Luistro welcomes Duterte’s support for K to 12

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Several weeks before Senior High School officially starts on June 13, 2016, Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC has welcomed the next administration’s decision to support the K to 12 program.

“I am grateful and very appreciative that the new administration [of Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte] is supportive of the educational reforms that Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), along with our stakeholders, have worked on the past six years,” Luistro said.

In a press briefing held last May 23, Duterte said he now supports the K to 12 program after it was thoroughly explained to him.

Rodrigo Duterte

“I said I was against it early on when it was being implemented. But some of the bright guys in DepEd came to see me here in Davao and explained to me how we are lagging behind our neighbors,” Duterte said.

The Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries worldwide, apart from Angola and Djibouti, with a 10-year pre-university cycle.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC 

“I am currently attending the 9th ASEAN Education Ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur and our discussions here are a reaffirmation of the need to take on the K to 12 reform so as to ensure that we can keep pace with the education standards of ASEAN and the world,” Luistro said. 

“I trust that the next administration will build on the gains and enhance the achievements made in the education sector, while taking on the new challenges in the ever-changing landscape in this part of the globe” he added.

The K to 12 Program added two years in high school, Grades 11 and 12, and institutionalized the kindergarten program—covering a total of 13 years of basic education.

The first batch of Grade 11 students will start on June 13, 2016.

Tony, Olivier and Grammy Winner JERSEY BOYS to Premiere in Manila, September 23

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Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG), which recently presented the first international production of “The Bridges of Madison County” and the newly re-imagined production of “Saturday Night Fever,” is set to premiere a brand-new production of the Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” a biographical musical based on the story of the legendary American doo-wop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, on September 23 at Meralco Theatre in Pasig City.

Starring acoustic balladeer Nyoy Volante in the coveted role of Frankie Valli, lead vocalist of the Four Seasons, and Asian Pop Superstar Christian Bautista in the role of Bob Gaudio, singer-songwriter and keyboardist of the Four Seasons (the full cast will be announced at a later date), will run for a limited 15 shows only, on the weekends from September 23 until October 16. 

Now in its 11th year on Broadway, “Jersey Boys” officially opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre on November 6, 2oo5. In 2006, the show won the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (John Lloyd Young, who also played the role of Frankie Valli in the movie adaptation in 2014), Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Christian Hoff), and Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Howell Binkley). It also won Best New Musical at the 2008 Laurence Olivier Awards in London and Best Musical Show Album at the 2007 Grammy Awards. As of September 22, 2015, after setting a record of at least 4,093 performances, “Jersey Boys” has surpassed “Miss Saigon” as the 12th longest-running show in Broadway history.

To date, the show has been seen by more than 23 million people worldwide and is currently playing in New York, Las Vegas, London, and in numerous cities across North America and the U.K. In Asia, an international touring production, starring an all-South African cast, played Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia from November 2012 to April 2014.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, “Jersey Boys,” featuring the music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, the Four Seasons' record producer, and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, who creatively present the story of the Four Seasons' formation, meteoric rise and descent via four symbolic seasons told from different points of view, has some unique offerings for Filipino theatergoers: Mr. Garcia's brand-new staging, Driscoll Otto's lighting design, Edwin Tan's costume design, and Faust Peneyra's set design.

“Jersey Boys is such a well-crafted biographic musical. It manages to both be a celebration of the unforgettable music of the Four Seasons and at the same time a gritty but heartfelt true-to-life tale of friendship, family, and stardom. Like any good musical, it has a fantastic story and bringing that story to life while at the same time honoring the legends who created the music is the challenge—it is also what excites me about the show,” Mr. Garcia said.

“Jersey Boys” tells the story of the 40-year-friendship of four sons of Italian immigrants in New Jersey. They went from singing on street corners in the various housing projects in northern N.J. to singing on national television as their songs, featuring Frankie Valli's trademark three-octave range and falsetto and a distinctive doo-wop sound, charted 24 Top-30 hits from 1962 to 1968. Their most popular songs such as “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Can't Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and “December 1963 (Oh What a Night),” defined the boomer generation who took illegal drugs, sex, rebellion, and rock and roll to a whole new level.

Considered as America's most popular singing group before The Beatles, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, alongside the Beach Boys, Motown, and Memphis soul, fought their way to the top of the music charts even during the phenomenal “Beatlemania,” The Rolling Stones, and British Invasion in the mid-60s.

“'Jersey Boys' is one of those nights at the theatre that leaves you feeling so good. I think it's those songs. There is an energy to them that lifts you higher and higher. We also have assembled a truly first-rate cast whom I think will bring these legends to thrilling life!” Mr. Garcia said.

Interviewed by Billboard, Mr. Valli said, “It [the Broadway musical] has created a new awareness [about the Four Seasons], especially with younger people.” 

