United for Healthier Kids Advocacy Launched Campaign launched toaddress malnutrition among Filipino children launched by Nestlé, FNRI,ABS-CBN, and Facebook

Press Release:  About thirty percent of Filipino children are undernourished and this has not significantly improved in the past 10 years, according to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey. It has also been established that consistent under-nutrition can lead to stunting.  Stunting has been linked to health issues in adulthood such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and even obesity.

Nestlé Philippines, in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology, ABS-CBN, and Facebook, has launched a movement called United for Healthier Kids (U4HK) to help address the serious problem of child malnutrition in the country.

U4HK seeks to draw together various sectors of society to work with parents in increasing awareness about the prevalence of child malnutrition, as well as promoting proper diet for children. The spotlight will be on children with ages 4 to 12 years old.  

Cebuana Lhuillier Search for the Happiest Pinoy 2014

The Philippines had been wrath with numerous disasters each year, from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and its nearby provinces to the typhoon Yolanda that has brought our fellowmen devastation. But Filipinos are resilient people. We have shown this throughout the world that even the renowned CNN said something positive about our race. So it's time to spread some positivity and good vibes via Cebuana Lhuillier's Search for the Happiest Pinoy! 

Now on its third year, Cebuana Lhuillier recently announced their Search for The Happiest Pinoy. Imagine winning P1 million cash prize, tax-free all because you've been some ray of sunshine for most people and simply for being happy and staying positive! Yes, a staggering One Million Pesos (tax-free) awaits the Happiest Pinoy 2014 Grand Winner while nine runners-up will each bring home P50,000. 

Developing and Honing Children's Talent Can Lead to Country’s Success

Professor Françoys Gagné, Ph. D discussing the Differentiating Model of Giftedness and Talent

Giftedness by definition is mostly associated with talent. While most people thought that the terms are synonymous and interchangeable, Professor Françoys Gagné, Ph. D, believes otherwise. Considered as one of the most prominent names in the field of gifted education, Professor Gagné is the founder of the Differentiating Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT), a theory identified and used by international educational authorities to define their target population and plan intervention provisions. Wyeth Nutrition, makers of Promil Pre-School, a follow-up milk that has been an advocate of giftedness for almost 25 years flew in Professor Gagné in the country recently to enlighten the public on how we could help in nurturing potential talents and giftedness in children. 

Beauty in a Bottle Movie: Combining Beauty, Comedy + Wit

SKYLIGHT Films in partnership with Quantum Films gathers three of the country's talented actresses Angelica Panganiban, Angeline Quinto and Assunta De Rossi in a film where they had displayed their innate knack for comedy entitled Beauty in A Bottle--a movie that's bound to make the entire family laugh and enjoy. 

We all know that Angeline Quinto is a fine singer. But unbeknownst to many, she's also a natural comedienne, knowing exactly when to deliver her punch lines that will surely crack you up. Assunta De Rossi used to be part of the original casts of a gag show and her experienced with them had made her show her wacky side. Of course, Angelica Panganiban shows off her versatility as an actress and who's often seen from being one of the main casts of Banana Nite and Banana Split Extra Scoop. 

Meat and Livestock Australia's Let's Meat Up Program

Filipinos are naturally foodies who love to meet up and eat. It could happen every weekend or on special occasions such as reunions where heirloom family recipes are cooked and culinary secrets are being handed down or passed on to younger generations as they help and work in the kitchen as apprentices. Weekend luncheons and dinners are also avenues where we would often come up with our special dishes. Usually, we stay away with ingredients like beef and lamb thinking that they are time consuming when it comes to preparation. But a recent event I've attended organized by Meat & Livestock Australia called "Let's Meat Up" has helped me to understand that there are easy-to-do recipes using beef and lamb. 

The foodies enjoyed Chef Malou's creations that morning.

The said event also aims to debunk the misconception that beef and lamb are both a bit intimidating as ingredients when it comes to time and complexity of preparation. Meat & Livestock Australia's Country Manager to the Philippines and Vietnam, Mr. Peter Paul Perez wants to revolutionize such notion when he launched Let's Meat Up as consumer-based program. 

One of the awesome dishes which Chef Malou Perez-Nievera's original recipes shared during the event. 

Electrolux converts worn out clothes into quilts with Gawad Kalinga'sTrese Community Program

Filipinos' traditional bayanihan concept is still very much alive even up to this day. We see these exemplary Filipino value each year during times when our country is faced with numerous natural calamities such as the recent earthquake and typhoons which result to ruined homes and ravaged livelihood. But we have relentlessly proven through time and again that it is during these crucial times that we are there for one another--we try to help rehabilitate the lives of the victims. 

And in this light, Electrolux, the trusted brand and world leader in home appliances has been collecting and laundering clothes for calamity-stricken survivors for several years now. This year, Electrolux, through its Delightful-E Simple campaign, innovated this long-running advocacy.

In partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s Trese community, Electrolux will upcycle unusable clothes into quilts for children and new born babies in orphanages and other communities.

Suspense and adventure-filled movies at SM Cinemas this October!

SM Cinema brings an exciting line-up of action-filled stories that they shouldn't fsil to miss this October through its CinExclusive program. This month’s suspense and adventure-filled movie list includes Little Azkals: Pursuit of the World Cup Dream, Detective Conan: Dimensional Sniper, Tumbang Preso (In the Can), and The Pirates.

 Little Azkals: Pursuit of the World Cup Dream

A story of dreams against the odds, “Little Azkals : Pursuit of the World Cup Dream,” is a documentary film which showcases the stories of 22 young boys from all over the Philippines and their once in a lifetime opportunity to be trained in a football camp in England for the sole purpose of qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.

Little Azkals will have its regular cinema premiere from October 25-26 at selected SM Cinemas (MOA, SM Megamall, SM South Mail, SM Sta Mesa, SM Fairview, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM Bacoor, SM Iloilo, SM Cebu, SM North Edsa). 

Magical Moments Spent with John Lloyd Cruz

John Lloyd Cruz, the award-winning Filipino actor and popular Jack 'n Jill Magic Flakes Crackers endorser/brand ambassador recently surprised unsuspecting fans as they had experienced a once-in-a-lifetime magical moments with the actor. John Lloyd Cruz had traveled all the way from Manila to provinces such as Laguna, Pampanga, Iloilo and Cebu. He surprised people who had no idea that he'd be showing up and in his own simple way brought some 'magical moments' for these ordinary people. 

The said "tour" is Universal Robina Corporation's (URC) Jack 'n Jill Magic Flakes campaign called "Nothing Like Magic" which aims to show that magical moments can happen to anyone, 

anytime and anywhere, just like when John Lloyd and Magic Flakes Crackers are around. 

Daniel Matsunaga reveals his top secret on where does he get his strength and what's next after his PBB big win

He's got the height as well as the looks. In fact, his smile is enough to make all the ladies swoon! But more than those mentioned, Brazillian-Japanese model Daniel Matsunaga takes pride in achieving his six pack, his dashboard abs, and his overall health. He leads a very active lifestyle. He regularly does cardio exercises, lifts weights, and participates in a lot of sports like professional football and the Spartan Race, the most difficult obstacle race franchise, whose US competition he wishes to join someday. He also loves to wakeboard and get into the groove of Brazil’s traditional dance Capoeira. Daniel's secret on maintaining his body fit, healthy and ready for both sports and workout comes from his favorite tuna--San Marino Tuna Flakes. 

Get ready to “ooze” control this Halloween with Nickelodeon’s MutantMayhem

Brace yourselves and be ready to scream and shout as Nickelodeon prepares the ultimate scarefest this Halloween with its annual themed party. Kids of all ages are called on to join this year’s “Mutant Mayhem” on October 31, 2 PM, at Hall 1 of SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

This year's theme pays homage to everyone’s favorite childhood heroes in a half shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as other mutants from popular Nickelodeon shows, this year’s theme celebrates the supernatural in all its forms, from the fairly mischievous to the downright menacing.

One of this year’s most anticipated trick-or-treat events is complete with entertainment, attractions, games and freebies that make for a hauntingly memorable Halloween experience. From the rooftops to the sewers, boys and girls will be thrilled to no end with the line-up of stage games, booth 

activities and surprise appearances and performances from their favorite Nick characters.

Of course, what is Halloween without the strange ensembles and monstrous make-up? This year’s costume contest shines the spotlight on kids who stand out in the most creative, scariest or cutest looks. Rounding out the fun-filled event are the spooktacular prizes and goodies to be given away, from dangerously cool merchandise to wickedly yummy treats.

No More Household Worries With Sharp Double Washer: Helps You to Enjoy Life's Simple Pleasures

A typical Mother's life would indeed be truly stressful, especially if you're a working Mom. You really have to find that perfect balance in time management as you try to juggle between your work load in the office, spend quality time for your family and doing household chores that needed to be attended to and completed, like your laundry. But thank heavens for companies such as Sharp--who understands every Mom's dilemma. The Philippines' most trusted brand in home appliances--Sharp (Phils.) Corp. --comes the unprecedented and pioneering Double Washer washing machine. This unique product assures Filipinos that doing the laundry will now be more efficient, environment-friendly and ultimately, more convenient rather than being tedious and time consuming.

