Angel Locsin on Mastering the Craft, Nurturing the Gift, and Loving the Job

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One of country’s leading performers on the Philippine silver screen, Angel Locsin is one named Best Actress in the 29th PMPC Awards for Movies in 2013, and has been considered as one of the most awarded dramatic actresses today. From a television and film actress, she has diversified into various media in the entertainment business: as a commercial model, film producer, fashion designer and product endorser. 

Angel was recently unveiled as one of the talented gurus who will be molding the next generation of child performers in this season’s Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp. She will be joining the star-studded panel of esteemed mentors backstage: choreographer and G-Force director, Georcelle Dapat-Sy and divine diva Zsa Zsa Padilla. As mentor, Angel will be steering i-Shine participants through the acting workshops.

For 25 years, Promil Pre-School has been well known for talent development, raising awareness for parental participation, proper guidance and good nutrition as factors that play major roles in bringing preschoolers to their full potential. The Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp is one of Promil Pre-school’s advocacies, in which the talents of Filipino children nationwide are engaged. Angel is excited to see how this year’s mentees will fare under her tutelage.

Continuously mastering your craft

One of her most remembered roles is her rendering of the iconic superheroine Darna in the TV adaptation of Mars Ravelo’s classic character. But despite her fame, Angel knows that she didn’t just wake up one morning to success; she had to learn the ropes and work on her craft assiduously – a painstaking process that she knows all budding talents must go through, like the tiny tots of the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp who will be entrusted into her care.

“Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi na iba yung honor na binibigay sa akin nito bilang isang artista... Yung ma-appreciate ka sa talent mo at yung oportunidad para ma-experience at ma-ishare mo sa mga bata yung mga natutunan mo – yung mga tinuro rin sa akin nung mga naging mentors ko when I was young (I always say that this is a great honor for me as an artist… That of being appreciated for your talent and the opportunity to experience and share to the kids what I’ve learned – those things that I’ve learned from my own mentors when I was young),” she says. “Bawat talent, bawat show, bawat acting piece na ginagawa mo, meron at meron kang nadedevelop na kailangan mo pang i-enhance… Continuous process kasi yung acting (Each talent, each show, each acting piece that a person does, you get to develop something that you would still have to enhance… Acting is a continuous process),” she adds.

The importance of proper nurturing and guidance

While she feels that talent plays a big role in how a child stands out, it’s really the combined effort and diligence taken by the child, parents and teachers that make a difference. “I think there are many talented individuals; but it’s really the masisipag (hardworking) that beat them in the end. So, kailangan talaga ng perserverance (You really need perseverance),” she points out. 

Angel also understands how crucial mentoring is in the life of a child. “Natatandaan ko pa yung nursery teacher ko nung bata ako – Hindi ko makakalimutan yung pangalan niya. (I remember my nursery teacher when I was young – I will never forget her name.) That’s how much of an impact she had on me. Nakaka-flatter na baka ganun din yung mangyari sa mga bata. (It’s flattering to think that that could also happen to these kids.) Actually, challenge ito para sa akin na mabigay ko talaga yung dapat matutunan nung mga bata sa maikling panahon (It is actually a challenge for me to give my best so the kids will get the learning they need in such a short amount of time).”

And she doesn’t discount the importance of family support, which she cites as an important factor in her own development as an artist. “I am very blessed na sila yung naging magulang ko sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. Hindi kami galing sa showbiz family. Napakasimple lang ng pamilya ko, pero nag-adjust talaga sila ng lifestyle for me para magawa ko ‘tong gusto ko. Napakaswerte ko sa pamilya ko (I am very blessed to have the kind of parents that I have. We are not a showbiz family. My family is simple, but they adjusted their lifestyle for me so that I could reach this far. I’m really lucky to have them).”

And this is why she likewise hopes that the i-Shine finalists will receive the same kind of support from their own. “Sana itong mga bagets natin dito sa i-Shine, sana ganun din yung mga magulang nila na nakasuporta dun sa gusto nung mga anak nila. Hindi dahil sa gusto nila, pero dahil ito yung pangarap nung mga anak nila. Sana i-encourage nila yung mga bata kung papaano mahalin lalo ‘tong craft na ‘to, at i-enjoy pa ‘to kasi mga bata rin naman sila, diba? Ayokong iparamdam sa kanila na ‘this is work’ diba? (I hope the parents support their kids’ interest because this is what their child dreams of doing, not because this is what the parent wants. They should encourage love for this craft and for this kind of work and teach the child how to enjoy it. The kids shouldn’t go through the experience thinking that ‘this is work’ because they are children after all, aren’t they?)” she shares

Achieving success in performing arts through encouragement

Angel has played many popular roles in the past, but her role as the acting mentor for Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp 3 is a first for her career. “Gusto kong bigyan ng opportunity yung mga bata to shine. Sana mahalin nila yung craft, yung industry, at hindi nila isipin na trabaho lang siya (I just want these kids to be given the opportunity to shine. I want them to learn how to love the craft, the industry, and not treat it as just a job),” she shares. “Challenge talaga siya na maturo ko sa mga bata yung kailangan nilang matutunan sa maikling panahon, pero the least I can give them is yung suporta at encouragement na kailangan nila para maabot nila yung full potential nila (It will definitely be a challenge to be able to teach these kids all that I know in such a limited time, but the least I can give them is the support and encouragement that they need to reach their full potential),” she adds.

