The Medical and Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP) invites everyone in the medical and health library profession to take part in their 21st National Congress and Seminar-Workshop on February 25 to 27, 2009 at Tagaytay Country Hotel in Tagaytay City.
Carrying the theme, “The Challenge of Change: Partnerships and Developments Towards Globalization”, the seminar-workshop will focus on the current practices and perspectives in medical and health libraries as well as uplifting the role of librarians. In addition, the event aims to acquaint the participants to advanced developments and emerging technologies in libraries, medical and health care system; transform conventional services and practices to neo-conventional; and update the participants on the utilization of current tools and resources at-hand.
The seminar fee is PhP. 4,500.00 inclusive of 3 days/2 nights accommodation, certificate, program materials, and meals.
For inquiries, contact Ms. Lot Dorado, MAHLAP Treasurer at (+632) 743-6920 or via email, lotdorado@yahoo.com or Ms. Gina Canceran, MAHLAP Ex-officio at (+632) 526-5851 or via email, ginacanceran@yahoo.com.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Medical and Health Librarians All Set for National Congress
IT-Committed Public Schools Recognized at 3rd Cebu Education Congress
Tayud National High School and Florencio Urot Memorial National High School were among the 65 public high schools in Cebu recognized by Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom), the corporate social responsibility arm of Globe Telecom, during the 3rd Cebu Education Congress held last February 19 – 22, 2009 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.
Jointly organized by CEO Events and Expo Organizers and Coalition for Better Education, in cooperation with Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), RK Franchise Consultancy, and Filipino International Franchise Association, the education expo aims to aid parents and students alike who are looking for excellent education providers. Furthermore, the Cebu Education Expo is geared towards the demystification of career options among students and adults.
The 65 high schools honored came from the school division of Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City and Toledo City. These schools have been exerting efforts and pooling resources to sustain the donation that Globe has given them for the past three years under the telecommunication company’s Internet-In-Schools Program (ISP).
ISP provides free Internet access to partner schools in the country in contribution to the Gearing Up Internet Literacy and Access for Students (GILAS) program of the Ayala Foundation, Inc.
The opening ceremony was headed by DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus together with the CHED Regional Director Enrique Grecia, DepEd Regional Director Carolino Mordeno, TESDA OIC Regional Director Rossana Ordaneta and Cebu City Vice Mayor Mike Rama.
Other activities during the 3rd Cebu Education Congress included business seminars on new franchising trends by Willstrong Becker, Franchise Seminar by Rudolf A. Kotik of RK Franchise Consultancy, and Trademark Seminar by Atty. Karlo Nicolas. A job fair rounded up the exhibit event.
The 3rd Cebu Education Congress is sponsored by Globe Telecom, Inc., Call Center Academy, Microsoft Unlimited Potential, Smart Communications, Inc., Sparkles Balloons, 3DSense Media School, and the following media partners: Sun Star Cebu, Cebu Daily News, Cebu Gold Star Daily, and The Freeman.
NCCA Concludes National Arts Month on a High Note
February was filled with a wide array of performances, exhibits, and activities, as the country celebrated the National Arts Month – Philippine International Arts Festival (NAM-PIAF).
Manila City Councilor Yul Servo (real name John Marvin Neito) was chosen as this year’s spokesperson for the NAM celebration due to his initiatives to help out-of-school youth, increase art awareness and appreciation, and authored Resolution 115, entitled “The Resolution Expressing Full Support for the Move of His Honor, Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, in the Restoration of the Metropolitan Theater in the City of Manila.”
All over the country, different arts and culture groups as well as local governments held events for the PIAF with funding and support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). With the theme “Ani ng Sining,” the PIAF has evolved from Manila-centered activities to a truly national event, with key activities in all three major island groups, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, involving hundreds of artists from different disciplines of arts and reaching thousands of people from all walks of life all over the world.
Activities include Pa(ng)labas, a fusion of architecture and film media exhibit; Walai-Vernacular Architecture of Mindanao, architectural drawing and photography exhibit of the vernacular houses of Mindanao culled from the Walai Pangampong project; Sinerehiyon, a showcase of nascent cinema from the regions; Sayaw Pinoy, a dance concert tour featuring local dance troupe from host cities and municipalities together with professional dance companies; Organik Muzik, a series of concerts showing the metamorphosis of elements of Philippine music from village roots to urban manifestations; Philippine Writers Festival; and Philippine Visual Arts Fest.
Ending the NAM celebration on a high note, the NCCA gathered together the Filipino artists and artistic groups that garnered gold in international arts festivals and competitions, and presented them with Ani ng Dangal awards, held last February 28, 2009, at the Centennial Hall on Manila Hotel, in recognition of their exemplary performances. This is the first time that the Commission gave such award in the 18 years of celebrating NAM.
Awards presenters and special guests during the ceremony included Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, National Artists F. Sionil Jose, Bienvenido Lumbera, and Eddie Romero, and Manila Heritage Official Gemma Cruz Araneta.
