Via Venetto, a world-class Pinoy shoe brand

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“World-class” has become a buzzword in today’s increasingly globalized economy. In a market that welcomes the influx of products from everywhere, only those with truly special offerings survive. Via Venetto is one such brand.

Founded in 1973, exporting to the United States of America, France and Singapore, Via Venetto is a company that draws upon a cherished shoemaking tradition in the Philippines – one carried on by families in the neighborhoods of Marikina and Liliw, even as cheap, low-quality shoes are being mass produced by the thousands in China and other Asian countries. 

Amid the threat of growing competition, the people behind Via Venetto were unafraid to ask themselves: “How do we keep our shoes world-class?” The answer, it appears, lay in sticking to what the company has championed over the years: a strong commitment to quality, handcrafted craftsmanship, and solid support and appreciation of the highly skilled Filipino artisan. 

A trusted brand

Since its foray into the shoe business in 1973, Via Venetto has enjoyed a strong following among women of style, with its collection of shoes that are touted to be at par with the world’s finest. Not surprisingly, the brand has earned an iconic status in the Philippine shoe industry.

“Our clients have grown old with us, and it’s a matter of pride for us. We enjoy the trust of many lolas, moms and titas, and we are thankful for that,” reveals Ms. Ging Pajaro, President of Via Venetto. Ging shares that the brand’s designs also cater to teens, women aged 25 to 35, young executives, upward mobile young professionals and the daughters, pamangkins, and apos of their patrons of many, many years.

Via Venetto has since launched new shoe collections that are set to catch the eye of the younger set. Now gracing their racks at Greenbelt, Glorietta, Ayala Town Center, SM Megamall, and Trinoma are ballerina flats and loafers in a variety of shades, as well as platforms, classic pumps, sandals, slingbacks, wedges, and mules with trendy woven, in glittery leathers, snakeskin, patent and new fashion finishes.

While they now sport a contemporary look, somehow the shoes still embody Via Venetto’s distinct aesthetic: made of fine Italian and European leathers, classy, and durable. After all, behind each pair is the brand’s 40 year-tradition of shoemaking.

Fatto a Mano

Via Venetto takes pride in a 39-step process of shoemaking by hand (or in Italian, fatto a mano), a practice inspired by some of the world’s most renowned brands and perfected by the company for over four decades.

Crafting shoes at the Via Venetto factory in Marikina begins with the conceptualization of a shoe design, as well as its translation into a working pattern. This is followed by the cutting, preparation, and closing of the upper, during which the leather is cut by hand or a machine, folded, and sewn together.

The shoemaker will then prepare the counter, outsole, insole, heel, and toplift, which are skived (cut into thin layers), buffed (smoothed), pressed, cemented, and nailed, before they are placed inside shoe lasts or wooden molds. After the lasting comes the attachment of the sole and heel.

Finally, the shoes undergo buffing, painting, polishing and cleaning, to the shoe tree for quality control, and are placed in boxes for distribution to stores, where they are sure to be ogled, touched and tried on by enthusiastic customers.

World-class 

In the face of the tougher competition brought by the onslaught of cheaper, imported shoes and knock-offs, Ging and the rest of the people behind Via Venetto are unperturbed.

“At Via Venetto, we have always stayed true to our cherished tradition of superior craftsmanship and our use of only the world’s finest leathers to make high-quality shoes. Hindi pwede ang pwede na (We do not suffice with make-do). It is this tradition which earned us a loyal patronage through the years, and which will enable us to keep our leadership and special place in the hearts of our clients and in Philippine shoe market,” Ging explained.

With a solid handcrafted shoemaking tradition, a devoted – and growing – following, and an innovative vision for the brand, Via Venetto is truly set to conquer greater heights, one step (of a superbly-crafted shoe) at a time. 

El Gamma Penumbra Is the First Asia’s Got Talent Champion

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El Gamma Penumbra emerged as the champion of the talent search "Asia's Got Talent", besting other candidates from 14 different countries. 

The team won US$100,000 and an opportunity to perform at the Marina Bay Sands.

El Gamma is the first champion of the Asia-wide version of the popular reality show. El Gamma Penumbra was the fourth winner in the contest competed in Pilipinas Got Talent in 2012.

El Gamma Penumbra was part of the top 3, which included Filipina classical opera singer Gerphil Flores, and the Mongolian group Khusugtun.  Gerphil placed second in the competition.

Here's the  El Gamma Penumbra’s  performance during the first part of the grand finals below!

Hosted by Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, Asia's Got Talent with David Foster, former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock star Anggun, and Taiwanese pop star Vanness Wu served as judges.

Congratulations El Gamma Penumbra! You're the Filipino Pride!

Million Views Club

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Gone are the days when word on what’s hot in entertainment springs only from what critics have to say. Bankability, after all, roots from the appreciation of the public, and the public has long blasted towards a world where a single “like”, “thumbs up” or “star” can tip the scale. 

With YouTube re-establishing the very purpose of music videos, the artists of Ivory Music & Video gain the champagne life by garnering millions of views, giving a bird’s eye perspective of OPM’s finest today. It’s a highly exquisite circle of new-breed talents.