This season’s i-Shine Talent Camp 3 is hosted by Dimples Romana, Matteo Guidicelli, and Xian Lim. The Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp is also giving away over Php 1 million worth of prizes and a contract from ABS-CBN and Promil Pre-School to the grand winner. The previous year’s Promil Pre-School Grand i-Shiner, Yesha Camille, has received quite a number of television appearances after winning the feat, and is now involved in an upcoming series with her i-Shine mentor Piolo Pascual.

Roxie Rocks Chicago The Musical at the Solaire!

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CHICAGO The Musical has everything that makes Broadway great - a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, one show-stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen.

Whether you're looking for your first Broadway musical and capture the magic, watch out as the curtain rises for the theatre at Solaire

Solaire Resort and Casino announces the opening of THE THEATRE at Solaire this November; a new state-of-the-art, certified lyric theatre in the heart of Entertainment City. 

This majestic performance venue boasts of an astronomical line-up of performance artists and events; both local and international, in the months to come.

THE THEATRE at Solaire opens its doors for the holidays with the first International Broadway show CHICAGO from December 2 to 21, 2014.

This spectacular opening and amazing entertainment line-up for The Theatre signifies the continuance of Solaire’s contribution to the flourishing arts and performance scene in the Entertainment City.

Visit solaireresort.com for details.

The Adventurers' Backpack Lifestyle

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Living life to the fullest. Almost all people love to do travel, explore and have an adventure. I really love travelling... going to the places as we enjoy life, meeting new people, experiencing other culture, not just having adventure but also seeing the beauty of nature...enjoying the wonderful world!

Anywhere we go from one place to another, travel for pleasure, or for work. Travel by foot, car, bicycle, train, boat, airplane, or other means, we need to pick a backpack that fits our dimensions and is of good quality. Up in the mountains, they hold a compass, a couple of energy bars, a flashlight, and a hydration pack, among many others. On the beach, they carry a change of clothes, a sarong, and some sunscreen. In school, they’re filled with children’s books and notebooks, artworks and pencils, and maybe even a pack of popcorn. We are talking about backpacks, of course.

In its most of basic of forms, a backpack is but a sack carried on one’s back, secured by shoulder straps.

Deuter Concept Store opens at the 2nd level of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, August 7, 2014.

For Deuter, one of the most trusted brands in the world of outdoor sports, the backpack is a passport to great adventures. It is no wonder then that the backpack has become a veritable must-have not only for professional athletes and weekend outdoorsmen, but for urban warriors as well.

Deuter, founded in 1898,  has been pioneering premium outdoor equipment for over 115 years. It first made its mark by providing the Bavarian Royal Mail with mailbags and post sacks. Eventually, the company developed backpacks, knapsacks, satchels, and tents, primarily for the German military.

Deuter Concept Store (Photo : Instagram)

The call of the great outdoors proved to be too tempting to resist, and soon, Deuter was outfitting pioneering mountaineering expeditions with backpacks and tents, putting their manufacturing skills and expertise to the test. In 1938, German mountain climber Anderl Heckmair brought along a Deuter backpack when he led the first successful ascent of the North Face of the Eiger. Fifteen years later, Deuter was with Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl and his crew when they conquered Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, the ninth highest mountain in the world.

That Deuter’s history is closely intertwined with that of modern mountaineering is no surprise as the company has consistently worked with the sporting world’s best in order to develop revolutionary systems and innovative products.

Deuter provides the best fitting backpack for virtually all types of outdoor adventure, from hiking, biking, and trekking to mountain climbing and skiing. It also makes a wide selection of highly functional, top quality outdoor products from bags and sleeping bags to bike accessories and hydration systems.

Deuter Concept Store (Photo Instagram)

For families who like going on weekend hikes and camping under the stars, Deuter has developed kiddie-sized sleeping bags and child carriers with ventilated back systems. For city dwellers who have to traverse the urban jungle every day, Deuter offers a line of satchels, laptop bags, and duffel bags.

By heart of Deuter with its unwavering passion for the great outdoors. This is evident in each and every one of its products, which have been engineered to perform well outdoors and withstand the changing moods of nature, giving its wearer more than ample support.

At the Deuter concept store located at the SM Mall of Asia, its amazingly functional designs are on full display.

Leading the pack is Deuter's world-renowned AirComfort System. By creating a space between the pack and the wearer's back, this revolutionary mesh back system reduces perspiration by 25 percent. 

