The 33rd Manila International Book Fair - September 12-16

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It's real a great time for us to enter the world of books, interesting and rare books!  Sometimes, bookstores aren’t supposed to be places where people whisper, where people laugh and gasp but book fairs where people get excited.  They are what book fairs are for. Books are the best friends one can ever have and reading habit gives us a refreshing experience and we come to learn a lot about achievers, great leaders and admirable people.

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair, heads back to the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City on Sept. 12-16, once again celebrating the power of the written word.

For 33 years now, the MIBF has certainly stood the test of time.  Weathering economic fluctuations, political scenarios, the changing Filipino lifestyle, and the advent of new technologies, the MIBF has successfully evolved from an event for the industry and the academe into an attraction that draws readers of all ages, from all walks of life. And after three decades, its objective has remained the same: to bring books closer to the Filipino people by promoting good reading habits and providing a venue for the exchange of ideas among the players in the industry.

One of the most anticipated events for students, librarians, the academe, professionals, and bookworms of all persuasions, the MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature for both leisure and academic reading -- from textbooks, education supplements, general reference, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children’s books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers’ technology, and travel materials.

Teachers and school administrators flock to the book fair to scope out new acquisitions for school libraries, as the event is a good venue to compare offerings from various exhibitors and get the best prices for bulk purchases. Book buyers smile from ear to ear as they peruse endless shelves of reading materials, loading up on books to last them well into the coming months. Avid readers make their way through the booths, checking out publishers’ new offerings, and queueing up to get books signed by authors and illustrators.

Peals of laughter and delight ring through the halls as youngsters watch stories come to life in simultaneous storytelling sessions. Eyes light up at the sight of the year’s crop of new books to read, little hands get busy exploring demonstrations of the latest learning technology, and little feet dash to meet their favorite book characters.

Several co-located events are also slated at the MIBF, ensuring added attractions for a wide variety of interests:

The Best of Anime 2012 

(Sept. 15 & 16, Function Room 4 & 5), a festival featuring anime exhibits, gaming, cosplay, concert and special activities that will thrill anime and manga enthusiasts; 

Super Kids 2012 

(Sept. 14-15 , Function Room 3), an early childhood education conference;

Facets of Wellness 

(Sept. 14-15, Function Rooms 1&2), a two-day health and wellness fair.

MIBF runs from Sept. 14-18 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. 

For details, call 896-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

Google Doodle Celebrates the 142th Birthday of Maria Tecla Artemesia Montessori

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Google Doodle is celebrating the 142th Birthday of Maria Tecla Artemesia Montessori, known for her educational method used in public and private schools throughout the world. The Montessori system of education tries to uncover a child’s creative potential and gives emphasis on independence.

Born on August 31, 1870, Montessori was an Italian physician and educator, a noted humanitarian and devout Catholic best known for the philosophy of education which bears her name.

Montessori education focuses learning on independence, relative freedom and respect for a child’s natural mental development.

In 1907 she opened her first preschool for children and her success to the opening of other Montessori schools. She travelled to different countries, including India, to disseminate her educational system. Maria Montessori was in India from 1939 to 1946.

On May 6, 1952, Montessori died of a cerebral haemorrhage in the Netherlands. She was 81.

Maria Montessori Google Doodle

The 49th PMAP Annual Conference

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Now on its 49th year, the Annual Conference of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) will be held on September 12 to 14, 2012 at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City.  With the theme, REVOLUTIONIZING PEOPLE MANAGEMENT! GREAT MINDS, BOLD CHANGES, UNPARALLELED RESULTS, this year’s Conference reflects the wave of revolutions on the political front and how businesses and organizations share the same challenge of not only changing our leaders but also changing the way we lead people. As people managers, we say that a change OF men is no longer enough. What we need is a change IN men!

The first two days of the Conference will feature plenary sessions with CEO’s and thought leaders who will tackle the changing business environment and discuss the strategic role of HR in leading and executing HR programs to transform and support business goals. The focus areas of these sessions are; “Deepening Leadership Bench”, “Driving Innovation”, and “Accelerating Talent Development”.

The third day of the Conference will feature breakout sessions and workshops with topics on Talent Acquisition; Organizational Change, People Productivity and People Engagement.  There will also be a SITE BEST PRACTICE TOUR that will showcase best practices of four companies based in Cebu City.  Delegates will also be able to actively participate in creating and managing their own agenda around the central theme of the Conference through OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY.

For registration and other inquiries, please call PMAP at tel. no. 726-1532 or email pmap@pmap.org.ph. You can also visit www.pmap.org.ph and follow their Facebook fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/PMAP1956 for updates for upcoming events and other activities.