With the help of the Sharp Double Washer, Moms can do the laundry easily while saving on money, time and effort. Yes, we can spend more quality time with our loved ones and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Compared to traditional washing machines that come with a “twin tub” (washer and spin dryer) design, Sharp’s version has two “washer” tubs, where you can wash both white and colored clothes at the same time. It also lets you choose which tub to use depending on your wash load, while providing up to 50% savings in washing time to save on electricity consumption. This two washer tub design also helps preserve a vital environment resource by using less amount of water in every wash.

 

There are many ways to take advantage of the two-washer tub design. You can use the first tub for washing white clothes or delicate items like babies’ clothes and underwear, and use the second tub to wash colored clothes or heavier garments like adult clothes, office or school uniforms, and even rags, blankets or towels. This gives you the ease and speed to finish the chore in half the time you usually do.

 

Its patented cylindrical design allows for a more efficient wash as it follows the whirl-cycle movement. It also lets you save vital house space, a feature that those living in condominiums would find beneficial.

 

So why choose the Sharp washing machine? According to the Euromonitor International Report on Home Laundry Appliances in the Philippines, Sharp is the best-selling washing machine brand as it posted “the highest volume sales growth at 10%” in 2013.

The report likewise cited the success of Sharp washing machines to its “high brand recall and the reputation it has built through the years as a good-quality brand,” plus its “product offerings for both low- and high-income consumers, allowing it to capture a significant share of the market.”

Uplifting the quality of Filipino lives for the past 32 years has been Sharp’s trademark, and is now reinforced through Sharp’s “Our Brand, Our Pride” philosophy, a commitment to bring the best products and engineering marvels to every Filipino home.

For more details, visit www.sharp.ph

Century Tuna SuperCooks: Bloggers Cook-Off Challenge

Last week, Century Tuna invited bloggers (second batch) to their office cum demo kitchen where we had a bloggers' cook-off challenge. The bloggers were divided into three groups composed of three members. I was included in the first group with fellow foodie Dems and mom/lifestyle blogger Sol Razo. Under the assistance of Century Tuna resident Chef Heart Alikpala, together we tried to whip in different dishes where we incorporate Century Tuna products as their main ingredients. 

Being the culinary wannabe, I took the first challenge of creating Century Tuna Empanada made from the scratch. It wasn't exactly something new to me, rather it was more of a dejavu. I had so much fun rolling the pins and cutting the dough with a cookie cutter. Chef taught me the easiest way to insert all the fillings inside the small empanada and how to properly close it without dropping its fillings. As I did the tuna empanada, my team mate, Dems, tried her hand in doing Century Tuna Baked Ziti. Dems, being young and a newbie in the kitchen, was assisted by Century Culinary Circle's Chef Heart Alikpala

Up next, I tried my hand on the pan. I did Bangus Ala Madrilena. It was so easy peasy to do. You jist have to incorporate all the ingredients and allow them to simmer and cook for eight minutes. Just by looking at the said dish, one would start to think about Christmas. Its filled with so much texture, flavors and colors. There's olive oil, olives, garbanzos, chorizo, minced ham, tomato sauce, red wine and loads of Bangus goodness from Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet Spanish Style. 

I also did the easiest recipe, the Century Tuna Macaroni Salad. This is where I was able to learn the "secret" why macaroni salad rocks. I've honestly tried doing this recipe but was unsuccessful when it comes to its taste. I am sharing them with you just in case you haven't heard about it yet. But I had never thought that you can actually put condensed milk into your macaroni salad to balance off all the flavors of mayo, pickle relish, cheese, celery and pineapples into it. At first, I thought putting condensed milk into macaroni salad was weird. But it had made all the difference. No wonder my old macaroni salad recipe wasn't that good tasting. It lacked one ingredient--condensed milk! In fact, Chef Heart even revealed that a "finger-licking chicken company" orders huge bunches of Angel Condensada (another product from the Century Pacific Food Inc.) for their macaroni salads alone. Also, another revelation with that particular macaroni salad recipe was that I didn't used any mayonnaise on it. I simply used Century Tuna Mayo Spread alone but it tasted just as good. 

Meanwhile, our other team member, Sol, made the Century Tuna Vienna Sausage Corndogs while Dems made another recipe called the Century Tuna Risotto Balls. As we cooked, there was also a challenge for bloggers to multi-task--we had to take photos of the dishes and our cooking activities and upload them into our social media accounts such as Instagram and Facebook because there was a contest for the most number of likes. At the same time, we also had to taste our dishes which was truly difficult to do so as we all kept moving in our respective work stations. 

Imagine our surprise when Dems and I won as best Instagrammers that night! We both had received awesome goodies such as one box of Vita Coco tetra packs (which I super duper love! I'll post another story about it soon.), Century Tuna canned goods, Carb Trim capsules as well as other products. 

