‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’ for marine conservation opens at Solaire

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In celebration of World Oceans Day, captivating underwater photos of multi-awarded photographers Anna Varona and Danny Ocampo presents ‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’ for marine conservation opens at Solaire. 

The exhibit is to highlight the beauty of the Philippine oceans and the urgent need to protect them and also to help the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines in their continuous efforts to conserve Philippine oceans and the communities that greatly depend on them.

WWF-Philippines’ work in protecting the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park inspired the declaration of a one million hectare of MPA by the Municipal Government of Cagayancillo through a municipal ordinance covering its entire municipal waters and surrounding open sea. 

A sea turtle seen at the waters of Tubbataha Reefs National Park

The exhibit showcases a visual spectacle that will allow the public to see the beauty of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) such as the Marine Sanctuary in Tingloy, Batangas, Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Cagayancillo and Tubbataha in Palawan, and Tañon Strait in the Visayas. 

Anna Varona and Danny Ocampo presents ‘Rule of Two-Thirds Underwater Photo Exhibit’

Anna Varona, who is a responsible tourism advocate and a marine warrior on top of being a professional photographer, believes that this endeavor is very much aligned with the 2017 World Oceans Day’s theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Future’ because it aims to spread awareness on the role of MPAs in long-term food security.

“MPAs ensure that our coastal resources are given the chance to regenerate and provide us food now and in the future. Aside from that, our fishermen are given much more stable and sustainable livelihood,” she said. 

One of the featured photographs in the Rule of 2/3rd Exhibit.

Danny Ocampo, who also campaigns for ethical and responsible diving and photography, hopes to influence tourists to be more responsible when they visit MPAs, especially since Apo Island has been instrumental in his journey towards marine conservation work. 

“Apo Island continues to inspire not only me but hundreds of individuals, organizations and policy makers here and abroad who have been there. Sadly, its popularity is beginning to be its bane and measures have to be taken to ensure that tourism and conservation complement each other,” he stated. 

Canon Philippines sponsored the printing of all portraits including the postcard versions of select photos that will be sold to help the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

The exhibit, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, is open to the public until June 22, 2017.

UN women’s forum features Coca-Cola Philippines 5by20 partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

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(Courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women)

The UNCSW 61 session was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City with the theme “Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work.”The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) recently concluded its 61st session at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

A local delegation to the UNCSW session was led by officials of the Philippine Commission on Women; the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); and Coca-Cola Philippines.

(Courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women)

Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Dr. Rhodora Bucoy deliberates the stand of the Philippine delegation on the sphere of women economic empowerment.

During the two-week forum, a parallel event session entitled "Here4Her: Making Reintegration Work for Filipino Women Migrant Workers" featured the partnership of Coca-Cola Philippines and DOLE under the Women Entrepreneurs Reintegrated and Economically Active at Home (WOMEN REACH) program.

Through the panel discussion, Coca-Cola and DOLE were able to share the journey and accomplishments of the WOMEN REACH program during its first year of implementation.

Panel speakers (from left) DOLE National Reintegration Commission for OFWs (NRCO) Executive Director Chona Mantilla; DOLE Assistant Secretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; Cabinet Undersecretary Gloria Tango of the office of the Office of the President of the Philippines; and Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, together with the rest of the Philippine delegation.

Among the panelists were DOLE National Reintegration Commission for OFWs Executive Director Chona Mantilla; Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan; DOLE Assistant Secretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado; and moderated by Cabinet Undersecretary Gloria Tango of the Office of the President of the Philippines.

"The WOMEN REACH program partnership was conceptualized to help facilitate women economic empowerment and the effective reintegration of returning women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by providing them access to livelihood programs, building their entrepreneurship know-how and connecting them to resources that will help them establish their own small enterprises," shared Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability and 5by20 Lead.

The WOMEN REACH program is a collaboration of the 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program initiatives of Coca-Cola Philippines and the Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood) centers of DOLE. Central to the program intervention is to help improve the plight of returning women OFWs and mitigation measures to help address the impact of the feminization of migration to women OFWs and their families.

Coca-Cola Philippines, represented by Sustainability and 5by20 Lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, is the only private sector panelist invited by the UNCSW 61 Philippine delegation.

The STAR Program is part of the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to help economically empower five million women by 2020. Present in over 80 countries, the Philippines is a lead market in the said global initiative. DOLE’s Assist WELL center, on the other hand, is an integrated resources accessing mechanism established to address the challenges faced by returning women OFWs in the areas of welfare, employment, legal, and livelihood needs. The expertise and resources of these two programs posits a promising intervention that will help women OFW stakeholders under the WOMEN REACH Program.

The UNCSW panel discussion served as a platform for the sharing and exchanging of ideas and experiences both from the panel speakers as well as the audience in the constantly evolving world of work for women overseas workers.#

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. 

