Philippines is now HOOQ’d , in partnership with Globe Telecom

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HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, debuts in the Philippines in partnership with Globe Telecom. HOOQ offers over 10,000 blockbuster movies & TV series.

HOOQ, Asia’s video-on-demand service, announced that it will kick off in the Philippines from late February in partnership with Globe Telecom. 

HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, will enable customers of Globe Telecom to enjoy unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content, via any device including computers, smartphones and tablets.

Filipinos first in Asia to get access to extensive Hollywood and local content with Globe Telecom and HOOQ: Asia’s first video-on-demand service HOOQ has arrived in the Philippines, making Filipinos the first in the region to gain access to a library of over 10,000 international and local movies and TV shows with its partnership with leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom. A start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, HOOQ is set to change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment by allowing customers to enjoy online streaming access and an offline viewing option of movies and TV shows across smartphones, computers, and tablets. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Philippine launch of HOOQ held at The Green Sun in Makati are [L-R] Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke, HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan and Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George Chung-Chi Chien.

Extensive Hollywood and local content

Filipinos can look forward to more than 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows including titles from partners Sony and Warner Bros. Customers can watch Hollywood movies such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception, while enjoying popular TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville. 

Local film and TV content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios, such as GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN. Customers can watch local high-grossing films such as Metro Manila, A Secret Affair, Shake Rattle and Roll and Ang Tanging Ina, as well as classics including Dyesebel, Bagets and Bituing Walang Ningning. Highly-rated TV shows like My Husband’s Lover, Mulawin, Tayong Dalawa and Mara Clara will also be available anytime and anywhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=973uDXgtVG4&list=UU7hmtK8Y6jT1z13JKrrTyzw

‘Across the emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment,’ said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter G. Bithos. 

‘The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start,’ he added. 

The former Globe Telecom Chief Operating Advisor, Mr Bithos also announced its first distribution partnership. ‘Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,’ Mr Bithos said.

Globe Telecom’s customers first to get HOOQ at P199 per month

According to a Nielsen report in 2014, viewing online video content has become a pastime for digital consumers in the Philippines, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region. The same report also revealed that 7 in 10 digital consumers in the country report watching TV content and movies via online sources such as video-on-demand, the second highest penetration of internet TV in the region at 71%. 

‘Now more than ever, Filipinos consider connectivity as an essential part of their daily lives. Our customers, whether prepaid, postpaid, or broadband, are increasingly embracing an always-on world where they expect a wonderful experience from innovative and engaging data and content offers. Right now, we are in the best position to offer this type of service as the leader in enabling the digital lifestyle of Filipinos and the number one network for smartphones. To meet their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality.’ said Mr Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. 

Recognising the value that video-on-demand services deliver to consumers, Globe Telecom will provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be available to customers on a plan-based service for Philippine Peso 199 per month for access to thousands of movies, far more affordable than buying a ticket for just one movie. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.

HOOQ enhances digital lifestyles

‘Following the launch in the Philippines, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon. The rapid adoption of connected devices means more people in Asia are able to access the Internet anywhere and at any time, driving demand for compelling content that enhances their digital lives,’ said Mr Jonathan Auerbach, Singtel CEO Group Digital Life. ‘HOOQ is set to change the way people across the region consume and enjoy entertainment.’ 

Mr George Chien, Executive Vice President, Networks at Sony Pictures Television, said: ‘We share the excitement of offering entertainment fans across Asia access to high quality video services directly to their mobile devices. HOOQ provides a unique combination of Hollywood and local favorites while providing a high-quality viewing experience they’ve come to expect in today’s digital world.’

Mr Anuraj Goonetilleke, Vice President Corporate Business Development and Strategy at Warner Bros. Digital Distribution said: 'We’re very excited about the launch of our joint video-on-demand business across Asia, starting with the Philippines. Providing world-class content to Asia’s entertainment fans will meet a voracious appetite for new and classic videos and TV episodes on-demand.’

The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.

About HOOQ

HOOQ is a regional video-on-demand subscription service by Singtel, Sony and Warner Bros. HOOQ will deliver over 10,000 Hollywood blockbusters and popular local programmes to customers anytime, anywhere by enabling them to stream and download their favourite shows on their device or platform of choice. For more information, visit www.hooq.tv. 

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobePH and Tatoo at www.facebook.com/GlobeTattoo as well as on Twitter @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo and Instagram at @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo. 

About Singtel

Singtel is Asia's leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms as well as infocomm technology and pay TV. The Group has presence in Asia and Africa with over 500 million mobile customers in 25 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. It also has a vast network of offices throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com

About Warner Bros. Entertainment

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms. A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product and brand licensing, and broadcasting.

