Lifestyle: Business - 10 Best Practices of Customer Service Management

Without question, there are certain practices that companies with great customer servicing have in common with one another. We recommend Customer Experience Measurement (CEM) to help you find out the state of your business’ customer service and know exactly how to improve it. We want to help you get started by giving you these best practices, so you can make some initial improvements as soon as possible.

1. Keep a profile or record of your customers

Find out more about your customers. Know their face, birthdays, contact information, and preferences and use them to make them feel more comfortable. Greet them by their names upon seeing them, let them know when a product they like is available, greet them on their birthdays, and offer them products or services that are suitable to their needs.

2. Have a checklist on FAQs and questions that should be asked to customers

This is a perfect and fail-safe training tool that you can arm your staff with. By knowing what to tell customers immediately, your staff will be able to calmly and effectively handle questions without having to make the customers wait. Giving them questions to ask the clients also helps standardize customer service for your staff.

3. Support off-peak hours and weekends

One of the most frustrating situations that customers can go through is for things to go wrong and you are not there to help them. Give them a way to contact you or, at least, give them any kind of support that you can give during these off-peak times. Being able to give them a response whenever they need it is a big plus to them which will help with customer loyalty and word-of-mouth.

4. Ensure timely responses
Just as the previous point states, timely responses are very crucial to proper customer servicing. Given this, you should ensure that replies to questions, whether online or face-to-face are given as quickly as possible. For face-to-face interactions, don’t pass the customer around when they’re asking you a question. As much as possible, try to be able to answer all of their concerns. The last thing they want is to explain their situation again to another person and wait even more for their query to be answered. For online, let the people know that you’re attentive. Don’t make them feel they aren’t important to you because it’s taking you forever to respond or, worse, because you decided to ignore them completely.

5. Align with your staff on what excellent customer service is

It’s important for you to not just tell your staff what needs to be done, but you also have to share with them WHY it’s important. It’s only when everyone is aligned with the bigger picture that your customer servicing gets carried out as a business-wide standard. Give them examples on how to deal with various situations. Set them all on the right direction and help them see and understand the path you want to take.

6. Reward exceptional behaviour in your staff

Don’t just punish negative behaviour. Always remember to take time to reward positive ones, especially those that are EXCEPTIONAL. Make the reward significant and known to everyone so that people know what behaviour to follow and what attitudes to keep.

7. Master the Follow-Up

Follow-ups shouldn’t just come from the customer but from the staff as well. Follow-up with customers to show them that you were truly interested in what they were doing or what they’re dealing with. For example, if they called you to ask for help with a certain problem, be sure to give them a call back to ask if things were resolved.

8. Show genuine love for your customers

First of all, if your love for your customers isn’t genuine, reality will reveal itself one way or another. So don’t think of how annoying the customer is or how demanding they are because that emotion will manifest itself in one of your unguarded moments. Also, in everything you do, always think of how things could be easier for the customer and if you can make them even more comfortable. Lastly, figure out ways on how to make them feel important.

9. Be accessible

Be where the customer needs you to be. Make sure that there is always someone attending to your customer in-store. If it’s online, make sure that you are easily searchable and that ways to contact you are there as well.

10. Don’t forget the MANAGEMENT in Customer Service Management

Be sure to take an active role in managing the quality of your customer service. You need to set guidelines and goals for your staff and the business as a whole. Make sure that the goals you set are measureable. Most important of all, make sure that training for this is constant.

Should you need more information, you may leave a comment below. :)

Places: Remembering Dubai - Burj Al Arab ( A 7-star hotel)

Photo c/o Jay

Everytime I travel abroad I make sure that I visit its country's landmarks. In the UAE,  Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai is one of the places I never imagine that I would able to see. Burj Al Arab Hotel was opened in 1999, is unofficially billed as a 7-star hotel and is the world's most luxurious and tallest hotel. It is probably the world's most luxurious hotel. The building is stunning and is a hallmark of Dubai's skyline. Since a one night stay costs $1,000 to $27,000 per night.

