Sen. Bam Aquino leads jury in choosing 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards winners

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The complete 5th JFVA panel of judges: (sitting, from left) Boots Anson-Rodrigo, Harvey Ong, Rep. Leni Robredo, Sen. Bam Aquino, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Jollibee ambassador Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi, Belen Rillo, Ruth Angeles, (standing, from left) Atty. Adel Tamano, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares (represented by son, Brian), Fr. Tito Caluag, S.J., Winnie Monsod, Ma. Isabel Dionisio, Francis Flores, and Edric Mendoza.

An esteemed board of judges, composed of some of the country’s leading personalities from various endeavors and disciplines, has handpicked six Filipino families to be recognized in the 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA), the annual recognition program for exemplary families by the leading fast food chain.

The winners of this year’s JFVA – including the recipients of the special citations - will be feted during the Gabi Ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino slated on September 24 at the PICC Plenary Hall. During the deliberations held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, this year’s judges had the challenging task of choosing the awardees from a pool of 15 families whose advocacies stood out for their relevance and significant impact to their communities.

5th JFVA jury chairman Senator Bam Aquino addresses
a concern during the finalists’ deliberations.

Serving as chairman of the board for this year’s JFVA was Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, who is a known advocate of social change and helping and empowering the poor. He believes the inspiring stories of the JFVA families can help change a persistent mindset. “These days, people tend to be cynical, but there are times when it’s good to also remind ourselves that kindness and family values are still present in our society.”

Winnie Monsod poses a question during the deliberations of the families’ advocacies.

A new addition to the board of judges, Solita “Winnie” Monsod shared her experience as both judge and admirer of JFVA’s exemplary families. “When I saw the list of families and their contributions to the Philippines, it restored my faith in the Filipino people. There are families who will do these things for the community out of love and without having to ask for help and it was very inspiring,” she said.

Jollibee Philippines VP for Marketing Harvey Ong with fellow judges Ma. Isabel Dionisio (center), and columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri after the deliberations.

Completing the 15-member JFVA panel are Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares represented by her son Brian Poe Llamanzares, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, veteran actress and MOWELFUND Trustee and President Boots Anson-Rodrigo, actress and Jollibee ambassador Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi, columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri, ANC news anchor Edric Mendoza, parenting and relationship consultant Ma. Isabel Dionisio, Coca-Cola Corporation Public Affairs and Communications Director Atty. Adel Tamano, ABS-CBN chaplain and Public Service Integration consultant Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag, S.J. Jollibee Global Brand CMO Francis Flores, Jollibee Group Foundation VP Belen Rillo, Jollibee Philippines’ VP for Marketing Harvey Ong, and VP for Human Resources Ruth Angeles.

(From left) ABS-CBN chaplain and Public Service Integration consultant Fr. Tito Caluag, S.J., Coca-Cola Corporation Public Affairs and Communications Director Atty. Adel Tamano, and ANC news anchor Edric Mendoza have been part of the JFVA Board of Judges in the past years.

The five exemplary families and one OFW family will receive a cash prize of P300,000, a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. Special citations will also be bestowed to families who promote the following advocacies as endorsed by the citation partners: Education (co-presented with National Bookstore), Environment (Landbank), Children (Children’s Hour and San Miguel-Purefoods), PWDs (National Council on Disability Affairs - NCDA), and Minority Groups (Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas - KATRIBU).

The 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards is made possible with the support of major sponsor Coca-Cola, official airline partner Cebu Pacific, official hotel partners Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, media partner The Philippine Star, and other sponsors Business World, SM Cyberzone, Inewvation, LG, Hunts Tomato Sauce, Great Taste, Magic Crackers and Cream-O. Citation Partners are National Bookstore, Landbank, San Miguel-Purefoods, Children’s Hour, NCDA, and KATRIBU.

4th PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence Winners

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TV Station of the Year: ABS-CBN 2

People Management Association of the Philippine (PMAP) presents the Makatao Awards for Media Excellence to honor members of the mass media (TV, radio and print) for their outstanding works and contributions that enhance public understanding of the role and impact of good people management in both the public and private sector in the country. 

Radio Station of the Year: DZMM Radyo Patrol 630

Mass Media touches virtually every aspect of our daily lives. It plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions on a variety of important issues, both through the information that is dispensed through them, and through the interpretations they place upon this information. When journalists or talk show hosts are insightful and judicious in their reporting, citizens can play a more informed role in the many issues and debates that shapes their communities.

Newspaper of the Year: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Here are of winners for the 4th PMAP Makatao Awards recognized in a ceremony held at Hotel Intercontinental, Makati City on November 25, 2014.

