Project Wonderful with Globe Telecom

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Globe Telecom kicks off 2014 with a reinforcement of its commitment to better serve its subscribers, businesses, and the nation.

The Project Wonderful was presented to the media and guests last Wednesday, February 19 held at The Globe Tower in BGC Taguig.

Kris Aquino, CEO Ernest Cu, COO Gil Genio, & chief operating advisor Peter Bithos

The Wonderful World with Globe event showcased and highlighted exciting and wonderful possibilities and experiences for consumers, suppliers, partners, business groups, and enterprises with booths headlined with Serve, Collaborate, Experience, Grow, Delight and many more that represents the wonderful projects, commitments, and services that Globe gives to their customers. 

Project wonderful world event was so full of fun, games and raffle prizes. Major prizes includes one (1) unit of Nokia Lumia, one (1) iPad mini, and a trip to Singapore.

Five guests won the Creative T-shirt Design and they received Sodexho shopping gift certificates from Globe. One of the winners is Ian Bacungan of Rogue Writer and member of PB Network. 

The program , dubbed as Project Wonderful, was launched after the Philippines was hit by typhoon Yolanda, prompting the telecommunications company to proactively take part in nation-building initiatives through its Bangon Pinoy disaster response and relief efforts.

This paved the way for Project Wonderful to branch out to three main pillars: Nation-building, Culture-building, and Brand-building, giving Globe a holistic view on helping stakeholders build and discover a "wonderful world" in a form that is relevant to them.

First, under the Nation-building pillar, Globe is set to build a resilient Philippines with programs that will rebuild homes and schools as well as provide livelihood opportunities, while bringing together individuals and groups who share the same spirit of selfless giving.

"Through Project Wonderful, Globe Telecom aims to create a wonderful world for families and underprivileged Filipinos who have been affected by natural calamities and disasters," said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, who stressed the importance of sustainability. 

"We are in it for the long haul, together with our partners and employees, who share our advocacy and spirit of volunteerism," added Cu

For the second one to take an active role in nation-building, Globe recognizes that mobilization starts from within, bringing to life the pillar on Culture-building. Under Culture-building, Globe is shaping up to become a more customer-centric organization, fueled by a common passion to help and live a culture of service guided by its renewed mission, vision, and values. 

"We want an organizational culture with an innate caring for our customers because the challenge of service differentiation will have to come from our ability to go the extra mile. This will guide how we do our business and help us make things wonderful for our customers and for each other, the Globe way." added Cu. 

And the third program under Brand-building, the telco will pioneer products and services anchored on four consumer brand pillars: customized and personalized offers, services to help live the digital lifestyle, a stronger and faster network, and a rewarding Globe experience. 

In 2013, Globe generated total revenues of P90.5 billion, a 9 percent increase from P82.7 billion in the year prior, underpinned by continued demand for data connectivity across its mobile, broadband, and fixed line data businesses. Mobile revenues grew 8 percent year-on-year to P72.8 billion compared to prior year’s P67.2 billion, owing to the sustained leadership of the postpaid segment with high-quality postpaid subscribers. Broadband and fixed-line data segments booked robust revenue gains of 20 percent and 13 percent year on year, respectively, attributed to rising demand for data and Internet connectivity.

For more information on Globe’s Project Wonderful visit http://projectwonderful.ph/

Top 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2014 hopefuls were officially presented to media

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The forty most beautiful Filipinas were presented to the members of the press and other guests during the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Official Press Presentation held at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel last February 19. 

The stunning young Filipinas who came from all over the Philippines walked the ramp in front of sponsors, guests, and the media.

The 40 beauty queen hopefuls were trimmed down from over a hundred aspirants during the rigorous four-day screening back in January. Since 1964, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) has been the country’s prestigious discoverer and trainer of young ladies who represent us in well-known international beauty tilts. In a span of five decades, BPCI has proven its caliber as a credible institution that eyes these potential candidates, vaunting a resume that begins with Gloria Diaz’s Miss Universe win in 1969. In the last few years, the Philippines has been rising through the ranks as a beauty powerhouse with the impressive top five finishes of Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon, and Ariella Arida in the last four Miss Universe contests. 

Last year’s golden batch of winners, led by Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago and Miss Supranational 2013 Johanna Datul, Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner up Ariella Arida, and Miss Tourism Queen International 2013 Top 10 finalist Cindy Miranda, brought immense pride to the country by doing well in their respective international competitions. 

