Ed-tech start-up Quipper School helps improve UPCAT passing rate in local high school

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A public school in Quezon City has improved its passing rate for the University of the Philippines College Admissions Test (UPCAT) this year, and all it took was the school-wide implementation of a free education online platform.

Irene Canon of Culiat High School in Quezon City said that with introduction of Quipper School last year, their students’ UPCAT performance improved considerably.

Canon, who is assistant to the principal for administration and OIC school administrator, shared that seven of their students passed the recent UPCAT. In past years, the school was lucky to have at least just one student pass the test. Likewise, a number of their pupils have won top prizes in a number of inter-school competitions. 

“I have been with Culiat for 33 long years. I can say this is a very unique experience for all of us,” she said.

This was one of testimonies shared by participants in the recent National Principals Conference organized by Quipper School (QS). The conference was held to work with educators nationwide to find out how it can help improve the quality of education in the Philippines through technology. Participants numbering close to 600 came from as far as Mountain Province to Davao City.

(From: L-R) Yuki Natori (QS Philippine, General Manager), Masa Watanabe (CEO), Dr. Ferdinand Blancaflor Pitagan (DepEd educational technology consultant)

QS is a free supplemental tool for homework management that is administered online. Developed in Japan, the education platform was first implemented in the Philippines last year.

Through QS, teachers assign students homework that can be accessed free of charge through its webpage. The homework is gamified making it fun for students and easy to use for teachers. Making, creating, sending and monitoring homework completion is as easy as using any social media site. 

QS is lightweight and its content is always available online, making it easy for students to access their homework any time of the day on any kind of computer, whether a PC, tablet or mobile phone. Likewise, the program is aligned with the K-12 curriculum currently being implemented by the Department of Education.

Yuki Natori, QS General Manager, during his opening remarks in the conference.

QS Philippines general manager Yuki Nataori explained that the Philippines was chosen for implementation of the program since it is a high potential country with a growing population and with a widespread use of computers and mobile devices nationwide.

Since the e-learning platform was introduced in January 2014, public schools in Quezon City, Manila, Pasay City, Marikina, Caloocan, and Muntinlupa in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bacolod City and Silay City in Negros Occidental, and Dasmariñas, Cavite have adopted the program. A total of 50,000 schoolteachers signed up for the service, while 500,000 students are registered into the program.

A study conducted by Dr. Ferdinand Blancaflor Pitagan, DepEd educational technology consultant, found that the use of QS contributed to high test scores, attendance rate and assignment submissions of Grade 7 students in learning mathematics.

Dr. Ferdinand Blancaflor Pitagan (DepEd educational technology consultant) on his talk during the conference

The study compared the pre- and post-test results of three groups of students to determine the efficacy of QS as an educational tool. The students were divided into three groups, with one group receiving eight QS sessions, another group with only four QS sessions, and a control group that was taught eight sessions in a traditional classroom setting.

The study found that students who received full exposure to QS recorded significant improvement in quiz scores, submission of assignments, class participation and attendance when compared to those who were taught in a traditional setting. 

There was an 80 percent improvement on test scores among students who received QS, as compared with students who were tutored in a conventional way. Likewise, 44 percent of students who received QS said they were satisfied with the program.

On the other hand, students who received a combination of teaching modalities likewise recorded improved final test scores.

Dr. Romulo B. Rocena, DepEd Manila assistant division schools superintendent, said many public school teachers in Manila reported that students have become more motivated in their schoolwork since the introduction of Quipper School.

There are 105 public schools in Manila, consisting of 72 elementary schools and 33 high schools, with a total enrolment of 270,000 students. Thirty-three percent of the schools use QS for English and mathematics.

“The students are now more motivated in class. They are more participative and have improved attendance. The students are also excited to see the new lessons on Quipper School,” Rocena said.

He added that he recommended the expansion of the implementation of QS in Manila public schools.