Organizations:

TV Station of the Year: ABS-CBN 2

Radio Station of the Year: DZMM Radyo Patrol 630

Newspaper of the Year: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Television:

Best TV Best Public Affairs Program: Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA 7)

Best TV Public Affairs Program Host: Jessica Soho (Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, GMA 7)

Best TV News Program: TV Patrol 

Best TV News Anchor: Mel Tiangco (24 Oras,GMA 7)

Radio:

Best Radio Best Public Affairs Program: Usapang De Kampanilya (DZMM)

Best Radio Best Public Affairs Program Host: Joe Taruc (Damdaming Bayan, DZRH)

Best Radio News Program: Radyo Patrol Balita (DZMM)

Best Radio News Anchor: Noli De Castro (Radio Patrol Balita, DZMM) 

Best Newspaper Columnist: Cito Beltan (CTalk, Philippine Star)

Special Citations:

Ellen C. Fullido (Manila Broadcasting Company) 

Good Job Philippines (DZRJ 810) 

TV 5 

Ernie O. Cecilia, DPM 

PMAP is the premier organization of people manager and HR practitioners in the country and has more than 1.800 corporate members and individual members and 23 chapters nationwide.

For news and updates, you may visit www.pmap.org.ph or like https://www.facebook.com/PMAP1956 on Facebook.

Healthway gets two nods from Reader’s Digest Asia

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Healthway Medical officials give their biggest smiles upon receiving the Reader’s Digest Asia Most Trusted Brand for Ambulatory Clinics Platinum Awards and Marketing Excellence Award. Photo shows: (L-R) Sue Carney, Reader’s Digest Asia Pacific Editor-in-Chief; Joven Alcala, Healthway Medical Marketing Manager, Myrna Sison, Healthway Medical VP for Finance; Carmie De Leon, Healthway Medical VP for Sales and Marketing; Eleanor Bengco-Tan MD, Healthway Medical President; Femina Agcopra, Healthway Medical VP for Clinic Operations; Eva Preciosa Aquino CPA, MSA, PhD Asst., Healthway Medical VP for Finance and Shared Services; Karl Aaron Dimaano, Healthway Medical Asst. VP for Business Development, Lyndon Patrick Dayrit MD, Healthway Medical Medical Director, Golda Camille Go, Healthway Medical Marketing Communications Head; and Elspeth Baker, Reader’s Digest Asia Pacific Marketing Manager.

SM Supermalls wins ultimate seal of consumer approval, Platinum in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award 2014

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Shoppers from all walks of life enjoys SM Supermalls,  the Filipinos’ most trusted mall brand through the years.

SM Supermalls received the Platinum in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award 2014 for the Shopping Mall category last June 4, 2014 at Crowne Plaza Manila. (L-R) Sue Carney, Editor-in-Chief, Readers Digest Asia Pacific with the SM Supermalls team, Steven Tan, Senior Vice-President for Operations, Annie Garcia, President, Grace Magno, Vice-President for Advertising and Sheron White, Group Advertising Director, Readers Digest Asia Pacific.

SM Supermalls clinched, for the second year, the Platinum in the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award for the Shopping Mall category in the Philippines for 2014.

As the ultimate seal of consumer approval, the Trusted Brand Award reflects SM Supermalls’ commitment to trustworthiness and credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer needs, innovation and social responsibility. 

SM Supermalls adheres to basic tenets of shopping center management rooted in providing the highest level of service and delight to its shoppers which include well-curated local and global fashion brands through partnering with the world’s best retailers; a delectable mix of food tenants giving the market a taste of the best in the local and global scene; a wide array of entertainment options; awe-inspiring architectural eco-friendly designs and a warm ambience that allows shoppers from all walks of life to feel safe, comfortable and happy. 

Winning this award reaffirms SM Supermalls’ commitment to constant innovation and responsible mall development. The company’s duty goes beyond serving its customers inside the malls as it is also implements sustainability programs benefitting the communities where an SM mall is located. This award motivates SM Supermalls to even work harder in order to maintain the trust its customers have given the brand.

And one important reason why SM Supermalls is the Filipinos’ most trusted mall brand is perhaps because it’s never veered away from what it’s been known for through the years - fun and affordable luxury shopping experience. 

This is what SM Supermalls is all about.

In just over five decades, SM Supermalls became the Philippines’ most patronized chain of malls, rapidly growing from just one store into 49 malls in the country, three of which are among the biggest malls in the world. SM Supermalls also owns and operates 5 malls in China.

Manila Water recognizes green vendors

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“Greening the Supply Chain” that aims to educate and strengthen the environmental awareness of our contractors and to ensure that they are in compliance with environmental legal requirements and reduction of environmental impacts as part of Manila Water’s greening the supply chain initiatives.

As part of the company’s continuing programs to motivate its various “green” contractors and vendors to take part in implementing environmental initiatives and best environmental practices, Manila Water Company has recognized 14 of its pool of accredited service providers for their exemplary performance and commitments to the Green Islands of Sustainability project.

During Manila Water’s 7th Contractor’s Forum the Green Vendor Awards were given CRL Environmental Corp., Dolomatrix Philippines, Inc., E.I. Construction and Development Corp., Electrical Equipment & System Integration, Inc., G.D. Reyes Construction, GPM Industries Corp., Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Lanange Construction, Lane Archive Technologies Corp., Link Energie Indus for their outstanding environmental performance and successful implementation of measures to lessen environmental impacts of their operations, reduce business cost and provide better workplace to its employees.

