Earth Hour Philippines 2019 shines a light on plastic pollution

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On the second year of the global #Connect2Earth theme of Earth Hour that calls for the urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines continues to focus on the issue of single-use plastics and how addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature.

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado and WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez stand with WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines Climate and Energy Program Head and Earth Hour Pilipinas National Director Atty. Gia Ibay and Youth Programme and AIS Development Executive of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Yasser Sarona at the Earth Hour Philippines 2019 media launch. 

Photograph (c) Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

Now on its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon.

“The last decade of Earth Hour has contributed so much to the global climate agenda and has paved the way for many conservation wins. Now that we are ushering in the second year of the movement’s new decade, our efforts will still be centered on raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity to counter the worsening impacts of climate change,” says WWF-Philippines Head of Climate and Energy Program and Earth Hour Pilipinas National Director Atty. Gia Ibay. 

When #Connect2Earth was launched last year, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments in over 180 countries and territories switched off their lights to show their commitment to and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity. Both #Connect2Earth and #EarthHour trended in 33 countries and garnered more than 3.5 billion impressions worldwide. With these numbers, Earth Hour 2019 is an unmissable opportunity to create an unstoppable movement for nature and WWF-Philippines is anchoring this year’s celebration on single-use plastics, one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. 

Leveraging on the momentum of its #AyokoNgPlastik movement, WWF-Philippines hopes to further create awareness on the dangers of single-use plastics, spark conversations, change mindsets and habits of consumers, urge businesses to operate more sustainably, and influence policy. Adopting the WWF network’s “No Plastics in Nature” Initiative, WWF-Philippines believes that Earth Hour 2019 is the best way to send out a clear message to take a stand against plastic pollution towards its ultimate goal of mobilizing public support for legislations on plastic waste management. 

WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma delivers the opening remarks for the Earth Hour Philippines 2019 media launch. 

Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

“The Philippines is the 3rd major plastic polluter of oceans in the world and we, Filipinos, must unite and create concrete steps to stop this worsening situation. We have to realize how nature is vitally important in our daily lives and preventing single-use plastics from entering nature is a big step towards a greener, more sustainable planet,” states WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma as he reiterates the importance of working together to achieve a long-term solution to this environmental problem that significantly contributes to nature loss. 

The kick-off event of Earth Hour 2019 that was held on February 28, 2019 in the Magellan Function Room of the Discovery Suites in Ortigas saw commitments for nature formalized and renewed as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) inked a memorandum of agreement with WWF-Philippines and National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado, as well as National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez, renewed their contracts to reaffirm their declaration of support to conserve natural assets to ensure a living planet for future generations. 

 WWF-Philippines National Ambassador Iza Calzado 

 WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez 

The main switch-off event of Earth Hour 2019 is slated on March 30, Saturday, at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati from 5:00 PM to 10:00PM, with the actual switch-off at 8:30 PM. At least 3,000 scouts will be deployed to the public event that will feature booths, activities, and performances that will honor the planet. Meanwhile, everyone from all over the Philippines is also encouraged to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30PM to 9:30PM in solidarity with millions around the world who will do the same.

Using this year’s official hashtags #Connect2Earth, #EarthHourPH2019, and #AyokoNgPlastik, WWF-Philippines is encouraging everyone to harness the power of social media and help share their commitment to start changing the planet for the better by sharing stories and photos of their sustainable living actions, as well as their pledges to say no to single-use plastics, via Earth Hour Philippines’ Facebook event page – http://bit.ly/EarthHourPH2019 that will go live by March 1, 2019. 

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado and WWF-Philippines National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez hosted the Earth Hour Philippines 2019 media launch.

Photograph © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines

To engage in conversations on plastics, join facebook.com/groups/ayokongplastik. 

Visit www.earthhour.org to know what’s happening in locations around the world and read individuals’ stories about what they are doing for our planet. 

To share ideas and tools to push for action and change, log in to connect2earth.org, the platform supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety with funding from the International Climate Initiative.

Experience the new SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds, available in stores today

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Complement a passionate lifestyle with Samsung’s newest in-ear companion -- the Galaxy Buds -- which hits stores today!

