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April 11, 2015

Sports. Education. Opportunities.

These are some of the best words that describe Palarong Pambansa. One of Palaro’s highlights over the past years is the Special Games category where children with special needs (CSNs) are able to showcase their sporting talents to the community.

The Special Games are composed of Athletics (100M, 200M, 400M, 4X100M, Shot put, Running & Standing long jump), Swimming (50M Backstroke, Breastroke, Freestyle), Goal ball and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling.


Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC presents Palaro as a means to support the Department’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. “Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi” he said.

Athletes with intellectual disability, visual impairment and those who are orthopedically handicapped will have a chance to be scouted to compete in international events. Among the notable Palaro Special Games athletes are Merill Jean Derama, John Brian Menosa and Lizamel Dayon - all of whom competed in the 2011 Special Olympics held in Athens, and swimmers Jonalyn Hernando and Marco Tinamisan – both with no limbs.

Amidst the sea of 10,000 Palaro participants are the 850 Special Games athletes, set to be welcomed by the province of Davao del Norte. 

Palarong Pambansa has also been a gateway for CSN’s to prove that they can exceed expectations with their athletic capabilities. Their perseverance and dedication to their trainings serve as an eye-opener that breaks down barriers of marginalization.

April 10, 2015

Jose Cuervo Launches Search for the DONS OF TEQUILA in PH

Join Dons of Tequila, the global search for the next hero of tequila who can continue the legacy of Jose Cuervo, a 250 year old brand.

The prize of a lifetime can be yours: fly to Tequila, Mexico to harvest your own crop of agave on the Jose Cuervo estate, blend it into a unique tequila and win the batch, labelled under your own name.

Jose Cuervo’s Dons epitomize the expert craft, passion, and bravery required to make the world’s most popular tequila. Their unwavering belief in quality keeps the brand’s 250 years of heritage fresh and relevant.



Jose Cuervo’s Dons epitomize the expert craft, passion, and bravery required to make the world’s most popular tequila. Their unwavering belief in quality keeps the brand’s 250 years of heritage fresh and relevant.

The Philippine leg of this worldwide hunt has begun. Aspiring Dons can join by uploading a photo of their signature tequila-based cocktail or shot serve at DonsOfTequila.com

Ten (10) bartenders will be selected to compete in the National Finals in July 2015. 

See details on How to Join below.

  • Dons of Tequila
  • Dons of Tequila
  • Dons of Tequila
  • Dons of Tequila

“Becoming a Don of Tequila is the ultimate accolade awarded only to those who truly deserve it,” shares Charles Wright, Senior Commercial Manager – Southeast Asia and India for Jose Cuervo International.

Mentors

The local finalists will be guided by Jose Cuervo’s Dons of Tequila Mentors – veterans in their field and true Instigators – Prive Luxury Club’s cocktail bartender and Diageo Reserve World Class 2014 winner Jerry Miranda, T.G.I. Friday’s Genrev Bacasno, who recently bagged second runner-up honors at the 23rd Annual World Bartender Championship, and celebrated personality Divine Lee.

Bootcamp

Jerry, Genrev, and Divine will lead a Bartenders Bootcamp, designed to prepare the ten for the National Finals, where their creativity, technical knowledge, and personality will be judged by the Instigators, together with the Jose Cuervo Brand Ambassadors. The winner will hold the title Don of Tequila in the Philippines, and will represent the country in the Jose Cuervo Dons of Tequila Global Finals for a chance to follow the footsteps of some of the world’s legends of tequila.

Final Showdown

The Dons of Tequila Global Finals is a showdown of the best-of-the-best from each country, set against the Jose Cuervo distillery, La Rojeña, in the town of Tequila, in Mexico.

COMPETITION PRIMER

How to Join

1. Visit www.DonsofTequila.com and create a new Jose Cuervo shot serve – a new way to serve a shot of Jose Cuervo Gold, or an innovative shot-size mix using Jose Cuervo Silver.
2. Entrants must enter their details along with a name for their serve, an explanation of how they made the drink, and how it captures the spirit of the Dons.
3. Entrants must upload a photo with the online form.
4. Shortlisted entrants will be notified via email.

Format

1. Ten (10) finalists will be selected from all Philippine entries.
2. The finalists will undergo the Bartenders Bootcamp with the Dons of Tequila Mentors.
3. The National Finals will be held on July 6, 2015.
4. The finalists will be judged against the following criteria:
a. Creativity
b. Technical Know-How
c. Personality
d. Tasters Votes
5. One (1) finalist will be named winner. He or she will receive:
a. The title of Don of Tequila – Philippines
b. Jose Cuervo products and premium items
c. All-expense paid trip to Mexico to represent the Philippines in the Global Finals of Jose Cuervo Dons of Tequila.
For more information, visit www.DonsofTequila.com. The website features the stories of the current Dons of Tequila, as well as a selection of drinks fit for a Don, crafted and demonstrated by head barmen from La Rojeña.