Manila Water also gave Green Star Awards to Link Energie Industries and Moldex Products as they both achieved a four-star rating equivalent to 80-95%. Green Star Awards are given by Manila Water to its contractors for achieving a four to five-star rating.

Manila Water Operations Group Director Geodino Carpio said that the recognition it gives its contractors and vendors aims to influence and motivate its various contractors to implement environmental initiatives in climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental protection through reduction of environmental impacts through the implementation of best environmental practices.

“It’s been a commitment of Manila Water to pursue environmental sustainability programs to protect our resources and environment,” Carpio added.

In the same forum, Manila Water Environmental Planning Department Manager Mark Tom Mulingbayan shared the pressing problems of climate change and its impacts as well as strategies on climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

Mulingbayan also stressed the importance of what we can do as individuals and business entities to lessen our carbon footprints.

Aside from climate change, also discussed during the forum are the Philippine Environmental Laws and Regulations that needs to be complied such as Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Philippine EIS System, Ecological Solid Waste Management and Toxic and Hazardous Waste Acts.

Nominees for ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice 2013 released !

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Here's  ASAP POP Viewers Choice Awards nominees! 

The top-rating ABS-CBN musical variety show “ASAP” announced on Sunday the nominees of the ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice 2013.

“ASAP” holds this awarding ceremony each year to recognize the celebrities viewers think shone in their respective categories – whether it be on TV, music or movies.

Regular viewers of “ASAP” and the fans of Kapamilya stars could cast their votes NOW! 

Here is the complete list of this year’s nominees:

Pop Movie
A. This Guy’s In Love With You Mare
B. Suddenly It’s Magic
C. It Takes a Man and a Woman
D. Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo

Pop Movie Theme Song
A. "Suddenly It’s Magic"
B. "Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat"
C. "It Takes a Man and a Woman"
D. "Scared to Death"

Pop Screen Kiss
A. Kim Chiu and Xian Lim (Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo)
B. Erich Gonzales and Mario Maurer (Suddenly It’s Magic)
C. Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz (It Takes a Man and a Woman)
D. Toni Gonzaga and a dog (This Guy’s in Love with You Mare)

Pop Love Team
A. Erich Gonzales and Mario Maurer
B. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla
C. Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz
D. Kim Chiu and Xian Lim

Pop Female
A. Sarah Geronimo
B. Zia Quizon
C. Yeng Constantino
D. Aiza Seguerra

Pop Male
A. Erik Santos
B. Daniel Padilla
C. Bamboo
D. Abra

Pop Song
A. "Gayuma" by Abra
B. "Magkabilang Mundo" by Jireh Lim
C. "Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat" by Daniel Padilla
D. "Chinito" by Yeng Constantino

Pop Album
A. "Expressions" by Sarah Geronimo
B. "DJP" by Daniel Padilla
C. "Metamorphosis" by Yeng Constantino
D. "Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs"

Pop Soundtrack Album
A. Kahit Konting Pagtingin
B. Ina Kapatid Anak
C. Juan dela Cruz Volume 1
D. Be Careful With My Heart

Pop Music Video
A. "Gayuma," Abra
B. "Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat," Daniel Padilla
C. "It Takes a Man and a Woman," Sarah Geronimo
D. "Chinito," Yeng Constantino

Pop Celebrity Cameo
A. Kim Chiu in "Discolamon"
B. Enrique Gil in "Mr. Kupido"
C. Kathryn Bernardo in "Nasa Iyo na ang Lahat"
D. Enchong Dee in "Chinito"

Pop Kapamilya TV Show
A. Be Careful With My Heart
B. Juan dela Cruz
C. Got to Believe
D. Gandang Gabi Vice

Pop Kapamilya TV CharacterA. Maya and Sir Chief
B. Celyn and Margaux
C. Chichay and Joaquin
D. Annaliza

Pop TV Theme SongA. "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" by Angeline Quinto
B. "Please Be Careful with My Heart" by Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap
C. "Buko" by Jireh Lim
D. "Got to Believe" by Juris

Pop Female FashionistaA. Anne Curtis
B. Kris Aquino
C. Kim Chiu
D. Yeng Constantino

Pop Male FashionistaA. Piolo Pascual
B. Vice Ganda
C. Vhong Navarro
D. Enrique Gil

Pop Cover GirlA. Sarah Geronimo
B. Kathryn Bernardo
C. Angel Locsin
D. Anne Curtis

Pop Cover BoyA. Daniel Padilla
B. Enrique Gil
C. Enchong Dee
D. Coco Martin

Pop Breakthrough StarA. Julia Barretto
B. Janella Salvador
C. Jerome Ponce
D. Abra

Pop Fans ClubA. Angeliners
B. Yengters
C. KimXi
D. KathNiel

Pop NetizenA. Anne Curtis
B. Vice Ganda
C. Sarah Gernimo
D. Angel Locsin

Voting period for the ‘2013 ASAP Pop Viewers’ Choice Awards’ is now open.