With its three-way ventilation, Deuter’s AirComfort System decreases the wearer’s average heart rate and load on the cardiovascular system, increasing his level of endurance.

Carrying fully-loaded packs all day long wouldn’t seem such a burden with Deuter’s AirComfort System.

With groundbreaking innovations such as this, Deuter makes exploring the world a fun and fulfilling pursuit!

Have your adventure, enjoy the wonderful world with Deuter backpack! 

Visit DEUTER CONCEPT STORE at the 2nd level of SM Mall of Asia.

For more information, call 9251578 or 9252391 or email at Info@dynamicsports.com.ph.

Want a Hongkong and Macau adventure? Join Schick razor’s newest craze #SMOOTHLEEADVENTURE

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Schick's  Smooth Lee promo offers an adventure of a lifetime.

If you want a trip to Hongkong and Macau for four days 3 nights with a free tour at Ocean Adventure and HongKong Disneyland and a $500 USD pocket money? How about an Apple I-Pad Air or a Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4?

Join Schick razor’s newest craze #SMOOTHLEEADVENTURE promo where participants will be asked to create their own Schick television commercial using the Smooth Lee Adventure mobile application.

Participants joining the promo will be asked to download the “Smooth Lee Adventure” mobile application in IOS Apple and Android. Those downloading and playing with the app can now star in their own Schick TV commercial.

“We wanted the consumers to experience Schick Exacta 2’s refreshing, liberating, and stress-free shaving as Exacta 2 offers one-push cleaning button that helps remove hair easily. Exacta 2 likewise aims to precisely target hair in hard to reach areas leaving a smooth shave. 

We want to connect Schick with the consumers and in today’s growing number of smart phones in the market, we chose to do an app and a digital promo to make it more exciting and fun for the consumers,” Claire Guevarra, Schick Senior Brand Manager said.

The videos created will then be converted to Youtube and the contestants will be prompted to “share” and/or “join” the promo. Those who opted to join the promo will have to register and submit their entries at the Schick website (www.schick.com.ph).

Once entries are registered and approved by Schick Philippines, the videos will already be made public on youtube. Qualified entries will be posted on Schick’s official Facebook page and will be raffled off to determine the winners.

A trip to Hongkong and Macau for two awaits the grand prize winners while an Apple I-Pad Air will be given to second prize winner. The third prize winner will receive Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4. There will also be 50 consolation prizes of Schick gift packs. 

The promo runs from August 1 to September 30, 2014.

“Through this promo, we will pursue our goal of not only encouraging the public’s creativity with the use of the App that we developed for them, but more importantly the importance of good grooming and self confidence that we packaged in a fun and interactive way via the Smooth Lee app” said MJ Tiquia, Schick’s product manager. 

For more information on the latest promo from Schick Philipines, visit www.schick.com.ph , like www.facebook.com/schick.ph.

Schick Philippines can also be followed through Twitter, Instagram, and youtube.

Per DTI permit number, DTI-FTEN SPD Permit No. 0043 Series of 2014.

Ph most in-demand actress Mylene Dizon rides the wave to good health

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Mylene Dizon

One of the country’s premier and most in-demand character actresses, Mylene Dizon has never looked so healthy, centered and beautiful.

Most celebrities have access to the best beauty treatments, Mylene states that her looks are but a reflection of the joy she has found in doing the activities she loves. 

Foremost among these is surfing. “It’s my main thing,” she says. “What I like about it is that all people are equal when it comes to the waves. It doesn’t matter what your status in life is, or who you are. It’s just between you and the waves.”

Her twice-monthly jaunts to La Union, Baler or Siargao to commune with the sea have taken on a deeper meaning.

“For me, it’s between God and myself,” Mylene says. “That’s when I pray and I see how great the ocean is. Before I go out to surf I pray for safety and I thank Him for the awesome waves as we’re just raring to go out there.”

She makes sure that she is in tiptop shape to face the demands of her day. Part of her health arsenal is to boost her fiber intake with C-Lium Fibre, a fiber supplement made from 100% natural psyllium fiber.

In her line of work and her newfound passion, she needs to constantly feel light to go the extra mile. “Taking C-Lium makes me feel light and good about myself,” she says. “I like knowing that whatever it is I put in my mouth will do me some good.”

Whether at work or at home, she consumes the product, usually in husk form.

Aside from making her feel light and easing her troubles when she has “difficulty moving,” Mylene says that it is also a plus for her that fiber helps decrease the absorption of bad cholesterol and slows down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. Her father, she says, is a diabetic and she is aware that the condition could be hereditary. “Taking C-Lium is my precaution as well,” she says.

Her belief in C-Lium is resolute, so much so that when the brand tapped her to become one of its ambassadors, she immediately said yes. “I have not partaken much of the endorsements particularly in social media because I have trouble doing it for money when I don’t believe in the product,” Mylene says. “But with C-Lium I was glad to do it because I actually like the product, it’s all-natural.”

