Jasmine Curtis Smith Grand Fan's Day

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JasMINE The Series, drama suspense series is the first-ever TV series in the country that goes across digital platforms, boasting its second-screen feature that allows its audience to enjoy content both from their television and mobile screens.

Last Thursday, TV 5 and Vidanes Celebrity Marketing held a Grand Fans Day of Jasmine Curtis Smith and the fans treated with fun games, and advance screening of Jasmine The Series.

The grand fans day event was held at the Shangrila Restaurant, West Avenue, Quezon City, May 29,2014.

JASMINE The Series will premiere this Sunday, June 1 at 9:15 pm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AasKGvO51I

TV5's "Jasmine" goes beyond television, as it blurring the lines of reality and fiction.

Jasmine Curtis Smith clinches the lead role in the network's (fictional) flagship series Ur Loved, Jasmine finds adversity from her co-actresses which exposes her to the bitter realities of being famous.

Here are the cast of the romantic drama series with suspense, first-of-its-kind television series, JasMINE

Jasmine Curtis Smith   -  Jasmine , after a slew of critically acclaimed indie movies, actress Jasmine must now make the jump to mainstream media. Can she juggle her dreams of becoming a “serious actress” and the network’s plans of turning her into their next big star?

Matt Padilla  -  Insp. Ramon Ramirez, is a young, idealistic PNPA graduate who grew up in the slums of Manila. He takes his job seriously. Sometimes too seriously.

Alwyn Uytingco  -  Wendell Bautista, a fast-rising showbiz blogger, Wendell gets the scoop before anyone else does. He has befriended many celebrities, including Jasmine and he is growing in popularity in showbiz circles. How far will he go to dig dirt on his supposed friends in showbiz?

Carlo Orosa  -  Steven Yap, the successful, no-nonsense manager of Jasmine who wants to make her the next big star of TV5.

Vin Abrenica  -  Alexis Vergara, primetime prince of TV5, is “charming”, “lovable” and “down to earth”. He has been acting since he was a child and is now used to being in the spotlight.

Gerard Sison  -  Miguel Asuncion, young entrepreneur and next-in-line to the Asuncion political dynasty, Miguel is one of Jasmine’s most persistent suitors. Ever since she broke up with her boyfriend, Miguel has been there for her, caring for her, squeezing his way into her heart. He is perfect “boyfriend material”. But is he too good to be true?

Marvelous Alejo  -  Selina Pascual, a talented actress with extensive work in both the indie and mainstream films. She considers Jasmine to be her arch rival in the network, and is willing to go to extremes to get exactly what she wants.

Justine Peña  -  Carly, Jasmine's feisty, frank, and loyal personal assistant. Always the voice of reason, she serves as Jasmine’s friend, confidant, and conscience. 

Nicole Estrada  -  Sarah Mae,  young, up and coming starlet, Sarah Mae is Selina’s best friend. Sarah Mae is ambitious and talented, but her drive to prove herself to everyone often gets her in trouble.

Cai Cortez  -  Mama Mia,  a successful talent manager and Steven’s rival. She and Steven used to be business partners until they had a falling out. She always wanted to be Jasmine’s manager but Steven beat her to it. She now manages Selina Pascual, Sarah Mae, and many new and established celebrities.

Jelson Bay  -  Insp. Emilio Osorio, as he thinks his partner Inspector Ramon Ramirez takes his job too seriously. 

A stalker named Maskara who becomes the source of a series of unfortunate events to befall on Jasmine.

JasMINE The Series on TV5 with the Ace Saatchi & Saatchi, known for its award-winning advertising campaigns, as in-charge of the program's creative content and Unitel Entertainment, the program's line producer. 

You can follow JasMINE on-air and online, get access to relevant and exclusive content, and engage with the show and their fellow fans.

Here are some photos during the Jasmine Curtis Smith Grand Fan's Day:

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13th Philippine Toycon 2014 Epic Launch

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Join the 13th Philippine Toycon 2014 Epic Launch and press con this Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila. The event will start from 10am onwards, and the media and press con starts at 2pm. Entrance is FREE!

Catch the showing of a teaser of the 13th Philippine Toycon 2014 event by bringing the whole toys, comics, anime, cosplay, hobbyist community for one day in Resorts World Manila.

Enjoy the toys and collectibles exhibit provided by the best toy collectors of Manila featuring different toy lines based on our movie partners for the year – Transformers 4: Age of Extinction, Guardians of the Galaxy and Rurouni Kenshin. Also check out the X-Men Icons on Exhibit at the G/F Newport Mall.

Start your treasure hunt by shopping for awesome deals with our Toycon exhibitors and official toy distributors. They will sell new toy items and bargain collectibles for one day at Newport Mall. Get a chance to learn how to be a toy and comic collector by listening to our experts at the panel discussions about our Toycon hot topics.

