15th Marites Allen Philippine Feng Shui Convention Preview

Tweet

2020 is considered a year of new beginnings and renewals – new opportunities, love, and business or career success. 

This is what the country’s feng shui queen, Marites Allen, hinted at the press conference for the 15th Marites Allen Philippine Feng Shui Convention held at Novotel Manila Araneta City last October 9.

The Year of the Metal Rat is the year that the Chinese Zodiac will have come full circle, with the Rat being the first sign from the 12 animals cycle, and is seen to be a strong, prosperous, and lucky year, and is a great year for founding and evolving. 

The years of the Rat are: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, and 2032.

Well attended by media and blogger guests, the press conference was a preview to the November 24 feng shui convention where, Ms. Allen will discuss forecasts on love, health, wealth, and career; ways on how to enhance the lucky sectors and downplay the unlucky sectors; meanings of special numbers; and how to tap your guide spirit. She will also share how to have miracle mornings; how to create a wealth vase for 2020; how to do a vision board for 2020 and beyond; and reveal what’s on your destiny chart for the Year of the Metal Rat.

“It is very important that we create something for a new beginning. A wealth vase is actually a combination of auspicious symbols that you can put together in a vase and bring home before the Chinese New Year, so it’s good to have that before the year ends,” Ms. Allen shares. 

Another must-have is the vision board to which she recounts, “When I started learning and doing feng shui in 2004, I also started my vision boards. Looking back now at the photos of people I wanted to meet along the way, I have met most of them. And those photos of material things, like a kitchen or a house, I have achieved them. So I’d like to teach you how to do vision boards on November 24.”

Lastly, Ms. Allen cautions those born in the year which clashes with the animal sign of 2020, “If you are BORN in the DAY or YEAR of the HORSE, then you are in CONFLICT with the Year of the RAT.”

The press conference also served as the launching of Marites Allen’s 2020 horoscope books, Feng Shui Almanac and Planner, the 2020 Feng Shui App, and the Frigga e-commerce website.

Wondering what’s in store for you for the Year of the Metal Rat? Want to know how to maximize your good fortune in 2020? 

Secure your seats now for the 15thMarites Allen Philippine Feng Shui Convention happening on November 24, 2019 at the ballrooms of Novotel Manila Araneta City. Get your tickets at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-marites-allen-philippine-feng-shui-convention-tickets-71031468033), call the following numbers: 0920-9509390 / 8188858/ 7360512 / 4707661 or email maritesallenevents@gmail.com.

Children present Manifesto to government leaders in World Vision National Children’s Congress

Tweet

In time for the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the 27th National Children’s Month, World Vision organized a 3-day national children’s congress, attended by more than 140 children across the country. 

World Vision Executive Director Mr. Rommel Fuerteaddresses the children and highlights the importance of children participating in the decision-making process ofmatters affecting them.

The event, anchored on the theme “Karapatan ng Bata: Ipagdiwang at Patuloy na Pahalagahan”, provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto which highlights their call for the government and other non-government organizations to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.

Among the issues raised include the lack of support and recognition for Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA), poor health services and poor sanitary conditions in communities, lack of teachers and educational facilities, low family income, bullying, and discrimination. Alongside the issues were children’s recommended solutions.

Delegates of World Vision’s National Children’s Congress participate in activities designed to allow them to understand and enjoy their rights as children.

Delegates of World Vision’s National Children’s Congress participate in activities designed to allow them to understand and enjoy their rights as children.

“My life changed after the armed conflict in my city. I wanted to quit studying to help provide for the family but I’m grateful that my parents did not allow me to stop despite our financial challenges. If given a chance, I want to be an accountant someday,” shared Abdullah of Marawi City. The children suggested for provision of income- generating mechanisms to families, as well as access to technical/vocational skills training programs.

National Youth Commission Assistant Secretary Victor Del Rosario who was present during the presentation said that congresses like this are important because they serve as avenues where children may “vent their major issues, concerns and challenges that will be heard by the government for appropriate action”. He added that the government deems the welfare of children very significant in governance.

Delegates of World Vision’s National Children Congress dropping their personal prayers for children around the globe.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) through Assistant Chief Colonel Robert Gallardo also affirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of children. “Our centers in police stations nationwide can cater to all complaints affecting women and children, and we can protect them.”

Leaders from the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Committee for Children and Youth Participation, UN Youth Advisory Board, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos - Office of the President were also present during the Children’s Manifesto presentation.