Leading the pack is rapper Abra with a whopping 40 million+ views on official YouTube channels carrying his name. Possessing unparalleled lyrical flair in early years of age and career, the music video for “Gayuma”, featuring Thyro and Jeriko Aguilar, has steadily surpassed the 30-million mark. “Ilusyon” managed to front on critical and commercial reception as, apart from amassing more than 4 million views, the music video gained recognition at the 27th Awit Awards, winning Best Music Video on top of fully-established contenders such as Yeng Constantino, Sandwich and Gloc-9. And since in the camp of young tongue-twisters he’s tagged as “the wordsmith”, Abra’s lyric videos embraced its fandom views with 5 million for “Abrakadabra” and 3 million for the Chito Miranda-assisted “Diwata”. The rest from Abra’s video catalogue are looking at following suit, too, as only a few months upon YouTube publishing, videos for “Cerebrus”, “Deadma”, and “Midas” are still running on replay. 

Charisma also plays a big part in crunching up the numbers, proven by Maja Salvador on her first recording venture, “Believe”, pieced together by Ivory Music & Video. More than a triple threat (a signed actress, dubbed as the Dance Princess, and vaulted her image on magazine covers), Maja gained bigger following when she stepped into the music limelight: non-fans loved her and fans loved her even more, and when “going for gold” wasn’t enough, the album sky-rocketed to Platinum certification. Be that as it may, it wasn’t much of a surprise, really–to begin with, Maja’s pilot music video “Dahan-dahan” tallied 5,973,100 views as this is being written, and is currently the most popular video on Ivory Music’s channel. Quite impressive for a track that’s only getting its feet wet. Follow-up “Halika Na”, with Abra lending his rapping power, is already checking beyond half a million.

JM De Guzman

JM De Guzman, too, needs no introduction. A pre-established appeal is a card on his stack, but unknown to many is a real vocal talent behind the pretty-boy face which he chose to play. Music is career 2.0 for JM, faring well on YouTube introspection: his cover of John Legend’s “All Of Me” and Itchyworm’s “Akin Ka Na Lang” are beyond 2,000,000 views. The remainder in his video archive never have less than a hundred thousand hits.

Besides these soloists, Silent Sanctuary’s also been making the million cut. The rockestra’s premiere record deal with Ivory Music & Video pitched them to be front-liners for the label. The album “Monodramatic” enjoyed continuous success with a huge part of thanks goes to the reverberation of their online presence. The original version of the music video for “Sa’Yo” garnered more than 2,300,000 views, and “Meron Nang Iba” yielded more than 1,100,000. Even the lyric video for “Bumalik Ka Na Sa Akin” is Ivory Music & Video’s 5th most popular video at 1,134, 011 views and the official clip for the same song is following suit at a close 800,000.

The same goes for Moonstar88 who has perfected the slice-of-Pinoy-life songwriting method. Going for alternative tunes friendly to the airwaves, the band’s accompanying music videos have been easy on the eyes that it’s no different from sneaking a peek on someone’s diary. This vivid retelling of very specific life moments is, perhaps, the reason for “Gilid” and “Ligaw” earning not less than 1,100,000 music video views on YouTube.

If view count is the trend, then Ivory Music & Video’s doing a pretty good job creating trendsetters. Online content reveals real-time bearing on commercial relevance, and at a time when fanhood is crucially a musician’s wealth, it’s safe to lay claim that the label is benefitting from the rich rewards of its knack for developing talent on both sides of the camera, and meeting the wants of the audience, if not redefining it. With the goal of keeping every release perfectly in tune with our times, soul is practically breathed into production.

Critical accolades are still a driving force for success, yes, but the sweeter nod still rests on real audience feedback.

A click (or a tap) will, as they say, make or break.

See the numbers rise higher by subscribing to Ivory Music & Video’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/IvoryMusicVideoPH, and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ivorymusicandvideophilippines for updates on your favourite OPM and international artists!

By: Riley Bardos

Krem-Top leads the #ChangefortheBetter campaign

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Krem-Top coffee creamer launch a campaign to kindle and challenge individuals to exercise a habit of changing for the better.

Changing your life for the better is by finding the real you which is your inner purpose. And it’s our attitude that determines how much we succeed in life.

If you look around you, you will see that people with a positive attitude enjoy life more and are generally happier and can be more successful. 

Every year ends and we will soon be excited to welcome the new year, it will be another season and reason for us to reflect on our lives in the past year and plan for a better future. This is the time when we list our resolutions to start things right for the entry of the new year.

Dubbed as Change for the Better, the campaign that started in 2012 is a call to action for people to commit and sustain the change to become better individuals, not just during the turn of the year but all throughout the year and beyond.

The campaign has grown from being a personal call to change to being nationalistic as the mission is not just on one’s self anymore but on the entire nation as the Filipino spirit has been put into tests with the onslaught of recent calamities in the recent past. Krem Top’s Change for the Better campaign reminds us of the small distinctly Filipino traits that when rekindled can make our country better. This is coming from the idea that even small changes when put or done together can create a huge impact in the community. Change for the Better campaign reminds us of the innate Filipino traits that when practiced every day, can make our lives and country better.

This year, Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign looked at the values that are natural among Filipinos that will remind us of our identity and can strengthen our nationhood.