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

10 Reasons why you shouldn't miss this year's MAFBEX

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Are you ready for the Ultimate Foodventure?

It’s that time of the year again for the biggest food show in the country – the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo, bringing together a flurry of gastronomic wonders on June 14 to 18, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the World Trade Center Manila. Organized by MAFBEX Events Management (a subsidiary of Worldbex Services International) and presented in cooperation with the Young Hoteliers Exposition and the Organization of Bar Professionals, this year’s show is sure to be packed with tons of surprises and exclusive events. 

To give you an idea, here are some among the many reasons why you should not miss the 11th MAFBEX!

1. Tasting Opportunities

Set to occupy a total of 15,000 sqm of exhibition space, which will house close to 500 exhibitors, explore and sample the diverse array of food and beverage products from both local and international brands. 

2. Fresh Local Produce 

Presented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, a special pavilion will be showcasing local and homegrown goods from all over the country. Among these include Guzto, Pia, Bahaghari Banana Chips, Merl's Delicacies, The Cracking Monkey, Seaweed Products, Wild Honey, Coconut Oil, Organic Salted Eggs, and Tamarraw rice among many others. Select regional offices including the Regional Field Office I, II, III, and IVA will also display their local produce at the pavilion.

3. Franchising Zone

More than just a destination for foodies, those who wish to venture into the food business are encouraged to visit the Franchising Zone. Among the participating companies include Delicious / Feicitas, KJA Globe, Mega Food Cart, Fosse Coffee Kiosk, Masterchef, David Fusion, JC Worldwide, and Pampanga’s Best.

4. Chefs of the World

A highly-anticipated event highlight at MAFBEX shows, the Chefs of the World gives you a unique opportunity to witness renowned chefs in action and even talk to them during the meet & greet session! Headlining this year’s Chefs of the World are Pokwang, Chef Sharwin Tee, Chef Deejay Santos, Chef Michelle Adrillana, Chef Mitchie Sison, Chef Philip Goulding, and Chef Alain Rion of Sofitel, to name a few.

5. Free MAFBEX Seminars

Feed not only your tummy but also your mind at this year’s MAFBEX Seminars. Open to all and free of charge, learn a thing or two straight from the F&B industry’s top practitioners and influencers.

6. Live Cooking Demos

Wouldn’t it be great if you could prepare your favorite dishes at home? Learn from the best as MAFBEX hosts a series of cooking demos by the most prominent chefs in the country such as Chef Boy Logro, Chef Dang Adrias, Chef Jackie & Maai Florendo, and Chef Xavier Btesh.

7. YHE Interschool Competition

Want to try something new? From a grueling Black Box challenge and Cake Decorating Competition to the Flair Cup 2017, Market Basket Challenge, and the Mocktail Punch Competition, bear witness to live culinary competitions for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

8. National Bartending Championships

Enjoy a boozy spectacle with the first-ever HRAP National Bartending Championships. To showcase their bottle flipping and flair skills at the Flairtending Competition are representatives from the Baguio Country Club, Cafe Havana, Dusit Thani Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Resorts World Manila. Meanwhile, to showcase their cocktail concoctions on the spot at the Classic Bartender Competition are contests from the Baguio Country Club, Diamond Hotel, Dusit Thani Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel, Sofitel, Bellevue Manila, and OKADA.

9. MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition

Like a scene straight out of your favorite reality cooking competition show, feel the action heat up as amateurs battle it out for this year’s MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition. Divided into two rounds, the semi-finals and the grand finals, home chefs will be tasked to collect their ingredients on the spot and cook up a culinary masterpiece for the honor of being hailed as champion as well as a chance to win awesome prizes.

10. Eat for a cause

It’s not every day that you eat and get to help someone in need. At MAFBEX, you get to do both as part of the proceeds of the show will go to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.

For more information, you may follow #MAFBEX on Facebook and Instagram!

Ed Sheeran announces Tour dates across Asia! Manila, MOA Concert Grounds on Nov. 7

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(Manila, 8 June)—AEG Presents and Ovation Productions are excited to announce that celebrated singer songwriter Ed Sheeran is bringing his highly anticipated World Tour toManila on 7 November 2017 at the MOA Concert Grounds. Tickets for the show priced at P13040, 11450, 8290, 4060, 3010, 1950 will be sold starting 10 June 2017 at www.smtickets.com.