Join the Toycon cosplay contest open category at 5pm. Come in as your favorite comics, toys, superhero, animation, or gaming character.

Also we invite you to join the World Cosplay Summit Philippines NCR qualifiers competition at 4pm. The winning NCR qualifier will advance to the final competition at Philippine Toycon 2014 this June, and they will get a chance to fly to Nagoya, Japan to represent our country for the World Cosplay Summit Japan 2014. (for details visit this link -http://www.toyconph.com/2014/05/world-cosplay-summit-philippines-2014.html )

The ToyCon Epic Launch is in line with our main event, the 13th Philippine Toycon 2014 happening this coming June 20-22, 2014.

This event is organized by Collectibles Unlimited and Anime Alliance and supported by Resorts World Manila, Pacific Licensing, Warner Bros Pictures, MaxiCollector, Arigatoys, and Toy Kingdom with media partners, ABS-CBN, Flip Geeks and 99.5 Play FM.

13th Philippine Toycon 2014 EPIC Launch

May 31, 2014

Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila

10am onwards

For coverage:

for press, media and bloggers

email us at toyconph@gmail.com

main event is on June 20-22, 2014 in Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall

website: www.toyconph.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/toyconph

Twitter: www.twitter.com/officialtoycon

Cinema One announces final 10 films for upcoming C1 originals festival

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Cinema One has finally announced its selection of ten films for the upcoming Cinema One Originals Festival.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary of constantly supporting the growth of the local film industry, Cinema One has chosen to allocate a budget of P2-million for the production of these ten selected films, all carefully chosen out of numerous submissions upon its call for entries during the festival’s previous year.

The ten films chosen were those by directors Jay Abello, Nash Ang, Kanakan Balintagos, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Eduardo Dayao, Alec Figuracion, Antoinette Jadaone, Malay Javier, Paolo O’Hara, and Remton Siega Zuasola.

Jay Abello’s film entitled “Red” is an action film of how mere gossip rocked a town’s circuit of local drug dealers, junkies, and vagabonds in Bacolod. Red, a legendary fixer in the underground world of Visayas, is called to patch things up—but he soon finds himself framed for the very thing he was asked to repair, forced into decisions that put his life at stake.

Nash Ang brings the film “Seoul Mates” to this year’s festival. “Seoul Mates” is a sweet comedy of a man and woman who fatefully meet on a bridge just at the moment that they attempt to jump from it. They arrange and schedule their deaths with each other, but something goes wrong. They fall in love—a situation further complicated because the two are not exactly the traditional man and woman tandem. Set in Seoul, “Confessions” is a Koreanovela in the making.

“Abel/Cain” is what director Kanakan Balintagos is bringing to the table this year. An adaptation of Auraeus Solito’s play entitled Esprit de Corps in the 1980’s about the game of seduction and ranks in the ROTC, “Abel/Cain” is a queer story of two cadets and their pursuit to outwit a corrupt Major Marcus for his position.

Director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo presents the film “Lorna,” a midlife comedy drama of a woman’s romantic life—a story of being alone, growing old, looking for love, and moving on. Lorna, already in her 60’s, finds an online lover and an old flame that will turn her life upside down. But at her age, is love too late for a woman like Lorna?

The film “Violator” is a psycho-horror set in the brink of an apocalypse by director Eduardo Dayao. In it, three policemen with nowhere to go and everything to lose meet a mysterious stranger in their precinct that will force them to confront a darker secret amidst them.

Director Alec Figuracion brings “Bitukang Manok” to life. A horror in the tradition of Twilight Zone, the film shows four cars stranded in the EME road to Bicol. A group of travelers soon realize that they are driving in circles and decide to work together to break free—but slowly, they find out that stranger forces are at work.

“That Thing Called Tadhana,” a romance-comedy in the tradition of Before Sunrise is what Antoinette Jadaone has created. The films asks the questions “Where do broken hearts go?” and tells the story of a woman struggling to meet airline baggage requirements who meets a man who comes to her aid. Both in despair out of love, they form a charming friendship that will take them to Sagada in their attempts to mend each other’s hearts.

Malay Javier will be presenting “Di Sila Tatanda,” a sci-fi teen flick about the Pangasinan U.F.O. sightings in the 90’s, where three childhood friends enter a love trapezoid with an alien. This is how an alien shows what it means to be truly human-in-love, in its pursuit to mate with a girl whose heart belongs to two human friends.

“The Housekeepers” by Paolo O’Hara is a comedy of errors of a couple instructed to babysit a kidnapped child. However, when the kidnappers order them to kill the baby, they flee instead and raise him as their own.

Director Remton Siega Zuasola brings “Soap O Pera,” the story of a modus gone wrong, wherein a couple seduces foreigners to visit the Philippines with the promise of marriage to con them for their money. This is a comic drama about how a local soap opera brings the scheming couple and their foreign victim closer as they play family to support their sick son whose only relief is the fantasy world of Ramini, his favorite television hero.

