‘Echorsis’ trailer excites moviegoers

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A romantic scene between Kristoff (Lapus) and Carlo (Medina) 

"Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil.

MOVIEGOERS of all ages express excitement with the horror-comedy film "Echorsis" after its official trailer was released online last week. 

"Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil," which features the triumvirate of comedian John Lapus, Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano, and award-winning independent film actor Alex Medina, received overwhelming reviews from netizens who called the movie "one of the most awaited comedy flicks of the year." The film was directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Lemuel Lorca and was written by Jerry Gracio.

“Gusto kong mapanood ‘to! Trailer pa lang nakakatawa na. Good vibes lang! Ang bongga pa ng cast. Aabangan naming ‘to ng mga beki friends ko,” Facebook user Nathan Cruz remarked. 

Kristoff (Lapus) falls in love with the gigolo Carlo (Medina)

“Kahit may bagyo sa opening day, nood pa rin ako,” added Thio Tisado Pie.

The trailer, which has so far gone viral and received close to one million views, likewise attracted the straight crowd with some men even asking their girlfriends to watch the movie on their date.

“Must watch babe! Hahaha! Make some time for this movie babe please. Nakakatawa solid!” said Facebook user Christian Medina who is inviting his girlfriend.

Acceding to the persistent requests of netizens that the movie be shown in cinemas as soon as possible, the film produced by Chris Cahilig under Insight 360, is set to open on April 13 in theatres nationwide—a week ahead of its original schedule.

“There is a clamour for the movie to be shown earlier than its original April 20 play-date. We didn’t expect the public to be so excited to see it soon on the big screen,” said Cahilig.

“Echorsis,” a parody of the iconic horror film “The Exorcist,” revolves around a gigolo Carlo, played by Medina, who is possessed by a gay demon after he deceived his closeted gay lover Kristoff (Lapus). The task of exorcising the devil out of Medina’s character then falls on the lap of Father Nick, who is portrayed by Cipriano.

Legions of Facebook users tagged their friends on the movie’s trailer, saying how excited they are to see it. Some even invited friends to watch ‘Echorsis’ with them. Veteran director Wenn V. Deramas also showed interest in watching the film.

Father Nick, played by Kean Cipriano, sees the devils with abs

The movie’s trailer was also posted on different blogsites where readers also showed enthusiasm toward the movie.

John Lapus as Kristoff

“Tawang-tawa ako bwisit!!! Mahusay! Suportahan natin ‘to, ‘wag puro overrated artists lang ‘yung sinusuportahan natin,” said a reader of FashionPulis.com.

“Oh em!! Natawa ako sa trailer! Mag showing kaya ditey sa Toronto?? I want! Mas ok ‘yung ganitong movie,” said another reader of the same blog.

Completing the ensemble cast of ‘Echorsis’ are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero.

“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather. 

The Biggest Lights and Music Show at the SM Mall of Asia

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#Emotions by #UnitedKingdom's #Pyrotex

Photo: Myrns Roman

Enjoying the wonderful world with the colour burst of fireworks. Pyromusical symbolizes enthusiasm and exhilaration, and this year's biggest lights and music show presents "emotion. At the seaside of SM Mall of Asia, a great location to watch the 2016 fireworks as you are right in the heart of the action, you’ll get to enjoy the display of fireworks with excitement.

The Philippines longest running and the only Pyromusical Competition is finally back and just like the previous years, World-class fireworks display will be showcased by various participants from all over the globe.

For its 7th year at the SM Mall of Asia, the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is is an even bigger and better show than ever! 

Twelve countries will display their awe- inspiring fireworks performances in a shower of lights amid a symphony of sounds.

This year’s much-awaited pyrotechnics event held every Saturday, 7:30 pm at the Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia.

Started February 13, with the Philippine Platinum Fireworks team showcasing their skills together with Luso Pirotecnia from Portugal.

Last February 20, it was Parente Fireworks from Italy against Pyrotex Fireworkx LTD from United Kingdom.

Parente fireworks from #Italy

Here are some videos and photos taken during the Parente Fireworks from Italy against Pyrotex Fireworkx LTD from United Kingdom:

Photo: Myrns Roman

Photo: Myrns Roman

Photo: Myrns Roman

Photo: Myrns Roman

The Atlas Pyrovision from USA and Royal Firework from the Netherlands show off their skyline expertise on February 27.

Steffes-ollig Feuerwerk from Germany and Royal Pyrotechnie from Canada will light up the beautiful Manila Bay on March 5, followed by Skylighter Fireworkx from Australia and Polaris Fireworks from China on March 12. The not-to-be-missed big bang happens on March 19, with Brezac Artefices from France and another exhibition from the Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from Philippines.

This year, special live performances by top artists and bands add to the excitement of the festivities! Jinky Vidal jam onstage on February 13.