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the world’s most popular and oldest tequila brand. It has been produced in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, in Mexico since 1795 and is exported worldwide. The full portfolio comprises of Jose Cuervo Reposado, Jose Cuervo Silver, Jose Cuervo Tradicional 100% Agave Reposado, Jose Cuervo Tradicional 100% Agave Silver, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.

DepEd releases SHS permits to over 1,100 private schools

In gearing up for the full implementation of the K to 12 program, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued provisional permits to 1,122 private schools that will offer Senior High School (SHS) last Tuesday, March 31. 

In an interview, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “DepEd is doing everything it can to make sure that all the anxieties and fears will be addressed in the next 11 or 12 months.” 

After years of planning and engaging with education stakeholders, DepEd, through its field offices, has identified and mapped more than 5,800 public schools set to offer SHS along with these private schools and other institutions in 2016. DepEd estimates that 1.2M to 1.6M public school students will enroll in SHS in 2016. Of this range, approximately 0.8M to 1.1M will proceed to DepEd SHS and the remaining 0.4M to 0.5M will enroll in non-DepEd SHS. Public school students and Education Service Contracting (ESC) grantees who will enroll in a non-DepEd SHS of their choice shall receive a subsidy from the government covering school fees through the proposed SHS Voucher Program of DepEd. 

In an interview, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) national chairperson, Benjo Basas recognized the need for the educational reform, saying, “We are not against K to 12. Alam naman natin lahat na sa kasalukuyan, tayo na lang yata ang bansa na hindi nag-e-employ ng ganitong sistema, and of course in the preparation for lifelong learning ay ibibigay ito sa K to 12.” Basas, however, expressed concerns over government’s preparedness to implement the said program. 

Luistro emphasized that DepEd has been preparing for this reform since 2010. On the fifth year of the K to 12 roll-out, DepEd continues to gear up for full implementation. He said, “We are building close to 30,000 classrooms at the second quarter. We will be hiring around 30,000 teachers by 2016. For all of our textbooks, as early as now, we have done a call for 2016, para wala na kaming issue.”

He added, “On this last leg, what we need is a little encouragement, support and for them to say, “Kakayanin iyan!” DepEd plants seeds and the harvest will happen in the next generation. I can only show where it’s leading.”

April 9, 2015

LG Music Flow set to make waves in the local music scene

New WiFi-capable speakers bring seamless music experience wherever you go

Global technology innovator LG Electronics is set to amp up the summer with memorable music experiences at it brings to the country the Music Flow P7 Bluetooth Portable Speaker from their new collection, the LG Music Flow WiFi Series.

Bluetooth Capability
With the Music Flow P7’s Bluetooth capability, users can enjoy pure, uninterrupted wireless music streaming for that seamless music experience wherever they go.



Dual Play

Simultaneously connect one smartphone device to two Music Flow P7s at a time and amp up the music and fun with louder acoustics anytime, anywhere.


Multipoint

The Music Flow P7 has multi-phone pairing capability that allows up to three Bluetooth-ready smartphones to connect at the same time. The function also allows switching between phones just as easily, making music-sharing a better experience for everyone.



Rechargeable Battery



Unlike other Bluetooth-enabled portable speakers, it boasts of a powerful 20W audio output and an outstanding continuous battery play of 10 hours.


TV Sound Sync


Users can connect up to two Music Flow P7s to their compatible LG TVs and enjoy clear, full-range, surround sound at any listening level.


Superior Sound

Exceptional sound performance and smart experience come together in the compact design of the LG Music Flow P7. Despite its size (184 x 55 x 63mm, 680g), it has the capacity to produce full-range and clear sound quality.


“The LG Music Flow Wi-Fi Series ups the ante in revolutionizing what is expected from a smart audio entertainment system of today,” said Hoony Bae, vice president of LG Philippines Home Entertainment division. “Our LG Music Flow Wi-Fi Series is the actuality of a rich listening experience like no other.”

The LG Music Flow P7 is set to hit the local market with a competitive retail price of PHP 6,890 and will be available in the following participating LG dealers nationwide: Avant Greenbelt, Abenson Glorietta, Electroworld Glorietta, Avant Trinoma, Electroworld Trinoma, Robinson’s Lipa, Robinson’s Novaliches, Robinson’s Pampanga, Robinson’s Bacolod, Robinson’s Dasmarinas, Robinson’s Pioneer, Robinson’s MetroEast, Robinson’s Ilocos, Robinson’s Ermita, and Robinson’s Galleria.

