FULL GALLOP: What Does It Take To Become a Fashion Icon? Divine!

Bravo! What a delightful performance! Congratulations to Full Gallop team for the enchanting evening last Friday, March 14, 2014. It was quite an experience to remember as I was watching Full Gallop, Ms. Cherie Gil who draw us into her world. We the audience all felt like high-society guests sitting in Ms. Vreeland's living room.

Ms. Cherie Gil amazingly performed with tour-de-force one-woman show, the Mary Louise Wilson and Mark Hampton's "Full Gallop." Ms. Cherrie plays Diana Vreeland, who had just recently been unceremoniously fired as editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine.

This two-hour play Vreeland regales us about her various interesting experiences with famous and rich people she hung around with. 

She displays her dances - tango, ballet or the kabuki while she plays us her favorite music on her record player. Her Intercom conversations with her laconic French maid Yvonne (featuring the voice of G Toengi) were hilarious. She even drops big names in the history of fashion, like Balenciaga, Coco Chanel and Helena Rubenstein.

Ms. Vreeland's living room is luxuriously classy set by Joey Mendoza.

Congratulations to director Bart Guingona, the crew and staff of MyOwn Mann Productions Inc. for this exhilarating play. 

Hurry and catch the last few remaining shows of "Full Gallop"! After its premiere last night, there are only four shows left, March 15, then 21, 22, all at 8 pm and one final show on March 23 at 4 pm.

iBlog: The 10th Philippine Blogging Summit

A decade of blogging and moving forward, "iBlog : The 10th Philippine Blogging Summit" is a FREE 2-day event - on April 4 and 5, 2014 at the Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City from 8 am to 5 pm.

For this 10th year,  speakers, bloggers, and participants are encouraged to share insights in retrospective about the past 10 years and how we do all want to move forward.

Note that the first 300 registered participants to come early (on or before 9 am) will be given food stub and participant kit. Afterwards, remaining food stubs and participant kits shall be given to early walk-ins.

Speakers who were part of iBlog in the past 10 years and those who have also made a big impact to the blog and social media space are expected to there and  a few topic submissions from first-time iBlog speakers to add that newbie touch while sticking to our theme of retrospective and moving forward.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Here's the 2 day schedule of the 10th iBlog on 

DAY 1 AGENDA 

9:00 to 9:20 Flag ceremony, prayer, participant intro (limited)

9:20 to 10:20 Bloggers as New Media Personalities (Carlo Ople, Noemi Lardizabal Dado, and more to be added)

10:20 to 10:40 BREAK

10:40 to 11:40 Building Communities through Blogging (Azrael Coladilla, Jinoe Gavan,Vince Golangco, and more to be added)

11:40 to 1:00 LUNCH

1:00 to 1:30 SPONSOR TALK

1:30 to 2: 10 Bloggers as Digital Marketers (Grace Bondad Nicolas, Jonel Uy, Fitz Villafuerte, Boris Joaquin)

2:20 to 3:00: Blogging as Part of Internet Marketing and Advertising (Jeoff Solas, Mannix Borromeo Pabalan, and more to be added)

3:00 to 3:20 BREAK

3:20 to 4:00 Bloggers as Activist (Tonyo Cruz and more to be added)

4:00 to 4:40 State of Blogging in the Philippines – report from bloggers in the countryside

4:40 RAFFLE / GROUP SHOT

DAY 2 AGENDA 

9:00 to 9:20 The Rise of the Sports Bloggers (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno)

9:20 to 9:40 Future-Proof Link Building: No Spam, More Juice (Jayson Bagio)

9:40 to 10:00 Why Doctors and other Professionals should Blog? (Bien Nillos)

10:00 to 10:20 BREAK

10:20 to 11:00 Bloggers as Entrepreneurs (Genesis Reonico and more to be added)

11:10 to 12:00 Crowdsourcing, Social Media, and its Impact on Business (Richard Eldridge, Lace Llanora, and more to be added)

