“I will give my life for children”—Luistro

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Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC 

“I can say with all sincerity: I will give my life for children.”

This is what Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said when he was asked if the Department of Education (DepEd) can protect the students from armed conflicts during the deliberation of the 2016 proposed budget for the Department of Education at the House of Representatives.

Luistro said, “Without any second thoughts, a teacher's first move is to protect children.” The education chief reiterated that all schools are zones of peace, adding that education and children should not be casualties in any conflict nor be subjected to any form of violence.

With the continued investment of the government in basic education, DepEd continues to strengthen education reforms to ensure a safer and learner-centered education for Filipino children.

In line with this, DepEd has adopted a comprehensive Child Protection Policy that enshrines the universal rights of the child and condemns any form of threat against children in schools. In 2014, DepEd trained over 1,100 national trainers in child protection policy. Guidelines and procedures on the management of Children-At-Risk and Children in Conflict with the Law was also released by the department this year.

Providing more access to hard-to-reach learners through the Abot-Alam Program, Special Education, and Indigenous Peoples’ Education (IPed) is among the agency’s last mile efforts.

As of the first quarter of 2015, among those who enrolled are 30% of the 2.67 million out-of-school youth (OSY) mapped. To date, there are 1.2 million IP learners and 470,276 Alternative Learning

Empowering schools and education leaders for continued reforms

Luistro said that there has been a 110% increase in the education budget from 2009 to 2015—from P174.5 billion to P367.1 billion. He said, “We will always endeavor to make sure that every cent is spent for the rightful purpose.”

DepEd sustains the foundations of reforms by empowering not only the learners but also DepEd teachers and personnel, and public schools nationwide through various programs that aim to improve learning, curriculum delivery and processes.

DepEd has achieved a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:36 for elementary public schools and 1:27 in secondary schools in 2015. It has also proposed the creation of over 60,000 teacher items for 2016.

Education leadership and management is strengthened through the Superintendents’ Leadership Program (SLP) having trained 218 Superintendents and other school officials deployed in 174 Division Offices across all 17 Regions.

DepEd is also enhancing its curriculum delivery and organizational processes in response to continuous engagement from learners and key stakeholders through the implementation of the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP).

Coco Martin to immortalize FPJ as "Ang Probinsyano", to premiere on ABS-CBN soon

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The King of Primetime TV Coco Martin immortalize Fernando Poe Jr as Ang Probinsyano on televison series, a TV adaptation based on the 1997 Fernando Poe, Jr. film of the same title, courtesy of FPJ Productions. Directed by Malu Sevilla and Avel Sumpongco.

Together with Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Angeline Quinto, Arjo Atayde, Bela Padilla, Jaime Fabregas and Susan Roses, Coco wil do FPJ's character in this project that pays tribute to FPJ by ABS-CBN whereas they showed his iconic movies on air on Channel 2.

Ang Probinyano was a 1997 film that stars, written and directed by FPJ. In this year's  adaptation, Coco will give life to the role of the characters once portrayed by FPJ, Ador and Cardo, twin brothers who were separated by fate, but were united by their dream to serve the country as policemen.

The story focused on Kardo taking the place of Ador, his twin brother that was killed in a drug bust operation because of the betrayal of his fellow police. Kardo was also a police in the province and because they are identical, he was asked to take the place of his brother in order to capture the drug syndicate and the corrupt policemen responsible for his death.

"It is a huge honor for me to be given the opportunity to pay tribute to "Da King" Fernando Poe Jr. through ABS-CBN's TV adaptation of one of the movie icon's masterpieces, "Ang Probinsyano," said Coco.

"Even as a kid, only FPJ comes to my mind when I hear people talk about action movies. He is my superhero. I do not only see him as an artist, but also a real hero." 

"I know I can never surpass or even be as good as FPJ. For me, just having the chance to do one of his movies or masterpieces is lready a huge honor for me. I promise to do my best as a big tribute to him," he added.

Let us all reminisce FPJ, 'Da King,' and reawaken our trust at the good men in the police force. 

Watch out for the grand tribute to 'Da King,' "Ang Probinsyano" series, will premiere on ABS-CBN worldwide on The Filipino Channel on September 28, 2015.

