JDI takes 158 customers in an incentive trip to Jeju Island, South Korea

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Participants pose for a photo during their trip to Jeju Island, South Korea, a free gift from Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI).

Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) takes 158 customers to Jeju Island, South Korea, known as the “Island of the Gods” for a four-day vacation. 

As a “thank you” to its customers, Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) recently took them to South Korea’s Jeju Island, a place that is known in the travel industry as the “Island of the Gods,” for a four-day vacation. 

A total of 158 customers that included dealers, distributors, and mango contractors—and six JDI representatives—joined the trip that lasted from January 4 to 7.

Participants in the Jeju Island incentive trip of Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI)  listen attentively to the unique culture of Seoungeup Folk Village.

The fun getaway featured trekking on Mt. Halla, South Korea’s highest peak; a visit at the gravity-defying Mysterious Road; a look at one of the nation’s monuments—the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff; and a glimpse of Seongsan Ilchubong, the “Sunrise Peak” formed five thousand years ago by hydrovolcanic eruptions upon a shallow seabed. 

Customers of Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) take a photo in front of the Teddy Bear Museum during their Jeju Island incentive trip. 

The happy vacationers also enjoyed the attractions at Glass Castle, a glass art theme park; viewed the adorable displays at the Hello Kitty and Teddy Bear museums; strolled the gardens of, and checked out the zoo at, Hallim Park; visited the historic and cultural Seoungeup Folk Village; watched the classic Painters Show; and saw the famed sensual and erotic sculpture park, Love Land. 

During breaks from exploring tourist destinations, the travelers shopped and dined at Jeju Island’s shopping destinations: Ginseng Outlet, Duty Free, and Chilseongro Street. 

Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) Jeju Island incentive trip participants enjoy delicious Korean cuisine. 

Kaye Aguilan, JDI product manager, said, “We at JDI believe that this incentive trip is a way to thank our loyal customers, and at the same time, strengthen our relationship with them.”

“We value our dealers, distributors and contractors, and this is just one of the many ways we can express our gratitude,” she added. 

The participants were from different provinces of the Philippines: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tuguegarao, Isabela, Batangas, Quezon, Palawan, Mindoro, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Butuan, General Santos and Cagayan de Oro. 

The trip was arranged to reciprocate the support of these customers in purchasing a package of JDI agro-products—insecticides, herbicides, molluscicides, fungicides, seeds and yield boosters. 

Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI), a member company of the Jardine Matheson Group, represents a number of leading brands in crop protection, local and foreign-made pesticides, plant growth regulators, plant nutrition, hybrid rice seeds, and vegetable seeds. 

For more information, please visit www.jardinedistribution.com

The Voice Season 12 exclusively premieres in the Philippines on February 28, 2017 (Tuesday) only on Star World

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THE VOICE EXCLUSIVELY RETURNS TO STAR WORLD

Star World, FOX Networks Group (FNG) Philippines’ number one female-oriented general entertainment channel announced today the return of the well-loved and three-time Emmy winning talent show, The Voice. The Voice Season 12 exclusively premieres in the Philippines on February 28, 2017 (Tuesday) only on Star World with live telecasts every 2:00 PM and primetime replays at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM respectively. 

Exciting turn of events are in-store for the viewers on the latest season of The Voice as we continue on the search for the next best voice that will shake the music industry to the core. The season premiere of The Voice marks the sweet return of Gwen Stefani as she once again secures her judging spot, rounding up the girl power action on the competition up against Adam Levine and once again reunited with her partner, Blake Shelton. 

The latest season of The Voice boosts a bigger, better and more engaging experience than it has on its previous season by bringing in the biggest and most recognizable names in the music industry as adviser to the coaches, making everything a match made in heaven; Celine Dion joins Gwen Stefani as an adviser taking the femme fatal action to high roads. On the other corner of music, five-time winner of show, Blake Shelton is joined by Luke Bryan — a tandem easy on the eyes and easy on dynamics as the two have worked together before to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards. 