To learn more about LG’s Music Flow Wi-Fi Series, visit www.lg.com/ph; like LG Philippines’ Facebook page; or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

FOX Sports unveiled 'The G.O.A.T. ' premieres on April 16

FOX Sports has unveiled a new show called The G.O.A.T.,  a new magazine show that will comprehensively cover all the relevant and most talked-about topics in the world of sports.

The G.O.A.T, in short for The Greatest of All Time, that will premiere on April 16, 2015 and celebrate the Filipinos’ undying love for basketball. 



The G.O.A.T takes an entertaining and talent-driven approach to programming with the aim of becoming the most engaging local sports program on cable TV, catering to both casual and hardcore sports fanatics. It provides sharpness, wit and humor that transforms conversations into opinionated discussions on sports. 

Show hosts KC Montero, Suzy Gamboa and Nikko Ramos with FOX International Channels PH SVP and General Manager Jude Turquato at the media launch of The G.O.A.T. at the Treehouse at A Venue, Makati City.
This weekly 40-minute show that mixes taped segments, relevant news stories, interviews with local and international personalities, and animated discussions on the hottest issues in the NBA, PBA and other sports relevant to the Filipino audience. Viewers of The G.O.A.T.can anticipate clever panel discussions on the hottest new topics of the week, featured in a segment called “Goatie of the Week”.

This exciting new basketball show is presented by four diverse talents who are armed with proficiency and expertise in the world of basketball and other sports. 

KC Montero is a veteran host of TV and radio, and has always been an avid follower of NBA and PBA as well as all things basketball. 

Suzy Gamboa, a radio and events host, considers herself a true basketball fanatic and brings a unique perspective to the group’s discussions. 

Nikko Ramos is a commentator of the PBA and has been witness to historic local games that further fueled his passion for knowledge about basketball. 

Mo Twister rounds out the team of four by serving as an offsite promoter for The G.O.A.T. and will give standalone segment reports mixed with his frank opinions and witty retorts.

With its engaging and knowledgeable hosts, The G.O.A.T. presents a fun, entertaining package of must-knows and current events that every hardcore basketball and sports fan needs to have. By tapping into social media and networks, The G.O.A.T. promises to be on the pulse of the worldwide sports community to keep the Filipino sports community updated and abreast of global trends in the country’s most-beloved sport.

The G.O.A.T. premieres on April 16, Thursday, at 9PM on FOX Sports. 

Follow FOX Sports on Twitter and Instagram at @FOXSports_PH and join the conversation with #TheGOATonFS.

SPOTTED ON LAZADA: Samsung S6 now available at Lazada.com.ph!



Effortless shopping just becomes simply exciting as the recently launched Samsung S6 models are now available in the Philippines through Lazada.com.ph.

The early debut of the Samsung S6 models comes in with a jaw-dropping price tag that would definitely not break your bank accounts. The Samsung S6 32GB currently carries a price tag of PhP 31,999 while the Samsung S6 EDGE 32GB is currently at PhP 36,999 and the Samsung S6 EDGE 64GB is being sold at PhP 42,999 – all of which could be purchased via Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, and Megalink Affiliated Cards. However, if you are a BDO Credit Card holder, you may have the option to pay via instalments for as low as PhP 2,000 per month!

So sound the alarm and get the latest Samsung S6 phones from Lazada.com.ph via http://www.lazada.com.ph/samsung-galaxy-s6/ if you are using desktop or laptop. If you are on the go, you can quickly shop via the Lazada Mobile App which is available both on AppStore and Google Play. 

Do not be left behind and spread the hottest piece of news! Be sure to subscribe to the official fanpage of Lazada Philippines via www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines for the latest deals and offers.

Repertory Philippines brings sexy in new theatrical comedy

Repertory Philippines returns for its second show of the year, with the sexy comedy Run For Your Wife. The West End hit by Ray Cooney follows John Smith, a taxi driver who secretly has two wives. The play premiered in London’s West End in 1983, and had a successful nine year run in the UK. After that, the show has been staged most notably in New York, Paris, Stockholm, and Manila.





































“This is a timeless classic. Even if it’s an old play, it’s such a funny and well-written play,” shared Miguel Faustmann, who directs Rep’s third run of the show. “Ray Cooney is amazing with his comic humor. It’s just so funny.”