Here is the list of Ani ng Dangal Awardees:
- Philippine All Stars, 7th World Hip Hop Championships
- Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, 10th Asia Pacific Dance Competition
- Quezon City Ballet, 2007 Dance Excellence Festival
- Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, 12th World Folk Dance Festival
- Janssen Knights, High School Musical: My School Rocks Competition
- Shirley Halili Cruz, most outstanding dance educator, 2008 Global Excellence Award
- Donna Miranda, jury prize winner, 2007 Yokohoma Dance Competition.
- Catherine Loria, 2008 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA)
- Aria Clemente, 2007 WCOPA
- Vina Morales, First Ikon Asean Malaysia
- Reymond Sajor, WCOPA
- Las Piñas Boys Choir, 5th World Choir Games
- Kalawan Boys Choir, pop a capella category, 5th World Choir Games
- Philippine Normal University Chorale, 26th Festival Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros Himig Singers, mixed ensemble vocal category, First Asian Choir Games
- Philippine Madringal Singers, chorale singing, 2007 European Chorale Grand Prix
- University of the East Chorale, grand pix and gold in classical and pop categories, 2007 Busan Chorale Festival and Competition
- Novo Concertante, folklore category, 23rd Takarazuka International Chamber Chorale Contest
- Mapua Concert Singers, folklore and open mixed choir categories, 2007 A Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival (AVSICF)
- Sta. Teresita Parish Chorale, 2007 AVSICF
Chiang Kai Shek College Youth Choir, open equal voices and folklore categories, 2007 AVSICF - Most Holy Redeemer Parish Master Chorale, open mixed choir category, 2007 AVSICF
- UP Singing Ambassadors, grand prize and gold in sacral music, folk music, and spiritual/gospel/jazz categories, 4th International Choir Festival in Mundus Cantat Sopot
- Coro de Sta. Cecilia, musica sacra a capella category, Asian Open, First Asian Choir Games
- Cebu Chamber Singers, winner of gold diplomas in the mixed chamber choirs and gospel and spiritual categories, Asian Open, in the First Asian Choir Games
- Lyceum of the Philippines Chorale, mixed youth choir and musica sacra a capella categories, Asian Open, First Choir Games
- Mandaue School for the Arts Children’s Choir, children’s choir, music of the religions, and folklore categories, Asian Championship, First Asian Choir Games
- Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, gospel and spiritual category, Asian Choir Championship, First Asian Choir Games
- Vox Angeli Children’s Choir, children choir category, 2008 Hongkong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival
- University of Northwestern Philippines Choral, folkloric category, 2008 Hong Kong International Youth and Children’s Choir Festival
- Kjwan Band, group category, First Ikon ASEAN
- KHP Koro Techniuv, First Folklore Festival Interfolk
- Miguel Syjuco, 2008 Man Asian Literary Award
- Michael Coroza, 2007 Philippine recipients of the Southeast Asian Write Award
- Elmer Ordoñez, Philippine recipients of the Southeast Asian Write Award
- Melancholia directed by Lav Diaz, Best Film, Orrizonti Section, 65th Venice International Film FestivalFoster Child directed by Brillante Mendoza, Best Film, 29th Durban International Film Festival; special jury award, 4th Eurasia International Film Festival
- Tirador directed by Brillante Mendoza, Best Film, Best Director, and NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) awards, 21st Singapore International Film Festival; caligari award, 58th Berlin International Film Festival; special jury award, 7th Marradekech International Film Festival
- Neo-lounge directed by Joanna Vasquez-Arong, Bst Documentary Film, 34th Brussels International Independent Film Festival
- Bulong by Joaquin Valdes, Best Short Narrative, 2nd New Beijing International Movie Week
- Brillante Mendoza, Best Director for the film Serbis, 6th International Pacific Meridian Film Festival; golden kinaree, 6th Bangkok International Film Festival
- Ricky Davao, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the film Signos, UK International Filmmaker Film Festival
- Emilio Garcia, Best Actor for the movie, Selda, 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival
- Cherrie Pie Picache, Best Actress, 29th Durban International Film Festival
- Yul Servo, Outstanding Actor for Independent Film, 35th Brussels International Film Festival
- Sid Lucero, Best Actor, 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival
- Gina Pareño, Best Actress for the movie, Kubrador, 26th Amiens International Film Festival
- Jose Fernandez Datuin, 2008 Sport and Art Contest
- Bernardo Matudan, 15th Annual World Children’s Picture Contest
- Remster Bautista, Young Artists Showcase 2007
- Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Irwin and Florenze Zlowe Memorial Award, 90th American Society of Contemporary Artists Annual Art Exhibition and Award
- Ross Capili, travel journalism-travel photograph category, 2008 PATA Grand Awards
- GMA Network, Inc., (Reporter’s Notebook), human interest category, 2008 New York Festivals International for TV Programming and Promotion
- Power to Unite Catholic Family Bible Group, Inc., (The Catholic Family Bible Quiz), innovative music video, 2008 New York Festivals International for TV Programming and Promotion
FCBAI Gathered Bakers, Confectionery Suppliers at Bakery Fair 2009
Numerous companies involved in bakery, confectionery, food service, and allied industries gathered under one roof for the 5th International Exhibition on Bakery, Confectionery and Food Service Equipment and Supplies (Bakery Fair 2009) held last February 19 – 21, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Organized by the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), the biannual event aims to showcase the best in the bakery, confectionery, and food industries of the Philippines. It also continues to improve the quality of its exhibitors and enhance the learning experiences for bakery and bakery operations of its visitors.