Adam Levine pairs up with a legend, John Legend that is. These swoon-worthy gents collaborate to take ordinary people to the next level while keeping their dapper in check. Running on her second season for The Voice, Alicia Keys, is all about winning as she teams up with award-winning hip hop artist DJ Khaled, and everyone sure knows, that all he does is win no matter what.

With all these great additions to The Voice stage, the stakes get even higher and better as the season presents extended Blind Auditions, making room for far more artists, far more voices and far more drama — leave it to host Carson Daly to make sure things don’t get out of hand. As the latest season steps up in more ways than one, Star World stays true to its promise of delivering only the best and premier content and immediately brings it fresh from the US! 

Caring for Rare: 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium

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The 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium was held at the Century Park Hotel, Metro Manila, hosted by University of the Philippines National Institute for Health (NIH) and the Department of Health (DOH) last February 22, 2017 with the theme 'Working together for Better Care.'

The Philippines celebrates the 8th National Rare Disease Week on 22-28 February 2017 which, together with the global commemoration of the Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2017, highlights the need to intensify the country’s efforts to provide adequate health care and government support to persons afflicted with a Rare Disease otherwise known as orphan disorder.

What is a rare disease? 

A “life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them”.¹ According to the World Health Organization, a disease is considered rare when it affects one person out of 2,000 or less.²

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them. The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priorities.

The country recently enacted the Rare Diseases Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10747) which seeks to “improve the access of persons diagnosed to have a rare disease, or persons highly suspected of having a rare disease, to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information to help them cope with their condition.” 

The law mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide benefit package; medical assistance as provided in the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012; fiscal incentives for donations intended for researches on rare diseases, maintenance of the Rare Disease Registry, or for purchase of orphan drugs or orphan products for use solely by persons with rare diseases as certified by FDA. Further, under RA 10747, patients with rare disease will also be considered as persons with disabilities and will be granted benefits and privileges such as priority programs and discounts as mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Challenges in living with rare disease⁶

Beyond the diversity of the diseases, rare disease patients and their families are confronted with the same wide range of difficulties arising directly from the rarity of these pathologies:

• Lack of access to correct diagnosis: the period between the emergence of the first symptoms and the appropriate diagnosis involves unacceptable and highly risky delays, as well as wrong diagnosis leading to inaccurate treatments (the pre-diagnosis maze);
• Lack of information: about both the disease itself and about where to obtain help, including lack of referral to qualified professionals;
• Lack of scientific knowledge: this results in difficulties in developing therapeutic tools, in defining the therapeutic strategy and in shortage of therapeutic products, both medicinal products and appropriate medical devices;
• Social consequences: living with a rare disease has implications in all areas of life, whether school, choice of future work, leisure time with friends, or affective life. It may lead to stigmatization, isolation, exclusion from social community, discrimination, and often reduced professional opportunities (when at all relevant);
• Lack of appropriate quality healthcare (combining different spheres of expertise): Patients can live for several years in precarious situations without competent medical attention, including rehabilitation interventions; they remain excluded from the health care system, even after the diagnosis is made;
• High cost of the few existing drugs and care: the additional expense of coping with the disease, in terms of both human and technical aids, combined with the lack of social benefits and reimbursement, cause an overall pauperisation of the family, and dramatically increases the inequity of access to care for rare disease patients.
• Lack of access to treatment, if treatment is at all available.

Mr. Randy Martinez, recounts the challenges of going back and forth to the hospital as her daughter Pauline, seeks treatment for her Gaucher disease. Pauline who is now 11 years old, was noticed to have a small bump on her left torso when she was 6 months old and was later found out after years of several tests to be Gaucher disease. 

“Sana magpatuloy pa ang paggamot kay Pauline at marami pang tumulong sa kanya para dire-diretso ang gamutan. Para makapag tapos din siya ng pag-aaral”, Pauline’s father said.

² de Vrueh, R., Baekelandt, R.F. & de Haan, J.M.H.. (2013). World Health Organization Update on 2004 Background Paper: Priority Medicines for Europe and the World "A Public Health Approach to Innovation".

