The Search is on for the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award

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Finding individuals who have lived their lives in service of others.

The search is on for the 2014 Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awardee was launched recently and this afternoon, we were glad meeting up with the organizers headed by the JCI Manila 2014 BTCA Chairman Marc Reyes; Lloyd Chao, Vice President and Mark Homer Uy, Director for Special Projects. The was held at the Akira Art of Sushi & Teppanyaki Restaurad, Alphalang, Makati City.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is a recognition dedicated to the late Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, 1979 Nobel Prize Winner, and was known worldwide as “The Living Saint” because of her selfless humanitarian work and ideals. The search, which was launched in 1983, is the annual project of Junior Chamber International – Manila (JCI-Manila) and the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation (AY Foundation).

Organizers also aim to inspire others by recognizing the work selflessly done by everyday individuals. JCI-Manila BTCA Chairman for 2014 Marc Reyes says, “In today’s age where everyone’s focused on putting the spotlight on themselves, it’s refreshing to know individuals who work extra hard to improve the lives of others. We hope this could start an effect of inspiring others to do the same.” 

In the land of selfies, it is refreshing to encounter people who are selfless: dedicating their time, money, and effort to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) aims to recognize these selfless leaders who have taken up social causes that benefit the marginalized members of society. 

The award-giving body aims to refocus public attention and bring recognition to those, who like Blessed Teresa, have dedicated a portion of their lives to serving the “poorest of the poor” and have served as an inspiration to those around them. The winner will receive a cash grant of One Million Pesos (Php 1,000,000.00), at least half of which will be donated to the winner’s charitable institution of choice.

Nominees are open to any living individual, regardless of age, gender, race, and religion, who has dedicated himself fully and selflessly to humanitarian work among underprivileged Filipinos for at least 25 years, being an advocate here in the Philippines. 

In addition, nominees will be likened to the degree in which they follow the example of Blessed Teresa, both in integrity and in the simplicity of their lifestyle.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award encourages anyone who may know an exemplary individual to nominate them by filling up their nomination form found on their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/BTCAward). 

Only completed nomination forms shall be accepted. The full list of rules and regulations can be found at the back of the nomination form. 

Deadline of nominations is on July 15, 2014.

Don't forget to nominate someone selfless today, especially those who have worked very hard to help those around them.

RM awardee, Internet Hall of Famer to talk with youth

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In a mountainous village in Nepal, a teenager is huddled in front of a computer screen, busy surfing the Internet. Instead of playing DotA (Defense of the Ancients) or checking Facebook, this young person is sifting through an online library. In a rural town clinic, health workers are receiving live online trainings from Model Hospital in Kathmandu. In a remote farm, a man is transacting for a buffalo with another farmer miles away via the Internet.

These scenes are repeated every day in over 170 towns all over Nepal, thanks to the efforts of one man: Mahabir Pun, educator, Internet pioneer, and 2007 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Community Leadership.

Mahabir Pun received the 2007 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership, the board of trustees recognizes his innovative application of wireless computer technology in Nepal, bringing progress to remote mountain areas by connecting his village to the global village.

Earlier this month, Pun was also inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. This recognizes his work in connecting rural Himalayan villages to free wireless Internet and the many benefits it is bringing to millions Nepalese rural villagers in many aspects, including health, education, and trade.

“ICT as a Tool for Education”

Fresh from this new international accolade, Pun will arrive in Manila on April 28. His first engagement upon arrival will be with the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF)--the organization that bestows Asia’s premier prize . He will be the guest speaker at a GOS (Greatness of Spirit) Ambassadors Kapihan Session titled “An Afternoon with Mahabir Pun: ICT as a Tool for Education” on April 28, starting at 2:00pm.

As the head and founder of the Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP), Pun now shares with the world the story of his work, the development and evolution of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nepal. He also talks about how NWNP is helping provide internet access, electronic commerce, education, telemedicine, and environmental and agricultural services to remote villages in the country.

About 40 guests, consisting of guests from the World Bank, GOS Ambassadors, ICT Association of the Philippines, and the media, are expected to attend the session live.

The event can also be viewed live online at http://www.rmaf.org.ph/newrmaf/main/community/ustream

On April 29-30, Pun will also speak at the launch of the joint Asian Development Bank/International Telecommunication Union initiative on information and communication technology for the Asia Pacific region. The two-day event will be hosted by the Philippine government and its Department of Science and Technology.

For more information or inquiries, contact Social Media Manager Mr. Yuri Baral at ybaral@rmaf.org.ph or 521-3166 loc 128.

#KalyePop: Boy band 1:43 puts a new twist to KPop in third album

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Boy band 1:43 puts a new twist  to KPop in their third album for release this April under MCA Music.

Often mistaken for Korean pop superstars, proudly all-Filipino boy band 1:43 (one forty-three) gives the term KPop a whole new meaning in their third album #KalyePop.

The album titled #KalyePop (KPop) is composed of six strong original tracks from the foremost Filipino boy band that popularized “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” the monster hit song that won the 2013 PMPC Star Award for Music “Song of the Year.”

“#KalyePop or KPop is our humble contribution to the rebirth of the local music industry. We hope that our new musical direction will advance our mission of winning back the Filipino audiences to Original Pilipino Music (OPM),” says boy band spokesman Anjo Resurreccion.