ED CONTINUES TO DOMINATE THE CHARTS WORLDWIDE WITH

“SHAPE OF YOU” & “CASTLE ON THE HILL” (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

÷ (DIVIDE) OUT NOW

The touring news comes straight off the back of a phenomenal few weeks for 26-year-old Ed Sheeran. Kicking-off music in 2017 and delivering the biggest musical comeback in recent years, Ed’s dual singles “Shape Of You” and “Castle On The Hill” have taken the globe by storm, hitting the #1 and #2 spots across the charts worldwide while seeing the Suffolk native break a magnitude of records along the way. On course to cement his third week at #1 & #2 respectively in the UK’s Official Singles Chart tomorrow [Ed made OCC history as the first-ever artist to land the two spots respectively with two brand new tracks], Ed recently conquered more milestones in the USA after landing his first-ever #1 as a performer on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Shape Of You" - with "Castle On The Hill" sitting closely behind at #6 on the chart, Ed also became the first artist to debut in Billboard's 'Top 10' with two songs simultaneously. Not to mention the huge assortment of Spotify records broken by the troubadour this month, making history with their biggest-ever ‘one week’ and ‘one day’ streams for a track, globally with “Shape Of You” (the records were previously held by Drake’s “One Dance” and Adele’s “Hello”, respectively). Moreover, Ed topped the streaming service’s biggest-ever opening 24 hour streams with both singles, surpassing previous title holders, One Direction. Reaching 132 combined #1 iTunes positions around the world and accomplishing Apple Music’s biggest-ever ‘day’ and ‘one week’ streams, the two singles have accumulated over 370 MILLION worldwide streams to date. Launched on Monday, Ed’s official video for “Castle On The Hill”, which was shot in his native Framlingham, Suffolk, has already reached over 10 million hits!

In addition to Ed’s epic rise with his recorded music, the Suffolk-born artist has also broken records in the live sphere over recent years. In July 2015 Ed took to the stage of Wembley Stadium, solo, becoming the first-ever artist to headline the prestigious venue without a band - with just his trademark loop pedal and guitar – seeing him play to 240,000 people over three consecutive sold-out nights! Securing a very special collaboration with Sir Elton John on the opening night, Ed followed with the release of his live DVD ‘Jumpers for Goalposts’ at the end of 2015, documenting the lead-up and live performances from the Wembley weekend. Moreover, not only has Ed caught the headlines with his phenomenal solo concerts, he's also been involved in an array of spellbinding collaborative performances over his career to date, further proving his colossal status in the musical world - in 2012, Ed performed at the London Olympics' closing ceremony alongside members of Pink Floyd and Genesis for a very special version of "Wish You Were Here" and in 2015, Ed shared the stage with Beyonce and Gary Clark Jr. at that year's Grammy tribute for Stevie Wonder.

Ed Sheeran’s genre-defying third studio album ÷ (divide) was released on 3rd March through Asylum/Atlantic Records (available now). 

TOUR DATES

October 

* Sun             Oct. 22                   -                Taipei

* Wed            Oct. 25                   -                Osaka

* Sun             Oct. 29                   -                Seoul

* Tues            Oct. 31                  -                Tokyo

November 

* Wed             Nov. 1                  -                 Tokyo

* Sat               Nov. 4                  -                  Hong Kong

* Sun              Nov. 5                  -                  Hong Kong

* Tue              Nov. 7                  -                  Manila

* Thu              Nov. 9                  -                  Jakarta 

* Sat               Nov. 11                -                  Singapo re

* Sun              Nov. 12                -                  Singapore 

* Tue              Nov. 14                -                  Kuala Lumpur 

* Thu              Nov. 16               -                   Bangkok

* Sun              Nov. 19               -                    Mumbai 

* Thu              Nov. 23               -                    Dubai 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

About AEG Presents

AEG Presents, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Presents is comprised of touring, festival, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, fifteen regional offices and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. AEG Presents’ touring divisions of Concerts West, Atlanta Worldwide Touring, The Messina Group, AEG Presents New York, Asia, Europe, and Marshall Arts consistently promotes and produces top 10 international tours.

www.aegpresents.com

facebook.com/AEGPresentsAsia

Instagram @AEGPresentsAsia

Globe partners with teacher training innovators for Global Filipino Schools program

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Globe Telecom is collaborating with renowned teaching innovators in the country to kick off a series of teacher training workshops on 21st Century teaching methodologies and concepts to public school teachers in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The three teaching innovators—“Mano Amiga,” “Habi Education Lab” and “Affordable Private Education Center (APEC) Schools”—were chosen based on their excellent, innovative, and creative methods and approaches to learning.

Globe Telecom, Teacher Trainers, and participants from public school from around the country.

Mano Amiga Academy, Inc. is a non-profit learning institution that provides low-income communities access to international quality education, sustainable livelihood and community development while Habi Education Lab is a design and research group that works to empower schools and educators on learning through capacity-building workshops and collaborative research projects. On the other hand, Affordable Private Education Center, Inc. (APEC Schools) seeks to transform thousands of Filipino lives by providing high-quality yet affordable education and produce graduates that are ready for college and professional employment.

