Nov 26: Social Media Users' Day of Action Against Child Abuse!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. We know it happens. We know we can stop it. We are not powerless.

As a FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GOOGLE PLUS User, you can HELP. Join the SOCIAL MEDIA USERS' DAY OF ACTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE.

Show your solidarity with victims and survivors of child abuse and exploitation. Show your support of NGOs, government agencies, people's organizations, baranggay volunteers, police officers and others working to prevent and address incidences of abuse.

Join the first ever Social Media Users’ Day of Action on 26 Nov. 2011 and be a voice for the millions of Filipino children suffering abuse in silence. Show your condemnation of child abuse by doing any, or even all, of the following:

(1) CHANGE YOUR PROFILE PIC OR PROFILE COVER

Choose an image below and use it as your profile photo or profile cover starting on November 26, Saturday:

Dislike CHILD ABUSE: http://on.fb.me/DISLIKEAbuse
Dislike CHILD PORNOGRAPHY: http://on.fb.me/DISLIKEChildPorn
Dislike CHILD TRAFFICKING: http://on.fb.me/DISLIKEChildTrafficking
Dislike CHILD LABOR: http://on.fb.me/DISLIKEChildLabor
Dislike BULLYING: http://on.fb.me/DISLIKEBullying
Dislike CHILD EXPLOITATION: http://on.fb.me/DISLIKEChildExploitation

(2) LIKE AND SHARE LINKS ON YOUR WALL

LIKE and SHARE http://facebook.com/parasamgabatangpinoy to get news, information and other articles about children. SHARE OUR VIDEOS TOO!!!

On November 26, tell the world you are gravely concerned about children's protection. Show everyone that social media is a powerful tool to disseminate important information to prevent child abuse. SHARE articles, hotline numbers and helpful links on your WALL.

(3) JOIN THE ONLINE FORUM ON NOVEMBER 26

You can join the ONLINE FORUM which will be facilitated on November 26 at this site: http://facebook.com/parasamgabatangpinoy

It will feature the LIVE BROADCAST via live stream and live blogging of the activity: Para Sa Mga Bata: Social Media vs. Child Abuse. An Online and Real Space Forum happening at Astoria Plaza on the same day from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

TOPICS:
• Social Media and Citizens' Participation
• Child Rights
• Children's Participation in Media
• Child Abuse, Child Pornography, Child Labor and Child Trafficking
• Positive Discipline, Bullying and Children in Conflict with the Law

(4) TWEET ABOUT US

--- MAKE A STATEMENT and USE THE HASHTAG #parasamgabata
--- SHARE the link: http://facebook.com/parasamgabatangpinoy for updated information on children's welfare.
--- SHARE the website www.parasamgabata.org, a site designed to promote online awareness on child abuse. Launch is on November 26, 8am.

(5) BLOG ABOUT US

--- Write and post a short entry and share our www.parasamgabata.org and www.facebook.com/parasamgabatangpinoy links on your blogs.
--- Use any of the banners available on our site on your blog and help us spread the word.

BGC Run Registration extended until today.

First ever ‘Family Congress’ to be held next year

How is the Filipino faring in the 21st century? How are media, the Internet and social networking sites affecting today’s children? These are some of the issues to be discussed in “Family Congress 2012” to be held on Feb. 18, 2012 at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City. The Congress has as theme “BFF: Building the Filipino Family.” The event is jointly organized by the Love Institute, Galileo Enrichment Learning Program and FID Events Services.

The Congress aims to reaffirm the value and relevance of the Filipino family in the face of changing times. The Love Institute has enlisted esteemed experts in their fields to talk on issues concerning children, relationships and families. Guest speakers include psychologist Dr. Honey Carandang, educator Dr. Queena Lee-Chua, inspirational speaker Francis Kong, and parenting and relationship experts Allan and Maribel Dionisio.

Workshop topics to be discussed during the Family Congress include “Bridging the Facebook Fad: How Can Parents Manage the Invasion of Media and Technology,” “Built for Forever: Preparing Singles for a Lifetime Relationship,” “Being Friends Forever in Marriage: Learning the Art of Fighting,” and “Teaching Parents to Talk to Kids and Teens about Sex and Relationship.”

The Love Institute was founded by marriage and family counselor Maribel Sison-Dionisio and corporate trainor and relationship counselor Pia Nazareno-Acevedo.

Says Nazareno-Acevedo, “Love Institute was born out of the acceptance of the fact that there is just not enough systematic knowledge available out there for all those who take their love relationships seriously.”