For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/DreamscapePH and follow @DreamscapePH on Twitter and Instagram. 

‘Bituin Fever’ is back! Resorts World Manila’s ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ shines bigger and brighter

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Resorts World Manila (RWM), through Full House Theater Company and Ultimate Productions, and in partnership with VIVA Communications, sets its sights on producing another memorable run with more musical numbers and added star power as it brings back ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’, starting October 8, 2015.

From its outstanding cast, remarkable stage design, and moving storyline, the luster of ‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’s’ first foray made sure that a second run would be inevitable. Back by popular demand, the stage adaptation of the classic Filipino drama promises to dazzle audiences anew as it takes the stage of Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) for its highly anticipated encore performances.

“Bituing Walang Ningning remains to be one of the most beloved Filipino dramas. It tells a story about dreams, love, and humility, which are the virtues we are anchoring to in developing this production,” says RWM Chief Integrated Marketing Officer Martin Paz.

Earning critical acclaim during its initial, month-long foray earlier this year, the musical captured the hearts and imagination of entertainment fans and theater enthusiasts alike. Reprising their roles as the main cast of this original, all-Filipino production are theater stars Cris Villonco, Mark Bautista, and newcomer Monica Cuenco who shined as the new Dorina Pineda, a role popularized by Sharon Cuneta on film and Sarah Geronimo on the drama’s TV stint.

Accompanying the brilliant leads is a powerhouse ensemble which consists of veteran actors Jon Santos, Ronnie Liang, Jay Roa, John Nite, Michael Stuart Williams, and the first lady of Philippine musical theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Adding to the musical’s constellation of stage stars are singer and actress Antoinette Taus, who will play alternate to Cris Villonco as main antagonist Lavinia Arguelles, as well as multi-talented actor Epi Quizon as Jon Santos’ alternate for the role of Auntie.

‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ brings to life a story that has transcended Philippine entertainment. Originally told over a serialized comic strip by fictionist Nerissa Cabral, the story was made into a blockbuster movie in 1985 and was then re-made into a hit television series back in 2006.

The production marked the first time a contemporary drama has crossed over multiple media, from print, cinema, television, and finally on stage. The drama’s theater foray is told along with the timeless music of the great Willy Cruz which is scored by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rodel Colmenar with veteran stage director Freddie Santos at the helm.

Pursuing its advocacy to ‘Champion the Filipino’, RWM continues to showcase the best of what local entertainment can offer.

"Our vision is to establish an avenue for a new genre of original Pinoy performing arts that will open doors for next generation thespians, playwrights, and producers to explore," Paz added.

For more about Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical Second Run, including cast details and show schedules, visitwww.rwmanila.com/web/bituing-walang-ningning/.

Tickets are now available at all TicketWorld and TicketNet outlets and at the RWM Box Office.

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia unveils new look for AXN

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“Redefining Action” campaign embodies AXN’s focus on intense, intriguing, smart and unexpected stories 

PHILIPPINES – Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia is launching a refreshed visual identity for AXN with an impactful original new look that aligns with the channel’s current programming focus. The new branding, including a new logo, graphic elements and marketing campaign, will roll out across AXN’s on-air and online platforms just prior to the premiere of The Voice Season 9 tonight. 

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said :

“While AXN continues to be the pay TV destination for action, we are also tapping into an audience seeking content filled with intrigue, passion and heroes. Our new look aligns with that programming sensibility and speaks to today’s viewers, who are connecting with our brand across linear and digital channels, as well as social media.”

AXN’s dynamic new logo features a custom-built avante garde typeface, accentuated by a three-dimensional pyramid, which is a classic shape associated with mystery and the convergence of energy, bathed in striking shades of red. 

“Red evokes energy, action, passion and danger. We are harnessing the power of that color in a new campaign that encourages viewers to discover and embrace the sense of fearlessness that permeates AXN’s series,” explains Maurizio Vitale, senior vice president of marketing, Networks for SPT, who oversaw the network’s brand refresh globally. 

