Nald: A kid with big ambitions

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Nald in action. CAVRAA football team member Ronald Dapena kicks his way through opponents during a game between CAVRAA and Region XII in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa in Albay.

A small town kid with big ambitions, this is what best describes 17-year old Ronaldo “Nald” Dapena who is one of the members of the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) football team. He came from San Antonio, Delfin Albano, Isabela, which is considered as one of the poorest barrios in the area. The third of five siblings, Nald’s father works as a farmer while his mother works part-time at a local bakery. 

“Medyo mahirap din po ang buhay namin pero kahit paano po nakakaraos naman po kami sa pang araw-araw at kung may pagkakataon, tumutulong din po ako sa aking ama sa bukid,” says Nald.

Aware of their difficulties in life, Nald often finds solace in playing the sport he fell in love with at a young age, “Ten years old pa lang, naglalaro na ako ng football at madalas akong sumali sa Intramurals sa school. Nakapaglaro na din po ako sa mga Provincial Meets. Doon po ako nadiskubre ng coach po namin ngayon na si Mr. Alexander Tabubuca," says Nald.

With continuous mentoring and guidance, Nald’s game continued to improve and develop along with his team mates. With dedication and team work, they became the champions in CAVRAA Meet where they won P15,000 and were qualified for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. 

Not resting on his laurels, Nald used his P1,000 share of the cash gift to apply for an NC II for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) at the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). Asked if he was hesitant to let go of his prized money given their financial situation, “Alam kong para sa gaya namin, malaking pera na ang P1,000, pero wala naman akong panghihinayang sa ginawa ko dahil magagamit ko din iyon para sa aking kinabukasan," he said. By investing his money wisely, he is now a proud holder of an NC II certificate.

Ronaldo “Nald” Dapena

Everything seems to be going well for Nald until a little bump on the road temporarily stopped him in his track. In preparation for the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, all the delegates were required to train in Tuguegarao City, a place far and unfamiliar for Nald and his parents. All his life, he has only competed in his home province. Playing on a much farther venue meant additional expenses for Nald and his family, although the fare is only P50. Just when Nald was about to throw in the towel, coach Tabucaca came to the rescue. 

“Pumunta si coach sa bahay namin at sinabi sa mga magulang ko na siya na ang bahala sa pamasahe ko at titingin sa akin habang nasa malayo ako para hindi na sila mag-alala,” Nald recalls smiling.

Believing in Nald’s potential as a good football player, there was no way Coach Tabubuca would let that go to waste.

“Sayang naman ang talent ng bata kung hindi siya mabibigyan ng opportunity para mahasa sa sport na mahal niya, masipag naman at mabait kaya hindi ako makapapayag na mawala sa kanya ang oportunidad na makasali sa Palarong Pambansa,” said Tabubuca.

When asked if Nald plans to further his football career, “Gusto ko po sanang ipagpatuloy itong football, makuha sa mataas na paaralan, makakuha ng scholarship, at matupad ang aking pangarap na maging propesyonal na football player. Pero tanggap ko din naman po na maaring hindi rin siya mangyari kaya iyon din po ang dahilan kaya kumuha ako ng SMAW. Hindi ko man maabot ang aking pangarap sa buhay at least po secure naman ang aking kinabukasan dahil may NC II na ako na maari kong magamit upang makakuha ng magandang trabaho at makatulong sa aking mga magulang at kapatid,” says Nald.

Ultimate music festival ZoukOut breaks new ground in the Philippines

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Globe customers get to enjoy exclusive discounts to the biggest summer party of 2016

After 15 years in the business, Asia’s definitive annual music festival, ZoukOut, is finally crossing borders. This year, ZoukOut breaks new ground on the fine, white sands of Boracay, Philippines. Together with co-presenter, the country’s #1 mobile brand, Globe Telecom, ZoukOut is out to redefine and amplify the LaBoracay experience. The much-awaited event is set to happen this summer on April 30 and May 1 at Epic and Uptown Beachfront, Boracay. 

Adding to the excitement of the music fest, Globe rolled out a poll that allowed Filipinos to pick which home grown talents they want to represent the country at ZoukOut. Four big names in the Philippine electronic dance music industry, namely Mars Miranda, Deuce, Kat DJ, and Carlo Atendido, were cast as the official candidates. 