⁶ Eurodis/ (2005). “Rare Diseases: understanding this Public Health Priority”.

#careforrareph

Dencio’s Rum ‘N Lime, Sweet Combination for a Romantic Month Long Occasion

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This is it ! Gimik, Kainan, kwentuhan, dapat Dencio’s!

After almost 25 years of honing friendships by serving as the ultimate barkada hang out nook, Dencio’s is giving another reason why it deserves to still be on the radar as a “gimik” place. Dencio’s proudly offers Rum ‘N Lime, a perfect mix of white rum, lime and grenadine for the month of February.

This refreshingly invigorating cocktail will set the tone for a chillax kind of bonding with the office, school, childhood or any type of barkada. The entire gang can drink their hearts out side by side Dencio’s sumptuous Krispy Sisig. The combination of the chicharon, onions, meat and other key ingredients served in sizzling plates equates to a perfect crisp giving the complete mouthwatering experience.

Dencio’s laid back setting compliments the sweet combination of the Rum ‘N Lime, the specialized menu and the moments to unfold as guests unwind, eat and drink according to their own pacing. Dencio’s Rum ‘N Lime can be shared by two for Php 195 only from February 11 – 28 in all branches excluding Sta. Lucia as part of this love month’s promo. 

“The best thing about Dencio’s is its branches situated in convenient and accessible locations which makes it easier for the entire group to come together for a chill bonding complemented with superb food, ice cold drinks, and soothing music," shared Robert Trota, CEO, Max's Group Inc. 

Dencio’s is the place to be for barkadas looking for a taste adventure. Barkadas at Dencio’s are squad goals! “Kainan, kwentuhan, dapat Dencio’s” so gather your family and friends, bag a seat at Dencio’s and chill while you fill your stomachs with delectable food and Rum ‘N Lime, a match made in heaven!

Be sure to like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pg/Denciosofficialpage), Instagram, Twitter and visit www.dencios.com.ph to learn more about the latest delectable dishes from Dencio’s.

About Dencio’s

For 25 years, Dencio’s, continues to evolve as the perfect venue for Filipinos fond of bonding over food with families, friends and colleagues. With its well-known signature Krispy Sisig as the anchor, the dining concept conveniently converts into a bar and grill category. Today, Dencio’s has 13 branches located nationwide. To get more information and updates about the brand and its products, kindly visit <dencios.com.ph> and like www.facebook.com/pg/Denciosofficialpage.

About Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI)

Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI), a company that takes pride in its passion to delight its customers and genuine love for its brands, is the Philippines’ largest operator in the casual dining segment. MGI is committed to building loved Filipino brands and it is currently growing its network of over 500 stores in the country and more than 30 international stores in the USA, Canada, Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Its family of restaurants include Max's Restaurant, Max's Corner Bakery, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice Teriyaki Boy, Dencio's, Kabisera, Sizzlin' Steak, Le Coeur de France, Maple and Singkit. The company also operates Meranti Hotel, its maiden venture into the hospitality industry. To know more about Max’s Group, please visit www.maxsgroupinc.com. 

'Mañosa: Beyond Architecture' celebrates Bobby Mañosa’s Legacy

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Architecture, design lecture series slated from February to May

Some artists celebrate life. Others celebrate beauty.

Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa celebrates being Filipino and that, for him, is life and beauty combined.

“I design Filipino, nothing else,” is his mantra as a celebrated architect. This set him apart from the rest.

For more than six decades, Mañosa has inspired artists and creatives to champion Philippine architecture and design.

From conceptualizing the Coconut Palace, to creating the EDSA Shrine, to designing Amanpulo, Pearl Farm, the LRT and other iconic Filipino landmarks, Mañosa has always taken his country and his craft seriously – to the point of turning down potentially lucrative projects simply because they were not in line with his philosophy that “Architecture must be true to itself, its land and its people.”