The “Teacher Training Workshop on 21st Century Learning” is a key component of the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program which includes internet connectivity, ICT equipment, and infrastructure support. The teacher training component includes workshops on how to maximize the use of technology in the classroom, and project-based learning. 

“We want the next generation to discover lifelong learning opportunities as well as enjoy inclusive and equitable quality education as being espoused by UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 4. GFS brings us one step closer towards that goal. Altogether, all the components of GFS are vital cogs that aim to create a holistic impact to transform learning experiences of public school students and make them more aware and adept at using technology in order to learn,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Among the topics to be introduced by the chosen teaching institutions during the intensive five-day workshop are the integration of ICT in the classroom, design thinking and 21st Century learning approaches. The first of the three workshops will be conducted at the Globe Telecom training area in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

The objective is to transform 120 teachers from various provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and make them DepEd trainers and experts adept at providing 21st Century learning. They will then be responsible for cascading what they learned during the workshops to the other public schools within their own divisions. This is in consonance with the GFS program’s goal of establishing teacher training hubs on 21st Century learning through public school partnerships.

“We certainly look forward to sharing with the public sector our best practices in Mano Amiga. Being part of the GFS program is also an amazing opportunity for us to gain insights from the diverse participants who will come from different parts of the country. Hopefully, this teacher training program will create an ecosystem of innovative educators who will produce students well-equipped with modern learning techniques and be able to thrive in a 21st century learning setup,” said Eleanor Pinugu, Executive Director, Mano Amiga Academy, Inc.

For its part, Gerson Abesamis, Executive Director of Habi Education Lab said: “Globe is looking at teachers and schools not as simple beneficiaries but as partners. We’re excited to work with Globe on empowering fellow teachers to become technology and innovation champions in their respective schools and communities. We’re not just teaching or training them, but we provide them with tools and mindsets so collaboratively, we can transform student learning in public schools. Hopefully they come out of the program more adept in using technology, less afraid of failure and experimentation, more reflective about teaching, and more responsive towards the needs of our students.”

Lastly, Joie Lopez, Chief Executive Officer of APEC Schools said: “APEC Schools is excited about the partnership with Globe especially as GFS aims to train school teachers nationwide. We are looking forward to other ​collaboration ​opportunities ​in education ​​where we can really help.”

When asked to comment on the program’s values to public school teachers, Marge Ballesteros, Director IV, External Partnerships Service of DepEd, thanked Globe Telecom and its other partners and stakeholders. “Globe Telecom is one of our partners who take their share in helping apply and maximize ICT integration in public school classrooms. We are very happy that Globe is investing long term in teacher training and 21st Century Learning, as it is through internet access, proper use of technology, and investment in teachers that we can truly deliver quality education in public schools and keep pace globally.”

Globe Telecom continues its strong and long-term partnership with DepEd through the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) Program in order to move forward 21st Century learning in public schools nationwide. The program provides select public schools in all DepEd divisions with support such as Internet connectivity, and mobile devices such as tablets and projectors. The program started with one pilot school in Bohol and has since expanded to 142 schools covering partnerships in 16 of the 18 regions around the country. The program is now present in 134 DepEd divisions with a commitment to be in all divisions by year 2020. 

Sanerra: Ovialand's newest development in San Pablo City

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From the success of Terrazza de Sto Tomas in the gateway of the Southern Metro of Sto. Tomas,  Batangas, Ovialand is proud to unveil its newest affordable premier development. Located along the Maharlika National Highway in San Pablo City, Laguna, Sannera boasts of 55% open spaces using tropical modern asian design while keeping the lush greens the province is known for. 

Sannera is a 5.2-hectare property that will have 340 premiere house and lot units. The project will also include a top-of-the-line swimming pool and club house facility similar to what is offered at Terrazza de Sto. Tomas development in Batangas. 

Properties at Sanerra is priced from P1.7 million up to P2.9 million. 

"We are bringing this development in San Pablo City to offer affordable premiere living for the more discerning market in the area. We want to promote 'resort living' in this residential community since Laguna is known for its hot spring resorts," said Fatima Olivares-Vital, business unit head of Ovialand. 

Ovialand stays true to its commitment in giving Filipinos the chance not just to own an affordable home with premier qualities, but at the same time the chance to invest their hard-earned money by ensuring the increasing appreciation of the property values of their developments. Not only are they growing their assets, they are also ensuring a gift that they can pass on to their children.

Ovialand chose San Pablo City for its latest project as it recognizes CALABARZON (Region IV) as a resolute region that is enjoying aggressive growth and development. 

"Cities like San Pablo are experiencing strong economic activity. There is a new generation of successful businessmen, OFWs and Professionals from the area that are seeking the Premier lifestyle they deserve while they strive daily for success. That is the added value that we are giving them, aside from the value-for-money investment we are giving them, we also want to make sure that they can sit and relax while enjoying their wise investment" explains Fatima Olivares - Vital.