The company offers various classes and seminars on relationships and love in a small group setting to set the foundation of loving relationship and balanced individuals. One-on-one and couple counseling sessions are also offered, as well as individual evaluations and assessments (compatibility, self-esteem, life plan, etc) to provide the individual with their needed life skills and knowledge.

Both Sison-Dionisio and Nazareno-Acevedo took graduate studies in Family Ministries at the Ateneo de Manila University. They both have extensive experience in counseling and training, which they put to use at Love Institute.

Galileo Enrichment Learning Program is headed by Ma. Rowena J. Matti, who has had an involvement in the education industry since she was a child when her mother founded the Sacred Heart School in Malabon. Galileo offers enrichment programs to children ages three to 12 by making learning a happy experience. It offers programs in Math and English.

FID Events Services is headed by Fides M. Reyes whose expertise in PR and events organizing has been strengthened and refined by over 30 years of experience. She is passionate in the ministry of strengthening relationships within the family. She serves at the Light of Jesus Community of Bo Sanchez as pastoral head and part of the creative media team.

Participation in the Family Congress is priced at P1,500 per person, inclusive of seminar fee, congress kit and meal.

However, there is an early bird fee for those who will register before the congress. Participants who register by Dec. 15 only need to pay P1,300 per person, while those registering by Jan. 15, 2012 will only be charged P1,400.

There is a special group rate for families joining the Congress. For every six paid participants, a seventh member will be admitted for free in the Congress.

For inquiries about the Family Congress, e-mail familycongress@gmail.com. You may also call the Love Institute at 436-4143 and 0922-8944143, or Galileo Enrichment Center at 810-8506.

UNREST: 11/23/09 (Maguindanao Massacre)

UNREST | 11.23.09

A Concert to Commemorate the Second Anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre
National Press Club of the Philippines | Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag | Burgos Media Center | Free Music Network | College Editors Guild of the Philippines – National Capital Region

Where is justice?

With almost two years after the Maguindanao Massacre, justice remains elusive for its 57 victims along with their awaiting families, friends and colleagues. With them, the nation is on the same way hopeful for significant and meaningful results from the bureaucracy that will ensure prosecution and punishment of its masterminds.

Also on its upcoming second anniversary, press freedom continues to face grave and serious threat as the present government keeps doing nothing to resolve this gruesome mass killing, which involved 34 members of the Philippine press. Culture of impunity endures as architects of the massacre were not yet penalized and some of the culprits were still at-large.

These occurrences further poses question of how sincere really is the State in protecting the welfare of our mass media institutions. Under the government of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, journalists all over the country continue to face threats and harassments. To date, nine members of the press were killed under the Aquino administration.

As known pillar of democracy in the country, it is only just and rightful for the government to ensure that press freedom is being protected and that safety of media practitioners were at all times guarded. It is the moral obligation of the State to uphold freedom of the press at all cost and with no compromises.

Social unrest may erupt if justice will remain not granted to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre and as negligence and incompetence of the Aquino administration in doing it so will prevail. Clamor for justice keeps on amplifying loudly to further give strong warning to the enemies of press freedom to stop harassments and slayings.

In one voice, members of the fourth estate and the Filipinos must unite to make our calls resound:

End Impunity!
Justice for the Victims of Maguindanao Massacre Now!
Stop killing Journalists!
Uphold Press Freedom!

UNREST: 11.23.09

We will never forget!

This will be the theme of the upcoming concert on November 23, 2010 at the NPC Grounds in time of the commemoration of the second anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre. The National Press Club, Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag, Burgos Media Center, Free Music Network and the College Editors Guild of the Philippines-National Capital Region will be part of the event organizers.

Dubbed as ‘UNREST: 11.23.09,’ we aim to put together and unite the most number of journalists, reporters, media practitioners and advocates of press freedom, as well as artists and other cultural groups in a common battle-cry and demand for justice to the victims of Maguindanao Massacre and for freedom of the press and expression. Aside from bands to perform, media groups and different organizations will also give their speeches.