Their respective crews and fan bases went all out in campaigning for their idols, and the race was definitely a close one. On March 29, ZoukOut PH and Globe identified the top 2 DJs who led the polls, namely Deuce, with 1,800 votes and Carlo Atendido, with 1,600 votes. Both officially bagged the opportunity to showcase their talent on the first ever Philippine ZoukOut stage. 

These Filipino talents will have the honour of playing their music alongside international DJs such as Kaskade, DVBBS and DubVision, among others. 

“Part of our mission here at Globe is to bring a differentiated customer experience through access to some of the best on-ground events – from the most renowned concerts to the best party experiences like ZoukOut. This summer, Globe has prepared an impressive line-up of activities that come with exclusive perks and discounts for our customers,” says Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Marketing, Issa Cabreira. 

The first 250 Globe customers will be able to avail of the exclusive ZoukOut ticket discount. One just has to text ZoukOut to 2363 and they will receive a unique code which they can present to SM TicketNet to get the special discounted rate for the 2-day General Admission ticket bundle. From the original price of P4500, qualified Globe customers will be able to avail P900 off. 

Get ready for the most amazing summer ahead with all-out fun in the sun as the only sunrise party in Asia hits the Philippine shores! ZoukOut is co-presented by Nestea, and supported by Huawei, Solar Channel, Bacardi, Levi’s Philippines, SM Accessories, Air Asia, and Grab.

For table bookings and ticket inquiries visit http://zoukout.ph/. 

Just follow @enjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GlobePH and visit www. globe.com.ph/summer-promos to get first dibs on how to get free passes to these summer events.

7 Days of Summer with ASUS ZenFone Go

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“Summer is definitely the time of the year when a lot of Filipinos want to enjoy and have fun, and with this line-up of ASUS ZenFone Go offerings, users can expect an all-around, daily smartphone that they can use to match their unique lifestyles. To get everyone’s summer spirits up and at them, we have prepared a special campaign which we have dubbed as the “7 Days Of Summer with the Zenfone Go” that shows just exactly how each variant of the ZenFone Go will be the perfect centerpiece to have an even more incredible and stylish summer." 

--- ASUS Philippines Smartphone Product Manager Lenny Lin.

Soak Up in 7 Days of All-Out Summer Excitement with the Best-Value ASUS ZenFone Go Smartphones !

Get ready to make an even bigger splash anytime, anywhere you go this season, with these two hot-shot variants of ASUS’ budget-friendly smartphone: the new ZenFone Go 4.5 and the ZenFone Go 5!

This scorching season, whether it is roughing it up for an outdoor adventure, or simply having a relaxing time at home, ASUS Philippines gives your more than enough reasons to enjoy the summer season without the worry of overspending and cutting down on the fun, with its two summer-ready ZenFone Go variants: starting with the existing ZenFone Go 5 (ZC500TG), and it latest smartphone offering, the new ZenFone Go 4.5 (ZB452KG)!

“With the new ZenFone Go 4.5 and the existing crowd-favorite ZenFone Go 5, this new line-up of the ASUS ZenFone Go smartphones really invites users to take a break from their daily regular grind, change to their flip-flops, and ignite the wanderlust they have always had from within,” explains ASUS Philippines Smartphone Product Manager Lenny Lin.

These ZenFone Go variants come in six premium, sleek colors, and are perfect for those who are looking for a great-value smartphone that can ultimately keep up with their lifestyles, and make sure that they get the most out of this season, anytime and anywhere they plan to go.

Sit back, relax and have fun and here's a quick tour on how you can enjoy your 7 Days Of Summer with the Zenfone Go.

Monday: Go forth and have an organized, fun-filled week ahead

This summer, why not make it a point to have ‘manic Mondays’ become a thing of the past, and have a well-planned out schedule for the entire week? To be at the top of your game all week-long, we deem it best to get your hands on the ASUS ZenFone Go, each packed with a powerful processor that makes it an incredible smartphone for multi-tasking day-in and day-out. Go for the ZB452KG for a Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 Quad Core Processor, or choose the ZC500TG if you are after a handy smartphone that packs a Quad Core Processor. Because at the end of the day, this much is true – while there are those who believe in having fun in spontaneity, nothing really beats a nifty, user-friendly organizer and to-do list in your smartphone that helps you ease through your week’s plethora of activities.

