‘Bayanihan’ as a model for BSM’s service learning

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The British School Manila is justifiably proud of its commitment to service learning. The idea of developing students as global citizens is central to our vision and mission. We are looking for our students to leave us with skills that allow them to make sense of a rapidly changing world whilst also being able to contribute to making their world more peaceful, fair and sustainable. 

The Creativity Activity Service (CAS) programme is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate core programme and is in many ways the perfect realisation of the work we do with our older students. Our International Baccalaureate team recently completed the end of course CAS interviews with the current Year 13 cohort and it was clear to us that it was the service learning experiences that had the most resonance and impact upon the students’: personal, social, emotional and even moral development. The Year 13 students spoke eloquently and thoughtfully about their work with local schools, orphanages and hospitals. They talked about the work they had done, the relationships they had formed and ethical implications of the work that they were undertaking. The depth of reflection in evidence was confirmed by how often the discussions centred on poverty, inequality and individual responsibility.

This year we have had the opportunity to remodel the CAS programme to create more of these moments of epiphany. Our new approach, led expertly by Mr. Owen, is called “Bayanihan” from the Filipino word ‘bayan,’ which captures the spirit of community we see in Filipino culture and which we seek to mirror. The students have been encouraged to develop projects in line with their own passions and interests within broad categories such as ‘Health’, ‘Environment’ and ‘Education’. 

The strategic developments this year were framed following a successful and insightful pilot last year led by Mr. Owen in Tagaytay. This venture presented a group of IB Business Management students with a problem - ‘How can they use their business acumen to help develop a sustainable income for a group of 16 mothers’? It was a privilege to observe how the students worked together to empower a group of local women with great ideas to become successful entrepreneurs.

The projects this year are incredibly diverse. We have groups preparing “baby boxes” for maternity hospitals, building chicken coops, certifying language skills for adult learners, developing hydroponics systems and fixing computers to improve education in a community. The projects have many layers, with strong educational themes and all the projects focus on sustainability and the fostering of partnerships which we hope will be nurtured and maintained beyond CAS week in May.

One distinctive feature of the Bayanihan projects this year is the emphasis on independence; the projects will have staff mentors available but our students will be encouraged to take ownership, make decisions, assess risks and manage uncertainty as groups. This takes us back to our BSM vision and mission; these experiences will equip our IB students with the ability to reflect, to be resilient in adversity and to thrive with challenge. We look forward to sharing the outcomes with you later in the year. Written by Chris Jones, Secondary Deputy Head

Short Film Festival propels students to great achievements

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True to its commitment of being the steward of young film-makers towards success in the local motion picture industry, Black Barong Film Festival (BBFF) showcased the best short films at The BBFF: Invitationals 2016.

In partnership with SineReel X slated last April 20, 21 and 22 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center Auditorium of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila, the event marked the festival’s first extended run since its inception in 2009.

“We received an overwhelming response from students in different colleges and universities, and because there were many excellent entries, this year’s three-day festival aimed to provide the avenue for young talents to celebrate their achievements and compel them towards future excellence,” said Executive Director Nico Hernandez.

More than creating a platform to exhibit student films, Hernandez added that BBFF believes that peer recognition is essential for the youth to gain confidence in their chosen craft. 

With a mission to support, promote and fuel the passion of the new breed of film-makers, the festival premiered works by students of San Sebastian College Recoletos-Manila, University of the East (UE), Far Eastern University (FEU) and the University of Santo Tomas (UST). 

“We started with less than 10 entries, and we’ve grown to about 60 short films on average each year. The selection of finalists is a critical process. We invited the schools in the University Belt which were able to produce excellent and winning films in the past.”

Sharing the vision of producing and presenting top quality Filipino movies, ABS-CBN Star Cinema rallied their industry veterans to take part as the festival’s 2016 judging panel. Esteemed jurors included Star Cinema’s Creative Manager John Paul Abellera, Head of Production Marizel Samson Martinez and Creative Supervisor and Screenwriter Roumella Nina Monge, internationally acclaimed writer-director Antoinette Jadaone, and award winning cinematographer for film and television Herman Claravall.