As Dems and I were being driven home that night, I realized there's a lot of things you can do with tuna--you just need to have some creativity into your cooking. All the recipes we did that night was carefully thought of by Chef Heart for the Century Culinary Circle under the Century Tuna brand. I'm so glad to be a part of their invited blogger guests. I did not only enjoyed cooking but I was also able to learn a lot as well. I went home that night planning which among the recipes will I be cooking for my family to try this coming holiday season. 

Thank you so much for he opportunity, Century Tuna and the entire Century Pacific Food Inc.--makers of other trusted brands like Swift, Argentina, Angel and 555. Special thanks to Chef Heart Alikpala and Rhea Bue for the invite.

Visit their site at www.centurytuna.com.ph. You could also follow them on Instagram at @centurytunasuperbods. Email them at century@centurytuna.com.ph

NOTE: Recipes mentioned above will be posted on my food blog, angtakawko.blogspot.com separately.

What Makes Blogging Worth It

The small card that my blog reader Paula Alagao gave me and her gift pen.

Before I started out blogging, I was with the print media as a freelance writer for more than a decade. I used to write regularly for a popular fashion magazine but after I had dabbled into doing other things such as television scriptwriting, I decided to stop. Of course, my colleagues from the media would agree with me that once you stop doing something you're so passionate about, including the so-called "glory-of-by-line", you'd start missing about it. And that's how I came about starting a blog. I had actually no idea what blog was all about when I started blogging four or five years ago. Sorry, I don't even hold a 'blog anniversary' like my fellow bloggers do so I'm not quite sure which year I started blogging, although I know which month. So to make the long story short, I had evolved from being a print writer to an online publisher. And I'm telling you it wasn't that easy. 

For one, I had received a lot of flak from other media friends. One colleague even said that I had sort of "demoted" myself. It's no secret that there are some "members of the media/practitioners" who seemed to be "narrow-minded" that they  unfortunately look down on bloggers. For someone coming from media and becoming a blogger, it felt like I was in between two poles. I understand where both parties come from. I'm not being biased either because I'd rather see both media and bloggers to work hand-in-hand in informing and entertaining their readers because both have the same goal anyway. I'd rather not dwell on that as it's a very difficult topic to tackle. 

Going back to how I started blogging, someone suggested I start a blog or an online journal where I could bare my soul and express myself without the need for an editor. When I started with my main blog, Purple Plum Fairy, it was a Mommy blog. At the time, my nephew Kyle was still very young. He's my everything, he meant a lot to me. I was an "instant mom" when I had him under my care. My blog became my constant companion as I had struggled through all the challenges of a first time "mom". So for years, I would be writing about child-rearing and other Mommy duties I had encountered. When I would be given the chance to meet other mom bloggers at events, I would exchange mom stories with them. It was fun to meet other mom bloggers. But I had also received comments from fellow bloggers as well. However, there were some influential mom bloggers who "questioned" my "mommy blog" saying that I'm not Kyle's biological mom. I know I may only be his Aunt, but for someone who took a child from the time he was eight months-old up until now that he's 12, who fed him, changed his diapers, sent him to school and taught him everything he has learned by now--are these not enough to consider me his Mom? His biological mom (my elder sister) do not even bother to support him in any way--financially or morally in those past years. It was only me and my Mom whom Kyle can consider his family. And yet, just because I started out a parenting blog or an online journal on how I was raising my nephew as my son, I'd be receiving some "discrimination". In fact, when I asked one popular and influential mom blogger who had connections then with a toy brand and was looking for mom bloggers willing to do a product review if I could make one for my blog said, "Eh hindi ka naman mommy. This project is only exclusive for real moms." I had simply respected her decision. Perhaps my being there for my beloved Kyle all through this years may never be considered a "parenting job" for other people. 

I felt a sigh of relief when years of writing about Kyle and other personal stuff had slowly made my blog changed from a mom blog to a lifestyle one. At least, with lifestyle, I won't have to please other people to "accept me as Kyle's mom". My blog soon eventually evolved into a lifestyle blog. From time to time, since I got used to it, I would still be writing about Kyle and other personal matter such as this. But basically, my blog now involves a lot of other things my reader/s might be interested in. 

Why am I writing this post, you may ask? Let me clarify, I do not want to create an issue about my sad experience with mom bloggers here. I have long moved on, I just felt like sharing them with you to let you know that being a blogger isn't all fun, perks and freebies. Life as blogger entails hard work, intrigues and issues. But that's part of it--the same thing with showbiz and politics. Let's go back to why I am writing this post now. I had received a sweet surprise yesterday when I've awarded the winners to my recent blog giveaway after Purple Plum Fairy had its own domain (it can now be found under a dot com). One of the winners, Paula Alagao gave me a small card. I've met her before when she had also won in one of my past giveaways. But receiving a card from her was really something else. When she gave it to me, I held back my tears. I didn't want her or other people see some tears welling up my eyes. I didn't know someone really reads my blog. To be completely honest, I simply write what I want to write on my site. I don't know anything about SEO or blackhat and whitehat etc. in fact, another blogger once said, "Your blog's like a novel! Do you think people actually take time reading those entries of yours?" But reading a small card hand written from an actual reader of mine made me cry yesterday. It made all my blogging entries all worth it. So what if other PR wouldn't invite me on their events because I'm not fashionable/pretty enough, or because I don't have circle of friends or connections or PR ranking/hits required--for as long as I have readers who appreciate my blog in its simplicity, even if there are only few--I'd still write. 