Bakery Fair 2009 filled up over 400 booths and attracted more than 25,000 visitors. In the three day event, participating companies showcased a wide range of products and recipe applications to meet the needs of growing as well as starting bakeries. Other companies also shared some business opportunities and marketing ideas to assist clients in expanding their operations.
Renowned Chef Heny Sison graced Bakery Fair 2009 and gave baking and pastry decorating demonstration. Other activities during the fair included cake decorating competition, bartending contest, seminars and baking demonstrations.
Bakery Fair 2009 is supported by Bakels Philippines, Inc., Besterm International Corporation, Asia Cold Storage Corporation, Sonlie International, Inc., Ferna Corporation, Puratos Philippines, Mix Plant, Inc., Middleby Worldwide Philippines, Inc., Kerry Ingredients Asia, Handyware Philippines, Inc., San Miguel Mills, Corman Professional, Unicomm Ingredients Phils., Inc., ADSIA Eurobakers Marketing Corporation, Sinmag Bakery Machine Corporation, Eagle Wings International Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation (Flour Division), Ab Mauri Philippines, Inc., Unity Marketing Corporation, U.S. Wheat Associates, Association of Foodcart Owners and Suppliers Philippines, Inc., 3A System Machinery Philippines Corporation, Jismar Equipment Trading and Services, Inc., Chocolate World, Optima Display Systems Company, Zebra Thailand (Satien Stainless Steel Public Co. Ltd.), Alatone Plastics, Inc., Sun-Maid Raisins, Torani, Conlins Coffee World, KLG International, Inc., Foodservice Division, Wills International Sales Corporation, Novozymes, RM Boxes, General Milling Corporation, California Raisins, Sanko Plastics Philippines, Inc., Foodie Magazine, Cook Magazine, Julie's Bakeshop, French Baker, Gardenia Bakeries (Phils.) Inc., and Walter Bread.
For more information about the Bakery Fair 2009, contact the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc., at (632) 2542518, 2542526, email fcbai_phils@yahoo.com.ph, info@fcbai.org, or visit their website at http://www.fcbai.org/
11th PSITE National Convention Drew ICT Educators from Across RP
Information and communication technology (ICT) educators from all over the country traveled to the Zanorte Convention Center in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte for the 11th Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) National Convention last February 26-28, 2009.
Carrying the theme, “Emerging Trends in ICT Education”, the first day of the event was filled with plenary sessions from selected resource persons and presentations from sponsors designed to equip ICT educators nationwide on the latest technology and address the current issues in ICT education.
Among the resource speakers were:
- Ms. Maria Melizza Tan, Head Executive Assistant of the Human Capital Development Group of the Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT) who discussed “Information and Communication Technology Directions in the Philippines”.
- Ms. Fe Ferriols, PSITE Vice President – External talked about “Addressing ICT Education Gap through Partnership”.
- Mr. Federico Gonzales, President and CEO of Philippine Emerging Startups Open (PESO), Inc. shared his insights on the topic “Changing the Mindset: Employee to Employer”.
The day was capped with the Hudyaka - Dipolog Medical Center (DMC) Zanorte Dinner and Fireworks presentation held at the DMC College Foundation Open Field.
Representatives from different universities and colleges in the Philippines presented their outstanding studies during the ITE Best Practices held during the second day of the convention. Participating academic institutions include:
Afterwards, selected delegates from the regional chapters of PSITE gave their annual activity and financial reports followed by the report of PSITE President Jaime D.L. Caro.
A beach-themed JEDI Party Night at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort concluded the second day for the almost 200 attendees of the national convention.
A Commission on Higher Education (CHED-TPITE) public hearing was held before the closing ceremony and distribution of certificate of attendance, which was held at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort.
The 11th PSITE National Convention is sponsored by DMC-College Foundation, Sun Microsystems, Inc., Java Education Development Initiative (JEDI) Project, PLDT, All Visual & Lights Systems, Inc., (AVLS), XCEL Software Solutions Philippines, Inc., Philippine AVANTE International Technologies, Inc., Microsoft, University of the Philippines Information Technology Training Center (UP ITTC), Cisco Systems, Inc., NG KHAI Development Corporation, Anvil Publishing, Inc., Cengage Learning, Teleglobal of Philippines, Inc. (Toph), Computer Assisted Learning, IBM , and Smart Communications, Inc.
International Jazz Artists Invaded Manila for Jazz Fest 2009
The biggest names in Jazz invaded Manila and made beautiful music during the Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival (PIJF) held the whole month of February until March 4, 2009.
Organized by the Philippine International Jazz Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the event has grown into the biggest and longest music festival in the country; having presented more than two hundred Filipino bands, twenty one concert performers, and ten artists from ten embassies for the past four years.