★★★★★

“Oh, what a fantastic night you’ll have!” 

UPN 9 TV 

★★★★★

“The most exciting musical in years!” 

Chicago Tribune 

★★★★★

“A can’t-stop-the-music-tidal-wave!” 

The Star-Ledger 

Tickets go on sale from Tuesday, May 24, 2016; visit www.TicketWorld.com.ph or call Ten Bridges Media Corp. (632) 650 5144

PRODUCTION Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group, in cooperation with Ten Bridges Media Corp., presents the Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” for a limited engagement only.

DIRECTOR Bobby Garcia

MUSIC/LYRICS Bob Gaudio (music), Bob Crewe (lyrics), Ceejay Javier (musical direction)

SETS Faust Peneyra

COSTUMES Edwin Tan

LIGHTS Driscoll Otto

MAIN CAST Nyoy Volante, Christian Bautista

WHEN Weekends from September 23 to October 16, 2016

WHERE Meralco Theatre, Pasig City

INFORMATION Tel: (632) 650 5144 or www.facebook.com/ATEGasia

TICKETS www.TicketWorld.com.ph or Ten Bridges Media Corp. (632) 650 5144

DepEd urged schools: Don’t require expensive school supplies

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The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its call to all public schools to avoid requiring expensive school supplies for students to purchase as classes begin this year. 

The DepEd made the appeal together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the special monitoring activity for school supplies in bookstores around Recto Ave., Manila.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali urged the administrators of public schools to refrain from prescribing any branded or expensive school supplies which contribute to budgetary constraints of parents specially those with children studying in public schools.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ang ating mga pampublikong paaralan ay hindi mag-oobliga ng mga mamahaling school supplies. No specific type or brand of school supplies will be required.” 

“Maski po yung mga lumang kwaderno na spiral na may sobrang pahina na hindi nagamit noong nakaraang taon ay pwedeng pagsama-samahin at tahiin,” Umali added.

Also, Umali urges the public to check the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies released by the DTI to properly guide consumers in their purchase of school supplies.

“Ito po ay inilalagay natin sa website at social media accounts ng DepEd na may link diretso sa website ng DTI kung saan makikita ang karagdagang impormasyon ukol dito.”

The special monitoring activity for school supplies was spearheaded by the DTI, together with representatives from DepEd, Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), Local Government Unit-Manila and Senator Bam Aquino.

The monitoring team reported stable and reasonable prices on school supplies.

Power Over Cervical Cancer: The Power to Protect Yourself and Your Dreams - “You Can & You Will”

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Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented entirely. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.

Last year's advocacy event, I learned more about how to fight against cancer through many activities for women as we called power wives" - Power Over Cervical Cancer: The Power Wives

As we know, we may be living in an era where women not only rule our homes, they also run the world—from being leaders in the government to managing business enterprises, women now have more opportunities to realize their dreams. 

The sad fact, however, is that every day, seven Filipino women die of cervical cancer, and may never get to complete their life goals, may be stripped of the chance to fulfill a successful career, start a family or even just find Mr. Right. All because of a disease, a kind of cancer that puts every woman at risk, regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status.

Cervical cancer continues to be a major threat for Filipino women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino women (Filipinas). What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years. Since culturally, Filipinas are known to be caring and selfless for others but tend to dismiss concerns about themselves, those who may have contracted cervical cancer may have been diagnosed at a late stage, when the chances of recovery are slim. 

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. This is caused by persistent infection with the cancer causing human papillomavirus (HPV) 

It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Majority of HPV infections may come and go, some may clear spontaneously within two years, however if the immune system is weak, the HPV infections may persist and may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer. 

While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmission. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cervical cancer, such as being conscientious about one’s sexual activities. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your OB-GYN, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.

Here are some facts I learned about Cancer : 

- All women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. 

- Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. They should not be tested for HPV unless it’s needed after an abnormal Pap test result. 

- Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it’s also OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years. 

- Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer or pre-cancer should continue to be screened according to the recommendations of a doctor. 

- Women who have had their uterus and cervix removed in a hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer should not be screened. 

- Women who have had the HPV vaccine should still follow the screening recommendations for their age group. 

- Women who are at high risk for cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. 

- Women at high risk might include those with HIV infection, organ transplant, or exposure to the drug DES. They should talk with a doctor or nurse about what screening plan is best for them.

Screening tests look for cancer before a person has any signs or symptoms. Regular screenings can catch some cancers early, when they’re small, have not spread, and are easier to treat. With cervical and colon cancers, these tests can even prevent cancer from developing in the first place.

Who is at risk? 

The incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19. One is at a greater risk of cervical cancer if one had her first sexual intercourse at a young age; have given birth for multiple times; have or have had sexually transmitted diseases; have HIV or whose immune system is weakened; a smoker; long-term use of oral contraceptives for 5 years or more and those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear.