Run For Your Wife is a departure from Rep’s previous offering, 4,000 Miles. While 4,000 Miles is a dramatic examination of a young man’s relationship with his grandmother, Run For Your Wife is a hilarious tale of a man who has two wives and two households.

The play’s humor relies on the subject and a precise schedule of entrances and exits. This means pressure on theater veteran Jamie Wilson as Smith, who has to literally run across the stage throughout the entire show, with only two exits. As Faustmann described it, “timing is of crucial importance in this play.”

“John Smith is a pretty normal guy,” shared Wilson. “He just basically falls in love with two women, and sees the possibility of maintaining both of them. He loves the both of them for different reasons.”

His wives are portrayed by actresses Goldie Soon and Mikkie Bradshaw. Soon plays Mary, the motherly wife, while Bradshaw plays Barbara, the bombshell.

“She’s very prim and proper, like a proper Englishwoman,” said Soon. “She takes her duties or obligations as a wife seriously. She’s almost motherly towards John. Because she’s very proper, anything scandalous really shocks her.”

Soon reveals that the role is different to her as a person, and to prepare for the role, had to think about the woman Mary would be and slowly imbibing it. Bradshaw, on the other hand, only needed to be comfortable with her co-actors.

“I’ve been cast a lot in sexy roles, that involve very little clothing. If it’s a loud and promiscuous character, it’ll probably be given to me,” she said. “I don’t know how much preparing you could do for a role like that if it’s in you to be that vixen.”

Run For Your Wife hits Philippine theater at a time when mistresses have become a pop culture phenomenon. But while the films and teleseryes focusing on mistresses and second wives are dramatic, the play takes on a different approach: comedy.

“Despite all our conservatism, I think this kind of situation happens more than we know and more than we would like to admit,” shared Soon.

“It’s such a taboo subject here,” admitted Wilson. “But putting on a play and inviting people to watch it will shed some light and humor on what that kind of life is. With our teleserye culture, where’s the humor? There’s got to be humor there. There’s got to be some ridiculous situation that you can laugh at.”

“We’re not necessarily trying to make people think here. We’re just trying to give everyone a good time,” Bradshaw added.

During its West End run, The Daily Telegraph called it a triumph, while the New York Post promised “virtually continuous laughter.” Even Faustmann agrees. He said, “When we were reading it, we were dying of laughter. What more when you actually see it? It’s going to make your stomach hurt because of laughing too much.”

Joining Wilson, Soon, and Bradshaw are Jeremy Domingo as John’s best friend Stanley Gardner, Steven Conde as the flamboyantly gay neighbor Bobby Franklin, James Stacy as the suspicious Detective Sergeant Troughton, Paul Holme as the easygoing Detective Sergeant Porterhouse, and Mara Javier as the inquisitive journalist.

Run For Your Wife will be staged from April 10 to May 3, 2015 at Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Ticket prices ranges from P400 to P800. For more details regarding Run For Your Wife, call Repertory Philippines at 843-3570 and book tickets through TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Azalea Residence supports Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 #AdMe

On April 7, 2015 in Makati, Karen Castro, The Marketing Manager of Azalea Residence, a 99 suites hotel that is located at #7 Leonard Wood Loop, Bgy. M. Roxas, Baguio City, 2600, Philippines and Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas of TAG Media & PR signed a partnership agreement for the upcoming Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 #AdMe that will happen on July 26, 2015 from 8AM to 6PM at the posh & new SMX Aura, Taguig, Philippines. The organizers are expecting to have different corporate companies as participants with their senior level managers with a theme: Empower, Connect, Inspire & Learn. This is not the first time that Azalea Residence shows support to the organizers, just recently, the hotel accommodated 9 media for their 3 Days 2 Nights stay after the Tree Top Adventure Baguio Press Conference.


At Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015, different top executives will join together to share the future of Online Marketing in the Philippines and in Asia Pacific region with the following points:

• The digital economy of the Philippines
• Positioning the Philippines as a gateway from East to West and West to East
• Is the Philippines ready to be a cashless society?
• Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation
• Technology and Entrepreneurship driving inclusive growth
• Micro - multinationals E-commerce connecting SMEs to ASEAN and beyond

Speakers are as follows:

Constantin Roberts - Managing Director, Zalora Philippines

Kristian Melquiades- General Manager, Uber Philippines

Richard Upton- President, John Robert Powers Asia

Donald Lim- Chief Digital Officer, ABS CBN

Janette Toral- E Commerce Advocate, Digital Club Filipino

Robert Yupangco- President, Yupangco Group of Companies

Chinkee Tan- Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Radio Host and Wealth & Wellness Coach

Rebecca Bustamante Mills- CEO, Chalre Associates & President, Asia CEO Awards

Mikel Yaw- CEO, Elabram Systems Group

Carlos Celdran- Brand Ambassador, Tour Guide

Maria Camille Montejo- CEO, NWSteel Technologies & Tree Top Adventure Inc.

