Unfold your incredible stories: ASUS Philippines Announces the availability of Zen AiO Pro with pre-installed Microsoft Windows 10!

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ASUS Philippines announces the 23.8-inch Zen AiO Pro Z240IC, the first models in the incredible new Zen AiO Pro Series, a premium range of all-in-one PCs that fuse art with industry-leading technology. Zen AiO Pro provides a perfect balance of beauty and performance for the ultimate all-in-one computing experience.

Featuring a stunningly-elegant all-aluminum design, Zen AiO Pro looks amazing. But the beauty is not just skin-deep, with superb performance delivered by 6th-generation Intel Core™ i7 processor and gaming-grade NVIDIA GeForce GTX™ 960M graphics with up to 4GB of video memory. 

Other leading-edge technology showcased in the Zen AiO Pro Series includes the latest USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, up to PCIe® 3.0 x4 M.2 SSD storage.

For truly-immersive family entertainment, both new Zen AiO Pro models are equipped with a powerful six-speaker ASUS SonicMaster Premium sound system that delivers 16W of incredibly rich and clear stereo sound.

Zen AiO Pro deserves to be the computing centerpiece of any home or creative workspace, with full connectivity across all devices allowing it to become the ultimate digital hub for work or play.

A true masterpiece

Zen AiO Pro is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design, with a slim and elegant unibody shell forged from a solid block of anodized-aluminum, with a precision-crafted matching integral stand. The smooth, sophisticated appearance is enhanced by a layer of edge-to-edge glass covering the display, and the rear cover has a beautiful fine brushed-metal finish that perfectly complements the signature spun-metal Zen-inspired concentric circles on the front fascia.

Zen AiO Pro is a vision of elegance, finished in a stylish yet subtle Icicle Gold color that will add a touch of beauty to any space.

Extreme beauty, extreme performance

The extraordinary Zen AiO Pro is built to provide out-of-the-ordinary performance for discerning home users. Using the latest generation of quad-core Intel Core up to i7 processors, combined with 16GB of the very latest DDR4 memory and lightning-fast up to PCIe® 3.0 x4 M.2 SSD storage, Zen AiO Pro has power to spare for instant responsiveness and ultra-smooth and immersive entertainment.

Dedicated NVIDIA® GeForce GTX™ 960 gaming-grade graphics with up to a class-leading 4GB of video memory ensure users can enjoy superb stutter-free high-resolution movies and videos in vivid, lifelike colors, or play even the very latest games at full resolution with high quality settings.

Zen AiO Pro is the world’s first all-in-one PC to use the next-generation USB 3.1 Gen 2, which delivers blindingly-fast data transfers of up to 10Gbit/s —twice as fast as USB 3.0, and over twenty times faster than USB 2.0. With these speeds, even the biggest data transfers take no time at all. Zen AiO Pro uses the latest USB 3.1 Type-C connector for improved ease of use — the connector is reversible, so it can’t be inserted the wrong way round. And for all-device connectivity, Zen AiO Pro also has a full complement of 4 USB 3.0 ports plus a USB 2.0 port, along with the latest ultra-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Incredible sound, awesome entertainment

Zen AiO Pro is designed for the ultimate multimedia entertainment, with up to a stunning FHD 10-point multi-touch IPS display for vibrant, pin-sharp visuals that make every detail visible, along with wide viewing angles and ultra-responsive touch interactivity. Zen AiO Pro also has a color gamut of up to 100% sRGB, which ensures accurate, rich and vivid color reproduction.

The incredible audio system has a total of 6 speakers that deliver rich and clear full-range sound. Each 8-watt stereo channel uses three powerful speakers located at either side of Zen AiO Pro, giving fully-realistic stereo separation and a total of 16 watts of pure, undistorted sound for an amazingly-lifelike experience.

The state-of-the-art technology in Zen AiO Pro ensures an awesome entertainment experience, whether users are watching the latest blockbuster movie, enjoying games or simply relaxing with music.

Specifications: 

About ASUS

ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets and smartphones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,326 awards in 2014 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 13,600 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 4,500 engineers. Company revenue for 2013 was approximately US$14 billion.

Epson to Triple Inkjet Printhead Production with new factory in Japan

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Akita Epson Corporation, a group company of Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC), will invest a total of approximately 3.4 billion yen (approximately USD $28 million) on the construction of a new factory to increase production capacity of printheads for inkjet printers. Construction will begin in November 2015. The new factory, which will begin operations in the autumn of 2016, will triple Akita Epson's current printhead production capacity.

Epson's printing solutions business provides products and services based on original Micro Piezo inkjet technology to customers in the consumer, office, commercial, and industrial markets. The new factory at Akita Epson will manufacture and assemble inkjet printheads, the core devices used in Epson's high-capacity ink tank printers and business inkjet printers.

Epson's high-capacity ink tank printers are new concept products that meet customer needs for low printing costs while providing genuine Epson print quality. Sales of these printers were strong in the 2014 fiscal year (ended March 31, 2015), with annual unit shipment growth topping 40% and future growth in demand expected. The office market is also seeing annual growth in demand for high-speed business inkjet printers that produce outstanding image quality at a lower cost per print and lower energy consumption than laser printers.

"Akita Epson is an important domestic production site with advanced technological capability and a close working relationship with Epson's corporate R&D function," said Takashi Mitsui, president of Akita Epson.