The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old. 

For older women, the risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old. Thus, screening is recommended starting age 21 to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer. Studies further show that vaccination remains to be beneficial for older women to prevent HPV infections.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, research-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) furthers its advocacy to increase cervical cancer awareness efforts with the Power Over Cervical Cancer “You Can & You Will” campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage Filipinas to realize that they have the power to protect themselves and their dreams—simply by consulting their doctors and asking about ways to prevent cervical cancer. 

“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting cancer may be a distant concept for women who are well and at their prime, but they should be aware that even the healthiest can be at risk,” says, Dr. Leah Manio, GSK Medical Affairs Manager.

"In the Philippines, it is estimated that the financial cost of preventing cervical cancer through screening and vaccination could be 20 times more affordable than the cost of treatment, ” she adds.

“The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands, and NOW is the best time to consult with your physician and have yourself screened,” Dr. Manio stated. 

GSK remains true to its commitment of increasing access to preventive healthcare through its initiatives to improve access to information through its disease awareness efforts. 

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal) containing information and short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.

You can make a difference in the fight against cancer by volunteering your time, to be aware and to share about he power over cervical cancer to our family, relatives, friends.

The Power Over Cervical Cancer is in your hands. The Power to Protect Yourself and Your Dreams, 

You can and you will! 

ABOUT GSK 

GSK is one of the world’s leading, research-based pharmaceutical companies with the mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. At the core of GSK’s business model is the use of knowledge and development of intellectual property. We create value by researching, manufacturing and making available products that improve people’s health and well-being. A healthier society enables people to live life to the fullest, allowing them and their communities to prosper. A sustained flow of innovative products enables our business to grow and replenish our value to patients and consumers.

GSK manufactures and distributes more than four billion packs of products to 150 countries around the world. With this extensive global presence, GSK is striving to make our products as widely accessible as possible.

To increase access to GSK products in the world’s least-developed countries, we have held prices of our patented medicines in this region at no more than 25% of our developed-world prices and we reinvest one-fifth of the profits we make from sales in these territories back into local healthcare infrastructure projects.

Our vaccines business is one of the largest in the world, developing, producing, and distributing over 1.9 million vaccines everyday to people across the world. In 2015, we distributed more than 600 million doses to over 150 countries. We believe that the protection from life-threatening diseases provides opportunities for improved healthcare, not just for individuals but for the communities in which they live. 

Over the last forty years, the medicines, vaccines, and devices we have developed, together with insights from our scientific programs and our collaboration with healthcare professionals, have played a fundamental role in improving disease understanding and patient management. 

For further information, please visit www.gsk.com.

Flash surpasses the definition of metal with its new Flash Plus 2

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Flash upgrades the excellent photographing DNA of the Flash series with the launch of its new Flash Plus 2. But on top of its rich, experiential camera features, the newest addition to the Flash roster also boasts of pioneering functions such as fingerprint recognition, Hi-Fi sound effect, and fast battery charging—all boxed in a sophisticated metal case designed for the high- and medium-end market.

Flash has finally responded to its users’ concerns by offering a smartphone that surpasses user convenience, sound effects and battery usage. According to Albert Wong, General Manager of Flash 3C Limited, the continuous innovation of the Flash series marks the brand’s independence.

“The independence of the Flash brand means we have entered a complete new stage of development. What remains unchanged is that we will consistently follow the mission of Flash at its birth and stay connected with the young Internet consumers who enjoy sharing and pursue quality. We will get to know their specific needs through continuous interaction to create high quality smart hardware that is fun and enjoyable, offering the users a lifestyle of seeking our true selves,” Wong said. 

A Craft of Quality Workmanship

In order to create better feel of texture for appearance, Flash Plus 2 adopts a metal framework for the phone that allows it to possess the unique glow and touch of metal through quality workmanship while retaining its sleek and sophisticated aesthetics. The forge and grinding of the back of the phone case went through an array of complex processes ranging from horizontal wire-drawing, high-speed side sand-blasting, ultralight rim diamond cutting, and twice anodization. 

In complying with the ethos of tending to detail, the all-new Flash Plus 2 adopts diamond cutting and twice anodic oxidation technologies for the 0.4mm rim of the Home key, for the 0.15mm sound volume key, and for the 0.4mm rim of flash lamp and speaker - each bit of this contributing to the aesthetics of smart phone body.

With the amalgamation of these processes, a new top-of-the-line smartphone is born—and it’s here to offer users a sense of warmth and vigor for the cold, hard metal work.

A Device of Efficiency and Convenience

Based on study of smart phone users’ habits, Flash Plus 2 carries a frontal fingerprint recognition function that combines the dual criteria of external aesthetics and practical convenience. The fingerprint use experience makes Flash Plus 2 a perfect assistant of life and office efficiency, ranging from accurate fast unlocking to file encryption to one-stroke APP launch.