12:00 to 1:00 LUNCH

1:00 to 1:30 SPONSOR TALK

1:30 to 2:10 Mentoring Entrepreneurs through Blogging and Social Media (Christian Blanquera and more to be added)

2:20 to 2:40 The Present and Future of Internet Regulation (Atty. JJ Disini)

2:50 to 3:10 The Philippine Internet at 20 years old (Janette Toral)

3:20 to 3:40 BREAK

3:40 to 4:40 Future of Blogging and Social Media

4: 50 RAFFLE and GROUP SHOT

EMCEE: Flow Galindez and Adrian Benipayo

(Names of speakers and panelists will be posted and updated this week)

 #iblog10 

“Unleash Your RealiTEE” with street-style-inspired BUM collection

BUM bares its newest brand ambassadors who are on the brink of something big: Ella Cruz, Nash Aguas, Jane Oineza, and Diego Loyzaga with Bea Binene

A big change is coming. And it’s heading your way.

BUM is on the brink of something big this season. As it ushers in the hottest season of the year, the “rebel of fashion” is making huge leaps by welcoming into its fold four new, young brand ambassadors who best embody and reinforce BUM’s street-cred: Ella Cruz, Nash Aguas, Jane Oineza, and Diego Loyzaga.

Ella Cruz

Ella Cruz, seventeen-year-old Kapamilya actress whose launching pad was the fantasy series Aryana and comedy show Goin’ Bulilit, is a breath of fresh air for the brand. Ella has a bubbly personality and always wearing a smile as bright as the colors that she wears.

“Alam ko kasi ang damit talaga ang BUM more on blacks dati. Kaya nong nagkaroon ng bright colors ang BUM, natuwa ako kasi ganon talaga ako manamit,” says Ella. 

“And I like the fact that the brand and I share the same qualities. I like being myself. I don’t pretend to be something I am not just to blend in or just so people would accept me.”

With BUM’s new campaign “Unleash Your RealiTEE”—a street-style-inspired collection that includes summer brights, galaxy prints, and the signature Goth-inspired pieces—Ella is excited about the prospect of trying on different looks. While this “change” makes her a bit uncomfortable at times, Ella knows that at the end of the day it would do her more good than harm.

“This represents the new Ella, a fiercer Ella,” says the former child star, who is celebrating her 18th birthday in August. “Nakakatuwa pala to try something new,” she says. “Sometimes we are afraid to experiment or explore. What we don’t realize is that we are missing out on the chance to experience something wonderful because we are afraid of trying.

Nash Aguas

Nash Aguas is also in that stage. Nash, fifteen-year-olds, who became a household name through Goin’ Bulilit, is also going through that transition, from being a child actor to a dashing, young man.

“After I did Goin’ Bulilit, I didn’t do any TV appearances and projects much. I went to the States. After three months, I got home. I wore braces. After a year, I started appearing in shows again.”

The former winner of ABS-CBN’s 2004 talent search Star Circle Quest, where he was proclaimed the Grand Kid Questor, says that a lot has changed since his Goin’ Bulilit days. His personal style in clothes, for one, has matured and has been influenced by his varied interests.

           

“My style depends on my current favorites,” says the 15-year-old actor. “May time na nahilig ako skateboard so gusto ko rin non ’yong skater-boy style. When I discovered the rock band My Chemical Romance naman, I wore black most of the time. Ang hindi mawawala sa aking wardrobe ay plain white T-shirt and jeans.”

Nash admits that he has a hard time mixing and matching colors. “Mahina ako sa color combination. Before, I would search in the internet for tips how guys mix and match colored pieces. I still didn’t get it. When I am not confident about my choices, I would just wear white T-shirt and jeans.”

           

Turns out, Nash’s preference for simplicity makes him a standout. The old-reliable white-shirt-and-jeans ensemble still is the most stylish getup for a man, especially for someone so young and promising like Nash. “I really wear BUM because its clothes really fit my style,” says Nash, who is also a talented guitarist. “Naging madali na to make my getup stylish kasi BUM has cool printed tops. I would just pair these with jeans and I’m good to go.”