Except for the novelty song “Ang Saya-Saya” penned by acclaimed composer Jonathan Ong of Sonic State Studio, the rest of the tracks of #KalyePop, including the hit song “Hayop Sa Ganda” and the earlier promotional single “Ikaw At Ako” were composed by musician and the group’s road manager Urie Tesorio. Band manager and public relations entrepreneur Chris Cahilig produced the album while Ong arranged the songs. Its neocolonial themed album cover was photographed by 1:43’s original member Kimmeth Nicolas and styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu.

The three remaining tracks of #KalyePop include the cleverly titled novelty song “Istambay Me” which tackles about the rampancy of unemployment among Filipino youth and the ballads “Langit” and “Pwede Bang Malaman” which carry the 1:43’s signature romantic melody and lyrics. 

1:43 is composed of four talented, charming, and stylish men namely, Resurreccion, a University of Santo Tomas (UST) Psychology graduate and a MYX VJ Search finalist; Argee Golding, an international taekwondo medalist from UST; Gold Aquino, an entrepreneur and a Business Administration graduate from the Centro Escolar University (CEU); and Yuki Sakamoto, a Hotel and Restaurant Management student from CEU-Makati and the main vocalist of the group.

According to Cahilig, the idea of producing a #KalyePop for 1:43 has been in his mind since he formed the boy band in 2010 as a reaction to the young Filipino audience’s fancy for KPop music and star.

“#KalyePop is inspired by the musical aesthetics of the everyday Juan dela Cruz on the street. We wanted a selection of songs that can be easily played with a guitar while having a drinking session or danced by the masses young and old, rich or poor in public gatherings,” explains Cahilig.

One of the tracks of #KalyePop is now a certified radio hit. The song “Hayop Sa Ganda” has so far received over 330,000 views on Youtube and is considered the fastest moving OPM song on the social media site. It brought back 1:43, the original hit makers of the song “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” to the limelight.

The release of #KalyePop is supported by McJim Classic Leather and Belle Vita. Interested parties may book 1:43 by sending an inquiry at chriscahilig@gmail.com or visiting the 1:43 Fan Page on Facebook.

Luistro to new DepEd officials: "Be shepherds who smell like your sheep"

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“Kung ano ang ating tinatanim, ‘yun din ang bunga. Marami kayong mga desisyon na gagawin bilang Assistant Superintendent at Superintendent. At lahat ng mga desisyon na iyan ay desisyon para sa kagawaran at para sa mga kabataang pinagsisilbihan natin.”

This was how Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC challenged the newly-appointed executives of the Department of Education (DepEd) during their oath-taking, April 22. Schools Division Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents are third-level officials whose appointments are signed by the President and who need to swear an oath before the head of the agency.

Luistro reminded the officials of the trials and challenges that may distract them from their responsibilities. He hoped that though those challenges would come, they would still remember how their decisions would affect future generations.

“Ngayon ay ang unang araw na ang lahat ng inyong mga magiging desisyon ay magkakaroon ng bunga na ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Ang bawat desisyon ay isang magandang pagkakataon hindi lamang para sa sarili, kung hindi para din sa madla,” Luistro said.

DepEd Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera told the officials that with being a DepEd executive comes the responsibility to, not only take care of their personnel and the students, but to also be an example of what a real worker should be.

“Kaya lagi natin isipin na lahat ng ating gagawin ay tinitignan sa loob at labas ng DepEd. Kaya dapat maging karapat-dapat tayo sa tungkulin natin,” Rivera said.

Regions IV-A, IV-B, V and CAR DepEd executives taking their oath with DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and DepEd Undersecretaries Rizalino Rivera, Mario Deriquito, Alberto Muyot and Francis Varela.

The 18 newly-appointed officials vowed to give their best in doing their tasks and responsibilities and to uphold and protect the Philippine Constitution. Among these officials are Fatima R. Boado, Zenia G. Mostoles, Lorna G. Bugayong, Joann A. Corpuz, Leilani S. Cunanan, Norma P. Esteban, Imelda P. Macaspac, Jose L. Doncillo, Loida N. Nidea, Sally B. Ullalim, Maria Magdalena M. Lim, William E. Gando and Crestito M. Morcilla from Luzon; Allan B. Yap, Dexter Y. Aguilar and Roseller N. Gelig from Visayas; and Mindanao officials, Omar A. Obas and Arsenio T. Cornites Jr.

In closing, Luistro quoted Pope John Paul II and challenged the officials to be officials ‘who smell like their sheep.’ He hopes that all officials would grow familiar and truly be more knowledgeable with the youth whom they will serve this coming June.

The Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley and the Platters in Manila

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Relieve your memories with these classic hits as The Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley and the world famous The Platters is coming back to Manila on May 2014. Concert will be on May 9, 2014 8:00 pm at Solaire Resort & Casino Grand Ballroom.

Bill Medley’s "YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELING" is ranked as having had more television and radio airplay than any other song in history, according to Broadcast Music, Inc (BMI). 

In 2003, The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Three #1, Seven Top 10 & Thirteen Billboard Top 40 Hits; including: "YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELIN' from the movie Top Gun, "UNCHAINED MELODY" from the movie Ghost, "(YOU'RE MY) SOUL AND INSPIRATION" and Medley scored another monumental hit, from the movie Dirty Dancing, "(I'VE HAD) THE TIME OF MY LIFE" which sold 14 million copies, earned an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Grammy. 

Lead by Sonny Turner, the original member of The Platters, relive your memories with The Platters’ classic hits Only You, The Great Pretender, My Prayer, Twilight Time and Smoke Gets Into Your Eyes and many more. 

Check this video teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qep527m-V8A&feature=youtu.be