This year’s roster of candidates include local pageant winners, graduates from top schools, artists, working professionals, and models who went through months of extensive training even before they joined the pageant. 

The 2014 Binibining Pilipinas candidates still have a lot on their plates leading up to the Grand Coronation Night. The Fashion Show is set on March 6, and the much-anticipated Parade of Beauties will be held on March 22.

The Grand Coronation Night will be held on March 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and telecast live at ABS-CBN.

Miss Universe 2013 Maria Gabriela Isler of Venezuela and Russian pop star Emin will be two of the special guests in the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Grand Coronation Night. Gabriela will be one of the judges during the pageant and will help crown this year’s winners, while Emin will lead the list of the hotly-anticipated performers in the 51st edition of the most prestigious beauty contest in the country.

Tickets are available through Ticketnet Online www.ticketnet.com.ph or inquire at (02) 911 5555. 

The Binibining Pilipinas 2013 pageant is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, PLDT Home, JAG Jeans, AVON, PAGCOR, Titan Watches—the official watch sponsor, Manhattan Garden City, Pizza Hut, Sofitel—the official residence, Manila Bulletin—the official print partner, David’s Salon, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Gold’s Gym, J.A.C. Motors, Picture City, Dale Carnegie Training Center, Entrepreneur School of Asia, Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation, and Raymond Saldaña Photography.

Pioneer kicks off 60th anniversary with Stories of Friendship Video Competition

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“A friend is someone who shares your dreams through life’s ups and downs.” – Pioneer Insurance

To celebrate its 60th year in serving (the) Filipinos as a friend whom you can depend on to get through life’s ups and downs, Pioneer is launching an exciting contest entitled “Stories of Friendship Video Competition” to college students nationwide.

Using today’s technology, participants – who are 15 to 24 years old – are encouraged to produce a three-minute (or less!) video showcasing their take on friendship. Whether narrative or music video, it’s up to them how they can put their imagination into reality.

Interested students can now submit their masterpiece in a brown envelope containing the following requirements:

• Filled-out Submission Form (downloadable at www.storiesoffriendship.com)
• Photocopy of Student ID for SY 2013-2014
• Three (3) DVD copies of the official video entry with a maximum resolution of 280/720, in video encoding format of MPEG-4/H264, and saved in MP4 video format.

The envelope should be labeled “Pioneer Stories of Friendship Video Competition” by (NameofParticipant–School) and addressed to Marketing and Services Communications, 4F Pioneer House Makati, 108 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

They have until April 21, 2014 to send in their video entries.

A group of judges composed of practitioners from the Film and Advertising Industry will pick eight (8) entries that will be invited to an awarding ceremony. The exciting part is that, the chosen videos will make their debut on the big screen. Selecting will be based on the following criteria:

• 30% Content 

• 30% Technical Excellence 

• 20% Creativity 

• 20% Impact

Relevance to the theme Production design Overall video presentation Emotional engagement

Online Favorite Award will be given during the awarding ceremony that is set to take place on May 23, 2014. In addition, two (2) lucky voters will be picked in a raffle to win P5,000 each plus insurance coverage from Pioneer.

Pioneer House Makati 108 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229, Philippines Tel: +63 2 812 7777 • Fax: +63 2 817 1461 • www.pioneer.com.ph.

Meanwhile, final winners of the “Stories of Friendship Video Competition” will receive cash prizes with insurance coverage from Pioneer.

Grand Prize P120,000 + Insurance Coverage
2nd Place P80,000 + Insurance Coverage
3rd Place P40,000 + Insurance Coverage
Online Favorite P20,000 + Insurance Coverage
Consolation Prizes P10,000 + Insurance Coverage

For the complete details of Pioneer’s “Stories of Friendship Video Competition,” feel free to visit www.storiesoffriendship.com or www.facebook.com/PioneerIsYourInsurance.

For inquiries, call Kris Ngitngit at (02) 812-7777 local 455.

Sweet deals from Allphones for Panagbenga 2014

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ALLPHONES JOINS PANAGBENGA 2014 WITH A SWEET DEAL: THE EASIEST, MOST AFFORDABLE UNLIMITED POSTPAID LINE FOR P599 A MONTH

The flowers of the 2014 Panagbenga Festival are again showcasing the beautiful blooms of Baguio City this February, as the month-long celebration continues. The name “panagbenga” is a Kankanaey word that means, “season of blooming”.

