Soroptimists International of the Philippines 22nd Biennial Conference

Last May 20 to 23, 2010, the Soroptimists International of the Philippines Region (SIPR) (A Foundation) Inc. celebrated its 22nd Biennial Conference at the Fontana Leisure Parks, Clarkfield Pampanga.

Ms. Carmen A. Flor, SIPR Governor, recognized the conference as a celebration of the varied accomplishments of SIPR clubs throughout the country. The conference was also a showcase of the best of the 2010 SIPR from the approved new SIPR Bylaws – the merger of the SIPR Foundation and SIPR official by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SIPR Clubs’ support to SIPR Dream Raffles, and SIPR members’ support to the Disaster Relief Fund and Sampaguita and Laurel Societies, to the “SIPR Club Grant” that will provide startup capital for the micro-enterprises for the women in the barangays.

On the other hand, the Unsung Women Heroes Award, which is SIPR’s signature program, again presented outstanding women that extended their hand in uplifting the well-being of women and girls in the communities. Some of the awardees were Ms. Agnesita S. Espiritu, Dr. Christina L. Santos, Ms. Eden M. Reyes, Ms. Patricia Anne P. Gallardo, Ms. Ellen C. Batisan, Ms. Emerenciana S. Tuliao, and Ms. Rosalinda G. Dagcasin.

Soroptimists International of the Philippines Region (SIPR) (A Foundation) Inc. is in partnership with government agencies, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

For more information, contact SIRP through the telephone numbers (02) 706-2366 or 994-7861, telefax at (02) 706-3933, e-mail at sipr@soroptimistphil.org or visit the website: www.soroptimistphil.org.

Nomination Open for Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence

The Manila Times, through the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence, seeks to recognize and honor outstanding Chinese-Filipinos who have excelled in various fields of discipline and made great contributions to the Filipino society.

It is for this reason that The Manila Times decided to institutionalize an annual system of recognition of distinguished Chinese-Filipinos. Now in its fifth year, the Tsinoy Awards continue to celebrate the best in the Tsinoy community which has become a pillar of the society.

Nomination for the Awards shall be open to all Filipino citizen of Chinese descent, have received Chinese education, at the minimum, should be able to understand Chinese language, and have observed/practiced or still observes or practices some Chinese tradition

The nominee must be engaged in the following fields of endeavor: Art, Literature and Culture, Business and Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Journalism, Management and Finance, Medicine, Public Service, Science and Technology, Sports and professionals. He or she shall have demonstrated outstanding leadership in his field of endeavor and made outstanding contribution to mainstream society.

Any individual, private or public entity or organization may submit nominations. Nomination forms may be obtained at www.manilatimes.net. Forms must be submitted or mailed to The Manila Times, 371 A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on April 16, 2010.

For more information, contact The Manila Times at (632) 524 5664 up to 67, fax (632) 301 9552 or visit their website at http://www.manilatimes.net.

CEO EXCEL AWARDS 2010 named new winners

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) presented the CEO EXCEL Awards 2010 last March 23.

This awards is to give recognition to the most outstanding business communicators not only in the Philippines but also worldwide. Previous CEO EXCEL winners include: Paul Aquino, President and CEO of Energy Development Corporation; Andrea Domingo, General Manager and CEO of Philippine Reclamation Authority; Hon. Francisco Duque III, former Department of Health Secretary; Ian Thackway, Chief Operating Officer of Holcim Philippines, Inc.; and Hon. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., Governor of Camarines Sur.

This year IABC awarded new outstanding business communicators which include: Mayor Madelaine Alfelor - Gazmen of Iriga City; Marixi Rufino-Prieto, Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Oscar M. Lopez, Chief Executive Officer of the Lopez Group of Companies; Charo Santos-Concio, President of ABS-CBN; Amb. Jose Antonio, CEO of Century Properties, Inc; Ernest L. Cu, President of Globe Telecom; Atty. Roberto P. Laurel, President of the Lyceum of the Philippines University; Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon, Vice President of Enchanted Kingdom; Regina L. Lopez, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation; Gilda E. Pico, President of Landbank of the Philippines; Alfredo Salcedo Jr., President of BPI Family Savings Bank; and Mel Tiangco, Executive Vice President of GMA Kapuso Foundation.

