Hotel Sogo @ 25

Founded way back 1992 by two individuals, Hotel Sogo was satisfying the public's growing clamor for a better and convenient low cost accommodations.  A 20 year venture between a hotel professional and a real estate contractor had been proven to be a successful partnership.  Their first branch was opened in 1993 and continued to expand even after 25 years of operations.

40 branches later, the largest hotel chain in the Philippines continues to deliver cleanliness, innovation, efficiency, courtesy, discipline and teamwork.  These values makes for a better experience for its guests.  They are currently have been in the forefront of innovation, like offering free wifi internet access,  no brownouts, 24 hour food and beverage service, secured private parking, centralized guest assistance SMS center, and fully airconditioned rooms.  They have made mention already of their Sogo mobile application app for IOS and Android devices that will be offered in the near future.

In celebration of their 25th year, they held an appreciation night for the media who helped them along and reach a milestone in their operations.  Lots of games and prizes were given away for those who attended their celebration.

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Corporate Social Responsibility
The CSR program was started in 1998 with the donation of linens and pillow cases to typhoon flood victims.  The management has since then decided to help people in need as an important part of its business.  They called it "Sogo Cares".

Through the program, Sogo extends its service to the community through the Doctors on Wheels (DOW) program that provides free medical consultations, examinations, medications to under served communities throughout the country.

The DOW medical bus is equipped and furnished with four examining beds, chairs, lights and other equipment.  The medical mission is regularly staffed with volunteer doctors, social workers, nurses, pharmacists and Hotel Sogo personnel.

PAL Stewardess Breastfeeds Hungry Baby Passenger

In a one-on-one interview with World Vision, Organo recounted that she never had any second thoughts about it when she heard the baby crying. "Soon after takeoff, narinig namin yung iyak ng bata. Makikita mo talaga na pagod na siya sa kakaiyak. Bilang nanay din ako, alam ko ang iyak ng bata kapag inaantok siya o nagugutom (we all heard the baby crying. Anyone can see that the child is already tired from crying. As a mom, I know when a baby cries out of sleepiness or hunger)."

When the child’s mother confirmed that she ran out of infant formula, Organo first considered expressing her breastmilk, but she knew that it would take some time. So, with the permission of PAL’s line administrator and the child’s mother, Organo breastfed the infant at the plane’s galley. Organo added that the child instantly gave signals of latching as soon as the child sat on her lap. “I saw the mother’s relief when the baby stopped crying and fell asleep.” Organo considers that particular flight a special one because it was a qualifying flight for promotion and she was able to help a passenger’s child through the gift of breastmilk.

Organo admitted that it was not the first time she wet-nursed a child. “I also once wet-nursed the kid of my neighbor.” Wet-nursing is when a child breastfeeds from another woman when his/her own mother do not have the capacity to do so. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) recommend wet-nursing when breastfeeding and breastmilk expression are not possible.

Breastfeeding in the Workplace is Possible

Organo shared that her own breastfeeding journey has not been a walk in the park, but the fulfillment, joy, and rewards of breastfeeding truly outweigh any struggle she had to endure.

It is worth noting here that a mother's breastfeeding experience can be made a lot easier with a conducive environment and supportive people around her. Organo admitted that she never had second thoughts of breastfeeding her child prior to giving birth. Her husband’s encouragement also gave her the confidence to breastfeed her daughter even when she doubted her ability to produce enough breastmilk.

During the flight when she breastfed the baby, Organo also shared that the support of her colleagues made it possible. “There were only two female extra crew members during that flight but I never felt ashamed. (Usually after inflight service and I feel na kailangan ko nang magpump, I’ll ask permission para makapag pump ako sa private area ng plane. And they’d tell me, sige ma’am go ka lang (Usually after inflight service, I’d just ask permission if I can express milk for a while, and they’d tell me go ahead, ma’am).” Despite the demanding nature of a flight attendant’s job, her work environment still made it possible for her breastfeed her daughter even after maternity leave.
“Leaving my child after months of being together was so hard. There was guilt because I have to leave my daughter, but I see to it that I express breastmilk for her and bring it home every single day.  So, it is a big deal for moms like me that my workplace actually supports my decision to continue breastfeeding.” She also shared that the airlines has already set up a lactation station in one of their offices to support breastfeeding for ground employees. 