To celebrate his life, philosophy and legacy, an exhibit dubbed “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture’ runs from February to May at the National Museum of the Philippines. The exhibit showcases over 50 landmark projects from Mañosa’s prolific career, including original drawings and models never before seen by the public. Archived photographs, samples of vernacular materials, furniture, and interior elements, are also featured. The exhibition also explores Mañosa’s other creative pursuits as a jazz musician, toy designer, and designer of craft.

To further inspire new and upcoming generations of Filipino architects and designers, a lecture series runs concurrently with the exhibit, on selected Saturdays from February 18 to May 6, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the National Museum Auditorium.

“Our father always enjoyed interacting with architecture and design students, whom he called his barangay,” says Bobby’s son Dino, CEO of the Mañosa Group’s real estate development arm, Mañosa Properties. “It was important to him to mentor and inspire the youth to think Filipino and be proud of their culture. Unfortunately, his health no longer permits him to give lectures himself, so our Tukod Foundation – which produced both the exhibit and lecture series – invited like-minded individuals – renowned experts in their respective fields – to do the lectures instead.”

The “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture” lecture series includes topics on art, architecture and design, Philippine textiles and building materials, Filipino culture and identity, nationalism and nation-building. It features such distinguished speakers as former NCCA Chair Felipe de Leon; Architects Gerard Lico, Paulo Alcarazen, Christian Salandanan, Ning Encarnacion-Tan, Markel Luna, Rino Fernandez, Rosette Santos and Dan Lichauco; art historian Patrick Flores; author and artist Elmer Nocheseda; design creatives Leo Almeria, Medilen Singh, and Len Cabili; performance artist Joey Ayala; and the custodians of Bobby Mañosa’s legacy – his three children, Dino, Bambi and Ar. Gelo Mañosa. 

Each lecture can only accommodate 150 students. Admission is free.

“Mañosa: Beyond Architecture” is co-presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum, and the Mañosa Group of Companies. It is produced by the Mañosa Group’s Tukod Foundation, and made possible with the support of Mañosa Properties, Philippine Wine Merchants, Aurelio's, FGU Builders, Matimco, Timbermate-HMT Industries Corp, Davies Paints, Kenneth & Mock Designs, Lixil Corp., and PhilConch.

For updates on the “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture exhibit and lecture series, visit https://www.facebook.com/franciscomanosa.exhibit or email exhibit@manosa.com

About Mañosa Properties, Inc.

Mañosa Properties, Inc. is a boutique residential development firm, formed in 2009 as the real estate arm of the Mañosa Group of companies. In the few years since its inception, the company has made its mark in the upscale property development arena, earning recognition for creating artisanal urban communities which combine the best of sustainable Filipino design with earth-friendly innovations and professional property management. Its projects include: Lantana Lane, Ylang Lane and Campanilla Lane in New Manila, and Tagô in Tagaytay City.

DICT and PCTO to hold the 1st Philippine Telecoms Summit

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DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima speaks to the media during the Philippine Telecoms Summit Press Briefing on February 22, 2017

“The consensus among all players is to work on concrete solutions. It will not be a blame game. This way, we will be able to move forward and fast track ICT,” shared Eric De Los Reyes, Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), during the Press Briefing of the first ever Philippine Telecoms Summit. Held at Via Mare Restaurant, on February 22, 2017, the media briefing was attended by heads of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and PCTO, and representatives from Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

PCTO, in partnership with DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), brings together the Telecommunications Industry’s stakeholders, comprising of government agencies and regulators, industry players, experts, and consumers in one event to address the problems and issues surrounding the state of Telecommunications in the country today.

The PH Telecoms Summit will address three main concerns: Cost, Coverage, and Speed of telecommunication services in the country, and how these can be fixed with the cooperation of all stakeholders. Representatives from the different interest groups will be given the opportunity to deliver their concerns and establish dialogue with all the participants. DICT Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima promises that the Summit will be a no-holds-barred discussion; “I want the problems and challenges all out during the Summit, because if not, we will not know how to find a solution,” he added during the Briefing.