Please note that you cannot just walk through  the security and hang out in the hotel. You need to have a reservation ahead of time and your name should be listed on the security guest book. Luckily, we have a friend working inside the hotel and booked us free to enter the hotel.

The design of the hotel resembles a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. The hotel's own website describes it as the best in the world. With your chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, this hotel promises the finest the world has to offer.

Being the world's most luxurious hotel and all, its interior is so impressive. The colour scheme is appropriately a mixture of gold and blue, the design is like you are Wonderland. At all times, there are about 30 ++ employees observing you and trying to predict what you might need. At the reception, they offer you free tea and dates.

At the top of Burj Al Arab is the Al Muntaha Restaurant. At 200 metres above sea level, the views are spectacular.  It is one of the most expensive restaurants in the world. A cocktail drink costs 130 - 150 UAE Dirhams. Good thing there are Kababayans working inside the hotel who is more than willing help us around this magnificent place.

Here are a selection of breathe-taking pictures of this 7-star hotel to give you a taste of what you can look forward to as a guest.

with Monet

with billy at the bar

For your visa and travel needs to Dubai, UAE, you may contact us at: Globe 09052469480; Sun 09435794688

http://www.facebook.com/YslaToursTravelDubaiUaeTouristVisitVisa

Places: Revisiting - Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the capital city of and largest urban area in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep, meaning "city of angels". I have been to this magnificent city several times and luckily I was assigned to visit it again. I always make sure to have a land arrangement with day tour before coming here because most of the Thai people does not speak or understand English.

Upon arriving at the airport, a hotel shuttle will fetch you ( for land arrangement) to take you to your hotel. You can also take the free airport shuttle to the Public Transportation Centre in town. A taxi costs THB 200 (about Php 275). When in the city, you may use the BTS Skytrains to avoid traffic jams. Tuk-toks ( Tricycle version in the Philippines)  are available but only for short distances.

Most of the hotels in Bangkok have free breakfast. If you want to have the best service ever then go to the chain hotels like the Conrad, Sheraton and Dusit Thani are conveniently located at the town center. By the river, you best bets are the Peninsula Hotel and Shangri-la. However if you are in a tight budget, you can choose other 3 stars hotel near the commercial areas. First House hotel is recommendable.

After your day tour package, fill your day with shopping and spa pampering. For good bargain, shop at Platinum and MBK then hit Chatuchak Market on weekends . For high end shopping, hit Siam Paragon, Central Childron, and Gasorn Plaza. For aromatheraphy and massages, Health land offers exceptional pampering services at good prices. Actually you can get an authentic Thai massage at your hotel so you can just relax at your own room at your own time. 

For best souvenirs, you can take home some of Thai aromatherapy products for family and friends.You must also try the Elephant ride, go on a Chao Phraya River Tour .

At night, you can either clink glasses with your friends at Hide and Seek Gastro Bar at Athenee Residence  (Soi Ruamrudee). Or, you can catch the award-winning  Siam-Niramit Show. :)

Please note of the country code +66 (2)

Below are some of the pictures taken at his majestic place:

Tuk-tuk

Places : Osaka, Japan (A stop over)

Osaka Castle at day time.

Osaka Japan is located in Kansai region on the main island of Honshu. Osaka Japan is Japan's second largest city and is a major industrial, port and economic centre.
Osaka Japan is also famous for its food including many regional dishes and variations on dishes found elsewhere in Japan.
Upon touchdown, you may take the Nangkai Express Rapit from Kansai International Airport to Osaka ( 38 minutes to Namba Station) and the JR Haruka limited express (33 minutes to Tenno-ji, about 51 minutes to Shin-Osakai). You may visit at www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/access for more airport information.

Before you start your day at this majestic place, make sure that you have full breakfast. Highly recommended is their Yoshinoya's rice with miso soup and fried egg.

You may visit first Osaka Castle, it is one of the city's historical structures. Built in 1583. Then ride try to ride the movies at Universal Studios Japan attractions like Spider-man, Jaws, Shrek, and Back to the Future.