The work continues

World Vision's three-day National Children’s Congress provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.

“We laud the children for their courage to speak on issues that concern them but we recognize that there is more to be done for them and with them. As a child-focused organization, World Vision will continue to help empower and provide them with venues to come together and amplify their right to be heard and make informed decisions to matters affecting them,” said World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte. 

“One of the things that stuck with me was the discussion on child protection. I learned where to go when we are abused or taken advantage of,” said Kate of Leyte Province. Meanwhile, Kim from Camarines Norte and a first-time attendee of the children’s congress, shared that he made friends with other children despite coming from different backgrounds and that he enjoyed learning more about the country through the different cultural presentations of his fellow children. 

Aside from the crafting of the Children’s manifesto, the 3-day event further discussed the UNCRC principles, sustainable development goals, and the four categories of children’s rights: survival, development, participation and protection. 

Towards the end of the congress, a new set of child officers were elected for the World Vision National Children’s Federation (WVNCF), a national assembly of children-representatives from assisted communities. WVNCF advocates for active child participation in achieving safe and protective environment in partnership with parents, local government, non-government organizations, private sectors, communities and institutions.

Rack up to 40% off on select service parts in all OPPO Service Centers nationwide

Tweet

A special treat this season to all the loyal and avid OPPO users of A and F series smartphones

 OPPO Philippines officially announces price drop on select OPPO service parts from top cover to motherboards on select smartphone models namely: Neo 7, F1s, A37, F1 Plus, F1s 64GB, A39, A57, A71, F3, F3 Plus, F5, F5 Pro, F5 Youth, A7 3GB/4GB, A71 2018, A83 up to 4GB+64GB, F7 64GB/128GB, F7 Youth, A3S 2+16GB/ 3+32GB, and F9. The prices for each service part of the said units vary up to 40% discount based on suggested retail price starting November 4 in all OPPO Service Centers nationwide.

The company has implemented several programs that help users in need of technical support anytime, anywhere through the 1-Hour Flash Fix Program; the International Warranty Service;the long-standing OPPO loan phone program wherein you can borrow an OPPO phone while your smartphone is being repaired; and the recently launched OPPO Service app, the brand’s newest service innovation that helps customers get the most convenient repair experience.

“Providing a seamless and reliable customer service experience for Filipino OPPO users is equally important to us as offering the best smartphones, which is why we’re actively creating programs that will help OPPO users have the best customer experience possible,” says Raymond Xia, Marketing Director of OPPO Philippines.

Recently, OPPO garnered an average score of 99.6% in the last Q3 of 2019 through the in-store customer satisfaction survey nationwide, a highly satisfying result of the company’s continuous effort in providing VIP-level customer care to all of its users, while offering reasonably priced service parts which are readily available to customers seeking urgent repairs.

Stay tuned for more programs that will be launched soon to provide even greater care experience for everyone. 

To learn more, visit the website www.oppo.com/ph or check out the official Facebook page at www.fb.com/OPPOPH

Pilipinas Shell hails talented student-artist winners of 52nd National Students Art Competition (NSAC)

Tweet

The Philippine art scene welcomes new blood and talent as Pilipinas Shell awarded 12 student-artist winners at this year’s 52nd National Students Art Competition (NSAC). 

Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero (2nd row, 6th from left) and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (2nd row, 7th from left) pose with the 12 winners of Shell’s 52nd National Students Art Competition, special guests, and other Shell executives during the awarding ceremony. 

The twelve winners for oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, and digital fine arts categories received their recognitions and showcased their artwork at the Glorietta Mall in Makati last November 11.

“Shell continues to invest in programs that promote social development because we believe in the power of the Filipino youth. We believe that they can influence the country towards a better and brighter future,” said Pilipinas Shell President and CEO Cesar Romero. 

Also gracing the event was the Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who praised the beauty of the students’ works and their contribution to the country’s rich art history. 

“Filipino contemporary artists have long been making a mark in the international art world, and many of them started their careers in this competition,” mused Romulo-Puyat. “Looking at the creations of the students here, I think your next artwork could very well start a revolution!” 

Imagining the nation’s future in different mediums 

The Shell NSAC winners were handpicked by painters and master artists who served as the critics and judges for this year’s competition. From over 1,000 entries, three winners from each of the four categories were chosen. Their artworks represent their creative take on this year’s theme, “ImagineNation.” 