Dr. Mina Ramirez, PhD
President, Asian Social Institute

Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign, with the guidance of renowned phenomenological sociologist Dr. Mina Ramirez of the Asian Social Institute, identified Five Core Values that defines the Filipino people.

These core values make Filipinos different and stand out from the rest of the world and are vital for nation-building. Based on Dr. Ramirez’s study “The Filipino Worldview and Values” and her insights from decades of practice as a phenomenological sociologist, here are the Five Core Filipino Values based on the Basic Aspirations of a Filipino:

Mapagpasalamat 

This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Pamumuhay” (Life) and “Pananalig sa Diyos at Kapwa” (Faith in God and people). Filipinos know how to enjoy life. We have many holidays, feasts, occasions, and reunions. Filipinos are cheerful and naturally sociable. We love to connect to people. We are a happy race. We wear smiles on our faces even in depressing situations. This is because we always look at the bright side of life. We always have a positive outlook because we always find things to be thankful for, even in the smallest things. We would always say “Salamat sa Diyos” (Thank God) whenever good things happen because Filipinos, from whatever religion, would attribute life’s blessings to the Higher Being. We also acknowledge the good deeds of other people towards us and we do our best to return the favor. 

Matatag 

Being in a country prone to natural disasters, Filipinos have adapted and learned to be strong in times of need and in hard situations life throws at us. We continue to stand up, be firm, and fight because we have our loved ones and life’s aspirations to be strong for. This strength is drawn from our love for our family and to the higher being we believe in. This is based on Filipino’s aspiration for “Kaayusan” (Order). In fact, Filipinos’ common expression is “Ayos Na”. When we are able to get through difficulties, we say “Ayos Na”. We, Filipinos long for “Kaayusan” and we will endure everything and be strong amidst hardships and challenges until we surpass the obstacles. 

Masigasig 

When Filipinos dream of something, we do everything possible to get it. We do it for our families and loved ones. This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa” (Relief). A Filipino aspires for abundance not for himself but for his family. The Filipino translation for Happy New Year is Masaganang Bagong Taon (Bountiful New Year) because we equate happiness and celebration with abundance. In Bisaya, “Ginhawa” means breath. And the smooth flow of breath is the smooth flow of life which we call “Ginhawa”. “Ginhawa” according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino. An example would be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who endure being away from home to give their families a good life – abundance and relief from hardships. 

Mapagmalasakit 

It is because of our love for the family extended to friends, neighbors and other people that make Filipinos naturally compassionate. This compassion enables us to help other people without asking for anything in return. This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other People) as explained in Dr. Mina’s The Filipino Worldview and Values. “Loob” is the seat of Filipinos’ dignity. The personhood of Filipino is manifested in his “kalooban”. Filipinos tune in each other’s “kalooban” by checking on each other’s condition and chatting about each other’s lives. Filipinos reach out to other people. Due to our familistic culture, Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not just to a stranger but to a relative, a next-door neighbor, a distant relative or a friend. Our “Mapagmalasakit” trait makes it easy for us to champion the Bayanihan spirit - to unite and help each other during calamities and celebrate together during special occasions. 

Magalang

The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (kissing of the hand) are distinct Filipino ways of respect. We say these words and use this gesture to show our respect and love for the elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people. Our language itself is also respectful because it does not have any gender bias. Examples would be the words kapatid (brother / sister) or asawa (husband / wife) or biyenan (father-in-law / mother-in-law) or anak (son / daughter) which do not manifest differences in gender. These words are uniquely Filipino definitely respectful of the sexes. Our respect for other individuals is embedded in our culture and in our language. This is based on our aspiration for “Lakas ng Loob” or “Kagandahang Loob”. Malakas and Maganda, Filipinos’ original creation story brings dignity to both the Filipino and Filipina. Both the man and the woman sprang from the bamboo. The man bowed to the woman. They held hands and went off together. Dr. Ramirez said, “This is a very non-sexist indigenous version of the creation story.”

Dr. Mina Ramirez explained, “If you want to get to know the Filipino, learn the language. Most of our values are deeply rooted in how we express ourselves. The Five Core Filipino Values based on the Basic Aspirations of a Filipino are in Filipino language because there are no direct translations of these traits. The words are unique to us. Understanding these traits would mean dissecting the soul of a Filipino.”

“Filipinos may be hard pressed at times, but in general, we are rich. We are rich in natural resources; we are rich in our people. If we can just get to know more ourselves clearly and use our values to our advantage, we will become a better nation. It’s time to change for the better,” said Dr. Ramirez.

Alaska Milk Corporation’s Vice President for Marketing and Krem-Top Change for the Better campaign lead, Blen Fernando, is optimistic that this project will help create awareness about the need to keep or enrich or restore these core values of Filipinos.

“We hope that Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign will inspire us to be the better version of ourselves for the benefit of our families and our country. The public can count on our continued support to champion the Filipino spirit that will help make us a better and stronger nation.”

All the things that you have been through, all the people you have met and interacted with can have an impact on your attitude. To enjoy life, to live life to the fullest, there is no need to worry as there is always an opportunity for change. Change for the better. 

For more information about Krem-Top Change for the Better campaign, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop or follow @kremtopPH on Twitter.