At 40, Mylene is comfortable in her own skin and will not be easily swayed by fads. When it comes to her diet, for instance, she keeps it plain and simple. Before she goes to work, she drinks her favorite juice concoction that has, among its many ingredients, sugar beets, celery, carrots, cucumber, spinach and pineapple. Eating right is not a struggle for Mylene who, as a kid, always loved vegetables and avoided pork and beef.

Those who want to embark on a similar health wave as Mylene’s should make the decision and stand by it.

“Don’t be bothered by people laughing at you when you choose a healthy life,” she advises. “People tend to do that because I think it’s an insecurity for them: they can’t do it or they don’t want to do it. If you choose to live healthy, go for it and stick with the program. Eat healthy, choose the exercise that will make you happy and choose a natural supplement such as C-Lium and you’ll be right on track.”

Mylene Dizon is a self-avowed healthy eater, preferring to eat fruits and vegetables and ditching softdrinks and meat since she was young. Along with a healthy diet is her regular consumption of C-Lium Fibre, made from 100% natural psyllium fiber. Aside from making her feel light, she likes that psyllium fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps decrease the risk of diabetes. 

C-Lium Fibre is made from 100% natural psyllium fiber and is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber.

It comes in husk powder and capsule variants and is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

"All of Me" An Evening with JOHN LEGEND in Manila

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John Legend with his All Of Me Tour in Manila on Friday, September 26th, 8PM at the Araneta Coliseum.

Everyone who comes across the song “All of Me” is inevitably bound to sing the song that peaked #1 on the iTunes and the Billboard Hot 100. With its saccharine lyrics and catchy melody, fastened with John Legend’s magnetic and powerful voice, “All of Me” effectively captivated the hearts of many and rendered itself a timeless love song. This September 26, critically acclaimed and multi-awarded singer-songwriter, John Legend, comes to Manila for his much-awaited “All Of Me World Tour”.

The platinum-selling R&B/soul artist sold seven million albums worldwide, and his magnificent works garnered him an outstanding award repertoire composed of nine Grammy Awards, three Soul Train Awards, the BET Award for Best New Artist, and the special Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. John Legend, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania who studied English and African American literature, showed his versatility by engaging in a wide variety of musical activities while in college. Also during college, singer-songwriter and rapper Lauryn Hill hired John Legend to play piano on her track called “Everything Is Everything”.

Soon, he played shows around the Philadelphia area and eventually expanded his audience base to Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Atlanta. He was introduced to then up-and-coming hip-hop artist Kanye West after college, who immediately signed him to his G.O.O.D. Music imprint and appointed him to sing vocal hooks on some of his music. Through a series of similar collaborations with established and well-esteemed artists, John Legend’s career increased in momentum; contributing his brilliant talent and exceptional vocals to a noteworthy list of chart-topping hits such as Kanye West's "All of the Lights," Jay-Z's "Encore" and back-up vocals on Alicia Keys' 2003 song, "You Don't Know My Name". The sought-after collaborator also worked with Sergio Mendes, Mary J. Blige, and The Black Eyed Peas, among many others.

Get Lifted, his debut album, was released in December of 2004 through Columbia Records. It was this critically acclaimed album that spawned John Legend’s first hit single, “Ordinary People” and attained multiple Grammy Awards in 2006, including Best R&B Album, Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Once Again, the follow-up album in 2006, was a platinum seller, which earned him another Grammy, Best Male R&B Performance, for his single “Heaven”, and included collaborations with Kanye West, will.i.am and Raphael Saadiq. “Green Light” featuring Andre 3000 was the frontrunner of his next album, Evolver, in 2008. In the same year, he sang in a video for Barack Obama entitled “Yes We Can”, produced by will.i.am. In 2010, he collaborated with the Roots for an album entitled Wake Up! which won the Grammy for Best R&B Album a year later. The musical genius is truly endowed an eclectic intellectual scope. In 2012, he was granted an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Howard University. He also became a judge for a music show called Duets alongside American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, and Robin Thicke. Just last year, he released his fourth studio album, Love in the Future, produced by himself, Kanye West, and Dave Tozer. The album has been intricately woven by romance and heartfelt, excellently produced music. The lead single of Love in the Future was “Who Do We Think We Are” featuring Rick Ross, followed by “Made to Love”.

From the album arose his first number one single in his career — “All of Me”. It is the highest charting song from the album and topped the iTunes charts and the Billboard Hot 100. Love in the Future is solid proof that John Legend’s unfaltering, soulful voice never fails to provoke emotions and induce chills to listeners.

Making soulful music laced with prodigious piano playing and poignant song writing does not sufficiently encompass what John Legend does. The multi-award winning musician has worked to make a difference in the lives of others as well. In 2007, he launched the Show Me Campaign (ShowMeCampaign.org), an initiative that focuses on education as a key to break the cycle of poverty. The 2010 BET Humanitarian of the Year award, the 2009 CARE Humanitarian Award for Global Change, the 2009 Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award from Africare and the 2011 Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year Award recognize Legend's efforts and leadership in this arena. John sits on the boards of The Education Equality Project, Teach for America, Stand for Children and the Harlem Village Academies and co-chairs the Harlem Village Academies’ National Leadership Board.

