NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION COUNCIL , For good governance

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“We need transformation, change for the good.” – Franciso 'Kit' Tatad

Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad , Corina Carlos and Secretary Norberto Gonzalez

FORMER senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad stress that there’s a need to change the Philippine system of government.

“Are we ready for anything at all, but the real question is do we need it?”

At the recent Fernandina Media Forum at Club Filipino, Wednesday, October 8, 2014, guests were Former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad and Former Secretary of National Defense Norberto Gonzales.

Kit Tatad said that the Philippine society is hemorrhaging morally spiritually, politically, economically and socially.

“And the cause of this hemorrhage is that we have a very corrupt system, and we cannot longer say that we have corrupted system, but instead corruption has become the system. And if we care for our life and the future of this nation, we have to change,” the good senator added.

“We have to take out those who are associated with the cause of this hemorrhage, and the government is the cause. Sense of right and wrong is no longer there,” he added.

We really need transformation, a change for the good.

Senator Tatad is a member National Transformation Council, a collective authority with members working in different sectors and a core group of progressive bishops and the laity has been going around the country to seek a consensus on how the Philippines can achieve good governance.

Former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzalez, also a member of the council on the other hand clarifies that the National Transformation Council, which pushes for Charter change, seeks to reform the government system, not to remove President Benigno Aquino from office.

“The council goes city to city to have a consensus and once there’s a consensus, a decision will be made whether to change the president or the government has to be changed,” he said. 

The NTC, according to Gonzales, was formed not to overthrow or take over the reins of power from incumbent officials and it has no intention of taking over the government but to restore democracy and institute genuine reforms. We want our leaders to be elected also,” he explains.

C-Lium, QC Target Biggest Zumba Party

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A new Guinness World Records™ Title for the Philippines may be just a few grooves away. 

In preparation for its upcoming 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary, the local government of Quezon City, in cooperation with C-Lium Fibre, is dancing its way to a new world record as it attempts to stage the largest Zumba® class outdoor party on October 12 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

C-Lium Fibre brand not only aims to promote unity and community camaraderie through this event, but to also make it a celebration of fitness and fun, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

C-Lium Fibre share the city government’s goal of encouraging Quezonians to “move as one.”

This potentially record-breaking Zumba® outdoor party is just one of the many exciting attractions lined up by the Quezon City government for its year-long anniversary.

“We are happy to announce that our application has been officially noted and accepted by the Guinness organization. In the spirit of unity, we are looking forward to making this event a big, fun-filled celebration for all,” said Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

The local government and C-Lium are targeting at least 9,000 attendees to actively participate in the one-hour, non-stop dance routine that incorporates Latin music and dynamic dance aerobics.

Non-Quezon City residents are also invited to join the historic event. “It is a free event, a colossal party that is open to everyone,” Bautista said.

This would be the country's first attempt to break the current Guinness World Records™ for the largest Zumba® class in a single venue, which gathered 6,671 participants in Hyderabad, India, last September 15, 2012.

‘Easy, fun, safe for all’

C-Lium and Quezon City also assure even those who haven’t experienced Zumba classes that the event would be entirely “easy, fun, safe and appropriately planned” to fit participants as young as 14 years old.

“No previous Zumba®, fitness, or dancing experience is required, they just need to follow the routines and, of course, the Guinness World Records™ guidelines, one of which calls for everybody in the entire class to participate to the best of their ability for at least 30 continuous minutes,” said Zumba® Fitness instructor Madelle Paltu-ob.

She further added that while the grand Zumba® party is set for October 12, they have been coming up with free pocket classes every week in all Quezon City districts throughout the month of September, as part of the preparations. 

Tadeo Palma, secretary for the Office of the Mayor and overall chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Committee, said that the Zumba® party is one important community activity that highlights the Quezon City government’s committed thrust to promote active, healthy lifestyles among its constituents. 

“We hope to inspire both Quezonians and non-Quezonians to commit to this kind of wellness routine not just for the momentary joy of setting a new world record, but for the long-term health benefits and fulfillment,” he said.

