Filipinos Crowned Fastest in 2012 adidas Southeast Asia King of the Road in Singapore

45,000 Runners Go ‘all-in’ To Complete 84km in Southeast Asia’s Only Regional Running Championship

Singapore, 28 October, 2012 – Southeast Asia was ‘all in’ for running as 45,000 passionate runners came together to participate in adidas King of the Road 2012 (KOTR), the only running championship spanning across five countries within the region, clocking an impressive 84km distance – the equivalent of two marathons. As the global leader in running, adidas continued its commitment to the sport by hosting its second KOTR championship in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore.

Singapore marked the grand finale of the championship with the 16.8km race originating and ending at the city’s newest attraction, Gardens by the Bay. The ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the KOTR championship saw Eduardo Beunavista and Mary Grace Delos Santos, both from the Philippines battle vigorously alongside elite runners to claim bragging rights as Southeast Asia’s “best of the best” in the ‘Closed’ category for males and females in a time of 53 minutes 12 seconds and 1 hour 1 minute 52 seconds respectively. Hot on their heels were two runners from Thailand, Sanchai Namkhet for the male category in a time of 55 minutes 7 seconds and Natthaya Thanaronnawat for the female category in 1 hour 4 minutes 18 seconds.

“I'm very happy with the adidas KOTR. It's nice to see the global leader in running bringing together passionate runners from all over the region. The 16.8km distance is distinctive from other running events, and I certainly would like to do it again,” said Eduardo Beunavista.

"I’m really proud to win again in Singapore’s championship race after coming first in the Manila’s leg. I have even achieved my personal best for today’s run. The adidas KOTR races have served a great use in training for my next event, a full marathon in Manila in December. I would welcome coming back next year and competing at adidas KOTR again," said Mary Grace Delos Santos.

Melvin Wong and Ivan Low flew the Singapore flag high when they crossed the finishing line in 6^th and 7^th position in a time of 59 minutes 28 seconds and 59 minutes 47 seconds, respectively. Sponsored by adidas, winners from the various KOTR legs (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia) around the region travelled to Singapore to compete against Southeast Asia’s top runners.

“The thing that sets adidas KOTR apart from all the other races is the route, especially for this year’s that begin and end at the Gardens by the Bay,” said Melvin Wong.

During the race, brightly coloured adidas racing vests worn by participants showcased the vibrancy of the Southeast Asia’s sports scene, making it the most colourful race in the region. As a highly anticipated running event of 2012, the adidas KOTR routes passed through some of the most scenic and exciting landmarks each city has to offer. In Singapore, runners navigated through Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, Arts Science Museum and the Singapore Flyer. In fact, KOTR was one of the first running events in Singapore to be held at Gardens by the Bay.

“Today, the spirit of ‘adidas is all in’ comes to life through the passion of all participating runners. To watch each runner aim to achieve their personal best across all five countries is truly an inspiration. This was precisely the vision of adidas KOTR when we initiated the original concept of hosting a regional running competition last year,” said Amit DasGupta, Director, Brand, adidas Southeast Asia.

“The adidas KOTR aims to bring runners together from across the region as part of adidas’ commitment to the sport. We’re proud to provide a unique platform that brings together running enthusiasts from across the region, and this year we are pleased to be amongst the first to host a running competition out of the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. adidas is grateful to all participants for making the adidas KOTR 2012 a truly successful running event for the second straight year,” added Amit.

adidas Running

adidas has a long standing history in running and athletics dating back to 1928 when their founder, Adi Dassler, supplied Lina Radke with a handmade pair of spikes to wear during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam. Many more heroes of athletics have followed including Jesse Owens, Emil Zátopek, Al Oerter, Bob Beamon, Daley Thompson, Grete Waitz, Heike Henkel and Haile Gebrselassie. Today, adidas continues its leadership and presence in the running and athletics world as the sponsor of several major global marathons including London, Boston, Seoul, Santiago and Berlin. Most recently, adidas signed an 11-year partnership agreement with the IAAF granting adidas the world-wide sponsorship rights for all IAAF World Athletic Series events until 2019.

ASI Introduces Tomorrow's Techno-Innovators

Earlier this quarter, ASI opened a challenge for college institutions to developed ideas how technology can help our environment rather than doing more harm. Many students showed interests after doing environmental talks held in their  campuses.

When the students submitted their ideas, it was screened by the organizers and was introduced by ASI during a media conference in Makati. Among the many entries, few were selected for the finals. The ideas are considered confidential for now but they will be seen on display at the COMMDAP 2012 in World Trade Center in Pasay City. I see no other ideal place to showcase these ideas but at the COMDDAP. I've been going to COMDDAP since my gradeschool days and I always see something new every year.

