Max’s Group ventures to open hotel in Quezon City, names it Meranti

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The Max's Group of Companies, the House that Fried Chicken built, is now getting into the hotel business, with its first project expected to open next year. The Max’s Group confirmed that is preparing to launch its first hotel, the Meranti, in Quezon City.

"The Max's Group of Companies will be venturing into the hotel business with its first project expected to open early 2015," reports ABS-CBNnews.com.

The 59-room hotel, which will be under the Meranti brand, will operate under Max’s subsidiary RooM Ventures Corp.

Along Scout Tuazon Street and across the company’s heritage store in Quezon City, the Meranti will be equipped with recreational facilities at the start of commercial operations in 2015.

The report noted: "The Max’s Group and Pancake House Inc. recently merged through a PHP4.05 billion share-swap deal to create the country's largest restaurant group. The combined entity now operates Max's Restaurant, Max's Corner Bakery, Krispy Kreme, and Jamba Juice, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Le Coeur De France, Dencio's, Teriyaki Boy, Singkit, Sizzling Pepper Steak, Kabisera, the Chicken Rice Shop, and Maple."

Sharp Calculators launched the search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians

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‪The Search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians has been launched recently and is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capitol Region. The Sharp TOYM has been announced at the media launched held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel last Friday, September 12, 2014, hosted by Atom Araullo. 

The importance of mathematics has never been greater than now and for the foreseeable future and is crucial for a wide array of analytical, technological, scientific, and economic applications. 

The search for Ten Outstanding Young Mathematicians seeks to promote the development of science culture among young Filipinos by recognizing their accomplishment in the field of mathematics and inspire more students to be better at Math. 

Six years ago, Sharp Calculators through Collins International Trading Corporation launched the SHARP Minds Program to help uplift the standard of education in the Philippines particularly in teaching Math subjects.

Partnering with two of the biggest Mathematics organizations in the country, Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines (MTG) and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), the SHARP Minds Program sponsored Mathematics activities and programs in member schools with the goal of recognizing the sharpest math minds and transforming the pedagogy of mathematics teaching in the Philippines.

This year, Sharp Calculators furthers its advocacy by partnering with more educational institutions such as the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), Philippine Council of Mathematics Educators, Inc. (MathTEd) as it launches the very first search for the TEN OUSTANDING YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS (TOYM) from National Capital Region.

“With TOYM Awards, Sharp Calculators aims to foster the academic excellence of the Filipino Youth in Math as we recognize their extraordinary math skills to motivate them further in becoming the future think tanks of this country. We also hope to raise the status of mathematics in society -- to stimulate the interest of the students, the academic and the general public to the significance of Math in the development of the society,” said Collins International Trading Corporation’s Assistant Vice President Mr. Lucero Ong.

“Notable Filipino mathematicians such as Raymundo Favila, Casimiro del Rosario, Gregorio Y. Zara, Amador Muriel, Tito A. Mijares and Jose A. Marasigan have all been recognized for their contributions to diverse fields of physics, astronomy, biophysics and biotechnology. Who knows maybe the next great Mathematician would be among our TOYM awardees,” Mr. Ong added.

The search is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizens, either naturalized or born. The nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal and the award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competitions.

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be the basis of the judges’ questions for the panel interview. 

The Deliberation/ Final interview of finalist will be conducted by representatives from Department of Education NCR, DOST-SEI, MTG Philippines, MSP, MathTed

The TOYM awardees will be the first batch of Sharp Calculators’ Youth Ambassadors that will inspire and encourage the Filipino youth to strive and achieve academic excellence through school tours and mathematics symposiums. They will be receiving plaque of excellence, cash prizes and gifts from Sharp Calculators and sponsors.

The deadline for nominations will be on January 5, 2015, with the awarding ceremonies scheduled on February 2015.

Nomination kits are now available at selected National Book Store Branches in National Capital Region or can be downloaded through www.sharpminds.ph For more information please contact Sharp Calculators at 681-6161/646-2867 and look for Ms. Mary Rose Rocha or Ms. Clara Camille Ocampo.

NOMINATION MECHANICS:

1.     Open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have   completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizen either naturalized     or born.

