DepEd hands over new classroom buildings to schools in Negros Oriental

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In its unceasing drive to universalize kindergarten education, the Department of Education (DepEd) has built seven (7) new kindergarten classroom buildings in Negros Oriental through the help of Aklat, Gabay, Aruga tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation, and Asian Development Bank-Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (ADB-JFPR).

“One of the first programs of the Aquino administration was universalizing kindergarten to which the AGAPP foundation urgently volunteered to help,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said.

He added that the AGAPP Foundation has continued to aid the Department in addressing classroom needs for the past four years and that they “do not only build classrooms but also foster hope among the learners.”

AGAPP Foundation chairperson Pinky Aquino-Abellada said, “These efforts by the AGAPP Foundation are all for the benefit of our Negrense learners. We thank all our donors for their endless support to education.” She underscored the continuous effort of the AGAPP foundation in building more classrooms in the province. 

Furthermore, she urged the parents and teachers to continue working together, saying "Tulung-tulong po tayo para makamit ng mga bata ang kanilang mga pangarap."

ADB-JFPR Senior Advisor Tatsuya Kanai emphasized that the erected classroom buildings are a result of the efforts of many – the government, the private partners and the residents of the beneficiary provinces.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo expressed his gratitude to DepEd, the AGAPP foundation, & ADB-JFPR in building classrooms in the province. 

Seven (7) schools benefitted from the newly built Silid Pangarap buildings-- Okiot Elementary School, Bais Science ES, Sto. Tomas ES, San Miguel ES, Sta. Catalina ES, Candugay ES, and Maloh ES.

“Sana po patuloy na magbigay ng pag-asa at kulay ang lahat ng mga proyektong ito sa ating mga estudyante, pati na rin sa mga magulang na nagpapadala ng kanilang mga anak sa paaralan,” Luistro said.

The education chief further mentioned that aside from the colorful Silid Pangarap buildings, the AGAPP foundation likewise provides feeding programs for learners and trainings for teachers.

"Sa mga classrooms na ito, makikita na natin ang katuparan ng ating mga pangarap," he added

(Photos: Adolf Aguilar)

"Hanggang Wakas", The Voice PH Grand Champion Mitoy Yonting's debut album

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The Voice Of The Philippines’ first grand winner, Michael 'Mitoy' Yonting,  held an album launch with a press conference last Saturday, August 9, 2014 at  the Newport Mall, Resort World Manila.

Music has always been part of Mitoy’s life growing up listening to his father’s collection of Elvis Presley, Paul Anka, and Neil Sedaka. Singing along to these albums honed his interest and has been singing ever since. But he wasn’t just a singer.

Mitoy surprised everyone and emerged as a powerful vocalist – far from the comedian he once was. His voice brought him places but his perseverance and faith took him farther than he’d ever hoped for.

A natural person, born to entertain, cracking jokes on the side, making use of his wide vocal range to wow audiences from his hometown Pangasinan. Eventually, he formed the band Draybers and have been playing gigs all over the country.

During his press conference and debut album launch, he shared his life stories before being the grand winner of The Voice of the Philippines. 

Through his hard work and his undeniable talent, people noticed his unique voice. After joining TV contests, he landed several roles on different comedy shows like H3O Ha Ha Ha Over along with Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Gladys Guevarra. He also became known in the noontime show Eat Bulaga along with the character Chuchay (played by Gladys Guevarra). The tandem became a hit and further showcased Mitoy’s pipes and comedic timing. That early, he was driven to do all sorts of jobs while gigging to provide for his family. And sometimes it wasn’t enough. 

He kept working and performing until he was called to audition for The Voice Of The Philippines. Mitoy’s The Voice journey almost didn’t happen.

“Sa totoo lang, wala akong planong sumali, dahil medyo may edad na nga ako. May mga tao na nag-encourage sa akin, sa huli na-kumbinse din ako,” And he impressed everyone, especially his world-renowned coach Lea Salonga, whom has nothing but praises about him. 

“Hindi ko malilimutan yung sinabi sa akin ng isang popular na tao sa industriya: ‘Pagkatapos [mong manalo] ng The Voice finals, ngayon lang naging totoo yung essence ng contest,” he shared. It was a tough competition, but his old and new fans rallied behind him every step of the way.

After winning The Voice of the Philippines. Mitoy was one of the cast of Home Sweetie Home, ABS-CBN's sitcom in January 2014. And there, he is now an actor in teleseries and movies. 

Winning the competition made one of his biggest dreams come true – getting signed by a major label. 

His debut album "Hanggang Wakas" was finally released by MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).  “Hanggang Wakas” featuring :

“Pinaikot-ikot (the hit carrier single written by Vehnee Saturno)

“Pangakong Tapat” (Aster Adriano)

 “Ikaw Hanggang Wakas”

 “Magulang” featuring Bassilyo

 “Kaibigan”

“Handog” (his fave especially his version of Florante's song

And an ode to his incredible life as well as

“Minahal Kita”

“Solitaire”

“Hahabol-habol”

It also includes “Somewhere”- his duet with his coach, Tony Award winner Ms. Lea Salonga as well as his medley of Air Supply hits- “Every Woman In The World”, “I Can Wait Forever” and “Here I Am”. 

Mitoy continues to connect to more audiences worldwide, through his songs and his story. As wide as his vocal range, his future promises even broader possibilities for him. And everyone awaits his next big move!

