Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards recognizes Fr. Peter Geremia, missionary for 47 years of saintly work

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The Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awards (STCA), one of the most celebrated award giving bodies in the country, has culminated this year’s search for the most impactful humanitarian with the awarding of Fr. Peter Geremia. 

An annual Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is given to selfless individuals who have served the poorest of the poor as inspired by the life of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

The awards ceremony, which centered on theme “30 years of Saintly Selflessness,” was held in conjunction to STCA’s 30th anniversary at the RCBC Plaza Yuchengco Tower in Makati. It was attended by representatives from non-government organizations, philanthropists, public servants, as well as members and officers of JCI Manila and the AY Foundation. 

Formerly known as the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awards, the STCA recognizes individuals who have devoted at least 25 years of their lives to serve underprivileged and underserved Filipinos. Aside from their work, awardees are also judged based on their character and adherence to Saint Teresa’s principles of integrity and simplicity in lifestyle.

Fr. Peter Geremia

This year’s STCA awardee is Fr. Peter Geremia, a 78-year old Italian missionary from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign missions or Pontificium Institutum pro Missionibus Exteris (PIME) who has been instrumental in promoting the rights and living conditions of both marginalized and indigenous people’s for 47 years. He relocated to the Philippines in 1972 and was initially assigned in Tondo. 

Early in his service, Fr. Geremia already supported and fought for the needs of minority groups beginning with informal settlers who protested during the La Tondena strike. Fearless for his life, he also stood up against the Manero brothers and their group of North Cotabato who were known to commit atrocities against people connected to the New People’s Army. 

Later on, Fr. Geremia and his group also spearheaded efforts to elevate the living conditions of indigenous tribes who were oftentimes deprived of their ancestral land. His group ensured that these tribes were trained in agricultural production so they could sustain themselves, provided with food and land security, and had peace in their immediate communities.

His compassion and determination to help these minorities soon garnered him the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Award for Peace through Paritcipatory Development in 2001. Fr. Geremia has helped thousands of people through his efforts, particularly the Lumads. His invaluable contribution even earned him the nickname the “Living Saint of the Lumads.”

He is currently the president of the Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio Foundation Inc. which enables people to have access to education, health services, agricultural production, environmental protection and the sustainable building of multicultural communities that espouse mutual respect, justice, peace and solidarity. 

Through this recognition from STCA, Fr. Geremia will be able to expand his organization’s reach and help improve the lives of more underprivileged Filipinos. He will receive a cash grant of one million Pesos (PHP1,000,000.00), at least half of which will be donated to his charitable institution of choice.

Through selfless individuals like Fr. Geremia, STCA hopes to inspire more people, particularly the youth, to be more involved and active in their communities.

“It is through selfless individuals like Fr. Peter Geremia that we at STCA believe we can truly impact change in the community. By looking outside of ourselves and reaching out to others, we can truly uplift the spirits of those who are not only in need but of the entire country as well,” said Jerrold Ong, 2017 Chairman of the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award. 

Five faulty insurance assumptions you've fallen victim to

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When it comes to being smart about your money, nothing casts a greater shadow of doubt on your next investment than misleading information.

BPI-Philam, the country's premier bancassurance company, listed the top five myths you might have heard stopping you from getting your own insurance policy.

#1: The benefits aren't for now, only later when I get sick or die

Life insurance was once inaccurately touted as a contingency plan for sickness or worse, death.

Now it strives to be the Filipino's partner for total wellness through Philam Vitality, a wellness program designed to reward policy holders for being and staying active.

It isn't just about helping customers live, it's helping them live better.

#2: It's not for me

One size does not fit all. 

Insurance policies may differ between key moments in your life, but one thing is sure--there is a plan that fits your financial needs.

You may be starting a business, readying yourself for marriage or parenthood, acquiring a home or your dream car, going abroad, or even retiring--one thing remains: everyone is still at risk of getting sick, living too long, or dying too soon.

#3: It's expensive

For so long, "expensive" has erroneously been equated to "quality" and anyone who dared say otherwise is shady.

Whether you have two or ten thousand pesos, great comprehensive insurance products are made available for your specific need.

With a budget of P 1,600 a month for a policy you can have quality and comprehensive coverage assured with no strings attached. That's just P 55.00 a day! 

Imagine, the 55 pesos you'll be spending on unhealthy fast food meals or prepaid mobile data could be your start to protecting your future!