Pocholo Gonzales- CEO, Creative Voices Productions

Tanya Llana- Marketing & Sales Director, Victoria Court & General Manager, Hotel La Corona De Lipa

James Jimenez- Director, Commission On Elections

Lloyd Luna- CEO, Lloyd Luna Corporation

According to Azalea Residence, "At Azalea Residences in Baguio City, Philippines, you’ll bask in cozy retreats and also take pleasure in excellent offerings for a superb holiday experience. Here, all rooms boasts modern interior design and are generously appointed with travel essentials, such a kitchen and dining area, cable TV, mini-bar, and private toilet and bath. Absolute pampering is also ensured by amenities which includes a concierge, coffee shop, bar lounge, and banquet services."

For more information, you may visit www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph. For partnership and sponsorship, you may contact TAG Media & PR at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph

#Halleluya! Healthy living with Turcumin, 'luyang dilaw' or yellow ginger extract food supplement

Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, meal supplements, sports nutrition products, natural food supplements, and other related products used to boost the nutritional content of the diet.
https://instagram.com/p/1LcZjDMJS1/

Nutritional supplements are used for many purposes. They can be added to the diet to boost overall health and energy; to provide immune system support and reduce the risks of illness and age-related conditions; to improve performance in athletic and mental activities; and to support the healing process during illness and disease. However, most of these products are treated as food and not regulated as drugs are.


Turcumin, a yellow ginger extract food supplement, each capsule contains 500mg Rhizome of Turmeric.

Turmeric, which is commonly known as luyang dilaw or yellow ginger, is a super spice with healing properties for the entire body.

Turmeric has a long history of uses in the field of traditional medicine in India and China. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old natural healing system of India.


Turmeric is powerful root. Its rich color and distinctive taste make it a staple in many cuisines. Turmeric can lend a depth of flavor to soups, curries or stews. Turmeric is also known as curcumin.

In some readings and in TV programs I have watched before, Dr. Philip Tan, shared that many different cultures have used Turmeric herb to treat a myriad of diseases and ailments. The most well known medicinal action of turmeric is its use as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is used to heal the liver, calm the body and soothe stomach problems. It is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant and when ingested it can help to minimize free radical damage to our cells and prevent oxidative damage. The natural properties of turmeric help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function and even lower inflammation.

Turcumin as a herbal food supplement product, Turcumin has no therapeutic claims.

Turcumin costs Php15.00 per capsule suggested retail price, available in Mercury Drugstores nationwide and in St. Joseph Drug and Seven Stars Pharmacy outlets.

Turcumin, is a turmeric-based herbal food supplement product that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food supplement, and not as drug or medicine, with registration number FR-77171 until June 17, 2016.

Health Rich Pharma Corporation’s main office is located at G/F Emerald Green Building, CV Starr Avenue, Pamplona, Las Piñas City. 

The company can be reached at Turcumin Hotline number: +63936 969 6437 or at Health Rich office landline number: +632 4031902.

Visit Turcumin on : 
http://healthrichpharma.com






Hirap sa bawat yuko at galaw? Tamang ehersisyo, wastong pagkain at luyang dilaw tulong sa maayos na pag galaw!

HALLE-LUYANG DILAW!

Turcumin Herbal Food Supplement, ang luyang dilaw in capsule!
Available at Mercury Drugstores and other leading drugstores nationwide

April 8, 2015

Carmudi Partnership with Habitat to Provide Decent Homes

Photo shows, (from left to right) Carmudi’s Graphic Designer Maria Jovita Pante, Carmudi’s Country Manager Subir Lohani, Habitat Philippines’ Managing Director & CEO Charlito S. Ayco and Habitat Philippines’ Digital Marketing Officer Anthony Fernandez.

To support Habitat's Rebuild Philippines, Carmudi turned over initial funds raised to Habitat and signified more support in a recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement held last March 13, 2015. 

The number one vehicle marketplace is not just about cars; as part of its corporate social responsibility campaign, Carmudi Philippines has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), a non-profit organization, which has a shares with Carmudi, a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.


A simple ceremony was held in Carmudi’s Makati office, and was attended by Mr. Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of HFHP.

Mr. Ayco expressed the importance of togetherness to build homes, communities and hope in order to eradicate poverty housing.

