights to eliminate the Japanese forces known as the Battle of Pockets fought from Jan 27 to Feb. 17.

Sibul Spring – A tourist potential with sulfuric swimming pool and wide area for outdoor recreation.

Pasukulan Falls – A natural wonder at the valley of Mt. Natib which has fresh vegetation and unexplored area.

Bagak Town – Zero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of Japanese control over the nation.

Maria Canon Statue – This tower was erected for the repose of many dead souls in the Philippines during World War 2 by the Mie-ken Daiichi Shueesec of the Japanese Sohtohshuh Spot, September 1978.

Philippine-Japan Friendship Tower – This symbolizes that after a war, there is a period of reconciliation, peace and friendship.

Kaytibong Falls – This natural waterfalls remains to be developed.

Roosevelt National Park – A forest reservation ideal for outdoor adventures and Boy Scout Camporal area with facilities for irrigation and game hunting.

Catholic Church Belfry – This was used as a site for Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where both Filipino and American Forces gave their last stand.

Lamao World War II Marker – World War II exempted almost no place in the province that this town overlooking Manila Bay and Corregidor deserves a marker.

Alangan River – In Bataan every place is a place to go. No small creek or river is without a tint of history and of practical value.

BEPZA – The Bataan export Processing Zone Authority is the site of many foreign based factories and companies producing items ranging from dolls to automobiles for export.

Flaming Sword – A symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of external threats to the nation’s democracy and peace

Final Battle Site Marker – To remember the coutage and heroism of Bataan defenders amidst hunger, sickness and death.

Battle of Trail 2 (Capot Hill) – A point where several men died in defense of freedom and democracy.

Dunsulan Falls – Ideal site for pocnics and inland swimming.

U.N. Refuge Center – Located in Morong Town. A temporary resettlement area and processing center for Indo-Chinese refugees migrating to European, American and Facific countries.

Nuclear Power Plant – The country’s first controversial commercial nuclear power plant with a capacity of 620 megawatts.

Cayetano Arellano Marker – Located on Orion Town. This marks Orion, as the birthplace of the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Francisco Balagtas Monument – In honor of the great Filipino poet and patriot, this monument was erected.

Sitio Diwa – A full-pledged barangay but a glorious example of a small village which answered the call for the united defense against foreign aggressors. (From Tambayanet)

Joie Charles asked:

The Philippines is an archipelago, having 7, 107 islands, and is abundant in nature, warm people, natural wonders, and filled with pleasant discoveries. Philippines is now considered as one of the top destination in the world, having 1.5 million foreign tourist arrivals for the first semester this year.

With hundreds of destinations in the country, the top 3 on my list are the following:

1. Boracay

Boracay is located in the northwest corner of Panay Island that belongs to the Visayas island group of central Philippines in the Pacific. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and now, became an international destination too. The White Beach and Bulabog Beach are just the two primary tourism beaches, which are located on opposite sides of the island.

Aside from taking dip of the crystal blue water, you can also take a boat around the island, hire a motorbike or scooter to explore the place, or go horse back riding, and experience the native villages and sceneries that usual visitors don’t do.

And, did I tell you that Boracay has one of the most beautiful sunsets? Well, you don’t surely want to miss it. And, the fun doesn’t end there yet, since Boracay nightlife is pulsating with so many bars and restaurants around that will give you fun until dawn.

2. Bohol

Located in the Central Visayas region, Bohol is the home of hospitable and warm people. Boholanos, as what the natives are called, are very proud of the natural wonders that are bestowed in the island. To name a few, it is the home of the famous Chocolate Hills! Imagine seeing no less than 1268 hills, that are uniform in shape and will turn chocolate brown during summer, and from which the name was derived. You can also see the Tarsiers, one of the smallest known primates and be amazed when they turned their heads by 180 degrees.

Bohol is also blessed with a numerous white sand beaches, and Panglao Island is one of the famous destinations, having powdery sand. It has a large number of top class diving sites, which both foreign and local divers would consider it as diver’s haven.

3. Palawan

Palawan is located in the Western Visayas Region and the islands stretches from Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest. The place is for adventure seekers and nature lovers and its famous for its marine sanctuaries, white sand beaches, and exotic wildlife.

One of the “a-must-see” in Palawan is the Tabon Cave. It is a 138-hectares, of rugged cliffs and deep slopes. Because of its importance to Philippine History and heritage, the site was declared a Museum Reservation Site by virtue by the Philippine Government.

Another is the El Nido marine reserve. The scenic landscapes, crystal clear waters and the isolation from the big crowd of the city usually attracts and fascinates the travelers of the place. Kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking to the peak of the island, bird watching, sunbathing in a white beach are just some of the activities you can enjoy.

There are still a lot of things that Philippines offers, and it’s just there, waiting to be discovered. So, travel in the Philippines now!