The Cinema One Originals is an annual independent film festival produced by the ABS-CBN-owned cable channel, Cinema One. To date, the festival has produced international award-winning films like Jerrold Tarog’s “Confessional” (2007), Sherad Anthony Sanchez’s “Imburnal” (2008) and Antoinette Jadaone’s “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay” (2011) and other internationally acclaimed films such as “Shift” (2013), “The Dream of Eleuteria” (2010), and “Ang Paglalakbay sa Gabing Madilim” (2012) among others.

For updates on the Cinema One Originals Festival, visit Cinema One’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Cinema1channel).

LIFESTIVAL: A Rare Night of Worship Celebration with Yeng Constantino, international and local musicians and artists

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Get ready for a night of insightful stories and inspiring songs as international and local musicians and artists join together in a rare opportunity to lead in worship celebration with

 (1) Dove Awardee and international contemporary Christian group The Katinas

 (2) Philippines’ pop rock princess Yeng Constantino

 (3) singer-turned-minister Ray An Fuentes 

 (4) hip-hop and R&B singer Quest

 (5) new praise and worship team Firebrand. 

LIFESTIVAL Word and Worship Celebration is a free thanksgiving offering from Life Oil® in celebration of its fifth anniversary to be held on June 14, 2014, Saturday, 7:00PM, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Everyone who is interested to avail of free Lifestival ticket will only have to like the official Facebook page of Lifestival and send a private message that include the following: complete name, address, mobile number, and the message LIFE IS GOOD! I WANT A FREE TICKET TO LIFESTIVAL WORD AND WORSHIP CELEBRATION! A confirmation message will later be sent individually to all those who will qualify for free tickets, with details on how to claim their free tickets. 

About 10,000 people are expected to grace the event, including those from various organizations, companies, and churches, headed by the massive network of G12 member-churches. G12 Coordinator for the Philippines and Doulos for Christ World Harvest Ministry’s founder and senior pastor, Bishop Oriel Ballano, will also share the Word of God.

LIFESTIVAL Word and Worship Celebration is also supported by the Philippine Airlines, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessWorld, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, The Edge Radio, positivelypinoy.com, 106.7 Energy FM, 702 DZAS, Savory Chicken, and Greenlite Banner. Lifestival is a special event managed and staged by Huper International events and productions specialist.

For more information and updates, visit:

Lifestival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LifestivalPH

Life Oil Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LifeOil

About Life Oil®

Lifestival is presented by Life Oil® 100% pure malunggay oil extract, the only oil-based moringa product in the market today. This all-natural nutriceutical food supplement is rich in Organic Live Chlorophyll, Essential Amino Acids, Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytochemicals. Since complete nutrients should come naturally, a single Life Oil® 500ml soft-gel is equivalent to half a kilo of fresh malunggay leaves – great for increased energy, strengthened immune system, lowered cholesterol, managed sugar levels and blood pressure, even moisturized skin. Feel good with Life Oil® today. Life Oil® is available in leading drugstores nationwide.

Filipina bags Global Educator’s Award of UN affiliated body

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Teacher Sam handing out some IamSAM ballers to the gleeful Aeta children of Pampanga.

Filipina educator and international lecturer Rayla Melchor Santos received the prestigious Global Education Motivators (GEM) Award for 2013-2014 for her advocacy on the empowerment of children in schools under the I Am SAM Foundation. 

Rayla Melchor Santos, of Muntinlupa, Philippines, accepts the GEM Global Educator Award at the 9th Annual United Nations Conference on Teaching Peace and Human Rights on Saturday morning, April 4, 2014. Wayne Jacoby, President of Global Education Motivators looks on as Santos thanks the people and organizations who helped make her, I AM S.A.M Foundation, successful. 

Santos co-founded the I am SAM foundation in 2010 following her mother Merci Melchor’s long years of advocacy to help abused women and children to be aware of their rights and be able to rebuild lives after suffering from various forms of abuse.

The teachings of the I am SAM foundation are based on two fundamental UN treaties- the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Their flagship program, IamSAM Prevent-to-Empower Protocol (PEP), was created to teach children and women the values of self worth and uniqueness, respect and responsibility for self and for others. 

SAM stands for Shakers and Movers whose campaign was launched in 28 public elementary and high schools in Muntinlupa City. A similar campaign will soon be launched in all 38 public elementary and high schools in Makati City. 

Shakers And Movers, according to Santos, is a person that makes things happen, anchored on the belief that one takes full responsibility for his/her own evolution as a person. 

Afton Beutler of Mother’s Legacy, Bill Yotive of UN Global Teaching & Learning Project, Rayla Melcho Santos of I am SAM Foundation and Ellen Firestone of Youth for Human Rights at the UN HQ on April 4, 2014.