Joining the celebration this month is the fastest-blooming telecoms retail company, Allphones. Allphones has bloomed into almost 50 outlets across the nation, and it is doing its part to make the Panagbenga Festival an even better experience for visitors. 

“As a company, we have great respect and appreciation for the history, traditions, and values that the Panagbenga Festival celebrates. A reverence for beauty, a respect for nature, hard work, industry, a sense of play, and joyful hope—all of these take center stage every Panagbenga season and we, as a company, have similar values. 

“Each Allphones store is a showcase for the beauty of design and the wonders of technology. Our customers are allowed to play with actual demo. Members of our staff put in a lot of hard work in learning about all the mobile phones in our stores and in assisting each customer at their best,” said Maureen Laus-Gallant, Head of Allphones Marketing.

She added that the true beauty of the customer experience in Allphones stores is also found in how convenient they make the process of purchasing phones and obtaining a postpaid account. 

Allphones stores use an iPad-based, digital, and paperless process for postpaid applications. Subscribers who apply for postpaid accounts in Allphones stores no longer have to sign a lot of paper forms or bring a lot of required documents. The customer data they provide is protected by military grade security protocols. 

More than just convenience and ease, Allphones stores offer the best postpaid deals. One deal that is available in Allphones stores nationwide, as well as in the Panagbenga festival, is the UNLI 599 SIM Only. 

Allphones stores offer customers the choice of the following services under the UNLI 599 plan: 

1) Unlimited Calls and Texts to Globe/TM;

2) Unlimited Calls to Globe/TM and Landline Calls; and 

3) Unlimited Texts to All Networks.

There’s no lock-in period and the only requirement for a subscriber to apply is one valid ID. Allphones stores make owning a postpaid line with unlimited services the most convenient, easiest experience ever. 

UNLI 599 is made possible through a partnership with Globe Telecom. The plan gives postpaid subscribers maximum service from their mobile phones while also being easier on the pocket. 

The convenient, affordable, leveled-up retail experience in their stores has allowed Allphones Philippines to establish 40 new stores all over the country in the latter half of 2013. This year, on first quarter alone, at least twelve more Allphones stores are expected to open.

Besdes the sleek, beautiful interiors of Allphones stores, customers also enjoy how they can try out real demo units. This helps them sample the various phones’ functions—so they can pick the phone that fits their needs and lifestyle perfectly. Allphones stores stock the widest range of mobile phone brands and models.

DepEd and AusAID boost Philippine education

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) signed the Memorandum of Subsidiary Arrangement (MSA) for the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program to boost the education agenda at Neptali Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong, Friday.

“DepEd and AusAID have been partners in pushing the educational agenda for 15 years. This new partnership signifies the commitment of both parties to attain quality education for Filipino learners,” Secretary of Education Armin Luistro said adding that AusAID had always helped the education sector by implementing projects across the country—some of which covered Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao (BEAM), Technical Vocational Educational Project, School Building Projects for Basic Education, and other projects in partnership with DepEd.

The BEST Program, a Aus$150M six-year program, aims to assist the Philippines in improving learning quality and access to education in the context of the K to 12 program. The program would aid in teacher development, boost a unified management and information system, enhance education leadership and management, promote gender sensitive education, and advance curriculum, assessment and materials.

“Through BEST, there will be additional 1,000 classrooms, 40 science and computer laboratories, and two Indigenous Peoples’ Learning Centers for our learners,” said Luistro.

In addition to this, scholarships and trainings for teachers would be provided. A technology and research center focusing on Assessment, Curriculum and ICT in education would be established through this program. It would also aid in strengthening DepEd’s capacity for disaster preparedness.

The program would improve teaching and learning and strengthen systems within the Department. BEST would work at the national level and would provide intensive support to six regions initially—National Capital Region, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.

Present at the signing of MSA were Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, Commission of Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, and Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Jr.

COMPLICATED Exhibit opens at Lopez Museum and Library

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Lopez Museum and library presents Complicated.

"It's Complicated", a phrase popularized by social media, has become the catch all for all undefined and problematic relationships typical of the post-modern world.