Backroom Artists Stage Concerts on Valentine's Day

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Be ready to be entertained this Valentine's Day.

Whether you're in love or have fallen out of love, it's time to celebrate the love month.

Backroom artists have lined-up Valentine shows for everyone.

The comedic tandem of Pooh and K Brosas will stage a unique "love" concert at the Casino Filipino Pavilion on February 11. 

"Sa mga loveless, gugulong kayo sa tawa. Kalimutan niyo muna bf or gf, enjoy lang pag may time," says Pooh. "Let us enjoy ourselves," adds K who is also scheduled to stage a concert in KL Central , Malaysia on February 15.

Pooh and K will prove once more that laughter is the best medicine as they tickle your funny bones on February 18 for The Funny Valentine concert at Skydome SM North Edsa.

Bossa Nova Queen Sitti holds a Valentine show on February 11 at Casino Filipino Bacolod and will fly abroad for a concert in Du Arena Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on February 13. "Everybody looks forward to celebrating the love month. I'm excited to be part of that special celebration," says Sitti.

Ai Ai delas Alas sings and dances her way to audiences’ hearts in a special show at Solaire Resort and Casino on February 12. 

"Dance with me. Sing with me. Let's have fun together. Masarap pag may kasama siyempre habang ikaw ay sumasayaw," says Ai Ai.

For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email at backroominc@hotmail.com.

Share a Sweet and Heartwarming Valentine’s Celebration at Max’s

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Finding the perfect way to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day is sometimes tough. There are times that it is just hard to express it. The words come out all wrong.

Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate. Sharing food with your loveones is an intimate act. 

Here's a great time to share a sweet and heartwarming Valentine’s celebration at Max’s.

Catch the love bug as global Filipino brand Max’s Restaurant offers delectably sweet and exciting ways to share the love this February.

A Delightful Valentine celebration awaits all customers who will be dining at any Max’s Restaurant from February 13 to 15, 2015. Diners with a minimum food spend of PhP 1,500 will receive a box of yummy Choco and Caramel bites from Max’s Corner Bakery – all for free!

“Valentine’s Day is such a special occasion for Filipinos. It is during this season that we really go out of our way to show our appreciation for our loved ones. Max’s understands this endearing tradition very well. It inspired us to create the most romantic opportunities for our customers to celebrate Valentine’s,” shared Orlando Villanueva, Max’s Restaurant’s Marketing Manager for Dine-In, Take Out, Delivery, and E-Commerce. 

Max’s further sets the romantic mood with “Meal for Two,” an intimate all-day feast, for two that’s perfect for couples who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day while enjoying their favorite classic dishes from Max’s. Meal for Two creates the perfect date, with a regular half serving of Max’s sarap to the bones Fried Chicken complemented by a savory choice of Sizzling Tofu or Adobong Kangkong, steaming white rice, two glasses of iced tea or any Pepsi softdrink. This hearty meal is sweetly capped off with delicious Buko Pandan. Sharing an intimate meal with a loved one doesn’t need to be hefty on the pocket too. Max’s Meal for Two is only priced at PhP529, or with as much as PhP 191 savings for customers and is available until February 28.

For a sweet and fun Valentine’s treat, Max’s Corner Bakery is offering its Love Letter Cookies, Love Birds Cookies, melt-in-your-mouth White Chocolate Butter Cake, a delectably light and fluffy butter cake garnished with milky white chocolate shavings and topped with rich whipped cream and cherry; and yummy Choco Peanut Butter Cake, a rich and moist chocolate cake, filled with premium peanut butter icing and coated with delicious chocolate frosting. 

There's nothing sweeter and more romantic than sharing these sweet treats from Max's Corner Bakery!

“At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating with the people who are important to us. For Max’s, every season will always be about touching lives and creating memories that warm the heart.” Villanueva said.

Surprise your loved one with Max’s Delightful Valentine, or catch Max’s Meal for Two and Max's Corner Bakery's sweet treats for Valentine's anywhere in the Philippines for the entire month of February, available for dine-in, take-out and delivery. 

Visit your favorite Max’s branch and create the most romantic Valentine celebration for your special loved one.

Learn more about what’s new at Max’s by logging on to www.maxschicken.com.

Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and be the first to know about the coolest offerings from the Filipino’s most loved brand.

Pan Pacific Manila’s Valentine Offers

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Valentine’s Day is here again and love is in the Air at Pan Pacific Manila! 