Jane Oineza

Jane Oineza is a self-confessed “one of the boys.” While she doesn’t mind wearing dresses and girly outfits for her TV guestings and other showbiz stints, the 17-year-old Kapamilya actress admits that she’s more comfortable in jeans and shirts. “I’m the kind of girl who actually wears BUM kind of clothes,” she says. “I like being comfortable, but at the same time stylish and classy. People would tell me to wear flats and girly clothes. But me kasi I like wearing sneakers, comfy pants, and shirts.”

Jane Oineza, who has appeared in ABS-CBN primetime teleseryes Aryana, Juan Dela Cruz, and Muling Buksan ang Puso, describes herself as easygoing, fun, and laidback. In her spare time, she plays the guitar. To keep herself active, she likes slugging it out with the boys on the basketball court. When she has time to spare, Jane also swims and plays badminton. Jane may be a little quiet at times, but when the need arises, she isn’t afraid of speaking her mind.

“As much as I can, I try to live my life like an open book. Kung paano talaga ako, ganon ako makisama sa ibang tao. Walang pretensions, walang walls. That’s why I am really happy to be part of the BUM family. The clothes represent the real me,” she adds.

Carlos Diego Loyzaga

Completing BUM’s new “rebel five” is Carlos Diego Loyzaga, the 18-year-old son of Cesar Montano and former actress Teresa Loyzaga, who is now based in Australia.

Diego, who grew up in Australia, is the care-free one. He is friendly, outspoken, and spontaneous. “I haven’t met anyone who’s like me,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve met a few who look like me. But not really me.” On his free time, he turns to his first love: music. “I like playing the guitar and singing. Mana kay erpats, e,” Diego adds.

When he wants to get away from it all, Diego hops into his car and drives all the way to Antipolo with his friends.

“We didn’t do anything there,” he says. “We just drove up there and enjoyed the view of the metro. After an hour, we went back to Manila. We drove with the windows down, just feeling the breeze, the cool winds, the trees. I grew up in Australia so I’m used to an environment that’s fresh. I always look for something like that.”

It’s this unbridled passion for the outdoors and traveling that makes Diego a perfect fit for BUM. “Fashion changes a lot. And I express what I feel and what I am through the clothes I wear. I can pull off jeans, shirts, and boots, sometimes, high-tops ganon. Shorts, top, necklace, watch, then topsider shoes,” he explains.

Diego says he doesn’t read fashion blogs or flip through magazines to check out the latest trends. What he does is he turns to his girl friends for sartorial tips. “Nakikita ko lang through my friends. In a way, I don’t have to read anymore because they would share what they know.”

           

Bea Binene

BUM’s current endorser Bea Binene is thrilled that four new image model have joined the BUM family who would take the brand even farther. She says that they’re a perfect addition, especially because she has finally found a gang of talented individuals who share the same interests, ideas and fashion sense as hers.

“BUM really fits my style,” says the 16-year-old Kapuso actress, who is now marking her third year with the brand. “Just like Jane and Ella, I am not the type of girl who likes dresses. I prefer wearing the color black. Even BUM’s previous campaigns, which were all about dark colors, represent my real style.”

Although she likes wearing dark-colored clothes, Bea says that her personality is far from gloomy. “Siguro ’yon naman ’yong opposite don. I’ve always been a positive person. Once you get to know me, I’m actually friendly and bubbly. It’s just that I’ve always been more comfortable in dark clothes.

What’s important for Bea is how she expresses herself. “I don’t live to please people. I just dress the way I want. I certainly don’t dress to impress others. Ako ’yong tipo na I welcome everybody’s beliefs. I may always not agree with your opinion, but since it is yours, I will respect it. Ang sa akin naman, you just have to accept me for what I am. Kung ayaw mo ako, salamat.”

These five “rebels” dare to break free from the dictates of mainstream fashion and reveal their true style identity. They are encouraging you to the same.

Watch out for BUM’s new rebels in the coming months.

