STI opens August Batch for college freshmen

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Manila, Philippines – Committed to providing students with relevant education and world-class opportunities, STI College opens its doors for a new batch of incoming college freshmen in August this school year. 

While the majority of colleges and universities in the Philippines follow the June to March academic calendar, “STI will open classes in August to match pace with educational institutions internationally and better prepare our students for opportunities here and abroad,” said Peter K. Fernandez, President and COO of STI Education Services Group, Inc. 

He also noted that many distinguished state universities and colleges have already shifted their semester intake in an effort to internationalize the institutions. According to the 2016-2017 data of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, thirty four universities and colleges had already adopted the August to May calendar. 

This initiative further supports the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration whose vision is ‘to narrow the development gaps, to prepare youth for regional leadership, and to increase the competitiveness of the people.’ 

As one of the last two countries in the ASEAN region with a predominantly June-March academic calendar (the other one being Thailand), the main advantage for students enrolling in the August semester is the opportunity to qualify for student exchange and research programs abroad. Their qualifications will also be recognized by foreign countries, expanding their reach to more global opportunities. 

The new batch intake will also pave the way for more collaborations and partnerships with foreign institutions. Subject to the need of the students, this can eventually lead to new programs, specializing on knowledge formation and skills enhancement. 

Extending time to prepare 

With the new option of enrolling at a later date, STI provides a longer period for students to prepare for higher education mentally and financially. Most senior high school graduates are often pressured to decide on their course and school of choice right after graduation. 

Students can take advantage of the extra time to pursue their interests and passion to help them decide on their higher studies, and further evaluate more options to pursue a certain program. STI understands the importance of making the right choice for college as it upholds that passion is essential to succeed in life. 

Along with this, families who are financially challenged to send their children to school can prepare for the financial requirements with the opening of the new batch for incoming college freshmen in August. 

Less class suspensions 

STI further recognizes how environmental factors can potentially impact the learning experience of its students. By adjusting the semester schedule, the effects of the rainy season which begins in the month of June is mitigated. 

The traditional academic calendar starts in the month of June, which is regularly affected by heavy rainfalls that lead to class suspensions. These cancellations often cause a delay in curriculum delivery and execution of school programs. 

Cancellation of classes breaks the momentum especially when caused by bad weather. Research shows that weather is also linked to school performance, as lack of exposure to sunlight affects hormones in a way that increases the urge to sleep. 

The adjustment of the schedule with the implementation of August to May school calendar will cover fewer months of the rainy season, reducing cancellation of classes due to tropical cyclones. 

True to its promise of delivering quality education, STI constantly innovates to better prepare its students for opportunities locally and abroad. STI takes pride in its modern and superior facilities, highly qualified professors, and new advancements that further improve the learning experience of its students. With the new academic scheme, STI takes a leap in internationalizing the institution to keep up and align with the rest of the world.

Enjoy 72 Hours of Free Shipping and Up to 80% Discounts on Premium Items like Denon Turntable, Nintendo Switch, Sharp TV and many more on Shopee’s Payday Sale!

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Manila, July 30, 2018 – For 72 hours from July 30 to August 1, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is back to help loyal users stretch their salaries with its monthly Payday Sale. This month, we are going bigger and better with 72 hours of free shipping, all-day vouchers, and up to 80% discounts across a wide range of categories ranging from electronics to fashion.

To sweeten the Payday Sale, users can also look forward to lowest prices guaranteed on dozens of premium electronics at Shopee Gadget Zone,  a dedicated in-app portal for all things tech, which was newly launched this month. With up to 80% off some of 2018’s hottest electronic products such as the Nintendo Switch, Canon Inkjet Printer, and Harman JBL Soundbar. Furthermore, users can also expect up to P4,000 off products from top brands including Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Jane Lim, Director of Shopee Philippines said, “This month’s Payday Sale will be bigger and better with our new Shopee Gadget Zone featuring premium electronics at unbeatable prices for our users. Shopee Gadget Zone has been well-received by users in the short time since its launch and together with the Payday Sale, we want to build on this early momentum and continue our goal to deliver top electronic products at attractive prices for all our users in the Philippines. Moving forward, we will continue to diversify our product assortments and engage users with even more exciting deals tailored for their needs and preferences.

For more information on:

Shopee’s Payday Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/paydaysalejuly.

Shopee’s Gadget Zone, visit https://shopee.ph/m/gadgetzone.