Enjoy clear and smart audio powered by acoustic specialists AKG to deliver rich and high-resolution live sound. This results in a crisp user experience without any of the unnecessary background noise. Apart from premium acoustics, the Galaxy Buds make talk time easier through its speech enhancement feature and its Adaptive Dual Microphone technology to switch between inner and outer mics. Its Quick Ambient Mode allows sounds from the environment to stream in without removing the device.

The new Samsung Galaxy Buds are ergonomically designed using advanced and lightweight materials to ensure a comfortable and snug fit all day. It lets users play music for up to six hours and talk on the phone for up to five hours on a single charge. The buds can be charged wirelessly or be powered by a Galaxy S10 smartphone through the Wireless PowerShare technology.

The Galaxy Buds seamlessly connect to any Galaxy device in an instant via Bluetooth. Users can switch between any screen and wearable in a matter of seconds so they don’t miss any of the action. When not in use, its slim and compact design makes it convenient to store in a pocket or bag.

Available in black and white, the new Samsung Galaxy Buds are available starting today with a suggested retail price of PHP 6,990.00. For more information, visit the Samsung Facebook page or log on to samsung.com/ph.

Get 50% Off on Selected Beef Cuts on Meat Day --- Every 29th of the Month at Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse in City of Dreams Manila

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To celebrate the traditional Japanese Meat Day, Ruby Jacks’ steakhouse at City of Dreams Manila together with its sister branch in Tokyo is offering selected beef cuts at half the price every 29th of the month.

In Japan, 29 read as “2” and “9” is “ni” and “ku” in Japanese, respectively. When combined, the word play “Niku” in Japanese means “meat.” On this day, its popular among Japanese to eat meat. In Manila, Ruby Jack’s is set to create this trend for diners to partake of exquisitely juicy beef cuts every 29th of the month with the 50% off promotion. 

Ruby Jack’s is a popular steakhouse famous for its dry-aged meats and premium grilled steaks. The restaurant, founded in Japan, has become a recognized name in the culinary world because it uses only the best natural ingredients selected from all around the world - making each dish a perfectly sumptuous and enticing experience.

Ruby Jack’s is set to become even more of a game-changer among foodies with this exciting promo. 

To learn more about the promo, you can visit their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rubyjacksmanila/

Grade school students, the big winner in Power Mac Center app contest: Game app tackles the global Quality Education goal

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A game app that will help toddlers and grade school students build their passion for learning bagged the grand prize in Power Mac Center’s recently concluded “emPOWER UP! Design a Better World: App Development Challenge” for kids. The winning app concept aims to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education by integrating valuable lessons during gameplay.

Grade School students from De La Salle Santiago Zobel and Team BrainVentures members Derek Joshua Altuna, Aniela Jenina Lesaca, and Alexandria Jillian Braga bag the grand prize in Power Mac Center’s recently concluded “emPOWER UP! Design a Better World: App Development Challenge” for kids. They are bringing home brand new iPad units and the opportunity to have their app developed and uploaded to the App Store.

According to the UN, more than 265 million children are currently out of school, 22 percent of which are of primary school age. Moreover, 617 million youth all over the world lack basic mathematics and literacy skills. By integrating lessons into something ubiquitous like smart devices, providing quality education doesn’t stop at traditional venues like classrooms thereby reaching more learners, even in far-flung areas. Games, in particular, help keep children’s minds active and their imagination going.

The app titled BrainVentures puts the player through a series of activities with the help of a digital sidekick. These activities let players explore and develop their skills and creativity along the way. The concept was developed by Derek Joshua Altuna, Alexandria Jillian Braga, and Aniela Jenina Lesaca, collectively known as “Team BrainVentures” from De La Salle Santiago Zobel.

Power Mac Center Director of Product Management and Marketing Joey Alvarez is all praises for the winners. “Kids nowadays are woke. They understand what’s happening, they know what’s needed, and they help create simple but impactful solutions. And because they’re digital natives, they know how to leverage technology to their advantage.”

Apart from the iPad units they received, the kids of Team BrainVentures also get to attend free workshops by Power Mac Center’s Apple Certified Trainers, who will help create and upload their app in the App Store. It is expected to be up and running within the year.

Members of the Top 5 teams shortlisted in the “emPOWER UP! Design a Better World: App Development Challenge” participate in workshops and in-depth planning sessions with Apple Certified Trainers and representatives from partners KIDS CAN! Innovation Camp, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST Asia), De La Salle College of Saint Benilde HiFi (Hub of Innovation for Inclusion), Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, and I Am VR Panda. 