QS business development officer Ryan Guerrero said, "We want to bring the benefits of Quipper School to educators and students all over the Philippines. The early results are very encouraging, and we want to work with more schools, more teachers, and more students to make it even better. The best thing is, it's so easy to sign up and try it for yourself, as a lot of our early users have done. Just visit quipperschool.com for teachers to see for yourself how effective this platform is in helping you educate our youth better."

Wattpad Presents: Maid For Korean Boys with Carl Guevarra, Steven Silva Enslaves and Eula Caballero

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TV5 welcomes the Month of June with WATTPAD PRESENTS: Maid for Korean Boys!

This is TV5’s next ‘kilig’ offering for its popular WATTPAD PRESENTS primetime mini-series which features a story about a princess who becomes a housemaid and finds herself torn between two wards. 

Based on the online novel written by MYVIRGO17, now with over 1.7 M Wattpad reads.

WATTPAD PRESENTS: Maid for Korean Boys stars Eula Caballero as Ellaine, Carl Guevarra as Godfrey and Steven Silva as Stephan.

WATTPAD PRESENTS: Maid for Korean Boys follow the story of Ellaine (Eula), who runs away from home when she finds out that her father has arranged her marriage with the son of his business partner. Determined to keep her distance from her dad, Ellaine stows away with her nanny and works as a housemaid for a family.

From living as a princess, Ellaine has to learn the ropes on becoming an efficient house helper- from cleaning the house, cooking food, washing clothes and doing the dishes.

Making her miserable life more miserable is the fact that her bosses are two Korean brothers Godfrey (Carl) and Stephan (Steven) who are actually giving her a hard time. But what started as a mere scheme of the two brothers backfires on them as both Godfrey and Stephan find themselves falling in love with Ellaine.

Catch WATTPAD PRESENTS: Maid For Korean Boys every night from Monday to Friday, 9PM before Baker King, only on TV5.

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine

Teen Star, Goin’ Bulilit alum and Luv U mainstay Alexa Ilacad is the BUM’s latest endorser

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Goin’ Bulilit alum and Luv U mainstay Alexa Ilacad was launched as BUM’s latest celebrity endorser in a fun-filled event held at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City, May 28.

Fashion is a distinctive and often habitual trend in the style in which a person dresses. Men's and women's styles blended the sensuality and expressiveness. Fashion can be a form of self-expression and a representation of one’s personality, more so for today’s teens who are brimming with youthful enthusiasm and are in the process of discovering themselves.

A clothing brand known for catering to the young segment of fashionistas, BUM keeps up with their market’s ever-evolving tastes and preferences not only by launching trendy casual garbs but by also providing them with new role models and style icons they can take cues from.

BUM has always been the brand of choice of both up-and-coming and most sought-after teen celebrities, like ABS-CBN’s Nash Aguas, Ella Cruz and Jane Oineza, and GMA-7’s Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix (who are collectively known as the “Black Army”). 

But just when you thought this in-demand style squad cannot get any better, BUM has tapped another well-loved young star, who embody the vitality and versatility of the brand.

This 15-year-old fashionista proves to be a perfect fit for the brand because she’s the adventurous type whose style can go from girly-girl to hip and rugged.

“Super happy ako to be a BUM endorser kasi I can show my versatility through BUM. Sobrang astig ng mga damit nila. Kahit lagi akong pa-girly in colorful and bright outfits, favorite ko din ’yung dark colors kasi mahilig ako sa rock eh; minsan nga feeling ko rakista ako eh! With the clothes from BUM, I can enjoy and show the best of both worlds,” Alexa says. 

That said, her favorite #OOTD-worthy BUM pieces likewise vary from the colorful girly dresses to the rocker-chic hoodies and skull-print tees to the comfy and stretchable jeans—all useful in the various roles she plays as an actress, student and normal teenager. 

Alexa’s first campaign shoot with BUM is for the “Black2School” collection, wherein she got to work with the brand’s other ambassadors, which include Nash, her onscreen partner and the other half of “NLex” love team.