Last February 20, Hale and Morisette unleashed heartfelt songs and powerful vocals.

Morissette Amon at the ‪#‎MOAPyro2016‬ ‪#‎7thPyroMusicalCompetition‬ held at the SM Mall of Asia

On the 27th, it’s Sarah Lahbati’s turn, together with Brownman Revival. Enjoy the smooth vocals of MYMP on March 5 and Side A on March 12. The finale on March 19 includes soaring performances by the UST Symphony Orchestra and the one and only pop princess Sarah Geronimo.

There will also be a photo contest on who best capture the spirit of the celebrations. Details will be posted on the SM Mall of Asia social media sites.

As the last year, 2015 Philippine International Pyro-Musical Competitiont, he Royal Pyrotechnie of Canada won the first price beating Pyrotex Fireworx Ltd. of United Kingdom. Who do you think will bring home the first price this year? This years competing countries include the USA, Canada, Germany, China, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Australia, and France. 

The fireworks displays and live musical entertainment are best enjoyed from the Seaside Boulevard at SM by the Bay.

Tickets are priced at P1, 500 for VIP (including dinner), P600 for VIP, P300 for Gold, and P100 for silver. Tickets are available at any SM Ticket outlets and SM Mall of Asia.

The 2016 Philippine International Pyro-Musical Competition is in partnership with Platinum Fireworks Inc. co-presented by Close Up and SMDC, with special thanks to Department of Tourism, City of Pasay, Philippine Reclamation Authority, Microtel Mall of Asia and our online media partner When in Manila.

For more information about the event, visit the SM Mall of Asia official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts

DepEd produces a new breed of educ leaders; SLP aims to strengthen leadership and management

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In its continued commitment to provide quality basic education to Filipino learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) stepped up its education management through the Superintendents’ Leadership Program (SLP).

SLP aims to strengthen leadership and management in education. It aspires to further the level of competency of all Schools Division Superintendents (SDS) and other school officials amidst DepEd’s ever-advancing policies, strategies, and organization. It is anchored on the survey that the DepEd conducted to determine the challenges, opportunities, and skills set that are integral to the changes brought by the K to 12 Program.

Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said, “This leadership program is not only for the public schools of DepEd. I think that this is the high time to institutionalize this program for the both public and private institutions in this country. I hope that this program will be enlarged and enhanced for us to reach others. ”

“Our goal is to provide access to quality education, and that requires us to have continuous learning,” DepEd Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Rizalino Rivera said.

Since the start of the program in October 2012, a total of 277 Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents from all regions have already participated, three batches have already gone through their 12 modules. These modules are designed to provide them with the required level of competencies needed to perform their role.

A new breed of education leaders

“We will not forgive ourselves if after completing the SLP, we will not do something,” Roxas City SDS Roel Bermejo said. He added that through the SLP, school officials are empowered to do the best for the teachers, school personnel, and learners.

“SLP had made us better persons, family men and women, education leaders and managers. SLP is one of the best things that happened in our lives,” Bermejo said. SDS Natividad Bayubay from Zamboanga del Norte narrated the challenges she faced when she “inherited an office that is marred by controversies and bad reputation” and how SLP enabled her to handle and manage it.

“Other initiatives are still continuously implemented and enforced. There still others that may serve as instruments of glorifying our profession and gaining back the dignity that is rightfully ours. Unpretentiously, I am conscious to the fact that the reforms and the initiatives established in my almost three years in office may be begging for more to put our division on top, but let me give you the assurance, that the office will be incessant in instituting initiatives and reforms to fully realize the reason of our very existence as a government agency,” she said. 

One of the notable participants from batch 1, the first SDS among the SLP graduates to finish his doctorate degree, is SDS Jonathan De La Peña from Misamis Occidental.

De La Peña continued, “The self-perception of being competent is important for a leader to be confident and courageous in pushing reforms in the system. The self-perception of being a ‘man for other’ is a declaration of one’s commitment to serve, maybe in my case, in our public schools, where you can find most of those we call “the last, the lost, and the least.”

When asked of De La Peña was asked of the benefits of the program to his school, “I am proud to say that, aside from my degree, my biggest take away from my graduate school is its expanded learning community that reached even the farthest school in my division. Our professional relationship and friendship has served as a bridge and an alleyway for this institution to touch the lives of our children in our public schools. For two years now, our teachers have been engaging actively in research activities and were mentored through the De La Salle University (DLSU) action research network. In fact last year, we were able to send 30 teacher-researchers to our ARAL congress. This March we will be sending around 20 researchers to present and have their work validated. It is ARAL that taught our teachers on how to write and publish works in journals. The culture of research that permeates in our Division is one that has been influenced by DLSU and it has been translating into improved performance outcomes with teachers providing solutions to old-recurring instructional problems in the classrooms,” he said.