King Comic Dolphy's Inspiring Quotes and Songs

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SMILE! Dolphy  still want us all to smile up to his last breath. His son Eric , told us that Dolphy would appreciate it if you smile when you think of him, and to smile at someone to make his day brighter too. To quote his favorite song...... “ YOU’LL FIND THAT LIFE IS STILL WORTHWHILE, IF YOU JUST SMILE.” ~ Charlie Chaplin

The Philippines' King of Comedy, Dolphy 'aka Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr', 83 years old, passed away Tuesday, July 10, due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, 

Every Filipinos all around the world are mourning after our beloved ‘King of Comedy‘  passed away. Everytime that I watch everything happening in his last days, I cry, I always think all the happiness he gave the people through his entertainment world. 

The King of Comedy starred in more than 200 films in his 66-year career, starting with a 1946 movie at 19 years old with Fernando Poe Sr, "Dugo at Bayan 1 (I Remember Bataan)."The '80s generation would remember him as John Puruntong of "John en Marsha," the most successful local comedy series in the history of Philippine TV.  Dolphy reigned as the country’s King Comic for many decades. 

You're in heaven now Dolphy, a happier place , with God and the angels are happy, laughing with you! God bless you always !  May you rest in peace.

The video features Dolphy during the vocal recording for his version of Louie Armstrong’s famous plaintive ballad. The song is one of the tracks in “Handog ni Pidol”, a realization of Dolphy’s longtime dream  to record a solo album.

*I'll do again and add more photos of Dolphy's quotes. Promise!

21st NRCE - Taking Customer Experience To New Heights

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The 21st National Retail Conference (NRCE), the  country's biggest retail industry event will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on August 9 to 10.

Themed, "Shopping. More Fun in the Philippines – Taking customer experience to new heights," - - NRCE. 

That is the focal point of this year's premier twin exhibition of retail suppliers and service providers -  National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez to speak on the campaign's synergy with retail industry growth and more fun shopping experience. William Schultz, president and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc., will deliver the conference keynote message.

Coca-Cola's participation in this year's NRCE is expected to further elevate the "fun" aspect of the conference as the brand celebrates "100 Year of Happiness."

There will be two panel discussions each day at NRCE:

Day 1 – (AM) -  digital marketing and online commerce.

            (PM) -  “Global Brands in Local Shores: 

                          How Local Brands Can Compete and Succeed vis-à-vis International Brands."

Day 2 - Luminaries from retail and property development - “Retail Entertainment: Creating a New Level of Customer Experience"

             (AM) -  how shopping and leisure are intertwined

             (PM) -  “The New Turks of Retailing.

Other topics include the competitive edge of socially responsible businesses, licensing opportunities for retailers, the retailer’s role in advocating a sustainable lifestyle, and transforming employees into brand ambassadors. There will also be a plenary session on using an initial public offering (IPO) as a tool for retail business growth.

Over 800 retail owners, suppliers, CEOs, and top level executives are attending the 2- day conference and exhibit. Each year, NRCE invites experts from the retail industry and other related sectors to cover relevant aspects of retailing. Chief among the bevy of topics at this year’s NRCE are strategies for driving growth and customer engagement

The 21st NRCE is proudly presented by PLDT Alpha Enterprise, SM Department Store, Hewlett Packard, Robinsons Malls, Araneta Center, Ayala Malls, Meralco, IBM Philippines, DHL Supply Chain Phils., Inc., Festival Supermall, Wilcon Depot, Celine, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, ABS CBN, Schutzen, Mobext, Inc., Crossover 105.1., Entrepreneur, Focalcast, Q Creatives, Cylix Technologies, Mediamagnet, Catalyst Media, Infinite Grafix, Travel Club, APL Logistics, Avolution, Live Media, Starmall and Bayantel.

For registration and other inquiries, visit www.nrceph.com, call PRA at 687-4180/4181 and 0919-6481231, or emailinfo@philretailers.com or ebbs@philretailers.com.

Conquering the Challenge of Changing Business Landscapes

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In a constantly changing marketing landscape subject to unpredictable interactions between market forces, it is necessary to be updated on emerging trends and practices in the field of Marketing. According to a Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) official, it is crucial to be always a step ahead and to always ask “what’s next” in order to maintain competitiveness.

Hermawan Kartajaya

“It’s every marketing professional’s responsibility to be aware of new developments and trends in marketing to be able to grow and sustain the business and even become globally competitive,” explains Gwenn Albarracin, PMA President, adding that practices aren’t always timeless and professionals may be employing strategies that are no longer applicable or may need certain tweaks to be effective.

She shares that there are a lot of promising new theories in the field that may change or re-define marketing practices. Among which are ‘Marketing 3.0’ and ‘New Wave Marketing’ espoused by the Founder and CEO of MarkPlus Inc. – a leading marketing professional service firm (Consulting, Education, Research, Media) based in Indonesia and Malaysia – Hermawan Kartajaya.

“Kartajaya perceives changes in the business landscape as an indication that marketing has turned from vertical to horizontal; that it should no longer be viewed from a top-down perspective but should be seen as a level playing field instead,” adds Albaraccin. 