ASI recognizes one of the finalists from UST.

The judging of the entries will be held on 5PM November 18, 2012.

MULTIPLY PHILIPPINES LAUNCHES ORIGINATION AWARDS

E-commerce leader searches for the country’s best original ideas.

Multiply the Philippines’ and Southeast Asia’s largest online shopping site is searching for the best original products, ideas and concepts among its merchants in the Philippines. Three local Multiply merchants with outstanding creativity and originality will be given the Multiply Origination Awards, a recognition of excellence and creativity among the growing community of entrepreneurs who have found new and exciting ways to market their products in the e-commerce space.

“This is the first and only search campaign in the Philippines that recognizes original ideas in the e-commerce space,” said Multiply  Philippines country manager Jack Madrid. “Multiply has been the home of Filipino online entrepreneurs, and witness to the inventiveness and ingenuity of Filipino internet merchants, and our platform has been host to some of the most original products we have ever seen; it is only appropriate that we recognize our talented and creative Merchants,” he continued.

Multiply has been a long-standing supporter of the Filipino entrepreneur by providing a level playing field, where any original business idea can thrive and find success alongside established brands. As the thought leader in Philippine e-commerce, the Origination Awards is a testament to Multiply’s commitment to provide continuous support and inspiration to creative and original Filipino entrepreneurs.

There will be three categories for the competition: Best Fashion-Forward Idea, Best Gourmand Idea and Best Mommy Management Idea. Ten finalists from each category will be shortlisted among nominations. In the last leg of the Awards, the winners of the Origination Awards for each category shall be determined by a panel of judges consisting of authorities in the world of entrepreneurship and e-commerce, combined with the results of online public voting.

Multiply started out as a social networking site in 2004 where people shared their photos, videos and blog entries. In 2007, Philippine entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to promote their businesses and sell using the Multiply platform, paving the way for what we now know as the new Multiply Marketplace.

In 2011, Multiply adopted a new platform designed to give entrepreneurs access to real e-commerce tools and solutions. Among these are:

(1) The Product Listing, which allows merchants to present their items in a captivating manner and buyers to purchase them most conveniently, providing a better online shopping experience;

(2) A virtual shopping cart that enables customers to buy from several different merchants and then pay in a single transaction;

(3) Multiple payment options such as credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB), PayPal, Mobile Payments (Gcash, Smart Money) and over-the-counter bank payments;

(4) A Stock Room that provides merchants with an easier way to track their operations, including sales, finances and more;

(5) Order summaries, inventory management, and disbursal summary for a more systematized documentation; and

(6) A Buyer Protection Program, which guarantees every purchase made from a merchant with a Trusted Badge.

The three winners of the Multiply Origination Award will receive an Online Business Package worth P200,000 that would include site enhancements, a customized store front and advertising support to promote their existing online business.

The Origination Awards is open to all active Multiply merchants with Trusted Badges.  To learn more about the Multiply Origination Awards, and to nominate products that you think truly deserve to be recognized for their originality and innovation, visit origination. multiply.com. For inquiries, please contact  originationawards@multiplyph.com

ABOUT MULTIPLY

Multiply.com is the biggest e-commerce site in Southeast Asia, carrying items from 16 product categories. Multiply launched its Philippine operations in August 2011, and today, it has 5.5 million users and 130,000 merchants in the country. On December 1, 2012, Multiply will complete its transition into an e-commerce platform in response to its growing number of online sellers and shoppers.

Its advanced customization features have attracted a continually growing number of big and small clients who have found many uses for the site beyond creating virtual storefronts for their businesses.

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“Bully” film to launch anti-bullying campaign

Press Release

The Jesuit Basic Education Commission (JBEC), in cooperation with Solar Entertainment, is bringing the acclaimed documentary “Bully” to the Philippines. The film, directed by Lee Hirsch, will have a limited theatrical run in November, after the by-invitation premiere on November 13, 6:30 PM, at Robinson’s Galleria Cinema 4.

The film focuses on the alarming rise in bullying faced by teenage students in America. It chronicles the experiences of victims in high schools in Georgia, Iowa, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, focusing on the cases of Tyler Long and Ty Smalley, both of which tragically ended in suicide.

JBEC will use this powerful documentary to launch the anti-bullying campaign, “Not in Our School,” endorsed by the popular sportsman, Chris Tiu.  The advocacy is aligned with the DepEd’s Child Protection Policy which seeks to defend the student from any form of abuse, including bullying. In light of recent local and international headlines about bullying, this film can be a timely wake-up call for all involved: parents, teachers, administrators, and especially students.