2.      Nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal.

3.  The award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and     international competition. These competitions must be recognized by the Department of   Education or Department of Science and Technology.

4.     Presentations or publications of original work in mathematics are desirable.

5.   Students who contribute to the promotion of Mathematics and show leadership skills are desirable. Good moral character will be considered

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

CRITERIA	PERCENT
Performance in Mathematics Competition	75%
Research and Publications in Mathematics	10%
Leadership and Promotion of Mathematics	15%
TOTAL	100%

a.   Performance in Mathematics Competitions 75%

Nominee’s performance on international, national and regional mathematics competitions that are recognized by the Department of Education and Department of Science and Technology.

b.   Research and Publications in Mathematics 10%

c.   Leadership and Involvement in Promotion of Mathematics

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be one of the bases of the judges’ questions for the panel interview

SCREENING PROCEDURES

The screening procedure is summarized in the diagram below. All nominees will undergo a pre-screening process by pre-screening committee. On the basis of a nominee’s performance in mathematics competitions and their research and publications, 20 nominees will be selected for an interview by a panel of judges. Interview questions may be based on the nominee’s involvement in activities that promote mathematics, as indicated in (1) the recommendation from the school principal/mathematics head, (2) the nominee’s essay, and (3) other information submitted.  

Atom Araullo

·   In the latest World Economic Forum WEF Global Competitiveness Report for 2013-2014, the Philippines has been ranked 96^th out of 142 countries in perceived quality of Math and Science education. The survey questioned business executives around the world to rate the quality of education, among other things, in their respective countries.

·     

It is a considerable improvement from being ranked 115th(WEF 2011-1012), but still far behind our other Asian counterparts such Indonesia (35th), Japan (34th), Malaysia (27th), Taiwan (11th) Hongkong (10th). Singapore continues to be on top of the list.

Dr. Raymundo Favilais famous for advancing the knowledge and education of math throughout the Philippines contributing to many fields of mathematics including theoretical physics, geometry, algebra and trigonometry.

Casimiro del Rosario received the Presidential Award in 1965 in honor of his achievements in astronomy, meteorology and physics. He also researched soft X-rays, which helped bring him national acclaim.

Amador Murielfounded the Quantum Theory of Turbulence, contributed to theoretical physics, kinetic equations, stellar dynamics and self-gravitation.

The works of Tito A. Mijares have been internationally published in the Annals of Mathematical Statistics with his research into multivariety hypothesis and its analysis. He also serves as the executive director of the National Census and Statistics Office as well as deputy director-general of the National Economics Development Authority.

Jose A. Marasigan was among those who launched the Philippine Mathematical Olympiad and created the Program for Excellence in Mathematics. He has received a number of mathematical honors, including the Outstanding Young Scientist Award from the National Academy of Science and Technology.

*http://www.ask.com/question/list-of-filipino-mathematicians

New KakaoTalk features: Anipang capturing the hearts of Filipinos

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SundayToz’s signature puzzle game jumps in popularity among KakaoTalk users

Anipang was featured on Pinoy Big Brother All In. In the episode, current housemates took on eliminated cast members in a heated game of Anipang for Kakao, with the winners receiving limited edition character items. With user interest in the game high, Kakao Philippines made Anipang a featured app within KakaoTalk for both Android and iOS so user could gain easy access.

The popularity of SundayToz’s Anipang for Kakao seems to be reaching its apex. The puzzle game available on KakaoTalk’s mobile social platform is climbing up the charts and ranking among the top downloaded games in various app stores. 

Anipang is already a blockbuster hit in Korea, where it has been downloaded more than 30 million times. Approximately 80% of all smartphone users in Korea have played Anipang, making it the undisputed no. 1 game on mobile platform. Many of the country’s top stars, including G-Dragon of Big Bang, Lee Byung-hun, as well as members of TVXQ and SNSD, have expressed their love for Anipang and its characters.

A major part of Anipang’s appeal is the ability to send and receive hearts with other KakaoTalk friends. Hearts function as play tokens within the game, and with Anipang being the perfect game to enjoy with friends and family, exchanging heart messages has emerged as huge cultural phenomenon among players since it debuted two years ago.