Described as a unique combination of practitioner and theorist, Kartajaya has written several international books and has even co-authored some with the Father of Modern Marketing, Philip Kotler.

His co-authored book, Marketing 3.0: from Products to Customers to the Human Spirit, explains that there are three forces that set forth the birth of Marketing 3.0: The Age of Participation and Collaborative Marketing, The Age of Globalization Paradox and Cultural Marketing, and The Age of Creative Society and Human Spirit Marketing. It also describes Marketing 3.0 as the period by which practices are very much influenced by changes in consumer behavior and attitude.

He will be among the speakers in the upcoming Asian Marketing Conference to be held on July 19-20 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Albaraccin says that Kartajaya’s insights will be helpful in understanding how practitioners and business owners can adjust strategies and practices in response to political, technological, socio-cultural, economic changes in the business scene.

As one of the “50 Gurus Who Have Shaped the Future of Marketing” by the Chartered Institute of Marketing United Kingdom, sharing theories and experiences has been a fact of life for Kartajaya, “I have been speaking in several marketing conferences since 1995 in US, Asia, Europe, and Australia. In fact, I have been in the Philippines several times already for various speaking engagements.”

He claims that global marketing practice has a lot of shortcomings. “There are generally a lot of bad practices that we should slowly do the correction. I hope that the attendees of the upcoming Asian Marketing Conference will be part of correcting these bad practices and become aware that Marketing is shifting from ‘vertical’ to ‘horizontal.’”

Albarracin encourages marketing practitioners and key decision-makers to take part in this opportunity to learn from globally-renowned experts and interact with fellow practitioners. “As marketing professionals, we need to play an active role in advancing our knowledge of the craft and be able to better conquer its challenges,” she concludes.

For more information about the Asian Marketing Conference, kindly visit www.asianmarketingconference.com or call +632 634-5722.

Life Inside: Doing The Right Thing at the BuCor

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Recently I joined a bloggers’ tour of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City upon the invitation of Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan thru Ms. Divine Caraecle.

The New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, is the main insular penitentiary designed to house the prison population of the Philippines. It is maintained by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under the Philippine Department of Justice. The Bureau of Corrections has its headquarters in the NBP Reservation.

The Maximum Security Compound  has Its mandate  to rehabilitate the offenders. The New Bilibid Prisons have their chance to have productive and meaningful lives.

We see a big community with livelihood undertakings such as sari-sari stores, market (talipapa). Many different churches, chapels, and mosque for their different religious activities. The compound is also complete with basketball courts, tennis court, billiards, art galleries, wood carving and paintings.

Making them realize that each every individual have their own talent, enhancing them and putting them into practice to make them more productive citizens when time comes they were given another chance to come out and be a part of the human community, an important factor in the work for total human liberation, of those who are incarcerated, bringing them from the darkness to the light.

A song from Cmdr.Jaybee Sebastian, Paraiso Foundation Head

A great performance from Luis Gatchitorena, we found out that he was the Metro Pop Champion (1996)  when he was a free man.  

We see these works as rooted in the very relationship between God and His people, and the community.  We have seen things and people, with God’s help and divine intervention, working in mysterious ways to bring captive people back on the right track.

In effect, there was restoration – of personal liberty, of family and a community inside the penitentiary. The Bureau of Correction provides them an opportunity to start anew.

The Muntinlupa penitentiary is now a place not away from home, with the e-dalaw being provided for the detainees, which make them closer to their love ones. Physically they were deprived of their liberty, but not emotionally, with e-dalaw they can express their feelings, their love and concerns with their love ones especially their children in the outside world.

At the BuCor they provide peace and strength and even prosperity needed for everyone, rich detainee and poor alike, to enjoy life some of them don’t really intend to be in. Some victims of society they live in, of their weakness to commit sinful ways.

BuCor is paving the way for the detainees to have a brighter future ahead of them when time comes for them to re-join the community.

Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan, a man of vision and commitment, who is leading the way in bringing hope at the Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa.

Conference Room

Director Gaudencio Pangilinan, interviews and casual talks with the bloggers at the Conference Room

Inside the NBP Hospital

New facilities/ rooms for the prisons

Bilibid TV 13 (BTV) studio

 I read this (in a frame posted at the Gate 1), it is very meaningful and inspirational to everyone. 

A souvenir I bought from NBP wood carving man.

When I walked among the inmates at the Maximum Security Compound, I thought a bible verse...Corinthians 13. The greatest motivating force behind anyone and especially prison - is love.  Love for God.  Unconditional love for the inmate.  Love for the mission to which God has called. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Thanks to BuCor people for giving us the chance to see what's inside NBP. Thanks Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan, Ms. Divine Caraecle, Ms. Maricar Celis Villiar, Jaybee Sebastian and Major Johnson Agbayani and all staff and inmates. 

Visit  www.bucor.gov.ph for more information.