iACADEMY Student wins International Film Festival – Manhattan for “Blue Room Feelings”

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Ruka Azuma, Multimedia Arts and Design Program student from iACADEMY and his short documentary film: Blue Room Feelings won an award from the International Film Festival – Manhattan (IFFM).

 

Ruka Azuma received the Independent Achievement award alongside other top Filipino directors. He is also the youngest director of his co-winners in the category.

 

“The results are in and I’m ecstatic to receive my first international award. All my thanks to the International Film Festival Manhattan NYC for awarding ‘Blue Room Feelings’ the Independent Achievement Award!”, Azuma said.

 

Blue Room Feelings is a short film that was solely directed and written by Ruka Azuma. It revolved around a student-artist staying at home for 85-days as he courses through online classes, mental struggles, and physical challenges brought by the quarantine while being enclosed in his blue painted room. The film demonstrates innovation in the industry and its relevance to current situations.

 

Blue Room Feelings is not new to the spotlight as it has already won 2 awards locally prior to the IFFM. Azuma’s win is also the second one for iACADEMY in the IFFM, with the first one being “Yolanda” by Krizia May Villanueva and Jennelyn Castillejo who won “Best Student Film” last 2015. 

 

“Tapping into the feeling of a true game changer and inspiring our Multimedia Arts and Design community, our very own Ruka Azuma once again delivers a groundbreaking win with his short documentary "Blue Room Feelings", making his first international impact with the Independent Achievement Award from the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan NYC.” said Mario Serrano, Chair of The Multimedia Arts and Design Program of iACADEMY.

 

Held last November 19 to 22, 2020, the International Film Festival – Manhattan is a film festival that aims to bridge the gap between the vast culture of New York and its people. One of its missions is to support the filmmakers in finding their audience in New York. 

 

iACADEMY’s Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) program prepares students for the growing need for highly qualified, multidisciplinary professionals in the creative industries. MAD students are meticulously guided by highly experienced professionals to make the best out their artistic skills.

 

“iACADEMY empowers the Filipino Creative.” Serrano said.

WATCH: Bianca Gonzalez and Erwan Heussaff share how the Samsung Galaxy Note20 allows them to take control of their lives

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The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Series empowers #TeamGalaxy ambassadors Bianca Gonzalez and Erwan Heussaff to thrive despite challenges. 

In their videos, Bianca and Erwan share how Samsung’s power phones help them be more creative and productive. 

Bianca believes in "controlling the controllable.” When feeling overwhelmed and anxious, she chooses to focus her energy and effort on the things she can manage. She uses the Galaxy Note20 Ultra to find different ways of doing things, learning new crafts, and uncovering her power to work and play. 

Meanwhile, Erwan relies on technology to create his content even if he is miles away from The Philippines. He uses the Galaxy Note20 Ultra to research and develops recipes, coordinates with his team in Manila for shoots, and even draw plating concepts with the S Pen. Heussaff reveals in his video how he also makes the most of technology for his family. 

Watch how Gonzalez and Heussaff stay empowered amid the new normal. Watch Gonzalez’s video at www.instagram.com/p/CINiqGEBFjw/ . 

View Heussaff’s video at www.instagram.com/p/CIchWmDD6S8/ . 

To know more about the Galaxy Note20 series, visit samsung.com/ph .

Globe, Gawad Kalinga unveil partnership to power residents with affordable internet

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Globe Telecom formally announced their new partnership with Gawad Kalinga to provide access to high-speed, reliable, and low-cost internet for Gawad Kalinga village residents in Parañaque, Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Imus, Cavite last December 10.

This recent initiative is part of Globe’s long-standing mission to sustain and develop communities by providing and enhancing internet access for underprivileged Filipinos who have zero or limited access to basic connectivity, which is a critical need for learning, livelihood, and work online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the active support of the Parañaque, Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Imus, Cavite local government units, the project allows Gawad Kalinga village residents in the respective areas to connect to the internet through KonekTayo WiFi — for as low as P15 per day, without any need to spend for devices, monthly fees or modems.

Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO said, “During this time, internet access serves as a vital means for communities, especially for the disadvantaged, to empower them to access health services, livelihood opportunities, financial services, online education, and work from home. We are happy to be partnering with Gawad Kalinga so we can make connectivity within reach for families that need it the most.”