Part of the itinerary will be as follow:

01:30 PM:
Assembly for the Motorcade at the National Press Club Grounds

02:00 PM:
Motorcade

04:30 PM:
Mass for Justice to the Victims of 11.23.09 Massacre and Media Killings

05:30 PM:
Ceremonial Unveiling of the NPC’s Commemorative 11.23.09 Marker for the Maguindanao Massacre Victims and Candle Lighting Activity

06:00 PM:
UNREST: 11.23.09 | A Concert to Commemorate the Second Anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre

Eton International School

I found about Eton International School when I first saw their kiosk in a nearby mall. I later saw the actual school when passed by going to my former work place. Eton International School-Manila is located at 1839 Dr. Vasquez Street, Malate Manila and it’s not far from the Philippine General Hospital and LRT Pedro Gil station.

I was given chance to see for myself how Eton looks from the inside upon their invitation for bloggers. Upon entering, I was greeted by Eton’s grade school students and ushered me to the main lobby. I was introduced to Ms. Jacqueline Marzan-Tolentino, president and founder of Eton International School.

We were given a presentation by Eton’s older kids from grade school singing their Eton Hymn and started touring the classes and facilities. In one of their classes, I was able to catch one of the grade school students dissecting a frog. They were all dressed in their lab gowns with full gear.

For their pre-school, I witnessed that they have unique teaching methods that make learning more fun with games. They also have an exhibit displaying the children’s art works and activities in the corridor. In one of the grade school classes, they are using a Smart board to teach Math. They are doing seatwork about fractions and I noticed how they are interacting actively because the visual graphics and animation of the Smart board that makes it more fun. They also had an actual cake and pizza pie to make have a practical example.

In their computer lab, I got to see the students already knew how to make videos using MovieMaker which I haven’t mastered yet.  We made our last stop at Eton’s library. We were given a sample of their evaluation test that can determine the type of learning atmosphere I wanted.  The test has no right or wrong answers. It simply tells your characteristics if you’re global or analytic.

This test gives the teacher an idea how to deal with the students. Comparing it to my old school education during my elementary school years was tough compared to what I see now. This is the type of model school everyone should have. The teacher-student ratio is 1:12 which is good so the education of the child is surely focused. During my day, there were no advisers that can mentor you and talked to when you have problems and you just rely on your self. This makes Eton the ideal model school which they are not hesitant to share.

Eton International School is now in its seven years of existence and they are having another school in Heroes Hill, Quezon City. If you wish to inquire, you can find more in their websites on the corresponding links in this post.

Greenhills Christmas On Display Starts Tonight

Greenhills Shopping Center now staging their new lights and sound display show for the holiday season. Located at Parking 1, the Greenhills Christmas On Display(COD) will run every 15 minutes starting tonight, November 19 from 6PM to 11PM. The annual COD is a 58 year old Christmas tradition. It started in Cash On Delivery(where COD came from) at Cubao which has been drawing crowds for years until it closed down in 2003.

To keep the Filipino tradition alive, GSC management continues this tradition with light and sound effects and animated mannequins for kids and adults to enjoy. Even before the rise of the supermalls, Greenhills has always been a shopping destination. In addition of the Christmas On Display, the Greenhills' signature Christmas Night Market and Christmas Bangketa Fair for your Christmas rushes.

GSC invited the kids from White Cross Children's Home and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for a fun night with games and gift distribution during the launch. The Christmas On Display, Christmas Night Market, and the Christmas Bangketa Fair will run until January 2, 2012. Watch out for more updates and information. Just visit www.Greenhills.com.ph, follow Ghills Shopping Ctr on Twitter, or like shopandliveatgreenhills at Facebook.

 

Run BGC Registration Ends November 20

Greenhills Christmas on Display (COD) Lighting

Greenhills COD 2010

Welcome the Holidays this November for a landmark celebration that officially starts  Christmas in Metro Manila! Greenhills Shopping Center invites you to the annual Christmas On Display Lighting on November 18, 5:00 PM at Greenhills Parking 1.  For many years the beginning of the Christmas season is heralded by the unveiling of the COD Tableu. Greenhills Shopping Center continues the 58-year tradition as they share the masterpiece of Alex Rosario. This year's theme is Enchanted Christmas. Go crazy shopping in the Christmas Bangketa (night market) or simply chill-out and listen to live entertainment all within Metro Manila most-loved shopping and bargain destination. 

Greenhills COD 2010

When : 18 November 2011, 5:00 PM

Where : Greenhills Parking 1, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

Greenhills COD 2010

Hidden Cities Second Season

History Channel Asia's flagship series, Hidden Cities, is now on second season. The production has just finished an episode for the Philippines episode. Host Anthony Morse was also present during the press conference held here in Manila.