“We are excited to partner with Carmudi Philippines in this fundraising project to help rebuild the homes and to transform lives of our brothers and sisters in Bohol,” he added. “I would like to invite everyone to take part in our advocacy by volunteering, raising funds and using their voices, just as our new partner has pledged.”

Carmudi Philippines country manager Subir Lohani expressed great enthusiasm on the partnership. “By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, we can extend our aid to those who are in dire need of a decent place to stay,” he said.


The World Bank-GrabTaxi partnership to improve road safety and traffic congestion across Southeast Asia

The partnership provides local governments with innovative, open-source data technology to transform public transport for 620 million people
GrabTaxi, Southeast Asia’s largest taxi-booking mobile phone app, partners with the World Bank to combat traffic congestion and improve transport safety for over 620 million residents in the region. Traffic congestion and road safety impact both the quality of life and economic opportunities available to taxi drivers and passengers in developing economies. 

The World Bank-GrabTaxi partnership provides an award-winning, open-source data platform, OpenTraffic, at no cost to local governments in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam to improve traffic congestion and road safety.

The World Bank-GrabTaxi partnership is being piloted with local governments in following cities in which GrabTaxi operates: Cebu, Manila, Davao City, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Through the partnership, GrabTaxi aims to empower local transportation agencies to monitor real-time traffic conditions and collect historic travel time data. As a result, governments will eventually be able to make better, evidence-based decisions that previously had been out of reach –including decisions about traffic signal timing plans, public transit provisions, roadway infrastructure needs, emergency traffic management, and travel demand management. 

GrabTaxi Founder and Group CEO Anthony Tan remarks, “We are honored to partner with the World Bank on this exciting initiative to revolutionize public transport in Southeast Asia. We are a social startup and this partnership will drive GrabTaxi closer towards our social mission to significantly improve the lives of our drivers and passengers- and ultimately change the way 620 million people move in Southeast Asia. Together with the World Bank and local governments, we look forward to improving road safety and traffic congestion in the cities we operate.”

The World Bank Transport & ICT Global Practice heads the Open Transport initiative to build safer, cleaner and more affordable transport systems that reduce congestion, facilitate access to jobs and lower transport energy consumption. Technology and data management is helping to better map travel patterns and users’needs, engaging citizens and improving the quality and efficiency of transport solutions.

GrabTaxi works with the existing taxi ecosystem and governments in the 20 cities it operates in across 6 countries–Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore Vietnam, and Indonesia –to help taxi drivers enter the new economy by using the latest mobile technologies to make taxi rides safer and more efficient than before. More than 70,000 taxi drivers have registered with GrabTaxi to meet the growing demand of more than 6.3 bookings per second; and the company estimates that one in two active taxi drivers in the region will be on the GrabTaxi network by the end of 2015.

For more information, please visit: http://www.grabtaxi.com.

About GrabTaxi
GrabTaxi’s mission is to revolutionize the taxi industry in Southeast Asia. Runner-up in the 2011 Harvard Business School Business Plan Contest, its core product is a taxi-dispatch service with GPS-enhancements, allowing passengers to hail the nearest taxi with extreme ease. Since its founding in 2012, over 70,000 taxi drivers use the GrabTaxi smartphone-based technologies to receive bookings in Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. With over 3.6 million downloads of the GrabTaxi mobile app around the region, GrabTaxi has become the market leader in Southeast Asia. Passengers can download the app to book taxis on their smartphones and tablets (iOS: http://bit.ly/grabtaxi-iOS, Android: http://bit.ly/grabtaxi-Android and BlackBerry: http://bit.ly/grabtaxi-Blackberry).




#1DERFUL Globe is #1inMobile in the Philippines

Leading in local telco industry, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cua nnounces that Globe is #1inMobile in the Philippines. The announcement was done at the at the recent Annual Stockholders' Meeting, as Globe catapults to industry leadership in local telecommunications. The challenger brand becomes No. 1 in mobile in the Philippines.


On the strength of a remarkable company performance in 2014, Globe Telecom has established leadership in the Philippine mobile industry on multiple business fronts, making it the Number One mobile brand in the country. 

“Against mounting odds, we maintained a defiant and fighting stance against a long-time industry giant to achieve a phenomenal financial feat. From being a challenger brand, Globe has successfully waged a revolution in all fronts, from digital, technological and business, all the way to our corporate culture as well as making our financial growth sustainable in the long run,” said Ernest Cu.

The Globe chief executive added that, “The numbers reveal that we have already gained foothold in leadership in the local telco industry. We plan to sustain our momentum for the long haul as our driving force to continuously provide Filipinos with innovative products and services that will cater to their digital lifestyle.”