About Krem-Top

Krem-Top is a product of Alaska Milk Corporation, a leading company in consumer goods and was launched nationwide in 2012. It is a non-dairy coffee creamer that gives all the rich taste which best complements your coffee. Relish the creaminess and savour the wonderful aroma which will make your coffee experience more enjoyable.

“BELIEVE” Maja Salvador ! The first OPM album to be mastered for iTunes

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Maja Salvador will be leaving a huge footprint on the music scene with her debut album “Believe”. And it is not loosely said so. As apart from the album being certified Gold last June (only 2 months after the official release) and obtaining an official Vevo channel on YouTube with views summing up to almost 6 million, the album takes the cake off the plate of its contemporaries once again by becoming the first OPM album to be mastered for iTunes.

A “mastered for iTunes” song is a digitally downloadable track on iTunes, taking legs of optimization to make every bit of it in the highest definition possible and as close to how artists and their production team intend every song to be heard as possible, while keeping the music file size down for portability and for more efficient digital distribution.

The calibre that “Believe” has set for itself makes it well-worthy of this iTunes mastery. As it geared away from traditional instrumentation and instead adopted modern production, it has become the most ideal vehicle to drive our eardrums to crave newness from the OPM department. All the while the album never lost sight of what is really important: it’s an OPM record. Note that all songs were penned in Filipino to butter up Maja’s new-fashioned Pinay image interbred with pop-house-R&B sound that could run parallel with American Top 40 tracks.


This leap of Maja’s music to verge into the digital age is a gutsy deal in changing the game face of the local music industry not just in the manner of distribution and consumption of music, but also in its production and ultimately, the artistry. Now you can listen in hi-def to the album with crystal-clear vocals, smoother strums and deeper thumps as if each of the tracks just got off the LASIK chair.

A milestone like this wasn’t far from Maja’s horizons to begin with. The way she wants things to happen in her music career is to take the qualitative side of the road, obvious in the production of her songs and the videos for them: never dry and juiceless.

 Maja believed that “Believe” would go places, and the album took the entire industry with it.

There’s no denying it. “Believe” is a key part of OPM music history now.

The mastered for iTunes “Believe” contains the original tracklist:


KILIG

HALIKANA (feat. Abra)

WALA NA BANG PAG-IBIG

DAHAN-DAHAN

URONG-SULONG

BUONG GABI (feat. Project Pinas)


BONUS TRACKS:
KILIG (INSTRUMENTAL)

DAHAN-DAHAN (INSTRUMENTAL

Hear the difference by getting “Believe” off iTunes via https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/believe/id849627454

10th Global Pinoy Bazaar on August 22-24

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Global Pinoy Bazaar, Championing Filipino Entrepreneurialism since 2007

As the Global Pinoy Bazaar moves to the World Trade Center for its tenth installment, Yabang Pinoy proves the quality of Filipino brands threefold.

Global Pinoy Bazaar is Yabang Pinoy's proof that Filipino brands can compete with other foreign brands. It is an annual fund-raising event created to provide a venue for Filipino entrepreneurs to showcase their proudly Filipino products, brands, and concepts to the public. 

Since 2007, it has become a breeding ground for Filipino startups to meet other entrepreneurs, artists, designers, musicians, and creative minds for them to meet, be discovered, and collaborate with each other.

For eight years running, the Global Pinoy Bazaar has been successfully championing the excellence of proudly Filipino brands, proving that we can compete with big international labels. The flagship project of Yabang Pinoy has built a community where business owners focus on craftsmanship and consumers expect loyalty.

In the 10th Global Pinoy Bazaar on 22-24 August 2014, Yabang Pinoy moves to the World Trade Center, a venue three times larger, to showcase the breadth of Filipino entrepreneurialism. The lineup features almost two hundred local brands and business concepts, from loyal merchants to budding startups, in art, design, music, travel, technology, home, fashion, and food and beverage.

“A Filipino entrepreneur is someone who believes that Filipinos have the ability to exceed or at least be at par with established international brands in terms of product quality, process efficiencies, marketing, and branding,” says Mark Carrillo of men’s lifestyle brand Fledge Clothing. The new entrant to the bazaar is equally as committed to product quality. “People are always surprised when they learn that our products are locally made. We are joining Global Pinoy Bazaar to support the local industry, and show the quality of local independent brands,” says Mark.

This conviction is not lost in Martha Rodriguez of Vesti Clothing, which has been joining the bazaar since the brand was founded four years ago.” I started Vesti in October 2010 to showcase the beauty of hand-woven indigenous fabrics from Mindanao. I joined Global Pinoy Bazaar in November the same year because I felt that it was the perfect venue where people appreciate local art, culture, and heritage.”

There will be various activities during the three days of bazaar, from talks by crowdfunding platform Spark Project and app developer JoomaJam, to workshops by crafts studio Craft Manila, and a jamming session by dance school Samba School Imperatriz Filipinense, among others.

The Global Pinoy Bazaar also coincides with Buwan ng Wika and with the “Made in the Philippines Products Week,” as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 76.

By showcasing globally competitive Filipino brands, Yabang Pinoy strives to support and empower local micro, small, and medium enterprises, and develop the community of globally competitive Filipino brands.

Enjoy the 10th Global Pinoy Bazaar on August 22 - 2014, from 11am to 9pm at the World Trade Center. 