         This is my blog reader Paula Alagao as she claims her Leann's gift certificate. 

Blogging is worth it as long as there are people like Paula Alagao--who laughs with me when I write something funny, who's like a friend I could talk to, who could learn a thing or two from my blog post--what truly matters is that I'm able to touch lives in my own little way because of my blog. 

To you Paula, if you're reading this, allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love the card and your pen gift. I promise to use it often. And to my other previous winner last month, (sorry your name is at the tip of my tongue at the moment), I apologize if I've had to decline to have a photo with me. I prefer that people would think I'm as slim as my Purple Plum Fairy blog logo. But I'm really grateful that you guys are following my blog. My heartfelt thanks to the ten readers (and counting...) of this blog. Seriously speaking, Thank you to all my readers. Thank you for visiting my blog, for joining my simple giveaways or contests. For bearing with my long novel-like blog entries. Thank you for believing in me. God bless you all! Rest assured, I'll try to make my blog better and more worth of your time. 

SUPERBOOK SEASON 2 NOW AIRS ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AT ABS-CBN

Good news to all Superbook lovers and fans! Finally, the long wait is over!

Superbook Season 2 aired on Philippine TV for the first time in ABS-CBN which started last October 11 at 9:30 a.m. 

Packed with  13 all-new and exciting episodes, Superbook Season 2 is definitely the perfect bonding and learning time for the families.

Superbook lovers will surely enjoy watching their favorite Superbook characters Chris, Joy and Gizmo as Superbook surprises them to experience new adventures, meet new friends and new heroes, explore new places and discover new lessons based on the greatest story book ever written -The Bible. 

For their first Superbook Season 2 episode, they have met Jonah, a man who was tasked by God to do a very special mission.  Find out more wonderful stories this Saturday, at 9:30am on ABS-CBN. Invite the whole family and your friends. Don't miss this amazing trip back in time!

Trailers c/o ABS-CBN:

Superbook Jonah episode: http://youtu.be/CRMTnMu_3d8

Superbook S2 World Premiere trailer: http://youtu.be/gV2Yl5mJmDs 

Goin Bulilit on Superbook Season 2: http://youtu.be/TpSLfc3OEig 

Melawares Next Cusina Idol Cook-Off Challenge 2014 Grand Winners

Fueled by their passion for food with the determination to show the skills that they've got, ten cooking enthusiasts and culinary students had battled it out on the most exciting culinary contest dubbed as "The  Next Idol Cook-Off Challenge," hosted by Melawares, the trusted name in melamine tableware and Urban Kitchen, the complete restaurant and food service solution. Held last October 11, Saturday, at the Global Culinary Academy in Pasig, the coveted title are divided into two categories: the Culinary Division composed of students currently enrolled this school year; and the Cooking Enthusiasts Division which was held open to all genders, from 18 years old and up. 

All finalists underwent through stringent screening and rigorous preliminary rounds before advancing to the finals. They all purchased Php500 worth of Melawares, Bestwares, Perfect Dining, and Urban Kitchen products and filled out the online registration form found at the Melawares Cusina Club Facebook page. Preliminary winners were chosen based on the plating, cleanliness and preparation, and number of Facebook shares.

In the end, Mercedita Madrona and Kimberly Jane Solejon emerged as winners on different respective categories. Both won a whopping P 250,000 kitchen showcase prize for beating other finalists from the recent Melawares Culinary Clash. Other finalists namely: Maria Luisa Juanson, Maridel Pacleb, Ayah Potian, and Vivian Tiongkiao from the Culinary Enthusiasts Division and  Maverick Javier and Mark Johnsent Talento from the Culinary Students Division all went home with a prize of P25,000 worth of kitchen showcase. 

The chosen finalists for the Culinary Students Division were asked to impress the judges with their star dish using chicken, while those in the Cooking Enthusiasts Division tried to stand out from the competition with their original fish recipe. Mercedita Madrona impressed the judges with her Adobo Marinated Hito while Kimberly Jane Solejon made it to the top with her Pan-Seared Chicken.