Don’t miss the 9x Grammy Award winner – John Legend with his All Of Me Tour in Manila on Friday, September 26th, 8PM at the Araneta Coliseum. 

VIP- Call 374-2222

Patron A- PHP 8,450

Patron B- PHP 6,340

Patron C- PHP 5,820

Box Regular- PHP 3,700

Upper Box- PHP 1,850

Gen Admission- N.A. 

Get your tickets now at www.ticketnet.com.ph or Call 911-5555. Presented by Wilbros Live in cooperation with BoardWorks Media and Zero-In Concept | Productions.

Philippines hosts the 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship #IPACPH2014

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Philippines takes on a new challenge this year as hosting the 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship (IPAC 2014). 

Air Sports Adventure Philippines (ASAP) sets in motion the history of Philippine aerial sports with the the 1st IPAC event. Paragliding pilots representing more than 11 counties around the globe will be flying down to Sitio Seguil, Bgy Tinoto, Maasim in Sarangani Province on August 22-24, 2014.

“There are a lot of paragliding competitions abroad, and with our local pilots doubling in number since we began promoting the sport in the country, we believe it is the perfect time that the Philippines staged its own," ASAP President Buko Raymundo said in a statement send to media partner, PBNet. 

The Sarangani with its finest, giving competing pilots the best of its 300-day flying season this August which will as well highlight the most majestic bay south of the Archipelago. Accredited by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the competition has been sanctioned a pre-world status, and opens doors to exciting possibilities for Philippine Air Sports.

Raymundo, dubbed as ‘The Chief of Paragliding in South East Asia’ for taking home the gold medal in accuracy paragliding at the 2011 South East Asian (SEA) Games held in Jakarta Indonesia. 

“For many Filipinos to learn this great sport - for them to feel, relax and experience the elements of nature while free flying through safety paragliding; for outdoors adventure seekers and airs ports athletes to recognize the beauty of our country - that is our humble mission,” Raymundo said.

“We would like to elevate the country’s position as one of Asia’s top air sports destinations while featuring the future of paragliding in the Philippines,” Raymundo continued.

Outdoors enthusiasts, in recognizing the popularity of safety paragliding and tandem paragliding as leisure and recreational activities, see opportunities in promoting Philippine Culture, Tourism and Trade. 

With opening day festivities arranged for August 21, 2014 by the DOT-12, it will stage a line-up of spectacles and activities, in cooperation with the City Government of General Santos and the Provincial Sarangani Office. 

Kicking off the phenomenal affair will be a motorcade with international paragliders and a meet-and-greet with the winners of Ms. Earth Philippines. Outdoors accuracy and nature adventure sports can also be experienced at the site during the 4-day event.

A trade fair will also exhibit the best offerings in food, gear, apparel, and Filipino-made products.

As preparations for this historic happening take off, ASAP continues to work with, and for the benefit of the SOCCSKSARGEN Paragliding Club, to gather support from different sectors meaning to promote Filipino excellence in sports. 

With the participation of private companies, advocacy and local groups, IPAC 2014 will launch the Safi Fly-site as one of the destinations of DOT’s 12th Paradise, clearly signaling the promise to a claim -- that Paragliding can truly be more fun in the Philippines.

Ron Villagonzalo of Wahpinas.com announced recently that Philippine Bloggers Network (PBNet) is officially the online media partner of the event.

For more information on how to get involved at the IPAC 2014, and for publicity inquiries and requests, contact TuklasSining™ Creative Services and Communications Group at 0918-4248494 or 0926-6483076, or email tuklassining@hotmail.com.

Photos: Philippine Travel Blog and Philippine Bloggers Network.

DepEd, Land Bank ink deal for accessible loans for teachers and employees

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Department of Education (DepEd) gearing up for the benefits of the teachers and employees to avail loans through the Land Bank of the Philippines’ (LBP) Livelihood Loan Facility.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that this as an excellent opportunity for teachers and other DepEd Employees to improve their financial welfare by availing of low interest rates offered by LBP.

The Livelihood Loan Facility has a fixed interest rate of 10.5% per annum. Employees can borrow the equivalent of up to 8 months of their gross pay but not exceeding five hundred thousand pesos (PhP 500,000) for qualified rank- and- file employees and one million pesos (PhP 1,000,000) for qualified Department Officials. 

The rate offered by LBP is much lower than the rates offered by most private lenders who are accredited under DepEd’s salary deduction program. For a starting teacher borrowing at the maximum amount, the savings in amortization is approximately one thousand pesos (PhP 1,000) per month which goes a long way in increasing the net take home pay of teachers.