“To encourage the students to pursue a career in film making, this time around, the winners will have intership opportunities with Star Cinema. We are happy and grateful for this partnership because with their support, they will also hone and refine the skills of these fresh talents,” Hernandez stated.

Among the 41 finalists featured, the short films produced by FEU garnered the most awards.

Top rank was given to Keep Right, collecting awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design and Best Musical Score. The film also earned Best Direction for neophyte director Yesh Burce, and Best Actress for Divine Aucina. The Special Jury Prize, considered as the closest contender for Best Picture, was awarded to the short film Pitik-Bulag. 

Other films of note are Kalabit for Best Sound Editing, Dulog for Best Trailer, and Buffering - with a moving performance by Paulo Alinario, received the Best Actor Award. Excellence in visual execution was given to UST’s Pag-Uwi, which collected Best Cinematography and Best Editting.

Inspiring the creativity of the aspiring youth, winners at The BBFF: Invitationals 2016 received a PHP 50,000.00 film grant from Open Reel Film Gears and, a chance at valuable mentorships and learning from the best professional film-makers in the country. 

“From this point on, we not only recognize the best short films, we also take part in shaping the future of these students. It is our genuine honor to recognize the achievements of the students and we’re very excited for a bigger and better Black Barong next year. ” 

For more information and updates, find the Black Barong Film Festival on Facebook or follow @Black Barong on Twitter.

PAW Patrol's Meet & Greet at SM Mall of Asia on April 29 & 30

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Ready for Action with PAW Patrol  at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

For a minimum single of accumulated receipt purchase worth P500.00 of ANY Paw Patrol merchandise from April 1-30 at the event venue, SM MOA Toy Kingdom and SM MOA Toy Kingdom Express, you'll get ONE (1) ACCESS PASS (1 Adult & 1 Child) to join in the PAW Patrol.

Schedule for the PAW Patrol's Meet & Greet at SM Mall of Asia 

April 29 - Friday

3:00PM to 3:30PM

5:00PM to 5:30PM

April 30 - Saturday

11:30AM to 12:00NN

3:30PM to 4:00PM

5:30PM to 6:00PM

Ara Vista Clubhouse offers first-class amenities at affordable rates for residents and guests

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Ara Vista Village, Picar Development’s flagship real estate property in General Trias, Cavite is a gated, secured residential community that is also the first Telepolis or WiFi-abled township in the country. Beyond connecting homeowners 24/7 to the world wide web, Ara Vista is also an ideal summer getaway for those who live near the area.

Open to the public, non-members, or non-homeowners can use Ara Vista Clubhouse’s amenities, which include swimming pools, function rooms, and tennis and basketball courts at very affordable rates. Homeowners' swimming pool rates from Tuesday to Sunday is P50/pax for 12 years old and below and P75/pax for adults. Evening rates, from 6PM to 9PM, is P75/pax for kids and P100/pax for adults. Non-homeowners can also enjoy a dip in the pool at these rates: P75/pax for kids and P100/pax for adults (day rates) and P100/pax for kids and P125/pax for adults (evening rates).

Aside from the swimming pool, the basketball and tennis courts are perfect for those looking for a healthy and active summer activity for the whole family.

Ara Vista Clubhouse's spacious and airy grand function hall also makes for an ideal event space for graduation or birthday parties, debut, wedding receptions, reunions, and other such events. The two function room had a floor area ranging from 200 to 250 square meters and is good to host 150-200 guests. The look and design of the hall can also be customized according to specifications. The Clubhouse also has three conference rooms that can be rented by homeowners and non-homeowners alike and at very affordable rates.

From the start, Ara Vista Village was masterplannned to have everything the residents and visitors alike would need-- from the lush theme park and gym to the church and AMA Medical School that will be built soon inside the village. The Clubhouse's facilities were put in place to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which serves as the development’s centerpiece, where families can bond 1and celebrate important milestones together.

For more information on Ara Vista, visit "http://www.aravista.com/" \h www.aravista.com. Call at (632) 822.3443, 552.2825

Sarah G, James Reid and Nadine Lustre at the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016

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MTV  revealed today Philippines pop star royalty  Sarah Geronimo, and Filipino pop darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre will join the performers’ line-up at the award-winning MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on Friday, 24 June 2016. 