“The problem of one is the problem of all,” reiterated the Secretary, emphasizing the shared responsibilities among the government, the private, and the public sectors. With the goal of using Telecommunications as a tool for Nation Building, the two-day summit serves as a vehicle towards better internet and telecoms services.

Secretary Salalima concluded his statement with a message: “You have the power to use ICT as an enabler for education, enterprise, governance, and social empowerment.”

The Philippine Telecoms Summit 2017 will be held on March 9 and 10, 2017 at The PICC Forum, Pasay City, Manila. Follow DICT on Facebook, Twitter, and http://dict.gov.ph for updates.

#IAmYou - Opening Minds, Opening Hearts, An International Leadership Summit in Inclusive Education

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For the first time, educators, legislators, service providers, support groups/associations, international organizations, disabled people organizations, international and local students and parents gather together at the SMX Convention Center Manila on February 22-24, 2017 to set the cornerstone for building an intentional and proactive community for inclusive education. The theme of this event is I Am You – Opening Minds, Opening Hearts: Putting Values into Action.

Given the broad scope of inclusive education that encompasses people with disabilities, indigenous people, Muslims and other marginalized communities, most of the topics and discussion at this February Summit will focus on people with disabilities. The end goal is to build on this Summit, the beginning of a series of conferences, the greater essence of inclusive education – education for all.

Vice President Leni Robredo will grace the event in providing welcome remarks together with Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely, UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander and SM Supermalls President Anna Maria Garcia. Senator Bam Aquino and Congressman Alfred Vargas are expected to present the joint bill to serve the people with disabilities worked on by the organizing committee spearheaded by the Fully Abled Nation. They will be joined by Engineer Bien Mateo of SM Cares, Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi of Unilab Foundation, Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga of the National Council on Disability Affairs and Atty. Adel Tamano to share their programs and messages of inspiration.

Renowned international experts in inclusive education are expected to provide the keynotes at the Summit, namely Professor Tony Booth from the University of Cambridge, celebrated author of the Index for Inclusion (translated into 40 languages), and David Hoff of the Boston based Institute for Community Inclusion.

We also have extraordinary people sharing their overcoming-disability-to succeed success stories - Sarah Jane Dela Rosa, a 22 year old student with cerebral palsy fully included in a regular class; Erick Marco Ramos, the first blind person to qualify for the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program administered by the US Fulbright Commission and currently a faculty member at Philippine Normal University; Dr. Rex Bernardo from the University of Sydney, currently a professor of Mabini Colleges; and Joy Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Tahanan ng Walang Hagdan. Finally, Mr. Tony Llanes, the blind founder of ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of Visually Impaired) will be demonstrating digital resources for the blind.

Schools, both public and private, parents, service providers and support groups will share best practices/perspectives on how inclusion works for their children. They will also be joined by highly respected developmental and behavioral pediatricians namely Dr. Francis Dimalanta and Dr. Stella Manalo and the Harvard graduates from the International Education Policy program.

One of the program highlights will include the showing of the powerfully moving documentary “Yakap”, which follows the lives of three families of children with special needs, produced by Dolores Cheng of the Center of Possibilities. Along with this is the exhibition of #DrawDisability, a global art campaign launched by the United Nations Secretary General’s Global Education First Initiative (GEFI), in partnership with the Global Observatory for Inclusion (GLOBI) and the United Nations Global Education First Initiative Youth Advocacy Group (GEFI-YAG).

The Summit aims to call for a unified response – #YesToInclusion and to spearhead a movement that will advocate for the right of the individual with a disability to be educated along with his/her peers in the regular classroom.

For registrations to the summit and corporate sponsorships, please visit www.theteachersgallery.com,www.iamyouinclusion.net or contact Mai Roble at 0977-8095110 or 0998-554-8522 or 02-352-2675.

About the Organizers: The Summit is co-presented by The Teacher’s Gallery and SMX/SM Cares and is supported in planning by Basic Education Transformation Sector (BEST), the Unilab Project Inclusion, The Asia Foundation/Fully Abled Nation, Best Buddies, Save the Children, ATRIEV, Norfil Foundation, Center for Possibilities Foundation Inc., Leonard Cheshire Disability, CEU Inclusion Program, Reach International, UP College of Education, and the Philippine Association for Teachers Educators (PAFTE).