BUM’s Summer 2014 Collection is now available in leading department stores.

For more information about Unleash Your RealiTee, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph or follow us “@officialbumph” on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Metro Society's Men's issue this March

This March, as the cool weather quickly turns into sweltering heat, the upcoming summer season gets even hotter with the release of Metro Society's annual men's issue.

The magazine this month turns the temperature up by turning the spotlight on men found making waves in the kitchen. With the local food industry having gained popularity in the last decade, the Philippines has become an international culinary destination and these men have played a crucial role in transforming not only the country's views, but tastes as well.

Leading the pack are four men who have piqued curiosity, whet appetites, and satisfied palates: Green Pastures' Robby Goco, Sensei Sushi's Bruce Ricketts, Hungry Hound's Rob Pengson, and Hatch22 and Pink Panda's Erwan Heusaff. 

Metro Society believes that these men are the future of the food industry in the Philippines--each of them having their own views when it comes to preparing, cooking, and plating dishes, possessing a personal style about things that sets each of them apart and an undeniable passion that makes what they do memorable.

The Men's issue also presents the annual hall of fame--the country's top list of men who are consistently polished and impeccably dressed. The magazine's Men in Suits section is a real treat, selecting men in the culinary scene, including chefs, restauranteurs, connoisseurs, bloggers, and critics.

All these and more can be found in Metro Society's Men's Issue this March. Grab a copy now at leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

DHL sorts, delivers examination papers for underprivileged Grade 3 public elementary school students

The world's leading postal and logistics group, DHL, part of Deutsche Post DHL, made the day for volunteers of Teach for the Philippines (TFP), as 17 DHL employees recently helped sort and transport examination materials to 10 participating schools in Quezon City (QC).

Together with the TFP team, the DHL employees, sorted out 10 boxes of examination materials, which are administered quarterly by the TFP to participating schools.

DHL employee volunteers pose at TFP Headquarters in Makati after sorting 103 reams of examination papers for various public schools in Quezon City.

“The materials that DHL helped us sort and transport are very important to our program – examinations are done to assess how students cope with TFP-assigned modules and materials given by the Teacher Fellows,“ said Mhar Mangahas, Leadership Development Officer, Teach for the Philippines.

Standing from left: Neil Cabrera, Direct Sales Channel Manager, DHL Express and Ronaldo Benebe, Makati Service Center Manager, DHL Express and with other DHL employee volunteers at TFP Headquarters in Makati after sorting 103 reams of examination papers for various public schools in Quezon City.

Ronaldo Benebe, Makati Service Center Manager, DHL Express Philippines, said the activity was a genuine exercise in volunteerism among members of the DHL team. “As an international logistics company, we saw that we must contribute and were really needed for this activity,” he said. “This will continue every quarter with our commitment to help these kids.”

103 reams of examination materials were first delivered to DHL’s service centers in Makati and Ortigas in San Juan, and then transported to 10 QC public schools where 52 Teacher Fellows were posted.

Employee volunteers help sort the examination papers for Science, Math, Araling Panlipunan, Filipino, and English of elementary school students.

 

Employee volunteers help sort the examination papers for Science, Math, Araling Panlipunan, Filipino, and English of elementary school students.

Mangahas said that aid was invaluable. “Normally, preparation of these materials takes days. But with DHL’s expertise, the sorting only took less than two hours,” he added.

Following the success with Teach For India, Deutsche Post DHL, sealed its partnership with Teach for the Philippines, a network of Teach for All, in efforts to promote educational equity in the Philippines. Beyond India and Philippines, the partnership with Teach For All is also present in Germany (Teach First Deutschland), Argentina (Enseñá por Argentina), Chile (Enseña Chile), Peru (Enseña Peru) and Spain (Empieza por Educar). 

DHL employees get involved in their respective partner countries through meaningful volunteering activities. Last year, more than 800 Deutsche Post DHL employees engaged directly with students and teachers through internships, career planning sessions, mentoring, and donation drives.