Globe’s KonekTayo WiFi and Gawad Kalinga’s partnership is set to bolster efforts to widen the availability of affordable internet in Gawad Kalinga villages with the deployment of KonekTayo WiFi across various locations in the country which include Quezon City, Laguna, Trece Martires, Cavite, Iloilo City, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.

Luis Oquiñena, Gawad Kalinga Chairman remarked, “We thank Globe and KonekTayo WiFi for this partnership that puts community support and nation-building through digital transformation and inclusion. And, of course, we are grateful for the leadership and support of Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arelene Arcillas; Imus, Cavite Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi; and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, paving the way for this shared vision to come to fruition. By capacitating our residents with an affordable means to connect, we’re able to empower them to meet their everyday needs, whether it is for distance learning, remote working, accessing digital services or starting their small online businesses.”

Paranaque

Standing from left to right: Cong. Eric L. Olivarez, Congressman First District of City of Paranaque, Jane Roanne Choi, Business Development Director, Channel Management Group of Globe; Dan Bercasio, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga

Imus

Standing from left to right: Hon. Emmanuel L. Maliksi, Imus, Cavite Mayor; Head of New Business of Broadband Business Group, Debbie Obias; Luzon Coordinator of Gawad Kalinga, Bods Oquiñena; Edgar Purification, Gawad Kalinga Head, Cavite

Sta. Rosa

Standing from left to right: Janis Racpan, Globe Digital Solutions Group Director; Hon. Arlene Arcilla, Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor, Luis Oquiñena, Gawad Kalinga Chairman; Mari Oquiñena, Gawad Kalinga CEO

Formerly known as KapitWiFi, KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that aims to provide households with affordable internet. With KonekTayo WiFi, customers simply need to connect to a KonekTayo WiFi hotspot, purchase a promo, and surf all day.

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UNSDG No. 9 which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

Shopee Celebrates Record-Breaking 12.12 with 12 million Items Sold within the first 24 Minutes

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 Users eagerly  snapped up deals, peaking at 1 million items sold in a minute 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, wraps up the year-end shopping season with a record-breaking 12.12. On December 12, 12 million items were sold in the first 24 minutes and at its peak, one million items were bought in a single minute.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are humbled to end the year on a high note with a groundbreaking 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Given the unprecedented year that 2020 has been, we wanted this to be a special day not just for Shopee, but for the people we serve. E-commerce has become of increasing importance in our lives. It has evolved beyond a platform to access basic needs to one that connects people and businesses. We are glad to celebrate the past five years with our users, sellers, and brand partners and are truly excited about what’s to come."

Shopee ushered in the festive season with fun and convenience

Users joined Shopee every day for four weeks of fun and entertainment leading up to December 12, where they shopped for over 2 billion products. Consumers also spent more time on Shopee’s in-app games and features.

●       450 million views were recorded on Shopee Live across the entire 12.12

●       Shopee’s in-app games were played a record of 2.7 billion times

●       Two of Shopee’s newest games, Shopee Bubble and Shopee Candy, were big hits with a total of 28 million hours played

The surge in shopping activity was also met with the increasing adoption of digital payments. Users enjoyed the convenience of ShopeePay, with orders paid via the mobile wallet surging 18 times.

12.12 Big Christmas Sale in the Philippines:

In the Philippines, Filipinos enjoyed a constant stream of deals on December 12, supported by Shopee’s robust ecosystem.

Filipinos shopped for their home and entertainment needs with Home & Living, Mobile Accessories, and Fashion emerging as the best-selling product categories.

●       Home & Living: Consumers took the time to revamp their homes, with 1.5 million home decor products such as curtains, wallpapers, and 3D wall stickers sold.

●       Mobile Accessories: Smartphone accessories were a big priority as people geared up for the festive season. A total of one million smartphone accessories were sold, with phone cases, phone covers, and power banks being the most popular.

●       Fashion: There was a strong demand for fashion products, with 1.6 million tops sold. More Filipinos also focused on fitness with over 57,000 sports bras sold.

Powered by the surge in shopping activity, sales peaked for local businesses on Shopee. One top seller recorded more than 75,000 orders within 24 hours on December 12.