Hiromi’s Sonicbloom (Japan), Spyro Gyra (USA), Ms. Dianne Reeves (USA), Mr. Mike Stern (USA), Mr. Laurence Elder (USA), Mr. Ivan Lins (Brazil), Ms. Claudia Acuna (Chile), Sacbe (Mexico), Mr. Amir Bwirtzman (Israel), Logic Band (Australia), Mr. Mike del Ferro (Netherlands), Ms. Keiko Fukuda (Japan), Mr. Fabio Turchetti (Italy), Mr. Ray Sidney (USA), Mr. Marcel Worms (Netherlands), and Mr. Romero Lubambo (USA/Rio de Janeiro) were among the international jazz artists who graced PIJF.
Brass Munkeys, Mr. Tots Tolentino, Human Folk, Hairy Dawgs, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps, Aquarela, Ms. Bayang Barrios, Bembol Rockers, Brigada, Cubanilla, Ms. Bituin Escalante, Escola de Samba de Manille, Guarana, Johnny Allegre Affinity, Juan Isip, Ms. Nyko Maca and Playground, Ted Nikollof, Sinosikat, Sitti, and Yosha were the local artists who shared their music during the event.
Jazz fans were treated to several activities during the festival. PIJF was formally opened last February 26, 2009 at the Captain’s Bar in Mandarin Hotel – Manila in Makati City. PIJF conducted mall tours and embassy shows and workshops were held in different parts of the metro.
A 300-member Black Gospel Choir performed with Juan Isip and Logic last February 28, 2009 at Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City. Free Jazz workshops were held last March 1, 2009 at Dencio's, Rockwell Plaza with Ms. Hiromi Uehara and Mr. Mike Stern, and on March 2, 2009 at Dencio's, Rockwell Plaza with Dave Weckl and Charito.
The Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival is sponsored by Cream Silk, Dove, Ethan Allen, Pond’s, SieMatic, Sub-Zero, Lifestyle Network, Velvet, Metro, Metro Society, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), and Philippine Airlines. Venue Sponsors are Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta Mall, Mandarin Oriental – Manila, Power Plant Mall, and Rockwell Land. Official Radio partners are 105.1 Crossover, Dream FM 106.7, 103.5 MAX FM, and XFM 92.3.
Friday, February 27, 2009
PACERS Held Annual Counselling Convention
Practitioners, academicians and students of Counseling Psychology and other related disciplines were present during the Philippine Association of Counselor Education, Research and Supervision (PACERS) 33rd Annual Convention – Workshop held last February 18 – 20,2009 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate, Manila.
With the theme, “Strengthening the Professional Identity of Counselors Through Responsive Training and Practice”, the convention aims to focus on the quality of the counselors education and training, discuss the process of counseling supervision to establish a continuing process for the care of not only the professional expertise but also of the counselor emotional being, and to elaborate on how the participants can become scientifically-minded counselors.
Different panel discussions highlighted the first two days of the three-day event.
Topic | Speaker |
| Accreditation of Counselor Education Programs | Dr. Barbara Wong-Fernandez, Dean, Institute of Education of the Far Eastern University - Manila Dr. Conchita V. Umali, Consultant for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) |
| "Counseling Supervision" | Dr. Jose Alberto Reyes, Associate Professor, Counselling and Educational Psychology Department (CEPD) - De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila Dr. Julian R. Montano, Executive Director of Psychological Advantage |
| Scientifically-Minded Practice | Dr. Rosemarie Salazar-Clemena, Full Professor, CEPD - DLSU Dr. Becky Brannock, Visiting Professor, CEPD - DLSU |
PACERS organized three workshops sessions for the attendees during the last day.
- School Counseling Program" workshop by Dr. Carmelita Pabiton, part-time professor in CEPD
- "Supervised Counseling Practice" workshop by Dr. Jose Alberto Reyes, associate professor in CEPD.
- Mixed Methods Research Design workshop by Dr. Madalene Sta. Maria, Director of the CHED Zonal Center for Research University Research Coordination Office of DLSU, and
- Solution Focused Therapy workshop by Ms. Maria Angela Virata, Counselor and Consultant of In Touch Community Services
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Housing Finance Industries Present During Third Philippine Housing Finance Forum
Representatives from banks and financial institutions, property developers, along with government shelter agencies and other stakeholders in the country's housing industry, were present during the Third Philippine Housing Finance Forum (PHFF) held last February 19, 2009 at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.
The event, organized by the Home Guaranty Corporation, carried the theme, “Opportunities in Housing in Times of Uncertainty’. The annual conference aims to create awareness of the housing situation and opportunities amidst the international financial crunch, gather the industry stakeholders and discuss plans to mitigate the effects of the economic slowdown on the housing sector, boost cooperation among industry sectors thereby strengthening the industry, and to generate new ideas to sustain home financing and development.
