Caltex TOOLS addresses growing demand for skilled scaffolders

TOOLS Partners: From left, seated: American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc. president Edwin Feist, Chevron Philippines Inc. general manager for Philippine Products Peter Morris, Hinch Tech president Barny Hinch and CPI HR manager Ramon Ortiz. Standing as witness: ACF treasurer Robert Sears and Hinch Tech IT manager Dinky Crys Vinarao.

 Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, has a new demand-driven skills training program with a job placement component in its host community of San Pascual, Batangas. Appropriately called Caltex TOOLS (Training in Occupational Opportunities for Life Skills), the pioneer project of this program addresses the gap between supply and demand both here and abroad for highly-skilled scaffolders by providing free technical and values training to qualified disadvantaged youths.

TOOLS was borne out of the partnership between CPI, Hinch Tech and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc. (ACF) that all saw the need for livelihood in the community and the mismatch between job needs from industrial employers versus available skills in the job market. With a glut of training on welding and automotive mechanics, the TOOLs project partners decided to focus on a livelihood training that offers higher pay for its beneficiaries.

Scaffolding installation is classified as a high-risk specialized occupation in other countries, hence, the high demand for certified workers in the global labor market. “As a highly specialized skill, scaffolding has great industry demand, making it a career with high return of investment and potential income.” said Mr. Barny Hinch, president of Hinch Tech

Hinch Tech, one of the leading technical schools in the country, boasts of trainers with international accreditations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification and the CompEx (Competency for Explosion Proof Materials) license. “Since we launched Hinch Tech in 2014, we had a total of 100 graduates to date of which 10% has acquired CompEx license. This is an impressive record in this highly specialized industry. Our successful deployment of highly-skilled technical manpower here and abroad is the result of our school’s world class training facility, complete with simulated work sites, training rooms and even accommodation for our out–of-town trainees,” added Hinch.

CPI country chairman Peter Morris added that since scaffolding is a high risk job, the training will highlight global standards in safety – a core value of Chevron. “We wanted to give more value to our graduates. Today, it is not enough to give basic training. There is a need to match the technical and vocational skills of the people with the demand of the clients and the global standard in safety which is not being met by the quality of the available manpower.”

As the training will be situated in an industry hub, Caltex TOOLS targets at least 100% of its graduates employed within six months following the completion of the course. San Pascual municipality, where Hinch Tech is located, and adjacent Batangas City are home to vibrant shipping, energy, and transport industries where TOOLS graduates can readily ply their trade.

More unique components of Caltex TOOLS are the job tracking and values training such as financial management and work ethics courses offered by ACF to ensure a more well-rounded development for the trainees. “There’s a scarcity of people with technical training. The advantage of Caltex TOOLS is that graduates get jobs straightaway, local or international. The support for Caltex TOOLS means that these students are able to graduate faster, earn more money and contribute to the society quicker”, added ACF president Edwin Feist.

The Caltex TOOLS program is one of the undertakings of Chevron’s Energy for Learning Initiative which supports projects that provide learning and skills to the disadvantaged.

Honda brings back the Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) yet again rolls out twenty (20) units of Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition as a response to the market’s high demand for this edition to be available once more. Interested customers are encouraged to reserve at their chosen Honda dealership to be one of the few to own this exclusive offer.

The Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition is based on the 1.5 VX with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) variant with exclusive Brilliant Sporty Blue color. This model is exclusively equipped with original factory-installed Modulo or MUGEN accessories that further enhance the distinct sporty appeal of the Jazz.

Customers can choose from seventeen (17) units of Jazz Cool Blue Modulo Limited Edition and three (3) units of Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition.

 The Jazz Cool Blue Modulo Limited Edition bears a chrome front grille, shark fin antenna, tailgate spoiler, LED daytime running lights, and a Modulo emblem. On the other hand, the Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition sports a front grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a MUGEN Emblem. Customers who purchase the Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition will also receive a free MUGEN Power cap.

Complementing the fresh and new sporty style of the Jazz is an innovation that intends to provide overall customer satisfaction. Well-known for its versatility, the Jazz boasts a remarkably spacious interior noticed through the configurability of the Jazz’ ULTR Seat that folds flat or flips up to accommodate various passenger and cargo hauling needs.

Furthermore, the 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine of the Jazz is not only powerful, but it also delivers fuel-efficient performance. The Jazz is equipped with the ECO Assist system, which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission, and air-conditioning performance. An Eco-coaching light feature is also found in the Jazz that promotes fuel-efficient driving habit by changing color depending on throttle input.

The Jazz Cool Blue Modulo Limited Edition retails at Php 948,000, while the Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition retails at Php 1,038,000.  All Honda dealerships nationwide are now accepting reservations for the Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition.

Other variants of the Honda Jazz are available at all authorized Honda dealerships with the following suggested retail prices:

                1.5 V MT               Php 778,000

                1.5 V CVT             Php 818,000

                1.5 VX CVT           Php 918,000

                1.5 VX+ CVT        Php 958,000

Customers may also choose from different Modulo and MUGEN accessory packages, which can be purchased separately and installed to any variant of the Jazz.

Honda brings back the Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) yet again rolls out twenty (20) units of Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition as a response to the market’s high demand for this edition to be available once more. Interested customers are encouraged to reserve at their chosen Honda dealership to be one of the few to own this exclusive offer.

The Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition is based on the 1.5 VX with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) variant with exclusive Brilliant Sporty Blue color. This model is exclusively equipped with original factory-installed Modulo or MUGEN accessories that further enhance the distinct sporty appeal of the Jazz.

Customers can choose from seventeen (17) units of Jazz Cool Blue Modulo Limited Edition and three (3) units of Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition.

 The Jazz Cool Blue Modulo Limited Edition bears a chrome front grille, shark fin antenna, tailgate spoiler, LED daytime running lights, and a Modulo emblem. On the other hand, the Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition sports a front grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a MUGEN Emblem. Customers who purchase the Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition will also receive a free MUGEN Power cap.

Complementing the fresh and new sporty style of the Jazz is an innovation that intends to provide overall customer satisfaction. Well-known for its versatility, the Jazz boasts a remarkably spacious interior noticed through the configurability of the Jazz’ ULTR Seat that folds flat or flips up to accommodate various passenger and cargo hauling needs.

Furthermore, the 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine of the Jazz is not only powerful, but it also delivers fuel-efficient performance. The Jazz is equipped with the ECO Assist system, which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission, and air-conditioning performance. An Eco-coaching light feature is also found in the Jazz that promotes fuel-efficient driving habit by changing color depending on throttle input.

The Jazz Cool Blue Modulo Limited Edition retails at Php 948,000, while the Jazz Cool Blue MUGEN Limited Edition retails at Php 1,038,000.  All Honda dealerships nationwide are now accepting reservations for the Jazz Cool Blue Limited Edition.

Other variants of the Honda Jazz are available at all authorized Honda dealerships with the following suggested retail prices:

                1.5 V MT               Php 778,000

                1.5 V CVT             Php 818,000

                1.5 VX CVT           Php 918,000

                1.5 VX+ CVT        Php 958,000

Customers may also choose from different Modulo and MUGEN accessory packages, which can be purchased separately and installed to any variant of the Jazz.

Honda Ends the Year with the Unveiling of the New CR-Z

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines reveals the New 2016 CR-Z 1.5 Hybrid at the Imperial Ice Bar at the The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Serving as a sneak peek to the official arrival of the Sports Hybrid on January 2016, the event is also a celebration of HCPI’s exceptional sales, for 2015 brought about new additions to the product line up such as the Odyssey, the Mobilio, the HR-V, the All New Legend, and the celebration of the 25th Year Anniversary of Honda Cars in the Philippines. All these serve as a positive indication of Honda’s performance in 2016.

For the powertrain, the new CR-Z is still equipped with a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine.

Coupled with the engine is a lightweight and compact Integrated Motor Assist Hybrid System (IMA). This enables the CR-Z to develop power and torque similar to higher displacement engines and gives customers a very unique fun to drive experience.

Continuing with the fun to drive experience; the new CR-Z still sports the “3 Mode Drive System” namely the Normal, ECON, and Sport. In Sport mode, The CR-Z delivers exciting performance that only a sporty hybrid car can offer. The system applies integrated control over the engine’s drive by wire control, motor assist, CVT shift control, EPS and air conditioner.

Aiming to create even more “WOW” and unique fun to drive experience, the Plus Sport System can still be found in the New CR-Z.  CR-Z drivers can get the acceleration feeling similar to V6, 3,000cc engine cars with the push of a button.

Honda keeps the fun to drive dynamic through the sports chassis by using forged aluminum in the front lower arms, achieving a lower weight, and high rigidity.  The lightweight aluminum wheels also make the weight under suspension lighter, leading to smooth a smooth suspension response while the large capacity EPS with quick ratio allows for a more agile handle and a stable steering feel. All these features are balances in the the vehicle’s sporty driving feel.

These features serve the sporty image well as sharp character lines define the identifiable design of the CR-Z. The eight-point polygon grill and blade-like front diffuser sweeps up from the center and dissects the front corners to form triangular fog light wells that create a wider  look and feature prominent lower aero sills. Complementing this is the 17 inch alloy wheels and the handsome and aggressive stance reflects the styling concept as the CR-Z weaves through Manila’s streets.

Inside is a more “Exciting Mature Cockpit” forged with numerous features including a new push button start, a 7 inch touch screen display audio that can show various functions such as navigation and a reverse camera, and center console which doubles as an arm-rest. This was made possible with the application of an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) that eliminates the traditional parking brake lever and offers easier push-button operation. 

Completing the package is the superb Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). Using the stereo speakers, engine sound is enhanced depending on the situation. In ECON and Normal Modes, a sophisticated and more linear sound response is emitted, while a sportier sound is produced in Sports mode.

Petron Adds Lamborghini to Toy Car Collection

Toy car collectors have another treat in store for the holidays as industry leader Petron Corporation adds the exclusive Lamborghini touch-activated toy cars to its Petron Collectibles.

Every single or accumulated receipts worth P500 of Petron Euro 4 fuels—Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Super Xtra, Petron Diesel Max, and Petron Turbo Diesel—entitles you to purchase a Lamborghini touch-activated toy car for only P250. This offer runs from November 15 to December 15, 2015, and can be availed at over 1,500 participating Petron stations nationwide.
Scaled at 1:32 or about 6-inches long, the Lamborghini touch-activated toy car starts up when you touch the driver’s window, revs when you touch the passenger window, accelerates when you touch the windshield, and drifts when you touch the back panel. There are five toy cars in the collection: the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 comes in black or white; the Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 comes in green, orange or red.
 Petron gives you another exciting reward for the best day ever with these Lamborghini Touch toy cars, made exclusively for Petron. Don’t miss out on this chance to add to your Petron Collectibles. Visit www.petron.com or the official Petron Facebook page for full details.