Meanwhile, first runner-up winner Team Earth Hero (composed of Cameron Sanz, Rebecca De Veyra, and Hannah Mallinllin) designed an app for Climate Action, which got them Php 45,000 worth of Power Mac Center Gift Certificates in prizes. Team Clean ‘Em All (composed of Kaia Mikayla Diola, Enrico Joaquin Abella, and Sofia Annika Ysabel Pagilagan) won Php 30,000 worth of Power Mac Center Gift Certificates for an app on Climate Action and caring for Life Below Water and Life on Land.

emPOWER UP! Design a Better World: App Development Challenge was staged in cooperation with KIDS CAN! Innovation Camp, Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST Asia), De La Salle College of Saint Benilde HiFi (Hub of Innovation for Inclusion), Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, and I Am VR Panda.

An Apple Authorized Training Provider, Power Mac Center continuously empowers and enhances the technical and creative skills of the youth through annual training programs such as the Summer Workshop. For details and reservation of seats, interested clients may contact the Training Team at (0908) 885 6277 or email pbsi@powermaccenter.com.

Derek Joshua Altuna, Alexandria Jillian Braga, and Aniela Jenina Lesaca present their winning concept “BrainVentures,” an app that addresses the UN goal of Quality Education for all. It puts players through a series of activities that let them explore and develop their skills and creativity along the way.

Sofia Annika Ysabel Pagilagan, Enrico Joaquin Abella, and Kaia Mikayla Diola of Team Clean ‘Em All receive the second runner-up award and Php 30,000 worth of Power Mac Center gift certificates for an app on Climate Action and caring for Life Below Water and Life on Land.

Visit a Power Mac Center store near you and find more online:

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Nonoy Zuñiga Through the Years Concert at RWM on March 13

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Do you remember some hits songs like "Doon Lang," "Kumusta ka" "Magandang Gabi and "Never Ever Said Goodbye"? 

Pop Icon and Hitmaker Nonoy Zuñiga  will stage “Nonoy Zuñiga Through The Years” on March 13, 2019 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.

The show landmarks Nonoy’s commitment to seriously support fresh talents in the music industry. It’s his pay-it-forward thing for his 45 years as a singer of much-loved songs.

Nonoy Zuñiga’s singing career spans more than 3 decades, as a folk singer from 1971 to 1975 and then as one of the lead singers of the Family Birth Control Band which performed in venues like Philippine Plaza, Holiday Inn, and the Manila Hotel from 1975 – 1980. All his performances in the United States from 1983 to the present are well-acclaimed. He has also performed in various countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

Some of  Zuñiga songs are “Doon Lang”, “Kamusta Ka?”, “Magandang Gabi”, and “Never Ever Said Goodbye”. 

Nonoy Zuñiga at an exclusive conference held at Pamana Restaurant, Mother Ignacia, Quezon City on Friday,  March 8, 2019. 
Visit Facebook Live interview with Nonoy Zuñiga

As some friends call him Doc,  Zuñiga is also a Doctor of Medicine graduate from University of Sto Tomes. Being a skincare specialist, together with a professional esthetician, Ms. Sylvia Cancio who owns Piel Acne and Skin Clinic in New Year they established Piel Skincare Center in Cebu City. At present Nonoy enjoys his life traveling Las Vegas (where his children reside) to Manila and Cebu City managing Peil Skincare Center.

Upcoming talent Jessel Kempis will have an “introducing” billing at the milestone concert of  Zuñiga. Think she’s too shy to make a name as a professional singer, but then it doesn’t take her long to warm up to people and to begin telling anecdotes about their life and her parents.

Jeselle reveals “I am trained pop singer. I’ve been training since chilhood and singing in private events. It has hardly occured to me taht I can perform in a professional concert for which people have to buy tickets. I’m both happy and nervous to perform at “Nonoy Zuñiga Through The Years”.

The concert’s seasoned guest are South Border, Nyoy Volante, and Mitch Valdez, with Andrew de Real as stage director and Bobby Gomez as musical director with the Brothers Unlimited. 

“Nonoy Zuñiga Through The Years” is produced by OGK Entertainment Production for the benefit of Calamba Doctors Medical Educational and Science Foundation Inc (CDMESFI) and Manila East Medical Educational and Science Foundation, Inc.

Tickets available at Ticket World.