History Unveils at The First International Summit On Mindanao

Philippines is one of the riches archipelago when it comes to natural resources. It is sad that we are not maximizing the potential to take advantage of it. One of the most riches parts in the archipelago can be found in Mindanao. One of the examples of these resources are rubber in Zamboanga and coffee in Sulu which I also learned from Coffee Origins 2012.

Princess Isabelle (center) and Shariff Albani(far right)

The conflict in Mindanao is one of the main concerns to both Christians and Muslims. I will not deal with the issue but I can only say what can we do about it. One of the possible solutions is see Mindanao from within. In order to do that, it was suggested by peace advocate Shariff Ibrahim Albani; Founding Chairperson and CEO of Unity for Revival Foundation.

Shariff Albani invites prospect investors to see the potential in making it happen by seeing the existing companies that operates within Mindanao. During the IBSM program held last June 28 in Manila Hotel, I never thought I can see dignitaries from different countries including China and Japan in one place. The Princess of Mindanao, Isabelle Lafforgue was also present to support the summit.

During the presentations, I got to see that the existing major businesses in Zamboanga are inside the Economic Zone like San Miguel Corporation, Globe Telecoms and more to be listed. Besides the existing businesses, it is also suggested that Mindanao can also be a major tourist destinations because it also has white sand beaches that can compete with Boracay and Coron. In addition to the beaches, there are also historical landmarks for us to see.

Before we were colonized, our nation were already prosperous and in content even without any monetary unit. We only bartered. Sure, there were conflicts but it was easily settled. This historic gathering will be a start of a new Mindanao and to the hope that this summit will be instrumental will bring peace. Shariff Albani's vision is for this event is to help the government. Instead of doing nothing, why not do something. But the next step is, what role can take part to make it happen. For more updates and future events about ISBM, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Greenhills Shopping Center to hold recycler’s bazaar

Last year, I got to sell my old motherboard for scrap during the recycler's bazaar. It's happening again tomorrow. Event release material.

In its continuous effort to promote green living and awareness on proper solid waste management, Greenhills Shopping Center continues the fifth run of Cash for Scrap: A Recyclers’ Bazaar on June 29.

One of Metro Manila’s most-loved retail destinations is now calling everyone to participate and to bring their recyclable wastes this Sundayto the Parking 1, fronting G-Strip Building between 8 AM to 12 NN. Cash for Scrap 5 will be participated by Manila’s top recyclers—the core of the event’s success when it started four years ago.

“Cash for Scrap continues to draw in more support year after year. In 2013 alone, we were able to gather over 2,000kg of paper products, 1,650 kg of used lead acid batteries, among other forms of recyclable and reusable waste,” says Cathy Ko, General Manager of Greenhills Shopping Center.

Interested individuals and groups may bring the following:

·         Paper products: Newspapers, cartons, magazines, notebooks, old books, telephone directories, and more

·         Plastic products: PET bottles, used but clean plastic bags, sando bags, plastic sachets, plastic straws, and more

·         Electronic wastes: Non-working electronic & electrical appliances, household batteries, cellphone batteries and chargers, CPU’s & monitors, laptops, digital cameras, telephones, fax machines, printers, scanners, keyboards, and others.

·         Aluminum cans of soda and other beverages

·         Clean and dry Polystyrene sytro 

·         Tetra Pak cartons

·         Doy packs of juice and shampoo sachets

·         Used printer ink cartridges

·         Used cooking oil

“Beyond used products and goods, this year we invite everyone to also bring notebooks, usable bags and pens, and other school supplies, which they could generously donate. We will be gathering all of these and we will be sharing them with Caritas Manila who will be distributing the school supplies to the children who have none,” adds Ko.

The Recyclers’ Bazaar is co-presented by National Solid Waste Management Commission under the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, Barangays Greenhills and Wack-Wack, Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines, and Ortigas & Company.

Ortigas & Co., the developer behind some of Metro Manila’s most-loved residential communities such as Valle Verde and Greenhills Subdivisions, as well as known shopping destinations such as Greenhills Shopping Center and Tiendesitas, practices proper waste management in all its residential and commercial projects.

For more information, you may call Ms. Mona Lauraya at 721.05.72 local 707 or visit www.Greenhills.com.ph. Also watch out for more announcements and like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenhillsofficial

First International Business Summit on Mindanao Slated on June 28 (Saturday)

Pre-Summit Press Release:

June 28, 2014 marks a significant milestone in the history of Mindanao as business leaders all over the world converge at the Manila Hotel for the First International Business Summit on Mindanao!

In line with the vision "RESTORE THE LOST GLORY OF MINDANAO", the summit aims to showcase Mindanao to the world business community and to encourage global investors as well as businessmen to personally interact with local community leaders and entrepreneurs.

The recent signing of the much awaited and historic Bangsamoro Agreement has tremendously enhanced the investment climate of Mindanao and has paved the way both for domestic and international investors, businessmen and entrepreneurs.

This event, which is the first and frontrunner summit on Mindanao, will be attended by both local and international investors, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and other organizations which have an immense interest in further developing Mindanao as a core business region.

The panelists to the summit will include, but not limited to, persons and entities which have more than enough exposure and experiences about Mindanao and have plans of further improving the overall development of the region.

Mindanao, with its rich mineral resources, ecological value, human talents and skills, and economic potentials was, in the past, regarded as one of the richest regions not only in the Philippines, but in the whole world.

But events changed the prosperity once enjoyed by Mindanao and its people. Diversities led to divisions and the unity of the people of Mindanao in the past was disrupted by selfish motives. Business was corrupted by the desire to make profits in dishonorable ways and means. The rich became richer and the poor became poorer.

However, recent events have altered this unwanted environment. With globalization, Mindanao has started to change for the better. Mindanao is now stable and ready to cultivate and nourish intensive and harmonious business links and investment tie-ups with the global community.

Summit organizer, Unity For Revival Foundation (URF) Chairman Shariff Ibrahim Albani is confident that, with the active and productive participation of various sectors in the summit, bright and achievable ideas will emerge to make Mindanao PROGRESSIVE AND UNITED ONCE AGAIN.

‘RABBIT HOLE’ LAUNCHES RED TURNIP THEATER’S SECOND SEASON

In the span of a year, Red Turnip Theater has made its mark in the Philippine theater scene. The band of five actors that make up Red Turnip (Ana Abad Santos, Topper Fabregas, Jenny Jamora, Cris Villonco and Rem Zamora) wanted to come up with a maiden season that would re-introduce Philippine audiences to the straight play while putting their own stamp on the theatrical experience. Their first production, “Closer”, was a bruising and honest take on modern day relationships and their follow-up, “Cock”, was a biting comedy about sexual identity. Both productions went on to acclaim with critics and audiences alike.

The five are back with their second season and are excited to kickstart it with the 2007 Pulitzer Prize winner, “Rabbit Hole”. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, “Rabbit Hole” was a Broadway hit that garnered several Tony nominations and a win for its lead actress, Cynthia Nixon. It was then adapted into a critically-acclaimed film with Nicole Kidman in 2010 and earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

The story revolves around Becca and Howie, a couple who lose their four year old son to a car accident, and the grief that slowly threatens to tear them apart. Shifting between humour and heartbreak, “Rabbit Hole” explores the way people deal with loss and how this affects those closest to them; their families. Variety calls it “an intensely emotional examination of grief, laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion, and searing honesty”.

The Manila premier has film and television star Agot Isidro in the role of Becca, with theater veteran Michael Williams as her husband Howie. This production marks Agot’s return to theater after notable turns in Tanghalang Pilipino's "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah", Atlantis Productions' "Baby" and Trumpets' "Honk!". Williams' long list of credits include starring roles in "Jekyll and Hyde", "Les Miserables" and "Man of La Mancha" for Repertory Philippines.

            Agot Isidro: I'm a little nervous about going back to theater 'cause it has been seven years since my last production (Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah). But I am excited at the same time, because I know it will be a welcome and enriching break after years of TV work. I am especially on the edge about 'Rabbit Hole' because this is my first straight play. With musicals, there's a certain comfort in knowing that, at some parts, I burst into song. So a straight play is all new to me. But I am looking forward to the process.

             Michael Williams: I am very much looking forward to working with Red Turnip on their production of ‘Rabbit Hole’. It’s an amazing script and based on their previous productions, no doubt this one will also be handled with a high degree of sensitivity.

Joining Isidro and Williams are Che Ramos-Cosio (Tatlong Maria, Dogeaters) as Becca’s sister Izzy and Sheila Francisco (South Pacific, August Osage County) as their mother Nat.  Dulaang UP's Ross Pesigan (Ang Nawalang Kapatid, Titus Andronicus) rounds off the eclectic cast as Jason, the young boy responsible for the tragic loss of their son.

Topper Fabregas makes his directorial debut:

                 Apart from it being a brilliant script, we Turnips also chose ‘Rabbit Hole’ as our second season opener because were hungry to show a different side to us. ‘Closer’ and ‘Cock’ defined our first season as these fantastic, in-your-face experiences. ‘Rabbit Hole’ takes the (deceptively) gentler approach but will knock you out just the same. It’s also a great showcase for its cast, and you don’t get any better than these five actors. We are excited to have them on board. We are also very thrilled to be back at Whitespace!

"Rabbit Hole" opens on August 1, 2014 and runs all weekends of August. Log on to https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater for complete show schedules.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld (891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph) or Red Turnip Theater (redturniptheater@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedTurnipTheater)

CREATIVE STAFF

Direction: Topper Fabregas

Technical Direction & Lighting Design: John Batalla

Set Design: Faust Peneyra

Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin

Venue: Whitespace is located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. Extension (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati.

CFA Research Institute Challenge topped by U.P. Diliman

Six students from U.P. Diliman joined an international competition, passed every entry level and won at the CFA Research Institute Challenge. Their story was an underdog experience. They narrated that they sacrificed their free time and their studies to prepare for this.

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During the competition, they were the only participants that were not degree holders and most have master's and even doctorate studies. But they went through every elimination from National to Regional and Final(Global).

When asked what was their presentation and what made the judges convinced. The project was for MERALCO which was recommended to them and they just made the presentation simple and straight to the point. You can bet that there will be promising jobs for these six minds once they graduate.

Follow this blog on what's happening or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Upstart Productions Debuts with The Baby Dance

Non-traditional theater is what I describe my experience watching Upstart Productions. Instead of focusing on how the actors move, you feel engage listening to their dialogues. It's like the days of radio skits where you just sit and listen.

Not only that G Toengi is handling Upstart but it was also her birthday celebration during the time I watched. She was passionate about her RH advocacy that is why she selected this piece, The Baby Dance during her birthday. Not only that Baby Dance is entertaining, it also has some logic in the story about adoption.

I got to watch it last June 15. Upstart is doing a new piece every other Friday so it means you have to watch every single time. Upstart stages at Century City Mall Events Center. For more updates in the theater arts in Metro Manila, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Phillips Unveils LEDiscovery: New and Creative Ways to use LED Lights

According to the Creation stories and the Big Bang Theory, the first thing was created was light. During the Phillips launch last June 19 in Mckinley Hill, Taguig; we were presented with different creative innovations for the LED light.

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Presenting these new creative ways for the LED lights requires a good manner of theatrics. Which is why Gabe Mercado of SPIT hosted and presented the event to make it more entertaining. If you are familiar with the home of the future TV commercials in black and white, Phillips will actually make it happen.

The first innovation presented was the Solar Powered LED Lighting. I know that it is nothing new but imagine your lighting can be provided by Alternate Energy which is the sun. It can be flexible to any home or commercial establishment or even outdoors. This is ideal for those who are stricken by calamities who are still experiencing the absence of electricity in their temporary tent shelters.

For the ideal home of the future, the Phillips Hue can make you open your lights by using an android device or smartphones. All you need is a good internet Connectivity with a router. You can open your house lights wherever you are.

The Phillips Hue has an app that can be downloaded from the App store. You can also set the lights to turn on upon your arrival. It can also change the color of your lights. There are many possibilities with the Hue that you can experiment on. You can set the color to change upon changes of weather.

Have you ever got trouble looking for the light switch in the dark? The Antumbra series is designed to have a user interface and their switches lit up depending on the demand of the user. The switches can be activated in a touch but still offers the traditional button option.

LED Lighting can also be used like works of art. Phillips was responsible for installing the LED light system at the Empire State Building that can attract New Yorkers all over the city. Imagine if we can have something like this in our own famous structures. I am imagining one of our famous landmarks can adapt this technology and what a show will it become. The Color Kinetics will make any structure a lights show display.

The most ideal LED technology for me is the combination of light and textile. These Luminous Textile Panels can be stylish and convenient because the light source will be coming from the walls. Another fancy display is the LED Mirror. The mirror itself has lights that can be adjusted when you stand it front of it. The lights also provides a clearer view for your eyes to look at.

Another stylish and artistic LED technology displayed was the Living Sculpture. The LED panels can be programmed to move using the app device installed at your room. These LED lights can be available upon ordering at your nearest Phillips store. The Phillips people can demonstrate to you how it works and they assured it's D.I.Y. meaning it can be installed with limited supervision.

Follow this blog for more tech updates or like the L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Coca-Cola, TAYO Foundation open new season of outstanding youth organization awards

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Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines with its longstanding partner, Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, is once again calling student and youth organizations across the Philippines to take on the 12^th TAYO Awards challenge. The TAYO Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions of Filipino youth groups to their respective communities throughprojects that address relevant needs or opportunities such as poverty reduction, education, disaster risk reduction, financial literacy, environmental conservation, and tourism.

In its most recent run, TAYO received a total of 286 entries, of which the following winners were chosen: Gualandi Volunteer Service Program, Association of Locally Empowered Youth-NM, Hayag Youth Organization, Kawil Tours, Tanay Mountaineers Incorporated, Reduction Advocacy Program, TC Youth Laboratory Cooperative, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary - Foundation University Chapter, Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid, Volunteer Service Provider, and University of San Carlos-Pathways.

Special recognition was also given to a high-energy team of Sarangani mountaineers dubbed Team BUNDOL, this year’s Coke Barkada awardee. The Coke Barkada Award is given to one of the TAYO finalists that best demonstrates the qualities of a Coke Barkada – a group that shares happiness and embodies the passion to change communities through projects that mirror the Coca-Cola sustainability pillars ofwater stewardship, women empowerment, and promotion of well-being.

A Lasting Partnership

The partnership between TAYO Foundation and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines – the social investment arm of Coca-Cola Philippines and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines - began in 2005 upon the institution of the Coke Barkada Award as a special category in the annual TAYO Awards.

“At Coca-Cola, we believe that you can never be too young to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. People may be calling this generation the ‘selfie’ generation but, as one TAYO Finalist put it, it’s a we-generation or a TAYO-generation, not a me-generation, as I’ve come to know them. I feel like a proud mom to them, hearing their stories and getting to know all the wonderful work that they do,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.            

                           

In 2006, Coca-Cola Foundation scaled up its partnership to be the TAYO Award’s sole co-presenter.

“Last year, I remember being brought to tears when one of the TAYO Finalists went to the audience to hug her friend during the awarding ceremony. Moments like these are the result of the golden triangle at work: where business, civil society and government pool together to help towards the growth of the country and its people. As a Company, we believe that our business is only as strong and sustainable as the communities we serve and through partnerships like these, we take the opportunity to contribute all we can to make a positive impact,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Philippines, who also serves a judge in the panel for TAYO.

  

“You don’t forget groups like the Team BUNDOL Mountaineers, Tulong Sa Kapwa Kapatid, or even the Cebu Youth Ambassadors from the year before. These aren’t just groups, these are real people with real stories and I look forward to being part of the panel again this year to hear all of them,” he added.

The TAYO Awards 2014 is presented by the TAYO Awards Foundation, together with the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.

Joining the search

To join the TAYO Awards, organizations must accomplish a TAYO 12 Entry Form and TAYO 12 Project briefer that can be accessed through in the Tayo Awards Website (http://www.tayoawards.net/tayo12/). Documents proving the existence and veracity of information, list of officers, leaders and founders and three-page project documentation must also be e-mailed to Tayo secretariat.

The TAYO Awards accepts entries from interested youth groups, organizations, clubs, and societies that are composed of at least 15 members, more than half of which must be between 15 to 30 years old. The submitted projects must have either been recently concluded or are still ongoing.

Entries are judged on the following criteria: Impact of project entry on stakeholders; harnessing the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship; creativity and innovation; and sustainability and effective use of resources. The winning organizations will receive a special trophy created by Philippine sculptor Tyom De Leon Imao, and a Php50,000 grant from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

Deadline for entries is on September 30, 2014. Interested organizations may submit their entries through the official website of TAYO Awards, www.tayoawards.net.

TUNE HOTELS TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE BUSINESS GROWTH IN VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Release matertial

Music-based campaign planned to celebrate Tune Hotel Melbourne’s first anniversary

18 June 2014, Kuala Lumpur – Tune Hotels, which opened its doors in Melbourne recently will continue to lure more visitors to the city popularly known as Australia’s cultural capital, tapping on the rising number of tourists especially from South East Asia.

Tune Hotel Melbourne at Swanston Street, Carlton

In the year ending March 2014, Victoria welcomed more than 260,000 international visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, representing an average annual growth rate of 13.1 percent.

The State of Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher met with Tune Hotels Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Lankester to discuss growth plans ahead of Tune Hotel Melbourne’s first anniversary in October.

“Victoria has strong ties with Malaysia, as many Malaysians have lived, worked and studied here. These links provide significant opportunities for visiting friends and relatives which is a key driver for repeat visitation,” said Ms Asher.

Victoria is the favourite Australian state amongst Malaysians who made up almost 100,000 overnight visitors, a 14 per cent increase for the year ending March 2014.

Tune Hotel Melbourne, which has been hugely popular amongst Malaysians, has also attracted many Australians who make up 55 percent of its bookings. Its 225-room facility at 609 Swanston Street, is conveniently located next to the University of Melbourne, just two streets away from popular Lygon Street, a short walk to Queen Victoria Market and minutes to Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD).

“Demand has been strong from day one, owing to the invaluable support we have received from the Victorian Government, which accelerated our establishment process and promoted Melbourne as a destination of choice to international and local tourists.

“Tourism Victoria and the Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) based in Kuala Lumpur have continued to support us, offering unique and bespoke familiarisation trips and extending knowledge and expertise to help us understand the Victorian market better,” said Lankester.

A special music-oriented social media campaign is underway to celebrate the first anniversary of Tune Hotel Melbourne that will that is aimed at supporting and providing a platform for new and young musical talents in Melbourne in conjunction with the hotel’s first anniversary.

“We seek to provide that link and sense of belonging amongst the many young musicians in Melbourne towards Tune Hotels. We want them to see Tune Hotel Melbourne as an arena where they can showcase their talent and be noticed. Look out for our announcement soon,” he added.

Malaysia's international carriers Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X have both recently increased their Kuala Lumpur Melbourne flights to thrice daily and twice daily respectively to service this growth. By 2022-23 it is estimated that Victoria will receive approximately 152,000 Malaysian visitors annually.

Ms Asher is in Malaysia leading Victoria’s current Super Trade Mission to South East Asia, which includes more than 180 representatives from more than 130 organisations representing Victoria’s education, food and agribusiness, sustainable urban design, ICT and tourism industries.

For more updates about Tune Hotels, follow this blog or like the L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

AyosDito online promo

Season change. Stuvvs happen, ayos lang yan.

Back with a new web-series, Ramon Bautista stars in Tales of the Friend Zone X (#TFTFx) to share the bittersweet love story of Arvin Jimenez (Ramon Bautista) and Teacher Ines (Nikki Veron Cruz). Set as a love story filled with pwetty sunsets and “Love is only real when baduy” moments, #TFTFZx will make any love bird tweet feelings to the max.

Also starring TV personality, Nikki Veron, and the boys of Boy’s Night Out, Sam YG, Tony Toni, and Slick Rick; TFTFZx is the ayos way of welcoming the cold rainy days of June.

But it’s not all weepy feelings for TFTFZx. To reward the fans of TFTFZx and the 2013 release of Tales from the Friend Zone series (http://blog.ayosdito.ph/index.php/tales-from-the-friend-zone-zero-tftfz-tftfzero/), AyosDito.ph is giving away fabulous prizes perfect for mending broken hearts. Starting on June 11 until June 30, you can be one of the lucky winners of Gshock watches, Gshock couple watches and GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition cameras.

To join, you just have to share why you love AyosDito.ph for buying great deals or selling your pre-loved items. It’s that easy! So if you think you’re not very lucky in love, here in AyosDito.ph, you have all the chance you want to go home a winner!

Failed in love? #AyosLangYan

Still single, don’t even want to mingle? #AyosLangYan.

www.AyosDito.ph, a leading and trusted online buying and selling website in the Philippines, knows how instinct tells you to hold on to things, especially the more sentimental ones. However, there are new stories waiting to be made only if you let go of things and accept that “Stuvvs happen, ayos lang yan.”

By letting go of pre-loved items on AyosDito.ph, you get the closure you need to move on; while also getting the chance to earn a little extra for other exciting things to try. Even more, you get the chance to win exclusive prizes too!

Ayos ‘di ba?

For more info, visit http://blog.ayosdito.ph/index.php/ayoslangyan/