Patty Laurel interviews Anthony Morse

I've been watching Hidden Cities because I have occasional travels within the country. But this was the first time I got to respect the show even more because of Anthony's insights about Hidden Cities. He also has an interesting background.

Hidden Cities host Anthony Morse

Anthony was born in Southern California. When he was three, his parents moved back to Chiang Mai, Thailand. His mother belongs to one of the Burmese ethnic minority groups. He grew up in Chiang Mai until he was eighteen. He took theological studies. When he learned that History Channel Asia is looking for a host based in the Southeast, he submitted a video of himself and was chosen for Hidden Cities and after one season, the rest was "history".

Cooking with Anthony.

What makes Hidden Cities unique is you're looking at these places with different perspective. This is not what you learn in your history classes. You get immersed with these cities as Anthony guides you there. Anthony is not a historical expert but he has consultations with the local historians, the community and he gets his hands dirty just to go to this places.

On the set in Anthony's home town

I like the concept of these series. When Anthony said he took biblical studies, that might be a building block for him because it requires him to integrate with the people. I know this because I had a Burmese room mate just like Anthony who was taking biblical studies in Manila. It was also an immersing experience for me to understand another culture.

with Anthony Morse after the press conference

Back to Hidden Cities, this season is something Filipinos will look forward to because one of the episodes will feature the Philippines. The second season will start November 23 9PM on History Channel. History Channel Asia is shown locally on Destiny Cable Ch.57, Dream Ch.27, Cablelink Ch.44, SkyCable Ch.25. For updates check out Hidden Cities website or like Hidden Cities on Facebook. History Channel Asia is also open for slots for commercial purpose. Contact sebastian.meg@gmail.com for details.

Run BGC 2011 with Flag Football Takes You to Australia

Running coach & race director Rio dela Cruz

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) fuels anew the passion for running with its “Run BGC 2011: A Level Higher” on November 27, 2011. Taking it a notch higher is the integration of Flag Football in the race.

            Known as the home of passionate minds, BGC is also recognized as the ‘Run Capital’ of the country. It is the most preferred venue of running enthusiasts and those who embrace an active lifestyle.

Run BGC 2011 in celebration of Bonifacio Day marks its 3^rd year. Run BGC embodies the power of a passion fulfilled. BGC believes that runners’ key capacities such as the willpower to push even farther, the ability to apply effort even during fatigue, and the acceptance of pain — have radiating power that subtly influences attitudes in life. The passions within us can take us to places, allow us to achieve beyond expectations, bring new experiences and lead us to living happier, healthier lives. That’s the power of passion that Bonifacio Global City believes in.

            In this year’s BGC’s very own marathon, participants can choose from 5 race categories, namely: 3km, 3km with flag football, 5km, 5km with flag football, and 10km.

Runners of 3km and 5km with Flag Football

Making this year’s Run BGC a level higher is the category of Flag Football. Apart from the straight run race, this category starts with a run, then moves to an individual play of catching a football while defending flags and shifts back to a run to the finish line.

Basically, the runner gets into the football zone within the 3km and 5km stretch to catch the ball and defend his flags. Once inside the football zone, the runner gets fitted with a flagbelt and is cued up

in designated lane.  A quarterback then gives the runner the go signal to sprint to the 5-yard marker. The runner should then quickly turn back to catch the ball from the quarterback and should do so while defending the flags fastened to him/her from the defenders.  The runner should have both the ball and flags before sprinting to the end zone.  Upon reaching the football’s end zone, he then sprints back to the starting area with his flags and football to finish the course where marshals await runners for sendoff to continue his race to the finish.

Prizes at Stake & Extra Fun

            All runners who have completely registered and finished the race in any distance categories are entitled to join the raffle. Grand prize at stake is a trip for two to Australia on a 4days-3nights tour package any time within 2012. The winner can also join any of the Australian-based marathon or fun run: The Sydney City to Surf 2012; Gold Coast Airport Marathon & Half Marathon; or The Great Ocean Road International Marathon. Prize is convertible to cash but non-transferrable.

Cash prizes and medals also await the first three placers of each race category.

Like in previous Run BGC events, sponsors will be setting up booths for their own activities such as product sampling, sale, and fun games.

Powered by today’s most-sought running mentor and race director Coach Rio, Run BGC is also made possible with the support of RunRio, Runnr, Sportsmedia, BLFC, Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, Toby’s Sports, Powerade, Viva Mineral Water, Soleus and Hero Channel.