Wayne Jacoby, president of Philadelphia based GEM Inc. surprised Santos by presenting her the Global Educator Award at the 9th annual United Nations Teachers Conference on Human Rights and Peace held last April 4 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Jacoby said Santos and the I am SAM Foundation have been successful in “making its mark in helping and protecting the world’s children.”

“I have seen you expand from the Philippines and now working with teachers and children in Canada, China, United States and Taiwan. It is important for you to bring your message back to the UN,” said Jacoby in his letter of invitation to Santos.

Now fondly called by her students and fellow teachers as Teacher SAM, Santos said she “feels honored to have received the prestigious award from GEM that has a long history of affiliation with the UN.

She did not realize that her advocacy would be recognized at the UN Teachers Conference on Human Rights and Peace event.

“It was a moving experience to receive such a prestigious award from GEM which is a partner of the UN in promoting human & child rights and peace at the global education level,” said Santos.

GEM is a Philadelphia-based non-government organization founded by a group of educators in 1981 to put a global perspective in all aspects of learning.

The NGO started working with the UN Department of Public Information in 1986 and received the prestigious UN Peace Messenger Award in 1989 for its work on behalf of UN promoting world peace and human rights.

For Santos, empowering a child with awareness of her inherent rights has a far reaching impact to grow as fulfilled individual.

“Self-worth is the greatest tool we can give a child,” she said.

Inner strength and the realization that every child is special, precious and unique is deeply expounded and made easy to understand in the campaigns of the I Am SAM Foundation.

Santos said every child should realize the meaning of two powerful Tibetan words: “Tashi deley” which means ‘I honor the greatness in you’. Each child should recognize the greatness in himself/herself and the greatness in each other. 

When teaching this as an official greeting of the foundation said in schools where the IamSAM works with, Santos recalled one high student shared his amazement, “How can two words mean so much and do so much upliftment!” 

The foundation provides schools covered by its campaign some educational posters written in Filipino that state: “I am special, unique and precious because I am a human being.” The message encapsulates the soul of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The campaign message further expounded in succeeding banners that carry the messages: “I am special, unique and precious because I am a child”; and, “And because I am a unique, special and precious, no one can abuse me, even my parents.” 

Santos said the banners capture the whole message of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She pointed out that is necessary to teach against abuse because of the staggering incidences of violence in schools. The focus of the IamSAM protocol is the development of self-worth and the restoration of human dignity. 

Santos believes that it is important to spread the values of self-worth to children as it has far reaching impact in their development as respectful, responsible and compassionate persons and citizens.

She says schools should not just be a place for academic excellence, but a safe ground for children to develop inner strength.

The I Am SAM Foundation also honors guidance counselors who are often neglected in their critical role of protecting the rights of children while at school. She said various forms of abuse happen in schools, particularly through bullying and teacher abuse against students.

Santos fell in love with the teaching profession and children when she worked as a pre-school director of the Family School of Manhattan in New York.

She pursued advanced studies and training on early childhood education in the United States and London and later became the head of the Institute for Child Advancement in Magallanes, Makati City.

She set up her own preschool, Center for Little Learners in her Mom’s house and also co-wrote beginning reading books with her mom, who also illustrated these. She founded Stonyhurst School and used CSR (corporate social responsibility) to build its first building. 

Her stint as global educator inspired her to partner with the Calvert School of Maryland to set up the McKinley Hill International School and Academy for Children in Batangas.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the United Kingdom cited the McKinley Hill International School as one of the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools outside the UK in November 2011 when Santos was invited to speak at the UNICEF UK Conference for Rights Respecting Schools in London. 

IamSAM hosts two annual UN conferences convened by GEM. These are the UN Teacher Conference on Human Rights and Peace and the UN Student Leadership Conference on Development. 

Santos felt the need to engage her fellow Filipino teachers in the UN initiatives of teaching human rights and peace and involve Filipino students on global issues with veritable global institutions like the UN. 

This has helped Filipino educators and students interact with their global partners while in the Philippines.

Last year, she also spoke to a global audience of civil-society groups organized by the United Nations in Geneva where she tackled the foundation’s advocacy which has led to serious consideration and current discussion for IamSAM in Africa. 

Santos says every teacher has a special passion to fulfill, that is seeing a child grow in love and peace and achieve her dreams.

“The Filipino Flash” Donaire hungy for a win in featherweight fury

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ABS-CBN will air Top Rank Promotion’s “Featherweight Fury” which will be held at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao in a special telecast of the brawl between Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire and the WBA Featherweight Champion Simpiwe Vetyeka on Sunday (June 1) at 10:15 AM.

Nonito The Filipino Flash Donaire (M) with Featherweightfury undercard fighters Rex Tso (L), and KK Ng (R)  (photo by Arvin Lim)

Donaire promised to bring the beauty of boxing to Macao in his battle against the South African champion who reportedly handpicked the Donaire to be his opponent.

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino said in an interview on ABS-CBN Sports+Action's "The Score" that Vetyeka is a “hungry champion” and wants to beat a high-profile boxer like Donaire.