In addition to its theatrical screening, JBEC is offering several Saturday block screenings in Robinson’s Galleria for schools who want to show the film exclusively for their community. In addition, schools can also sponsor campus screenings for a minimal fee. To enhance its use as a formative tool, JBEC will provide teachers and parents with a discussion guide to facilitate processing of the complex message of the movie. Interested schools may contact jbec@xs.edu.ph or moviesnevents@solar-entertaiment.com for bookings.

Fr. Johnny Go, SJ, JBEC chair, hopes this campaign will lead schools to adopt a pro-active stance against bullying, with each stakeholder committing and contributing to a nurturing and bully-free school environment that is the right of every student.  “We hope this movie can reach as wide an audience as possible, especially among our students,” he says. “At the very least, it should heighten awareness of this issue and begin productive discussions and reflections about a real problem that can no longer be ignored.”

The “Bully” hits theaters starting November 14. It is rated PG-13 by the MTRCB.

·         Link  to the facebook bullyproject.philippines  http://www.facebook.com/TheBullyProjectPh

·         Link to the official Bully trailer  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUy2ZWoStr0&feature=fvwrel

Spooktacular Treats at the Araneta Center

It’s time to bring out the spooky and magical costumes and head over to the Araneta Center for a Spooktacular Halloween this October 27! It’s going to be one big Halloween party for kids at the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza Activity Areas!

Go trick-or-treating with cosplayers, be amazed at the magicians when they do their mind-boggling tricks, see how balloon twisters turn balloons into works of art, reach for the skies at the inflatable castle, and more!

For only a minimum single-receipt purchase of P300 from Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza, kids can enter the fair grounds and participate in all of the activities!

It’s going to be an all-day affair with loads more activities for the kids and kids-at-heart to enjoy! Other activities in store for kids are the face painting, costume contest, photo ops with cosplayers, and a surprise mascot dance. As a special treat, kids who will come in dressed as their favorite Disney princess or hero can get a special discount when they buy Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes tickets!

Plus, enjoy great discounts during the Halloween/Pre-Holiday Sale on October 30 to November 4 when you shop at Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and SM Cubao!

The Spooktacular Halloween at the Araneta Center will be from 10:00am to 6:00pm. This special Halloween party is brought to you by The Araneta Center. See you there!

Iron Man 3 Full Trailer and Poster revealed

Marvel Studios just recently unveiled not only the poster but also a full trailer just couple of days after the teaser. The poster shows Tony Stark in his armory in a partial glimpse of the new armor which Stark is wearing. As for the trailer, it not just revealed the whole armor but also the new villain which is obvious to comic book fans.

Iron Man 3 poster

Based on the Marvel comic book series first published in 1963, the movie reunites Robert Downey Jr., as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle as James "Rhodey" Rhodes and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige producing the movie. The list of executive producers includes Luis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Dan Mintz especially Jon Favreau and Stan "The Man" Lee.

The creative team includes two-time Oscar winning director of photography John Toll(Braveheart, Legends Of The Fall), production designer Bill Brzeski(The Hangover, Due Date), editors Jeffrey Ford(Marvel's The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger) and Peter S. Elliot(Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer), and costume designer Louise Frogley(Quantum Of Solace, Contagion).

Set for release in U.S. and the Philippines on May 3, 2013, Iron Man 3 marks the second feature  fully owned, marketed, distributed by Disney since acquiring Marvel in 2009.

For more updates about everything geeky and more, Like the L.E.N.S blogs on Facebook and Mark_Templar on Twitter.

Philippines on track for K to 12 reform and Zero Backlog in 2013

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading House Bill No. 6643, which will enact the K to 12 Basic Education Program into law. The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012 would give access to two more years of free basic education for Filipinos, while enabling holistic development and readiness for different paths.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that the overwhelming support from the House of Representatives and various stakeholders combined with results on the public’s trust in DepEd and its flagship program makes him very hopeful for the success of the broader education reform agenda needed by the Philippines.

“We are grateful to the authors and supporters of the proposed bill in the House of Representatives, especially Rep. Sandy Ocampo, Presiding Officer of the Committee on Basic Education and Culture, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, and the late Salvador Escudero III. Our gratitude also goes to Sen. Angara and his co-authors in the Senate in pushing for the passage of bill,” Luistro said.

The K to 12 Basic Education Program prescribes an enhanced system that includes one year of Kindergarten, 6 years of elementary education, and 6 years of secondary education consisting of 4 years of Junior High School and two years of Senior High School. It aims to develop lifelong learners who will be prepared for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and equip them with middle-level skills.

