DepEd holds National K to 12 Conference

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“If yesterday I was celebrating with you what we have done, today I stand with great pride telling myself, "Ang sarap maging Pilipino. Pero mas masarap maging DepEd." Never in my life can I say that with conviction.” --- Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC 

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said during the culmination of the first National K to 12 Conference held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), December 4.

The two-day conference gathered together almost 1,000 participants from DepEd regional and division offices nationwide to report the progress of various strategies employed for the promotion and implementation of the K to 12 Program, specifically the Senior High School (SHS), in their respective areas.

(R-L) Reaffirmation of Commitment. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC, Undersecretary Dina Ocampo, Undersecretary Reynaldo Laguda, Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, and Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera together with DepEd officials nationwide pledged continued commitment in ensuring that no child shall be left behind.

During the conference, the participants provided updates on the region and division’s efforts in gearing up for the nationwide implementation of SHS come 2016. 

Among the strategies highlighted in Luistro’s synthesis were the K to 12 caravans and unique approaches such as Teaching Strategy Festivals and Heroic Mobile Advocacy.

Luistro lauded the efforts of the all DepEd field offices in ensuring that no child shall be left behind. He said that because of the commitment of its education leaders nationwide, over “1.1 million Filipinos have included in their dreams a way of upgrading themselves” and pre-registered for the SHS in 2016.

“I told myself our DepEd leaders have now taken it unto themselves to take care of every learner. Wala na po malaking divide between public or private, nasa bayan o nasa bundok. You took care of all of them. You went out of your way, you went out of your Queendoms and your Kingdoms, and your Hives, so that you can promote and let people understand what K to 12 is all about,” he added.

The conference also provided an opportunity for education leaders to share good practices in building and strengthening partnerships with different organizations and institutions for the implementation of the SHS program.

“The solution to many of our nation's problems is in DepEd. You are the key players in changing the direction of where our country will go. You have proven that to yourselves, you have proven that to the country. You have shown that leadership is possible and that your leadership is credible,” he said.

“I prayed for a change of heart in DepEd and I realized, when I went through what you shared the past two days, that you have actually changed the image, the heart, and the culture within the Department. In fact, you have brought together, from limited resources, many initiatives that in the past I did not imagine DepEd is ready and willing to do,” Luistro said.

Bumper to Bumper XI holds successful car show event at SM MOA Concert Grounds

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(Manila, Philippines) — Bumper to Bumper, the longest-running car show and automotive lifestyle event, happened on December 5 and 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Now on its 11th year, the multi-event happening featured the biggest production setup in any car show in Asia. 

"Filipinos love car shows because we can relate to the cars we see. It is always a delight for us to see so many nice cars in one place. You can always see the excitement in people's eyes when they are in a car show and you also know deep inside that they feel inspired—that one day, they will also have these upgrades or these kind of rides in their garage," mused Jonathan Chio, CEO of Ladder Events Production. 

Since 2005, Bumper to Bumper (B2B) has been bringing the car show not only to Manila but to 10 key cities, including Baguio, Batangas, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Laguna, La Union, Pampanga, and Pangasinan. It is the only local car show known to do so, in its pursuit to bring the best of the best automotive mods across the Philippines.

Chio furthered, "Bumper to Bumper Car Show is like a theme park of sorts, a theme park for car enthusiasts. We have a wide array of vehicles on display, we have full blown entertainment to fill in your time, and we have unique activities all the time during the event."

The event usually attracts a crowd of 70,000 car enthusiasts and spectators. This year promised to be bigger and better. Activities included a two-division (Pro and Street category) car show competition, off-road vehicle display competition, engine roar competition, drive-in movie, dance showdown, concert, and Sneaker Fever Manila for those who love kicks. 

"There are so many things B2B has done to our market. A lot of shops that does not have big budgets for bigger shows were known to have started in our car shows. We have given work opportunities to our car show models. Our event has served as a playground for aspiring photographers and bloggers. But more importantly, a lot of long lasting-friendships were born in our events," said Chio. 

Exciting events to look forward to in 2016 include the B2B Car Show Sinulog in January; "Hot Import Nights V Manila” to be held at Metro Tent, Metrowalk on April 23 and 24; “Hot Import Nights Davao” to be held at The Peak in Davao City; and the first-ever Race Wars Unlimited Philippines.

Bumper to Bumper XI was presented by B2BCarshow.com, Total Excellium, PenserQ Multimedia Company, Repsol Motor Oils, No Fear Apparel, Task Us, SM Mall of Asia, and Chevrolet Philippines, among others. 

(For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/b2bcarshow/.)

Goldi-Good cakes for the Christmas Season

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Goldilocks is once again the one-stop-shop for treating your loved ones with decorative, quality baked products at affordable prices that will surely uplift everyone’s Christmas spirits.

The country’s number one bakeshop, Goldilocks, has been a cherished part of Filipino Christmas celebrations for close to five decades. 

Surprise the family with the Santa Cake, made with layers of rich chocolate cake filled with cherry cream, and iced with whipped cream. The chocolate shavings on the sides make a perfect complement to the delightful Santa face, which tops this delicious masterpiece. 