The main organizer, The Teacher’s Gallery (TTG), is a social enterprise formed out of an advocacy for inclusive education and a drive to empower teachers in their role of nation building. TTG offers transformational educational programs that include Global Study Tours (US, Canada, UK and Southeast Asia) where participants observe several US inclusive classrooms, and engage with their peers. TTG co-founder, Ms. Lilibeth Aristorenas, was inspired to form this organization from the challenges observed at Precious Gem Academy, Another Home to Grow and Creative Learner’s Home, small schools she also co-founded nestled in Fairview, Quezon City, focused on continuously improving their inclusive practice.

The summit is held in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and the SMX Convention Center. SM Cares advocacies include programs on persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth, women and breastfeeding, OFWs (SM Global Pinoy), environment and sustainability and social entrepreneurship. SM Cares’ program on persons with disabilities has instituted key programs to address the needs of PWDs which earned its reputation of being the most PWD-friendly mall in the country.

Autism Society Gets a Virtual Hug from International Community

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For the first time in 17 years, Angels Walk – an annual march to bring awareness of autism in the Philippines – was viewed worldwide via livestream. The international autism community, along with families and supporters, saw a record-breaking number of participants march around the SM Mall of Asia grounds coming from inside the jampacked MOA Arena.

Around 24,000 online registrants expressed their interest to participate in this year’s event, with more on the wait-list trooping straight to the venue. The activity started inside the MOA Arena with entertainment coming from talented performers with autism, with no less than Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez cheering from the audience.

ASEAN Deputy Secretary General HE Dr. AKP Mochtan witnessed the event, along with Hans Sy of SM Prime Holdings, Annie Garcia of SM Supermalls, and other leaders from the public sector. Delegates from Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand were also present.

“We consider this event as one virtual group hug. Once a year, if you have a child with autism, you can come to MOA Arena without fear of judgment,” said Mona Magno-Veluz, president of Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP). “The theme is Philippines A-Ok, which means we want the Philippines to be okay with autism. We want a more inclusive society for autistic people where they get equal opportunities.” 

“This used to be just a gathering of parents with autism. Today, since we have grown by leaps and bounds, we have to be more sophisticated with mounting our event so we can appeal to this wider audience,” Veluz added.

ASP got a big boost from the free use of the venue, with volunteers giving their expertise in production. SM, through its CSR arm SM Cares, has been supporting Angels Walk since 2007.

“We took the challenge that Mr. Hans Sy gave us a few years back, to raise the number of participants for Angels Walk. True to his word, he gave us MOA Arena as a new venue to accommodate the thousands more who wanted to participate,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM VP for Operations and Director for Program on Disability Affairs. “In 2016, SM Food Retail started training persons with autism in several branches. There is an intention to continue and expand this program this year to more branches nationwide.”

Angels Walk was also held in Davao, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, and other provincial areas. Delegates came to the MOA Arena from different parts of the country and abroad, coming from as far as the US and Canada. ASP is part of the ASEAN Autism Network, and is currently working for accreditation as ASEAN NGO.

One gift, a million blessings

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Eddie and Raquel Bigay carry their first born Ernie.

It was the 90s and Eddie and Raquel Bigay had worked for the life they wanted. The pair successfully built a business in Paranaque after years of selling fish, and they lived with their kids Ernie, May Ann and Lady Lyn.

That is until tragedy struck. Eddie died unexpectedly from a second operation to remove his cirrhosis. But even with his passing, the family man was still able to provide comfort to his grieving family. He left them the gift of starting over, courtesy of a reliable partner, Insular Life." 

Blessed with the gift of life and lucrative business, Raquel confidently shares her story with Insular life. 

A million reasons to hold

“I think he really thought his decision through. Maybe it scared him that we would be alone to fend for ourselves. How will I send the kids to school? How will I look after them? What will I do with hospital bills?” Raquel shared.