"We make a significant contribution to the manufacturing capability of the entire Epson Group, sharing with Epson's overseas manufacturing plants the technical expertise we have gained from manufacturing core devices. By using Epson's original production equipment and automating and rationalizing production lines, the new plant will further raise our production capability."

In the Philippines, Epson’s ink tank system printers were instrumental in propelling the digital imaging leader to the Number 1 position.

“Our ink tank printers provide the best value in the market – with a printing cost of only 7 centavos per page, unmatched durability and reliability, and unequalled print quality, Epson is the undisputed brand of choice of Filipinos,” said Epson Philippines Product Manager Russer Cabrera.

Epson is committed to advancing its original technologies and to delighting customers by exceeding their expectations with products and services based on original core devices.

“Bricks Click: Creating the New Marketplace”: Traditional and digital retail trends discussed in SM’s first Partnership Summit

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With the market’s adaptation to digital shopping, traditional retail businesses find it important to keep with the consumer’s growing needs and demands for shopping experience beyond the brick-and-mortar concept. 

SM Supermalls used this big idea for its first Partnership Summit titled “Bricks Click: Creating the New Marketplace” to create a venue for deeper discussion among retailers and business partners. The summit was held at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia Complex.

SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia and Senior Vice-President for Operations Steven Tan together with panelists (second from left) Margot Torres, Executive Vice President, McDonald’s Philippines; Hiebert Dimagiba, Head of Mobile & IT Business, Samsung Philippines; Aitor Gomez Maguregui, Head of New Business Sales, Google Philippines; and Mark Gamboa, Director of Marketing, Max’s Group.

The summit aimed to inspire and motivate players in the retail industry, local and regional, through knowledge sharing and market updates from distinguished experts in the field. During the summit, discussions centered around the impact of social media on businesses; ways to elevate customer experience, and strengthening customer satisfaction.

Esteemed guest speakers included entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Francis Kong, Disney Institute Regional Business Development Manager Wing-Hoe Tan, and Samsung Electronics Vice-President for Online David Kang. Panel discussions further elaborated the topics, with executives and veterans of known companies such as Samsung, Max’s, McDonald’s and Google contributing their insights and business experiences.

Francis Kong

In his presentation, Kong explained that a business should learn to utilize social media and technology not to compete with the traditional way of retail, but to enhance and further develop its reach. Technology, according to Kong, is not the competitor of traditional retail, but its complement.

Entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Francis Kong talked about creating new and meaningful experiences for the customer with the cohesive use of social media with traditional retail.

“Co-existence between analog and click technology can never replace human involvement,” Kong added.

Tan stressed in his speech that positive results and customer delight root from company culture, from how they treat their customers to how they treat their own employees.

Wing-Hoe Tan

A playful moment from Disney Institute’s Wing-Hoe Tan, his session discussing about ensuring delightful service and maintaining good company culture.

“An organization must cultivate the same internal customer service within their employees, gauged with the same intentionality as how they do with their external ones. It is not written on any handbook; rather, it is already imbibed in the employees’ hearts and minds to provide exceptional service,” Tan said.

Kang ended the sessions with his emphasis on how technology heavily influences consumers’ decisions, but in the end, the brick-and-mortar shops are still their preferred way of shopping for their desired products.

David Kang

Samsung Electronics Vice-President for Online David Kang delves deeper into his talk about the cohesive existence of technology and traditional retail to bring another level to the customer’s shopping experience.

There were 1,000 participants who attended the summit, hailing from businesses in the Philippines and abroad, all pioneers and heads of SM’s valued tenant companies.

The partnership summit is one of SM’s projects in line with celebrating its 30th year in the retail industry. SM currently has 55 malls nationwide.​

"Living Re-Imagined” - Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali holds Upcycling Challenge

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In a bid to turn waste materials into more useful resources, real estate developer Amaia Land Corp. recently launched the first Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge last Saturday, Oct. 17, at Solenad 1, Nuvali, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

Amaia’s Upcycling Challenge saw the participation of a slew of design students, professionals, and upcycling enthusiasts, out of which thirteen were chosen finalists. All the participants are given sufficient time to create marketable and practical home products from scratch using a selected material—in this case, plastic soft drink bottles.

Victorious Secret

Jensen Gonzales, Jeremiah Mendoza, and Klingeln Castillo of Victorious Secret wastes no time in creating their upcycled hanging lamp to ensure a win during the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge.

PSIDream

Members of PSIDream, Julian Agustin, Princess Dumpit, and Roxanne Ramos, tries to turn plastic bottles into a "Sit-n-Sleep Bottle Couch-Bed."

Mirror

Team Mirror composed of Denver Aurallo and Kate Oliva prepares their materials for the Amaia Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge.

The ongoing environmental competition is scheduled to hold its awarding ceremonies on Sunday, October 25, where only three of the most creative ideas and designs will be chosen.

Ricky Celis, Amaia Land Corp. president, said the upcycling contest was meant to encourage the public to creatively reduce waste by turning these into useful and aesthetically pleasing products.

“When waste products are not biodegradable, these occupy space out there and possibly pollute the environment. Thus, before throwing anything out, why not consider upcycling them?” Celis pointed out.

“Caring for the environment has always been part of our advocacy. We wanted a project that would push this cause, so the Upcycling Challenge was really perfect for us.