As mandated by Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, all public and private institutions shall give all breastfeeding employees not less than 40 minutes to breastfeed or to express breastmilk and allot a breastfeeding station where they can privately do so. In the case of Philippine Airlines, all breastfeeding employees are allowed to express their breastmilk every two hours or when the employee feels the need to express. During flights, breastfeeding crew members are allowed to express their breastmilk after inflight services. Organo also shared that breastfeeding is also included in staff orientation, in support of RA 10028’s provision that breastfeeding policy shall be disseminated among all employees.

As World Vision and the Department of Health implement the Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines (MBFP) project that aims to strengthen the implementation of breastfeeding laws, Patrisha Organo’s story proves that breastfeeding in the workplace is possible and doable.

Her story shows that a mother’s job is one heroic flight. No matter where they are, they only want the best for their children. Giving the best nourishment and protection through breastfeeding is the finest prelude to a child's bright future.

“Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your child. For breastfeeding and working moms out there, you are not alone. There’s plenty of us here breastfeeding our child, wanting the best for them. It is a commitment to your child. So, keep on going,” Organo ended.

Visit mbfp.doh.gov.ph for more information.

Seafood Dining: Seascape Village is More Affordable Than You Think

The Chinese New Year, a special non-working day, is celebrated by most Filipinos by displaying round fruits, wearing ubiquitous red garments, and gathering together for sumptuous meals.

But while enjoying a relaxed ambiance with families and friends and feasting on delicious food is ideal, it need not be expensive. Seascape Village, a dining complex with restaurants and a wet market, boasts of having the most diverse and freshest seafood supply in the metro – one that is easily accessible and reasonably priced.

“Most people think that just because we offer premium experience, dining here is already expensive. Actually, what Seascape Village offers is the best value for money for all the guests. We have a wide array of restaurants to choose from that will fit everyone’s palate and budget,” said Christine Suntay, Seascape Village marketing and events head.

On February 4 and 5, Chinese New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, respectively, Seascape will be having traditional Chinese performances, dragon and lion dances, fireworks display, and Feng Shui reading.

While giving guests an authentic seafood market experience – complete with tanks full of live seafood and the traditional haggling for lower prices – Seascape Village has evolved this experience into something better. The dining destination inside the CCP Complex has beefed up measures to ensure the security of its guests, wide parking spaces and valet service for convenience, and an exciting mix of restaurants.

Located along the coast of Manila, Seascape Village also offers one of the most beautiful views of the unparalleled Manila Bay sunset.

“With our guests always our top priority, we have ensured that only the freshest produce are sold here at Seascape Village, if not live, these produce are flown in fresh from various parts of the country. We also have our own ice production facility to keep cold products cold,” said Suntay.

Seascape Village brings together the treasures of the Philippine seas – from shellfish sourced in Roxas, among others, to crabs and lobsters from the Pacific coast, to groupers from the Visayas, tuna from Mindanao and everything in between, including the majestic view of the setting sun on the horizon of Manila Bay. Truly, it is an experience no other dining destination can offer.

“The best way to experience Seascape Village is to come and visit us and see and taste for themselves what we offer,” said Suntay.

Seascape Village is located between Sofitel Philippine Plaza and the Manila Film Center at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with feasts of the country’s freshest seafood only at Seascape Village. The wide array of restaurants offers a variety of dishes that will satiate everyone’s cravings.

Usher in the Year of the Earth Pig at Seascape Village while indulging in the freshest seafood from around the country. Live lobsters, crabs, fish, even groupers, are available at affordable prices.