For more information and updates, www.yabangpinoy.com.



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Yabang Pinoy's Global Bazaar 2013 connects Filipino brands with consumers
Yabang Pinoy Launches PHmade: It's Worth Buying For"

Filipina bags Global Educator’s Award of UN affiliated body

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Teacher Sam handing out some IamSAM ballers to the gleeful Aeta children of Pampanga.

Filipina educator and international lecturer Rayla Melchor Santos received the prestigious Global Education Motivators (GEM) Award for 2013-2014 for her advocacy on the empowerment of children in schools under the I Am SAM Foundation. 

Rayla Melchor Santos, of Muntinlupa, Philippines, accepts the GEM Global Educator Award at the 9th Annual United Nations Conference on Teaching Peace and Human Rights on Saturday morning, April 4, 2014. Wayne Jacoby, President of Global Education Motivators looks on as Santos thanks the people and organizations who helped make her, I AM S.A.M Foundation, successful. 

Santos co-founded the I am SAM foundation in 2010 following her mother Merci Melchor’s long years of advocacy to help abused women and children to be aware of their rights and be able to rebuild lives after suffering from various forms of abuse.

The teachings of the I am SAM foundation are based on two fundamental UN treaties- the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Their flagship program, IamSAM Prevent-to-Empower Protocol (PEP), was created to teach children and women the values of self worth and uniqueness, respect and responsibility for self and for others. 

SAM stands for Shakers and Movers whose campaign was launched in 28 public elementary and high schools in Muntinlupa City. A similar campaign will soon be launched in all 38 public elementary and high schools in Makati City. 

Shakers And Movers, according to Santos, is a person that makes things happen, anchored on the belief that one takes full responsibility for his/her own evolution as a person. 

Afton Beutler of Mother’s Legacy, Bill Yotive of UN Global Teaching & Learning Project, Rayla Melcho Santos of I am SAM Foundation and Ellen Firestone of Youth for Human Rights at the UN HQ on April 4, 2014.

Wayne Jacoby, president of Philadelphia based GEM Inc. surprised Santos by presenting her the Global Educator Award at the 9th annual United Nations Teachers Conference on Human Rights and Peace held last April 4 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Jacoby said Santos and the I am SAM Foundation have been successful in “making its mark in helping and protecting the world’s children.”

“I have seen you expand from the Philippines and now working with teachers and children in Canada, China, United States and Taiwan. It is important for you to bring your message back to the UN,” said Jacoby in his letter of invitation to Santos.

Now fondly called by her students and fellow teachers as Teacher SAM, Santos said she “feels honored to have received the prestigious award from GEM that has a long history of affiliation with the UN.

She did not realize that her advocacy would be recognized at the UN Teachers Conference on Human Rights and Peace event.

“It was a moving experience to receive such a prestigious award from GEM which is a partner of the UN in promoting human & child rights and peace at the global education level,” said Santos.

GEM is a Philadelphia-based non-government organization founded by a group of educators in 1981 to put a global perspective in all aspects of learning.

The NGO started working with the UN Department of Public Information in 1986 and received the prestigious UN Peace Messenger Award in 1989 for its work on behalf of UN promoting world peace and human rights.

For Santos, empowering a child with awareness of her inherent rights has a far reaching impact to grow as fulfilled individual.

“Self-worth is the greatest tool we can give a child,” she said.

Inner strength and the realization that every child is special, precious and unique is deeply expounded and made easy to understand in the campaigns of the I Am SAM Foundation.

Santos said every child should realize the meaning of two powerful Tibetan words: “Tashi deley” which means ‘I honor the greatness in you’. Each child should recognize the greatness in himself/herself and the greatness in each other. 

When teaching this as an official greeting of the foundation said in schools where the IamSAM works with, Santos recalled one high student shared his amazement, “How can two words mean so much and do so much upliftment!” 

The foundation provides schools covered by its campaign some educational posters written in Filipino that state: “I am special, unique and precious because I am a human being.” The message encapsulates the soul of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The campaign message further expounded in succeeding banners that carry the messages: “I am special, unique and precious because I am a child”; and, “And because I am a unique, special and precious, no one can abuse me, even my parents.” 

Santos said the banners capture the whole message of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She pointed out that is necessary to teach against abuse because of the staggering incidences of violence in schools. The focus of the IamSAM protocol is the development of self-worth and the restoration of human dignity. 

Santos believes that it is important to spread the values of self-worth to children as it has far reaching impact in their development as respectful, responsible and compassionate persons and citizens.

She says schools should not just be a place for academic excellence, but a safe ground for children to develop inner strength.

The I Am SAM Foundation also honors guidance counselors who are often neglected in their critical role of protecting the rights of children while at school. She said various forms of abuse happen in schools, particularly through bullying and teacher abuse against students.

Santos fell in love with the teaching profession and children when she worked as a pre-school director of the Family School of Manhattan in New York.

She pursued advanced studies and training on early childhood education in the United States and London and later became the head of the Institute for Child Advancement in Magallanes, Makati City.

She set up her own preschool, Center for Little Learners in her Mom’s house and also co-wrote beginning reading books with her mom, who also illustrated these. She founded Stonyhurst School and used CSR (corporate social responsibility) to build its first building. 