C-Lium Fibre is a food supplement made from psyllium plant. Psyllium is known to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reduce fat absorption, and maintain a healthy digestive system.Continuous intake of C-Lium Fibre and regular Zumba fitness sessions will definitely be a good combination that helps achieve a healthier lifeslyle. 

C-Lium Fibre comes in husk powder and capsule variants and is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. 

For more information, visit www.clium.com.ph.

Individuals interested to take part in the record-breaking Zumba attempt are requested to register in advance at their nearest barangay offices, or by logging on to www.qczparty.com. 

Sponsors and volunteers may contact Kristie Bonifacio at bonifacio.kristie@gmail.com or +639054294316.

Solaire Presents: The Jacksons Concert on November 3

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Come for a stellar night of groovin’ filled with nostalgic pop and a whole lot of dancing as the siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Tito Jackson bring to the Solaire stage more than four decades’ worth of chart-topping hits and timeless pop favorites.

Buy your tickets now at Solaire Concierge (888-8888) and Ticketworld (891-9999)/ ticketworld.com.ph and be part of history as the biggest-selling family in music of all time brings their rhythm to Manila.‪

#‎SolaireTheJacksons‬

Philips Kulinarya Cook-off concludes in SM Megamall

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Duos of home chefs win Philips’ unique cooking challenge

How do you cook without any pots, pans, and stoves? This was the challenge faced by five tandems of homemakers during the Philips Kulinarya Cook-off, which was recently held at SM Mega Mall. 

Home chef tandem Marianne Camba and Vivian Tiongkiao pose after winning the Philips Kulinarya Cook-off, which challenged family cooks to whip up beverages and dishes using only the Philips kitchen collection

“We wanted to see how our home chefs would respond if we took away the traditional tools of the kitchen,” said RJ Buenaventura, General Manager for Philips Consumer Lifestyle. 

The Philips Kulinarya Cook-off, graced by celebrity cook Nancy Reyes-Lumen, challenged family cooks to whip up beverages and dishes using only the Philips kitchen collection. 

“This includes the airfryer, rice cooker, electric pressure cooker, juicer, and food processor. And each one of these appliances champion multi-functionality,” added Buenaventura.

“When they told us we couldn’t use pots and pans, I really thought of bowing out of the competition,” narrated Vivian Tiongkiao, one half of the winning tandem, Team Queen-ovations. 

Mariane Camba, Vivian’s partner, was thinking along the same line. She recalled, “This was the first time I cooked without a stove. I thought it was going to be difficult, but with Philips’ kitchen collection, the tasks were actually a lot easier.”

Vivian and Mariane bested mother and son team Mommy Mercedita and Gratian Madrona (Team Bulalo and Sili Mom), good friends Susan Flores and Villa Amor Loresca (Team Kusina Pilipina), mother and daughter team Luisa and Kamille Juanson (Team Frozen) and single moms Maridel Pacleb and Cherubim Dacanay (Team Philips Angels).

The finalists were hand-picked by Philips from a pool of contest applicants. 

“The Cook-off was a huge success,” described Pia Umayam, Business Development for Philips Domestic Appliances. “The Philips kitchen collection is all about simplifying the kitchen experience by minimizing effort and maximizing taste, and the contestants got to know these during the competition. The cook-off’s aim was to make this known to all consumers as well.”

Easy-to-use kitchen appliances

At first glance, the digital interface panels of Philips appliances were intimidating for the contestants. Tiongkiao narrated, “Digital timers and temperature controls seemed complicated, especially since most of us cooked using rule of thumb.”

But the everyday housewife quickly pointed out, “Madali lang pala (It was very easy to use).” Once the contestants learned how to use the different Philips appliances, they quickly saw the advantages of the Philips kitchen collection. 

The Philips rice cooker, for instance, is not only for preparing rice. It can also be used to make soup, stew, or even bake. According to Umayam, homemakers can expect the same degree of multiple-functionality from each of the Philips appliances as showcased during the cook-off. 