Tutuban Center pushes for another prosperous 25 years

Tutuban Center Mall in Divisoria, Manila, offers you a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Here’s you can have great deals and best value for your money. From shirts to pants, dresses, accessories , local made or even from asian countries like Korea, Japan, Hongkong and others; shoes, bags, accessories. . . name it and get it !

Tutuban Center is 25 years old, but will certainly push for another 25 more.

Everything was simple, straightforward but with a deeper sense of purpose. This was demonstrated by a blood-letting activity in the morning where many of its employees participated and gamely donated precious blood for the benefit of those in need of it, like those suffering from certain blood-related ailments and other life-threatening diseases.

A Mass was also held in the afternoon in thanksgiving for all the blessings Tutuban Center received the past year.

But for this year’s celebration, Tutuban Center decided to forego with the usual glitzy celebration by focusing on activities that will help foster a stronger bond with its tenants, suppliers, partners and customers and the community. 

In the evening, Tutuban Center took its anniversary celebration a notch higher as it held a “fashion-for-a-cause” charity event called “Fashion for Compassion.”

The show was in partnership with Mode Elle, a fashion house that holds fashion shows to raise funds for charity, and select Tutuban Center tenants who served as clothing sponsors. The event sought to raise funds for Tahan-Tahanan and Child Haus to help them sustain the care and provision of shelter for cancer-stricken kids and their families from the provinces while seeking treatment in Manila.

A prosperous future is in the eyes of Tutuban Center but definitely, they won’t forget and leave behind those that helped them get to their first 25 years as they chart their course toward the next 25.

Shown in photo are some of the models wearing the dresses provided by select Tutuban Center tenants such as Sohrab Arcega, Eva Miranda, Benita Garcia, Allen James, Nick Riveral, Jimmy and Josephine Raborar, Nedy’s Bridal, Justine Bridal, Jeane Do Oma, Merly, Jocelyn Fabia Boutique, Marilyn Peraje, Tess, and Sarah/Jose Boutique during the “Fashion for Compassion” event.

PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!” ALL SET ON MARCH 19

The PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!” is this year’s boldest event in the promotion of local music, uniting music makers and music lovers to keep our local music playing, loud and strong.

So, how do we keep our music playing? Let's join the PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!”

The music industry stakeholders will convene to push our local music industry to greater heights at the PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!” on March 19, 2014 (Wednesday) at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Landbank Plaza Bldg. located at 1598 M.H. Del Pilar cor. Dr. J. Quintos Sts., Malate, Manila.

The PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!” is a conference which aims to unite various players in the music industry in making conscious commitments to the development and promotion of original Filipino music.

The convenors of the Pinoy Music summit are led by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP), along with the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), Philippine Association of Recording Industry (PARI), Assosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino Foundation Inc. (AMP), Music Copyright Administrators of the Philippines (MCAP) and PHILPOP Foundation.

The convenors recognize that original Filipino music faces many challenges, yet thrives nonetheless through various evolving forms. Local music not only stands as an expression of our culture but it can also be pushed to be an important driver for economic progress.

Singer-songwriter and FILSCAP President Noel Cabangon will be acting as the conference director, fully supported by singer-songwriter and OPM President, Ogie Alcasid.

Stalwart composer and PhilPop Foundation’s Executive Director, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab will talk about the State of the Filipino Music Industry.

The PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!” will also feature important talks on the effects of technology and legislation on the development of local music, as well as insights from the industry players of successful music models abroad.

Various stakeholders of the music industry – musicians, record labels, the government sector, media, and various representatives of the music consumer groups will be invited to the said event.

Through focused group discussions among the speakers and participants, the PINOY MUSIC SUMMIT 2014: “BASTA PINOY, PUSH MO YAN!” aims to propose recommendations and programs that will propel our local music industry towards new directions.

The one-day summit will be concluded by special performances from the country’s leading musicians and artists.

For further inquiries, please contact Camille Miserale, Head of PMS Secretariat at (m) 0942-3776275 or email:petatheatercenter@gmail.com.

Hunger Games Now available on DVD and Blue Ray Discs

Top Motion Picture for the year 2013 “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” starring Jennifer Lawrence arrives on Blu-ray, Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD, and 2-Movie Set DVD will be available in the Philippines, starting Saturday, March 15th from C-Interactive Digital Entertainment.

Starting March 15, 2014 the blockbster 2nd installment of the Hunger Games in a limited edition 2 disc DVD exclusively ditributed by C-Interactive Digital Entertainment. You get over 2 hours of bonus scenes that was cut from the movie. Plus a behind the scenes look for the next installment of the franchise.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire features a critically-acclaimed cast including Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right), Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2), Academy Award® nominee Woody Harrelson (The People vs Larry Flynt, 1996), Emmy® nominee Elizabeth Banks (TV’s “30 Rock”), Lenny Kravitz (Precious), Academy Award® nominee Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones, 2009) and Golden Globe® winner Donald Sutherland (Path to War), reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games. The impressive line-up is joined by Academy Award® winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote, 2005), Jeffrey Wright (Codeblack Films’ The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete), Jena Malone (Into The Wild), Amanda Plummer (Pulp Fiction) and Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman).

Theblockbuster second film of The Hunger Games franchise that took the world by storm ignites once again when The Hunger Games: Catching Fire arrives on Blu-ray, Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD, and 2-Movie Set DVD on Saturday, March 15th distributed exclusively by C-Interactive Digital Entertainment. Academy Award® winning Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence (2012’s Silver Linings Playbook) headlines the all-star cast in this action-adventure which became the 1 movie of 2013 and grossed over $850 million worldwide to date.

The second installment of the worldwide phenomenon is packed with over two hours of extensive, must-see bonus materials that include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, “Surviving the Game: Making Catching Fire,” deleted scenes and an audio commentary with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson.

Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael DeBruyn and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.

The Blu-ray will be available for the suggested retail price of Php1,395.00 while the Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD will be available at a suggested retail price of Php795.00 and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games 2-Movie Set DVD at a suggested retail price of Php995.00.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

By pre-ordering any version of the home video of Hunger Games Catching Fire, customers will INSTANTLY receive not one but THREE limited edition 16” x 24” posters of Katniss, Peeta and Finnick and a Catching Fire Bag Tag when you pre-order the Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD or the Blu-ray version! In addition, for just an extra Php100.00, will also get an exclusive Catching Fire T-Shirt only available through this offer.

I want the Shirt! All Hunger Games Fans should tak advantage of this offer now!!!

Pre-order The Hunger Games: Catching Fire now at all branches of Astroplus and Astrovision Nationwide and select Odyssey and O’Music & Video outlets.

SM Supermalls Honors 100 Women of Power and Substance This March

#SMProjectInspire ! In celebration of Women’s Month, SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines are launching a campaign and digital exhibit called Inspire.

Cheska Garcia-Kramer

Inspire brings together 100 of the country’s most inspiring women from all fields and industries, such as Jessica Cox, Irma Adlawan, Andi Manzano, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Kai Magsanoc, Margie Moran, Nene Chan, Angel Guerrero, Kara Alikpala, Wilma Galvante, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, Ingrid Santamaria, Sarah Gaugler, and Merlee Jayme. 

The diversity of the women chosen shows that regardless of background, beliefs, and preferences, empowered women who dream and act on those dreams are able to inspire and change their communities for the better.

Inspire is showcasing stories of women empowering others. To get a chance to be one of the 100 women featured in Inspire, applicants must answer the question, “How are you using your power as a woman to inspire change and enable dreams of your own and of others?” Their answers should be posted in any of the following social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, starting with the hashtag #SMProjectInspire.

Patricia Bermudez-Hizon

Applicants must also register via Headshot Clinic's official website, www.headshotclinic.com, for their entries to be counted. Entries must be received by March 17, 2014.

Inspire is a joint effort of SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines. It is one of the highlights of SM Supermalls’ national celebration of Women’s Month.

To know the full schedule of events for March, please visit www.facebook.com/smsupermalls.