Here in Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali, we encourage everyone to live a life that is one with nature—to not just enjoy its beauty but also care for it,” he added.

Kneutral MNL

Carissa Patricia Del Rosario and Jose Masucol of Kneutral Collection creates a useful table out of green plastic soda bottles.

7CM

Duo Janneal Avy Chug and Kirk Cedrick Moaje is making a different kind of table lamp made out of plastic bottles, which they will call "Cap-wise Clockwise Table Lamp."

Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of turning old and discarded goods or waste materials into something useful and beautiful and with better environmental value.

For the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge, in particular, the finalists were tasked to create home products that must be useful to Amaia homeowners—an endeavor that was consistent with the development’s theme: "Living Re-Imagined.”

“We are doing this to inspire our residents and future homeowners to contribute to preserving our environment,” Celis said. “We believe that even seemingly small ways such as these will have greater impact if everyone adopts the habit of upcycling waste materials into something useful again.”

Each team was provided transportation to the site and P3,000 for raw materials.

Team Bulahao

Louie Lucena of Team Bulahao puts a game face on when the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge officially started.

Get Backers

Louie Ermitanio and John Henry Lazaro of Team Get Backers discusses how will they start making their upcycled wall clock, which they call "Positive Time."

The finalists’ entries will be displayed at Soledad 1 in Nuvali while its images will be showcased in Amaia Land Corp.'s official Facebook page. The entry with the most number of likes on Facebook will receive a special prize.

The grand winner will be awarded P100,000 in cash and a glass trophy. The first runner-up will receive P50,000 and a glass trophy and the second runner-up will get P25,000 and a glass trophy.

Team Makati Folks

Raffy Lacaden and Anthony Lau of Team Makati Folks brainstorm the best game plan to finish their "Plastic Bottle Chairble" on time.

OCCA Design

Anzella Casica and Gethymane Cobico of OCCA Design works on their upcycled chair, hoping to bag the first prize in the first-ever Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcyling Challenge.

Ayala Land’s Nuvali, which spans 1,750 hectares, is an inspiring model of a green, sustainable eco-community. Built on the pillars of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, community development remains a primary objective of Nuvali in achieving this balance.

Designer Duo

Designer Duo Janica Uy and Christine Mariano sure knows how to have fun while making their coffee table with hidden storage box during the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge.

Team DJE

Danny Kalinga, Jojean Aguilar, and Johnedel Ogalesco of Team DJE are working on the "Bubble Coral" floor lamp made up of plastic bottles and a junk bike wheel.

UP IndDes

Students from UP Fine Arts, Nico Macabuhay, Andrea Anatacio, and Tolits Tanaka, are working together as team UP IndDes to come up with "Duâ," a coffee table that is convertible into 2 chairs.

Companio

Rhanmar Dacayo and Joan Tay of Team Companio tries to make a 2-level chair called "Atom" out of plastic bottles and other waste materials.

Nuvali, which is located in the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, and is in the Municipality of Cabuyao in Laguna, is part of the growth corridor of the Calabarzon region. Its campus-like environment integrates a community where residences, business, and recreation flow seamlessly. It is a community where you could proudly raise a family.

Repertory Philippines adapts Secret Garden for a new generation

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Repertory Philippines is set to showcase another musical production; now of Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon’s adaptation of the classic story The Secret Garden. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the story revolves around the lives of two abandoned youngsters Mary Lennox and Colin Craven who, through the power of love, begin to transform their spoiled and selfish ways for the better. The show runs simultaneously with Rep’s staging of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Rep’s version is anticipated to entertain audiences with a magical score and fascinating choreography but it shouldn't be missed largely because of the amazing young talent set to play the spirited main characters of the story. Playing the mischievous Mary Lennox are 12-year-old Ashlee Factor and 9-year-old Ginger Karganilla. Between them, they have already starred in five stage productions. Not only is Ashlee already playing a role in Rep’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but she also played one of the lead characters of the theater production house’s adaptation of Scrooge. While Ginger took part in playing characters in Resorts World Manila’s Cinderella the Musical and The King & I.

As for the very headstrong Colin Craven, the role will be played by 11-year-old Daniel Drilon, 10-year-old Albert Silos, and 11-year-old Noel Comia. Not to be outshined by their female counterparts, the boys also have an impressive list of titles behind them. Apart from playing roles in Rep’s Scrooge, Pinocchio, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Noel had a role in Kids Acts Philippines’ Hua Mulan which earned him the Best Child Performer Award at the 27th Aliw Awards. Albert’s background includes roles in Resorts World Manila’s King & I and Cinderella and in Gantimpala Theater’s Kanser the Musical. While Daniel, despite having his professional debut just last year, has had years of intensive training in the performing arts which landed him lead roles in Rep’s Pinocchio and Scrooge.

With their extensive experience in theater arts and months of preparing for the role, the cast is set to bring the story of Secret Garden and its characters to life. “We like to perform to make the audience happy,” explains Daniel--a statement that resounded with the entire cast. Come opening day on November 20, that’s what they plan to do.

With director Anton Juan leading them, the entire production is sure to enthrall audiences no matter what age. Together with the story’s beautiful message, no doubt the show will be a hit. “Secret Garden has a really nice moral lesson, the music is catchy, and they should watch it because they will learn a lot,” shares Albert of the experience people should expect from the show.