Seeing parallels between these and the complex relationship of the Philippines with its colonial pasts, the Lopez Museum and Library, in partnership with Tin-aw Art Gallery, opens its first exhibit for the year, Complicated on February 21, 2014 featuring commissioned works by guest artists Mike Adrao, Leslie de Chavez, and Ea Torrado, juxtaposed with works by Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Juvenal Sanso, Bencab, Ang Kiukok, Jerry Elizalde Navarro and other artworks from the Lopez Museum collection.

Mike Adrao's charcoal on paper works collectively titled "Colony" comprise of intricately ornamented, larger-than-life anthropomorphic pillars and delicately drawn insects whose patterns were researched from the Lopez Library collection.

Representing various forms of colonization our country has undergone, his works reference the interplay of our living culture and those of the colonizers that have reached our shores.

Several of these pieces were selected for the curated "platform exhibits" representing Southeast Asian art trajectories in the recently concluded Art Stage 2014 in Singapore.

Leslie's de Cahvez's mixed media instalation entitled "I Just Ca't Stop Loving You" featuring Michael Jackson inside the basin with water and holding a hose. 

Leslie de Chavez

Leslie de Chavez presents several installations and paintings that focus on colonization, not just as the context of our history, but as an ongoing process in which we are very much a part of. 

Known for his acerbic cultural commentary, his works take a critical stance that aims to jolt audiences to reflexivity, awareness, and realization.  One work in particular is created in reaction to the museum's collection of Per Pacem et Libertatem (For Peace and Liberty) studies.

These studies are what remains of a mural-sized work by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo commissioned by the American colonial government and exhibited during the 1904 St. Louis Exposition where villages were set up in St. Louis, Missouri and people from various ethnolinguistic groups of the Philippines were shipped and exhibited to the American public.

His other works are likely premised on touchy subjects in our culture and history.

Here's Choreographer and dancer Ea Torrado.

Choreographer and dancer Ea Torrado presents a three-channel video installation based on the frantic search of Jose Rizal's Sisa and reflections on the museum's iconic España y Filipinas by Juan Luna. Using Sisa's search for her missing children as a metaphor of post-colonial identity, Torrado presents the search for the many desaparecidos and victims of extrajudicial killings in recent history as premised in the promises of modernity and progress which are both at the core of nation-building and Luna’s painting.

This film is produced with the support of Tuchi Imperial, sound designer Chris Aronson, cinematographer and film editor Dan Pamintuan and the ABS CBN Film Archives.

These commissioned works are contextualized amid various collections from the museum's painting and archival collections.

Visit: www.eatorrado.com

Great works by Juan Luna, Fabian Dela Rosa, Juvenal Sanso, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Bencab, Ang Kiukok, among others, are exhibited with select books from the library's collection and rich archive of colonial photographs, maps, travel journals, sketches and cartoons, including those done by Tony Velasquez (known for his creation of the early Filipino comics series Kenkoy), Liborio Gatbonton, and Mario Dangan.

The exhibit is further supplemented by loaned artworks by Juvenal Sanso and contemporary artist Anton del Castillo.

Complicated is curated by Ricky Francisco and Ethel Villafranca. It will run from February 21 to August 2, 2014. It is presented with support from Tin-aw Art Gallery. For more information, call Tina at 6312417 or email lmmpasig@gmail.com

Visit Lopez Museum and Library at the G/F Benpres Bldg., Meralco cor. Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Museum hours are 8-5pm Mondays through Saturdays except Sundays and holidays.

Extended MRT-3 Operating Hours to Be Tested by DOTC

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To give the public another option to beat traffic, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) Office will extend the operating hours of the metropolis’ most utilized urban rail transit system starting on 24 February 2014.

The longer hours of service will be tested for one month to determine whether it will be viable in the long run. 

“This is part of our program to mitigate the traffic situation. Based on the test run, we will monitor how much passengers are willing to alter their riding habits by commuting earlier in the morning or later in the evening. We will also see whether this will encourage motorists to take the train instead of their cars,” said DOTC SpokespersonMichael Arthur Sagcal. 

Currently, the rail system’s regular hours of operation are from 5:30am to 10:30pm. For the first 2 work weeks, or from February 24 until March 7, the MRT-3 Office will start operations at 4:30am from the North Avenue station and 5:00am from the Taft Avenue station. 