Here are videos I did during the album launch as he sings songs from the Hanggang Wakas album. 

“Hanggang Wakas”, the new album from Mitoy Yonting is now out under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) in CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets and digital downloads via spinnr.ph and iTunes. It can also be streamed via Deezer and Spotify.

For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991.

For more new and updates on Mitoy Yonting, log on to : 

www.facebook.com/mcamusic or www.twitter.com/mca_music.

Farewell to a man of different faces, a true and noble one - RIP Robin Williams

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Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, who dazzled in such wide-ranging dramatic and comedic roles during a four-decades long career, is dead at 63.

He was outstanding in every role he played.

A representative for Williams said in a statement the actor had been battling "severe depression of late."

"This is a tragic and sudden loss," Mara Buxbaum said. "The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”

Williams' wife Susan Schneider said in a statement she is devastated and asked for privacy.

“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," she said. "I am utterly heartbroken. On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.”

What's my fave Robin's movie? Thinking of what I liked most? So many. . . Robin starred in many of my favorite films ... Mrs Doubtfire, Hook, Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Flubber, Patch Adams, Popeye, What Dreams May Come, Good Morning Vietnam, Jumanji, Hook, Jack, The Final Cut, Peter Pan, Bicentenial Man, Insomia, Man of the Year ... the list goes on.

Here's one from Dead Poets Society movie: 

Keating: "Seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may." Why does the writer use these lines?

Charlie: Because he's in a hurry.

Keating: No. Ding! Thank you for playing anyway. Because we are food for worms, lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die.

Reading his lines, jokes or one-liner quotes in his interviews, stand-up shows... I read http://www.reddit.com/user/RobinWilliams . . . There are many of them..I found some funny, serious, political, regarding sex, drugs, alcoholism..... 

Here are some best lines I like. Thanks Robin Williams, I will remember these quotes from you.

"Here"I'd like to start the show by showing you something I'm very proud of. You'll have to step back, though."

"What's right is what's left if you do everything else wrong."

"Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. Some get it as a graduation gift."

"Sometimes you've got to specifically go out of your way to get into trouble. It's called fun."

"I'm a very tolerant man, except when it comes to holding a grudge."

"Death – to blink for an exceptionally long period of time."

"Death is nature's way of saying, "Your table's ready."

An acting legend gone too soon, a man of different faces,  a true and noble one. 

Thank you Robin Williams for hours of laughs and memorable characters. We will miss you! Rest in peace. God is with you always. 

#RIPRobinWilliams

Stephen Bishop's "Timeless hits Tour" in Manila

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Stephen Bishop, American singer-songwriter, actor, and guitarist is here in Manila, Philippine for "Timeless Hits Tour" on August 13, 2014 08:00 PM at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City.

A clarinetist with hopes of becoming a History teacher, Stephen was forever changed after watching the Beatles one night on "The Ed Sullivan Show." He convinced his brother to buy him an electric guitar. He bought a "Mel Bay" chordbook and began to learn to play guitar and make up chords as well, writing his first song, "Surf’s Turf.." a pathetic sounding intrumental. He formed a band called, "The Weeds" and began to play at local fraternity parties incorporating his own original songs with various songs from top 40.

He started playing around town singing his songs in person for artists like, “Barbra Streisand...Bette Midler...Diana Ross." Shortly thereafter, he was signed to ABC Records who released his first album, "Careless." His two hits from that album were, "Save It For a Rainy Day," and "On and On.." Soon the album went gold, as well as his next album, Bish.

He sang the hit theme, "It Might Be You," from the movie, "Tootsie," as well as writing and/or singing 13 other films including, "Animal House," and "Separate Lives.." from "White Nights." His songs have been performed by artists such as: Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Art Garfunkel, Steve Perry, Stephanie Mills, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Phoebe Snow, David Crosby, The Four Tops, Aswad and Pavarotti.

Stephen was nominated for two Grammy’s and awarded an Oscar nomination for his song, "Separate Lives". His newest album is entitled, "Be Here Then"  released in January 2014.

More details and updates, visit stephenbishop.com.

Watch him perform his greatest hits live at Newport Performing Arts Theater - Resorts World Manila on August 13, 2014 at 8:00PM!

Kata at the SmartBro Gadget Expo in Batangas!

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The largest gadget convention SMARTBRO GADGET EXPO 2014 at is 2nd leg in Robinsons Lipa from August 15-17, 2014 will be presenting the top tech brands in the Philippines including Kata! 

Exciting deals and special promos await those who will take part of this expo event. Join and avail Early Bird promo by getting 1 SMART coupon to get free accessories and a whopping 50% off discount on Divoom Fit speaker for every purchase of any of our featured Kata devices.

All throughout the convention, you may also purchase any Kata gadgets at huge discounts with free screen protector and leather case with our KATA DAY sale!

Catch also Partner’s Hour on August 15 from 2-3pm to get the latest dibs about Kata’s products including the Kata F1 & Tmini. 

Get also a chance to win cool prizes in our Spin to Win and a brand new Kata B1 at the raffle draw!

For more exciting updates, visit :

katadigital.com.ph

facebook.com/katadigitalcom

twitter.com/katadigitalcom

instagram.com/katadigital

katadigitalphilippines.wordpress.com