You must try to take a subway tip around the city and do not hesitate to take all the advertisements give aways along the way.

At night, you may visit Dotonbori for your nocturnal fix of good food and a lot of shopping. The 100 Yen shop for souvenirs, Uniqlo for very cheap but quality clothing. You can also try walking through the streets filled with neon lights and merchandised signs like the famous Glico Running Man.


For hotel accommodation, you can try Apa Hotel Group. This hotel provides very reasonable rates, clean rooms and a goo location (www.apahotel.com). :)

Lifestyle: Cinemalaya - SANTA NIñA by Emmanuel Quindo Palo

Last night, I was invited to attend the Gala night of Cinemalaya - SANTA NIñA by Emmanuel Quindo Palo at Tanghalan Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theatre).

Starring Coco Martin, Alessandra de Rossi, Anita Linda, Angel Aquino, Irma Adlawan, Nanding Josef, Lui Manansala, Joe Gruta, Bea Garcia, Dax Alejandro, Rie Batingana. Directed by: Emmanuel Q. Palo (this is his first feature-length film).


Santa Nina tells the story of a father whose child is buried in a lahar flow in Bacolor back in 1995 (Mt. Pinatubo volcano eruption). After ten years, Pol (Coco Martin) and his co-worker in a lahar-filled quarry unexpectedly dig up the remains of his 2-year daughter Marikit. The remains of his child was perfectly-preserved and she showed no signs of decay. Inspired by whatever healing power the deceased child may have, Pol begins a campaign to elevate his kid to sainthood. But how? When Marikit resurgence stirs up emotions buried by time, and shores up questions about pure love, guilt, sin and salvation.

Fans mob Coco Martin and Alessandra de Rossi lead stars of the film. As well as fellow actors Jake Cuenca and Susan Roces who graced the event. The crowds just kept on coming. Young female fans (most of them students) started to scream when Coco walked in. The film started past 9:30 pm and ended about 11:30 pm. The premiere gala was a huge success.

Below are some of the pictures taken during the gala premiere of Santa Nina:

crowds started to fill up CCP as Coco Martin and other actors walked in

The Cinemalaya 2012 in full force with 25 new films

Director  Emmanuel Q. Palo introduces its casts and crew of the film.

The Cinemalaya film fest will run from July 20-29, 2012 at the CCP, Greenbelt and Trinoma Malls. For screening schedules of the 25 films, you may check the following links below:


http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/page.php?page_id=593

http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/dig-the-new-breed-interaksyons-guide-to-cinemalaya-part-1/5/

http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/directors-take-5-interaksyons-guide-to-cinemalaya-part-2/

Lifestyle: Movie Review - Batman "The Dark Knight Rises"

Last Sunday, I watched the film Batman "The Dark Knight Rises" at SM IMAX theater. The film was distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. The Dark Knight Rises is the epic conclusion of filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy.

In this film, Batman (Christian Bale) vanished into the night for eight years and turned from hero to fugitive for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent. Batman sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar (Catwoman played by Anne Hathaway) with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane (Tom Hardy), a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane.

The Dark Knight Rises still entertains its audience because it has more action, more special effects, and more mystical philosophy than THE DARK KNIGHT. As a Batman comics fan it is a great film because it delivers a serious spectacle, a blockbuster with brains, an action movie for adults this time.

The film runs 2 hours and 45 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence.

4****out of 5 Stars

Lifestyle: Business - The Best Examples of Customer Service Management

To date, there are many brands that have made their names known for excellent customer service management. In doing so, these brands have been able to get amazing word-of-mouth marketing and have increased their business. At times, they have turned a bad situation around and made it a statement on the quality of service and care that they show to their customers. Today, I want to take this opportunity to give you some examples of exemplary Customer Service Management.