Vice President Noli de Castro, chair of the Housing and Urban Development coordinating Council (HUDCC) gave the keynote address during the forum, while HGC president G.B.A. Bongolan presented an update and overview of the present housing finance industry situation.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Students’ Creative Works Recognized at Third Student Advertising Congress
The creative minds and works of students aiming to become part of the advertising profession were recognized at the Third Student Advertising Congress (SAC) held last February 18, 2009 at the Fleur de lis Auditorium of St. Paul University-Manila.With the theme, “Advance to the Future”, the congress aims to gear and train the students to be prepared before joining the real world of advertising.
Mr. Dan Villa, Chairman of SAC gave the opening remarks and formally declared the opening of the congress. After which, Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim handed to the SAC officers the symbolic key to the city. St. Paul University-Manila President Ms. Wyna Marie Medina welcomed the 1,500 student-delegates from schools, colleges, universities and institutions nationwide offering mass communication, advertising, broadcasting, fine arts, public relations and other allied courses.
Notable personalities in the advertising community shared their knowledge and insights in their field of specialty. These include:
- Mr. Ian Sta. Maria and Mr. Argem Vinuya, Senior Art Directors for DDB Philippines
- Mr. Ronald Esguerra, Marketing Director for MTV Philippines
- Mr. Jao Bautista, Copywriter for BBDO Guerrero Ortega
- Mr. Joel Limchoc, Executive Creative Director for BBDO Guerrero Ortega
- Ms. Kathleen Mojica, President of Hear! Hear! Radio Specialists, Inc.
- Mr. Ralph Menorca, Marketing Manager of Studio 23
- Ms. Lucien Dytioco, VP for Advertising of The Philippine Star
- Ms. Cecille Ang, Marketing Head of SM Mall of Asia
The Third Student Advertising Congress is presented by NS Telecom in cooperation with YOU Magazine, Inquirer Job Market Online, Armvet Commercial Press, Negros Navigation, Mocha Blends, Netopia Internet Café, Microsoft Philippines, Inc. , Trabaho.com, E-Games, and the following media partners: The Philippine Star, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Libre, Adobo Magazine, Bounce Magazine, The Radio Partners, Inc., (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, Killer Bee FM, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM) 91.5 Energy FM, NU 107, 101.1 Yes-FM, 90.7 Love Radio, DZRH (and all its provincial stations which include: DYBN Cebu, DXBE Davao, DYBE Bacolod, DXKB Cagayan de Oro, DXEL Zamboanga, DXKM Gen. Santos, DXNS Butuan and DYSR Dumaguete), MTV Philippines, and UNTV .
First Cinema Expo in RP Gathered Local and International Players
Movie industry companies, media partners, ad agencies, film professionals, and student organizations involved in film production from here and abroad filled the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City for the CINEXPO 2009. Held last February 17 – 18, 2009, media and film companies discussed the latest cinema trends, issues, networking and partnerships, and exhibited their films, various media products, and services.
Organized by SM Cinema, the event gathered the biggest local and Hollywood film producers and distributors. Among the participants were Star Cinema, Regal Films, Viva Films, GMA Films, Pioneer Pictures, Inc., Solar Entertainment Corporation (official United International Pictures distributor in the Philippines), Warner Bros. Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, and Columbia Pictures.
The two-day event was filled with presentations and seminars.
- Mr. Alex Morrison, country manager of Hills & Associates Philippines, who discussed “Anti-Piracy: A Growing Pain”;
- Atty. Rosendo Menesser, Optical Media Board Executive Director, who shared the organization’s anti piracy campaign;
- Ms. Mylene Abiva, president of Philippine Marketing Association for “Consumer Behavior: Emerging Market Segments”;
- Mr. March Ventosa, Vice President for Marketing of ABS-CBN tackled “Branded Advertising: The New Advertising”;
- Mr. Raymund de Vera, Vice President for Ad Sales and Marketing for ACCESS and Sales Representative of AXN and Animax talked about “Cinema Advertising: Engaging the Heart and Mind of your Audience”;
- Mr. Pete Jimenez, General Manager of Optima Digital, together with Mr. Stephen Sy, Visual Effects Supervisor, and Ms. Marilen Magsaysay, Senior Colorist shared their knowledge on “Color grading and VFX Case Studies”; and
- Ms. Haidie Esmero, business unit manager of SM Cinema for “SM Cinema: Your Advertising Partner”.
A special screening of the recent local films “Dayo,” the first digital animation film in the country and entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and “Jay," an award-winning and internationally-acclaimed independent film from Cinemalaya served as the concluding activity for CINEXPO. SM also honored film producers, distributors, artists, and media partners in the 2008 SM Cinema Awards. The award was given to 5 top grosser films for 2008. These were “A Very Special Love”, “For the First Time”, “Caregiver”, “My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend”, and “Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat”. During the awards night held last February 18, 2009, SM Cinema gave its first Box Office King and Queen award to A Very Special Love main cast John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
First Philippine Astronomy Convention Staged
More than 230 participants composed of professional and nonprofessional astronomers, professors, and students filled up the Plenary Hall area of the Rizal Technological University (RTU) in Mandaluyong City last February 15, 2009 for the First Philippine Astronomy Convention (PAC 2009).