A Sweet Engagement

From February 14 to 15, Make your Valentine’s day getaway with your special someone more spectacular by staying in the Philippines’ first and finest Butler hotel. Enjoy value-added amenities like breakfast buffet for two at the Pacific Lounge, complimentary pre-dinner cocktails for two, Php 500 off per person on Valentine’s Dinner for two on February 14 and 24 hour Butler service. Rates start at Php 6,100 net, terms and conditions apply.

An Affair to Remember

Enjoy a Special 7-course Valentine’s Dinner perfectly prepared by our experienced chefs while enjoying the cityscape under the light of a thousand stars as a string quartet serenades you and your love one in this special day of hearts. Available for only Php 1,800++ on February 14, 2015, 7:00pm at the Pacific Lounge.

For enquiries and reservations, email enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com or call 318-0788 and ask for the Butler, of course!

About Pan Pacific Manila

The first and finest Butler hotel in the Philippines – ranked among the top Asia city hotels at the 2008 and 2009 Readers Choice Awards, named one of the best places to stay in the world at the Annual Gold List by the Conde Nast Traveler, and also awarded as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at the 2012, 2011 and 2008 World Travel Awards. 

Conveniently located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in the Manila Bay area, Pan Pacific Manila is a short drive to the city’s convention, exhibition and business centres and a walk away from shopping, food and entertainment establishments. A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business and leisure travellers with its excellent facilities and service, the hotel has 236 all-executive rooms and suites and 7 spacious function rooms. 

For more information, call (63-2) 318 0788 or visit panpacific.com/manila for more special offers.

Singapore Airlines launches Showcase and Travel Fair 2015, Feb 6 - 8 at Glorietta

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Visit the Singapore Airlines Product Showcase & Travel Fair at Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive from 6 to 8 February 2015 to experience the luxury and innovation of our Singapore Airlines Suites.

Singapore Airline airline launches the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair 2015, which is a follow through of its successful showcase last year. This year, the airline has partnered with local companies as well as the Singapore Tourism Board and Changi Airport Group to bring more exciting deals and promotions. And, for the first time in the country, Singapore Airlines will be bringing in the Singapore Airlines Suites display seat so travelers can find out for themselves what the luxury experience is all about.

Shoppers attending the travel fair will be able to book flights at the aforementioned all-inEconomy Class promotional fares starting from USD145 to Singapore, USD210 to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, USD690 to India, USD700 to Australia, andUSD 899 to Europe. In addition to that mentioned, passengers can also travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Maldives, New Zealand, and South Africa. All Economy Class fares come with complimentary 30kg baggage allowance, gourmet cuisines and KrisFlyer miles that can be used for future travel.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MARIA JOSEPHINE OCAMPO, SVP, BPI CREDIT CARDS; MICHAEL DUMLAO, GEN. MANAGER, GLORIETTA MALL; PHILIP GOH, REGIONAL VP FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA, SINGAPORE AIRLINES; SEC. JUN ABAYA, DOTC; SEC. CESAR PURISIMA, DOF; CAROL ONG, GEN. MANAGER, SINGAPORE AIRLINES-PHILIPPINES; AND ADRIAN KWONG, AREA DIRECTOR PHILIPPINES AND BRUNEI, SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD.

For the first time ever in the Philippines, experience the Singapore Airlines Suites at the Showcase and Travel Fair from 6 - 8 Feb 2015 at Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive.

SIA launching the First Class Cabins, a new look for our SilverKris lounge, as well as more offerings. It’s a multi-million dollar investment in providing the best possible services for the market and our customers.

Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall shoppers may also avail of the exceptional all-in fares by simply showing proofs of purchase worth Php 1,000 single or accumulated from January 21 to February 28. Every Php 1, 000 receipt can purchase one ticket. Globe Platinum and Blue customers can also avail of these fares by showing their cards.

When you purchase any beyond-Singapore tickets at the travel fairs or from any Singapore Airlines and SilkAir ticket offices in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Kalibo from 6 – 8 February 2015, you can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher which can be used, with no minimum purchase, at participating shops, restaurants and lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport.

All Business and Economy Class fares come accruable KrisFlyer miles as well as 40kg and 30kg baggage allowance respectively. Gourmet cuisines are served onboard. Free city tours await you if you have at least 5 hour transit in Singapore.

Besides exceptional all-inclusive promotional airfares wich star from USD 145 for Economy Class, and USD 800 for Business Class and additional opportunity to book a one-night Singapore Stopover Holiday (SSH) package or a one-day Singapore Explorer Pass SEP) at only USD 1.00.

With a Singapore Stopover there's never been a better time to visit Singapore!