Case 1: FedEx – “Absolutely, Positively, Unacceptable”

It was in December 2011 when a video came out that escalated to an online uproar against FedEx online. The video showed a FedEx deliveryman throwing a customer’s monitor over his fence. The YouTube video got viewed over 3,000,000 within just 2 days. To address the issue, FedEx created a blog post entitled ‘Absolutely, Positively, Unacceptable’ where they explained how the situation was being handled. The post also had a video of their own wherein they apologized. The controversial video is now being used as part of the FedEx team training to prevent future occurrences such as this from ever happening again. Their actions earned the brand a positive sentiment from the internet and, more importantly, from their customers.

Case 2: Amazon – “Just in Time for Christmas”

If you love online shopping or, at least, frequent surfing the internet, you would have heard of Amazon and the service they provide. They have items online that you can buy which will then be shipped to you. There was a situation, however, where a PlayStation unit was ordered and was snatched after it was delivered to the customer’s apartment building. The package was signed for by the customer’s neighbour and was delivered securely by Amazon which cleared them of all responsibility because they technically fulfilled their end of the bargain already. The customer called Amazon to beg them for anything that could be done because the PlayStation was his son’s wish to Santa. Amazon shocked the customer when they sent him another unit for no extra charge, not even shipping. Most important of all, the delivery was made just in time for Christmas. Imagine the joy of the customer and how news of that travelled to others!

Case 3: Virgin America – “Personalized Apologies”

Back in November 2011, the airline company known as Virgin America made an upgrade to their reservation system. This upgrade, however, became problematic as it caused various issues and difficulties to their customers. Complaints over Twitter and Facebook ran rampant with various people expressing their sentiments regarding their issues. The typical solution to such a situation would simply be to release a statement or a general apology. Virgin America opted for a more personalized approach though by replying to EACH and EVERY concern regarding their specific problems. Their replies amounted to over 12,000 direct messages.

The Lesson in Customer Service Management

Going the extra mile for your customers really helps. Notice how each of the cases acted immediately and efficiently on each of their situations. This can only be done if everyone in the company subscribes to this level of customer servicing mind-set. Another thing here that you must always remember is that the cost of doing similar things is nothing as compared to the typical marketing cost of getting new customers. Amazon for example may have spent around USD500-700 but if you compare this to the cost of creating a marketing campaign that will get you the same amount of buzz and talk value, it should amount to up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Always think that any additional money that you spend for customer service is a spend towards your marketing budget and to ensure customer loyalty and repeat businesses. Try to see what you can get from these examples and apply them to your own businesses.

Do you have a moment when your customer service standards saved you a headache, or created a spike in sales or positive social mentions? We’d love to hear about it.

Lifestyle : Eat Bulaga now in Indonesia.

Eat Bulaga! The longest-running noontime variety show on air in the history of local television has its first overseas version: Eat Bulaga Indonesia premiered on Indonesia's SCTV network on July 16, 2012, making it the first Philippine show, variety show in particular, to be franchised by another country.

The Indonesian version airs for one-and-a-half-hours at 4 pm because they have to consider the viewers’ prayer time.  Eat Bulaga  Indonesia also retains all the segments Filipinos see everyday at noontime, like “Pinoy Henyo”, “One For All, All For One,” “Bulagaan” and “Karaoke Stud.”

The Indonesian TV network could have easily copied Eat Bulaga's format and renamed it into something else just like what other TV networks do here in the Philippines but it instead chose to buy the Bulaga name and license.  With this franchise, makes us Filipinos proud of this achievement.

In their 33 years in the Philippines, they have not been retaining its No. 1 spot in terms of noon time rating because of their different portions or segments; but for the spontaneous style of hosting and the "Masa appeal" of Tito, Vic and Joey (TVJ) as well as the other hosts makes the show reachable: Providing fun (saya) and hope (pag-asa) to all Filipinos mula Appari hangang Jolo.

I am just wondering why other networks or programs in Philippines do franchise lot of shows from other countries though Filipinos are known for being creative. This should be a challenge to other networks to create original and world class shows that would be franchised by other countries. 

As of this writing, I read from Yahoo! Philippines OMG, EB Indonesia was well received by Indonesians ratings-wise. I hope that EB Indonesia will perform well in their entire season.