Her stint as global educator inspired her to partner with the Calvert School of Maryland to set up the McKinley Hill International School and Academy for Children in Batangas.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the United Kingdom cited the McKinley Hill International School as one of the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools outside the UK in November 2011 when Santos was invited to speak at the UNICEF UK Conference for Rights Respecting Schools in London. 

IamSAM hosts two annual UN conferences convened by GEM. These are the UN Teacher Conference on Human Rights and Peace and the UN Student Leadership Conference on Development. 

Santos felt the need to engage her fellow Filipino teachers in the UN initiatives of teaching human rights and peace and involve Filipino students on global issues with veritable global institutions like the UN. 

This has helped Filipino educators and students interact with their global partners while in the Philippines.

Last year, she also spoke to a global audience of civil-society groups organized by the United Nations in Geneva where she tackled the foundation’s advocacy which has led to serious consideration and current discussion for IamSAM in Africa. 

Santos says every teacher has a special passion to fulfill, that is seeing a child grow in love and peace and achieve her dreams.

KYLA shares her journey to home through new album via Polyeast Records

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“I have come from a long journey to finally release a new album again and I can say, it feels to great to be back. This new album brings so much excitement and fulfillment in my career that now I have a family of my own, I’m back to what I love doing the most—singing and recording songs for my fellow music lovers." ---  Kyla

KYLA shares her journey to home through her new album titled “Journey” is out in the market via PolyEast Records.

After a long break from releasing music, the country’s R&B princess Kyla is back full force with a stronger R&B sound and a passion for showing emotions through her music.

Yesterday, May 15, 2014, she shared many things about her life during our exclusive blogcon (Bloggers conference) held at the Polyeast Records office in the Quezon Avenue. 

 

Her debut in 2000 up to this date have talked so much celebrated as one of the most uniquely talented artists of her generation, but the new album “Journey” via PolyEast Records proves that she still holds the title.

A jazzy song written by Francis Salazar & Jungee Marcelo, included in the first single of the album, titled “Kunwa-kunwari Lang,” is the song debuted on radio last month and has been receiving much praise for her support as it peaked #1 on RX 93.1 daily survey. Likewise to its digital format, the song entered the iTunes chart at number one upon release and is now available on www.spinner.ph.

While she took something of a risk by breaking from her norm, this 6-track project finds Kyla working with a formidable slate of songwriting and production heavyweights, including Jungee Marcelo, Francis Salazar, Yosha Honasan and Jay-R. 

“The title kind of speaks for itself, my journey of life experiences. My last album came out in 2010 and here we are in 2014, and there are a lot of things have happened, obviously. There are a lot of changes that I need to embrace as to the music industry and battle of producing quality songs. And people have seen me go through so many things in the public, whether it's my personal life or my career,” Kyla shared. 

As the album reclaims her prominence, our 33-year old R&B chanteuse brings a range of styles from “Dito Na Lang”, a throwback to the singer’s glory days or much likened to her hit “Hanggang Ngayon”; “I Got This”, a song that mirrors many of her R&B hits, with her co-writer Yosha Honasan; and “Atin ang Walang Hanggan” on slow-motion which emphasizes the album’s firm R&B roots. When Kyla sang a song written for her by Brian McKnight titled "My Heart" during her Sunday show, it has since become her wedding song which is included in the album in a duet with McKnight. 

Kyla is now married to PBA cager Rich Alvarez with a one-year-old son. 

“That part of my life plays a big role of this journey. Especially on how I see life in a much brighter perspective and how love has defined itself for me” Kyla says as she shared her anecdote to her song and composition, “Journey”, which is also included in the album with Jay-R and Kettle Mata as co-music writers.

Shortly after her return in late 2013, Kyla began recording a new album. In March, Kyla renewed her contract with PolyEast Records. 

JOURNEY Album tour dates:

May 16 5pm Mall tour Robinsons Metro East

May 25 5pm SM Fairview 

May 31 6pm Ayala Center Cebu

For more information please visit www.polyeastrecords.com. 

Follow and like on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Instagram/Twitter: @kylareal Facebook: Kyla 

Discography:

Way To Your Heart – July 2000 

Kyla – April 2002 

I Will Be There – May 2003 

Not Your Ordinary Girl – May 2004 

Beautiful Days – May 2006 

Heartfelt – June 2007 

Heart to Heart – August 2008 

Private Affair – November 2010 

Essence Of Soul (Best of) – September 2012

Journey – May 2014

Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9 receive Platinum Record Awards

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Platinum Singer-Songwriter Noel Cabangon and OPM Rap Genius Gloc-9 are undeniably two of the biggest OPM acts of today.

Last Sunday, May 4, during “ASAP 19,” Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go awarded NoelCabangon with three record awards – Double Platinum for “Byahe,” Platinum for “Tuloy Ang Byahe,” Gold for “Acoustic Noel,” his latest release.

These albums, consistently top the music charts, contain Noel’s rendition of some of the most loved OPM classics.

On the other hand, Gloc-9 was also awarded a Platinum Record Award for his latest album “Liham at Lihim,” which included the hits “Magda,” “Takipsilim,” and “KMT.”

Recently, Gloc-9 spawned numerous awards at the 2014 MYX Music Awards.