These great airfares are exclusive to BPI Credit Cardholders, Globe Platinum and Globe Blue customers, Glorietta, Ayala Center Cebu and Abreeza Mall Davao shoppers, and KrisFlyer members. 

You can also enjoy 6 months Real 0% Special Installment Plan on your BPI Credit Card. 

For those residing in Cebu and Davao, you can also visit the SilkAir Travel Fair at Ayala Center Cebu andSilkAir booth at Abreeza Ayala Mall in Davao from 6 to 8 February 2015.

To book, visit any Singapore Airlines or SilkAir ticket offices, or call our Reservations at 756.8888 for Manila, (63-32) 505.7871 for Cebu, (63-82) 227.5301 for Davao and (63-36) 500.7226 for Kalibo

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily and now departs from NAIA Terminal 3. Flight SQ910 leaves Singapore at 9:35 am and will arrive in Manila at 1:10 pm. SQ917 leaves Manila at 2:15 pm and returns to Singapore at 5:50 pm.

For bookings and more details, visit www.singaporeair.com, the SIA Mobile App, call the SIA Reservations Office at (+632) 756-8888, or contact preferred travel agents.

DepEd gears up for National Schools Press Conference 2015, introduces Online Journ to educators

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The Department of Education (DepEd) conducted a nationwide training for school paper advisers and campus journalism coordinators as part of its preparation for the 2015 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC). Aside from basic journalism concepts, the participants were also introduced to Online Journalism and Science Writing, which are recent additions to the NSPC competition categories.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC highlighted the importance of adding digital communication components in the Campus Journalism Program. He said that doing so will increase the 21st century skills of teachers, thereby furthering the media literacy of Filipino students.

The National Training of Trainers on Campus Journalism aimed to orient the school paper advisers on the current trends and developments in campus journalism and digital communications media, to enhance their journalistic skills and to update effective school paper management and editorial techniques. Aside from Online Journalism, the school paper advisers were also trained in Editorial Cartooning, Copy Writing, Feature Writing, News Writing, Sports Writing, and Photojournalism by resource speakers from the industry and academe. 

The training was divided into two batches: Luzon and Visayas-Mindanao. Around 180 school paper advisers from the nine regions in Visayas and Mindanao participated in the Davao City training while 160 school advisers from Luzon joined the second leg in Lucena City. The nationwide training also served as a venue to address issues and concerns relating to the conduct of the NSPC 2015.

This year's NSPC will be held in Taguig City, from April 6 to 10 with the theme Empowering Resilient Communities Through Campus Journalism. 

As the culmination of the in-school journalism and English language programs, NSPC provides a venue for enriching learning experiences for students interested in pursuing journalism as a career. It aims to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of journalism by expressing it through different journalistic endeavors and approaches, to sustain advocacy on social consciousness, to promote responsible journalism through fair and ethical use of mass and social media.

SM supports LED technology

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LED have undergone great changes in color type, brightness and power. LED, short for light-emitting diode, can be used effectively almost anywhere, plays an unparalleled role in traditional sources of indoor and outdoor lighting with its amazing and gratifying application in the city.

When it comes to lighting technology, LEDs are the future. LEDs are steadily being used by commercial establishments here and abroad owing to their energy efficiency and low maintenance cost. In fact, US’ Environmental Protection Agency said that they also last significantly longer than incandescent and fluorescent lights, and generate very little heat.

LEDs are notable for being extremely long-lasting products. Many LEDs have a rated life of up to 50,000 hours. This is approximately 50 times longer than a typical incandescent, 20-25 times longer than a typical halogen, and 8-10 times longer than a typical CFL. Used 12 hours a day, a 50,000 bulb will last more than 11 years. Used 8 hours a day, it will last 17 years!

LED products are now reliably replacing incandescent equivalents of up to 100 watts, and specialty products are available to replace even higher wattages. 

Switching to LED have numerous advantages and benefits:

* LEDs use much less electricity than other bulbs

* LEDs have extremely long rated lives

* LEDs produce very little heat

* LEDs do not emit UV or infrared

* LEDs contain no mercury

* LEDs are resistant to shock and vibration

* LEDs with continuous lighting

* LEDs can operate effectively in extremely cold environments

* LEDs are environment-friendly, less fuel usage, less waste

* LEDs with color consistency

* LEDs with easy installation

LED parking indicators serve as an easy way to find empty parking spaces on our Main Carpark Building and Annex Carpark. (Photo: SM North Edsa)

SM has chosen to follow the trend, beginning with its parking spot indicators. Those devices are built with LEDs that provide savings to the mall in terms of power usage.