Fans and TV viewers may vote for their favorite celebrities through text and online voting at ASAP.abs-cbn.com. Kapamilyas may also vote by filling out the ‘POP Balota’ included in Star Studio and Chalk magazines, and submitting it through the available drop boxes in ABS-CBN regional offices and National Bookstore branches nationwide.

Here's how to cast their votes in three ways.

Via online -- Just go to asap.abs-cbn.com/popawards

Via mobile -- Just text POP (space) [category code] (space) [letter of choice] and send to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun or 231 for Smart and TalkNText

Via print -- Just grab a copy of the November issue of Chalk and StarStudio magazines and cast your vote using the ASAP Pop Balota page. 

One pop balota is has an equivalent of 10 votes.

Entries may be dropped at selected branches of National Bookstore, 

at ABS-CBN Studio Tours or at ABS-CBN Regional Network Group offices in Cebu, 

Iloilo, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Voting will be from October 20 until November 12.

Bread N' Butter Acquires Second Award for 2013

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UNTV's business-oriented television program Bread N' Butter received the Outstanding Family-Inspired Television Program Award at the 33rd Dangal ng Bayan Awards 2013 last July 30, 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

Rodel Flordeliz, one of Bread N' Butter's tri-kada hosts, received the award in behalf of Arlene Razon and Kitt Meily. The award was conferred to Bread N' Butter for inspiring and encouraging viewers to become creative and productive individuals as well as for supporting events that promote nation-building causes.

The annual Dangal ng Bayan Awards is jointly organized by the Dangal ng Bayan Awards Committee, BIOCARE Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Citizens Information and Assistance and the ASK ME Foundation in cooperation with the National Consumers Affairs Foundation.

UNTV host and premiere broadcast journalist Kuya Daniel S. Razon was also a recipient of the Dangal ng Bayan Award as the Outstanding Journalist and Public Servant because of his advocacies and contributions to the broadcast industry.

Earlier this year, Bread N' Butter received the Best Livelihood-Oriented Program Gandingan ng Kabuhayan Award for the second time at the prestigious Gandingan 2013: The 7th UPLB Isko't Iska's Broadcast Choice Awards last January 26 at the D. L. Umali Auditorium. Gandingan Awards is organized by the UPLB Community Broadcasters Society.

Bread N' Butter features different types of careers, businesses and other profit-generating activities as well as tourism. 

The program airs every Friday at 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at UNTV, Your Public Service Channel.

ABS-CBN Publishing Wins at the Asian Publishing Awards

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ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. (API) received a total of five Asian Publishing awards in rites recently held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manila.

API won for "Best Feature on Cars" and "Best Feature on Wine Tasting", both for Vaultmagazine; for "Best Feature on Interior Design" for Metro Home magazine and "Best Feature on Asian Fashion" for Metro magazine.  In the book category, Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir was awarded for "Best Insights into Asian Societies."

According to the Asian Publishing Conference Committee, the awards organizers, there were 171 entries from Asia. API joined winners from eight countries, which included three others from the Philippines. 

“We are proud of this achievement, knowing that our locally developed magazines can compete and win against many franchised global brands.  I thank God and the great people I worked with for excelling in their respective categories. I also want to thank the Asian Publishing Conference Committee for the recognition that they’ve given us,” said Ernie Lopez, President of API.

“There has never been a more competitive and transformative period in history of magazine media. Audiences are segmenting rapidly, and there are over 500 magazines sold on a typical bookstore, with many more alternatives on digital storefronts. It is therefore heartening to see Philippine publications and our brands competing in terms of quality at an international level,” added Mark Yambot, Managing Director of API.

This is the second year in a row for Vault magazine to be recognized for editorial excellence.  A high-end men’s lifestyle magazine, Vault magazine also won the “Best New Magazine” and “Best Cover Design” in APA for 2012. “Our fine wines and motoring sections are particularly popular for their depth, detail, insider knowledge and visual attractiveness. We are proud to be cited two years in a row for excellence in lifestyle journalism,” said David Celdran, Editor-in-Chief of Vault.

Shot in Milo Naval’s house in Sorsogon, Metro Home’s winning feature showcased Philippine ingenuity through the tropical and modernist design of the established interior and furniture designer.

Metro’s winning entry was an Iza Calzado photo shoot in Barcelona which showcased creations from top and aspiring Filipino designers. This is also the second win for the magazine whose iPad edition was awarded in 2011 for “Best in Tablet Platform.”

Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir was one of the Philippines' best-selling books of 2012.

ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. (API) is a subsidiary of media conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation. API is the leading provider of Philippine developed magazine brands with 13 homegrown titles such as StarStudio, The Buzz, Working Mom, Food, Chalk, and the Kris Aquino Magazine.  