The two "Cusina Idols" on each division winners as well as the other finalists will be featured in a publication. "It's no secret that Filipinos are naturally foodies. No wonder that we have the best chefs and some are even making waves internationally. However, food presentation poses a challenge to most. That's where Melawares come in, our lines are making it easier to serve not only genuinely delicious meals but beautiful and appetizing-looking as well. With the Cusina Idol Cook-Off Challenge, we are excited to see the best and the brightest culinary stars in the country," said Chriselda Chua, Marketing Manager of CDC Manufacturing Corporation, makers of the popular tablewares brand Melaware. 

For more information about Cusina Idol Cook-Off Challenge and Melaware brand, visit www.melawares.com 

51Talk Philippines is now Hiring Home-Based E-Educators!

Imagine yourself with a fulfilling career, while being able to balance doing all the typical mommy chores at home and being visible to your family 24/7, isn't that a great thing? While other yuppies and professionals would be stressed over MRT and LRT rides as they commute from their house to office, you're confident that you'll be able to finish your work sans the stressful hassle of a working professionals' daily life. Sounds to good to be true? Nope! It is true. You can achieve that kind of life and more with 51Talk Philippines (read as fifty-one-talk).

Teach. Learn and Earn. 51Talk is the premier online English School in China and it was founded in 2011 by Huang Jia-jia and Shu Ting. Originally named Talk China, they first opened their office in Huaqingjiayuan. It was created because of the demand for learning the English language. In 2013, the first 51Talk office in the Philippines was opened. At the time, there were only less than 30 people on the team. Then, after sometime, 51Talk Philippines also opened another branch in Baguio City. 

With a mission to deliver the best value and best quality services while employing a happy and high performing team and a vision to be recognized as the best and largest professional online English school in China and the leading online English company in the country, 51Talk is certainly getting closer to those goals every single day. 

51Talk' COO and co-founder Shu Ting, ambassadors Jim Paredes and Michelle Gumabao.

With more than 1,000 e-Educators in the country today, 51Talk remains on the cutting edge of the e-learning through constant innovation and continuous quality service. With the company's mission to provide equal learning and earning opportunities, 51Talk introduces Make the Choice, with the goal to become more digital in terms of it approach. Through the said program, they integrate language and technology which appears to be perfect fit for Filipinos looking for a career. 

          Celebrity Radio DJ and Mom Delamar Arias

Athlete Michelle Gumabao invites everyone to join the online e-education English program.

51Talk's Make the Choice program encourages Filipinos to experience something outside of their comfort zone-an alternative career that allows them to have a healthy balance between work and their personal life. This gives them the option to work from home and work at a flexible time. This is perfect for stay-at-home Moms to jumpstart their careers as they keep their households and tend to their kids. 51Talk's flexible working hours allows them to have the option to work from home. "Having an online classroom allows instructors to create a schedule around their daily routine. Plus, they don't have to worry about long commute. This gives them even more time to spend with their families, which we noticed is a priority for most Filipinos," says 51Talk COO and co-founder Shu Ting. 

During the launch held recently at the Discovery Suites Columbus Room, 51Talk also introduced their three ambassadors to help inspire Filipinos-Musician/Writer/Artist/Educator Jim Paredes, Mom/Radio DJ, Events Host/Endorser Delamar Arias and Athlete/Endorser Celebrity Michelle Gumabao. 

Paredes engages learners through workshops and classes and uses the power of social media to continue to educate and empower. Professionals, students, fellow artists and educators look up to him because of his ability to remain consistent in his craft. 

Meanwhile, Moms could relate to award-winning DJ, Delamar Arias in understanding how moms would want to have a flexible schedule for work and believes that each individual holds in bis hand the power to change lives and in the process, earn well, by using their English-speaking abilities. 

Young as she is, Michelle Gumabao has learned to manage her time wisely. She is a living proof that with perseverance and patience, you can do anything you've set your mind to. 

It's so easy to apply and get hired by 51Talk Philippines to become an e-Home-based educator. You just need the following requirements/qualifications:

1. Excellent command of the English Language.

2. Proficiency in computer and the Internet.

3. Wired DSL connection (with speed of at least 1.5 mbps)

4. Skype ID

Get hired in 5 Easy Steps:

1. Fill up the online application form.

2. Be ready for the phone interview.

3. Be able to pass the Teaching Demo

4. Be ready for a Skype Interview

5. Attend the pre-service orientation

And voila! When you're able to accomplish those five steps, you're welcome onboard and on your way to become one of 51Talk's e-Educator! Interested? Apply via www.51Talk.com/ph

Yes, 51Talk is currently hiring individuals. For more information, please like them on Facebook https://facebook.com/51Talk, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @51Talk

Visit www.51talk.tumblr.com

PMAP to honor outstanding media practitioners with Makatao Awards

Press Release: Mass Media touches virtually every aspect of our daily lives. It plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions on a variety of important issues, both through the information that is dispensed through them, and through the interpretations they place upon this information. When journalists or talk show hosts are insightful and judicious in their reporting, citizens can play a more informed role in the many issues and debates that shapes their communities.

 

For the fourth straight year, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) is holding the PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence to honor members of the mass media (TV, radio and print) for their outstanding works, columns, features and contributions that enhance public understanding of the role and impact of good people management in both the public and private sector in the country.  

PMAP is a non-stock, not-for-profit professional association of human resource management and industrial relations practitioners with a membership base of around 1,300 corporate and individual members and 23 Chapters across the country. Collectively, the organization has an extended sphere of influence is 11 million strong, around 6 million of which are qualified voters nationwide.  

 

Employees based in the Philippines are invited to cast their vote and help PMAP choose this year’s winners. Just go online and visit http://www.pmap.org.ph/content/events/makatao-awards/ for the view the complete list. Voting period is until October 31, 2014.

 

Thirteen (13) awards will be given namely: TV Station of the Year; Radio Station of the Year; Newspaper of the Year; Best TV Public Affairs Program; Best TV Public Affairs Program Host; Best TV News Program; Best TV Female Newscaster; Best TV Male Newscaster; Best Radio Public Affairs Program; Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host; Best Radio News Program; and Best Radio Newscaster; Best Columnist.

 

Through this national award, PMAP hopes to encourage continued coverage of people management and other related people issues that promotes a harmonious relationship between employers and their employees.  

 

The following criteria were used in selecting nominations and judging for the Makatao Awards for Media Excellence competitions. All criteria were given equal weight.  Nominated individuals and programs/ works must:

 

• Advance public knowledge and understanding of HR professionals and people managers, the profession or the issues that they impact;

• Engaged with or featured HR professionals/ people managers (PMAP or non-PMAP members);

• Cover all sides of the people management issues fairly;

• Effectively explain how sound people practice or issue impacts the community or country;

• Accurately describe or present people management or issue; and

• Clearly describe the HR professionals or people manager's role in nation-building.

 

The PMAP PR and Publicity Committee supervised the nomination and selection process of the shortlisted nominee. An email blast containing the list of nominees was sent to all PMAP member companies and to non-members through PMAP’s social media accounts to cast in their votes through. Winners will be awarded during the PMAP Awards ceremonies this coming November.

Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere glow-in-the-dark Halloween bash at the SM AURA Samsung Hall

For most Mommies, October is one hell of a hectic + stressful month because of halloween parties (read: Trick O' Treating) for their little ones. I say hectic because of the consecutive invites one receives from one party to another (mall-wide events included) and stressful, because as a Mom, you have to make sure that your son/daughter would look nice or would somehow get the chance to clinch one of the awards for best in costume. I bet most Moms will be able to relate with me. In fact, some Moms would have the tendency to go 'overboard' as they try to make their child to look as 'ghoulish' as possible even up to the point that their kids are no longer comfortable with it. If you don't have any idea yet where to spend your Halloween, I strongly suggest that you bring your kids on a spooktacular, glow-in-the-dark adventure with their favorite characters from The Land of Ooo with Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere on Friday, October 31, 2014 at the Samsung Hall, Level 6, SM Aura Premier. Gates open at 11:00am. 

  

To enter, spend a minimum of PhP1,000 (single receipt) on Halloween and Cartoon Network merchandise from now to 31 at participating Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express outlets. Redeem your ticket at participating Toy Kingdom Customer Centers. Each ticket admits one child and one adult. 

  

Get ready to enter the Night-O-Sphere, a special place teeming with bone-tingling adventures starring Finn and Jake. Take part in some hair-raising sing-alongwith Marceline, the vampire queen. And don’t forget to come as your favorite Adventure Time character or wear white and bright-colored clothes for some added fun. 

  

Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere’s venue partner is SM Aura Premier. Media partners are SKYCable and Destiny Cable. Presenting sponsor is Bankee. Co-sponsors are Propan TLC, Toy Kingdom, Selecta Moo, McDonald’s. Major sponsor is Skechers. Patron sponsors are URC Wiggles, Rebisco Lipps, Rebisco Chubby, and Rebisco Krimstix. 

  

For more information, visit CartoonNetworkAsia.com or follow Cartoon Network’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia . 

  

Philippines Envisioned to lead ASEAN in Developing Standards for the Gifted

What is Talent? What is Giftedness? How can we Build talents on the foundations of giftedness? Nobody can answer these questions better than Prof. Gagné.  For those not familiar with him, Professor Françoys Gagné is a French Canadian from Montreal, Quebec. He obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Montreal. Dr. Gagné has spent most of his professional career in the department of Psychology, at l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).

In over a decade of research on student evaluations of teaching, he became interested in talent development in the late 1970s. Although his research further brought him to study variety of subjects within the field of gifted education (e.g., attitudes toward the gifted and their education, peer nominations, developmental profiles), he is best known internationally for his theory of talent development, the Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT), which has been endorsed by various educational authorities as their framework to define their target population and plan intervention provisions. Professor Gagné has won major awards in the field of gifted education, among them NAGC’s prestigious Distinguished Scholar Award (1996), and two awards from the Mensa Society. Although retired from his UQAM professorship since 2001, Dr. Gagné maintains international publishing and keynoting activities. He was given a Title : Honorary professor of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal. This month of October, we are happy to note that the guru of giftedness, Francoys Gagne, will be in Manila for the ASEAN giftedness summit. Gagne is best known for his Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT). Promil Pre-School supports Gagne’s model and asserts that gifts must be cultivated in order to develop into fully-formed talents.

The Non-profit group Philippine Center for Gifted Education Inc. (PCGE), led by Dr. Leticia Ho, is working towards creating standards for ASEAN member countries to ensure robust criteria for identification, development and nurturing of gifted children. It's posed to spearhead the establishment of an  (ASEAN) Association for Giftedness to leverage economic growth through human capital development. 

“While the ASEAN integration aims to unite the ten member countries into one economic, multi-cultural community, development of its human capital is definitely a vital component,” says Dr. Ho.

The ASEAN Association for Giftedness will provide a platform for regular meetings, joint researches, exchange programs and other innovations in gifted education that can help boost economies, including the Philippines’. 

“Modern growth theory has explained the vital contribution of human capital development in a country’s economic growth. Improvements are closely related to the level of cognitive skills of the population.  This emphasizes the need to identify, develop and nurture  gifted talents for the benefit of the country,” adds Dr. Ho.

An ASEAN Summit on Giftedness sponsored by PCGE is scheduled in October. Dr. Ho hopes that this will stir interest and encourage parents, teachers, psychologists, guidance counselors and the gifted themselves to converse and exchange ideas about how to leverage on excellence for growth. 

The summit will feature global expert Françoys Gagné, Ph. D. and his Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent. Professor Gagné, supported by Promil Pre-School, will share his belief in the need for natural abilities to be nurtured in order for one to excel.

With its long-standing thrust of encouraging excellence, Promil Pre-School has always worked hand-in-hand with parents’ support and proper care through the right learning environment to nurture gifts into exceptional talents that can benefit a larger community.

Promil Pre-School's proven heritage of success is backed up by its long list of exceptionally talented children who have brought fame, encouragement, and positive influence to their communities and the country in one way or another.

“Nurturing the gifted is not limited to ensuring that their gifts and talents are properly addressed through education, training, cognitive stimulation and other programs. Part of their nurture is to infuse values of maka-Diyos, makabayan, makatao (being God-fearing, patriotism, compassion). In this manner, the gifted themselves become gifts to others,” says Dr. Ho.

“The vital link between the gift of generations of Filipinos and the country’s success is something that we recognize and value,” says Dian Yu, product manager, Promil Pre-School. “As a long-term advocate in encouraging children to reach their full potential, Promil Pre-School will continually support efforts that allow for exceptional talents to turn into outstanding achievements for our nation.” 

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), there are 1.27 million gifted children in the country (2010 data) who may be in possession of exceptional abilities that, unfortunately, aren’t fully developed for lack of proper guidance and support.

Jollibee Kicks Off 20th Maaga ang Pasko with The Voice Kids Philippines

Christmas is fast approaching. The country's leading fast-food chain, Jollibee, kicks off another meaningful jolly early Christmas celebration by launching of its annual Christmas traditional activity, now on its 20th year--Maaga ang Pasko--which as always aims to gather toys and books to be given away to chosen beneficiaries. This time, The Voice Kids winners  Lyca Gairanod, Darlene Vibares and Juan Karlos Labajo had not only graced the said special occasion but they were also introduced as the newest endorsers of the Jollibee Kids Club. 

The Maaga ang Pasko launch was held recently at Jollibee Greenmeadows where the Single for Christ Choral rendered a few Christmas songs to start off the short program. Joining The Voice Kids winners were active members of the Jollibee Toy Scouts who brought with them toys and books to donate. Amidst the joyous caroling that delighted the crowd, The Voice Kids Grand Winner, Lyca Gairanod showed her singing prowess that made her clinched the title by serenading the audience. Darlene Vibares also wowed the audience with her wit, candidness as she brought the house down with her version of "Girl on Fire". Of course, the good looking mestizo and the only lad, Juan Karlos Labajo also performed an upbeat song that simply energized the crowd. With their undeniable talents, it's easy to forget that about their age. I could not believe that at such tender age, they could belt out those kind of songs but they just did and I saw it with my own eyes and heard them all live! Those kids were truly awesome! 

The Single for Christ Choir sings "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"