Consequently, this lighting system also creates fuel savings to customers by helping them ease their way into parking spaces, without the need to drive around and around needlessly.

LED lighting is a most promising 21st century high-tech field. As a new and efficient solid light source, has the significant advantage with long life, energy saving, environmental protection, etc., which will be the another leap forward in the history of lighting. 

Tree Top Adventure Baguio - Experience The Extreme

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Experience extreme adventure and extreme relaxation at Tree Top Adventure Baguio, the only motorized zipline in the Philippines and the only Team Building facility in Baguio. With seven outdoor activities and team building facilities, located within Camp John Hay, surrounded by pine trees and overlooking breathtaking views, Tree Top Adventure Baguio offers an adventure of a lifetime.

For the thrill seekers who want to experience extreme adventure, you might want to experience their Tree Drop in which you’ll be suspended 60 feet above the ground, mission impossible style and you’ll be falling as fast as 2 to 3 seconds. This Tree Top’s most extreme activity costs Php 150.00 only and this is one way to really quench your thirst for adrenaline rush. You might also want to try rides done in pairs: the Superman Ride and Silver Surfer. 

As the name implies, you’ll be ziplining, Superman Style, 200 meters long, 150 feet above the ground, but instead of doing it just forwards, you would also be ziplining backwards. Silver Surfer is a 60 degree diagonal motorized zipline in which you’ll be standing on a specialized platform and you’ll be gliding up and down for three cycles. Expect that there would be stops and swings for every cycle. 

For Php 300.00 and Php 200.00 respectively, you could experience what superheroes feel as they fly and glide through the air.

For those who want to experience extreme relaxation, you could try the Canopy and Funicular ride which costs Php350.00. 

The Canopy is similar to the concept of cable cars, but instead, you’ll be seated on cable chairs in which you’ll be transferring from one station to another until you complete all eight stations. When you reach the station four of the Canopy, you would walk for around 2 to 3 minutes to be able to reach the connecting ride of Canopy which is the Funicular ride. This ride is similar to the concept of elevator, but, instead of standing up, you’ll be seated. This is at least a way for you to conquer your fear of heights. But, if you really have extreme fear of heights, you could just avail the Trekking and Skywalk in which you would walk around Tree Top’s area and go up the skywalk area, or the viewing deck in which you could see the mountains of Itogon, Benguet, the so called, old Baguio before. You could stay at the Skywalk areas long as you want to take pictures and feel the cold breeze.

If your company plans to have a convention or seminar at Baguio, you might want to experience Tree Top's Team Building Activities which includes two high element activities (Tree Drop and Silver Surfer), five low element activities, boodle lunch and facilitators for just Php 800.00 per head only. The activities would really challenge each member and how they work with their workmates. Work and play, as the cliché says!

You might also want to try another branch of Tree Top Adventure Subic located at the JEST Area, Upper Mau Cubi Point Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

For more information, you could contact (074) 442-0800 or 0932 404 1112. You could also visit www.treetopadventureph.com. 

To be more updated, you may like www.facebook.com/treetopadventurecamp and follow Tree Top on Instagram-www.instagram.com/tree_top_adventure.

With Safeguard, practising good hygiene keeps a family happy and healthy

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Cleanliness and good hygiene practices are essential for health. It's best to practice healthy hygiene habits daily. In our everyday activities at home, and when you are outdoors or while travelling. frequent hand washing reduces the spread of germs, bacteria and food-borne illness. Handwashing with soap is the most effective, defense against germs and preventable illnesses. 

Safeguard soap is the trusted name in bath essentials, bath soap and especially for germ protection. Safeguard knows that clean hands save lives.

For so many years, we're using Safeguard at home. The soap regular in the bathroom and kitchen sink. I remember even in my younger years, my parents will buy bar soap as mentioning 'buy Safeguard' as synonimous in buying soap, the only trusted brand for soap.

Safeguard now have new products - Safeguard Pure White Body Wash and Safeguard Derma Sense Body Wash for Acne Prone and Sensitive Skin.

Practising good hygiene keeps a family happy and healthy. Keep your family free from germs, bacteria and viral infection that cause diseases, by protecting them with a range of products from Safeguard.

It is also important for parents to teach and model these skills to their children. Healthy personal hygiene habits instilled in childhood often follow children into adulthood. 

Here are some tips that clean hands save lives : 

You should always wash your hands before handling or eating food; after trips to the restroom; after handling animals; before and after changing a diaper or handling a small child; after handling garbage or other dirty objects; before and after contact with a sick person; and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. 