Since it was her first time to shoot an edgy and fierce campaign, Alexa shared that Nash helped calm her nerves as he tried to make the shoot feel lighter and more fun for her. She shares, “Masaya mag-work ’pag meron kang ka-close. Si Nash, nakatulong talaga siya sa akin sa shoot kasi naging mas masaya ang first shoot ko with BUM.”

With the recent success of Nash and Alexa’s last TV show, Bagito, the NLex love team (which started in Goin' Bulilit) has gained more fans, who cannot wait until the two’s next project. In the meantime, fans can look forward to the couple tees soon to be launched by BUM, whose campaign will star this cute duo. A sneak peek of the collection of cute his-and-hers matching tops by BUM, with cool rib cage, skull and graphic prints, was seen in the brand's last "Black2School" collection; the campaign showed Nash garbed in a blue round neck statement tee that says "I Stole Her Heart" and Alexa clad in a matching pink round neck statement tee whose print reads "So I am Stealing His Heart."

It hasn’t been long since Alexa did her first BUM campaign shoot, and now she’s already looking forward to the next. While that is in the works, Alexa has taken it upon herself to give her fellow young girls a bunch of style inspirations by posting occasional #OOTDs on her Instagram account (which currently has about 272,000 followers). 

“Ang dami ko na ngang #OOTD na naka-BUM. Excited na ako i-post,” she quips. Now, girls, that’s something worth double tapping! BUM’s “Black2School” is available at BUM boutiques and leading department stores nationwide. 

Nash Aguas, Jannena Chan host of the event and Alexa Ilacad

For more information about BUM’s “Black2School”, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph or follow us “@officialbumph” on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Epson Ph leads inkjet printer market

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Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) is now the leading brand in Inkjet Printers (IJP) in the Philippines.

Due to the introduction of the L-Series, its genuine ink tank system printers, Epson has enjoyed value share leadership in IJP for the past three years.

Data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia/Pacific Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker, 2015Q1 report shows that Epson garnered 35.9% market share and a commanding 48.1% value share.

EPC Product Manager for IJP Russer Cabrera

"While Epson has enjoyed value share leadership in IJP for the past three (3) years, we were able to grow sales of our inkjet printers through our L-series to also capture market leadership last year.

We attribute this growth to the undeniable cost efficiency and reliability of the L-Series. As the pioneer in the development of the genuine ink tank system printers and our continuing drive to exceed the expectations of our customers with regard to printing affordability, product reliability, and uncompromised print quality, we believe that Epson will continue to be the brand of choice among home users and businesses," said EPC Product Manager for IJP Russer Cabrera.

Epson gained an increase of 11.3 percentage points in Market Share from CY2013 to CY2014.

IDC is the standard source for market share and value share information in the Philippines and in most countries.

EPC Country Manager & President Toshimitsu Tanaka .

"Epson Inkjet Printers is the undisputed People's Choice with more than a half million Epson Ink tank Printers sold since 2011. As the No.1 Brand in the Philippines both in Quantity and in Value, Epson knows that Filipinos love the brand and will continue to support Epson products. This inspires us to keep bringing in great and useful products that help our customers," added EPC Country Manager & President Toshimitsu Tanaka.

Photos: Arts Travel Magazine

Visit the Philippines Year 2015 gets stamp approval from PHLPost

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“Stamps are a symbol of connection between family and friends, sharing their experiences as they make their way towards different paths. With the beautiful places they visit, new faces they meet, colorful festivals and events they experience, these stamps bind people together with archives of stories that make visiting the Philippines more fun,” said TBP COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

The postcard-worthy events under Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)’s year-long campaign “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015” get a stamp of approval, literally, with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost)’s VPY 2015 commemorative stamps.

PHLPost has rolled out the stamps to help highlight the campaign aimed at encouraging local and foreign tourists to participate in various activities and events in the country. It will circulate about 39,000 copies of these VPY 2015 stamps, featuring the campaign logo designed by BBDO Guerrero Philippines.

The stamps and souvenir sheet are now available at all PHLPost post shops in the country. The stamp, measuring 25 mm x 50 mm, is sold at P10 each.