Kudos to Eat Bulaga Team for this historical achievement! Proudly Philippine made TV show. Hopefully other countries will take notice of the show too. :)

Food: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

Last Month, I was invited to review the newest rum in town - Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum. Part of it was bar hopping in Metro Manila with friends to try out the said product. Most of them liked it and was wanting for more. The drink mixes the unique blend of Caribbean Rum, mellow spices, and flavoring, with the right amount of cola and ice—the perfect serve for all occasion, any season.

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum was introduced in the Philippines last 16 November 2011. It is one of the top-ranking spirit brands in the world and his signature cocktail, Captain and Cola, has been a proven hit around the world and was received with the same kind of enthusiasm by the local market. Captain Morgan is distributed by Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business trading in more than 180 countries.

As for me, I enjoyed it very much because of its unique blend. Price was reasonable and is readily available at leading supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. You can also check their Facebook account for
up to date Captain’s adventures, promos, and other news:

http://www.facebook.com/CaptainMorganPhilippines

So, you guys out there try it out and see for yourself! :)

Lifestyle: Business - 3 Assumptions about Bad Customer Service Management… and Why They Are WRONG

There are some businesses who know that their customer service is already in trouble. While identifying that you have a problem is good, the steps you take afterwards to resolve it matter even more. A bad practice that some businessmen and managers do is that they make assumptions as to why their customer service isn’t great and act on those assumptions without validation on whether or not they held ground. In this article, I’ll be talking about the 3 common assumptions and why they are most likely false.

Assumption #1: My staff does not have enough product knowledge

Of course product knowledge is important but more often than not, the problem lies more with the staff’s selling skills. They lack the confidence and the proper training to be able to communicate the benefit of what they are selling. The good news is that it’s usually a case of just letting them translate their learnings from their training into something they can believe in, communicate, and sell.

Assumption #2: I’m not enforcing my customer service standards strictly enough

The answer to problems in customer servicing isn’t always solved by tightening your grip around your people. One of the key learnings in Customer Service Management is “show your people you care and they will be able to show care to their customer.”  Enforcing your customer servicing standards is something that must be done but you must never forget that you must also reinforce positive behaviors and that your employees are reasonably satisfied. A miserable employee has very little drive to give good customer service.

Assumption #3: I don’t have good employees (hence I need to find better ones)

This point is more targeted to those who usually get contractual workers. The typical practice is that contractual workers aren’t trained as much because they aren’t really “permanent assets” of the company. You must remember that whoever is the person interfacing with the customer serves as a FULL representative of your brand. The customer will not care whether or not he/she is just a contractual worker. Given this, you must make sure that these representatives are given the proper training. It is only then that the employee can show you whether they are capable of meeting your customer service standards. Recognize that it’s difficult for the employee to just be thrown into the water without being given the proper guidelines while you wait and see whether he/she sinks or swims.

Proper Customer Service Management Starts with Proper Problem Identification

Always be sure that you have identified the proper causes before taking action. Just like the above examples, if you act on the wrong assumptions, you may end up wasting your efforts or, even worse, further damaging your customer service. Double check your facts and be sure to do some insighting for this. I would still recommend getting a CEM company for a more accurate read on what’s going on and to be able to improve effectively and efficiently. Start things right because it always pays off to know that you’re heading off on the right direction with the right approach.

Places: Zamboanga City - The Philippine's Little Spain

Fort Pilar

I have been to this city thrice already. The first time I visited this place was in the late 90's when I was working in a financial company. They assigned me to relieve our officer-in-charge to for a month but eventually stayed for 3 - 4 months because hiring process was long delayed for my replacement. I was a newly graduate that time and was scared to go because when you think of Mindanao the first thing that come to mind was the insurgency problems in the region. However when I got to the city, I was surprised to see the warmth and friendliness of its people.