Warmest Homecoming Welcome to Winter Olympian Figure Skater Michael Martinez

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Filipino ice skater, winter Olympian and homegrown skating rink talent Michael Martinez comes home from a much-lauded performance at the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia as he went straight to SM Mall of Asia this Sunday February 23, for his homecoming welcome and press conference set up by the SM group.

During the warm welcoming for Martinez, an awarding ceremony inside the mall, the SM group prepared  “surprise” gifts for the Olympian.

Figure skater Michael shared his feelings his inspiring journey and dedicates his breakthrough stint in the 2014 Winter Olympics to fellow Filipino athletes who also deserve support for representing the Philippines in the international sporting scene.

Martinez thanked his family, sponsors and the public for supporting his journey in Sochi, Russia, where he captured the world's attention as the first Southeast Asian to compete in the men's singles event.

SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy pledged to support Martinez in his goal to qualify and hopefully earn the country's first medal in the Winter Olympics in the 2018 edition in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

During the press conference, Martinez was given a "Lifetime Skating Privilege" and $10,000 by the SM group. Businessman Manuel Pangilinan earlier gave the same amount to the skater's mother.

“We are very proud of Michael. Not only did he give honor to our country, but he is also a shining example for the youth as someone who saw no limits to what he can achieve. He has already inspired millions by following his dreams and by competing in the Winter Olympics. He will continue to inspire us all as he works towards earning medals in the future Olympic competitions,” SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy said.

During his formative years as a figure skater, Martinez frequented SM Southmall in Las Piñas and much later on, SM Mall of Asia for figure skating competitions despite frequent bouts of asthma.

Since skating at nine years old, Martinez has garnered 194 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions. He is currently ranked 19th in the world based on his recent performance at the Winter Olympics.

Martinez clinched 7th place at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany that qualified him for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Through the years, SM and the Philippine Skating Union have conducted several figure skating competitions that bred international champions such as Martinez.

SM operates ice skating rinks through SM Lifestyle and Entertainment, Inc. at the SM Megamall Building D in Mandaluyong, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, and SM Southmall in Las Pinas.

Michael Christian Martinez is a worth emulating, an inspiration not just for our young people but for every Filipino.

Congratulations Michael and we are proud of you ! 

Miss World Megan Young graces Mega cover

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'Ethereal' Miss World Megan Young, the first ever Filipino to win the title, opens the new year for fashion magazine Mega as she graces the cover of its January 2014 issue.

'Ethereal' Megan Young on the January 2014 cover of Mega magazine. 

The beauty queen is seen sitting, wearing a cream single-sleeve wrap dress that highlights her shoulder and smokey eyes.

Young was photographed by JC Cerilla. Her cover appearance was styled by Patrick Galang, with Albert Kurniawan and John Valle on hair and makeup, respectively.

The magazine describes Young as "ethereal" and "a beauty with a purpose," having supported several charity events and fundraisers abroad for the victims of typhoon "Yolanda."

She has also been busy promoting other charity works spearheaded by the Miss World foundation.

Young, for her "beauty and purpose" was also recently topped People Asia magazine's "People of the Year" list in its 14th anniversary issue.

The Clash in Cotai - Pacquiao vs Rios

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Fighter of the Decade MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO and former world champion BRANDON "BAM BAM" RIOS will fight in a 12-round welterweight rumble on Saturday, November 23, from The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™, in Macao, China.

The Pacquiao vs. Rios weigh-in results :

Manny Pacquiao (145) vs. Brandon Rios (146.5)

In the main event, Pacquiao and Rios will have to make 147 pounds. The two fighters are clashing for the vacant WBO international welterweight title.

Pacquiao is reportedly guaranteed $18 million for the fight, while Rios will make $4 million.

Pacquiao vs Rios remaining tickets can be purchased online at TICKETNETWORK or order by phone at (855) 859-4045. Contact HBO PPV providers to watch the fight live from your home beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir (Journey of a Young Saint)

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Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir (Journey of a Young Saint) is a 2013 Filipino biographical film written and directed by Francis O. Villacorta and produced by HPI Synergy Group and Wings Entertainment which features the life of the Filipino saint, Pedro Calungsod. 

Starring Rocco Nacino as Pedro Calungsod, Jestoni Alarcon, playing as the spanish captain Juan dela Cruz, Christian Vasquez as Padre Diego de San Vitores and Victor Basa as Padre Francisco Solano.

This is one of the official entries of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival to be released on December 25, 2013.

Saint Pedro Calungsod
Photo: Publication Paulines Manila

Pedro Calungsod is the second Filipino saint declared by the Roman Catholic church after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. A young Filipino man, Pedro Calungsod, leaves his Visayan native roots to join the Spanish Jesuit priest Fr. Diego de San Vitores in his mission to the Marianas Islands (Guam) in 1668.

The San Diego Mission arrives in the Marianas where the young Pedro, a trained catechist and mission assistant, begins work for Fr. Diego de San Vitores in baptizing the Chamorro natives, preaching the holy gospel and spreading the good news of salvation through the Christian faith amidst paganism, doubt and disbelief. Despite the longing for his father and the threats to their lives, even at the peril of death, Pedro and Fr. Diego continued their missionary work. They roamed the dangerous islands and baptized many more natives and continued to enlighten them about Christianity.