Tuesday: Go out and about, and reconnect with your network of old pals

With the summer season clearly in full-swing, there is absolutely no excuse anymore for you not to have a little get-together with friends. Just for today, temporarily say goodbye to those diet plans for your beach body, and lose yourself in endless conversations and laughter over a hearty lunch. But of course, no reunion would be complete without the blow-by-blow updates on social media: switching among Snapchat for goofy videos, food flatlays in Instagram, and groupfies in Facebook. Bottom line is, for these occasions, no doubt that you would want to have the ZenFone Go with you, what its fast social connectivity, all thanks to its reliable Android Lollipop 5.1 OS. As an added bonus, you will be delighted to hear that the just-released ZB452KG makes use of the brand-new ASUS ZenUI, giving users a new launcher, more features, and improved security functions.

Wednesday: Go take a backseat at home with a movie marathon

For those who just cannot bear the rising temperature outdoors, here’s an easy-peasy antidote to beat the heat: go for a staycation instead, and stream your all-time favorite films in your ZenFone Go, right at the comfort of your own home. With the ZenFone Go, there is absolutely no more need to experience long queues and purchase overpriced tickets, as watching videos here will give you the vibe of a personal movie theatre. Enjoy edge-of-your-seat action what with the ZenFone Go 4.5’s bright and clear 4.5-inch FWVGA touch-screen display. While thrilling movies can definitely be watched at the palm of your hands with the ZenFone Go 5.0’s superb 5-inch HD IPS display with vibrant colors and crisp image output. Now, who says hump days have to be so expensive and complicated, huh?

Thursday: Just Go for it to keep the romance burning

February may have come and gone, but that does not mean you can forget about warming up your love life too, right? Keep things interesting beyond those cheesy sweet nothings by surprising your partner with a random chat message, perhaps via an invitation for a mid-week afternoon picnic date at the park. Have an intimate set-up, spruce it up with designs that set the mood even more, and don’t forget about your date’s favorite bottle of wine to top it all off. And while you’re at it, do have the ZenFone Go be on full-display as well to ante up your red-hot OOTD, perfect to complement that sleek look you are going for. Because if you’re really going all-out to impress your date a whole lot more, then might as well showcase the ZenFone Go’s premium metallic design – which is in fact, the only smartphone at this price range out there to have a premium finish like this.

Friday: Go and hit the open road for a stress-free getaway

With the weekend just around the corner, nothing else quite says ‘summer’ than a road trip with your fellow adventurous souls. As everyone knows, summer is basically the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, heading over to a place that gives a vibe of a whole new world. And while this is easier said than done, heading to that destination in the best route possible using reliable, real-time GPS tracking mobile apps such as Waze and Google Maps can go a long way – quite literally. And another crucial travel tip: for the road warriors looking to get away, a handy smartphone that packs a mean battery capacity just like the ZenFone Go – what with its 2,070 mAh battery capacity and all – can be your ultimate savior, wherever your next summer itinerary may take you!

Saturday: Go all out to amp up the pool-side entertainment

Hosting pool-side parties and summer cook-outs with success is a lot easier than most people think. For these summer social occasions, the trick is to just make sure you have the right ingredients on hand: tanning beds for the girls who want to sunbathe all afternoon-long, a variety of free-flowing food and drinks for the boys, and of course, the right kind of entertainment for everyone in the form of your ZenFone Go blasting your group’s favorite summer anthems – all incredibly loud and clear, amidst all the party brouhahas. So remember, whether it is in your own backyard, a fancy indoor pool, or a summer resort’s beach-side jacuzzi, a whole lot of Spotify and Soundcloud played using your ZenFone Go can definitely do wonders once everyone gets in their summer groove.

Sunday: Go and head to the beach for some summer sun-kissed memories

And as the days are getting warmer, and the sun staying out a little longer than usual, one cannot deny that most of the time, the best summer memories are from the moments we spend at the beach. There is definitely something peaceful about hearing the sound of waves crashing onto each other, feeling the sand-between-your-toes, basking under the sun, and taking those obligatory sunset shots that make your day complete. But more than just savoring these precious moments, do yourself an extra favor and go for the smartphone that is ultimately summer-ready: a mobile unit like the ZenFone Go that packs an 8MP camera that can surely take awesome shots! After all, there isn’t quite like a beach selfie to cap off all your summer adventures in a week’s worth, right?