She recalls seeing financial advisor Marietta “Ayie” Lantican in their shop and how they talked about death and plans. Raquel knew their finances well, and so she called the financial advisor when the hour came for Eddie.

But nothing would have prepared her for his last gift—one million pesos from Eddie’s Insular Life insurance policy. It was more than enough to pay for the hospital bills and the funeral service, and she didn’t have to give up the life they have built together. 

Widowed at 33, Raquel took charge of the family and the business. “We felt that things were difficult for mama, but for us kids, life continued as it was. I thought mama will transfer me and my sister to a public school or maybe dismiss our tutor back then, but nothing changed. Our quality of life remained,” recalled Ernie.

Death was not going to end what Raquel and Eddie built. Instead, it gave Raquel a chance to explore other opportunities and apply her knack for business. With the insurance proceeds as back -up funds, Raquel with the help of her mother, siblings and her young children dared to continue the fish dealership /retailing. Through the years, she slowly but successfully expanded to other lines of businesses.

Now all grown up, Ernie works with Raquel in growing their businesses, Mary Ann works with China Bank ( IT group) and the youngest, Lady is a software developer with Orbium.

A strong “no” to catastrophe

Ayie only laughs when she recalled how Eddie and Raquel rejected her proposal outright. She told Eddie in jest, “I check the fish you offer me for quality and I buy them if it meets my standard. The two of you haven’t even seen my goods and you refused me outright.”

Eddie’s laughter signaled the start of their friendship and professional bond. For two years, she would help Eddie prepare for whatever life gives him. And good thing he was prepared, for he left his family’s Magandang Buhay intact. 

“I tell people, you can’t control everything. Even simple things like growing old everyday is out of their hands. Life doesn’t see them as a vendor, business owner, or chairman of the board,” said Ayie. This is why Insular Life helps them realize their unspoken dreams, including the ones they hold for their family and even grandchildren.

It has been almost 25 years since Eddie left and 27 years since he took Ayie’s advice. These two women have returned his gift in manifold ways. All family members now have their own policies and are enjoying their Magandang Buhay. Despite receiving the returns from her investments, Raquel still intends to work on her next project: augment her pension earnings, become independent for all her days, and secure an even better Magandang Bukas.

PCOO holds a milestone all media gathering on Social Media

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MANILA, Feb. 21 - The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will be holding a milestone gathering of the country's influential media, communications, and public relations personalities on Thursday, February 23, at the Bahay ng Alumni, the University of the Philippines - Diliman in Quezon City.

The PCOO-initiated event, dubbed #AllMediaPH, aims to acknowledge the power of social media and present the draft Social Media Policy before various interest groups and industry stakeholders, which include the academe, students, bloggers, mainstream media, and those in the legal profession.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, who will deliver the keynote address, is receptive to the idea of allowing social media practitioners, i.e., bloggers, to cover the Palace's activities.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier granted the request of some bloggers and social media supporters to cover Palace events during their meeting with the Chief Executive in Malacanan.

Andanar acknowledged the role these bloggers played in disseminating information to the public.

"The bloggers come in because there is an evolution of the media and the bloggers always tell me about Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution," Secretary Andanar said, referring to the Bill of Rights on the freedom of speech and of expression.

This same Article, the PCO Chief said, has become his basis to consider giving bloggers media accreditation to cover the Palace's events.

Social media platforms have given their users a similar power of spreading information and forming public opinion, making it imperative for the government to consider social media and its platforms, alongside traditional media channels, in developing its communications strategy and communicating directly with the people.

Nonetheless, Andanar, being a former media personality, is aware of the difference between the mainstream media and the bloggers. "I'm from the media. We are accountable to our editors, accountable to our bosses, and that's the difference. And also the discipline," he said.

Andanar also underscored the fact that since bloggers work independently, they have different sets of standards.

"We're in interesting times wherein we are seeing bloggers with names become bigger than anyone... It's a phenomenon that we have to embrace, at the same time we also have to control," he said, pointing out that social media is a new way of disseminating information.