The Secret Garden will be staged from November 20 to December 20, 2015 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Ticket prices range from P500 to P1,000. For more details on the play, call Repertory Philippines at 843-3570 and book tickets through TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Mega Global presents latest endorser Liza Soberano for the new "Mega Tuna"

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Mega Global Corporation introduced the latest endorser, Fil-Am model and teen superstar Liza Soberano on October 20, 2015 held at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City, in time for the launching of  Mega Tuna, their newest addition to their line of premium products.

The country’s top manufacturer and distributor of canned goods has recently launched Mega Tuna, - Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil, Mega Tuna Flakes Hot and Spicy, Mega Tuna Flakes Sweet and Spicy, Mega Tuna Flakes Spanish-Style as addition to their line of premium products namely Mega Sardines, Mega Creations, Valley Farm, and Oh my Ulam!.

With their vision set in providing high-quality, value-for-money products through bringing forth improvement and innovation in fishing, food technology and packaging, Mega Global has set a high standard in providing all 100% pure tuna in every variant of Mega Tuna.

Raffy Lantin, Mega Global Corporation AVP for Sales and Marketing

“Forty years in the business and continuously growing, Mega Global is very excited to introduce our newest product in the market, Mega Tuna. We assure you that, ALL variants of Mega Tuna contains 100% pure tuna with no extenders, no preservatives and no MSG," as Raffy Lantin, AVP for Sales and Marketing of Mega Global Corporation has expressed the company’s excitement over the launch of this new world-class product from MFC. 

Mega Tuna Brand Manager, John Paolo Calona, proudly explained how he sees Mega Tuna and how it is different from any other tuna brands.

John Paolo Calona, Mega Tuna Brand Manager

“We want Mega Tuna to be the top choice of tuna enthusiasts who want to savor the true taste of pure tuna. With no extenders, no preservatives, and no MSG, Mega Tuna gives only 100% pure tuna in every can. Mega Tuna comes in four variants, namely, Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil, Hot and Spicy, Sweet and Spicy and Spanish-Style. Whichever you choose, you are sure to get 100% pure tuna goodness with Mega Tuna.

With very discerning market who takes pride with their choices in mind, Mega Tuna, unlike other tuna brands, does not utilize Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) or commonly known as "extenders". Extenders when combined with additives such as food coloring, MSG, or emulsifiers and the likes, can be potentially harmful to one’s health. The most common ingredients used by some canned tuna as extenders are "soy protein concentrates". So next time you buy canned tuna, don't forget to check the label!

During the product launch event, Mega Tuna also introduced their latest endorser Liza Soberano who the brand sees as the personification of Mega Tuna: naturally 100% beautiful inside and out.

“We are very excited to work with Liza whose beauty and personality captures the heart, who gives her 100% in everything she does, whether it is with her showbiz career, her advocacy and most especially with her family. We are very confident with Liza for Mega Tuna,” Calona said.

Shy, simple, young and happy Liza shared “I am very excited and grateful to my Mega Global Family for trusting me to be the endorser of Mega Tuna. I like being healthy and Mega Tuna is the perfect partner for me. With Mega Tuna, you are getting 100% pure tuna in all variants.”

Mega Tuna is available in all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide at the suggested retail price of P33.10.

Stay healthy, enjoy pure tuna goodness with every variant of Mega Tuna. With Mega Tuna, all variants, all 100% pure tuna.

NorthPine Land unveils Peppermint model house for Parkview, Greenwoods community

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Exuding style and comfort thru its first-rate architecture, the Peppermint house model was recently launched as the newest addition in NLI’s Parkview development.

For almost 20 years, NorthPine Land, Inc. (NLI) has been building quality yet affordable suburban communities in areas where there is a strong combination of accessibility and opportunity.

It comes as no surprise then that the company has created its biggest project to date in Greenwoods in Cavite. Covering over 80-hectares of prime real estate, Greenwoods also boasts of several communities with their own distinctive identities namely: Greenwoods, Greenwood Heights, Norfolk Ridge, Parkview, Primrose Place, Rosewood, and The Prime.

Complete with all the necessary amenities for wellness and recreation such as a multi-purpose pavilion, a sports center, a wellness park, village chapel, nature and life trails, swimming pools and basketball courts, Greenwoods also distinguishes itself from other communities with its strikingly beautiful houses.

A fine example of these well-designed houses is the Peppermint, a model house introduced during a recent grand open house event called “It’s A Sunday Playdate” that centered on a block building activity for children. Peppermint is NorthPine’s latest addition to the set of house models in Greenwoods’ Parkview community.

NLI’s Executive Vice-President Mr. Ferdinand M. Macabanti helps a kid assemble her own house made from toy bricks in the recent open house event for Parkview.

As dream homes go, Peppermint represents the picture-perfect lifestyle envisioned by NLI for Parkview, a sub-community in Greenwoods. It is also noteworthy that like all other NLI projects, the first-rate architecture and amenities of Greenwoods is very much comparable to posh subdivisions in Metro Manila.

Model unit Peppermint covers a total lot area of 185 square meters with 162 square meters-floor area. The house includes three (3) bedrooms (with one Master’s bedroom), three (3) toilets and bathrooms (including one for the Master’s bedroom); as well as a family room, living, dining and service areas, kitchen, maid’s room, lanai, porch and balcony.