Throughout the twelve days of Christmas, your true love will definitely appreciate the Choco Hazelnut roll, with Choco fudge frosting and Christmas decors. On the other hand, an ideal option for ninangs and ninongs for their inaanaks are the irresistible Goldilocks Christmas chocolate lollipops, or any one of the classic Goldilocks Christmas Greeting Cakes.

Always keep in mind the reason for this season and partake in this season of giving! 

For more details visit www.goldilocks.com.ph or www.facebook.com/GoldilocksPH. Call 888-1-999 or visit any Goldilocks bakeshop near you. 

LBC Business Solutions: SPEED IS KEY

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LBC Express President Miguel Camahort, LBC Express CEO Santiago Araneta, and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bert Lina address some of the concerns and comments of shipping and logistics practicioners at the Asia Logistics Summit 2015 held at the Makati Diamond Residences. Lina emphasizes on the need to align the processes of logistics companies and government to hasten the movement of goods and the Philippines.

LBC Business Solutions

LBC Express, Inc. is the Philippines' market leader in payments, remittance, courier products, mail, parcels and, cargo logistics. Through a global presence in over 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Europe, LBC Express' network of 4,400 locations, partners, and agents is growing steadily, and commits to moving lives, businesses, and communities in the Philippines and across the globe. LBC Business Solutions, the company’s corporate servicing arm, applies the same brand of service LBC is known for at a larger scale.

Using LBC’s vast network and dedicated use of over a hundred delivery hubs, over 60 full service teams, and over 2000 personnel, The group is focused on providing professional customized solutions that are able to meet the most challenging demands, while emphasizing on cost-effectiveness and reliable customer service.

LBC can move it for you: visit us at www.lbcexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

2015: Promising balladeer Edward Benosa’s Best Year

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2015 has been the best year for up-and-coming balladeer Edward Benosa. Scoring two major victories with two nominations. First, in the Best New Recording Artist category of the recent MOR awards, and in the Star Awards for Music of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC). In the MOR Awards, he was up against both male and female artists (who fought it out in one category) that included eventual winner Morissette Amon, while in the Star Awards—where there were separate categories for male and female artists—he won over some newcomers, including The Voice Kids runner-up Darren Espanto.

In the wake of his Star Awards victory, there were a few who questioned his winning, and some who asked, “Sino siya? Di namin siya kilala.” But the reactions were generally positive, and Edward has just happily moved on.

Edward Benosa at press conference held at Quezon City (December 4, 2015)

Edward had attempted a professional singing career before, even trying out for the premier season of The Voice of the Philippines, but only started taking it really seriously less than a year ago.

He signed with Star Music, and released his debut album produced by his manager and discoverer, stage and indie film actor Arnold Reyes, with the carrier single, “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam”, a song about a loved one who leaves without even saying goodbye. The touching ballad found an audience and topped several radio countdowns and sales charts nationwide, making Edward a household name. He also gained a following, called the Edward Benosa Loyal Supporters.

He is relatively young in the music business, so for him to earn those two nominations, have an album and a hit song in so short a time is nothing short of a miracle.

But winning his first award in the span of only nine months was the most memorable and incredible thing to happen to him this year.

Sometimes even he can’t believe it. The night of the award ceremony, he went there, not expecting anything. He honestly did not see himself winning because he felt he was too much of a newbie, and had no right to do so. So when his name was called, Edward was shocked, and when he got onstage, he forgot to thank so many people, including his manager.

“Di ko talaga in-expect. Sobra akong nagulat, sobrang surprised,” he says. “Kasi alam ko naman na bagong-bago ako na artist, halos nine months pa lang ako sa business, ang dami ko pang hindi nagagawa, eh ‘yung iba ang dami nang napatunayan, kaya nu’ng matawag ang pangalan ko, nagulat talaga ako.”

He is grateful, though, because winning the award definitely gave his career a big boost.

“Sa isang nagsisimula na tulad ko, o kahit sinong nagsisimula, ‘yung mabigyan ka ng Best New Artist of the Year, parang enough reason na ‘yon na ipagpatuloy mo itong ginagawa mo, na kailangan mo sundan, at ipagpatuloy ang sinimulan.”

Another achievement of Edward in 2015 was appearing in his first stage musical, Chuva Choo Choo, inspired by the music of multi-awarded songwriter and record producer Vehnee Saturno. He played the love interest of Morissette Amon and also co-starred with former Miss Saigon star and stage veteran Joanna Ampil. The musical produced by STAGES will have an extended run in mid-2016.

Being given all these opportunities to stretch himself and his craft make Edward feel that this is where he was meant to be.

Edward Benosa accepting his award (2015 Star Awards best new artist of the year)

Now, he says, he is really serious about wanting to build a career as a singer, songwriter and performer.

Edward is thankful for all the blessings and breaks he’s been getting—and the timing, with the holidays just around the corner—couldn’t be better.“Napaka-gandang Christmas gift ng taon na ito, ang gandang bonus galing kay Lord,” reflects Edward.

So now, the game plan is just for him to keep moving forward. He dreams of releasing a second album, and maybe even staging a concert in 2016, as a way of giving back and thanking all his friends (he prefers not to call them ‘fans’, but friends) for their support.

There is so much ahead of him as 2016 approaches, and Edward is excited to experience everything.

For more of Edward, visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/realedwardbenosa. For bookings and inquiries, please call Ranjo Isip 09178822773.