Yu closed, “We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support that our users, sellers, and brand partners have shown us. As we look ahead, we will continue meeting the needs of our local communities; making online shopping accessible, easy, and enjoyable for users; and helping businesses realize the growth opportunities for e-commerce in the region. We look forward to continuing creating new experiences and value for everyone in 2021.”

Shop from the 12.12 Thank You Sale at https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

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

The Holidays Bring Families Together in this Alagang Silka Papaya Video

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It is important to promote good vibes and a sense of calm as we navigate these unprecedented times together. One way we are doing this is by finding strength and inspiration amid the uncertainty. Today and every day, I believe it’s important to continue sharing, caring, and love to our family and others too.

As we celebrate Holiday Season this 2020, even via Zoom meeting, we can provide a fun and unique way for our loved ones, for providing our children with the best possible care and support during this challenging time. 

And there's more how to show our love and care to all.

The Holidays Bring Families Together in this Alagang Silka Papaya Video

"Magparamdam ka naman" ["Let us know how you're doing"] captures the Pinoy yearning: we want to reach out and be with the ones we care about. And families have a history of caring for each other, of being together through tough times and through whatever means - a yearning not even a pandemic can diminish.

In the latest Silka Papaya video, a large family is about to come together for Christmas. With a Christmas tree behind him, the Grandfather finishes setting up the dinner table. He calls out to his wife if she's ready. The Grandmother comes with a bottle of Silka lotion, rubs some on both her hands (to look fresh for the family picture, she says). She wonders out loud if the rest of the family are ready. Cut to the mother in the bedroom rubbing Silka lotion on her leg. She gently hollers the same are-you-ready question. Cut to the bathroom, where Millie, her daughter, hollers back, while applying Silka deodorant on her underarm: "Almost done, Mom".

The mother then knocks on the bathroom door, and the Dad answers, already feeling refreshed while still showering with Silka soap: "Mabilis na lang." Cut to a newly-wed couple's conversation: the husband is all set and gently tells his wife, "Lika, baba na tayo." She answers, while applying Silka Facial Cleanser with a cotton ball, "Patapos na" This must be a big house, the viewer is thinking, because we're seeing members of a big family getting together on Christmas Day.

The Grandfather takes his seat on the dinner table, and compliments Millie, who turns to face her Lolo. "Kaya paborito ko po kayong Lolo eh," she says. Then the Grandfather notices that only Anna, a nurse, is missing from, we are led to believe, the dinner table (which is never shown in full). Cut to Anna, who, while washing her hands with Silka soap, says, "Ok, Dad, palabas na." So, she must be the bunso and has siblings in both of the two couples earlier shown (who should be with the Grandparents by now).

Nurse Anna sits down and says, "Ok, guys, game? 1, 2, 3." The family picture is "taken" - screenshots of the members of the video conference call are shown, while merry Christmas music plays in the background. Turns out this was indeed a big family, and a gathering still, despite not being face to face. Family alaga knows no distance.

Sharing this great story from Silka Papaya Video

You can watch the full video here.

Like these three generations of families keeping to their habit of self-care (pag-aalaga), Silka has been creating and making available affordable lines of effective products to help Filipino families achieve a glowing complexion and smoother skin. Their skincare line includes soap, lotion, facial cleanser, deodorant, body wash, and pearl creme. Since 2001 (nearly 20 years), Silka has been helping Filipinos achieve the kind of care (alaga) they long for.

There's an emotional tug to the video: the holidays are when families get together, and that's made all the more difficult because of the social distancing necessitated by Covid-19 restrictions. But you don't get the feeling that the families are settling for less with a video conference call - in fact they're still as lively as they would have been having they'd been face to face.

The video's voice over ending is apt: "Naiba man ang takbo ng buhay, natural lang na ipadama sa isa't-isa ang alaga nating nandyan para sa kanila. Maalagang pasko mula sa Silka.”

Families take care of each other just as Silka takes care of you. If you want to experience a Maalagang Pasko with Silka, check out their products on Shopee (https://shopee.ph/mall/search?keyword=papaya&shop=27653726) and visit the official Silka Skincare Store on Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/silka-skincare-store/?q=papaya&langFlag=en&from=wangpu&lang=en&pageTypeId=2&spm=a2o4l.10450891.searchbar.0).

Don’t forget to follow @SilkaSkinCare on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.