P&G’s largest Global Personal Care brand, Safeguard is now available in easy and convenient applications such as Bar Soap, Bodywash, Liquid Hand Soap and Hand Sanitizer.

DOH recognizes PhilHealth’s 20-year achievements

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From the Department of Health

Acting Secretary of Health Janette P. Loreto-Garin recently underscored the many milestones of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) after two decades of service.

As of April 2014, Philhealth now covers 82% of the entire population. This figure includes the 14.7M poor and near poor families identified by the DSWD’sListahanan whose members include government-employed, privately-employed, individually-paying members, lifetime members, and overseas Filipino workers.

However, Garin noted that one should not remain focused on the number of enrollees alone. What is important after two decades of providing service to the people is the provision of quality service afforded to every Filipino, rich and poor alike.

The Acting Health Chief stressed the need for increased awareness of Philhealth members’ benefits, wider database which in turn translates to improved utilization of resources. Most members, according to Garin, are not fully aware of their benefits.

Private employers should also be encouraged to enroll their employees to Philhealth. Garin explained that enrollment in Philhealth results to improved and increased productivity of workers.

She also called on all stakeholders, including medical societies, legislators, local government units, and other executive officials to work together as Philhealth cannot do it alone. She added that sustainable Universal Health Care is all about us working together.

Other vulnerable members of society now mandated to be enrolled to Philhealth are the elderly, abandoned and neglected children, persons with disabilities,kasambahays, barangay workers without compensation, and project-based employees.

“The promise of health care for the poor without having to pay out-of-pocket expenses is now within reach. Let us work together to surmount challenges and ensure that Universal Health Care becomes a reality for all Filipinos,” Garin concluded.

doh.gov.ph

The Most Popular Ads In the Philippines, Filipino cultural values reflected in top ten YouTube Ads

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Google Philippines released the 2014 YouTube Ads Leaderboard, revealing that not only do Filipinos respond well to culturally-relevant ads, but that the local advertising industry has gotten more accustomed to placing made-for-web content at the heart of their campaigns.

The leaderboard celebrates the top ten brands that performed best through a combination of popularity (organic views) and promotion (paid views).

Six out of ten of the ads have a distinctly Filipino flavor. Global brands like Coca-Cola — with their “Happiest Thank You” ad taking the #1 spot — use the power of heartwarming authenticity.

“‘The audience of today can't stand anything fake or pretentious," said Merlee Jayme, Chief Creative Officer of DM9 JaymeSyfu, noting that a great piece tells real stories, just as Google’s “Miss Nothing” tells a poignant story of Filipinos all over the world connecting via the web. 

Filipinos continue to show an interest in advertising that feature local celebrities as well. Angel Locsin appearing in Mang Inasal’s prank ad and Angela Nepomuceno’s how-to hair video from Unilever demonstrate the power of this approach. Jollibee Kids Club takes a slightly different track — the cute kids in its boyband might well be the stars of the future.

With an increasingly connected world, the Filipino audience is moved by the same stories as viewers from the rest of the globe. As the world was gripped by World Cup fever, Nike’s all-star ad featuring football stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Wayne Rooney, among others, captivated Filipino interest as well.

As smartphones continue to evolve and penetrate a wider audience, Filipinos were keen to watch an almost four-minute-long product showcase of Samsung Galaxy S5 showing the flagship features of the device. Air New Zealand entertained Filipinos with their in-flight safety video which featured characters from The Hobbit. KLM’s well-trained puppy lost and found service, on the other hand, received awe and admiration from Filipino animal lovers.

The leaderboard is largely populated by ads that were born to be digital, with formats created specifically with YouTube’s audience in mind. #AllergicAkoSa combines the nation’s affinity for music and sharing thoughts online. “Often, they will rant, rave, and actively talk and share about things that they like and dislike,” said Paolo Reyes, Johnson & Johnson’s Sr. Brand Manager of the awareness campaign they created about allergies.

Five of the ten videos are past the three minute mark, which offers a degree of creative freedom for brands — since viewers on YouTube will watch longer videos as long as there is a strong story.

“Recognizing that the digital space is practically bursting at the seams with content choices, it is critical that we offer content that people are actually interested in,” said Dorothy Dee-Ching, Unilever Hair Marketing Director. The content for All Things Hair was defined by the people they serve with, with the topic 'crowd-sourced' from top searches to make sure the content is just what people are looking for.

“The YouTube Ads Leaderboard is a good opportunity for brands to showcase their understanding of the importance of digital marketing in connecting with consumers,” Ryan Morales, Google Philippines Country Marketing Manager said. “We hope the list of creative ads that people choose to watch will encourage the industry to continue watching out for consumer trends and use them to create really good digital marketing campaigns.”