“Kakao Game is one of the successful aspects of KakaoTalk’s various social platform services, with around 520 million subscribers worldwide,” said Jean Lee, Head of Kakao Philippines. 

“The key reason for its popularity is the fact that you can compete and compare scores with other KakaoTalk users, making it a very social, connective experience. Anipang is certainly a great example of this, and we’re glad Filipinos are embracing this great game,” Lee added.

For more information on KakaoTalk’s features and offerings, visit www.kakaotalk.com.ph/

Sugarleaf Makati and Jertie’s Kitchen Tie Up for The Green Guide To Eating Right, A Healthy Food Preparation Workshop Series

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Sugarleaf Organic Market and Café Makati recently launched another healthy food preparation series dubbed The Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series running from October to February 2015 to be held at the Makati Café in MEDICard Lifestyle Center. 

In another of its signature fun, learning-filled media events, well attended by friends from the media and blogging community, attendees got a sneak preview of vegan dishes included in the four workshops.

Sugarleafer Angelo Narciso Songco emceed the event while vegan and gluten-sensitive resource speakers Jertie and Jaclyn Abergas shared their story and knowledge in healthy yet affordable and practical healthy cooking.

"We all know that we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, that’s a fact. In this workshop, we’ll teach you five easy-to-prepare plant-based dishes that’ll incorporate more of these nutrient dense food into your existing diet," Songco said.

Jertie and Jac introduced how to cook healthy, vegan and gluten-free lifestyle using plant-based ingredients.

Here's the Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series, as you can enjoy your journey towards health.

Sugarleaf Organic Market and Café Makati launches another healthy food preparation series dubbed The Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series. In tandem with Jertie's Kitchen, Sugarleaf invites all to any or all of our four exciting workshops from October to February 2015:

18 October–Eating A Plant‐Based Diet On A Budget

We all know that we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, that’s a fact. In this workshop, we’ll teach you five easy-to-prepare plant-based dishes that’ll incorporate more of these nutrient dense food into your existing diet. Demo menu includes coconut fried rice, corn and tomato stew, basil pesto, minestrone, chow mein, lettuce wraps, Thai vegetable stew plus bonus recipes!

22 November–Noche Buena Vegan Feast

Eat heartily this Yuletide season without the guilt with these plant‐based versions of your favorite festive dishes! Demo menu inludes ginataang halo-halo, paella, "chick"pea sopas, arroz Valenciana, macaroni/fruit salad, casserole and Christmas dessert!

10 January 2015–Lose Holiday Weight with Green Smoothie*

Had a little or way too much fun during the holidays? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you get back to your old self–or maybe even better! Green smoothies will help you slip back into those skinny jeans without having to jump and down.

7 February 2015–Love, Chocolate

Love is in the air! And chocolate definitely rules this month. Let us teach you new plant-based chocolate dishes to romance your lover (or would-be lover) – mostly sweet with a savoury dish as well.

Sugarleaf and Jertie's promise another info-filled and yummy series complete with handouts, hearty samplings of at least five recipes, bonus recipes and tips.

Jertie Abergas and her sister Jaclyn have always believed great-tasting nutritious food should be accessible to anyone and everyone. And more than that, everyone should be able to make it easily without burning a hole in your pocket. Eating a plant‐based diet should not be any different. Neither should it be complicated, intimidating and boring!

"A lot of people hesitate to commit to a plant‐based diet because they believe it to be difficult and expensive to create. Me and my sister Jaq want to debunk that misconception! It can be expensive, especially if you always go for the high-end option but most of the time it’s as affordable as it can get. In The Green Guide to Eating Right workshop series we’ll show you how affordable plant-based dishes can easily be prepared even by those who’ve never stepped into a kitchen before. And the great thing about this workshop, you don’t need lots of fancy equipment. You just need a toaster, a rice cooker or a pan with a stove.

When my sister Jaq became vegan, she pressured me to create vegan pastries she can eat. I felt inspired and added it to my line-up of home-baked goodies. Then, almost at the same time I found out I was gluten‐intolerant and tweaked my products to include gluten‐free and vegan items.

Since then, me and Jaq have devoted ourselves to sharing their plant-based and gluten-free lifestyle with the people we meet and those interested. We strongly believe people need to start taking charge of their health and not wait until it’s too late.

