DepEd affirms: We are ready for K to 12!

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"On this 5th year of K to 12 implementation, we are running a marathon and I can already see the finish line. We are on our last mile," said Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC after presenting a midterm report to the 16th Congress on the K to 12 Basic Education Program. 

In his presentation, Luistro outlined developments in the implementation of the K to 12 Program, specifically, the provision of fundamental education inputs from 2010 to 2014. He asserted that, “All 220 divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) have finished planning and have figures on enrolment a year in advance. Plans were reviewed per division and against national figures then we [took results and] consulted with industry representatives.”

Since 2010 to 2014, DepEd has filled 128,055 new teacher items and constructed a total of 88,805 classrooms. DepEd expects 1.2M to 1.6M students from public high schools to enter Grade 11 in 2016 and 2017. 

Of the 7,914 public high schools, DepEd identified 5,020 as potential Senior High Schools that are expected to accommodate 1.6M to 2.2M students. The remaining 800k to 1M students are expected to go to non-DepEd schools such as private high schools, private HEIs, SUCs and LUCs offering Senior High School.

Amid criticisms, the education chief encouraged openness to dialogue and extended gratitude to partners in the legislative who were instrumental in creating the Enhanced Basic Education Act and ensuring that no learners are left behind.

“The curriculum is done and it is the first time in history that it can be accessed in its entirety in the DepEd website,” Luistro said. He added that while it is complete, the Department welcomes feedback from the public. He maintains that education is everyone’s responsibility.

Commenting on the strengths of the K to 12 Program, Luistro said, “We looked at the exits (of the K to 12 curriculum). Each Filipino should have skills in Information Technology, Learning and Innovation, Communication, and Life Skills. Mas importante po ang life skills, hindi lang ang nakukuha sa libro. Every Filipino will have the skills to be able to go to school, start their own businesses or be employed.”

Amid claims that a number of teachers stand to be unemployed because of the K to 12 Program, Luistro gave his assurance saying, "The situation is manageable. We will be hiring an estimated 30,000 to 41,000 high school teachers for 2016 and 2017 and we will give priority to the displaced teaching and non-teaching staff."

In his closing remarks, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. vowed to block attempts by Congress to suspend the K to 12 Program’s implementation saying, “We in Congress have given them the law and it cannot be suspended. Based on the discussion today, I think they [DepEd] are on the right track.”

As of March 5, there are 1,116 private schools that applied for SHS permits for SY 2016. Luistro said, “By the end of March, we will be able to issue actual probationary permits (for these applicants).”

Robin Padilla, newest brand endorser of organic cough medicine

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Robin Padilla is the newest brand endorser of organic cough medicine ASCOF Lagundi, as presented yesterday (March 12) to the media, held at 55 Events Place Inc., Quezon City. 

With Robin Padilla’s new organic lifestyle, there is no better time than now for him to be the newest brand endorser of natural cough medicine, ASCOF Lagundi. 

Robin embraces organic lifestyle and promotes use of natural cough medicine. At first, the award-winning actor was hesitant about the project because he thought he would be endorsing a synthetic product, something he tries to avoid because he prefers to use herbal medicines in real life.

“Nung unang pinitch sa akin ‘to, sabi ko ayaw ko ng mga gamot kasi hindi ako uminom ng gamot kasi kami ni Mariel organic [living]… pero ‘nung nakita ko na organic talaga ang ASCOF Lagundi [pumayag na agad ako],” says Robin in an interview when he visited LAC Farms, one of the country’s biggest OCCP (Organic Certification Center of the Philippines), GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-certified organic farm owned by Pascual Laboratories, the maker of ASCOF Lagundi.

Robin and wife Mariel Rodriguez believe that one should choose herbal medicines because it is natural unlike synthetic ones that may cause liver deterioration.

“Marami po tayong gamot na maiinom na available over-the-counter na gagamutin ‘yung sakit mo pero sisirain naman ‘yung liver mo,” says Robin.

Cough being one of the most common sicknesses in the Philippines resulted in the increase in number of cough medicines, all with claims to be the most effective in addressing it. While this is true, not all brands can claim that they are natural and organic.

ASCOF Lagundi, an herbal medicine, is one of the few that can claim that it is natural, organic, and effective against cough. It has a luwag-tunaw combo action against cough—a bronchodilating effect that widens inflamed/constricted air passageways in the lungs, giving relief to the patient, and a mucolytic action that melts phlegm for easier expectoration. 

“Yung Chairman ng aming company, si Dr. Abraham F. Pascual, ay may advocacy na mag-develop ng natural products kasi marami talaga sa Philippines na halaman na may medicinal properties so it’s his advocacy to develop products that will be good for the consumers. We find that we are aligned with Mr. Robin Padilla’s own advocacy kaya naman siya ang kinuha namin as endorser for ASCOF,” says Ayne Rili, ASCOF’s Senior Brand Manager.

“Ang maganda sa ASCOF ay sila ‘yung unang brand na gumamit ng Lagundi. Iyong ASCOF, 19 years na sila,’yung iba sumunod na lang,” says Robin.

Having produced Lagundi leaves from its own certified-organic farm, you can only expect that PascualLab uses the best ingredients, coupled with strict quality standards and modern technology.

With the couple’s newly shared interest and practice, Robin says that it brought them to different countries to really study the lifestyle. While Robin says that explaining this kind of living will be a long discussion, he says that his biggest takeaway is feeling lighter and more at ease with his body every day.

Practicing this way of living for almost three years now, the action star feels responsible to share his discovery to everyone because it is good for one’s overall wellness.

“Meron tayong moral obligation sa mga taong naniniwala sa atin na dalhin natin sila sa tama. Ito ang paraan natin to give back, [to only endorse] the truth. Itong organic medicine is the best na maibibigay natin sa tao,” says Robin.

“Kahit saan man ako makarating, hindi naman kami siguro bibitaw sa Pascual (ang makers ng ASCOF, Lagundi), siguro kahit hindi naman kami nagkita ng Pascual o kahit may Ascof o wala, tuluy-tuloy ako sa organic revolution,” Robin adds. 

Robin said that being the endorser for cough medicine is their answered prayer. “Araw-araw nagdadasal kami ni Mariel na sana may produktong organic. Ito na pala ‘yun.”

Visit the Philippines Year 2015 carves a spot in the furniture world

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The Philippines International Furniture Show is expected to draw buyers from around the world.

The Philippines International Furniture Show (PIFS) is all set to assemble the best names in Filipino design and manufacturing to showcase their latest offerings to the local audience and foreign buyers. As part of the Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)’s year-long campaign to raise the country’s international profile, PIFS is working together with manufacturers to respond to international trends in terms of color and style.

From March 13-16, local and international exhibitors will showcase their latest furniture, lighting systems and other products related to interior design and decoration at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“Another highlight of Visit the Philippines Year 2015, the Philippines International Furniture Show is a boon to tourism for it unites all regions to capture the eyes of international design enthusiasts. The craftsmanship of our local designers also tell the stories of their hometowns, which could entice everyone to travel and discover the ingenuity of the Philippines,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

PIFS is one of the largest furniture exhibitions in the Philippines. For exhibitors, the fair is an excellent marketing tool to introduce new products, to establish business contacts, to strengthen their own brand and to maintain existing relationships. PIFS is also showing its support to the VPY 2015 initiative by creating their own photo and video series, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines - Furniture Campaign.”

For more design and trade events happening this Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, check out the VPY 2015 microsite (www.visitph2015.com).

DepEd, Embassy of Spain, and Fundacion Mapfre Initiates Turnover of Road Safety Teaching Aids for Public Elementary Schools in PH

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The turn-over of Road Safety Teaching Aids for Public Elementary Schools to the Department of Education (DepED).

DepEd together with the Spanish Embassy in partnership with Fundacion Mapfre through Mapfre Insular are working together for an advocacy on Road Safety Awareness. Together, their goal is to make available educational materials for 47,000 public elementary and high schools nationwide.

Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Luis Antonio Calvo, with DepEd Undersecretary of Programs and Projects Dina Ocampo, and Mapfre Insular president and CEO, Javier Warleta, initiated the turnover of Road Safety Teaching Aids for public elementary schools in the country, between Fundacion Mapfre and the Department of Education (DepEd). 

The materials were given to improve the teaching-learning process in schools so that students may be aware of how to safely navigate Philippine roads, particularly the busy streets of the metro.

Soft copies of the program’s materials will be stored in the DepEd Portal to provide easier access for the teachers. Ultimately, the goal is to reach out to 47,000 schools nationwide—both in the elementary and secondary levels. 

On top of raising awareness among the youth, DepEd, Mapfre, and the Spanish Embassy would like to extend road safety consciousness to adults as well, since they are the members of society who use the roads more often. DepEd recognizes that changes will come faster if adults lead by example. 

As a start, teachers must be able to learn from the program and share it with their students and families.The Spanish Ministry of Education and Embassy have worked closely with DepEd on special programs, and are thus very supportive of the project. 

The collaborators would like to emphasize safety as a way of life. They believe that values and health education are as important as traffic and car safety principles.

Fundacion Mapfre, the corporate social responsibility arm of MAPFRE S.A., a leading Spanish insurance multinational company, operating in the Philippines through Mapfre Insular, has been working with the Department of Education since 2011, developing modules in two learning areas: Araling Panlipunan and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao. 

Since then, road safety has been taught in at least two thousand schools nationwide. Beginning this March 2015, teaching aids will be distributed and used in schools.

Transcending the generation gap

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Filipinos are family-oriented. That is the story of our culture. A fact woven into the very fabric of our existence. 

From our first hours on earth to the very last, we are surrounded with family. We celebrate birthdays, fiestas, countless Christmases and reunions together. Truly, we value our family ties. 

From our parents and siblings, to our lolos and lolas, Pinoys are known for putting a premium on what matters most.

That’s why the cast of Rep’s latest offering believe that Filipinos can relate with the story of 4,000 Miles, a play about an widowed old woman and her grandson who suddenly drops by after a cross-country bike ride.

“It’s about understanding. It’s about our journey towards growth and wisdom. That’s what makes it so universal. I think by the end of it, we’ll all walk away just a bit wiser about the dynamic of human relationship,” Bart Guingona, the play’s director said.

Jeff Flores, who plays the role of Leo in the stage play, says that Filipinos would be able to identify with the characters in this adaptation of Amy Herzog’s masterpiece. “Leo and Vera have a very untraditional dynamic...there are things in their relationship that is very universal, and that is something that Filipinos should watch,” Flores added.

Flores will be sharing the stage with one of the most veritable names in Philippine theater, Baby Barredo, who will be playing the role of Vera. Her castmates and director were all praises for Barredo, who they say is quite a joy to work with.

Flores also feels very privileged to portray the role of Leo. A character he says he finds so easy to identify with. “Leo is a manchild. He has a habit of running away from the stress, which works for me in my life. Being Leo has forced me to admit a lot of things that are childish about myself.”

The play will be shown on March 6 to 29 at the Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. And as early as now, the cast of 4,000 Miles is more than excited to bring this story to Pinoys. Guingona, describes the material as one of the best-written plays he has handled. He excitedly shares that a monologue delivered by Flores’ character is destined to be a classic. “What I love about this play is it is a quiet play. There’s no histrionics and high-drama,” Guingona added.

Caisa Borromeo and Cara Barredo will also join the cast as Bec and Amanda, respectively. 

In its various runs across America, 4,000 Miles has received praise for its story. It has been heralded as the Best New Play by the Obie Awards in 2012 and was a Finalist for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. Amy Herzog was also recognized as an outstanding playwright by the New York Times.

4,000 Miles will be shown starting March 6 and will last until March 29 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Theater veteran Baby Barredo will play the role of Vera, while Jeff Flores will portray Leo.

About 4,000 Miles

After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other. 4,000 Miles looks at how two outsiders find their way in today's world.

4,000 Miles will be staged from March 6 to 29 at ​Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Ticket prices ranges from P400 to P600. For more details regarding 4,000 Miles, call the RepertoryPhilippines at 843-3570 and book tickets through Ticketnet at 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph​

WD Mounts First Gamers Cup for Press

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WD, the world’s leading provider of excellent computer storage solutions, hosts its first ever gaming tournament for the Philippine tech press on March 6, 2015 at Imperium e-Sports Bar and Video Game Lounge in Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Pasig City.

Dubbed as “WD Gamers Cup: WD X Imperium Media LAN Party”, this gaming event marks the exquisite collaboration of WD with Metro Manila’s most popular and chicest Internet bar, Imperium. The LAN party features the country’s most celebrated gaming and technology bloggers and technology media members as gaming competitors, giving them interactive and first-hand experience of the overall reliability of one of WD’s top-of-the-line hard drive lines, WD Green.

“WD Gamers Cup, in collaboration with Imperium e-Sports Bar and Video Lounge, is a perfect platform to not only engage and celebrate the country’s top technology influencers in a friendly Counter Strike match, but to also inform them the outstanding features of WD Green,” says Charlotte Koa, WD Philippines country sales manager. 

The Many Wonders of WD Green Drive

From WD’s Power of Choice line, WD Green hard drive takes pride in its eco-friendly and power-saving attributes. Increased power consumption is being prevented with its GreenPower Technology, as it manages heat which allows the hard drive to operate cooler with increased overall reliability. This unique technology of WD Green also decreases noise and vibration levels as well as hard drive failure, allowing you to work with your computer in a more hassle-free manner. Also, its advanced 4K HDD formatting makes WD Green a stronger solution compared to its rivals in the market.

Although famous for its power-saving and eco-friendly features, WD Green also works best as a complementary drive to solid state drives (SSDs) as it solves storage limitations through the Smart Repsonse Technology. It also delivers the ultimate experience for gamers who want a steady balance of capacity and speed. 

“WD Green once combined with SSD though the Intel rapid storage technology, can achieve the speed of SSD then take advantage of the additional capacity from HDD. It’s like Hybrid Drives,” explained by Albert Chung, Senior Product Marketing Manager for WD APAC. “WD Green as a second drive can be alternative for the WD Black- which is popular for its system performance. SSD can provide the needed speed of the gamers, yet with WD Green Drive, the capacity of the desktop storage could increase.”

WD Green- an eco-friendly, high performance storage device that is highly recommended for primary use in Desktop and All-in-One PCs, could also be a supplementary storage for backing up files and archiving.

Best-in-class power management, reduced heat output, and next-generation technologies such as IntelliSeek, WD Green offers a perfect balance of performance and power.

A Perfect Techie Collaboration

The gamers cup organized by WD, with the collaborating efforts of Imperium Internet bar, has hyped up the local tech and gaming scene. WD has awarded 5 WD Green hard drive units to the winning team, plus a cool party to the tech press. Although the event is primarily aimed at WD’s brand awareness, the exciting event has also inevitably changed the e-gaming landscape in the Philippines, according to Raphael Gancayco, president of Imperium e-Sports Bar and Video Game Lounge. 

“The WD Gamers Cup has given its participants a glimpse of what it is like to compete in a global e-Sports tournament scenario. This event has made e-Sports even more popular in the Philippines. The goal of Imperium e-Sports Bar has always been to elevate the level of professionalism of e-Sports in the country, and I believe WD is doing just that with this amazing gaming tournament and party,” says Gancayco, who is an international professional e-sports gamer himself. 

He also shares how WD Green has empowered his business. “We at Imperium e-Sports Bar personally love the features of WD Green hard drive. We run high-powered PCs and we take advantage of the reduced power consumption without sacrificing performance that only WD Green can deliver. The enormous storage capacity allows us to have ready access to graphic intensive games and allow us to produce more content in the future,” says Gancayco. 

Shopaholics, check this out! iPrice, the one stop shopping destination

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Living life to the fullest. How to enjoy the wonderful world, shopping is a good idea. I read somewhere before, it's like through shopping, somehow we found a new focus and our moods get uplifted. What we can't solve in real life, we solve it through retail therapy.

Early years, there were times I find information about sales then I scan ads in the newspapers.  We really enjoy shopping, holiday seasons or not, we do shopping when :

1) we need it, family needs or for ourselves;

2) just want something;

3) for gifts on occassions or anytime you want to give people we love;

4) we saw some promos on TV, or heard on radio

5) there are big big sale on malls;

6) we also read on newspapers or magazines there are shopping spree on many items in many different shopping malls;

7) or checking our favorite retailers’ websites;

8) and really, we are Shopaholic, and more! 

But wait, the present times make purchases online. Something made shopping made simple. Make the purchase only if the item meets two criteria: It’s discounted by at least 20 percent, and you were planning to buy it anyway.

By then competitors may have matched prices or even started a price war.

iPrice stays away from the nitty-gritty part of e- commerce that is operations, logistics and the like. iPrice is your helping hand out there in the online shopping jungle of thousands of different websites and millions of different products. We help you to find what you’re looking for and then we hand you over to our trusted e-commerce partners to actually buy the products you want.

In this function, we aggregates all the products from the most trusted e-commerce shops in Asia and globally onto one platform: iPrice. We offer a lot of fashion on iPrice but many other product categories as well.

iPrice provide product information about different brands as well as offer coupon codes and discounts up to 70% that are collected from our affliates such as Zalora, Lazada, Banana Republic, Romwe and many more. ​You can always check it out at iPrice.ph​.

When you don’t know yet what you want to buy, check out what the editorial team has curated for you or follow our community of avid shoppers. If you tell us a little bit more about yourself, will start putting together your individual shopping experience.

Relevant sales, offers and promotions are brought to alongside the products you’re browsing. So gone are the days of checking 20 different websites to find a particular product or the two hour hunt for the best price.

Stay connected with us as we bring the hottest updates to you.

iPrice provide you the best deals for all your favorite online stores. Score coupons codes for stores like Zalora and Lazada here http://iprice.ph/coupons/.

iPrice is your one stop shopping destination.

31st Star Awards for Movies 2015 Winners: Nora, Gretchen, Piolo, John Lloyd, Richard Yap, and Bimby Yap received top awards

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Nora Aunor, Gretchen Barretto, Piolo, John Lloyd, Richard Yap, and Bimby Yap received top awards during the 31st Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for Movies held Sunday night, March 8, at The Theatre, Solaire.

Nora Aunor, Movie Actress of the Year

Piolo and John Lloyd were both named Movie Actor of the Year. Piolo won the award for his role in "Starting Over Again," while John Lloyd got the nod for his performance in "The Trial."

Kim Chui, Iza Calsado, Xian Lim and Pops Fernandez hosted this year's PMPC Awards night. 'The Voice PH' co-host Robi Domingo served as segment host.

Bimby Yap with mom Kris Aquino at the 31st Star Awards for Movies ( Photo : darlasauler)

Here is the full list of winners of the 31st Star Awards for Movies: 

Nora Aunor Lifetime Achievement Award: Celia Rodriguez 

Best Movie of the Year: Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo 

Best Indie Movie of the Year: The Janitor

Movie Actress of the Year: Nora Aunor (Dementia)

Movie Actor of the Year: John Lloyd Cruz (The Trial) and Piolo Pascual (Starting Over Again) 

Movie Director of the Year: Enzo Williams (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) 

Indie Movie Director of the Year: Michael Tuviera (The Janitor) 

Movie Supporting Actress: Gretchen Barretto and Sylvia Sanchez (The Trial) 

Movie Supporting Actor: Nicco Manalo (The Janitor) 

New Movie Actor: Richard Yap (The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin) 

New Movie Actress: Sofia Andres (Relaks, It's Just Pag-ibig) 

Movie Child Performer: Miggs Cuaderno (Asintado) and Bimby Yap (The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin) 

Movie Screenwriter: Ricardo Lee, Enrico Santos and Kriz Gazmen (The Trial) 

Movie Cinematographer: Carlo Mendoza (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) 

Indie Movie Screenwriter: Arlyn Dela Cruz (Maratabat: Pride and Honor) 

Indie Movie Cinematographer: Rain Yamson (Magkakabaung)

Indie Movie Original Theme Song: "Sige Lang Nang Sige" with Lyrics by Bibeth Orteza, Music by Myke Solomon, Interpreted by Aiza Seguerra, Rafa Siguion-Reyna and Cris Villonco (Hari ng Tondo) 

Indie Movie Production Designer: Chito Sumera (Mga Kuwentong Barbero: Barber's Tales) 

Indie Movie Editor: Tara Illenberger (The Janitor) 

Movie Original Theme Song: "Hindi Pa Tapos" Composed and performed by Gloc-9, arranged by Paulo Zarate (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) 

Movie Editor: Benjamin Tolentino (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) 

Movie Production Designer: Roy Lachica and Joel Bilbao (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) 

Movie Sound Engineer: Albert Michael Idioma (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo) 

Movie Musical Scorer: Von de Guzman (Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo)

Indie Movie Musical Scorer: Von de Guzman (Dementia) 

Indie Movie Sound Engineer: Albert Michael Idioma and Alex Tomboc (The Janitor) 

Special Awards

• Darling of the Press: Vicky Morales
• Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award: Ms. Celia Rodriguez.
• Ulirang Alagad Ng Pelikula Sa Likod Ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award: Maryo J. delos Reyes
• Face of the Night: Iñigo Pascual and Kylie Padilla 
• Male Star of the Night: Julian Estrada Female Star of the Night: Sofia Andres

The 31st Star Awards for Movies is a blocktime production of Airtime Marketing, Inc., headed by producer Tess Celestino-Howard, in cooperation with the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) under the leadership of Mr. Joe Barrameda, current President and Over-All Chairman.

The PMPC Star Awards honors the best Filipino movies of 2014 for the mainstream and indie film categories.Telecast of the awards night is on Sunday, March 22, 2015 on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best.

Web Rangers launched to help Pinoy teens promote Internet safety

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Google searches for online heroes who can help keep a safe web

The Internet is an excellent medium to connect with people, but it also comes with risks for abuse. A lot of teens spend hours online, which exposes them to threats, mean messages, nasty rumors, and other forms of cyberbullying.

To foster a safer way to use the Internet, Google partnered with the National Youth Commission to launch Web Rangers, a program designed to engage the help of teenagers, ages 14 to 18, to sustain a safer online environment for their peers. 

Interested youth can sign up at the Web Rangers website (http://webrangers.ph), from which 50 will be selected to become Web Rangers, a group of teens who will take action in the fight against the misuse and abuse of the Internet by creating their own meaningful campaigns to promote responsible Internet use.

Google and the National Youth Commission will hold a Web Rangers workshop in April to train them to make the most out of their creativity and social influence to encourage their peers to have better online behavior and keep each other safe online. 

The Web Rangers will be given enough time to produce their own campaigns, which can come in the form of educational videos, lesson plans, songs and apps, but the sky's the limit as long as the message is effectively delivered. The most creative and impactful teen campaign will have a chance to visit a Google office in Asia to present their campaign to Google executives. The winners will be announced in May.

“Cyberbullying is a serious issue that we shouldn't gloss over. A lot of teens are affected by it, or know someone who is bullied online. More often than not, they're not sure how to protect themselves,” said Gail Tan, Google Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs. “We're hoping that the Web Rangers will be a way by which we can teach our kids to help themselves and their peers address cyber threats in a positive and inspiring way.”

The website presents five Web Ranger roles that teens can identify with: The Creator, who creates inspiring online content; the Frontliner, who takes a stand to protect the bullied; the Guardian, who is vigilant against those who bring threats online; the Transmitter, who shares and passes on positive content to others; and the Uplifter, who readily “likes” and “+1s” positive posts. Any teen who signs up will have a corresponding Web Ranger profile.

Before its launch here in the Philippines, the Web Rangers program has been successfully executed in other countries including New Zealand, Israel and India.

Register to become a Web Ranger on http://webrangers.ph

Four Iloilo boys, two girls off to Manila in April for Jr. NBA/Jr WNBA National Training Camp; 293 boys, 6 girls join Iloilo Regional Selection Camp

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Iloilo City – Six Iloilo students, four boys and two girls, topped the Regional Selection Camp of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska at the Ateneo de Iloilo on March 8.

Vince Andrew Jayme, 14, of Huasiong College of Iloilo; Jann Paolo Villariza and Lucky Charm Ramos, both 13, of Sun Yat Sen High School and Ian Dominic Espinosa, 12, of Ateneo de Iloilo are the Jr. NBA representatives of Western Visayas, while Jenedith Ruth Valle, 13, of Barrio Obrero National High School and Shan Sumagaysay, 13, of the Colegio Sagrado Corazon de Jesus of Iloilo are the region’s Jr. WNBA hopefuls in the National Training Camp in Manila this April.

The six young players were among 293 participants who trooped to the Ateneo de Iloilo on Saturday for the two-day camp. The Top 40 Performers of the first day which consisted of vitals tests, skills challenges and basketball drills were asked to return Sunday for more intense drills, team exercises and scrimmages which would help the coaching staff select the most skilled basketball players who also exemplified the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

At the end of Day 2, the six young players emerged as the top picks of the region. The Jr. NBA evaluation committee was composed of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA head coach Chris Sumner and Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA coaches composed of PBA Legends Topex Robinson and Rodney Santos, Alaska Power Camp coaches John Ramirez and Junjun Alas, and Perlas Pilipinas national players Ish Tiu and Melissa Jacob.

“One good thing about this batch from Iloilo is that the players have the skill and talent, and yet they have a yearning to learn more and to excel even further. That spirit of competitiveness is what they will bring to Manila and put them on good footing with the other National Training Camp finalists who are also top players from other regions,” said Coach Ish Tiu.

The next Regional Selection Camp will be held in Baguio City at St. Louis University on March 14 and 15. Three more regional selection camps follow in Bacolod City at St. John Institute on March 21 and 22, Davao City at the University of the Immaculate Conception on March 28 and 29 and Manila at the PICC Forum on April 11 and 12. 

Qualified boys and girls who wish to join the selection camps may still register at www.jrnba.asia/philippines. The program is completely free at all stages.

Ten Jr. NBA and five Jr. WNBA All-Stars will be selected at the National Training Camp and will embark on a unique, overseas NBA experience together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia. The Coach of the Year presented by Alaska will also be announced at the National Training Camp that will be attended by NBA talents.

Full program terms and conditions can be found in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA event website.Fans can also follow Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines.

For all things NBA, fans may visit www.nba.com, and follow the NBA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philippines).

TPB booth wins Best Booth at Travel Tour Expo 2015

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) won the Overall Best Booth Award in the Domestic Pavilion at the recent Travel Tour Expo 2015. 

Based on the brand campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, the booth design highlights “Visit the Philippines Year 2015,” the year-long invitation of TPB for everyone to discover and experience the country’s must-see destinations and happenings. It also features images of the country’s colorful festivals and must-see events including tasty regional treats.

Several exhibitors also signed up to support the campaign through the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 microsite: www.visitph2015.com.

End of An Era: Techbox Philippines Presents 'The Last of the Nokias'

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Techbox Philippines will offer a last-chance, limited-time only, knock-your-socks-off clearance sale of Nokia handsets. This will be on March 13-15.

“This is it - the last chance for Nokia enthusiasts to get the last line of smartphones with the Nokia brand on them,” said Angela Gutierrez, Business Unit Head for Techbox Philippines.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, Microsoft announced that it will discontinue the use of the ‘Nokia’ brand in its smartphones – a move that aims to simplify its marketing messages and bring all its smartphone offerings under one brand.

This marks an end of an era – Nokia, a brand synonymous with cellphones for more than two decades and one that pushed the advancement of mobile phones will no longer be present in the handset race. 

“Nokia is one of the most popular mobile phone brands across the globe – especially for us who grew up with the brand. This is a momentous conclusion of a remarkable tech and lifestyle story. Our event will not just be a sale – it’s a tribute to the phone we’ve known and loved since we were kids,” said Angela. 

“This is the best – and last – time to own a Nokia,” she added. 

The clearance sale will not only feature notable discounts on Nokia handsets (up to 80% off); customers can also avail great savings on bundle promos. Select models will also feature a ‘Buy 1, Take 1’ promo. The sale will take place at 2299 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati city.

Techbox Philippines is the fastest growing gadget retail chain in the country. They offer trusted handset brands and cellphone accessories at an affordable price.

To get the latest Techbox deals, visit www.techboxhub.com.

It's Apple Watch's time to shine this April

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Apple Watch, the most advance timepiece ever created arrives this April.

Apple has finally revealed all regarding the Apple Watch, the wrist-based wearable it first introduced last September. Many of the Apple Watch’s particulars were already known, but here, for the first time, is a comprehensive look at what will no doubt become the world’s most popular smartwatch.

Apple is capitalizing on this idea by coming up with their own brand called Apple Watch.

"Apple Watch is the most personal device we have ever created," Apple CEO Tim Cook said onstage, repeating themes from the company's September event. "It's just not with you -- it's on you. And since what you wear is an expression of who you are, we've designed Apple Watch to appeal to a whole variety of people with different tastes and different preferences."

Cook called Apple Watch "the most advanced timepiece ever created." Pre-orders for the device start on April 10.

Apple Watch will have a 18-hour battery life. The device charges with a magnetic cable that snaps onto the watch's back. The gadget is also water-resistant, but not waterproof, so no swimming with the Apple Watch after all.

The aluminum and glass Apple Watch Sport with a plastic band starts at $349 or $400 for a model with a larger casing, while the stainless steel mid-tier model will start at $550 and go as high as $1,100 depending on what band it's paired with. The highest-end model, the 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition, will start at $10,000 and goes as high as $17,000 when paired with Apple's gold-laden buckle.

The Apple Watch comes in two sizes -- 42mm or 38mm -- and three designs -- the aluminum-cased Apple Watch Sport, stainless-steel-cased Apple Watch and the 18-karat-gold-cased Apple Watch Edition. The aluminum comes with silver or space gray options, while the stainless steel comes in its namesake color or a space black version. The gold watch is available in 18-karat yellow gold or 18-karat rose gold.

There also are a variety of bands that can be easily swapped, including a Milanese loop of metal mesh with magnets, a leather band that auto-attaches, a segmented metal link band, a classic leather watch band, a leather loop band and a more plasticized sport band in bright colors. Individual prices for the bands span from $50 to $450.

Making sure the watch is fashionable and something people actually want to wear, the company also placed a big emphasis on designWhile at first glance it resembles Samsung's Gear smartwatches and other wearables already on the market, it provides more ways the wearer can customize it. Apple will provide a range of bands in various materials -- including leather and metal -- so users can tailor the product to their style.

Pre-orders will begin on April 10th. The device will start shipping on April 24th, and cost anywhere from $349 to $10,000 depending on style.

Collections

The Apple Watch is unique among Apple’s product offerings in terms of just how much variety it offers in terms of buyer options. To help clarify and define the available choices, the company has separated Apple Watch models into three distinct collections: The Apple Watch Sport, the Apple Watch, and the Apple Watch Edition. All three offer both 38mm and 42mm rectangular case sizing options, but materials and finishes vary by collection, as do the band options offered by default.

Apple Watch Sport

Apple Watch Sport has an anodized aluminum finish, which comes in both space gray and silver. These finishes will actually match most closely with the existing case materials of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, because of their matte look. The display of the Watch Sport editions are protected by a special ion-treated durable glass, similar to what is used on the iPhone, too. The Watch Sport will ship with a rubberized plastic sport band, which is available in a range of colors.

The Sport version of the Apple Watch is the most affordable in the range, but it also is the one that aesthetically most resembles the current iPhone models. Rubberized straps might not suit all tastes, but the interchangeable custom strap system Apple designed for all the watches mean users can easily change those out.

The Apple Watch Sport is $349 for the 38MM and $399 for the 42MM model.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is the middle-ground collection of the wearable, with stainless steel casing available in either a shiny polished silver or a glossy ‘space’ black. The stainless steel is paired with a sapphire crystal protective layer covering the display, which should provide additional scratch resistance vs. the basic Watch Sport model. Strap options on the Watch Collection include sport band, leather bands with multiple buckles and a leather loop, as well as a stainless steel link or Milanese loop bracelet. The choice of strap affects the price of the Watch collection.

The Apple Watch is $549- $1049 depending on band for the 38MM. The Apple Watch steel 42MM runs $599-$1099 for the same.

Apple Watch Edition

The Watch Edition uses the same sapphire crystal to protect its screen, but it comes in either rose or yellow 18-karat gold, which partially accounts for its much higher cost. The Watch Edition also offers exclusive strap options, including leather bands and sport bands with special 18-karat gold hardware in finishes matching the case of each particular model.

Apple Watch Edition will cost over $10,000.

Native Apps

Apple’s Watch has a lot to offer in terms of its watch functions, with various faces with customizable colors and detail views, and software-based “complications” that mimic their namesake on analog automatic and manual watches. Some complications include alarms, weather, sunset/sunrise, chronograph, upcoming appointments, interactive animations and more.