#4: I don't know where to get it

Insurance has become easier to get and have because you can obtain it through a bank.

In this era of bancassurance, insurance becomes more accessible by being offered in any BPI branch nationwide.

#5: It takes long to pay

Insurance payment terms are no longer a question of "How long do you need protection?" because a need isn't necessarily long nor short-term.

BPI-Philam sees security and ease of mind as needs for the appropriate term--for as long as your need exists.

They won't cause you to break your back paying premiums for the "long-haul" but will assure and protect your future through forward-thinking policies that aren't hard on you.

To experience great quality service and get top-notch products for yourself, visit: www.bpi-philam.com

No Fury like a Celebrity Scorned, Tried and tested ways to offend a star

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It’s one thing for reporters to ask celebrities about a few sensational tidbits—breakups, pregnancies, maybe some harmless gossip—to drum up interest for a simple promotional story; it’s another when they start asking questions that put the hapless star in a “bad light.”

Many famous personalities from actor Robert De Niro to pop singer Justin Bieber have had their share of cringe-worthy interviews that they’ve claimed to have made them feel upset. While it’s sometimes unclear why celebrities go on an outburst or walk out of an interview, there have been instances when questions got way too personal or were just plain provocative.

Bad celebrity interviews offer a valuable lesson in prudence: the best questions are perceptive, not intrusive. Let’s take a look at a few awkward moments that stars had to endure due to an interview gone astray:

Nicki Minaj

Hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj shut down an interviewer after the latter suggested that the singer “thrived on drama.” The remark followed the “ghostwriting feud” between co-label Drake and now ex-boyfriend Meek Mill, as well as the growing tension between rappers Lil Wayne and Young Thug.

Minaj was not having it: “What do the four men you just named have to do with me thriving off drama?” The furious songstress lashed out calling the interviewer “disrespectful” for “put(ting) down a woman for something that men do” before cutting the session short. The interviewer herself acknowledged her mistake: “Even though I had no intention of putting her down as a small-minded or a silly woman, she was right to call me out.”

Robert Downey Jr.

A promotional interview for the movie Avengers: Age of Ultron went awry for Robert Downey Jr. when questions started plumbing into the superstar’s supposed “dark periods.”

The reporter cited Downey’s past interviews where the actor had opened up about his relationship with his father as well as his former bout with substance abuse. By then Downey looked quite distressed in his seat, but the interviewer went on: “I just wondered whether you think you’re free of all that, or whether that’s still something…”

Downey didn’t let him finish: “I’m sorry, what are we doing?” He ended the interview abruptly then walked out saying, “It’s getting a little Diane Sawyer in here,” much to the reporter’s regret.

Cara Delevingne

A morning show began an interview on a shaky note with British fashion model and rising star Cara Delevingne after introducing her as “Carla”—twice—during a promotional segment for the movie Paper Towns.

The awkward start got worse after one of the anchors asked her if she had been “too busy” to read the book before taking on the role. Delevingne initially responded with a bite of sarcasm: “Uh, no I never read the book, or the script. I kind of winged it,” before saying she did read the book and thought it was amazing.

A second host then asked if she would have found it easier to focus if her schedule wasn’t so hectic. Visibly confused, the actress replied: “No, I don’t know where that comes from,” then saying “I love what I do . . . I’ve wanted to do this since I was young, so it’s not too hard.”

Things soon fell south when the anchors blasted Delevingne’s attitude by saying she looked “more excited” in other interviews and seemed a little “irritated,” eventually suggesting she “go take a little nap, maybe get a Red Bull.” In the actress words, that just went “too far.”

Entertainment Tonight hosts Kevin Frazier, and Nancy O'Dell

Balancing curiosity with tact

Interviews need not be provocative to spark excitement. Celebrity news like Entertainment Tonight show how this is done by delivering the hottest scoop while maintaining a fun vibe to keep the atmosphere light and the story flowing.

For the latest on the today’s most talked-about celebrities, catch the Entertainment Tonight first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment, Mondays to Fridays at 8:30PM, express from the U.S.

Follow RTL CBS Entertainment at www.facebook.com/RTLCBSEntertainment/, @RTLCBSEntertain on Twitter, and @RTLCBSEntertainment on Instagram for more updates.