This successful event is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Meralco, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Unilab, and Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Also with media partners ABS-CBN, GMA, ANC, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the Business World.

Green & White to CJA: Another History Published

With its legacy of recognizing Lasallians’ potentials in journalism, Green and White once more hosted, on its 86th year, the 21st Campus Journalism Awards last November 23, 2009.

The theme that was followed by the delegates was “Restoring the Pride Being a Filipino Through Journalism”. The delegates were composed of undergraduate Lasallian journalists that would continuously focus on the development of journalism grounded on accountable public service as guided by the Lasallian values of religio, mores, and cultura.

Participants on the event could join three (3) events maximum. There were eight (8) categories – seven (7) on-the-spot categories and one (1) submitted entry. The following categories had English & Filipino divisions: Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, News Reporting, News Writing, and Sports Writing. Contestants should use Filipino when joining the Filipino division and English when joining the English division.

This 21st Campus Journalism Awards was made possible by Green & White, the Official Yearbook Publication of De LaSalle University.

For more information, please contact www.cja.g-n-w.org.

Laguna Aspirant Won Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines

Ms. Charlene “Chat” Louise Alagon Almarvez showed off her winning form and bested nine supermodel aspirants during the 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines held last October 23, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Hosted by international model Christine Bayer, the much anticipated modeling competition was staged by Runway Productions and saw the presence of former Ford Models CEO Katie Ford, now a United Nations roving ambassador for the anti-human trafficking campaign, as one of the evening’s judges. The 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines served as one of the highlights of the Philippine Fashion Week held last October 21 – 28, 2009.

This year’s 10 finalists namely, Ms. Chat Almarvez, Ms. CJ Malabayabas, Ms. Chen Montero, Ms. Janina San Miguel, Ms. Melanie Angeles, Ms. Paw Cordero, Ms. Paula Bartolome, Ms. Reyn de Mesa, Ms. Tiffany Jones, and Ms. Tina Marasigan battled it out on the ramp with Ms. Almarvez, Ms. Angeles, and Ms. San Miguel making the Top Three.

In the end, it was 16-year-old, 5’9 Chat Almarvez who won the one-year modeling contract with CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines and a roundtrip ticket (with pocket money) to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to represent the country in the Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 finals in January for a shot at $250,000 worth of modeling contracts from Ford Models.

Established in 1980 by the iconic Eileen Ford of the longest-running model-management company Ford Models, the Ford Supermodel of the World competition covers over 50 countries to find fashion’s newest faces year after year. Brazilian Adriana Lima, American Chanel Iman, and Korean Kang Seung Hyun are some of the industry’s top fashion mannequins that became part of the competition.

The 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines is presented by Ford Models Inc., New York, Runway Productions, and CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines. Official hotel is Manila Hotel. Hair and Make up done by Essensuals Hairdressing (by Toni&Guy) and sponsored by Manila Bulletin (Style Weekend), Business Mirror, The View, The Manila Times, Sense and Style, MOD Magazine, Dream FM 106.7, NU 107, XFM 92.3, 99.5 RT, 97dot9 Home Radio, Jam 88.3, 103.5 Max FM, ClickTheCity.com, and UNO Pizzeria.

For more information, contact Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines Secretariat at (632) 753-3688.

PBA’s 41st Conferment

The Philippine Board of Anesthesiology Foundation Inc. (PBA) held their 41st Conferment Ceremonies at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong last October 28, 2009.

Merle F. dela Cruz-Odi, Chair Board of Trustees for 2007-2009, shared in her inspirational message for the delegates her lesson learned in the recent onslaught brought by Ondoy. “This (the Ondoy) has brought to the fore a certain reflection: SIMPLIFY.”

This idea, according to her, came from a long time colleague and friend who did not have qualms about unburdening herself with what was important which did not seem necessary at the bottom lines. She also stressed that safety is what they want to achieve in Anethesia  and encouraged other members to not allow themselves to be carried away by wants and focus on what is more important.