In addition to being an ideal community, Parkview, Greenwoods is also located at the heart of Dasmarinas, Cavite, and is only about an hour drive away from Metro Manila. Important establishments like malls, hospitals, and schools are also very accessible to this big community. 

“With Greenwoods, we offer the peace and serenity of suburban living as well as access to the busy and vibrant city lifestyle,” said Executive Vice President of NLI Ferdinand Macabanti.

Macabanti pointed out that the ongoing development of the Skyway extension and other government infrastructure projects like the highly anticipated Intermodal Transport System (ITS), LRT 1 Cavite Extension, LRT6 Project and Cavite- Laguna Expressway (CALAX) are proofs that NLI communities like Greenwoods are in strategic locations ideal for everyone. 

Likewise, because of its proximity to the city and the booming infrastructure projects already ongoing in the CALABARZON region where Parkview is situated, Peppermint is also a sound investment as all these improvements mean that prices of properties in the area are certain to appreciate.

With regards to “It’s a Sunday Playdate,” Macabanti shared that company representatives encouraged guests to bring their kids along and allow them to be creative as they play and experiment with colorful building sets and blocks.

“The event centered on the idea of building dreams through homes like Peppermint and many more in the future. Hence the block building and coloring activities for kids,” noted Executive Vice President of NLI Ferdinand Macabanti. 

About NorthPine Land, Inc.

NorthPine Land Inc. (NLI) is one of the country’s trusted real estate prime movers with a prestigious portfolio of projects such as Kahaya Place, Greenwoods Village, Wind Crest, Kohana Grove (Cavite), South Hampton (Laguna), Forest Ridge (Antipolo City), and Lexington (Pasig City). Its distinguished shareholders are: HongKong Land, BDO, Metrobank, and San Miguel Properties, Inc. To know more about our lineup of products, visit www.northpineland.com or call +632 637.1531.

DepEd extends early registration for Senior High School

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The Department of Education (DepEd) has extended the early registration period for Senior High School (SHS) from October 19 to November 13, 2015 to ensure that incoming SHS students are enrolled in SHS come June 2016. 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that the extension will give all incoming SHS students ample time to decide on their choice of SHS track. “We want our students to be aware of the importance of choosing a track that suits their interest and matches job opportunities that await them,” he added.

The four major tracks in the SHS Program are Academic, Technical-Vocational Livelihood, Sports, and Arts and Design.

During this period, all Grade 10 students in all public and private high schools are encouraged to submit their choice of school and SHS track to their respective class advisers. The class advisers of Grade 10 in public schools are then tasked to register their students for SHS and submit learners’ preferences through the SHS registration module in the Learner Information System (LIS) of DepEd.

The SHS early registration is also open to high school graduates prior to the full implementation of the K to 12 Program, passers of the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) and Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Examination for Junior High School level. They may register in any of the schools offering SHS. 

For the list of Senior High Schools, visit http://www.deped.gov.ph/k-to-12/shs.

“Kung Pag-ibig Mo’y Ulan” wins as ASOP Music Festival Song of the Year 4

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Kung Pag-ibig Mo’y Ulan,” composed by Christian Malinias of Benguet province, swept the top prizes of the UNTV Life-produced songwriting tilt, A Song of Praise (ASOP) Music Festival Year 4 on Tuesday night (Oct. 13) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

The song was awarded the “Song of the Year” by ASOP Music Festival juries headed by “The Maestro” Ryan Cayabyab or “Mr. C.” This award comes with Php 500,000 cash prize. The Voice Season 2 Finalist Leah Patricio bagged the Best Interpreter award for the same, taking home Php50,000 in cash.

Twelve monthly finalists vied for the “Song of the Year” honors and some special prizes. A record P1.3 Million total cash prizes was given this year, ASOP Music Festival’s 4th Year. 

Other runners-up include the grand finalist “Pakamamahalin Din Kita,” composed by Dennis Avenido (1st runner-up), crowd-favorite “Jesus, I Love You” (2nd runner-up), and “Pahintulutan Mo” penned by Leonardo De Jesus II (3rd runner-up. Niño Alejandro, RJ Buena and Philippe Go, interpreted the first, second, and third runner up winning masterpieces, respectively.

The other members of the judging board include ASOP resident judge and arranger Mr. Mon del Rosario, singer/songwriter Mr. Jett Pangan, Gospel songwriter Mr. Jungee Marcelo, record company executive Ms. Lachmi Baviera and Filipino singer and actress Ms. Celeste Legaspi.

BMPI Chairman and CEO Daniel Razon acknowledged the original proponent of ASOP Music Festival – Bro. Eli Soriano, the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International (MCGI).

Kuya Daniel, as he is also known by the public, bared that ASOP the songwriting tilt has been around in MCGI for 11 years already until Bro. Eli suggested to put the show on mainstream television.

He added that the winning songs of ASOP will debut on mainstream radio beginning Sunday (October 18, 2015), at 5-6 a.m., through Wish FM 107.5 kHz.

The people’s favorite was “Dakila Ka Ama” by Ella Mae Septimo and interpreted by Ruth Regine Reyno. Selected as Best Music Video was the work for “Sabik Sa ‘Yo” by Joseph Bolinas and interpreted by Ney Dimaculangan.