DepEd already has a standing agreement with the LBP where the latter facilitates the release of monthly salaries of DepEd employees through Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. With this agreement, employees who avail of the Livelihood Loan Facility can receive their loans through their bank accounts. Monthly amortizations towards payment of the loan could be made over-the-counter through salary deductions. 

The DepEd acknowledged that personal loan requirements in most lending institutions, such as necessary collateral and security, have made loans inaccessible. LBP has agreed that these loans shall be secured by the borrower’s assignment of funds such as salaries, allowances, leave credits and other monetary deliverables to the borrower’s bank account. 

To qualify for a loan, borrowers must be regular/ permanent employees of DepEd, between 18 and 62 years of age, and have been in service for at least one year. Because of the nature of the loan it is expected that employees maintain an LBP ATM Payroll account. There are restrictions however. Borrowers should not have any pending criminal or administrative cases against them, must have no pending applications for retirement or due for retirement within the term of the loan. Borrowers must also have a monthly net take home pay of at least three thousand pesos (PhP 3,000). Monthly Net take-home pay refers to the amount after considering all deductions and amortizations of all existing loans including the livelihood loan applied for. 

Aside from Secretary Luistro, other officials present during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing were LBP President Gilda. E. Pico, LBP Senior Vice President OIC Branch Banking Sector Marilyn M. Tiongson, Department of Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, DOF Undersecretary Jeremias N. Paul, Jr., DepEd Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Francisco M. Varela, and DepEd Regional Directors and Finance Officers from Regions IV-A, IV-B, and NCR.

“Positivenergy" to highlight Energizer Night Race Manila 2014

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After the last year’s “glowing race” with thousands of runners in the Greater Manila area, people can experience again the one-of-a-kind fun run as Energizer opens Night Race Manila 2014. 

Energizer’s night race is the perfect fit especially for those who love running but do not like the heat. Just like the past years, this event in September will also create a night of lights as the runners beam up the race route in Filinvest City Alabang produced by the Energizer 3LED Headlights which is part of their running gear.

The Energizer Night Race for a Brighter World is a Global series of nighttime running events where participants race by the light of an Energizer headlight to raise awareness for the need for safe, clean solar lighting around the world. First launched in South Africa in 2007, the race has become a well-established event taking place in Argentina, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and of course, Philippines. The event is a great occasion to engage with our target market (families) in a fun and entertaining way. Not only is this a fun run, the Energizer Night Race has been a venue to spread Positivenergy by contributing to local and international causes as part of our responsibility in making a positive impact around us.

Cara Ramirez-Tecson, Energizer Philippines, Inc. Marketing Manager explained the advocacy saying they are offering the run not just for the beneficiaries but for the runners too. 

“We would like this year’s run to be a venue of fun and excitement for everyone who will join, so we’re focusing on their enjoyment this time more than anything else,” she said.

“Beyond the beneficiaries, we will focus on our goal to provide that “fun” for the runners so we can radiate the positivenergy to everyone “said Tecson. 

Though the press kits include a headlight that is worth P499, organizers of the event still made the run more affordable for runners with the price registration ranging from P600 for 3k runners, P700 for 5k and P800 for 10k runners.

Lady Reyes, Energizer Philippines, Product Manager for Lights & Specialty said “with the prices made very affordable, we are inviting everyone to come and join us in this event. This is a good venue to bond with families and friends as we spread positive energy.” 

"As a company we believe in coupling international and local marketing initiatives and we’re increasingly enjoying success, fuelled from extending our marketing efforts towards more community based activations that seeks to couple traditional advertising efforts with a positive and relevant cause that has some benefit in the community," Todd Montgomerie, Energizer Phils. Managing Director shared. 

"This will be our 5th night race in The Philippines in a 4 year period, and our second to be held in Manila area. In alignment with our brand value of “positive energy” we hope that the 2015 Energizer night Race will once again encourage friends, family, colleagues and other energetic and willing participants to engage in and display positive healthy energy by running either the 3, 5 or 10km course as their own positive energy levels permit. We will make it more positive we hope by again donating to the Kapuso foundation," Montgomerie said.

Tecson shared that since the Night Race was held in the Philippines, "we have donated hearing aid devices with Energizer Hearing Aid batteries to kids of the Kapuso Foundation, Solar Lights to thousands of homes in the country without electricity through the One Million Lights project, and this year batteries and lights again to our partner GMA Kapuso Foundation using part of the proceeds from the Night Race Kits sales."

We hope that through the Energizer Night Race, we spread Positivenergy while keeping the fun and enjoyment amongst the run enthusiasts. Layunin po namin na makapagbigay ng maayos, ligtas at masayang run event para sa lahat, at syempre po – makatulong sa mga less fortunate through Kapuso Foundation. It is our aim to provide a clean, safe and fun run while we are also able to help other people," Tecson adds.

The registration will start on August 2, 2014 at official registration sites including RUNNR at Bonifacio Global City, Alabang Town Center and Brooks SM North Edsa Annex.