The newly announced acts will share the stage with its first announced act, iconic international pop band and prolific hitmaker  OneRepublic and perform at the one-night only live music event to celebrate pop music like never before – enabling fans to experience and discover the evolution of pop music and its dance influence that keeps fans moving.

“We are thrilled to have the Philippines’ pop star royalty Sarah Geronimo, and Filipino pop star darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre join us for MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. These stellar performers personify the sound of local pop music which we are looking forward to celebrate on the MTV stage,” said Paras Sharma, Senior Vice President of MTV, Comedy Central & Paramount Brands and Digital Media, Asia, Viacom International Media Networks. “Through the years, Sarah Geronimo’s music has captured her evolution as an artist, making her one of the most exemplary Filipino pop icons of this generation.” 

After more than a decade of winning Pinoy hearts with her songs, performances and movies, Sarah Geronimo has truly become one of the most iconic and well-loved faces of Philippine pop music. Throughout her career, she has produced award-winning hits that propelled her to be recognized as “Best Southeast Asian Act” at the MTV EMAs in 2014. With her latest album “The Great Unknown” and first single “Tala”, the pop princess continues to shape the sound of contemporary Philippine pop music with her influences in dance, R&B and anthemic ballads.

Meanwhile, Filipino pop darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre, or the adorable duo “JaDine” are also set to showcase their pop music origins at the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Reid, who is one of the most recognized male teen sensations of the music business today, is a gifted artist who has produced two albums including “Reid Alert” that contains hits like “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit” and “Hanap-Hanap”. Lustre, on the other hand, was already producing hits as a member of PopGirls before her break-out role in “Diary ng Panget” and continues to make her mark in the world of Pinoy pop with her electric tracks “Para Paraan” and club-ready “Me & You”.

“MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is going to be one of the best nights of your summer. So join me, Nadine and some of the biggest artists in pop music – from both the international and Pinoy scenes as we dance the night away.” – James Reid

“What an honor to perform live for MTV Music Evolution Manila and to share the stage with some of the most talented musicians. I can’t wait to see everyone there!” – Nadine Lustre

Recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will reach an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries. MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer will be hosting the event, along with MTV Pinoy VJs Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras. More acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will showcase iconic and contemporary international music artists and the hottest new acts in both the regional and local music scenes on a single stage, while featuring the best of Philippine music and culture to international youth audiences. Further details of MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016, including additions to the artist line-up, will be announced in the run up to the event. The free-entry2 event will be held for one night only.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is sponsored3 by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. 

MTV Music Evolution Manila is a live music event that brings to life the evolution of a music genre and enables young people to experience and discover how music styles and sounds have evolved over the years. MTV Music Evolution Manila marked its inauguration 2015 edition with a feature on hip hop, which showcased a stellar line-up of international and local acts who took to the stage in celebration of iconic and contemporary hip-hop music. Through explosive performances by  Naughty by Nature, YG, Apl.de.ap, DJ Cash Money, and the Philippines’ own  Gloc-9 and Abra, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2015 showcased the way that hip hop has shaken up the music scene throughout the years – taking the music genre to whole new levels for a live audience of more than 22,000 fans who gathered at the historic Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila.

SARAH GERONIMO

Sarah Geronimo debuted her first album entitled “Popstar: A Dream Come True” in 2003 fresh from her grand prize win as the champion of television singing contest “Star for a Night”. The largely successful and award-winning album included her anthemic hits “To Love You More”, “Broken Vow” and “Forever’s Not Enough”. The album was quickly followed up by a prolific succession of hit compilations including the album “Sweet Sixteen” in 2004, “Becoming” in 2006, “Expressions” in 2013. Geronimo has also produced a myriad of chart-topping singles all from her hit movies’ soundtracks like “Can This Be Love” in 2005, “A Very Special Love” in 2008, and “You Changed in Life” in 2009.

Throughout her career she has received 10 Awit Awards, six Aliw Awards, a FAMAS Golden Artist, the Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV EMAs in 2014 and Best Selling Filipino Artist at the 22nd World Music Award. 

Sarah Geronimo recently released her latest album entitled “The Great Unknown” and is currently promoting the first single entitled “Tala.”