Hosted by the Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP), PAC 2009 serves as a venue for all astronomers and astronomy-related organizations, institutions, and agencies in the country to exchange ideas, and discuss matters on astronomy and astrophysics. The convention is held during the National Astronomy Week (NAW), a weeklong celebration participated by numerous astronomical organizations, institutions, schools, and universities in the country.
Representatives from various schools such as Rizal Technological University, Cavite State University, Cayetano Science High School, Valenzuela City Science High School, Trinity University of Asia - High School, Pasig City Science High School, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Integrated School, Asian Institute of Computer Studies, as well as members of Philippine Astronomical Society, National Institute of Physics, and International Year of Astronomy – National Organzing Committee (IYA-NOC) were present to grace the event.
RTU Vice President Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres led the ribbon cutting ceremony with ALP president James Kevin Ty, ALP NAW Chairman Dr. Armando Lee and ALP PRO Alice Villa-Real. This was followed by the opening remarks given by Dr. Torres, who spoke in behalf of RTU President Dr. Jose Macaballug.
Different topics were discussed during the convention:
| Topic | Speaker |
| International Year of Astronomy 2009 Celebration at Paris, France | Ms. Pauline Pearl Divinagracia, delegate, International Year of Astronomy 2009 |
| Course Offerings In Astronomy In The Philippines | Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, RTU Vice President |
| Ethno-Astronomy in the Philippines | Dr. Dante Ambrosio of UP Department of History |
| Sidewalk Astronomers celebrates IYA2009 (100HA, Global Star Party, IYA) | Dr. Armando Lee, ALP NAW Chairman and Sidewalk Astronomers' 100 Hours of Astronomy Philippines Coordinator |
| EQMOD Software | Engr. Raymund Sarmiento, ALP |
| Jupiter's Oval BA (Red Spot Jr.,) | Mr. Christopher Go, 2006 Father Leo Boethin Astronomy Achievement Awardee |
The convention was concluded with the telescope exhibit and viewing session held at the RTU Grounds. More than 12 scopes were placed at the RTU school grounds to let the participants get a chance to view the night sky. The telescopes that were used include a WO Zenithstar 80 II refractor on EQ-4 mount, 80mm Orion ST80 refractor, TV-101 refractor on Vixen GP-D mount, TV-101 refractor on Vixen GP-D mount, Orion 5" Apex Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, and a Celestron 80WA refractor.
Astronomical exhibits were presented during the annual gathering, showcasing astronomical photographs taken by Filipino astronomers. Poster contributions from local and international scientists were also displayed to disseminate their activities and research outputs.
The First Philippine Astronomy Convention is in cooperation with Rizal Technological University, National Museum Planetarium, and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
For more details about the convention, please contact ALP President James Kevin Ty at (0917) 8559863, (0922) 8999ALP (257), ALP Education / NAW Chairman Dr. Armando Lee at (0917) 7922053, or visit the Astronomical League of the Philippines website at http://www.astroleaguephils.org/
Everything Flew High at Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Living up to the event’s tagline, “Weekend of Everything that Flies”, hot air balloons, light airplanes, remote control aircrafts, kites, and even people (in the form of skydivers and paragliders), were seen hovering the sky during the 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) held last February 12 – 15, 2009 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Organized by the Clark Development Corporation and the Hot Air Balloon Club of the Philippines, the four-day event was filled with numerous activities, including paragliding exhibition, ultralight aircraft formation flying, skydiving exhibition, kite flying demonstration, remote controlled aircraft flight demo, and balloon bursting competition.
Additional activities were also held at the grounds of Clark Freeport Zone. These include car drifting show, performances by the Philippine Air Force band, and San Fernando Giant Lantern Parade.
The highlight of the PIHABF is the flight of the 25 participating hot air balloons. These propane powered aircrafts flew twice on each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Some of the hot air balloons shaped like a cola bottle, telephone book, coffee mug, and an elephant were head turners and became favorites of guest photographers.
During the evening, spectators were treated with a night glow, wherein these hot air balloons were fired up and turned into giant, uniquely-shaped lanterns.
The 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is sponsored by Cirrus Design Corporation, UPS, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Caltex, SM City Clark, Fonterra, Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Rudy Project, Hotel Vida, Kellogs, 105.1 Crossover, DSV Air and Sea, Inc., Filinvest, Hotdog OnSticks, Business Mirror, NCO Group, Solar Entertainment Corporation, C/S Origin, ETC (Entertainment Central), 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Sci Fi Channel, Land Rover, Ford Motors Philippines, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Air Force City – Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Clark International Airport Corporation, Department of Tourism, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and Philippine Tourism Authority.
Friday, February 20, 2009
A Gathering of Talents as the Philippine International Writers Fest
Water Sustainability Sought at 30th PAWD National Convention
Water district officials and suppliers nationwide converged at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel last February 11-13, 2009 for the 30th Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) National Convention.
Hosted by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), this year's national convention was guided by the theme "Water and Sanitation: Our Responsibility, Our Legacy". This yearly event aims to serve as an avenue for stakeholders in the water service industry to find ways on how to address the decreasing water supply of the country and the deteriorating waste water system.