You are like in a foreign place speaking differently mainly in Spanish like Buenas Dias! Gracias! and others. When you hear that, you know you're in Zamboanga City, that little place of the heart of Spain, Asia's Latin City. This is the only city in the Philippines and in Asia where you will hear Chabacano, that lilting delightful patols that's 70 % Spanish with the rest a mix of other dialects.

The City was once a center of Mindanao and the trunk from which other provinces and cities of the Peninsula sprang from has moved through time with grace and exuberance. The reminders of its lineage remain today and are some of the city's most enduring landmarks and attractions.

From the airport, you can take a jeepney (Php 7) or tricycle (Php 20 -25) to the city (pueblo) as there are few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car charges a minimum of Php 150, and may be the best way to go.

By day, you visit the city's venerable 1635-vintage Fort Pilar, from which the present city grew, the spring of Christianity in Mindanao, and now a Shrine to the lady of the Pillar of Zaragosa, Spain. The American era left the city with century old City Hall and Plaza Pershing, as well as the Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park as it is now called, and memories of the old Pettit Barracks whose name endures in the area where it stood.

You can also take a 15 minute motorboat ride from the mainland to the Island of Santa Cruz. You need to make reservations, but the island's pink sandbar is worth it. Swing by the newly opened Mar Y Monte Resort for its range of activiites too.

Pinkish Sand of Santa Cruz Island

Zamboanga offers both urban and rustic experience. In the city center, clusters of hotels like the Garden Orchid Hotel along Governor Camins Avenue; restaurants, restobars, coffee shops, spas, travel agencies, and other urban amenities increasing in number and services each year abound. Some of the don't miss spots for the city include Paseo del  Mar, a park by the sea and a nightlife favorite just beside the Fort Pilar. You can go bar hopping  at Catribo Complez. Plaza del Pilar, a dining and shopping arcade also fronting Fort Pilar; Pasonanca Park and the Jardin Maria Clara, where the butterfly garden and aviary are, and Museo de Zambianga also in Pasonanca; and the Yakan Weaving Village (Yakan handwoven cloth from the Barter Trade Center at Canelar).

My first Vinta Experience

For souvenirs, miniature Zambianga City Vintas from Home Products along Ledesma Street is highly recommended. The vinta in all its glory lives to this day, and never more so gloriously than in October. They celebrates the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. It's a weeklong spree for the regatta, the Chavacano song festival, trade fairs and street dances.

Below are some of the old pictures taken at this historic place.

at Fort Pilar with my collegue

pasonanca park 

Paseo del Mar is like a SM Moa bay area..

My stay in the city was a fulfilling one since I was able to gain friends and experience their unique culture. I cannot wait to visit them again. :)

Lifestyle: Ice Age 4: Continental Drift Movie Review

In this film, Scrat, the world's most lovable prehistoric squirrel-rat was the guilty party responsible for continental drift. It's about an acorn he set on the ground and suddenly a mountain is torn apart and the earth itself opens up, separating land masses into the seven continents. As Scrat hurtles toward the earth's core like in a pin ball game, trigerring massive earthquakes, which in turn isolates Manny the grouchy mammoth (voiced by Ray Romano), Diego the soft-hearted sabre-tooth tiger (voiced by Denis Leary) and Sid the idiotic sloth (voiced by John Leguizamo) are cast adrift on an iceberg with Sid’s senile but resourceful granny. 

Added to the cast was a feline love interest for Diego voiced by Jennifer Lopez.. Manny's beloved wife Ellie was voiced by Queen Latifa and their teenaged daughter Peaches (who was introduced in 2009's "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and is voiced by music actress Keke Palmer).

The characters  encounter big waves, bad pirates and treacherous sirens before reuniting with Manny’s family. These are not the funniest or most interesting characters, but there’s enough humour and danger to make this the second-best of the series, after the initial Ice Age.

This number four in the series is formulaic and feels factory-made rather than a labour of love. The other three were absolute GEMS for me. I think it's going too far with a great thing and dead ending it each time. For me, it should have stopped after 3. It's an all welcome in a kid's film. Happy, wholesome and colourful.
The film will keep most children aged from five to 11 thoroughly entertained. :)

My niece gave the film 4**** out of 5 stars and I respect that!