Details of the event registration are also available on Energizer’s website at www.energizerbatteries.com.ph. and www.Facebook.com/EnergizerPH.

“GLOWING IN THE DARK” Now’s your chance to join a sparkling fun run as Energizer opens its fifth Night Race to share “Positivenergy” with your friends and families. Running for a brighter world,  gear up and be ready for this year’s Energizer Night Race.

Defend your home against underground termites

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Do you know about the invisible, silent destroyers that may be causing damage to your home? We’re talking about termites that cause major, permanent damage to your home if they are undetected. Every year, millions of pesos in costly damages happen to homeowners due to termite infestation.

Defend your home against underground termites. There are two types of termites: the subterranean termite and the drywood termite. 

Subterranean termites live in a nest or colony underground. This colony may be near or some distance away but the termites will be able to reach your house through the underground passages they build.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, make nests inside the wooden structures of your house. Whether subterranean or drywood, both kinds of termites can damage your house. Of the two, it’s the subterranean termites that present a trickier problem. 

Drywood termites can be eliminated by preserving and protecting the wooden portions of your property with Solignum wood preservative.   As for subterranean termites, they will continue to be a threat as long as they have access to your home. What’s the best way to protect your home against them?

 

The best way to defend against subterranean termites is to use an effective, convenient, and cost-effective soil termiticide, which is Hometrek from Jardine. Hometrek protects your house from the attack of termites by creating a barrier that blocks the termites’ passage. 

Hometrek has several advantages. It kills termites who try to breach the soil barrier. Hometrek is also safe to use, having passed the FDA standards for environmental safety.  It does not contaminate ground water. Use Hometrek to protect your home from subterranean termites now.

How do you know when your house is infested with termites? It’s not so easy to detect their presence because they stay hidden inside the walls, foundations, beams and other wooden structures in the house. Once damaged wood portions of the house become obvious, it’s usually at a point where considerable destruction has occurred. There are some signs of termite infestation that a homeowner can look out for including:

Damaged wooden portions of the house.  Damage can be obvious: wood has gaping holes where termites have eaten through.  Sometimes, however, the damage is inside the wood so the surface looks fine. So you can knock on the wood and check for a dull thud, a hollow sound.

Mud tubes.  Mud tubes are passages that subterranean termites use to go from their nests to your home. You may see these mud tubes in the exterior or interior of your house.

Shed insect wings.  When you find shed insect wings around your house, it could mean that a swarm of termites has been to your house. It’s possible that flying termites have landed near your home and are going to build a nest.

When you suspect that your home is threatened by a termite infestation, be sure to use Hometrek and other Jardine products for total termite protection. 

For more information go to http://jardinedistribution.com/construction-products/soil-termiticides/hometrek-tc/ 

Erich and Enchong's 'Once A Princess' receives grade B from the CEB

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“Once a Princess,” Skylight Films’ first romantic-drama film co-produced by Regal Films, receives grade B from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). 

“Once A Princess” reunites the perennial loveteam Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales together with one of today’s most bankable actors JC De Vera under the direction the acclaimed filmmaker Laurice Guillen.

An adaptation of the Precious Hearts Romances book by Angel Bautista, "Once A Princess" centers on a popular girl in school, Erin (Erich Gonzales), who toys with the feelings of an awkward would-be scientist and because of sudden turn of events, unwittingly breaks the heart of this young guy Leonard (Enchong Dee).

The story when there was a princess who could not live happily ever after… Erin Almeda, one of the princesses of Gibbons International School belongs to a clique all-girl group whose members’ are considered as the most glamorous and richest of all. One day, Erin played with the innocent heart of their class geek, Leonard Jamieson.

Years later, their paths cross again, but things have changed. It seemed their roles have been reversed. At they meet again, it is Erin’s turn to feel the pain. And so Erin needed to find the magic that will lift that curse. Will they be able to make things right? Or, will things get worse? What if she already belongs to someone else? Will he be able to forgive her? Or she will die of heartache soon.

The movie marks the reunion of Gonzales and Dee on the big screen after the romantic-comedy film "I Do," which was released in 2010. Their last TV project together was "Maria la del Barrio," year 2012.

Directed by Laurice Guillen, "Once A Princess" also stars JC de Vera and Matt Evans. It will be shown in theaters nationwide on August 6.

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For more updates on your favorite Star Cinema movies, continue to visit www.starcinema.com.ph

Epson stood out as the “Most Satisfied Customers Award 2014"

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Besides the all-important coffee machine, one of the most relied upon devices used in many offices around the country is the humble printer. Canstar Blue asked small business owners to review their printer purchase, so they could determine which brands were the real stand outs.

In the latest Canstar Blue survey in of small business owners and the printers they use, Epson has won the prestigious “Most Satisfied Customers Award – Printers, Small Business Award” for 2014.