The fingerprint recognition of Flash Plus 2 is unique in that it not only offers 0.5s unlocking under “switch off” screen status and all-round accurate recognition, but also allows for personalized APP launch options corresponding to users’ five fingerprints. For instance, users can conveniently unlock camera App through touching the fingerprint module with their forefingers, without going through any tedious procedure.

To prevent document theft and privacy leak, Flash Plus 2 provides a function of documents protection cabinet where privacy information is stored and encrypted with fingerprint, leaving users assured of their security even when the smartphone is not on their hands.

Another big edge that highlights the efficiency of Flash Plus 2 is its fast charging capability that best relieves users of battery capacity concerns. In order to ensure faster charging efficiency while maintaining safety, Flash Plus 2 carries a 3,000mAh battery group and adopts TI BQ25896 fast-charging chip and 9V/1.67A fast-charging technologies provided by Texas Instruments of the United States, which can charge battery to 50% in 30 minutes for up to a 10-hour uninterrupted call. The charging efficiency is raised by 35% compared with 5V/1A phones while it takes only 2 hours for the battery to be fully charged - the time of watching a movie or finishing a meal before the power status of your phones is fully restored.

A Fun and Excitement Camera Phone

Carrying over the optimum photographing function of the Flash brand, the new Flash Plus 2 launched a comprehensive upgrading of the two aspects of photo-taking capabilities: fast focal adjustment and dark light shooting. The users can capture sweet moments in a faster and better fashion during fleeting occasions or wonderful night scenes. For fast-moving objects, you’d be glad to know that the new Flash Plus 2 allows one-stroke fingerprint launch of camera with only 0.1s instant accurate focal adjustment through the blending of PDAF automatic focus technology and contrast focus effects. 

Furthermore, Flash upgraded the power of its camera light. To ensure high-quality image effect even under low light conditions, the Flash Plus 2 is made with a 13,000-pixel rear lens with the warm double-color flash lamp RealTone that copes with nighttime or dim indoor luminous intensity. It frees users of the restraints of dim light conditions to see a perfect whole world as well. 

The five million pixel front lens adopts LED flash lamp with CRI up to 80 while red spectrum is intelligently enhanced for selfie or video chatting conditions. With ruddy facial effect and glow, Flash Plus 2 offers an over 100% real-time facial enhancement function, allowing users to capture moments of beauty and beyond.

Flash is also taking your photography to the next level with the smartphone’s series of creative functions. For example, the 84.40 ultra-broad view that it carries allows users to do a selfie during family or friends gatherings. The “Picture-in-Picture” Mode allows front and rear lenses to work simultaneously to accomplish a creative photo-in-photo experience. What’s more, the Flash Plus 2 carries a Child Mode for parents to record precious moments of their kids’ childhood, which creates a noise of sheep, car horn or kitten to catch your child’s attention when the photo is being taken.

A Wonderful Experience of Enjoying Music

The incredible features of the Flash Plus 2 is not limited to aesthetics and futuristic photography alone. In fact, it carries with it a high-fidelity, quality-retaining earphone acoustics, high sound volume effects, and MIX music production function, making it a smart device for music lovers.

For single-person enjoyment, Flash Plus 2 provides independent AKM4375 audio decoding chip coupled with state-of-the-art IRD sound digital filter, with value-retaining signal output measuring up to high-fidelity acoustic effects. While the speaker is being used for playing music, the NXP980 power amplification chip and built-in DSP algorithm drives speaker power to reach 3.6W - eight times greater than the volume of average smart phones. 

More Cutting-edge Features of Hardware and Software

The Flash Plus 2 features high-definition screen, powerful performance, Android M system, and dual channel turbo download, among other functions. The 5.5’ FHD multiple point touchscreen adopts OGS full cohesion technology, with ultra-clear scenes within reach of a finger touch. Meanwhile, it carries Miravision 2.0 FHD display that enables smart eye protection in too strong or weak luminous situations, providing a wonderful visual experience of perfect clearness and comfort.

Furthermore, the new smartphone’s Helio P10 processor ensures strong performance and low energy consumption in providing smooth, free “cut back” through multitasking operation of surfing the Internet, playing games, and watching videos. 

As a new member of Flash brand, Flash Plus 2 continues the original Android system support while the all-new upgraded Android M operational system offers APP access control, web browsing, APP relevance, and smart energy-saving function, among others. For global Android lovers and tech geeks, it offers a streamlined, personalized user experience

The all-new Flash Plus 2 comes in two color options - Luna Silver and Venus Gold, providing a high-end customized choice appealing to refined taste. 

For more information about Flash, please visit the websites at:

http://www.flash3c.com

http://www.flash3c.com/ph/