Here is the complete list:

1.	Coca-Cola - Happiest Thank You	3:11
2.	Samsung - Samsung GALAXY S5 - Official Introduction	3:45
3.	Unilever - DIY Fish Tail Braid - All Things Hair	3:41
4.	#AllergicAkoSa - #AllergicAkoSa Song	2:17
5.	Mang Inasal - Angel Locsin Ipinaglaban Ang True Love Niya	1:08
6.	KLM - KLM Lost & Found service	1:43
7.	Air New Zealand - The Most Epic Safety Video Ever Made	4:38
8.	Google - Miss Nothing	1:40
9.	Nike Football - Winner Stays. ft. Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Ibrahimović, Iniesta & more	4:12
10.	Jollibee - Dito, MASAYA!	1:34

DepEd, USAID to expand educ access for OSYs, students in conflict-affected areas

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed the bilateral agreement for Basic Education Programs aiming to increase access to quality education for vulnerable populations such as out-of-school youth (OSY) and students in conflict-affected areas.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that through this partnership, the Department will be able to open opportunities not only for students with special needs and pre-primary students but also to OSYs and students who reside in conflict-affected areas. 

He added, “Our mandate is to provide every Filipino child with access to quality education.”

DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Alberto Muyot said, “Education is the primary driver of development.” He added that education should be inclusive and should serve everyone, “especially the least, the lost, and the last.”

US Embassy deputy chief of mission Brian Goldbeck said, “This bilateral education agreement will sustain and reinvigorate our combined efforts to ensure that the Philippines continues its rise as regional and global leader in this new century.”

“Education is a shared responsibility,” Muyot said. He urged the public to take a stand in education and take an active part in shaping the future that every Filipino learner deserves.

Under the agreement, DepEd and USAID will provide life skills training to youth, promote community engagement and peace education, increase capacity of teachers and youth leaders to meet the education needs of youth and vulnerable population through alternative learning areas affected by crisis and conflict.

The partnership intends to strengthen education governance at both national and local levels. It also aims to empower the local government units, communities, and stakeholders to deliver education and training service for OSYs and to increase OSY employability by providing equitable access to relevant education and skills training.

The program also aims to improve learning outcomes in reading, science and mathematics instruction, diagnostics, and teaching and learning materials.

A Sumptuous Spread from Max’s! New Fried Chicken Meal Bundle for only PhP 899

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Global Filipino brand Max’s Restaurant has recently launched a new offering that’s perfect for a post-holiday treat or for just celebrating the New Year with friends and loved ones.

A sumptuous spread from Max’s after the Christmas Season.  This means festivities will have to end, but celebrations at Max’s are all-year long! 

Max’s beckons its customers to check out its new Fried Chicken meal bundle that is delectably satisfying to the palate and light on the budget. 

Diners get to enjoy Max’s “sarap to the bones” Fried Chicken paired with a steaming bowl of Sinigang na Tyan na Bangus. The meal comes with 4 cups of rice and 4 glasses of any Pepsi softdrink or Iced Tea. Enjoying this feast from Max’s is anything but hefty on the budget. Customers may avail of Max’s Fried Chicken and Sinigang Meal bundle for only PhP 899 - perfect for an intimate gathering with friends or family.

Max’s customers may dine-in at their favorite branch to enjoy these mouthwatering dishes or they may simply dial Max’s delivery hotline 7-9000, or log on to wwwm.maxschicken.com to place their orders.

“With Max’s new offering, our customers get the best of everything – delectable dishes that are signature to Max’s and the most budget-friendly price. Everyday becomes a reason to celebrate as our customers enjoy and share their favorite Max’s dishes to their heart’s content,” enthused Orlando Villanueva, Max’s Restaurant’s Marketing Manager for Dine-In, Take Out, Delivery, and E-Commerce.

Catch Max’s Fried Chicken meal bundle anywhere in the Philippines, for dine-in, take-out or delivery until February 28, 2015.

More about what’s new at Max’s. log on to www.maxschicken.com. 

Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and be the first to know about the coolest offerings from the Filipino’s most loved brand.

Historic Weekend of Everything That Flies: 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival on Feb 12-15

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Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival marks 19th year is now all set for another historic Weekend of Everything That Flies!

The Philippines’ first, foremost and longest-running gathering of aviators and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe is back for another great festival Weekend of Everything That Flies.