For more information on Shopee, visit https://shopee.ph

Download the Shopee app for free on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Rain or shine, pairs run towards a healthy lifestyle at the11th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run

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Even it rained so hard in the early Sunday (July 8) morning as the 11^th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run kicked off at the parade grounds of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City with different types of running pairs—parents and kids, siblings, lolos and their apos, loved ones, officemates, best friends, even neighbors—competing in the 5K and 10K races.

Racing to a wellness goal is much more fun with a partner, the annual fun run brings in the perfect 10 experience for all types of fitness pairs—from families and best buds, to competitive tandems.

“We are happy to provide an opportunity for people to start their wellness journey in a fun and one-of-a-kind event with their partners. After all, getting fit and choosing the healthier lifestyle is more worthwhile when shared with a buddy,” said Jody Gadia, Robinsons Supermarket general manager. 

Presented by Robinsons Supermarket, the 11^th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run 5K race offered a top prize of a trip for 2 to Siargao with 3 days/2 nights hotel accommodation while 2^nd and 3^rd placers get Php8,000 worth of Robinsons gift certificates. For 10K race podium finishers, the top prize includes a trip for 2 to Hong Kong with 3 days/2 nights hotel accommodation while 2^nd and 3^rd placers get Php15,000 worth of Robinsons gift certificates.

After crossing the finish line with their buddies and celebrating fitness in a fun and exciting way, most of the participants also enjoyed exciting activity booths and took home big grocery loot bags that have been the trademark of the Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run through the years.

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The loot bags contained lots of freebies from Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth Nutrition, Abbott Nutrition, Fonterra and Unilab.

The fun run is in line with Robinsons Supermarket’s wellness commitment to continuously encourage more people to choose and live healthier lifestyles. Find out more about the wellness commitment and other activities at their official website at www.robinsonssupermarket.com.ph or like their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketofficial.

Microsoft joins DICT in Empowering the Filipino Through Digital Transformation at National ICT Summit 2018 in Davao City

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“Empowering the Filipino through Digital Transformation”. That is the theme of this year’s National Information and CommunicationsTechnology (ICT) Summit held in Davao City. The summit is the culminating event of a month long celebration of ICT in the Philippines.

Since 2008, June of every year has been celebrated as ICT Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 1521, series of 2008. This is in recognition of the power of ICT as a strategic tool in governance, in delivering government services, and in driving economic growth.

The National ICT Summit was well attended, with over 500 government executives, ICT managers and practitioners, local government officials, academics, the private sector, students, and ICT industry players participating in the event.

Gracing the event was none other than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who was guest of honor and speaker at the two-day summit.”

President Rodrigo R. Duterte with the delegates of the NICT Summit 2018. In the photo are keynote speakers from Microsoft Philippines, Joanna Rodriguez, Public Sector Director and Atty. Raul Cortez, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Director. (Photo courtesy of CIOFF Foundation, Inc)

A faster and more efficient Government

In today’s digital world, it’s clear how huge ICT’s role is in the development of government services. Throughout the entire month of June, the DICT showcased projects that harnessed ICT to improve the efficiency of government processes that positively impact the Filipino public. From seminars, conferences, fora, focus group discussions, to technical trainings, there was no shortage of activities that presented and discussed emerging ICT technologies, products, services and new paradigms.

At the summit, the DICT showcased how ICT transforms the way government flagship and mission-critical projects such as the bold "Build, Build, Build" Program and the "Ambisyon Nation 2040" are efficiently implemented, monitored and managed.

To empower the Filipino, the government is looking to ICT to improve access to accurate information and develop more efficient services. This is through complementing government ICT plans, programs, policies, guidelines and standards affecting processes and the delivery of information and services to the people.

Digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI

Also present at the National ICT summit was Microsoft, a digital transformation leader who presented global best ICT practices, emerging technology solutions, tools and paradigms that will allow the Philippines to leap-frog development stages.

In a keynote presentation, Microsoft Philippines discussed the economic impact of digital transformation, the hidden costs of cybersecurity, the future that is artificial intelligence, as well as the value of ICT in the development of the country. 

“ICT remains a core component in the transformation and development of the Philippines. As the world moves toward a more digital way of life, so must our country. Technology is the great equalizer, and the key towards reaching our full potential,” said Christian Lim, Country COO - Microsoft Philippines.

As the country embraces digital technologies, Microsoft urged attendees to be vigilant and reminded them of the value of cybersecurity -- in terms of economic loss and loss of trust. Similar to the Comelec breach in 2016, breaches can come from anywhere, so it is extremely important the government’s data is secure.