However, Donaire is equally hungry to prove himself after losing the championship to Guillermo Rigondeaux and an underwhelming non-title fight against Vic Darchinyan. In an interview with TV Patrol two days before the fight, Donaire said he feels good and has had no problem trimming down to the weight limit.

The “Featherweight Fury” will feature two other featherweight title fights between Nicholas “The Axe Man” Walters versus Vic “Raging Bull” Darchinyan, and Evgeny “The Mexican Russian” Gradovich versus Alexander Miskirtchian.

Prior to the fight, get up-close and personal with “The Filipino Flash” as ABS-CBN Sports+Action airs the replay of “Donaire: Flash and Fire” on Saturday (May 31) at 12 PM.

In the “Featherweight Fury” press conference held in Manila, Donaire admitted that one of his preparations involved going back to his roots, choosing to train in the Philippines and having his father – the man who introduced Donaire to the world of boxing – to train him for his bout.

“Donaire: Flash and Fire” gives a clearer look at what makes 3-time world champion Nonito Donaire a world-class boxer. While his training and experience inside the ring has prepared him physically for Vetyeka, Donaire’s experiences outside the ring – from being bullied as a boy, to the well-publicized spat with his father, Nonito Sr., to his life as a family man – made him mentally strong to battle and overcome the challenges that come his way.

Also, make way for “Donaire vs Vetyeka Primer” on ABS-CBN Sports+Action also on Saturday (May 31) at 1 PM where boxing experts throw interesting analyses of the upcoming fight and review Donaire and Vetyeka’s previous boxing bouts.

Catch Donaire: Flash and Fire” on Saturday (May 31) at 12 PM followed by “Donaire vs Vetyeka Primer” at 1 PM to prepare for the special telecast of ABS-CBN “Featherweight Fury” on Sunday (June 1) at 10:15 AM and its replay on ABS-CBN Sports+Action also on Sunday (June 1) at 7 PM.

Ballet Philippines announces "Manhid" auditions on June 13, 14 and 17

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Ballet Philippines with Tanghalang Pilipino invites you to be part of MANHID, the 45th season ender performance slated for February 20 to March 8, 2015 at the CCP Main Theater.

MANHID. The Pinoy Superhero Musical was first staged by UP TROPA in 1991 by Auraeus Solito, Kanakan Balintagos, Vincent de Jesus, Carina Evangelista and the Eraserheads.

Actors/Singers between 20-35 who are able to play the following characters:

DILIM (coloratura soprano), LAM-ANG (soprano), ALUNSINA (rock alto), BANTUGAN (tenor/baritone), RADYA/INDARAPATRA (baritone), and other roles.

Auditions will be at the Museo ng Kalinangang Pilipino (MKP Hall) at the 4th floor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June 13 and 14 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm and on June 17 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Registration begins an hour before the audition proper.

Co-presented by Tanghalang Pilipino and choreographed by Paul Alexander Morales and Alden Lugnasin, MANHID is set in an alternate present day Philippines where the EDSA revolution failed. This legendary dance rock musical features heroes and villains with superpowers, and a people sick with Kamanhiran (Apathy). Celebrating a nation of heroes on the 29th Anniversary of EDSA revolution, MANHID promises to be a must-watch event for 2015. 

For more information, visit http://ballet.ph/news/company-news/115-manhid-audition-annoucement.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. A toast to 45 years of dance excellence!

Azkals, Philippines’ national football team, go for history in 2014 AFC Challenge Cup Final

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The Azkals, Philippines’ national football team, go for history as ABS-CBN Sports+Action, the official broadcaster of the 2014 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup, airs the finals live where the Azkals will battle Palestine for the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup Championship at the National Stadium in Male, Maldives on Friday (May 30).

The Philippines has never won the AFC Challenge Cup, a tournament for developing and emerging football nations. In addition, no Southeast Asian country has ever won the said tournament.

The Azkals can end both droughts with a victory over Palestine.

The Azkals are coming off a dramatic and highly emotional 3 – 2 win in extra time over host country Maldives during the semifinals last Tuesday (May 27). Phil Younghusband gave the Philippines the lead with his goal in the 19thminute before the Maldives leveled the score in the 33rd minute.

Jerry Lucena restored the advantage for the visiting Philippines three minutes later, but the Maldivians equalized in the second half with a goal off a corner kick in the 66th minute.

Chris Greatwich, who was the hero in the Azkals' stunning win over Vietnam in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, provided the game-winner as he tapped in a goal off a deflected shot from teammate Patrick Reichelt in the 104th minute.

The champion of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup will also earn an automatic berth to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia, and will be bracketed in Group D together with Iraq, Jordan, and AFC Cup defending champion Japan.

The championship match between the Philippines and Palestine will be a rematch of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup Third Place match in which the Azkals won, 4 – 3.