Handwashing rates lowest in low-income countries; Lack of access to hygiene could endanger new Development Agenda

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Handwashing with soap is dangerously low in many countries, UNICEF reports, despite its proven benefits to child health.

The eighth Global Handwashing Day comes less than a month after the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, including hygiene for the first time in the global agenda. One of the SDG targets is to achieve ‘access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene’ by 2030. 

UNICEF says improvements in hygiene must supplement access to water and sanitation, or children will continue to fall victim to easily preventable diseases like diarrhoea. 

“Along with drinking water and access to toilets, hygiene – particularly handwashing with soap – is the essential third leg of the stool holding up the Goal on water and sanitation,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, global head of UNICEF’s water, sanitation and hygiene programmes. “From birth – when unwashed hands of birth attendants can transmit dangerous pathogens – right through babyhood, school and beyond, handwashing is crucial for a child’s health. It is one of the cheapest, simplest, most effective health interventions we have.”

Sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest child mortality rates globally, also has particularly low levels of handwashing. The latest report from UNICEF and WHO says that in 38 countries in the region with available data, levels are at best 50 per cent. Health care facilities often lack handwashing places;some 42 per cent of them in WHO’s Africa Region have no water source available within 500 metres.

Meanwhile, according to the UN’s latest estimates, over 800 of the approximately 1,400 child deaths from diarrhoea each day can be attributed to inadequate water, sanitation or hygiene. 

“Infants are especially vulnerable during their first 1,000 days of life, which is why handwashing with soap before breastfeeding, before preparing and eating food, and before feeding young children is so critical,” explains Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Representative in the Philippines. 

A survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute found that only 25 percent of mothers with children aged zero to 35 months wash their hands with soap after using a latrine;and as few as 14 percent of mothers wash their hands with soap before feeding their children. These factors put Filipino children at increased risk of diarrhoea, intestinal worms, and malnutrition. 

In the Philippines,the Department of Education encourages all division districts nationwide to organise school-based activities to celebrate Global Handwashing Day. City governments, schools and day care centres around the country will participate in parades, poster making competitions, poetry and song writing contests;andhandwashing demonstrations.

The Department of Health, with support from UNICEF and CHSI, launched the initial rollout of a new communications campaign (Goodbye Dumi, Hello Healthy) to strengthen the use of improved sanitation and hygiene practices, in selected regions. 

About Global Handwashing Day:

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on October 15. The Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap initiated Global Handwashing Day in 2008, and it is endorsed by governments, international institutions, civil society organisations, NGOs, private companies and individuals around the globe. Visit www.globalhandwashingday.org

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Please visit UNICEF Philippines at http://www.unicef.ph or follow us on Facebook at /unicefphilippines and on Twitter at /unicefphils.

Online platform Carmudi partners with SafeZone to boost online presence

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Online car classified Carmudi recently announced its partnership with Voyager Innovations, the digital arm of PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), through its SafeZone platform that will enable enterprise to open their website and mobile applications for FREE of data charges.

“SafeZone allows consumers to access partner mobile sites and apps for free, making internet browsing more enjoyable. For enterprise this means relationships with customers are extended 24/7,” said Benjie Fernandez, Chief Operations Officer of Voyager Innovations.

“Services are delivered by enterprise through its difital assets in an effective and cost efficient manner. With our latest partnership with Carmudi, Filipinos can now search for a brand new or used car worry-free,” adds Fernandez.

Carmudi offers listings of over 25,000 vehicles on its website and mobile app, which can be searched using different parameters such as make, model, price, and condition to suit every vehicle hunter.

SafeZone was launched last February, 2015, and is now the number1 community site in the Philippines according to Effective Measure, with more than 17 million page views last August. SafeZone also has a base of more than 2 million registered users.

SafeZone aims to connect businesses to consumers by offering free internet access to partner mobile sites and apps. 

Subir Lohani, managing director of Carmudi Philippines said “Partnering with the biggest digital innovator in the country is a privileged for us. With this SafeZone partnership, we will able to connect with customers and expand our online reach.”

“Users of Carmudi no longer have to worry about having load or an active data subscription to search for a car,” explained Lohani. 

Carmudi is backed by Rocket Internet, a German startup company based in Berlin.

SafeZone is currently available for free to subscribers of Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text. For more information, please visit http://www.safezone.ph/free-services/#carmudi

The Veronica Chronicles presents “Pagkagat ng Dilim” this Oct 20

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The Veronica Chronicles with the episode “Pagkagat ng Dilim” will explore the mystery of the supernatural world that is beyond scientific understanding, this October 20, 2015 at PTV 4.

According to Fr. Jocis Syquia, Director of the Office of Exorcism of the Archdiocese of Manila, the numbers are increasing but there are only very few priests in the Philippines who are trained to do exorcisms. There are over 5,000 reported cases of demonic possession in the Philippines today. 

He says more Filipino priests are now being trained to help handle the fast growing number of demonic possessions, evil infestations of homes, offices, and buildings in the country. Fr. Syquia reveals that many of the demonic possession cases stem from the dabbling in the occult of the victims including witchcraft, fortune telling, and other new age practices.

The Veronica Chronicles tackles these diabolical encounters for its Halloween Special as veteran broadcaster Veronica Baluyut-Jimenez interviews Fr. Syquia and several victims of demonic possessions. She also features a reported faith healer or “Albularyo” who demonstrates his power against witchcraft and voodoo. 