The 2013 Ramon Magsaysay Foundation Awardees

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This year 2013 marks the Foundation’s 55th year of honoring the great men and women of Asia. For the past 54 years, RMAF has recognized individuals and organizations that have shown greatness of spirit and contributed transformative solutions to the pressing problems of communities all over Asia.

The Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) today announced that this year three individuals and two organizations from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines will receive Asia’s premier prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

The Awardees are:

Ernesto Domingo, from the Philippines.  He is being recognized for “his exemplary embrace of the social mission of medical science and his profession, his steadfast leadership in pursuing ‘health for all’ as a shared moral responsibility of all sectors, and his groundbreaking and successful advocacy for neonatal hepatitis vaccination, thereby saving millions of lives in the Philippines.”

Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (Corruption Eradication Commission), from Indonesia.  The organization is being recognized for“its fiercely independent and successful campaign against corruption in Indonesia, combining the uncompromising prosecution of erring powerful officials with farsighted reforms in governance systems and the educative promotion of vigilance, honesty, and active citizenship among all Indonesians.”

Lahpai Seng Raw, from Myanmar.  She is being recognized for “her quietly inspiring and inclusive leadership—in the midst of deep ethnic divides and prolonged armed conflict—to regenerate and empower damaged communities and to strengthen local NGOs in promoting a non-violent culture of participation and dialogue as the foundation for Myanmar’s peaceful future.”

Habiba Sarabi, from Afghanistan.  She is being recognized for “her bold exercise of leadership to build up a functioning provincial government against great odds—intractable political adversities, a harsh and impoverished environment, and pervasive cultural discrimination—serving her people with a hopeful persistence grounded in her abiding commitment to peace and development in Afghanistan”

Shakti Samuha (“Power Group”), from Nepal.  The organization’s founders and members are being recognized for “transforming their lives in service to other human trafficking survivors, their passionate dedication towards rooting out a pernicious social evil in Nepal, and the radiant example they have shown the world in reclaiming the human dignity that is the birthright of all abused women and children everywhere.”

Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asia’s highest honor and is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.  It celebrates the memory and leadership example of the third Philippine president, and is given every year to individuals or organizations in Asia who manifest the same sense of selfless service that ruled the life of the late and beloved Filipino leader.

“The Magsaysay awardees of 2013,” says RMAF President Carmencita Abella, “are three remarkable individuals and two amazing organizations, all deeply involved in creating  sustainable solutions to seemingly intransigent social problems in their respective societies, problems which are most damaging to the lives of those trapped in poverty or ignorance.  These problems are manifest in seemingly very diverse and disparate issues--prolonged armed conflict, preventable disease and death, human trafficking and exploitation, corruption with impunity, weak governance and political instability--yet each of this year’s  awardees is showing us that there are ways to build genuine success, one smart and persistent step at a time. Working selflessly in unpretentious yet powerful ways, they are showing us how commitment, competence and collaborative leadership can truly create ripples of change, even from the bottom of the pyramid.

“While their solutions are distinctively their own, there is one thing these Magsaysay laureates share:  a greatness of spirit that infuses their leadership for change.  Working with others, they all single-mindedly apply their skills and energies to their passion for improving the lives of others.  They all refuse to give up, despite daunting adversity and opposition. They are all deeply rooted in hope. We have much to learn from them, and much to celebrate about their greatness of spirit.”

The five 2013 Magsaysay awardees join the community of 296 other Magsaysay laureates who have received Asia’s highest honor to date.

This year’s Magsaysay Award winners will each receive a certificate, a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President, and a cash prize.  They will be formally conferred the Magsaysay Award during formal Presentation Ceremonies to be held on Saturday, 31 August 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, to which the public is cordially invited. 

Join us as we welcome Asia's new heroes! Congratulations to the 2013 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees!

Visit more updates on rmaf.org.ph

Western Digital Green Desktop 3.5-inch Hard Drives Wins Best Choice Awards

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Cool and Quiet Drives Awarded for Their Innovative Energy-saving Technologies, Wide Market Acceptance and High Capacity to Meet Today’s Data Growth

WD®, a Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) company and world leader in storage and connected-life products, today announced that its WD Green™ desktop 3.5-inch hard drives have been awarded the COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013 Best Choice Award in the Green ICT category. 

The Best Choice Award is a technology-industry recognition of distinctive products, judged on functionality, innovation and market potential. This year the judging panel, comprised of government officials, professors, experts and journalists, received more than 400 entries.

Employing the company’s WD GreenPower Technology™, WD Green hard drives were the industry’s first drives to significantly reduce power consumption when compared to standard hard drives, and have been widely accepted globally, with more than 125 million units shipped since their introduction in 2008. In addition to consuming less power, the purpose-built drives’ power-saving technologies result in cooler and quieter operation. Available in capacities up to 3 TB, the WD Green family is designed and manufactured with lead-free, conflict-free and halogen-free materials.