Will the Azkals’ run in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup end on a historic note? Find out as ABS-CBN Sports+Action begins the live coverage of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup Finals on Friday (May 30) at 11:30 PM with replay on Saturday (May 31) at 4 PM.

Want to relive the Azkals’ 2014 AFC Challenge Cup campaign? Catch all of the Azkals' matches as ABS-CBN Sports+Action will air the replays their games in the tournament beginning Monday (June 2) until Friday (June 6).

Lazada's Inanc Balci, definitely changing the way Filipinos buy

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While many of us can only dream of changing the world, Inanc Balci is already doing it. At 26, he co-founded South East Asia’s online retail tiger Lazada and now, at age 28, he sits as the Chief Executive Officer for Lazada Philippines. 

Inanc Balci, co-founder and CEO of Lazada Philippines

On Being a young CEO

Balci, a Turkish raised in London, attended Purdue University in the U.S. with a double-degree in Industrial Engineering and Economics. Afterwhich, he worked on mergers and acquisitions for an investment bank in London. While working for the investment bank, Balci saw the eminent potential in e-commerce which led him to join Rocket Internet and eventually co-found Lazada in Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, Balci heads a pool of more than 300 employees, all of which he works very closely with. With an unabashed outlook, agile wit, and a laser-sharp eye for details, Balci perfectly fits the bill to lead a rapidly-growing online company.

Online Shopping in the Philippines

In a country where shopping malls are practically part of the fabric of the society, online shopping is something quite a number of Filipinos are unaccustomed to—there comes the perennial trust issue on using credit cards, the surprise surcharges, and unfortunately, the products not arriving at all. 

The malls in the Philippines, on the otherhand, have creatively articulated themselves to be not just shopping destinations but also as a means of recreation (i.e. be it the cinemas, the gaming zones, the restaurants, or as simple as the airconditioning they offer as a break from the raging tropical weather outdoors)—all of these were the issues that Balci had to dispel—and dispel he and his co-founders did. 

Lazada has made shopping quick, effortless, and risk-free to South East Asia and in the Philippines, this is the same principle that Balci is harping on to the Filipinos. 

How is this so? First, Lazada accommodates all those shoppers without credit cards via its cash-on-delivery payment mode. This is essential given that not everyone has a credit card or is keen on sharing their credit card details to someone—or anyone for that matter. This makes online shopping risk-free for everyone. 

Being an archipelago of 7,100 islands, accessibility is always an issue—a significant portion of consumers doesn’t have time or access to visit the malls but with a minimum of PhP 1,000 purchase, Lazada offers free nationwide delivery, to customers anywhere in the Philippines, just log-in, shop, and the products will be delivered at the customer’s doorstep. Lastly, Lazada offers the flexibility of having the customers return the products within 30 days for free—provided that the products are in mint condition.

In a span of two years of being in the Philippines, Balci has steered Lazada to further heights and now with more than 40,000 SKUs, reaching 90-precent of the online population of the Philippines, and ranking as the 4th top Facebook brand in the country with a direct audience close to 2 Million.

What the dot-com bubble holds for Lazada is still yet to be revealed, but one thing is for certain, Inanc Balci, the 28 year-old co-founder and CEO, is definitely changing the way Filipinos buy.

About Lazada

Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime. 

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

DepEd: “No collection policy” in public schools still in effect

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The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded all school authorities that collection of any fees during enrolment and the first days of class is strictly prohibited. 

“We call on all teachers and school officials to see to it that we do not refuse a single student who wants to enrol. We strongly remind them that we do not collect any fees as a requirement for enrolment,” Education Secretary Br.Armin A. Luistro said. 

The education chief added that certain contributions in public schools, while authorized by DepEd, do not mean that they are compulsory. “These contributions remain voluntary,” Luistro stressed.

DepEd re-issued this call to teachers, school officials and parents to encourage the community to bring all school-aged children to school.

“Let me be clear on this: in no case shall non-payment of voluntary school contributions or membership fees be made a basis for non-admission, non-promotion or non-issuance of clearance to a student. And that includes withholding of school cards,“ Luistro emphasized.

The fees which are authorized but not compulsory include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees, Philippine National Red Cross, Anti-TB fund, school publication fee, and Parents Teachers Association fee.

Based on DepEd Order 41 series of 2012, which remains in effect, Luistro has directed all school officals that no fees shall be collected from school children in kindergarten up to Grade 4 anytime during school year. For Grade 5 pupils up to fourth year high school students, there will be no collection from June to July. 

However, starting August this year until the end of school year, the following fees may be collected on a voluntary basis: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts membership fees of P50 per learner ; Philippine National Red Cross, P35 per learner; Anti-TB fund drive of P5 per learner; school publication fee of P60 for every elementary pupils and P90 for every high school student. The Parents-Teachers Association fee must be reasonable and is to be determined during the PTA general assembly.