Aside from creating great‐tasting food, we teach health and cooking workshops and offer health coaching. We know how difficult it is to transition and want to support other people in their own journey towards health," Jertie shares.

“After a long hiatus, we are happy to have partnered with Jertie who shares our commitment in promoting a heathy and sustainable lifestyle. After four separate series over the past three years, we’ll hold another four part food preparation class–not completely raw anymore as healthy can be cooked! With the promise that all ingredients are easy to find and affordable,” Angelo of Sugarleaf shares.

Sugarleaf invites all to any or all of our four exciting workshops from October to February 2015. 

Each class stands on its own and builds up your stock knowledge on healthy vegan food prep.

P1500 per person per workshop. P1300 for early bird, senior citizens, students, pairs and groups. 

Attend three and get the 4th at 50% discount! 

Contact Angelo Narciso Songco on 0917 8039 055 and/or e-mail: ansongco@yahoo.com.

Visit and Like Sugarleaf on Facebook by clicking here.
Visit and Like Jertie's Kitchen on Facebook by clicking here.

Pay P1300 one week before each class at Sugarleaf Makati or deposit to Healthy Eats Inc. checking account number 0012 4002 7660 (Union Bank World Center branch) to avail of early bird rate. Please bring your deposit slip which will be collected upon registration.

Carrier Airconditioning for Healthy Air Indoors

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Carrier Airconditioning is for healthy air indoors during the rainy season.  The rainy season may seem like a welcome respite from the scorching summer heat. But the heavy downpours can adversely affect indoor temperatures and humidity levels—quickly turning rooms into favorable environments where bacteria can thrive.

Harold Pernikar, Consumer Solutions Group Director of Concepcion-Carrier Airconditioning Company (CCAC) said that “a person can carry around 37 million bacteria at any given time.” 

“When you are sharing a room with two people, you are actually sharing it with more than a hundred million unwanted guests.”

Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that indoor air pollution could be two to five times higher than pollution levels outdoors, making it a leading health concern. 

The problem is exponentially magnified during the rainy season, when doors and windows need to be closed to prevent heavy downpours from getting inside. Without safeguards and proper ventilation, rooms become the ideal dwelling place for bacteria.

“A home or even an office needs to have clean, healthy, and breathable air,” describes Pernikar. 

“Polluted air is hazardous to health, particularly for children or those who suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory diseases.” 

In line with this, investing in a top-quality air-conditioner will go a long way in ensuring optimum air-quality inside homes and offices, especially during this time of year.

“Most people are under the notion that air-conditioners are only for cooling, but this simply isn’t true.” 

Air conditioning beyond just cooling

Carrier air-conditioners come with innovative features, engineered to clean and purify air circulation. The Carrier XPower Silver Inverter AC, one of the brand’s flagship models, has numerous components dedicated to improving air quality. 

“This inverter circulates Silver Ion inside the room,” remarks Pernikar.

“This kills bacteria or prevents their activity by destroying their inner configuration and absorbing the elements in their cells.

As the rainy season brings excess humidity in the air, the Carrier XPower Silver Inverter AC works to dehumidify the room to prevent the growth of bacteria—resulting in cleaner air quality.

It is equipped with a Bio Filter, which catches small, airborne particles to neutralize bacteria, fungi, as well as microbes. It releases biological enzymes that dissolve bacteria invisible to the naked eye to prevent re-pollution.

An Anti-Mildew feature dries up condensed water inside the evaporator to prevent mildew build-ups which are notoriously known for carrying various allergens and toxins.

World-class energy savings

“With the ongoing electricity shortage and electricity price hikes on the horizon, energy efficiency becomes a primary consideration for consumers,” advises Pernikar.

Based on rainy day lab test results, the Carrier XPower Silver Inverter AC can operate for as low as P292 a month. With advanced inverter technology, this unit works to reach desired temperature levels then its compressors operate at lower speeds to maintain optimal cooling conditions. This leads to significant energy savings.

“The rainy season brings the family together at home more frequently, that is why a Carrier unit shall give you peace of mind by delivering cooling comfort and ensuring a cleaner air for them,” concludes Harold Pernikar.

Here's a  solution to building a bacteria-free home for less than P300 a month.