Philippines soon to get Free Wi-FI in public places !

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The Philippines to get Free Wi-FI in public places (this July 2015) via the Department of Science and Technology’s Information and Communications Technology (DOST-ICT) Office project.

The Philippines’ more than 7,000 islands will soon be connected with access to free Wi-Fi as the DOST-ICT Office Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places project was at first intended to bring Internet connectivity to 748 class 4, 5, and 6 municipalities in the country with a 339 million peso budget, but was expanded to a nationwide coverage after the funding was jacked up by the Senate to nearly one and a half billion pesos.

According to Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the DOST-ICT Office, with the new project Terms of Reference, free Wi-Fi will be made available to public parks, public schools and libraries, government hospitals and rural health units, transport terminals, national and local government offices. 

“Any increase in Internet connectivity through Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places will jump start economic development by giving access to e-Commerce, e-Learning, and e-Government tools to beneficiaries…” Casambre said.

These can increase their incomes and pushing their economic status upwards across the nation, especially those belonging in the countryside.

The DOST-ICT Office release also cited the World Bank study that indicated every 10 percent increase in broadband connectivity results in a 1.38 percent increase in Gross Domestic Product.

DOST-ICT Office reveals that Internet connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspots will be sourced from the country’s Internet Service Providers.

For remote areas that do not have broadband connectivity/infrastructure, the DOST ICT Office will use TV White Space vacant frequencies located between television channels.

The public Wi-Fi project will serve 105,000 concurrent users with 256 kbps each, which is the lowest prevailing speed requirement for broadband service in the country.

Users will be classified into 3 levels which varying assurances of internet speed and access based on their user ID. The first Wi-Fi spots will be set up by July 2015.

SM City Manila joins “Earth Hour 2015 to Change Climate Change!"

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SM Supermalls, 52 in the Philippines and 6 in China, joins the world of saving Mother Earth, with the symbolic “Earth Hour 2015.”

Millions of Earth Hour supporters worldwide joined forces to highlight the need for climate action. 

The event which began in Australia eight years ago and since then overseen by the World Wildlife Fund, has gathered momentum in more than 162 countries, in which people turn lights off for 60 minutes to conserve energy, hoping to cut down on planetary carbon overload. 

This year’s Earth Hour was held March 28, began at 8:30 pm.  SM shares its different environmental efforts to inspire the crowd to do their part in Changing Climate Change.

A little program was held in the Entertainment Center, SM City Manila with the SM Cares and advocate guests. Here are some photos when the Earth Hour 2015 happening :

SM City Manila joins the symbolic event, turning off non essential lights for 60 minutes. SM City Manila management is proud to be one of the initiator of this event and give thanks to mall goers for taking part in that momentous event, Earth Hour 2015.

Joining the celebration is Gerardo Toledo, a representative from the Manila Risk Reduction Management, and representative from SIF Care (Science of Identity Foundation), a community building foundation in the Philippines.

When people come together, even small actions can make a huge difference! It showed us how we all came together to celebrate the planet and our potential to Change Climate Change!

Amaia Land celebrates 5th year of providing quality homes to more Filipinos

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Aiming to help hardworking Filipino families have a house they can call their own, Amaia Land continues making those dreams come true as the company celebrates its 5th year in the industry.

Amaia celebrates its fifth year of providing Filipino families quality yet affordable homes in an event last Feb. 6 at the Acacia Hotel Manila.

Amaia was borne out of the vision of its mother company, Ayala Land (ALI), to broaden its residential product line to cater to the wider Philippine population. In 2010, this came into fruition with the incorporation of Amaia Land and its subsequent launch of the first Amaia Scapes economic housing project, thereby reinforcing ALI’s thrust of “enhancing land, enriching lives for more people.”