Run Safe at BGC

            BGC’s passion springs from the welfare of the people it lends its service to such that Run BGC participants are assured of their safety during the event. Security and race escorts will be present. Drinking water and Medical aid will be provided along the race routes. Comfort cubicles will also be in placed.  Further assisting the participants to secure their things, a baggage deposit service will also be made available from 4:30am to 9:00am near the stage.

Register Now and See You at Run BGC  

Registration is ongoing until November 20 at Toby’s/Runnr (Level 1 Shangri-La Plaza; Bldg. B3 Bonifacio High Street; G/F SM Mall of Asia), Planet Sports (2/F Trinoma Mall; 2/F Glorietta3), and at The Athlete’s Foot (3/F Robinson’s Galleria; 2/F Alabang Town Center). 

            Log on to www.bgc.com.ph and www.runrio.com for more details. 

Annual Coca Cola Christmas Tree Lighting Up Ceremony

SM Malls Christmas Kick Off

SM Center Las Pinas

SM Malls unveils the Christmas display to get the spirit going till Christmas eve with performances. Regardless of which mall is nearer, there will be something to look forward to on November 12. Check out some of SM's individual posters for different malls.

SM Rosales

SM Davao

SM City North EDSA

SM Bacoor

SM Rosario

SM Bicutan

SM Southmall

SM Tarlac

USAID 5Oth Anniversary at SM Mall Of Asia

US Agency for International for Development is an United States Federal agency "primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign act". USAID for short, it was created when President John F. Kennedy signed the Foreign Assistance Act into law in 1961 following the success of the reconstruction of Europe after World War II.

Now, USAID is celebrating it's 50th anniversary in it's continuing efforts to foreign aid. Here in the Philippines, an event took place for its golden year. DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro gave an opening remarks on behalf of the Philippine government.

DepEd Secretary Amin Luistro

USAID helps build 590 classrooms especially the conflict-stricken Mindanao areas. During the celebration, there were also different booths exhibiting different concerns of the USAID in the country. One that caught my attention was the Aetas booth with their local products and they also had a presentation during the proceedings.

First Rizal Park Kiddie Fun Run

Register at NPDC Marketing office and look for Mr. Kenneth Montegrande or call (02)5022773, 09173630004.

BOND 23 OFFICIALLY TITLED “SKYFALL,” STARTS PRODUCTION NOV 7

Judi Dench and Daniel Craig

LONDON, UK, November 3rd, 2011 – Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled “Skyfall.”

            The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007.

            The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. “Skyfall,” which goes into production on Monday, November 7th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.

            Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of “Skyfall,” including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.

            In “Skyfall,” Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

“We’re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct `Skyfall' and be working once again with Daniel Craig. We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure,” said Wilson and Broccoli.

            The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead. The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale. Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.

            007 fans can learn more about SKYFALL at the James Bond franchise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesBond007.

(Opening across the Philippines in November 2012, “Skyfall” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.)

CCP Unveils The Lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga

November 3, 2011. Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila. San Fernando, Pampanga is not only known for good dishes and reenactment of the Crucifixion every Holy Week but also for the unique giant Christmas lanterns. The rains didn't stop the unveiling of the Christmas lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga that lit up the facade despite the rainy night.

The lanterns of San Fernando are unique because of it's larger than the usual size, colorful patterns, the materials, and the light that comes from the lantern itself using electric bulbs. The lanterns are about eight feet high and they are quite a sight along Roxas boulevard especially to those who are traveling South bound.

What was the significance of these lanterns for Christmas. The lanterns signify the star that guides the magi or wise men from the east until they reached the young Messiah on the day of Epiphany.  No, they were not kings and there were no biblical records that there were three of them except for the gifts(gold, frankincense and myrrh). The wise men are advisers for royalty because of their knowledge of astrology.

It also coincidentally coincides with pagan traditions because December 25 was also declaration of Sol Invictus(Invincible Sun), the official religion of Rome in A.D. 274 as tribute to the Sun god, Apollo. The sun  design was also similar to the Christmas Star that was used in Christmas decorations. When Rome was Christianized, December 25 was declared the birth of Jesus Christ because it was closest date to the Roman winter solstice or one of their winter festivals which was only indicated in the canonical Gospels in the New Testament. Regardless of this, the Star of Bethlehem was an ideal title of Jesus, because his earthly father, Joseph, was decended from King David, whose emblem was a 6-pointed star that is also a part of the Israeli flag.

The lanterns at CCP will light up the facade till January 8, 2012.