Moreover, AI is a technology that is becoming more pervasive and can be a big contributor to the Philippines’ digital transformation. In particular, Microsoft highlighted conversational AI, such as chatbots, and how it is already making waves around the world. In fact, AI is already being utilized to serve local communities in other Asian nations like China and Japan.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio testing the virtual reality features of the Hololens as showcased by Ellinov, a Microsoft partner. Microsoft Philippines leadership team was present as well to welcome the Mayor. (Photo courtesy of CIOFF Foundation, Inc)

“Microsoft is all about empowering people and organizations with technology. So it goes without saying that we are staunch supporters of the administration and the DICT’s mission to empower Filipinos through digital transformation,” said Lim. “Through the digital transformation of our government processes, we don’t just address operational inefficiencies, but create meaningful economic impact as well, leading to further development of the Philippines.” 

YouTube NextUp returns to the Philippines : Enter now for a chance to be part of NextUp Manila’s class of 2018!

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YouTube announces the launch of its NextUp contest in the Philippines to turbocharge the careers of local up-and-coming YouTube creators. Since its launch in 2011, NextUp has helped over 500 creators in more than 13 countries take their channels to the next level, giving them skills, mentorship, and a network to help them create compelling content.

This year, YouTube NextUp is looking for creative and inspiring creators who will join a week-long creator camp at the next YouTube Pop-up Space Manila from September 7 to September 12 where they will learn production techniques from NextUp alumni and work closely with top YouTube creators.

So who’s NextUp? YouTube is looking for passionate and motivated YouTube creators who are ready to create powerful stories with better production skills; those who are seeking mentorship from production and channel development experts, and eager participants looking for an opportunity to collaborate with talented creators and be a part of the global NextUp community. 

YouTube NextUp Class of 2017. Last year’s winners include (seated, from left): custom doll artist Maureen Gabrielle Hermoso (Mozekyto); singer Karl Zarate; beauty vlogger John Rafael Juane (About Raf); and educator Jan Angelique Maravilla (Team Lyqa), as well as (standing, from left:) beauty content creators Helen Payawal (Helen on Fleek) and Raiza Contawi; Cebuano musician Manolo Martinez (BoogieBoy36); sports enthusiast Dionino Ventura (Hype Streetball); singer Renee Dominique; beauty vlogger Trisha Louise Sanchez; vlogger Nate Punzalan; and beauty content creator Mae Layug.  

If you are selected to join the NextUp Manila’s class of 2018, you are eligible to receive:

• Ongoing strategic account management by the YouTube Creator and Artist Development team
• One-week Creator Camp at YouTube Pop-Up Space
• $1,000 USD production voucher
• Mentorship by Alumni / Top Creators

Helen on Fleek

As one of the YouTube NextUp 2017 winners, Helen Payawal, more popularly known to her almost 30,000 subscribers as Helen on Fleek, is grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by established YouTubers like Mikey Bustos and Janina Vela, as well as filmmaking professionals. “Until now, we could turn to them and consult them on how we can create better content,” she added.  

To enter the contest and see full details, go to youtube.com/nextup to fill out the application form. To be eligible for NextUp Manila, your channel must be in good standing with 10,000 to 100,000 subscribers. The channels will also be selected on the basis of their potential for improvement, capacity for attracting audiences, and alignment with YouTube’s core values. The deadline for submitting the application form is August 3, 2018.

Raiza Contawi

One of the winners of YouTube NextUp 2017 is content creator Raiza Contawi, whose channel now has over 334,000 subscribers. “It’s the best that could happen to you,” she said. “Imagine you're like a scholar of YouTube and you get to attend a week-long intensive production and filmmaking classes; you're given a budget to upgrade your vlogging/production equipment; and you go home with long-lasting friendships and once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.”  

NextUp’s launch in the Philippines further boosts opportunities for a growing community of Filipino creators. Last year, the Philippines saw a 50 percent growth in hours of content uploaded to YouTube. The number of Gold Creator Award channels also almost doubled, with more than 15 Gold Creator Award channels in 2018.

“We’re bringing NextUp to the Philippines to support Filipino creators, who are among the most creative and inspiring in the world. We want to help them bring their YouTube careers to the next level by exposing them to meaningful learning experiences,” said Gabby Roxas, Google Philippines Country Marketing Manager. “We are also giving Filipino creators the opportunity to inspire and learn from other creators around the world who share their passion for creating great online content.”

For inquiries on YouTube NextUp Manila, visit youtube.com/nextup or send an email to nextup@youtube.com. 

About YouTube

Launched in May 2005, YouTube’s mission is to give everyone a voice and show them the world. We believe that everyone deserves to have a voice, and that the world is a better place when we listen, share and build community through our stories.

YouTube is a Google company