In her sponsorship speech, Rep. Ocampo cited the imperative for legislating this reform, “we must continue to train our sights on our collective and sacred duty as local and national leaders: that of providing every Filipino with the best shot at a decent life. I submit that there is only one real and guaranteed equalizer: high quality education that is accessible to all.” She emphasized this along with DepEd’s progress in achieving milestones for the education sector, especially on augmenting resource shortages.

To address concerns on preparedness, she also said, “the enhanced curriculum is a product of thorough researches, which looked into the best practices of our neighbor countries and our own experiences in schools and communities nationwide.” She further explained the features of the program and implementation strategies to be employed by Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and necessary support from the House, Senate, Local Government Units, and the private sector.

“Implementing institutional reforms and addressing resource shortages go hand in hand, and both have immense bearing on the quality of our graduates,” Luistro explained. “Delaying one in favor of the other would further set us back in meeting our goal of making our basic education system attuned to the needs of the 21st century, and accessible to all Filipinos,” added Luistro.

DepEd, in partnership with the private sector and other government agencies, continues to build more classrooms while at the same time giving due course on repairs and rehabilitation of its existing facilities. The department has constructed over 27,000 new classrooms since June 2010 and is targeted to build over 40,000 more next year. It is also on track in achieving zero backlog in seats and textbooks by the end of this year.

“We are on track to deliver all needed resources in our schools by December 2013 through active sourcing of funds and the enlistment of support from our education partners,” Luistro said.

HBO Original Documentary Series turns spotlight ON FREDDIE ROACH

PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 18, 2012 – ON FREDDIE ROACH, the all-new cinéma-vérité series from renowned filmmaker and Emmy^® nominee Peter Berg, launches its six-episode season Monday, October 29 at 11pm on HBO / 10pm on HBO HD, with new episodes airing weekly at the same time. Executive produced by Berg (“Friday Night Lights”), this HBO Original Programming presentation is a co-production of Film 44 and Atticus Entertainment.

Photo courtesy of HBO

The unscripted show focuses on Freddie Roach, who owns and operates the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, where he has produced a host of world champions. This intensely personal look at the world-famous boxing trainer chronicles his life and career against the backdrop of Parkinson’s disease, an ailment very likely linked to his own boxing past.

A native of Dedham, Mass., Freddie Roach has an extensive amateur boxing background. He fought as a professional under the tutelage of legendary Hall of Fame trainer Eddie Futch, ending his professional boxing career in 1987 with a record of 41 wins and 13 losses. Upon retiring, Roach became Futch’s apprentice.

In 1992, Mickey Rourke financed Roach’s first gym, the Outlaw Boxing Club. He has gone on to train more than 20 world champions, including Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan, Oscar de la Hoya and Mike Tyson. Roach has been honored five times as Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and has been inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. On December 6, 2011, he was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

In 2011, the US Olympic Committee announced a unique partnership with Roach in an effort to ensure that America’s top amateur fighters have access to the finest training in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. This partnership will create a program allowing up to ten Olympic hopefuls to train at the Wild Card Gym, which has become synonymous with world-class performance. The 51-year-old bachelor lives next door to his mother, just a few miles from Wild Card.

On Freddie Roach is a Film 44 and Atticus Entertainment production; executive produced by Peter Berg, Sarah Aubrey, Jim Lampley and Michael Price; co-executive produced by Brendan Malloy and Emmett Malloy; produced by Matthew Goldberg and Christopher G. Cowen and Freddie Roach; editors, Brian Johnson and Stephen Strout; director of photography, Niles Harrison; camera operator, Brandon Carroll; music by The Antlers; original music by Rogue Wave.

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About HBO Asia

Singapore-based HBO Asia is able to bring the best of Hollywood to Asia first because of its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood studios - Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. In addition to the proprietary and award-winning HBO Original programs that are produced exclusively for HBO viewers, HBO Asia works with a large number of major independent production companies to secure exclusive rights to a host of quality movies. HBO Asia offers five subscription movie channels with uninterrupted programming – HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO FAMILY, HBO HITS and CINEMAX – as well as a subscription video-on-demand service, HBO ON DEMAND, HBO HD, the first regional movie channel to broadcast in high definition in Asia, and HBO HITS HD, which delivers Hollywood blockbuster hits 24-hours a day in 100% true high-definition, available in selected territories. HBO Asia is a joint venture of HBO (a Time Warner company) and Paramount. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax, RED, HBO HD, HBO Hits, HBO On Demand and Home Box Office are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. Used with permission.