The event convened at least 1,000 participants from 500 water districts from all over the country. Delegates were composed of water district officials, local and foreign suppliers, water utilities experts, engineers, traders and innovators
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Board Chairman Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. graced the annual event. In his speech, Sec. Duque reaffirmed DOH's support for the institution of water safety plans for public health.
On the other hand, Chairman Pichay vowed LWUA's sustained financial and other development assistance for the country's numerous water districts in assuring the people's basic right to clean water. Mr. Pichay added that LWUA is seeking ways to find more cost effective water treatment technology available locally rather than importing from suppliers abroad.
Activities during the event included technical paper presentations, products and services exhibition, and the 14th PAWD National Oratorical and Poster Making Contest. Third year high school student Mr. Jemimah Pearl C. D'lonsod from Southpoint School in Davao City emerged as champion for the National Oratorical contest. Mr. D'lonsod represented Davao City Water Disrtict. Mr. Jonathan Dave P. Ubiña of Metro Tuguegarao Water District , won second place while Mr. Rafael Victor R. Villanueva of Butuan City Water District from Angelicum Montessori School in Butuan City went home as third runner-up.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Local and Global Tech-based Industries Merged at SMX for e-Services 2009
The SMX Convention Center in Pasay City served as the venue conference room for local and global companies involved in information and communication technology (ICT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) to discuss new trends and challenges in their respective industries during the 9th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition(e-Services 2009) last February 9 – 10, 2009.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, Philippine Board of Investments, DTI - Foreign Trade Service Corps, and DTI – Regional Operations Development Group, the event has served as the annual gathering in Asia Pacific where global thought leaders, decision makers and centers of excellence in global ICT and BPO converge and collaborate with one another to discuss trends, issues, and emerging business models in the IT business.
President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo gave the event’s keynote address. According to President Arroyo, the event came at the time when the global economic situation is clearly an issue for everyone. The President thanked the corporate heads of the international companies who decided to invest in the Philippines and “turn wild ideas into indispensable tools to advance business and the quality of our lives.”
The first day of the conference was filled with plenary sessions on risk management, human resource challenges, and global sourcing. Sector based discussions were also held during the last day of the confab.
The highlight of the event was the annual e-Services Awards, which aims to highlight the contribution of intellectual property creation to the growth of the Philippine off-shoring and outsourcing industry, particularly in animation and game development, back office business process outsourcing, contact centers, software development and maintenance, and transcription. Among the awardees were Advance World Systems and Media Farm for Outstanding Client Application of the Year; Tech Factors, Total Transcription Solutions, and Navigator Systems for Outstanding Consumer Application of the Year; EMR Global and Next IX Systems for Groundbreaking Technology of the Year; and Transprocure, Pointwest Technologies, and PeopleSupport for Most Progressive Homegrown Companies.
The 9th e-Services Global Sourcing Conference and Exhibition is in partnership with Business Processing Association of the Philippines, Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., Game Development Association of the Philippines, and Medical Transcription Industry Association of the Philippines Inc., and the following media partners: Business World, IT Matters, Business Mirror, and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
2008 ASEAN Business and Investment Summit
This year, Thailand assumes the Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council (ASEANBAC) and will become host of the annual ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN-BIS) on February 25- 27, 2009 at Plaza Athénée Bangkok A Royal Meridien Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.
Conducted over the past five years, the 2008 ASEAN-BIS which carries the theme “People to People: Commitment Towards ASEAN Prosperity”, will continue to provide the platform for knowledge exchange and relations network among regional and global businessmen. The event will have its regular feature of keynote addresses delivered by the ASEAN Heads of State and Government, ASEAN Economic Ministers and private sector speakers from the ASEAN and Asian regions and beyond. One of the lime lights of the 2008 ASEAN-BIS will be the winners’ announcement of the prestigious ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2008 to recognize outstanding and successful ASEAN companies contributing to ASEAN's economic growth and prosperity. ABA also aims to showcase promising ASEAN small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the potential to be global players. Both initiatives have congregated the private and public sector organizations, government representatives and captains of industry from within and outside ASEAN to achieve the common mission of the AEC.
The 2008 ASEAN-BIS Conference is expected to reach over 700 delegates. The 2008 ASEAN-BIS Gala Dinner and Presentation of the ABA Winners with its capacity to hold 500 guests are already sold out.
ASEAN-BAC organizes the annual ASEAN-BIS alongside the annual ASEAN Summits, with the mandate to bring the private sector into the mainstream of ASEAN economic activities.
ASEAN-BAC, together with its co-organizers, the Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Thai Bankers Association, and supporting organizations ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry, East Asia Business Council, and Greater Mekong Sub-Region Business Forum closely coordinate with the respective national chambers of commerce and industry of member countries in the realization of the event. ASEAN-BAC has also received strong support from business organizations of Dialogue Partners.
The 2008 ASEAN-Business and Investment Summit is sponsored by Siam Cement Group, Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), Mitsui & Co (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd., PTT Public Company Limited, Tetra Pak (Thai) Ltd., Thai Beverage PCL., Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co.,Ltd., Charoen Pokphand Group, and Amata Corporation PCL.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Daet hosts 1st int’l kiteboarding tilt
Friday, February 13, 2009
Barobo NHS Received Laurels at 2nd DPSA Learning Challenge Awards
The awarding ceremony of the 2nd DPSA Learning Challenge was held last Feb. 5 and 6 at the A. Venue Hall in Makati City.