The following are the winners with the respective works and schools: 

Oil/acrylic category: 

1st Place: Rhichelle Kirk A. Tabanera of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for his work “Still Standing” 

2nd Place: Nemesis B. Manahan of the Bulacan State University, for his work “Let There Be Light” 

3rd Place: Trinkher Q. Nogueras of the University of the East, for his work “Mag-aaral” 

1st Place: Rhichelle Kirk A. Tabanera of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for his work “Still Standing” 

2nd Place: Nemesis B. Manahan of the Bulacan State University, for his work “Let There Be Light” 

3rd Place: Trinkher Q. Nogueras of the University of the East, for his work “Mag-aaral” 

Watercolor category: 

1st Place: Nicolle T. Plamer of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for her work “Gising Sanip” 

2nd Place: Jarren V. Dahan of the University of Mindanao, for his work “May Layang Lumipad” 

3rd Place: Paul John V. Galagar of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, for his work “Pira-piraso” 

1st Place: Nicolle T. Plamer of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for her work “Gising Sanip” 

2nd Place: Jarren V. Dahan of the University of Mindanao, for his work “May Layang Lumipad” 

3rd Place: Paul John V. Galagar of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, for his work “Pira-piraso”

Sculpture category: 

1st Place: Justin Angelo D.G. Vital of the Bulacan State University, for his work “The Safe and Sound of Patong-Patong” 

2nd Place: Wendi T. Patoc of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for his work “Pagsibol” 

3rd Place: Sherlyn A. Belga of Adventis University of the Philippines, for her work “Key Roots” 

1st Place: Justin Angelo D.G. Vital of the Bulacan State University, for his work “The Safe and Sound of Patong-Patong” 

2nd Place: Wendi T. Patoc of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, for his work “Pagsibol” 

3rd Place: Sherlyn A. Belga of Adventis University of the Philippines, for her work “Key Roots” 

Digital fine arts category: 

1st Place: Jemill B. Pangilinan of the Technological University of the Philippines, for his work “Rich Mind, Rich Land” 

2nd Place: Keith Andrew M. Sescon of the University of the Philippines-Cebu, for his work “Transparency” 

3rd Place: Andrei Timothy D. Barrantes of the University of the East, for his work “The Maker” 

1st Place: Jemill B. Pangilinan of the Technological University of the Philippines, for his work “Rich Mind, Rich Land” 

2nd Place: Keith Andrew M. Sescon of the University of the Philippines-Cebu, for his work “Transparency” 

3rd Place: Andrei Timothy D. Barrantes of the University of the East, for his work “The Maker” 

Each of the winners received a cash prize, a plaque, and art material supplies care so they can continue their journey in their craft. The first place, second place, and third place winners received P60,000, P40,000, and P30,000 respectively. Winning works are on display alongside the top 100 submissions at Glorietta 4 from November 12 to 23. 

Continuing the legacy of supporting aspiring Filipino artists 

Shell NSAC has built a legacy of developing the local art scene by creating an opportunity for young talent to showcase their hard work. As the organizers of one of the longest-running art competitions in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell has hoped to continue its legacy of recognizing and driving artists to excel, just like the many artists who started their careers with Shell NSAC. 

For the last 105 years of its operations in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell has remained committed to the industry and the consumers of its products. As a partner in nation-building, the company continues to envision the Philippines that is fueled by creativity and innovation. 

Pilipinas Shell continues to make the future of Filipino art so that future generations continue to be inspired.

Announcing the official Philippine National Volleyball Team lineup for the 2019 SEA Games

Tweet

The Philippine national men’s and women’s volleyball teams have released their official line-ups for the games, featuring a pool of talented professional and competitive players. 

Here is a look at our Volleyball representatives eyeing a podium finish in the regional meet.

MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Joining the men’s national volleyball team are talented players who have made their mark in the sport. Headlining the team is a powerful trio collectively known as BAE (a playful acronym of their surnames), and their team captain John Vic de Guzman.

John Vic de Guzman

Men’s national volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman is a stellar pro athlete with the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters. He shot to prominence through his winning collegiate career, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an NCAA championship in Season 92, as well as earning the MVP honors along the way.

Bryan Bagunas

Bryan Bagunas is a collegiate MVP and Japan-based pro player. Bagunas led the Bulldogs to two UAAP championship runs and finished his storied collegiate career with two MVP titles. The 6-foot-5 athlete portrays his power on the court through his long wing-span and powerful spikes, taking his talents not only to the Philippine national team, but also to the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler volleyball club in Japan.

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla is a standout pro from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao. He is a BS Criminology graduate from DLSU-Dasmarinas, where he helped the team win three national championships from the Private Schools Athletic Association, two from the National Capital Region Athletic Association, and three from the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association. He currently plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Philippine Air Force, in which he also serves as an airman 2^nd class. Folks in his hometown of Bongao revere him as a hero and a role model for the youth.

Marck Espejo

Marck Espejo is the country’s first ever “Mr. Volleyball,” proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Espejo’s crowning achievement is winning the Most Valuable Player in Ateneo de Manila University’s three consecutive championship seasons from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, along with Rookie of the Year, Best Attacker, Best Server, and Best Scorer awards.

Together with Bagunas, Abadilla, Espejo, and De Guzman, the Men’s National Team, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, is completed by these talented players:

• Francis Saura – Philippine Air Force
• Kim Malabunga – Philippine Air Force
• Ricky Marcos – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
• Esmilzo Polvorosa – Cignal HD Spikers
• Jessie Lopez – Philippine Air Force
• Ave Joshua Retamar – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
• Rex Intal – Cignal HD Spikers
• Mark Alfafara – PLDT
• Jack Kalingking – Philippine Navy
• Joshua Umandal – PLDT
• 
  

WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

The star-studded and jam-packed women’s team is headlined by the best and brightest volleyball stars of this generation. Led by Coach Cesael delos Santos, the team hopes to earn home-court advantage as they look to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. Some of the headliners are:

Aby Maraño

A champion professional and collegiate MVP, women’s national team captain Aby Maraño plays with a burning passion under the mantra Beast Mode Don’t Care, or BMDC. Maraño shot to fame in her college days playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, where she helped the team win an impressive three consecutive UAAP championships, earning two MVP awards along the way. Maraño has also had a successful pro career thus far, winning six championships in the Philippine Super Liga, five of which were with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. With this dazzling resume of accolades under her belt, Maraño will be looking to lead the team in dominating the field at the 2019 SEA Games this November.

Alyssa Valdez

Alyssa Valdez, affectionately known as “The Phenom,” is one of the most popular athletes of her generation. She’s best known for her time as a star player of Ateneo de Manila University during her college days, where she unceasingly led her team to two UAAP and two Shakey’s V-League championships, as well as numerous individual awards for her amazing play, including three MVP awards. Valdez has also been a standout in donning the Philippine tri-color in international tournaments, as well as in her pro career, leading her current team the Creamline Cool Smashers to two Premier Volleyball League championships in 2018 and 2019.

Majoy Baron

Majoy Baron is another champion pro and collegiate MVP.  She is truly unpredictable when she starts hitting it out on the court. She led the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to three consecutive UAAP championships, where she also won individual awards because of her commendable performance. Baron’s pro career is also flourishing, helping take the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to five PSL championships, including the recently-concluded 2019 PSL Invitational Conference, in which she also won MVP. Baron is not new to international volleyball tournaments—just recently, she was named the Best Middle Blocker in the ASEAN Grand Prix held in Thailand and the Philippines.

Jia Morado

Jia Morado is an award-winning pro MVP and former college standout who has previous experience representing the Philippines in the SEA Games. During the recently concluded 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, Morado made noise by setting the pace for the national team during its five-set victory against Vietnam. Netizens praised her outstanding performance, with some describing her playmaking as a “game changer.” Her pro career with the Creamline Cool Smashers has seen incredible accomplishments so far, with two Premiere Volleyball League championships playing for the club.

Completing the promising women’s national volleyball team in the 2019 SEA Games are:

• Rhea Dimaculangan – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
• Ces Molina – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
• Eya Laure – Foton Tornadoes
• Kalei Mau – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• Mylene Paat – Cignal HD Spikers
• Jovelyn Gonzaga – Cignal HD Spikers, PacificTown-Army
• Maddie Madayag – Choco Mucho
• Mika Reyes – Petron Blaze Spikers
• Dawn Macandili – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
• Kath Arado – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers

Cheering as Sambansa in the 2019 SEA Games

Now that we know who will represent the Philippines at the SEA Games this November, don’t be shy to show your support! Both the men and women’s teams have been busy preparing with the help of various organizations and companies such as Rebisco, and they will need all the support they can get from their Filipino fans as our players look to play their best against the top talent of Southeast Asia and bring home the gold.

The volleyball tournament of the 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila.

For more info and updates on the Philippine national volleyball team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook (facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/), and on Twitter and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.