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The new ASUS ZenFone Go 4.5 (ZB452KG) variant is now available in all authorized re-sellers nationwide for as low as PHP 3,995.00. Likewise, the existing ZenFone Go 5 (ZC500TG) variant is still available for PHP 5,995.00.

PRODUCT SPECS

DepEd Statement on the newly signed Election Service Reform Act

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The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomes the newly signed Election Service Reform Act, which makes election duties voluntary for public school teachers. We always welcome legislations that promote and uphold the rights and safety of our teachers. We are confident that our public school teachers will always be ready to help and serve our countrymen. 

Over 12,000 delegates troop to Albay as Palaro 2016 opens

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As the long-awaited Palarong Pambansa 2016 officially opened, over 12,000 delegates including student-athletes, coaches, and officials from all 18 regions have gathered at Bicol University (BU), Albay, for the opening ceremonies today, April 10.

The Department of Education (DepEd), along with this year’s Palarong Pambansa provincial host Albay, formally welcomed thousands of visitors to the games, marking the start of a week-long event in a colorful mix of costumes, flags, and banners.

Thousands of delegates paraded along the streets of Legazpi City just before the opening ceremonies, eventually coming together at the BU grandstand. 

Municipality of Daraga Mayor Gerry Jaucian welcomed all the guests and delegates of the Palarong Pambansa 2016, expressing his gratitude for the substantial number of delegates and supporters.

This year, supporters of the student-athletes swelled the total number of Palarong Pambansa guests of up to 17,000 people.

Jaucian said that the Palarong Pambansa 2016 is an avenue to foster partnership and camaraderie among the regions.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal likewise welcomed all the delegates and guests to Legazpi City, “the city of fun and adventure.”

“Sports and education are instrumental in transforming our communities,” Rosal said, expounding on the theme of the Palarong Pambansa 2016.

With the theme: "Transforming Communities, Transcending Through K to 12,” DepEd aims to promote physical education and sports as an integral part of Basic Education for a holistically-developed youth that is responsible and globally-competitive.

In his welcoming remarks, DepEd Region V Regional Director Fiel Abcede said that “the path to being an athlete is a difficult path but your participation in Palaro is already considered as an achievement.”

Abcede also asked the participants and supporters to be on the lookout for inspiring student-athletes who are equipped with brilliance and skill.

“During your stay here in Legazpi, you will feel the warmth of the people of Albay,” Abcede said.

After the welcoming remarks, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario and DepEd Region XI Regional Director Alberto Escobarte turned over the Palarong Pambansa banner to Albay Governor Joey Salceda and Abcede.

For his part, Salceda thanked DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro FSC “for being the most revolutionary leader because he pushed for the K to 12 Program that will benefit our children.”

“Why do we hunger for these games? Because we have to qualify our children with the daunting task of nation building,” Salceda said.

Salceda expressed that the games require teamwork, parallel to the nature of nation building, which requires working with stakeholders and partners.

“We appear to be chasing medals, but we are actually chasing dreams,” Salceda said.

“We are teaching our young ones that competition is better when rules apply to everyone and when the playing field is leveled,” Salceda added.

On behalf of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Luistro also welcomed all the delegates, congratulated the delegates this early.

“Tiwala tayo sa tagumpay ng Palarong Pambansa 2016. Malay ninyo, katabi niyo na pala ang susunod na Lydia de Vega,” Luistro said.

Luistro added that, “Ngayon palang binabati na ko na ang mga manlalaro... saludo po ako sa inyong lahat. Patuloy kayong maging inspirasyon.” 

Palarong Pambansa 2016 will run from April 10 to 16, 2016. A total of 18 regions are joining the games this year, with the addition of the recently-established Negros Island Region. 

It will be participated by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide. 

The elementary level will compete in 15 games, while the secondary level will compete in 17 games and four demonstration sports: Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling. 

This year’s event will determine whether these four demonstration sports should be included as regular games in the succeeding Palarong Pambansa events.

One of many the highlights of the Palarong Pambansa is the special games for children with special needs. These include athletics, swimming, goal ball, and Bocce—a ball sport closely related to bowling. 

Student-athletes with special needs are given the chance to be scouted and compete in the games of the Palarong Pambansa.