People: UAAP Season 75

Today was the opening ceremony of the UAAP season 75. National University hosted this season extravagant show held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This season’s theme is “Unbreakable at 75,” pep squad members from the eight universities led by NU performed on stage as one group to show the unity of the league through the years, highlighted by the unveiling of a diamond structure at the arena’s rafters to symbolize the league’s diamond year.

The athletes paraded on stage showing the unity of the eight universities after 75 years. The show was capped off by fireworks and dazzling light show inside the arena. Former president Fidel V. Ramos, an NU alumnus, also graced the ceremonies by jumping in amusement as he was called on stage.

NU Bulldogs star and reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks Jr. led the oath of sportsmanship before the athletes, while plaque of appreciations were also given to former UAAP Board of Trustees.

After the extravagant opening ceremonies. The 75th UAAP men’s seniors division basketball tournament started today with hosts National Univeristy Bulldogs (NU) winning the first ever UAAP game at their “home court”, the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. The Bulldogs overwhelmed the Univeristy of the East Warriors (UE), 90-55, in the inaugural game of the season.

The second game matches was very different from the first game. While the first game was a big rout, the second game was won by the slimmest of margins. The FEU Tamaraws escaped with a 73-72 win over the UST Growling Tigers.

However other sports will also commence in the weeks to come and the most anticipated was the Cheerdance competition which is to be announced. So, UAAP fanatics go watch and cheer for your school colors and pride. As for me, I'll be cheering for my 3 school affiliations. :)

You can catch tomorrows game Sunday, July 15. It will be DLSU vs UP at 2 p.m., and AdU vs ADMU at 4 p.m.

It will be televised on Studio 23, BALLS HD SkyCable 167 and The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Places: A side trip to Aliguay Island, Dapitan City

Aliguay Island view from the plane

The trip going to Aliguay Island was not in my itinerary. Since I was in Dipolog, I decided to join a group of local tourist for this adventure.
We left Dipolog for Dapitan as early as 6:00 am through a hired van transfer to/from Sicayab Port. We arrived at the Port at around 7:30 am. Aside from us there are other groups boarded the Sepertina.

Aliguay Island is small Island that is part of Dapitan. It will take you an hour boat ride from the Dapitan Fish Port. The sea weren’t so friendly that day. It's a bit wavy and the trip was bumpy. It took us 45 minutes to reached the island.

As we approached Aliguay Island the sun was shining bright and the skies clears out. And, I thank God for the splendid sight, the crystal blue waters and the prestine beach. You can go on snorkeling and hire gadgets through your guide. Rates for gadgets is from Php 200 -300 and boat rental is Php 700 - Php 800. It is negotiable. 

Aliguay Island is less crowded, less explored, and less commercialized island paradise. There were no hotels yet, Just vacation/pension houses for you to rent or you can put up your own tent like in Anawangin ( If you plan to stay overnight). Our guide told us that the Ranillo's have a rest house in the island. Locals are selling fresh and dried fish to visitors (if you want to cook), and there are few Sari-sari store seen.

After snorkeling, we went back to the island for lunch.  Luckily, lunch is included in the Island Tour Package.  Again, we toured the island riding a golf cart. Rate is Php 50/hour.

After all these activities, we headed back to the Sicayab port. We reached Dipolog by 6:30 pm and I join them for dinner at Cusina ni Binoy's and enjoyed the night away with my new friends. 

Check some of my photos taken from this beautiful island.

Enjoying the view of the island

Serpentina ride..

Uncommercialized Island

Pristine white sand beach

See Aliguay from above...

I ordered for a 1 rice and they gave me this.  It is called puzo....:)

Cusina ni Binoy is the place for acoustic nights and its famous sisig.

My Dinner  Php 5 each  for barbeque

Should you need to know more about Aliguay Island? Or, have you been to Aliguay? Or you have been planning? Tell us your story....

You may also contact them below for further information.