This is the story of how the young Filipino saint, between wars and persecutions, played his part in this divine mission. This adventure movie is for everybody. The young boy who guided his blind mentor is something to witness and learn from. Pedro Calungsod's life of devotion is relatable to all.

Cast : 

Rocco Nacino as Pedro Calungsod

Christian Vasquez as Padre Diego de San Vitores

Jestoni Alarcon as Captain Juan de Sta. Cruz

Ryan Eigenmann as Choco

Robert Correa as Maga'lahi Hirao

Victor Basa as Padre Francisco Solano

Carlo Gonzales as Padre Tomas de Cadeñoso

Andrew Schimmer as Sgt. Maj. Don Juan de Santiago

Arthur Solinap as Padre Luis de Medina

Mico Palanca as Padre Pedro de Casanova

Geoff Taylor as Sgt. Lorenzo Castellanos

Alvin Aragon as Ignacio

Juancho Trivinio as Manuel Rangel

Johann Santos as Juan de los Reyes

Jao Mapa as Tatang

Isadora Villasquez as Ma'urritao

Mercedes Cabral as Ahnha the Adulteress

Kimo Paez as Maga'lahi Quipuha

Johnron Tañada as Maga'lahi Quipuha II

BJ Forbes as Francisco

"From his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving family and friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Fr. Diego de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake Fr. Diego, but as a "good soldier of Christ" preferred to die at the missionary's side." - - - Pope John Paul

Visit the Facebook page and watch out for Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir, an official entry to the #MMFF, showing Dec 25, 2013 in cinemas nationwide.

Twitter: @CalungsodMMFF

Instagram: @CalungsodMMFF

Acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra remains grateful for blessings

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I always remember "Little Miss Philippines",  "Aiza Kabisote, daughter of Enteng Kabisote in Okey Ka Fairy Ko!", "Wake Up Little Susie", "Pagdating ng Panahon", "Acoustic Artist of the Year", "Sessionistas", "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa".

History becomes Cariza Yamson Seguerra, well known as Aiza Seguerra singer-songwriter, guitarist, actress. She remains to be the most successful child star story in local entertainment scene.

Her 26-year-old career started when she joined a nationwide TV contest when she was 4 years old, After she becomes Eat Bulaga!'s Little Miss Philippines 1987, child star starring in several movies and TV shows.

She began pursuing a career in music; singing and playing the guitar. Her single Pagdating ng Panahon became a major hit in 2001. She was voted Best Female Recording Artist in Awit's Award. Her song "Pagdating ng Panahon" won for Best Pop Recording, Best Produced Record of the Year and also for the "Song of the Year award! This  enabled her to start a music career.  She has dabbled in acting for TV and movies, recording, composition, stage musicals, and concerts. 

Acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra became the biggest child star and eventually one of the most respected performers in the country.

Last September 10, we had the very fun day, birthday press conference held at Sir Boy’s Food Republique, Panay Avenue, Quezon City.

This September 28 at the Araneta Coliseum, Aiza, who is also celebrating her 30th birthday, is all set to unleash her power in Power of Two opposite Charice. It must be remembered that Aiza had a sold-out show same time last year at the Big Dome for her 25th year in showbiz billed Bente Singko.

Power of Two, produced by Wilbros Live and E-TALent Events, also celebrates 30 years, and gives fans a preview of bigger things to come in her 26th year in showbiz.

Aiza expressed gratitude for the public’s continued support in her major undertakings, may it be on TV, musical theater, concert stage or recording.

On television, the former child star continues to shine on the number one morning series ABS-CBN’s Be Careful with My Heart as the supportive Kute.

Aiza’s mettle as an actor was again highlighted in her participation in two musicals – as the charming Genie in the kid-friendly Aladdin and as the fearless Regina in Rock of Ages. Both musicals were produced by Atlantis Productions.

She also lent her beautiful voice to the Grand Prize-winning entry of Joven Tan in the ABS-CBN/Star Records’ 2013 Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs – Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa.

She also supported the hit musical Katy by recording her version of Minsan Ang Minahal Ay Ako. On the concert stage, Aiza proved that he is one artist respected by her fellow musicians. She shared the stage with Noel Cabangon in a two-night successful concert billed Tambayan Hits. She also was blessed with an endorsement deal this year- St. Augustine School of Nursing.

This September, she once again teams up with Charice to complete Power of Two. It must be remembered that Charice expressed her desire to work with Aiza in a concert, and the latter obliged, so the concert became a reality.

In between these engagements, Aiza toured the world to share her gift of music to Filipinos. She has done shows in, among others, US, UAE and Australia.

Her 25th year may be a big triumph for Aiza, but there seems to be no stopping her from achieving more in her career. She will be part of two MMFF entries – MZET/OctoArts’My Little Bossing with Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Bimby, and Ryzza Mae, and Be Careful With My Heart The Movie.

Power of Two will also commence the Unbreakable Tour, which will go local and international venues. For tickets to Power of Two, contact (02) 911-5555.

Aiza is being managed by E-TALent Management and Entertainment headed by Annabelle Regalado- Borja. For bookings and inquiries, call (0917) 589 6284.