A simpler kitchen experience

The winning duo took home P40, 000 worth of Philips products, which will help them create a smarter and simpler kitchen in their homes. 

“At this day and age, consumers need to be practical at home,” emphasized Buenaventura. “This means considering savings on energy and space, multi-functionality, and ease-of-use in choosing kitchen appliances.”

He concluded, “For our part, Philips is proud to help homemakers attain these values. Our appliances are easy to use, multi-functional, and durable. In short, they work to make your life in the kitchen much easier—essentially, this was what the Kulinarya Cook-off demonstrated.”

To know more about the products, log on to www.philips.com.ph. You can also call our customer hotline at (632) 6679000 if you are within Metro Manila or 1-800-10-7445477 if you are outside Metro Manila. 

DepEd salutes Filipino teachers, celebrates World Teachers’ Day

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The Department of Education (DepEd), together with education partners, celebrates the 2014 World Teachers’ Day, October 4 held at the Victorias Sports and Amusement Center in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

DepEd salutes the teachers for recognizing the unwavering service and commitment of more than 660,000 Filipino teachers in strengthening communities and building the nation.

The event aimed to culminate the month-long celebration with festivities to express the education agency’s sincere gratitude for teachers’ important role in revolutionizing the educational reform efforts of the department.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC underscored the great responsibility of every teacher in preparing the Filipino youth to be better equipped for the world.

“If all the teachers in the country start to move as one, we will start the biggest revolution in education,” Luistro said.

“If we want to transform our country, we need living heroes. Marami sa ating teachers ang bayani na.” He related the stories of Teacher Lorna and Teacher Evangeline, who both acted beyond the call of duty to protect learners in the darkest of times.

Luistro highlighted the big heart of teachers during calamities, saying that their role in disaster risk reduction management is proof of their willingness to surpass the call of duty. “Every day that you spend in your classroom is living heroism,” he added.

He commended the strength and dedication of the Filipino teachers not only in ensuring the safety of the learner but also in healing them through education.

“The best lesson that a teacher teaches our children especially in the darkest of times is to smile.”

“We hope to give emphasis on your efforts, our dear teachers, all throughout the country in your everyday battle inside and outside the classroom. Each day you stand in front of the students is another day of taking on the challenge of eliminating illiteracy and ignorance among the minds of the Filipino youth. As you teach them every day, you empower every learner and ignite within them the aspiration to achieve greatness—not only for themselves but also from others.”

Senate President Franklin Drilon

Senate President Franklin Drilon, a proud Negrense, said, “World Teachers’ Day is our collective expression of our appreciation for your outstanding service.” He expressed his admiration for teachers who continue shaping young minds of the country. He underscored their important role in influencing the kind of citizens the country will have. “Do not underestimate your part in building this nation,” he said.

“I am a proud product of public schools. Whatever I achieved in my life, I owe to my teachers who inspired me to serve [the public],” Drilon said.

Victorias City Mayor Francis Palanca welcomed teachers from Regions VI, VII, VIII who attended the grand celebration. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “If we become successful, it’s because of you. You are our heroes.” He added that teaching is not only a profession but also a way of life.

“Walang naging mayaman sa pagiging guro pero mayaman tayo sa pagbibigay ng inspirasyon at pag-asa sa bayan,” Randy Halasan, 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardee said in his inspirational address.

The celebration of World Teachers’ Day was attended by 7,500 teachers and administrators from Regions VI, VII, and VIII. Among the attendees were District III Negros Occidental Representative Alfredo Benitez, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon, Metrobank President Chito Sobrepeῆa, Philippine Post Master General Josie dela Cruz, DepEd Undersecretary for External Linkages and Partnerships Mario Deriquito, Bato Balani Foundation awardees, and 2014 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers awardees.

Here are some pictures during the great celebration of World Teachers' Day.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon

Metrobank President Chito Sobrepeῆa