This year’s Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF) is set on February 12 to 15 at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Earlier this year, a memorandum of agreement to hold the annual balloon fiesta was signed by Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Arnel Casanova, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president, (then) chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano, and Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Foundation Inc. (PIHABF) president Capt. Joy Roa at the Asian Air Safari hangar in Pasay City.

Four full days of flying activities—including hot air ballooning, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, powered paragliding, aviation formation, search and rescue flight demonstrations, and balloon bursting, among other aviation spectacles—await attendees and participants to the highly anticipated event.

This year’s highlights include a total of 32 hot air balloons participating from all over the world, with special-shaped balloons featuring Old MacDonald’s Farm, Maximus the Beagle Dog, Burnie the Little Devil, Upside Down Balloon, Miss Daisy, Old Lady & the Shoe, Little Girl and Little Boy, Pink Elephant, Octopus, and Vincent Van Gogh, among a host of colorful traditional balloons.

After the 6:00 AM balloon launch, attendees can also look forward to non-stop flying exhibitions which include skydiving, motorized paragliding, aerobatics, formation flying, radio-controlled model flights, kite-flying, and rocketry, before the balloons fly in again at 5:45 in the afternoon, weather-permitting.

I'ts more fun flying in the Philippines!

Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival OMNI Aviation

Activities are not only limited skyward, as the festival grounds are also brimming with fun for the whole family. Watch car-drifting exhibitions while airplanes try to drop flour bombs overhead; catch firefighting and safety demonstrations by the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC); discover unique goods and food finds at the “Fly Market”; see your favorite OPM bands perform onstage courtesy of Radio Republic; for would-be aviators, visit the displays of various aviation schools; learn more about birds and other animal species at the Zoocobia mini zoo; and for lovers, attend a free Valentines Concert staged by Jeepney TV on the 3rd Fiesta night, which falls on Valentine’s Day. A fireworks display and nightglow culminates the four-day event the following evening.

Beauty for a cause

As part of this year’s activities, PIHABF also launched the search for Miss Aviation. First staged in the 1970s, this one-of-a-kind beauty pageant aims to promote, advocate and inspire the youth to take up a career in aviation, and support the country’s local tourism efforts. Twenty (20) female aviation students and professionals will vie for the title which will be awarded onFebruary 10, 2015 during the Annual Aviator’s Ball to be held at the Manila Peninsula.

An outstanding pilot will also be receiving the Aviator of the Year Award during the Annual Aviator’s Ball which is a recognition given to aviators who have made outstanding contributions in upgrading the standards of safety and aviation interests in their regions. Other recognitions to be awarded during the event are: Fixed Wing Pilot of the Year, Helicopter Pilot of the Year, Flight Instructor of the Year, Female Pilot of the Year, CAAP Check Pilot of the Year, CAAP Controller of the Year and Aircraft Mechanic of the Year.

According to Captain Joy Roa, event director, the fiesta is a platform for improving the country’s aviation standing through collaboration and interaction with international aviators. “We have so much to learn from our foreign counterparts, and this fiesta is an opportunity to share and exchange cultures and ideas. Of course, this is also a chance for us to showcase the world renowned Filipino hospitality,” he said.

The PIHABF organizing committee is composed of volunteer aviation experts and industry practitioners who make sure that the fiesta is carefully planned and safety-oriented.

Roa added, “Despite the challenges and the setbacks, we are dogged in our determination to mount this event year after year because more than a spectacle, this is an advocacy for us. We want to educate everyone, especially the youth, about the beauty of aviation and the many life lessons we can learn from it.”

The PIHABF 2015 was made possible with the support of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Clark Freeport, Clark International Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with media partners the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, Business World, Business Mirror, Pilipino Mirror, Natural 97.9 FM, DWIZ, ABS CBN, and sponsors, SM City Clark, UPS, Prudential Guarantee, Hotdog on Stick, CDO Bibbo Hotdog, Segway, Qube, Kopiko, Rudy Project, The Medical City, Yellow Cab, Tempra, Snow Cone, Flanax, Bonamine, Garant Group and Radio Republic.

Entrance tickets are at Php300 each, which is a donation to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund, granting scholarships to deserving but underprivileged students pursuing an aviation career in partnership with Air Link International Aviation School and the Philippine Air Transport and Training Services.

Tickets may be purchased at the fiesta’s official website, at Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates.

For more information and updates on the 19th PIHABF, visit www.philballoonfest.net or its official Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/pihabf.

Here's the 19th PIHABF Schedule of Activities

Other related Post : 
A Weekend of Everything that Flies at 17th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012

The 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Everything Flies ! Hot Air Balloons at Pampanga

Official Statement of PIHABF Organizing Committee

18th Philippine Intenational Hot Air Balloon