Don’t miss it on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 8pm on PTV-4, Chan. 6 on SkyCable, Chan. 3 on Destiny Cable and on live streaming via ptv.ph. The episode will replay on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 10 pm.

James Hardie opens doors of opportunities for Yolanda survivors

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Every carpentry workshop conducted by James Hardie was in-depth and hands-on providing a learning platform for carpenters to further their skills. 

When typhoon Yolanda hit Eastern Visayas, particularly the provinces of Samar and Leyte, the world saw a super typhoon could easily wipe out towns and cities from the map and leave behind scores of casualties.

Almost two years after the catastrophic event, a lot of residents from the typhoon stricken provinces are now almost back on their feet especially those who were eager to kick-start their lives by learning new things during the rehabilitation efforts from different organizations.

James Hardie, the world leader in fiber cement building products, partnered with De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) to create a lasting and effective change on some of the most-badly hit communities.

During the workshop, carpenters did not only learn basic carpentry but also went home confident of their newly acquired skill

In rebuilding the communities, James Hardie organized a successful basic carpentry workshop earlier this year wherein survivors were taught how to install HardieFlex® building products and eventually make a living out of their newly acquired skills.

“We wanted to extend help that will have lasting effects for the survivors—something that will be beneficial to them for the rest of their lives,” said James Hardie Country Manager Mark Sergio. “By holding carpentry workshops, we are teaching them how to be self-sufficient in rebuilding their communities.”

Few months after the workshop, James Hardie and DLSP went back to the community and asked how the carpenters are doing. 

“The workshops were really a big help for all of us, especially for people who did not know where to start after their traumatic experiences,” said Danilo Galos, a Yolanda survivor from one of the partner communities. “The workshops and all the assistance gave us a fresh start. After the training, I landed a job within a week, which was a great help for my family. Learning how to install HardieFlex is also an advantage because a lot of customers would prefer to use it.”

Arturo Moramion shared the same sentiments, saying that learning the right way of installing HardieFlex® on timber and metal furring did him some good after it made him a better carpenter. “The training was a big help on my work and I was able to share this new knowledge to my co-carpenters. I also learned how to install and handle HardieFlex products, which are all durable, resistant to fire and termites and does not contain asbestos.”

Meanwhile, for Cesar Moralida and Ricardo Cabiao, the workshop opened doors of opportunities for them after they both landed new jobs, which helped them rebuild what was destroyed during the typhoon. “I landed a new job in just a week which helped me provide for my family,” Cabiao said.

“I’m not a full-time carpenter. However, because of the training given by James Hardie, I am now confident that I have the skills to work as a full time carpenter.” Moralida said. 

Almost two years after the devastation, the communities that benefited from James Hardie and DLSP’s efforts have shown dramatic change. With the participants showing that they are now on the right track, the two institutions are successful in inspiring people to rise above their situation. Indeed, through collective effort, nothing is impossible, as what James Hardie and DLSP have shown.

New Céleteque DermoCosmetics Takes Over Your Makeup Essentials! Feel #2XBEAUTIFUL

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Enjoy the Benefits of Makeup and Skincare in one with NEW Céleteque DermoCosmetics

Today’s modern woman is a force to be reckoned with. She is classy and sophisticated. She works hard, but also plays hard. She is smart and sensible. She makes informed decisions because taking care of herself is her topmost priority.

So, she sets a high bar for the products that she uses, and she expects nothing less from her personal care products. Her goal: to look and feel 2X BEAUTIFUL. 

Céleteque Dermo, the trusted brand for cutting-edge skincare technology, has everything that she needs. It has established itself as a skincare staple—in countless women’s beauty regimen, with its extensive, customized and expert line of dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and clinically-proven products. Now, the brand is taking it up a notch higher with another pioneering Dermo breakthrough with its new makeup line that fuses cosmetics with skincare: Céleteque DermoCosmetics.

Céleteque DermoCosmetics Takes Over Your Makeup Essentials!

Céleteque DermoCosmetics is perfect for the modern-day woman, as it offers the best of both worlds: expert skincare solutions and superior color cosmetics that highlight one’s natural beauty, minus all the fuss. Céleteque DermoCosmetics offers a full skincare regimen for the face, lips, cheeks, and eyes that protect the skin 24/7, making it the best makeup line for everyday use. 

Céleteque DermoCosmetics provides anti-aging and skin nourishment in all its products. Céleteque knows that these are women’s prime concerns when it comes to caring for their skin. 

The Céleteque DermoCosmetics Anti-Aging line has all the bases covered to give you a youthful look. It has the Dual CC Matte Powder, the Dark Spot Concealer Stick, and the 24-hr Photoready Foundation that promise to keep your skin young-looking. 

The Céleteque DermoCosmetics Dual CC Matte Powder (P749.00) keeps oily skin at bay with its 12-hour matte finish. Cinical studies have shown a significant decrease in skin oiliness from the first and second week of product usage, and it has also been proven to reduce fine lines to up to 42.87% when used for four weeks. It also contains Glutathione, Arbutin, and Mulberry, all of which inhibit melanin production and lighten skin color with regular use. The Dual CC Matte Powder is also packed with collagen peptide, which maintains skin firmness and improves elasticity through increased collagen formation, as well as Tocopheryl Acetate, which promotes skin hydration.