In the 2 following work weeks, or from March 10 to 21, it will also extend the evening runs up to 10:30pm from the North Avenue station and 11:00pm from the Taft Avenue station, in addition to the earlier opening hours. 

After the 4-week testing period, the MRT-3 Office will make its recommendation to the DOTC on whether the extended operating hours may be regularized, based on its impact on commuters, daily train maintenance requirements, and the additional cost of operation. 

“Our limitations are on maintenance and costs. For maintenance, the coaches have to be checked every night to ensure safety. It seems that we will be able to shorten the turnover process without compromising actual maintenance hours. As for costs, the testing period will allow us to project how much more we need to spend to make it sustainable over time,” Sagcal explained. 

“As always, we are looking for ways to serve the public better. We want to deliver convenient, efficient, and safe transportation options, especially with government’s push to improve infrastructure over the next few years,” he added. 

The DOTC has previously announced that the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will begin its Special Coach service to ply the Tutuban to Sta. Rosa route as another mitigating step to help ease traffic. Together with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), it is now also finalizing options through which LRT Lines 1 and 2 can accommodate more travellers who will be affected by the various construction works in Metro Manila.

dotc.gov.ph

Singapore Airlines Showcases Next-Generation Cabins, Offers Exceptional Value Fares

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Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) Next Generation Cabins at the Singapore Airlines Showcase held today February 21 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. For the first time, Filipino travellers experienced first-hand the comfort and innovative design of SIA's next generation comfortable seats.

Ranjan Jha, Singapore Airlines’ General Manager for the Philippines

 Here's really a treat for Filipinos. The Singapore Airlines Showcase treads on the heels of an ongoing promotion which began last February 1. Under the Singapore Airlines Exceptional Value All-in Fares promotion, the airline is offering roundtrip economy class tickets to various destinations within its wide network, including fares that start from only USD 150 to Singapore and USD 888 to 12 cities in Europe among others.            

 “The Exceptional Value promotion is our way of thanking travellers from the Philippines for their support as well as a means to encourage more and more Filipinos to travel by air. By giving them greater access to premium air travel, we want Filipinos to realize that, with Singapore Airlines, the journey would be as wonderful as the destination,” added Ranjan Jha, Singapore Airlines’ General Manager for the Philippines. 

Mr. Philip Goh, Singapore Airlines’ Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia

“We’ve always been committed to make air travel more comfortable and hassle-free, which is why we have been investing heavily in our aircraft, products and services. We’ve brought in the next generation seats for everyone to try before they fly. These new cabins are the result of more than two years’ worth of efforts and we are proud of the feedback that we are getting so far,” said Mr. Philip Goh, Singapore Airlines’ Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia.

“Singapore Airlines has been flying in the Philippines for 48 years now. Not so long ago, we started our Manila operations with three flights a week, and today, we are flying four times daily. This growth is a testament of the support that we have received from Filipino travellers and we are very thankful for this,” said Goh.

Sherina Cham, Singapore Tourism Board 

In partnership with BPI Express Credit, Ayala Malls, Globe Telecom, British Council and Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines unveiled its new First, Business and Economy class cabin products at the exciting and unique showcase, which is open from February 21 to 23, 2014.

Setting the new industry standard for premium air travel, Singapore Airlines has made significant innovations in its cabin designs in collaboration with world renowned design companies.

The New First Class has been designed together with BMW Group DesignWorks, and the new seats and beddings have been restyled with exquisite details that transform into a more exclusive experience.

The New First Class boasts of a personal 24-inch LCD screens, longer and wider seats, padded headboards and an additional mattress layer. Lights on each side of the seat have three different intensities of lighting to suit different passengers’ needs at varying positions in both seat and bed modes.

The New Business Class seats are designed together with James Park Associates, which now sport a more contemporary design with a curvaceous shell, metallic colors, and luxurious soft furnishings. 

The New Business Class seats are still the widest in the sky, featuring greater recline with new seating positions and an all-in-one business panel. 

Similar to the New First Class, the New Business Class also has varying lighting options to suit every passenger’s mood.

The New Economy Class is more comfortable than ever with more knee and leg room, a unique and moveable headrest, plush seat cushions featuring bolstered sides for increased sitting comfort and in-seat power supply to charge and connect personal devices. 

Completing the experience is SIA’s New KrisWorld In-Flight Entertainment System which offers passengers a truly pleasurable experience on-board. With the innovative features of Panasonic Avionics next-generation eX3 system, passengers across all seat classes can now enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows and games on a larger and high-definition LCD and touch-screen handsets. KrisWorld LCD screens increased from 23 to 24 inches in First Class, 15.4 to 18 inches in Business Class and 10.6 to 11.1 inches in Economy Class.

These exceptional, all-in value fare offers are available until February 28, and travel period is from now until October 31, 2014.

For more details on the Singapore Airlines Showcase and all-in value fare offers, visit www.singaporeair.com.

DepEd honors 2013 Search for Outstanding SPED Teachers & Centers awardees

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The Department of Education (DepEd) lauded the winners of 2013 Search for Outstanding Special Education (SPED) Teachers and SPED Centers. 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro expressed his deep appreciation to the nominees and winners, “There are lots of good things to say about those who made Special Education their advocacy and life’s work, but the most fitting would be: Only those with a great deal of intelligence, fortitude, and love can nurture learners in an atypical setting. This recognition is a small thing compared to all the difference you’ve made for the future generation, the Department of Education and the whole nation thank you.”

The Search was organized by DepEd through the Bureau of Elementary Education (BEE) SPED Division to honor the efforts of the schools, teachers and officials in supporting and delivering the education agenda to children with special needs.

There were seven categories in which nominations have been placed, as divided according to their specialization: autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment, intellectual disability, learning disability, teaching the gifted and talented, and children with special needs. Out of the dozens of nominations received, one candidate per region was selected for the final evaluation process.

The criteria in selecting outstanding SPED teachers were instructional competence, teaching effectiveness, personal qualities and character. Whereas in selecting the best SPED center, learner performance, linkages with stakeholders, classroom accessibility and functionality, management and staff were taken into meticulous consideration.

DepEd officially announced the results of the Search through DepEd Memo no. 21, s. 2014. 

The national winners are as follows:

The winners each received cash gifts and plaques of recognition as prizes

Jazz artists mount "Heal Our Land" as a gift of Love!

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“Heal Our Land”, produced by All That Jazz Promotions, Inc., with the support of ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network, and other partners. This was composed of the “ABS-CBN Jazz Gala Night” and “California Smooth Jazz”. 

International artists perform at the ABS-CBN Jazz Gala Night

 It featured favorites from the jazz scene such as pianist David Benoit and singers David Pack and Kevyn Lettau, with keyboardist Brian Simpson, American saxophonist and singer Jessy J, percussionist Richie “Gajate” Garcia, and guitarist-singers Ray Parker, Jr. and Jonathan Butler.

It was in this month of hearts that the Philippines felt the love from countries beyond its own shores, as represented by some of today’s finest international music acts who performed in a 2-leg benefit concert held for support of the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya campaign and Gawad Kalinga.

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Also featured in “Heal Our Land” were Filipino-American saxophonist Michael Paulo, pianist-singer-songwriter Spencer Day, pianist Gregg Karukas—and Freddie Schreuders, Eric Valentine, and Nate Phillips of the LA All-Star Band.

Some of today’s local talents also took the stage, including Jaya, Sitti, Side A, Southborder, Freestyle, Mulatto, Zoo, True Faith, Chad Borja, and recent “voice of the Philippines” contender Thor Dulay. The concert was directed by the Philippines’ own Bert de Leon.

All the participating artists in “Heal Our Land” chose to generously waive their fees for this concert, directing proceeds to the relief efforts of ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya and Gawad Kalinga projects.

The ABS-CBN Jazz Gala Night

Kevyn Lettau

The concert also proved to be a chance for some of the international artists to reconnect with the Filipino people in their recovery. Kevyn Lettau was among those who felt a strong bond with the country from her first visit years ago, saying that she instantly fell in love with the country and its people. “I feel like an adopted daughter of the Philippines, which has virtually become my second home,” said Lettau. She even took her love a step further in performing a rendition of “Sana Maulit Muli”.

Peter White is also another artist who has been to the Philippines before, and chose to return eighteen years after his last visit—especially in this time. He brought with him in his performance the full ensemble of Gregg Karukas, Spencer Day, Michael Paulo on sax, and Eric Valentine on drums to create a full-blown performance to bring the best of California Smooth Jazz to our own shores.