“We are honored by the recognition COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013 is giving the WD Green drives,” said Matt Rutledge, vice president of WD’s client computing business unit.

"Our customers have embraced WD Green drives for their efficiencies and cool and quiet attributes, which are a primary criteria for certain applications. From working closely with our customers, we understand their needs for purpose-built storage technologies, whether they deliver high performance or network capability, or low power consumption, like WD Green drives." 

WD Green desktop hard drives will be exhibited at the Best Choice Award display area at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013. WD will showcase its full product portfolio, latest storage technologies and software solutions addressing thin-and-light mobile devices, cloud datacenter computing and products for the connected lifestyle at booth number L0810 in the World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall.

Philippines Wins New Frontiers Award for Typhoon Rebuilding Efforts

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The Philippines has been awarded the "New Frontiers Award 2013" at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition.

Tourism officials said the New Frontiers Award became the main feature of the ATM and is given to destinations that have surmounted great adversity to rebound its tourism industries.

The award also gives tribute to the resilience of local communities to rebuild their lives, as well as bring attention to the crisis management and risk reduction practices of local authorities. It is the only citation extended during the event. 

The Philippines was shortlisted, together with New York State (Hurricane Sandy) and Pakistan (2012 floods), among an original list of 10 nominees for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity. 

“The Philippines, its government and its people, has shown remarkable fortitude and a stoic determination to get both communities and the local economy back on track following the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Bopha late last year, and their resilience in the face of such a monumental crisis is commendable,” Mark Walsh said. 

Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., who led the Philippine delegation to ATM, received the award from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions. The crystal trophy came along with free exhibition space at the ATM worth US$10,000. The delegation was composed of 14 organizations representing nine tour operators, four hotel and resort companies, and one airline company. 

The award is in recognition of the continuing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and the tourism economy after Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) wrought havoc in December 2012. The catastrophe is deemed the world’s deadliest last year, leaving millions homeless and infrastructure and agricultural farms vastly damaged. 

 Assistant Secretary Bengzon Jr., said that "the Philippine government, under the administration of President Aquino and the Department of Tourism have worked hand-in-hand to establish tourism as a major generator of income for the people and the country. At times of adversity, such as this, the determined spirit of our countrymen, supported by assistance from the international community, shines through and, it is this same spirit that is driving our tourism industry forward.”

The first quarter arrivals from the Middle East region recorded a 22.1% gain over the same period last year.

“We intend to attract more of the high-spending market from this region. Service providers are optimistic of the continued uptrend and are investing to take advantage of this windfall. Cebu Pacific has launched its first long-haul flight to Dubai to commence in October. Other airlines are to announce their services within the year,” Assistant Secretary Bengzon added. 

“This award highlights the sheer resilience of our people and the resolve of all stakeholders to fast track recovery. We also are very thankful to the many countries and international agencies with their generosity to help in our rebuilding efforts. Our record-breaking performance and new highs of the industry clearly indicate that our partnerships are bearing fruit. Despite these crises, we remain undaunted and focused in showing our visitors that we are worth visiting,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said. 

“Indeed, what makes the Philippines more fun is its people. The bayanihan spirit, amplified during crisis, is a unique social phenomenon that will forever drive the Filipinos to remain steadfast and dependent on each other for strength, through good times and bad. That in the midst of great challenges, we still manage to put on a happy face,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.

Enjoy the wonderful world and visit itsmorefuninthephilippines.com. 

Gourmand World Cookbooks Award

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Food writing ! More fun in the Philippines! This was a most blessed foodie year. The following books were named the Philippine national winners in the Gourmand World Cookbooks Awards:

1. The Foods of Jose Rizal by Felice Sta. Maria (National winner, Best Food History book)

2. Savor the Word: Ten Years of the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards edited by 

     Micky Fenix, Maya Besa Roxas, Felice Sta. Maria (National winner, Best Food Literature Book)

3. Linamnam: Eating One’s Way Around the Philippines by Claude Tayag and Mary Ann     Quioc-Tayag (National winner, Best Culinary Travel Guide)

4. Larry Can’t Cook: How Larry J. Cruz built an Empire that redefined Filipino dining by the LJC Group (National winner, Best Corporate Cookbook)

5. Inside a Chef's Life by Bruce Lim (National winner, Best TV Celebrity Book--Rest of the World)

6. Journal for Cooks and Foodies by The Maya Kitchen (National winner, Best Easy Recipes Book)

7. Baking Secrets by RV Manabat (National winner, Best Desserts Book

Hollywood glitz and glamour as Star World showcases Grammys live and other red carpet events this February

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Which films and which stars will garner the most honors at these prestigious occasions, and marvel at the celebrities as they parade up the red carpet and set the fashion world abuzz in their stunning designer suits and gowns? 

This is the biggest night, Bask in Hollywood glitz and glamour as Star World brings viewers the biggest awards shows and red carpet events this February.