The PTA can only collect contributions starting August and only after presenting to the PTA members and to the school head/principal report on the utilization of previous school year’s collections and the school year proposed budget with program of activities.

“School fees should not intimidate parents into bringing their children to school that is why I urge all school officials to strictly observe these guidelines or face administrative sanctions,” Luistro said, adding that PTA fees, even though approved by a majority of PTA members, still remain voluntary. 

DepEd Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo emphasized that the Philippine Government provides basic education free of charge to all citizens. He said, “Schools are not allowed to turn away students. Only in extreme cases of overpopulation can they do it. In such cases, some schools will opt for Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs).”

“Our public assistance station has received as total of 63 queries since Monday, some of them regarding compulsory contributions. In these cases, our team calls the schools and finds out the details. If the schools violate our strict prohibition on collection of fees, our legal department will send them a warning,” Mateo said. 

Mateo encouraged the parents to contact the DepEd public assistance station for any complaints, concerns, and questions at 636-1669, 633-1942, 0919-456-0027, and through action@deped.gov.ph.

Globe myBusiness offers innovative solutions for growing business

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CCTV bundles and Globe Charge

Here's the new offers from Globe myBusiness that would help the growth of microbusiness, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

First is the Globe myBusiness CCTV, which provides security to the business premises at a very affordable price. Business owners can avail any of the CCTV bundles and easily set them up with its “plug-and-play” feature. CCTV recording can also be accessed instantly through video calls and remote viewing via smartphones. Business owners can aso prompt e-mail alerts as well as pair the CCTV with other devices.

“Globe myBusiness understands that entrepreneurs have to monitor and secure multiple fronts in their businesses: from within, in terms of safety and security; as well as their bottom line, pertaining to their sales and profits. That is why we are empowering them with innovative solutions so that we have all theses aspects covered,” said Erli Valdez, head of solutions and portfolio management of Globe myBusiness.

“Now, Globe myBusiness has just made it easier for MSMEs to keep an eye on theor businesses through our affordable CCTV bundles, ideal for those who place a premium in strict operations surveillance. The service solves common challenges our entrepreneurs face on control and operational improvement, in terms of maintaining quality products and services, monitoring performance of manpower and deterring pilferage, among many others,” added Valdez.

Globe launched the Globe Charge for owners of stores, bazaars, and other retail outlets, to boost retail activity and spur easy payment processing. The service integrates a smartphone and an innovative mobile card reader into a convenient mobile point-of-sale (POS) payment device. With the new Globe Charge, entrepreneurs can now sell their products to almost 10 million credit card holders across the entire country with so much convenience.

“Retailer merchants, MSMEs and even some professionals are now embracing the ease and convenience brought about by Globe Charge, as they have higher chances to receive payments instantly, with settlements as the next banking day. Whereas before they ran risk of losing sales, Globe Charge significantly heightens the potential of turning each customer interface into a successful transaction,” said Barbie Dapul, marketing head of Globe myBusiness.

For more information on Globe myBusiness CCTV Bundles, Globe Charge and other solutions from the brand, call (02) 730-1010; visit business.globe.com.ph.

To know more about Globe Charge, visit mybusiness.globe.com.ph/globecharge.

10 things you should be excited about Ballet Philippines

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1. Opening our season is the award winning choreography of Agnes Locsin, LA REVOLUCION FILIPINA, with a libretto by Dennis Marasigan and set to the music of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. This "powerful and poignant" production about Apolinario Mabini will give you another reason to be honored to be born of the Filipino race, especially as this year marks Mabini’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary.

2. Guest Artists from the American Ballet Theater (ABT) essay the roles of Giselle and Albrecht in our Fundraising Gala of GISELLE. Watch out for ABT Soloist Stella Abrera and Principal Dancer James Whiteside as they dance with Ballet Philippines. Did we mention that Ms. Stella Abrera is a Filipina?! More Philippine pride! 

3. THE BLUE MOON GALA and THE HOMECOMING GALA: two "once in a blue moon" gatherings of BP's dance community celebrating its 45 years. 

4. Ballet Philippines will go on a US Tour on October 2014 - Get ready, West Coast! 

5. Alice Reyes' CINDERELLA will bring merriment to families - especially to children - as this happy production's comeback will surely bring fun to the Yuletid0e season!

6. Ballet + superheroes + the music of Eraserheads back when they were in UP all in one production = MANHID: THE PINOY SUPERHERO MUSICAL, which will bring the season to a rocking close. This production was created by Auraeus Solito and will be choreographed by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales and Resident Choreographer Alden Lugnasin, and is co-presented by Tanghalang Pilipino.

7. Two new schools of Ballet Philippines officially opened in the beginning of the season - the Ballet Philippines Dance School in SM Aura and Studio One near Folk Arts Theater. More space, more opportunities for young dance talents! 

8. Ballet Philippines goes to USA International Ballet Competition and Varna International Ballet Competition. Support our dancers who DREAM BIG!