As early as the fourth quarter of 2013, Globe already made significant headway in taking over the leadership position over its rival company in postpaid and mobile data businesses in terms of consolidated mobile revenue market share, continuously widening its gap as of the same period in 2014. Meanwhile, its prepaid value brand TM has reached a virtual deadlock with Sun Cellular in the same category in terms of consolidated revenue market share.

The company disclosed during its Annual Stockholders’ Meeting that it achieved milestone-setting financial feats last year, bannered by a new high of P99-billion consolidated service revenues, besting the previous mark of P90.5 billion in 2013 representing a 9% year-on-year growth. It also generated in 2014 a core net profit growth of 25% to a record level of P14.5 billion and registered total consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, deductions, and amortization (EBITDA) of P39 billion, 8% higher than 2013. These were driven by the solid performance of its business segments amid sustained demand for data connectivity in its mobile and broadband businesses.

During the proceedings, the company also mentioned that its share price reached a new all-time high, closing at P 2,140 per share, up 22.3% from P 1,750 at the beginning of the year. 

Mobile revenues, which contributed 79% of consolidated revenues, grew 7% year-on-year from the prior year’s P72.8 billion to P78.1 billion in 2014. Mobile voice revenues, which accounted for 44% of total mobile service revenues, posted a year-on-year increase of 7%. Mobile SMS, which accounted for 37% of total mobile service revenues, closed the year at P29.1 billion, 1% above from P28.8 billion of end 2013, driven by the continued popularity of bucket and unlimited promotions. Globe closed the year with a total mobile subscriber base of 44.0 million, up 14% from 38.5 million subscribers last year. Fourth quarter’s gross subscriber acquisitions registered a quarterly-high of 10.1 million subscribers, 14% higher than last quarter.

In postpaid business, Globe claimed the top spot hinged on revenue market share, the new global standard for leadership claim and a reliable measure of market leadership used for telecommunications around the world. The company dominated this aspect in 2014 bolstered by P29.9 billion in revenues, as well as a 58% market share in a two-player environment, versus that of its two rivals which tallied P21.7 billion for a combined 42% revenue market share. 

To sustain market leadership this year, Globe continues to revolutionize the postpaid segment with the new myLifestyle Plan to enhance the digital lifestyle experience of its customers who have harnessed data and content usage on their phones starting at P499 a month, with built-in unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM. These come with premium freebies, Globe Cloud and Gadget Care. Other variants available are Surf Packs for mobile internet browsing with Spotify and NBA League Pass bundles, Lifestyle Packs for a richer data experience through music, productivity, life, shopping and social apps, as well as Classic Packs for extra calls and texts, both local and international.

In the mobile data front, Globe maintains its superior stance in the industry with revenues and data traffic growing faster than competition, powered by partnerships with global content providers such as Facebook, Viber, Spotify, NBA, and online entertainment service HOOQ, as well as better network performance to provide faster and more seamless browsing experience to enrich the Filipino digital lifestyle. 

The modernized Globe network also carried a higher volume of data traffic equivalent to 87,000 terabytes of data, a 270% jump from the year before because of the surge in mobile browsing and higher smartphone penetration among its customers. Mobile browsing and other data revenues generated P14.3 billion in 2014, 23% higher than the previous year. These figures were higher than competition which stood at P8.1 billion, giving Globe the upper hand in revenue market share with 64%.

Sustaining its digital roadmap for 2015, Globe unveiled its partnership with HOOQ to enable access to thousands of movies and TV shows from international and local content providers. Filipinos can access over 10,000 movies and TV shows including titles from Sony, Warner Bros., ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Regal Entertainment, and Viva Communications across their computers, smartphones and tablets.

The growth of the telco’s mobile data business will also draw support from the continuing network upgrade and expansion of its LTE TDD and LTE-FDD footprint. To enhance its wireless network infrastructure, Globe is activating more cell sites with the LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD ultra broadband access technologies for a more pervasive Long Term Evolution (LTE) coverage to ensure reliable and fast mobile internet service for its customers.

The telco also underscored its own brand of “sustainable revolution,” driving cost and efficiencies, leading to the company’s operational excellence and optimized profitability. It also trumpeted the “cultural revolution” by Globe employees whose invaluable contributions have propelled the company to a position of leadership not only in the Philippines, but also in the rest of the world.


The Multiple Intelligence International School helps enhance kids' particular intelligences this summer

Summer vacation is here. Summer activities for kids, crafts, sports, outdoor fun, travel ideas, cool-down treats and lots more! The only thing to remember is to make sure your kid will have fun while learning something new.

Finding a workshop or an activity for your kid during the school break should be fairly easy with the metropolis brimming with plenty of options to choose from.