Star World is proud to be broadcasting The 55^th Grammy Awards LIVE this Monday, February 11 at 9 AM to give you a sumptuous breakfast of amazing musical performances and the who’s who of the global music industry waiting to be honored for their contributions to music. The Grammy Awards have been celebrating for more than fifty years the music and artists who have touched the hearts and souls of people around the world, and this year’s event, to be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, promises to be the biggest effort to carry on this noble tradition. 

A total of 81 awards will be given away this year, including three new categories:

* Best Classical Compendium

* Best Latin Jazz Album, and 

* Best Urban Contemporary Album

An astounding roster of artists are set to perform onstage for Music’s Biggest Night, including the usual suspects Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake as well as legends like Sting and Elton John. The Grammys will also pay tribute to the late Levon Helm of The Band with Zac Brown, T Bone Burnett (as musical director), Alabama Shakes' Brittany Howard, Elton John, Mumford & Sons, and Mavis Staples. Meanwhile, Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea and Kenny Garrett will also perform a touching tribute to jazz legend Dave Brubeck.

On Saturday, the 16^th of February at 8PM, get your snacks and comfy pajamas ready to spend an exciting night at home watching The 18^th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.

This year, the critics loved Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” so much that it received a record-breaking 13 nominations, which bested the 12 nominations of 2011’s “Black Swan”. This year’s contenders for Best Film didn’t disappoint, though, with “Les Miserables” coming close at 11 nominations, “Life of Pi” earning 9 nominations, and “Argo,” “The Master” and “Skyfall” each garnering 7 nominations. Tune in to Star World at 8 PM on February 16 to see who the critics honored the most and which films knocked their movie-loving socks off!

Celebrity buffs should plan to stay at home on the following Saturday night as well because on February 23 at 8PM, Star World will be showing The 19th Screen Actors Guild Awards, the industry’s most beloved awards show that exclusively honors performers voted for by their peers in the acting industry. Vying for the 13 awards for acting in film and television are the most talented performers the industry has seen, with nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role including Bradley Cooper for “Silver Linings Playbook,” Hugh Jackman for his outstanding performance in “Les Miserables” and Daniel Day Lewis for “Lincoln.”

February 2013 not only signifies love but also the allure of the red carpet on Star World!

Enjoy the wonderful world of - Star World! 

BREAD N’ BUTTER Receives its 2nd Gandingan Award

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Things have been so good for the Tri-kada as they have been receiving awards and recognition in the past years. The UNTV family has another reason to celebrate as Bread n’ Butter won its second, yes its second Best Livelihood-Oriented Program Gandingan ng Kabuhayan award at the recently held 7^th Gandingan Awards.

The Gandingan awards are a yearly event hosted by the UP Community Broadcasters Society of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna. The UP students were tasked to carefully select and vote for the winners. It pays tribute to the excellent works of broadcasters, programs and related materials in the country. Mr. Rodel Flordeliz one of the host of the show Bread n’ Butter, personally received the coveted award and thanked the UP students for voting and choosing the program:

“Alam ko yung pagpili nila rito talagang pinanood ng mga estudyante tsaka dumaan sya sa voting, so masasabi ko na talagang valid yung magwawagi sa parangal na ito kaya maraming maraming salamat sa tumangkilik, sa lahat ng mga bumoto at syempre sa mga estudante ng UPLB,” – Rodel Flordeliz, Executive Producer and Bread n’ Butter Program Host.

It wasn’t a real surprise especially for regular viewers as the show consistently produces quality content features with such technical clarity worthy of awards of the highest degree. Such praises and accolades are only reserved for top-notch shows in which Bread n’ Butter easily qualifies. 

What can one get by watching the show you may ask? Well if you’ve never seen an episode let me give you a one liner description “Bread n’ Butter brings out the entrepreneur in all of us” The 45 minute show urges and encourages everyone to take the entrepreneurial way complete with tips, suggestions and insights for beginner’s to learn from. These the UP community as a whole acknowledges together with thousands of regular viewers who diligently tunes in every week.

Hosted by three dynamic hosts Rodel Flordeliz, Arlene Razon and Kitt Meily collectively called the Tri-kada.

You can catch Bread n’ Butter every Friday from 5:00pm to 5:45pm. It can be seen at UHF channel 37 and on cable channels Dream 9, Destiny 9, Sky 33 and Cable link 77.  

Jodie Foster's Speech was one of the biggest highlights of 2013 Golden Globes

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Jodie Foster is honoured with the Cecil B DeMille award at the 2013 Golden Globes. She wows the Golden Globes with her speech. I have watched it on TV , and I still watch it many times on videos. I love her since her "Silence of the Lambs" and almost all her movies.  Here's Jodie Foster’s acceptance speech after winning the Cecil B. DeMille award. This  was one of the biggest highlights of Sunday’s Golden Globe awards.

Below, read the full transcript of her speech.