On the other hand, Fidel C. Payawal, Chair PBA Board of Examiners 2007-2009, inspire conferees to continue reaching their goals and do what is best for the patients. “This conferment is only a prelude to another episode. Let the triumph you reaped inspire you strive more. Keep on pressing forward. Make our profession nobler by your exemplary performance in every feat, keeping the good of the patient your highest priority,” he noted.

For more information about the event, contact PBA at (632) 455-8263, 455-8264, fax (632) 929-5852, (63917) 832-9069, (63927)445-0861, (63920)952-2120 or visit their website at www.psa-ph.org

Physicist Couple Wins 3rd Gawad Haydee Yorac

A physicist-researcher-educator couple from Jagna, Bohol were conferred the 3rd Gawad Haydee Yorac during the Awarding Rites held last March 4, 2009 at the Meralco Theatre in Pasig City.

The awardees are Dr. Christopher C. Bernido and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio Bernido, President and Principal, respectively, of the Research Center for Theoretical Physics in Bohol.

Their partnership to build a nation through science, research and a new method of teaching founded on excellence and values won the judges’ approval over nominations received from different parts of the country.

In early 1990s, the couple who were then University of the Philippines physics professors - director and assistant, respectively, of the UP National Institute of Physics –uprooted themselves from the campus and moved to Jagna, described as a seaside 4th class municipality a little over one hour away from Tagbilaran, Bohol.

There they established the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF), the home of the Dynamic Learning Program. The Institute Foundation comprise of the Research Center for Theoretical Physics, the high school department that strengthens the science focus of its students, and the Education Research Center for continuing development of the learning program.

The research center they founded has been hosting physics workshops every three years, drawing experts from all over the world including two winners of the Nobel Prize for Physics, Gerard t’Hooft and Frank Wilczek. The international workshops have been connecting departments of physics in the Philippines with that of the global community, giving faculty and graduate students the chance to network with fellow scientists abroad.

The innovative, “Learning Physics as a Nation” is beginning to revolutionize high school education in the country, with over 30 high schools in different provinces of Regions 1 to 12, ARMM, CAR, Caraga and NCR already using it. It supported by the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE) with a special grant from the Department of Education. Under the program, lectures are only 20 minutes, individual or group work is 40 minutes and students, who come from very poor families, have no homework so they can still do chores and have family time. After eight years, their students have began passing the UP College Entrance Exam.

They addressed a grassroots issue, and had the courage to blaze new science trails in their home province of Bohol, in isolated and marginalized communities, demonstrating that there are no constraints or limits to achieving the lofty vision of “building a nation” when courage, commitment and intellectual excellence are applied to the task.

The physics program they pioneered in and advocated has been responsive to the needs/existing environment of very poor students, with the improved learning standards of the students and the adoption of the program by various high schools in the country as well. Amidst all this, the couple was able to pursue their continuing passion for physics. Such achievements were deemed remarkable and inspiring.

The Bernidos rated highly in: personal attributes - personal qualities worthy of emulation (courage, excellence, selflessness, professionalism, fairness, credibility, integrity), traits that characterize the late Haydee Yorac; professional excellence and accomplishments – competence and qualifications and made significant accomplishments in their chosen field, and impact of accomplishments to the community and to the nation – the long-term impact of their program and example, and the promotion of the common good.

The Gawad Haydee Yorac is an award established in 2006 by Meralco in cooperation with the University of the Philippines in honor of the late Haydee Yorac, former Meralco legal counsel and multi-awarded UP alumna, UP Law professor and, among other positions, Chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), a post she held before her demise. It recognizes Filipino leaders from the private sector, government service and volunteer organizations whose personal qualities, ethics and lives are worth emulating in leadership with integrity and public service with selflessness.

For more details, contact the award secretariat at 632-8481 or 632-8801, or email gawadhaydeeyorac@meralco.com.ph, or visit www.meralco.com.ph/gawadhaydeeyorac.