The team heads of Amaia Land who work hard to give more families quality yet affordable homes during the company’s fifth anniversary at the Acacia Hotel Manila last Feb. 6. (From L-R: Francis Mallari, Amaia Land Human Resource Department Head; Bobby Dy, Ayala Land President and CEO; Ricky Celis, Amaia Land President; Nikie Lingad, Amaia Land Project Strategic Management Group Head; Petes Gamboa, Innovation and Design Group Head)

The company’s maiden project, Amaia Scapes Laguna established Amaia as a competitive brand in the real estate industry. Amaia’s “Scapes” house-and-lot product line, which now consists of 16 communities, has revolutionized the economic housing segment. Some features that homeowners love about the community are its cluster type development, patio greens and full complement of shared amenities. Meanwhile, housing units are sought after for their attractive facades, modern design and efficient space planning.

Amaia Scapes Cabanatuan’s model for its village patio.

In 2011, Amaia launched its condominium product lines: the mid-rise Amaia “Steps” and high-rise Amaia “Skies”. Amaia Steps now boasts a total of nine communities. These homes are ideal for those who aspire for bigger living spaces within city limits. Meanwhile, there are now four Amaia Skies developments, which offer private abodes for urban dwellers and on-the-go working individuals desiring a balanced work-play lifestyle.

Amaia Scapes San Fernando promises a dream home within your reach.

Last year, Amaia introduced Amaia “Series”, a pure townhouse development designed for families with growing need for space, and Amaia “Square”, shophouses made for entrepreneurs who want their home and store in one convenient address.

The village patio of Amaia Scapes San Fernando is where families can do recreational activities.

So far, Amaia has served over 12,000 families across the country. The brand is present in key locations in North Luzon (Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Urdaneta), Metro Manila (Quezon City, Paranaque, Manila, Caloocan, Pasig, Mandaluyong and soon Las Pinas), South Luzon (Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon and soon Bicol) and the Visayas (Bacolod, Cebu and soon Iloilo). This year, it will venture to CDO, Mindanao. Homes are made affordable by easy-on-the-pocket paying options such as cash, deferred, bank financing, Pag-ibig and in-house financing. 

Amaia Scapes San Pablo offers an affordable yet picturesque home in Laguna.

The company opened a significant numer of jobs for Filipinos including a 17,000-man sales force in 18 growth centers and sales offices nationwide. Its online followers has soared and includes over 500,000 facebook fans, propelling the brand’s dominance in the digital platform.

Amaia Scapes San Pablo is a horizontal development situated in Brgy. San Lucas 2—a site that gives homeowners a picturesque environment.

“Our fifth year anniversary marks Amaia’s success over the years and the company’s mission in the years to come,” says Amaia Land president Ricky Celis. “We will continue to contribute to nation building by serving thousands of families with quality yet affordable homes in more locations nationwide.”

For inquiries, visit www.amaialand.com or like www.facebook/AmaiaLand.

Hatched in time for Summer: Baskin-Robbins’ Chick Cake.

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Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops hatched a surprise for kids and the young at heart that will make the season more festive and exciting — the Chick Cake. 

A whimsical ice cream cake that’s bright and cheery on the outside, with delicious Baskin-Robbins ice cream on the inside. 

Surprise your kids with this adorable Chick Cake or make it the centerpiece of your table this season. 

For more information about Baskin-Robbins’ Chick Cake and its innovative selection of ice cream cakes, visit www.baskinrobbins.ph or follow them on Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph) or on Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts. 

Visit Baskin-Robbins shops at the Central Square, Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5, Makati; Fairview Terraces and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

Pro-Earth Run 2015 on April 25 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds

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Join Pro-Earth Run 2015 on 25 April,  Saturday, 4:30AM, at the Mall Of Asia MOA Grounds in Pasay City. 

‪#‎ProEarthRun2015‬ is part of the World Earth Day Festivities.  You can send so many messages when running and Pro Earth Run 2015 tells us how to Protect, Respect and Oversee the Sensible and Sustainable Care for the Environment.

The event is in support for the cause of the environment with proceeds earmarked for the continuing environmental projects of the Earth Day Network Philippines, Incorporated.

“The future of humanity is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we never get tired of telling people that Earth Day must be everyday, everywhere, for everyone,” said Earth Day Network Philippines Chairman, Dr. Metodio Palaypay. Palaypay underscored the critical role of media in bringing out the message of earth care to the public when he addressed the press and bloggers last 31 March 2015 at Merrell Concept Store, Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City in a media briefing for Pro Earth Run 2015. 

In the end, he entreated the members of the press, “Into your hands, I commit Mother Earth.” Meanwhile, DENR Director for Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service Jesus Enrico Moises Salazar commended Earth Day Network Philippines for the environmental work it has been doing over the years.

“While the result of your labor may not always be immediately felt, it will eventually yield something good for the country.” 

Earth Day Network Philippines is at the forefront of the annual worldwide April 22nd Earth Day Celebration. It actively engages the participation of people from government, corporate, religious, and academic institutions to rally together behind environmental protection, preservation, and promotion. 

Here are the past and present Programs.

Now on its second year, Earth Day Network Philippines stages Pro Earth Run 2015 to encourage people to take active lead in protecting, respecting, and overseeing Earth care by running the race for Mother Earth. 

Proceeds of the 3K/5K/10K advocacy run will fund the continuing projects and programs of Earth Day Network Philippines such as Watershed Restoration and Forest Conservation, Re-Charge Tacloban, Zero Basura Olympics, and Mini Carbon Olympics.

Race Details: 

Date and Venue

• April 25, 2015, SM Mall of Asia

Distances and Inclusions

• 3K
• 5K
• 10K
• Flat Rate of P750
• Sling Bag, Jersey, Race bib, finisher medals and sponsors freebies

Registration

• Credit Card or Bank Deposit: Pro Earth Run 2015 Event Site
  • Bank Deposit Details:
    • Account Name: Voyager Innovations, Inc.
    • Account No: 000388029441
    • Bank/Branch: BDO/Pasay Road
    • Currency: PHP
    • Account Type: Current Account
      • Kindly be reminded that you need to settle payment of order within 3 days, excluding Saturday and Sunday. Once the deposit is completed, kindly email a copy of your deposit slip to orders@takatack.com. If payment is not made within 3 days, your order/s will be cancelled
• Sm Tickets: Pro Earth Run 2015 Event Site
• If you avail of the race kit delivery option, Race Kit delivery will start on April 1 until April 15. If you opt to pick-up your race kit, Race Kit redemption will be on April 17-19, 2015 at designated partner sports stores, to be announced soon.

Race Updates

• Facebook Event Site: Pro Earth Day Run 2015 Facebook Page
• Pro Earth Run 2015 Website: Pro Earth Day Run 2015
• For online registration concern via TackThis at orders@takatack.com
• For Singlet Return/ Exchange and Event Concern:
  • Email: Proearthrunph@gmail.com
  • Call (02) 571 3448
  • SMS (0927)3923799

Race Maps

Pro Earth Run 2015 tickets are available at SM Ticket counters nationwide until April 19 and at Merrell Concept Stores in SM North Edsa Annex, Trinoma, Festival Mall, and Market! Market! until April 15. 

Presented by Earth Day Network Philippines, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), United Parcel Services (UPS), and SM Cares, the Pro Earth Run 2015 is supported by Xend, Official Courier Partner; The Medical City, Official Medical Partner; Greenlite Banner (The Reusable Banner), Official Printing Partner; Merrell, Official Shoe Sponsor; Maynilad, Official Hydration Partner; Canon; Timex, Official Timing Partner; Slimmers World, Official Fitness Partner; Gerry’s Grill and Uncle Cheffy, Food Sponsors; Kabayan Hotel, Air Asia, Rudy Project, and Integrated Waste Management Inc. 

Pro Earth Run 2015 is also supported by GMA7, GMA News TV, 97.9 Home Radio,106.7 Energy FM, 99.5 Play FM, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, and out-of-home-media specialist, United Neon.

Let’s run 3K, 5K or 10K for the environment on April 25, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds! Registration is ongoing. Registration is until April 20 via www.earthdayphilippines.org. 

Details on Pro Earth Run 2015 are posted on www.facebook.com/ProEarthRunPH.