“Well, for all of you ‘SNL’ fans, I’m 50! I’m 50! You know, I need to do that without this dress on, but you know, maybe later at Trader Vic’s, boys and girls. What do you say? I’m 50! You know, I was going to bring my walker tonight but it just didn’t go with the cleavage.”

“Robert [Downey Jr.], I want to thank you for everything: for your bat-crazed, rapid-fire brain, the sweet intro. I love you and Susan and I am so grateful that you continually talk me off the ledge when I go on and foam at the mouth and say, ‘I’m done with acting, I’m done with acting, I’m really done, I’m done, I’m done.’”

“Trust me, 47 years in the film business is a long time. You just ask those Golden Globes, because you crazy kids, you’ve been around here forever. You know, Phil you’re a nut, Aida, Scott — thank you for honoring me tonight. It is the most fun party of the year, and tonight I feel like the prom queen. Thank you. Looking at all those clips, you know, the hairdos and the freaky platform shoes, it’s like a home-movie nightmare that just won’t end, and all of these people sitting here at these tables, they’re my family of sorts, you know. Fathers mostly. Executives, producers, the directors, my fellow actors out there, we’ve giggled through love scenes, we’ve punched and cried and spit and vomited and blown snot all over one another — and those are just the costars I liked.”

“But, you know, more than anyone else, I share my most special memories with members of the crew. Blood-shaking friendships, brothers and sisters. We made movies together, and you can’t get more intimate than that.

“So while I’m here being all confessional, I guess I have a sudden urge to say something that I’ve never really been able to air in public. So, a declaration that I’m a little nervous about but maybe not quite as nervous as my publicist right now, huh Jennifer? But I’m just going to put it out there, right? Loud and proud, right? So I’m going to need your support on this. I am single. Yes I am, I am single. No, I’m kidding — but I mean I’m not really kidding, but I’m kind of kidding. I mean, thank you for the enthusiasm. Can I get a wolf whistle or something?”

“…be a big coming-out speech tonight because I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago back in the Stone Age, in those very quaint days when a fragile young girl would open up to trusted friends and family and co-workers and then gradually, proudly to everyone who knew her, to everyone she actually met. But now I’m told, apparently, that every celebrity is expected to honor the details of their private life with a press conference, a fragrance and a prime-time reality show. You know, you guys might be surprised, but I am not Honey Boo Boo Child. No, I’m sorry, that’s just not me. It never was and it never will be. Please don’t cry because my reality show would be so boring. I would have to make out with Marion Cotillard or I’d have to spank Daniel Craig’s bottom just to stay on the air. It’s not bad work if you can get it, though.”

“But seriously, if you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you’d had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe you too might value privacy above all else. Privacy.”

“Someday, in the future, people will look back and remember how beautiful it once was. I have given everything up there from the time that I was 3-years-old. That’s reality-show enough, don’t you think? There are a few secrets to keeping your psyche intact over such a long career. The first, love people and stay beside them.”

“That table over there, 222, way out in Idaho, Paris, Stockholm, that one, next to the bathroom with all the unfamous faces, the very same faces for all these years. My acting agent, Joe Funicello — Joe, do you believe it, 38 years we’ve been working together? Even though he doesn’t count the first eight. Matt Saver, Pat Kingsley, Jennifer Allen, Grant Niman and his uncle Jerry Borack, may he rest in peace. Lifers. My family and friends here tonight and at home, and of course, Mel Gibson. You know you save me too.”

“There is no way I could ever stand here without acknowledging one of the deepest loves of my life, my heroic co-parent, my ex-partner in love but righteous soul sister in life, my confessor, ski buddy, consigliere, most beloved BFF of 20 years, Cydney Bernard. Thank you, Cyd. I am so proud of our modern family. Our amazing sons, Charlie and Kit, who are my reason to breathe and to evolve, my blood and soul. And boys, in case you didn’t know it, this song, all of this, this song is for you. This brings me to the greatest influence of my life, my amazing mother, Evelyn. Mom, I know you’re inside those blue eyes somewhere and that there are so many things that you won’t understand tonight.”

“But this is the only important one to take in: I love you, I love you, I love you. And I hope that if I say this three times, it will magically and perfectly enter into your soul, fill you with grace and the joy of knowing that you did good in this life. You’re a great mom. Please take that with you when you’re finally OK to go. You see, Charlie and Kit, sometimes your mom loses it too. I can’t help but get moony, you know. This feels like the end of one era and the beginning of something else. Scary and exciting and now what?”

“Well, I may never be up on this stage again, on any stage for that matter. Change, you gotta love it. I will continue to tell stories, to move people by being moved, the greatest job in the world. It’s just that from now on, I may be holding a different talking stick. And maybe it won’t be as sparkly, maybe it won’t open on 3,000 screens, maybe it will be so quiet and delicate that only dogs can hear it whistle. But it will be my writing on the wall. Jodie Foster was here, I still am, and I want to be seen, to be understood deeply and to be not so very lonely. Thank you, all of you, for the company. Here’s to the next 50 years.”

Credit: ABC.