9. MANanayaw, a documentary on the male dancers of Ballet Philippines, will be part of Cine Totoo: the First Philippine International Documentary Film Festival!

10. Ballet Philippines now offers FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTION where you can choose 4-series, 3-series, and 2 -series. Subscribers can get to choose the productions they want this early, choose seats before they are posted publicly, and save up to 25 percent!

WITHOUT YOUR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT, WHERE WOULD WE BE?

THANK YOU FOR A GLORIOUS 45TH YEAR!

JDI seals partnership with Rowers Club Philippines Sea Dragon

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Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) continues its commitment to promote health and wellness through sports by partnering with the Rowers Club Philippines Sea Dragon Inc., a rowing organization that’s been promoting the sport of dragon boat padding for the past 17 years.

The RCP’s dragon boat racing team, called the Sea Dragons, holds training activities at the Manila Ocean Park four times a week. The RCP is active not only in helping its members achieve wellness and fulfillment through their chosen sport but also in projects that benefit others.

JDI and RCP officials signed an agreement on May 14^th which commits JDI to provide rash guard shirts to the Sea Dragon members for their use in training and competition. Rash guards are special athletic wear for water sports; they protect the wearing from rashes caused by abrasion as well as from the sun’s heat.  JDI is providing the rash guard shirts through its brand, Sureseal Elastomeric Sealant.

“Members of the Sea Dragons need proper protection when they are paddling as they are exposed to the risks of chaffing and abrasions when they are on the boat and in the water.  The heat of the sun can also get really intense. Rash guards are very important in keeping our rowers safe and helping them perform at their best during training and races.  The RCP appreciates very much the contribution that JDI is making to our dragon boat athletes,” said RCP President Christian Villar.

As a company, JDI believes in helping people, including its employees, achieve health through a physically active lifestyle. 

“JDI has employee fitness programs that include Zumba, Bowling, and Badminton. We believe that we can all perform better at work and in our personal lives when we are fit. This is why, as part of our partnership with RCP, we have asked them to train our employees, those who are interested, in the sport of dragon boat paddling,” said Mr. Edwin Hernandez, JDI President and General Manager. The JDI-RCP partnership formally kicks off with a 200-meter dragon boat race in Camarines Norte on June 13 and 14, 2014.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. offers Sureseal, an elastomeric sealant with “Iwas-Crack” advantage.  Unlike other brands, it does not crack because of its elastic formulation that moves with the substrate. It is an effective sealant not only for GI roofing but also for gutters and downspouts. For more information on Sureseal and other JDI brands, go to http://jardinedistribution.com

SM Woman joins Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014

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SM Woman captivates the fashionistas!  Fashion day, everyday and join Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014.

SM Woman, the latest from the SM Store, joins Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014 season. The emporium’s newest offering is set to delight fashionistas of all ages and personalities.

Be there for their big runway reveal on May 29, 2014, Thursday, 7:30pm.

 #PhFW

Like them on facebook and find out how to score guaranteed seats to the show.

https://www.facebook.com/SMWoman

Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori to join June 15 Yolanda concert "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines"

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Internationally acclaimed singer Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori are the latest additions to the list of participants in a June 15 concert in Washington D.C. to raise funds for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Charice Pempengco

After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines will be staged at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, 15 June 2014, according to Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

Cuisia reiterated his appeal to Filipino-Americans to buy tickets for the concert, saying this would help Yolanda victims rebuild their lives.

"We are delighted that the concert will be graced by such big talents. I am encouraging everyone to buy their tickets as soon as possible, as the first and second tier tickets are already sold out. By purchasing a ticket, you will be helping rebuild the devastation that occurred in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan," Cuisia said. (Read: Philippine Embassy website.)

Dubbed as "the most talented girl in the world" by Oprah Winfrey, Pempengco's star rose after she was discovered on YouTube. 

Josie Natori (Photo: AD/images)

Filipina-American philanthropist Natori is a multi-awarded designer and founder of The Natori Company, will be among the concert's special presenters.

The concert, dubbed "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines," will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on June 15.

Other talents slated to perform include:

- singer Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas

- actor Lou Diamond Phillips

- ballet dancer Christine Rocas

- tenor Rodell Rosel

- Tony award-winning Broadway artist Lea Salonga

- Glee star Darren Criss

- violinist Joshua Bell.

Also to be featured are the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra conducted by Luke Frazier and the Broadway Community Chorus founded by Baayork Lee, as well as video messages of hope from celebrities and other personalities from around the world.

The benefit concert is made possible with the cooperation of Philippine Embassy, US-Philippine Society and Philippine Humanitarian Coalition.

“After the Storm” will be directed by Bayork Lee, a Broadway Legend and it will be produced by Robert Pullen, an Emmy-nominated producer.

People who would like to purchase tickets online may log-in to www.kennedy-center.org.