Hence, it is important, the PCO Chief said, that bloggers must have a personality, not anonymous so that they can be held accountable if they write something libelous.

Andanar is looking forward to talking and consult with resource persons and representatives of various sectors during the event in a bid to come up with a social media framework that is acceptable to all concerned.

Some of the event's important highlights include the presentation of draft Social Media Policy, knowing the stand and opinions of resource persons, and a plenary discussion. (PCOO)

OPPO Philippines sealed its partnership with TV5's Philippines’ Next Top Model

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TV5's Philippines’ Next Top Model officially signs up mobile technology brand OPPO as phone partner. Last February 18, in a gala held at City of Dreams Manila, OPPO announced that they are now the major sponsor of the Philippines’ Next Top Model (PNTM): High Street, the latest incarnation of the model search’s Philippine franchise.

“America’s Next Top model was a worldwide sensation that several countries had their own edition of the internationally renowned television contest. We are proud to be part of this show’s new Philippine edition,” said OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng. “Like the brand’s collaboration with the team behind America’s Next Top Model, we hope to be just as successful here in the country.”

“This is also an opportunity for us to show the other side of the OPPO brand which puts prime on fashion and lifestyle,” he added.

The phone for the upcoming PNTM cycle is yet to be revealed, OPPO announced that it will sign up the show’s top three models as online influencers.

OPPO was the official partner of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) Cycle 22, which aired in 2015. Contestants were given selfie challenges involving the camera features of the OPPO R7 and R7 Plus: Beautify, Double Exposure, and Panorama.

America’s Next Top Model premiered in May 2003. Tyra Banks, the show’s creator and executive producer, served as the head judge for 22 cycles. The model search aired semiannually until 2012, and then annually in 2013, the year British singer and actress Rita Ora replaced Banks as the head judge. 

The Kapatid Network, which aired two seasons of Asia’s Next Top Model, announced auditions in early January this year after acquiring production and airing rights. Former Binibining Pilipinas-World Maggie Wilson will head the panel of judges that will choose the winner among 24 contestants.

Other judges will include celebrity stylist Rain Dagala and Professional Models Association of the Philippines President Raf Kiefer.

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About OPPO

OPPO is a global electronics and technology service provider that provides customers with the latest and most exquisite electronic devices and mobile Internet service. OPPO delivers customers with the most delightful electronic experience that is full of surprises, through meticulous designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit http://global.oppo.com.

Epson launches tablet-friendly Point-of-Sale (POS) receipt printer, TM-m30, one of the smallest stationary printers in the world

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Epson, a world leader in printing and digital imaging solutions, is launching its latest POS printer, the TM-m30 printer designed for tablet-based systems. One of the smallest desktop receipt printers in the world, the stylishly compact printer is suitable for retail and hospitality environments, especially those with limited space, and can easily be fitted in any workspace.

Suitable for retail businesses looking to move towards a smart device POS system, the TM-m30 is designed for fast and trouble-free set-up on iOS, Android and Windows mobile devices. Its innovative ePOS-print technology enables direct printing from any tablet, laptop or mobile device through the web browser, without the need to install or update drivers.

It comes with a wide variety of connectivity options including USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, as well as NFC, which enables the printer to be easily paired with the device. Wireless printing and communications via QR code pairing or optional Wi-Fi adapter is also possible for added convenience.

The sleek POS printer allows for flexible placement and can be placed horizontally or vertically, with flexibility of front or top loading options. It also comes with an optional wall mounting bracket for the smallest retail environments. It also has paper-saving features which include backward paper feeding for printing of other information such as logo.

“Occupying only half the size of a traditional POS printer, the Epson mobile POS printer is the first of its kind in the market and is designed exclusively for today’s advanced POS environment. Its superior connectivity and ease of set up makes it the ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance their business retail operations, and to move towards a seamless tablet POS system,” said Ms. Thea Austria, Product Manager for POS Systems, Epson Philippines.