This multi-tasking product is also packed with color correcting pigments that even out skin tone, as well as SPF 30 to protect the skin from the sun’s harsh UVA rays, considered one of the primary culprits of aging. 

The Céleteque DermoCosmetics 24-hour Photoready Foundation (P795.00) is another must-have, as it provides a smooth airbrush finish for 24 hours while concealing dark spots for all skin types. It has micro pigments and silicone elastomers that hide blemishes and dark circles. It’s also has Phytocelltec, a component harnessed from cutting-edge plant cell culture technology that has extensive anti-aging properties, making skin more supple and radiant every day. Just like the Dual CC Matte Powder, the 24-hour Photoready Foundation is also infused with Collagen Peptide, which reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity through regular use: Studies have shown that wrinkles were significantly reduced up to 41.31% through the fourth week of product usage. Best of all, it has color-correcting pigments and SPF 30 that shield the skin from harmful UV rays.

The Céleteque DermoCosmetics Dark Spot Concealer Stick (P595.00) offers superior coverage for skin imperfections while protecting the skin from free radicals. It has glycolic acid that lightens uneven dark spots, ranging from blemishes, sun spots, and age spots. It has Cytobiol Lumin-eye, which efficiently reduces puffy eyebags within 15 days! The Dark Spot Concealer Stick also has moisturizing properties, thanks to Tocopheryl Acetate, which promotes skin hydration and improves over-all skin texture.

The Céleteque DermoCosmetics Nourishing line, on the other hand, has products that care for and nourish even the more sensitive parts of our face. 

For the eyes, it has the Eyebrow Nourishing Serum as well as the 24-hour Volumizer Mascara. Also part of the line are the Cheek Color Stick, Matte Lip Stick, Blush and Face Contour Kit that livening up the face with vivid colors while bringing out the skin’s radiant glow.

Give the brows much-needed TLC with the Céleteque DermoCosmetics Eyebrow Nourishing Serum (P595.00). It has Biotinyl Tripeptide-1, which makes the brows stronger and healthier. Other ingredients like Panthenol and Pro-vitamin B5 also nourish the hair follicles, while making the skin softer and smoother.

Make your lashes the talk of the town with the Céleteque DermoCosmetics 24-hour Volumizer Mascara (P645.00). Its revolutionary formula promises fuller lashes for 24 hours. It has Acrylates Copolymer, which holds lashes longer while preventing annoying clumps and smudges. It’s also powered with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf juice, which not only promotes the skin’s water retention but also protects the eyes from bacteria. The 24-hour Volumizer Mascara also comes with an innovative retractable brush that reaches even the smallest lashes, giving an even and fuller look with a smooth finish. 

The multi-tasking Céleteque DermoCosmetics Cheek Color Stick (P645.00) is a must-have in every kikay kit, as it easily highlights, brightens, illuminates, conditions, and adds color to the cheeks, lips, and even eyes. It keeps the skin hydrated, thanks to the moisturizing properties of vitamin E and sweet almond oil. Got dry skin? The Cheek Color Stick also has Bisabolol, an essential oil from the German Chamomile plant, which reduces flakiness brought about by dry skin. It also reduces fine lines to up to 49.89% upon the fourth week of usage. 

The long-wearing Céleteque DermoCosmetics Matte Lip Stick (P595.00) provides easy coverage and a pop of color while providing hydration for the lips. It glides easily on the lips and does not leave a waxy finish. Just like the Cheek Color Stick, the Matte Lip Stick is packed with Vtamin E and Bisabolol that nourish the lips and reduce suppleness while getting rid of flaky skin. 

Highlight the cheeks with the Céleteque DermoCosmetics Blush and Face Contour Kit (P845.00), which addresses all contouring needs while nourishing the skin. The 3-in-1 kit is composed of easy to blend blush powder, cheek luminizer, and contour blush that are packed with mineral gems (diamond, tourmaline, and sapphire) and mica that exfoliate the skin and make it glow. This key makeup kit product is slated to be a favorite between both makeup newbies and makeup pros as the palette can create subtle angles and shadows that naturally shape the face. It’ll truly help get you 2X beautiful with the proper highlighting and lowlighting—just like how our fave celebrities do it! This Blush and Face Contour Kit also has castor oil that acts as an anti-aging anti-oxidant, as well as vitamins A, E, F, H, and B, which keep the skin healthy and protect it from irritation. 

With its wide variety of multi-benefit products, Céleteque DermoCosmetics is the answer to every woman’s beauty needs. Each one plays up the features while providing hydration and protection from harsh elements. Enjoy long-wearing coverage, illumination, brightening and color while taking care of the skin all throughout the day. Just like Céleteque DermoScience’s skincare favorites, Céleteque DermoCosmetics line is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and clinically-proven, ensuring that the skin is healthy at all times. Be twice as beautiful, with everyday makeup that cares for your skin. After all, today’s hard-working modern woman deserves nothing less.

Céleteque DermoCosmetics is available in select Watsons Beauty Stores. You can also enjoy stress-free shopping online at http://celeteque.clickhealth.com.ph/ 

For more information, check out facebook.com/Celeteque and www.celetequedermo.com 

#CeletequeDermoCosmetics #2XBEAUTIFUL