Multiple Intelligence International School, an advocate of the Multiple Intelligence (MI) framework implemented in the United States and other countries, is offering summer enrichment activities to help kids enjoy summer while developing their leadership skills and particular intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, body-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, musical, naturalist, interpersonal and intrapersonal, starting April 13 to May 8. 

For preschoolers, there is the Toddler Play Group, which is about learning how to interact and play with other kids between 1 to 3 years old. The Summer Activity Center is an introductory class for 3- to 5-year-olds to help prepare and give them an idea on how school is like. They learn about different themes that are explored through the eight intelligences. The Mind Explorers class focuses on observations of science, the environment and discovering how things work for those between ages 3 to 5. 

There is also Art Masters, which is basic art +classes for ages 3 to 5. Preschool SMART Leaders Camp teaches kids, aged 4 to 6, leadership and interpersonal skills outside the four walls of a classroom. Ballet, Spanish and Futsal for ages 3 to 7 are available as well. 

Those between 7 to 14 years old can enroll in Leadership Camp, MILO table tennis, Outbound Camp, which teaches pre-teens basic life skills and nature survival; and Magic for Beginners with instructor Jose Leonidas also known as Professor MagicAL. There are also Ballet and Taekwondo classes.

Workshops for teens aged 14 to 18 years old include Leadership Camp, International Relations Organization, which aims to develop teens' self confidence and public speaking in an environment of international school delegates; Outbound Camp, and College 101, which helps equip teens with practical and real life skills needed to succeed in college. They can also try Writer's Guild or MTAP or Math Guild.

Available for both pre-teens and teens are Piano, Voice and Beginners Violin; Master Fernando Sena Art Workshop, Fencing, and Chess. Other summer classes include Photography, Trumpets Playshop, and Functional Chinese. 

Lastly, Out of the Box is about exposing kids to situations that will give them an opportunity to apply the social skills necessary for interaction outside the classroom setting. Tech Revolution focuses on developing skills in graphic design, video editing, and PowerPoint presentation. Science Discoveries is about discovering the wonders of Science through practical application of scientific discoveries. 

For reservations and more information, call (02) 433 4948-49 for Preschool up to Middle School programs and (02) 929 1021 for Upper School programs. Email admin@mischool.edu.ph.

8th World Autism Awareness Day celebration with the Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage


The 8th World Autism Awareness Day celebrations and Light-It-Up Blue Ceremony held last Monday, April 6, 2015 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs, in partnership with Autism Hearts Philippines, host the local observance of the event with the Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage.



The event inform the public of the importance of World Autism Awareness Day and employers of the prospects of hiring more individuals with autism.


SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Bien C. Mateo, and  Fashion Designer and Textile Technologist Anthony Cruz Legarda, express that the program focused on the advantages of hiring young people with autism.

Every year, autism organizations around the globe celebrate World Autism Awareness Day to create better understanding of the lives of people with autism and their families.

Autism Hearts Foundation Director Ms. Solinda Bautista and National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, expresses hope and optimism that with continued work on informing the public about autism and the potentials of people with autism.

The 8th World Autism Awareness celebration hopes for job prospects for people with autism  and more opportunities would open up for them.

As affirmation of the relevance of this event, the UN estimates that more than 80% of adults with autism remain unemployed despite their potential. 


Research suggests that employers are missing out on abilities that that people on the autism spectrum have in greater abundance than ‘neurotypical’ workers do – such as, heightened abilities in pattern recognition and logical reasoning, as well as a greater attention to detail,” it stated.



The hurdles that need to be overcome to unleash this potential include: a shortage of vocational training, inadequate support with job placement, and pervasive discrimination.


The event hosted by news anchor TJ Manotoc, also feature the Filipino Fashion Arts Autism Benefit, where designs by four children with autism will be brought to life in a fashion show by Filipino-American designer Anthony Legarda.
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Two of the country’s most notable designers, Anna India Legaspi and Anthony Cruz Legarda took time to teach and guide selected number of young people with autism to paint on piña cloth.  Their finish products will then be exhibited via the Filipino Fashion Arts Autism Benefit Project for the whole world to see.

Present during the event were four of the five individuals selected to perform the task led by Best Buddies ambassador and Unilab Employee Vico Cham, Nick Huang, Ralph Sy and Nina Bantoto (she was not able to attend the program).


After a parade at the Mall of Asia compound, the event culminates at the Globe, where we're join by other countries in “lighting it up blue” in honor of every individual and family affected by autism.

A project made possible through the Autism Hearts Foundation in cooperation with the Unilab Foundation.

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine