Agnes Locsin’s La Revolucion Filipina celebrates Ballet Philippines' 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season

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The country’s classical and contemporary companyBallet Philippines in cooperation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines proudly announces the return of Agnes Locsin’s La Revolucion Filipina to kick off the company’s 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season.

Agnes Locsin’s La Revolucion Filipina will be performed at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) from July 25 to 27, 2014. It will be on 3pm and 8 pm (Friday and Saturday) and 2pm and 6pm (Sunday). 

The sublime paralytic Apolinario Mabini and the story of his role in the Philippine Revolution are brought into the limelight once again, just in time for the hero’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary.

Named Outstanding Dance Production and winner of Outstanding Choreography for Agnes Locsin at the 2008 Gawad Buhay! Awards, La Revolucion Filipina features original music by Ryan Cayabyab and libretto by Dennis Marasigan. 

Jean Marc Cordero as Apolinario Mabini 

Choreographer Agnes Locsin was a former artistic director and resident choreographer of Ballet Philippines. She was the Gawad CCP awardee for Dance in 2012.

This fourth restaging of the modern dance masterpiece is led by three members of La Revolucion Filipina’s original cast, Annette Cruz-Mariano, Judell de Guzman-Sicam, and Alden Lugnasin. 

The role of Mabini was choreographed on Lugnasin, now the company’s resident choreographer and artistic director of Ballet Philippines II. 

Jean Marc Cordero as Apolinario Mabini 

Preparations for the production began at the start of summer, with eleven of the company’s dancers being sent to Davao for a six-week residency at the Locsin Dance Workshop. The dancers underwent intensive training in Agnes Locsin’s signature Neo-Ethnic dance style on top of taking regular classical ballet classes. They also participated in the 32nd Locsin Dance Summer Showcase on May 14 alongside the Dance Workshop's regular students. 

BP principal dancer Jean Marc Cordero plays the role of Apolinario Mabini. Cordero danced Mabini in the 2008 restaging, which was his first lead role for the company. He shares the stage with BP principal dancer Richardson Yadao and Tanghalang Pilipino actor Nicolo Magno, the new production’s Emilio Aguinaldos.

Several notable actors have essayed the role of Aguinaldo, starting with Nonie Buencamino, then Raymond Bagatsing and Richard Joson. The most recent cast included former Ballet Philippines dancers Angel Gabriel and Patrick Rebullida.

The artistic and creative teams of La Revolucion Filipina are led by Agnes Locsin (Choreographer), Ryan Cayabyab (Music Composer), Dennis Marasigan (Librettist), Mio Infante (Set Designer), Virgilio “Katsch” Catoy (Lighting Designer), Victor Ursabia (Costume Designer), Annette Cruz-Mariano, Judell de Guzman-Sicam and Alden Lugnasin (Restagers).

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. 

You may connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. Under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales, this is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence!

YouTube duo Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schneider at the SMX, June 25-26

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Watch out and have fun with the YouTube duo Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schneider on June 25-26 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Meeting them in person yesterday, June 23, during the press conference held at the Eclipse Entertainment Lounge, Solaire Resort and Casino.

YouTube sensations Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schneider as duo, have touched thousands of people through their collaborative covers of hits by Adele, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry. 

Years of being hearthrobs online, known for their YouTube covers and medleys, Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schneider, have come a long way since their Garage Band days to their upcoming Manila concert. They’re also noted for their creative mash-ups and medleys; most notably the Michael Jackson Medley.

Catch Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schneider on June 25 and 26 at the SMX Convention Center, 8:00 pm.

This was made possible by MGM Global Entertainment Productions, Star Media Entertainment and Goldmine Entertainment Productions. Special thanks for the official Residence, Solaire Resort and Casino. 

For tickets, you may log on to https://www.smtickets.com.

Take Your Step To Success at the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo and the Entrepreneur Success Summit this June 27-29

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The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!”, is set to be held on June 27-29, 2014 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Empowering over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors, the 3-day event features innovate and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and financing that visitors can explore from. The expo will also provide seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises. 

“Over 99% percent of registered businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs according to the DTI, but they combined only contribute to 30% of the National GDP. With the ASEAN integration happening in 2015 new competition is coming in, our vision as the expo organizer is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regional” says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director, David Abrenilla.

The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo 2014 is supported by the Young Entrepreneurs Society Philippines and the Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), lead by multi-awarded franchise developer Mr. Rudolf Kotik, who will share his insights on how to build and grow a successful franchise business on Sunday, June 29 from 3pm-5pm.

Highlight of the event is the ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS SUMMIT 2014, held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at the Megatrade Function Room, 5th floor, Building B, from 1pm-7pm, a comprehensive series of talks by 20 entrepreneurs and business innovators that will share their time and secrets to success to empower business owners professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses and their ideas.

The summit will feature 5 talking topics, Building a successful Start Up Business, Money Mind 101, Passion4Fashion Entrepreneurship, Building a Food Empire and New Media Marketing. Among the rooster of speakers will be Globally Award Winning Brand Architect, Risk/Crises/Reputation Strategist, Marketing and Communications Innovator and Founding Director of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Amor Maclang; MultiMedia Entrepreneur, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Flippish.com, Chris Tan, Managing Director of MetroDeal, Ralph Manalo Wunsch; SME Advocate, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Finalist and Chairman & CEO of Esquire Financing, Rajan Uttamchandani; Educational Entrepreneur, ANC’s On The Money Host and President of The Masters Academy Homeschool, Edric Mendoza; Tech-Entrepreneur and CEO of TwitMusic.com, Stefan Fazzini; E-Commerce Advocate and DigitalFilipino.com Founder, Janette Toral; Tech-Entrepreneur and Regional Director of Freelancer.com, Jojy Azurin; Intl. Networking Entrepreneur and Co-founder of the Freight Summit, Nils Walle; Design Strategist, Branding Expert and Co-Founder of KKK Coffee, Brian Tenorio; Fashion Blogger and Stylist Patricia Prieto; Radio Personality, Popular Model & Fashion Entrepreneur, Co-founder of SisiterSecrets.com, Karen Bordador; Food Entrepreneur and Merkato Market Co-founder, RJ Ledesma; Mercato Market Co-Founder and founder of OurAwsomePlant.com, Anton Diaz, Draft GastroPub co-founder Mitch Malli; Mandaluyong City Counselor and Co-founder of SisiterSecrets.com, Charisse Abalos and many more.

Exhibiting companies include Injoy by Doxo, Globe Business, 2Go Express, Benchmark Email Marketing, Gleent Innovations, Uber Technologies, IdentiyHub, Persia Grill, SisterSecrets, Manang’s Chicken, BK Whitening, UniOil, Esquire Financing and many more.

Register at www.efe.ph to get a FREE Priority Access Pass and to attend the summit 

Connect via https://www.facebook.com/EFEph

Media Launch Video I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFCvsLOkfgc

Lighting innovation concepts from Philips, leader in LED who gives a glimpse of the future

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Lighting innovation concepts from Philips are set to revolutionize the landscape of lighting

“Imagine a future where you can just let your kitchen lights flash colors in time to a dance tune, or where your lighting can notify you of whether or not it will rain.” 

“Imagine if you are away from home but still be able to open the lights there with just a swipe on your cellphone.”

Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno, Country Manager of Philips Philippines. shared during the unveiling of the company’s newest Innovation Concepts.

 “Light is inspiration, whether you are resting inside your home or working at the office, light can have a dramatic effect on how we do things.”

“With our inspiration-focused Innovation Concepts, we stretch the technology further to help improve the lives of people. And we do so by adding a new dimension to lighting—creative expression,” 

Philips Philippines is opening new possibilities in the future of lighting with its roster of Innovation Concepts that fuse lighting with creativity in ways that were previously considered unimaginable.

The current lighting solutions from Philips also address the need for more energy-efficient lighting in the Philippines. In fact, shifting to LEDs and controls from old, inefficient lighting can result in 85 percent more savings for consumers.

Tetteroo-Bueno continues, “Philips is driving the switch to energy-efficient solutions, and shaping the future with exciting new light applications. Lighting technology can now be seamlessly integrated into novel technologies that deliver in both form and function. Needless to say, it is an exciting time for the company, as it discovers more meaningful innovations that fill the need for inspirational lighting.”

In line with this, Philips introduced six innovation concepts that embody the future of lighting:

Flexibility

Controllability

Alternative Energy

Connectivity

Dynamism

Materials Integration. 

“These concepts exemplify our vision for lighting in the next decade,” Tetteroo-Bueno described.

Flexibility

Under the concept of Flexibility lies the technology of OLEDs or organic light-emitting diodes- the banner lighting systems of Philips. OLEDs are surface light sources—like wallpaper, ceilings, and windows—that shine brightly with daylight even when it is dark. These glare-free lights have glass plate assemblies that can be seamlessly integrated into installations. 

The Philips LivingShapes interactive mirror, for example, takes full advantage of the unique characteristics of OLEDs. It is made up of dozens of Lumiblade OLEDs that emit light when it is turned on and appear as mirrors when turned off. 

Likewise, Philips LivingSculptures let designers orchestrate three-dimensional arrays of OLED in open spaces like ceilings and walls—adding a sense of movement to any surface, as multiple light panels rhythmically move and illuminate to create interactive displays.

Controllability

Under Controllability is a technology called Philips Antumbra. The Antumbra Panel Series is described as the new benchmark for user control panels. Engineered for high-end residential and hospitality, these switches greet guests by automatically ‘waking up’ with a wall-washing lighting effect. 

“Designed with a magnetic field, Antumbra panels sense when there’s a nearby body—triggering a backlight to welcome its users,” said Tetteroo-Bueno.

“In addition to letting you customize your light settings, the panel can also be used to interface with different household appliances—bringing convenience that is in a completely different league to anything else at present.”

Alternative Energy

Light is a basic necessity, but there are many off-grid areas and sites in the Philippines that have limited access to power. According to Tetteroo-Bueno, this raises the need for cost-efficient alternative lighting solutions for communities hard-pressed in electricity. 

She explained, “Philips Mobile Solar LED Lighting presents solutions that can instantly brighten the lives of Filipinos in these communities by creating a safer environment that encourages them to be happier and more productive.” 

These solar LED lighting systems store energy from the sun during daytime, so that they are able to provide illumination at night. These modules are also commonly used in street and road lighting. 

Connectivity

Wireless connectivity will revolutionize how people interact with lights. Tetteroo-Bueno asked, “Imagine if your lights at home or office can be controlled from the comfort of your smartphone or tablet? That is unparalleled simplicity and convenience at your fingertips.”

Philips Hue offers consumers intuitive technology in the palm of their hands. This innovation, Tetteroo-Bueno pointed out, lets you create and personalize light through an app—letting you pick from a wide spectrum of shades to set the mood and feel of your living space. Hue can also alert you of your schedule, incoming email or even warn you if it will rain.

Dynamism

Under the concept of Dynamism is Philips Color Kinetics (CK). CK lets people appreciate the world’s landmarks with a dynamic mix of colors. These dazzling light installations are currently used in over 34,000 iconic spectacles across 100 countries—including England’s coveted London Eye.

Tetteroo-Bueno remarked, “Color Kinetics fuses the advantages of LEDs with state-of-the-art digital control technology, combining millions of colors and high-quality white light to be displayed without the inefficiency of traditional lighting. As a result, landmarks like the London Eye look as breath-taking at night as they do during daytime.”

Materials Integration

Philips LED lighting systems can also be integrated with superior sound absorption to enhance room interiors to create the ideal setting for the workplace. 

“The Philps Soundlight Comfort Ceiling (SLCC) creates a synergy between light and sound,” claimed Tetterroo-Bueno. “This acoustic light ceiling system combines comfortable LED lighting with sound deadening technology to orchestrate the perfect work space, as it exudes comfort and performance.”

Philips Luminous Textile Panels (LTP), on the other hand,instantly bring drab spaces to life with a rich combination of multi-colored LED modules within acoustic textile panels that soften sound, setting the perfect tone for hallways and meeting areas. 

The future of lighting

Philips has embodied its inspiration through the Innovation Concepts, aiming to develop lighting solutions that are beyond ordinary functionality. Apart from ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability, Tetterroo-Bueno adds that these state-of-the-art innovation conceptsalso pioneer new avenues in applications—particularly in art and design. 

She concluded, “Our innovation concepts give us a glimpse of the future of lighting. These concepts and their applications are what we can do today. Just imagine the possibilities that Philips can bringtomorrow.”

Mobile learning package Text2Teach celebrates 10th Anniversary

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Ayala Foundation, DILG, DepEd, ULAP, Microsoft and Globe sign commitment to bring tech innovation to all Philippine public elementary schools.

Mobile learning package Text2Teach celebrates its 10th year Thursday June 19, 2014. In line with the anniversary, Ayala Foundation, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Education (DepEd), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) , Microsoft, and Globe Telecom have signed a commitment to mainstream Text2Teach, implementing it in all 38,000 public schools across the country. Text2Teach uses Lumia Devices installed with the Microsoft Education Delivery (MED) software application. MED harnesses mobile devices, networks, applications and cloud technology to deliver more than 300 educational video materials on grade 5 and 6 Math, Science, English, and Values Education even in remote communities. It comes with a Globe prepaid SIM and a 32-inch LED Toshiba TV that will play the videos for classroom use.

To mainstream the program, Text2Teach works closely with ULAP and the DILG in advocating and sharing the program with local government units. ULAP will hold advocacy workshops with LGUs and highlight the benefits of Text2Teach.

In addition to this, Ayala Foundation, with its aim to reach all public elementary schools in the Philippines, will conduct capability-building training sessions for all 203 local DepEd divisions, which in turn will train teachers in their respective areas to implement the Text2Teach program.

In celebration of Text2Teach's 10th anniversary, representatives from the Text2Teach Alliance sign a commitment to mainstream the project into the public elementary school system. From left: Czarina Medina-Guce, Executive Director, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; Ana Bonagua, Director, Bureau of Local Government Development, Department of Interior and Local Government; Dina Ocampo, Undersecretary for Projects and Programs, Department of Education; Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman and CEO, Ayala Corporation; Ernest Cu, President and CEO, Globe Telecom; Sanna Eskalinen, Global Lead for Social Solutions, Microsoft; and Rowena Lopez, Senior Director for Programs, Ayala Foundation.

As part of its mainstreaming efforts, Text2Teach will also have all its materials and content available for DepEd teachers, through DepEd’s Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS) portal. Videos, teaching guides, and other Text2Teach materials will be made available online as supplemental guides for teachers.

Text2Teach will also receive a system upgrade using Microsoft’s new devices. Text2Teach schools will be using Lumia Devices, which run on Windows OS8.1. The MED application where the Text2Teach videos are sent and stored will be updated with a new user-friendly interface. Additional features also include the ability to comment and ask questions about the media files. Text 2Teach will also make use of the mirroring function of the Lumia Devices, with the help of a dongle connected to the television. This means that teachers no longer need to hook up the phone to the 32-inch LED Toshiba television through a cable connector. Through its mirroring function, teachers can wirelessly connect their phones to the television and play the Text2Teach videos.

Text2Teach is the Philippine name of the global program BridgeIT conceptualized by Nokia, Pearson, the International Youth Foundation, and the United Nations Development Programme. The Philippines has the longest-running Bridge IT program from among 12 countries in the world. Last year it was hailed by Nominet Trust, a UK funder for tech projects, as one of the 100 most inspiring social tech innovations. It was also identified as one of the ten “Exemplary Information Communications Technology Innovations for Education” at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Forum on ICT in Education held at Shenzhen, China last 2013. This year, Text2Teach received a Merit Award for Best Community Program at the 6th Annual Global CSR Summit and Awards in Bali, Indonesia.

The use of Text2Teach has shown improvement in student’s performance and National Achievement Test scores. It has fostered positive attitudes towards learning and the use of technology for teaching. The program’s impact can be seen in disadvantaged schools, thus helping bridge the social gap. To date, Text2Teach has served over 300, 000 students from 1,103 schools nationwide, covering a total of 78 cities and municipalities.

The mainstreaming of Text2Teach marks the fifth phase of the program, led by the partnership among DepEd, DILG, Microsoft, Globe, ULAP and the Ayala Foundation. The success of Text2Teach is also credited to Toshiba and Pearson Foundation who have supported the program in its earlier phases. Text2Teach also thanks the teachers, students, and volunteers who continue to believe in the program.

Be a part of Text2Teach! The program is open to groups and organizations who wish to become a partner in mainstreaming the program.

For more information on Text2Teach visit http://www.text2teach.org.ph/

or email info@ayalafoundation.org

About AYALA FOUNDATION

Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) envisions communities where people are productive, creative, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. As a believer in creating shared value and inclusive business, it has four key program areas— Education, Youth Leadership, Sustainable Livelihood, and Arts and Culture. AFI is a member of the Ayala group of companies.

Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayalafoundation 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ayalafoundation