The SLP program is in partnership with DLSU, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc., Lopez Group Foundation Inc., Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Aid through the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program.

DepEd: Graduation rites 2016 should be simple and non-political

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The Department of Education (DepEd) has set out the guidelines for the end of school year rites both in public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide with emphasis on simple and non-political graduation rites.

Based on DepEd Order No. 7 series of 2016, the education agency stated that all graduation ceremonies should be scheduled on or before April 1, 2016 and that the rites should be simple, solemn and meaningful events.

 “While we recognize that graduation marks a milestone in one’s life, let our focus be on our sense of community and personal responsibility as graduates whose journey in life has just begun,” Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC emphasized. 

In line with the government's austerity program, DepEd reiterates that graduation rites should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venue. 

It also emphasized that non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, junior-senior promenade and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for graduation or completion. 

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC

In public schools, graduation expenses should be charged to the school Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses under the 2016 Budget. 

“No DepEd personnel should be allowed to collect any graduation/moving up/closing ceremony fees or any kind of contribution,” Luistro said. 

Moreover, Parent-Teachers Association may give donations in cash or in kind; and that contribution for the annual yearbook, if any, should be on a voluntary basis. 

To maintain the neutrality and non-partisanship of schools, the graduation ceremonies should not be made a venue for political activity or campaigning.

 “The end of school year 2015-2016 rites should be an appropriate and solemn ceremony befitting the learners and their parents and shall not be used as a political forum,” Luistro added. 

Grade 6 learners who will complete elementary education will get their elementary certificate in a graduation ceremony. Grade 10 learners who will complete junior high school will go through a moving up or completion ceremony and get their junior high school certificate. 

Grade 12 learners from schools with DepEd-approved K to 12 transition plan; those who graduated from schools with a permit to operate Senior High School in school year 2014; and those who graduated in International Schools with K to 12 program will all get high school diploma in a graduation ceremony. 

The 2016 graduation ceremonies shall focus on the theme Kabataang Mula K to 12, Tagapagdala ng Kaunlaran sa Bansang Pilipinas. The theme highlights K to 12 Basic Education Program as a transformative vehicle for local and national development.

LG POSITIONED AS ASIA’S INNOVATION LEADER WITH NEW SIGNATURE LINEUP

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Debut of Premium Brand and Market-Leading Products

to Receive Spotlight at InnoFest Asia

SEOUL — LG Electronics (LG) is set to shake up the Asian appliance market with the unveiling of its new ultra-premium brand, LG SIGNATURE, at InnoFest Asia taking place in Korea from February 16-18. LG’s InnoFest roadshow began earlier this month in Dubai with an expo for partners in African and the Middle East and travels to Seoul this week.

LG InnoFest provides the company with the opportunity to showcase its diverse range of products including consumer electronics and home appliances for the benefit of regional business partners, retailers and media. This year’s edition of LG InnoFest Asia will give approximately 300 dealers and journalists from 15 countries across the region, including Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, the chance to gain hands-on experience with LG’s latest innovations.

On the first day of the event, products from LG’s all-new premium LG SIGNATURE brand, such as the OLED TV and Twin Wash™ washing machine, will be showcased and demonstrated. Executives including LG H&A Company President and CEO Jo Seong-Jin, LG’s Global Marketing Officer Brian Na and Asia Regional Head Chris Yi will be on hand to discuss LG’s premium products and technologies as well as the company’s plans for future partnerships.

Since its founding, LG has been committed to making life better for consumers in Asia with air conditioners that repel mosquitos, air purifiers that cleanse the air that family members breathe, audio systems developed with Asian ears in mind and gorgeous TVs that the entire family can enjoy together. This formula of discovering and delivering the needs of Asian customers is what has made LG one of the top brands in the region.

“This event presents a great opportunity for LG to highlight its advanced technologies and designs. Personally, I’m excited to finally see the LG SIGNATURE lineup for myself,” Star Appliance Center, Inc. President Ma. Teresa Tiong Cheng said. Star Appliance, known to many as the electronics retail giant SM Appliance Center, is an affiliate of one of the country's largest conglomerates, the SM Group of Companies. “With LG having built its brand on reliability, we hope that we can maintain our win-win partnership with the electronics leader in the years to come”.

Participants in LG InnoFest will get the opportunity to visit the world-famous N Seoul Tower where a massive OLED display made up of 248 individual 55-inch LG OLED TVs will allow guests to experience the amazing picture quality of LG’s OLED technology firsthand.

“We are committed to developing innovative products and mutually-beneficially marketing activities to strengthen LG’s position as Asia’s most dynamic premium brand in the eyes of both partners and consumers,” said Chris Yi. “Events such as InnoFest allow us to give audiences a close up view of our newest products, which have to be seen to be truly appreciated.”