Project Headshot Clinic is digital platform that merges profile photos with campaigns and advocacies.

The Dream Project Philippines is a volunteer-based community initiative that helps build the nation by shaping the dreams of the Filipino youth.

For more information about Inspire, go to www.headshotclinic.com, www.smsupermalls.com or in the SM Supermalls’ official Facebook page.

DepEd opens application for 2014 student employment

The Department of Education (DepEd), through the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations, has opened the application for the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) 2014.

SPES is an annual summer employment program that encourages students to make their vacation productive by working during summer thereby earning extra which they can use during regular school days. The program is spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and supported by other government agencies. It aims to immerse the youth in the government and hone their sense of leadership and public service. 

Qualifications to be accepted as a SPES Trainee are the following:

(1) Students/out-of-school youth who are at least 18 years old but not more than 25 years old;

(2) He/she must be enrolled this school year (in-school) or if not, must have intention to enroll next school year (out-of-school);

(3) the combined annual net income of both parents must not exceed Php 143,000; and

(4) applicants must possess office skills with priority given to those with computer-related skills. 

The following requirements must be accomplished for the SPES application:

(1) SPES Application Form (Download Official SPES Application Form from http://tinyurl.com/DepEdSPES2014);

(2) Birth Certificate / Baptismal Certificate (Certified True Copy / NSO); 

(3) Income tax returns of both parents. If non-filers of ITR, they must bring an affidavit duly certified by the BIR that the annual net income of both parents does not exceed Php. 143,000 or a Barangay Certification as to the economic status of his/her family;

(4) College Students: Recent grades and school registration preferably in the second semester; and 

(5) for the Out-of-School Youth (OSY), provide Grades available before dropping out of school or a Certificate of Indigence issued by the Barangay where the OSY resides.

SPES 2014 Trainees will be employed for 30 (thirty) working days under the supervision of SPES 2014 Secretariat in the Department of Education – Central Office. 

The application period is from March 10-12, 2014 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Saturday. 

Submission of document may be thru email via scanned documents (zip file) with your Name and Date of Submission to youthformation@deped.gov.ph. 

You may also send your certified true copy of documents enclosed in a brown envelope with your Name and Date of Submission.

Grand, Glittery, and Gold at Marriott Manila

It was a night of all things shining, shimmering, splendid as Marriott Hotel Manila’s associates – aptly called Brilliant Hosts – celebrated their Annual Party last February 10 at the Manila Ballroom. 

With the theme “Grand, Glittery, and Gold,” the hosts were in their best regalia as the men were dapper in their suits and tuxedos, while the ladies strutted their stuff in their beautiful flowing gowns. All of the hotel’s departments were divided into groups and were tasked to create a video presentation based on an era assigned to them, from the roaring 50’s to the modern 2000’s, whilst still staying true to the night’s theme.

The Sales & Marketing and Engineering team defended their title and emerged as the champion for the 2ndstraight year with their rock-and-roll inspired 80’s music video, while the F&B Kitchen team won 2nd place with their throwback 90’s entry and the Housekeeping and Laundry team bagged 3rd place with their flashback 50’s short film.

Fritz Andal of the Engineering Department and Joanna Tiglao of the F&B Kitchen Department emerged as the Best Male and Female Performers respectively, while Cholo Martillo and Jane Manzanero, both from the Sales and Marketing Department, won as Male and Female Stars of the Night.

The video presentations as well as the individual winners were chosen by Mr. Ronan Capinding, Mr. Roly Halagao, and Mr. Paul Daza.

Marriott’s philosophy of “putting people first” resonates in the manner that the Brilliant Hosts provide utmost service to their guests by exemplifying the adage of their brand founder Mr. J. W. Marriott, “If you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customer, and the customer will keep coming back.” 

Here are some pictures during the party.

Music spins by DJ Aryan

And for one day each year, the company celebrates in thanksgiving for all the hard work and commitment that its hosts provide to make Marriott Hotel Manila as successful as it is today.