OPPO strengthens presence in Cebu with 4th Concept Store

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Philippines’ Top 2 International Smartphone Brand is set to expand with more stores nationwide

OPPO Philippines continues to expand its strong presence in the country with more concept stores nationwide. With Cebu being a valuable market for the brand, it opened its latest concept store in Ayala Center Cebu along with OPPO influencer Rocco Nacino. 

Customers now have more options to choose from OPPO’s wide range of selfie-centric smartphones such as the OPPO F3 series (F3 and F3 Plus) and the OPPO A series (A57, A71 and A37) that are sure to match anyone’s lifestyle and preference. Leading the impressive lineup is the OPPO F3, a definite trendsetter with its dual-selfie camera that allows wider selfie shots. It is also perfect for taking a groufie as it can accommodate more people in one frame. 

OPPO Influencer Rocco Nacino

“You won’t ever have to worry about taking a group shot with the OPPO F3,” said Rocco Nacino. “I bring it with me when I travel with my family and friends, knowing that I can perfectly capture every special moment with them.”

Right to Left: OPPO Influencer Rocco Nacino, Junrex Cellphone and Accessories owner Mr. Jun Yap and OPPO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Mr. Ananda Pan

The OPPO F3 is encased in sleek metal and features a 5.5” full HD display protected by Coming Gorilla Glass 5. It also has 4GB of RAM and the 64GB of storage is suitable for keeping numerous photos, videos and applications. A wide range of phone accessories is available for purchase in all OPPO concept stores nationwide. 

“Cebu is a valuable market for OPPO and we will continue to provide the best customer experience to Cebuanos through our growing number of concept stores. Our selfie-centric smartphones are definitely relevant in the 9th city for most selfies in the world,” said Eason de Guzman, Public Relations Manager of OPPO Philippines. 

OPPO continues to expand nationwide with more concept stores opening in the remaining quarter of 2017. Customers may visit the Ayala Center Cebu concept store at the 3rd level near the activity area.  

For more details about OPPO, please visit https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or log on to http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html

Cebu Pacific ushers in surfing season with direct Manila-Siargao flights

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An island with lush forest covers, trimmed with fine white sand and a crown of gleaming blue waters—Siargao is indeed another gem in the Pearl of the Orient that both surfers and beach bums dream about. And as more travelers chase the breathtaking giant waves of Siargao, this island paradise becomes more within reach with Cebu Pacific’s special additional flights to the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.

Starting December 17, 2017, up until March 24, 2018, the Philippines’ leading carrier will be flying direct between Manila and Siargao, six times a week. For as low as PHP2,370, vacationers from the country’s capital may leave the hustle and bustle of the Metro and fly in to Siargao’s haven of cozy resorts and warm and hospital locals.

Perfect for backpackers and adventure enthusiasts, the island of Siargao boasts of exciting roads that lead to many different spots for a quick dip, snorkeling, sight-seeing and world-class surfing. Traveler favorites are the famed Cloud 9 and General Luna, where beginners learn to paddle then stand on a board, and pro-surfers get to hang ten.

Nearby islets like Guyam, Daku, and Naked Islands also draw a crowd for an unbridled experience of nature in the South. In these parts, travelers can discover Siargao’s natural heritage and the various facets of local culture as it evolves with the foreigners who now call the island their home.

The island also boasts of an effervescent food scene and night life, enriched by the fusion of local and foreign influences. With fresh catch of seafood and baskets of fruits readily available in the destination and the positive outlook in the community, Siargao serves the most delectable and satisfying experience from dusk to dawn.

“There is a clear surge of interest in Siargao, and we’ve seen its great potential for tourism since we began offering flights in 2009. With our special direct Manila-Siargao flights, we are positive that more tourists will discover what Siargao has to offer. Cebu Pacific is glad to make it easier for everyJuan to visit this dreamy island paradise more often, where surfing and sustainable living are a way of life,” says Alexander Lao, President and CEO of Cebgo.

Aside from Manila, Cebu Pacific also flies direct to Siargao from Cebu twice daily, with the lowest year-round fare of PHP 2,104. Travelers also visit the island by taking a connecting flight from Manila via Cebu to Siargao.

Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Siargao, the elusive coast for surfers and beach lovers, by flying in with Cebu Pacific. Checking in sports equipment like surf-boards are also available in these flights, and can be added to flight bookings up to four hours before scheduled times of departure. 

For more information on the most convenient flights to Siargao, visitwww.cebupacificair.com/.