The competition, a part of the Smart Schools Program’s (SSP) web-based project Doon Po Sa Amin, a search for the richest and most significant online local content generated by student- teacher groups from SSP partner schools.
Barobo National High School’s winning entry “Sumbada: Buhay Lambat” is a descriptive study on the local fishermen’s practice of Sumbada, its legality and the impact on the fishing industry.
“Our entry is all about awakening the minds of the people in our locality,” says Jade de los Santos, a student-member of the team. Sumbada is an illegal fishing method that uses very fine nets and active gears to catch fish. “Throughout our region, it is only in our locality that sumbada is being practiced,” he adds.
Head coach Romulo Morata, who spent several nights at sea with some of his students to observe the practice, said that “the students knew what sumbada is, but did not exactly realize what it was all about — its effect and how vital it was for us Barobohanons.” Now that his students are better informed regarding the issue, he is confident that they can “contribute to the development of our community.”
The team hopes that through their study, the local government units and the community will work together to find sustainable solutions to address this problem.
Aside from de los Santos, the other members of the team include: senior students Jennifer Noveras and Reiza Tecson; juniors Christine Dianne Angeles and Kevin Jay Gerbabuena; sophomores Gretchen Balahay, Glenn Calamba, Marian Joyce Macadine, Karren Kaye Serrano and Joymae Lyn Morata; freshmen Noren Ruffa Mae Bacsin, Vanessa Gerbabuena, RM David Martinote, John Ruel Dela Peña and Randy Colina; and teacher-coaches Romeo Lepardo, Jr. and Ariadne Cuares, ICT Coordinator/Moderator Alex Mistula and adviser Principal Aida Aribal.
Its second entry, “Davisol: Mga Likha at Pananampalataya,” won the Best in Arts and Culture Topic Category award and special award for Best in Photos. The teacher-student teams of the winning entries received a total of P120, 000.00 cash prize (P50, 000.00 for Grand Champion; P30, 000.00 each for Topic Category Award winner; and P10, 000.00 for Special Award) and DPSA premium items while their school will receive one (1) AOC LED computer monitor and three (3) desktops.
The other topic category winners were: Nueva Ecija High School for “Mathematics of the Tricycle City” (Best in Mathematics); Batanes National Science High School for “Lime and its Building Power” (Best in Science and Environment); Naga City Science High School for “Tigsik: Pagsalingoy sa Lenguaheng Bikolano” (Best in Language and Literature); Science and Technology Education Center for “Binisaya: Myth or Scientific” (Best in Health and Wellness); and Naga City Science High School for “Mike V. Padua: Pag-asa Kan Naga” (Best in Social Science).
Special awards were also handed out to Agusan National High School (Best in Student Collaboration), Bataan National High School for “Mt. Samat: The Stand for the Fallen” (Best Website), Maddela Comprehensive High School for “Sierra Madre: The Peak of Life” (Best in Community Impact) The special awardees each received P10,000 and a trophy.
Each winning team was asked to exhibit their works during the awarding event where Nueva Ecija High School garnered the most number of text votes to win an additional P10,000 cash prize for Best in Booth Exhibit award.
For more information about the event, contact Smart Communications, Inc. Public Affairs Group at (632) 511-3101, fax (632) 511-3100, email publicaffairs@smart.com.ph or visit the event website at www.doonposaamin.ph.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
National and College Theater Festival to Open
The event will feature a showcase of six exceptional theater performances that will be followed by a conference featuring international guest artists that will tackle the contributions of theater groups in the universities and colleges all over the Philippines in the hopes of forming a National Student Theater Alliance. The fourth Tanghal is aimed at marking the importance of university and college-based theater programs in the Philippine history.
This year’s fourth Tanghal is slated to take place in the National Capital Region (NCR), as the three previous theater festivals were held in the provinces.
The first Tanghal was held in Iloilo City in 2007 and was hosted by the University of San Agustin and the Teatrokon Western Visayas Theater Network. In 2008, Tanghal moved to Zamboanga with the Western Mindanao State University and the local government unit of the City of Zamboanga playing hosts. For the third leg of the theater festival, Tanghal was held at Laguna, hosted by Colegio de San Juan Letran in Calamba in cooperation with the Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog, Inc., Linang Laguna Theater Network and the Lusong Luzon Theater Network.
The PIAF is annually held every February as per the Presidential Proclamation No. 683 signed by former President Corazon Aquino in 1991 and is currently undertaken by NCCA headed by its chairman, Dr. Vilma Labrador and its executive director Cecile Guidote Alvarez. Commissioner Ricardo de Ungria, head of the Subcommission on the Arts, is the festival director of PIAF 2010.
For details, contact the NCCA at (632) 527-2192 loca 612-615, email ncca.paio@gmail.com or log on to www.ncca.gov.ph.