Canstar Blue, focused on product and service excellence, is one of the leading customer satisfaction research and ratings businesses that launched in July 2010 with the core purpose of helping consumers make better purchase decisions. Based on independent research conducted by Colmar Brunton, over 90,000 customers have rated their customer satisfaction across more than 100 different categories.

Epson stood out in these 2014 results, achieving our Most Satisfied Customers Award .

According to Canstar Blue, Epson not only won the award but, “stood out in these 2014 results, achieving five stars in many areas; such as reliability, value for money, features, and overall satisfaction.”

Per category, Epson received a five star rating for overall customer satisfaction, performance, reliability, and value for money. Epson customers also gave the company five stars for satisfaction with their printer’s range of features such as scanning, printing different sized pages, and printing photos. 

How Canstar Blue rated office printers

Canstar Blue commissioned Colmar Brunton to survey 855 small business owners and decision makers (i.e. the main decision maker for a small business) across a range of categories to measure and track customer satisfaction with products and services related to their business. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who currently have an office printing device (including multifunction printers) that is used for work purposes – in this case, 749 small business owners/employees. Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included. Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands receiving three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.

Not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. For the complete list of results please go to: http://www.canstarblue.com.au/small-business/office-printers

For more information on the full range of Epson printers go to: www.epson.com.ph

Epson is a global innovation leader dedicated to exceeding expectations with solutions for markets as diverse as the office, home, commerce and industry. Epson’s lineup ranges from inkjet printers, printing systems and 3LCD projectors to industrial robots, smart glasses and sensing systems and is based on original compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 94 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates.

www.global.epson.com

About Epson Southeast Asia

Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities. http://www.epson.com.sg

About Epson Australia

Epson Australia offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the commercial, industrial, consumer, business, photography and graphic arts markets, and is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Epson is the market leader in Australia and worldwide in sales of projectors for the home, office and education. Established in 1983 Epson Australia is headquartered in North Ryde NSW and is a subsidiary of the Epson Group headquartered in Japan. www.epson.com.au

About Epson Philippines

Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).

For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila:(02) 441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://customercare.epson.com.ph.

SM Bowling Celebrates 25th Anniversary with SM Bowling Millionaire’s Cup

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In celebration of the SM Bowling’s 25th year anniversary, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. launches the first ever SM Bowling Millionaire’s Cup. This biggest tournament gives biggest prizes ever with Php 2M plus car!

Here's former World Cup champ CJ Suarez and Ms. Nicole Deato AVP and Business Unit Head for Educational and Leisure Centers SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. during the SM Bowling Millionaire's Cup press conference last July 31, held at SM Bowling Center in SM Megamall Fashion Hall.

SM Bowling is the ideal place for bonding not only for families but also for friends, colleagues and schoolmates all year round. Whether you’re a top-class bowler, a newbie at the lanes, a billiards enthusiast, or a hardcore gamer, SM Bowling Center will strike up the fun for you.

World Cup champion CJ Suarez

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., the company that carries you major brands such as SM Cinema, IMAX, Mall of Asia Arena, e-PLUS, and SM Skating Rink, brings you the SM Bowling and Leisure Center’s biggest and most competitive bowling tournament.

World Cup Champion CJ Suarez, Mr. Ronnel Mendoza and Ms Nicole Deato 

This year, SM will be giving away over Php 5 Million in prizes, including P2 million and a car for the grand prize winner – The biggest prize in Philippine Bowling History! 

To encourage the players of the preliminary rounds:

the winner of the center finals will receive an initial P 100,000

1st runner up will receive                  P 50,000

2nd and 3rd runner up will take home P 25,000

During the championship, the top victor of the grandslam finals will receive a whopping 

P 2,000,000 and a car.

For the subsequent winners :

1st runner up will pocket P 500,000

2nd runner up will take home P 250,000

3rd runner up will earn P 150,000

5th to 16th place finisher will still receive P 25,000 each. 

SM Bowling and Leisure Center is a one-stop entertainment hub that offers not only the best in bowling, but in billiards, games, and even KTV.

Currently, the SM Bowling and Leisure Center has also launched the “Match Your Bowling Games with Free Food” promo, wherein bowlers will be given complimentary snacks in line with availing at least two games at the bowling and leisure center.

Currently, SM Bowling has branches in SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, SM Valenzuela, SM Mega Mall, SM South Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Cebu and SM Lanang Davao.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI is the lifestyle and entertainment solutions company of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in movies, events, leisure and technology. Starting with SM Cinema, the largest cinema exhibitor in the country, as its sole marque, the company grew into 12 major brands. Currently tucked under its belt are brands such as SM Cinema, Director’s Club Cinema, IMAX Theatre, WM Cinemas, SM Skating Rink, SM Bowling and Leisure Center, Exploreum, Snack Time, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, e-PLUS Digital, and SM Tickets.

SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

To find out further details on the biggest bowling competition, the SM Bowling Millionaires Cup, you may visit www.smbowling.com or contact the SM Bowling and Leisure Center at 862-7609 / 0917-8602850.