The network’s new “Redefining Action” campaign, which will roll out simultaneously with the refreshed brand identity, underscores the channel’s focus on programming defined not by a particular genre but by an overall attitude -- intense, intriguing, smart and unexpected. 

Complementing the bold new look, AXN has a stellar line up of new and returning series to get viewers excited for the Fall TV season. The focus on intense, intriguing, smart and unexpected stories is reflected in the premiere on September 28 of highly anticipated drama Quantico, starring Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra; a show not short of twists where one of the group of FBI trainees at Quantico is suspected to have plotted a massive terrorist attack. 

The Blacklist Season 3 is all about redefining action with Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) finding herself on the FBI’s most wanted list and on the run with Raymond Reddington (James Spader). On September 22, reality TV sensation The Voice Season 9 kicks off with mega music stars Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine coaching a new crop of singing wannabes; the sincerity, chemistry and rivalry make it a not-to-be missed competition. 

Check out AXN’s new look and programming schedule at www.AXN-Asia.com or join the conversation on Facebook at AXNPhilippines.

Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms.

Johnson & Johnson (Phil.), Inc., Phil. Medical Association Unveil New Pharmaceutical Insights Factbook

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PMA-JnJ Dr. Robert Salvino, Asec Paulyn Ubial, Dr. Suzette Lazo and Mr.Wigbert Funtanilla

Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc (JJPI), in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), recently introduced a new/novel factbook that discusses key issues surrounding the current state of pharmacological interventions.

Titled Pharmaceutical Insights for the Well-Informed Clinicians, the factbook has been designed to enable healthcare professionals make informed decisions in the selection of medicines. The factbook reveals the lifecycle of a drug and the many facets surrounding drug development, manufacturing, supply chain and drug product regulation, among others. The book has been developed in alignment with the principles of medical ethics and all other activities related to therapeutic interventions.

For years, JJPI has remained steadfast in the service of patients by providing innovative quality medicines for their treatment. Committed to help further improve the country’s healthcare system, the company recognizes that the success of pharmacological intervention largely depends on the integrity of the processes that a medicine goes through from the time of manufacture to its use by the patient as intended in its regulatory approval. 

Mr. Wigbert Funtanilla, Hospital Channel Country Director of JJPI.

“At Johnson & Johnson, patient well-being is at the forefront of everything we do. The factbook is intended to assist doctors in making an informed decision in the choice of the most appropriate medication for the patient,” said Mr. Wigbert Funtanilla, Hospital Channel Country Director of JJPI.

“We also understand that our physicians are under considerable pressure meeting busy schedules, hence JJPI has designed the narrative in a manner that facilitates easy reading for all. This factbook is a sincere effort toward making a difference in the lives of our patients by empowering our doctors in Philippines to become well-informed healthcare professionals,” he added.

Dr. Minerva Calimag,
President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

Seeking to help physicians, the book includes challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in bringing lifesaving medicines to the market and regulatory efforts. It highlights the work of the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that drugs in the market are safe and effective. 

“Practicing pharmacovigilance is aimed at improving the care given to patients and protecting their lives. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering by patients and to decrease the financial burden brought about by the adverse events related to medicines, it is essential that all healthcare workers should be the frontliners in advocating pharmacovigilance by reporting all suspected cases especially when the reaction is unusual, potentially serious or clinically significant,” said Dr. Minerva Calimag, President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

A case in point, she said, is a doctor monitoring an adverse drug reaction (ADR) case and submitting a report to the hospital and FDA, keeping in mind that this simple act of pharmacovigilance can improve the practices related to drugs within the hospital and most importantly, can save the life of the patient.

During the launch event, PMA President Dr. Minerva Calimag, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Ubial, and Dr. Suzette Lazo, former Philippine FDA director, were on hand to shed light on drug regulation updates and understanding the importance of drug development and utilization at the bedside, respectively.

Because of its importance in the clinical practice of the doctors, the factbook will be launched as part of the on-line module of the Philippine Medical Association for their On-line Web-based Learning Partnerships for Medical Advancement (OWL@PMA). 

To know more about the Pharmaceutical Insights for the Well-Informed Clinicians factbook, visit www.owlpma.com.