JAMES REID

Singer-dancer-actor James Reid debuted his self-titled album in 2013 featuring original compositions. His string of R&B-dance inflected hits launched him as the biggest male teen sensation in show business today. His love for R&B is also reflected in his most recent album, “Reid Alert” including the hit dance track “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit” and hit duet with Nadine Lustre, “Hanap-Hanap”. “Hanap-Hanap” will be Reid’s fourth hit collaboration with Lustre after “No Erase”, “Rocketeer” and “Bahala Na”. Reid also sung the EDM flavored “Musikaw” from the Philpop 2015 album. In January of 2016, he released his third and most recent single from his album, “Randomatic” featuring BTS video with Lustre.

NADINE LUSTRE

Formerly a member of all-girl teen singing group, PopGirls, Nadine Lustre broke out into the world of mainstream Philippine pop music with her debut in the movie “Diary ng Panget” which also starred her real-life sweetheart, James Reid. The movie featured hit tracks such as “No Erase”, “Paligoy-ligoy”, “Bahala Na”, “Hanap-Hanap” and Lustre’s memorable delivery of the widely popular “Para-paraan”. In 2015, her self-titled album and hit “Me & You” was recognized by SBS Pop Asia with a Titanium Award alongside other hitmakers in the region, like Super Junior, U-KISS and EXO.

In the same year, Lustre, in tandem with Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano performed the song “Sa Ibang Mundo” by Mark Villar for the 2015 PhilPop songwriting competition and earned the People’s Choice Award, as well as second place during the PhilPop finals night. 

WIN FREE ENTRY TO THE EVENT AT HYPERLINK ] MTVMUSICEVO.COM

Tweet it: Be still your beating hearts! Pinoy popstar royalty @JustSarahG & Pinoy pop darlings @JayeHanash, @hellobangsie join #mtvmusicevo

WIN MTV MUSIC EVOLUTION MANILA 2016 EVENT PASSES 

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 passes are not for sale and may be won by fans who correctly answer a contest question4 on "http://www.mtvmusicevo.com/" www.mtvmusicevo.com. The online contest opens today and ends on 12 June. Answer a quick and easy question online to get the chance to win coveted MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 entry passes. What’s more, fans can stand a chance to also win5 a trip to Manila to experience MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 live!

So get online today and get your access to MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Sponsors and partners will also be giving out passes through their own promotions.

NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and from "http://www.mtvmusicevo.com/" MTV Music Evolution Manila for news updates on MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016.

Facebook: "http://www.facebook.com/mtvasia" www.facebook.com/mtvasia

Instagram: "https://www.instagram.com/mtvasia" https://www.instagram.com/mtvasia

Twitter:  "http://www.twitter.com/mtvasia" www.twitter.com/mtvasia

Hashtag: #mtvmusicevo

OneRepublic

Website:  "http://onerepublic.com/" http://onerepublic.com/

Facebook:  "https://www.facebook.com/OneRepublic/" https://www.facebook.com/OneRepublic/ 

Twitter: "https://twitter.com/OneRepublic" https://twitter.com/OneRepublic

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/onerepublic/" https://www.instagram.com/onerepublic/ 

YouTube:  "https://www.youtube.com/user/onerepublic" https://www.youtube.com/user/onerepublic

Sarah Geronimo

Website:  "https://www.sarahgeronimo.ph" https://www.sarahgeronimo.ph

Facebook:  "https://www.facebook.com/SGeronimo25" https://www.facebook.com/SGeronimo25

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/justsarahgph" https://www.instagram.com/justsarahgph

YouTube:
"https://www.youtube.com/user/sarahgeronimoLive" https://www.youtube.com/user/sarahgeronimoLive

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustSarahG

James Reid

Facebook: "https://www.facebook.com/JustJamesReid" https://www.facebook.com/JustJamesReid

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/jaye.wolf" https://www.instagram.com/jaye.wolf

Twitter: "https://twitter.com/jayehanash" https://twitter.com/jayehanash

Nadine Lustre

Facebook:"https://www.facebook.com/JustNadineLustre" https://www.facebook.com/JustNadineLustre

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/Nadzlustre" https://www.instagram.com/Nadzlustre

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellobangsie