CCP KAISA SA SINING VISAYAS NETWORK ANNOUNCES THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2ND KSSLAP AWARD

 

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS) Visayas Network announces the recipients of the 2nd KSSLAP (Kaisa Ini sa Sining, Lunsay nga Artistang Pilipino) Awards.  The awarding ceremony will be on December 14, 2023, at the Luce Auditorium at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

The eight awardees are Jose R. Gullas (Cebu/music & cultural work/posthumous), Marianito Luspo Bohol/cultural work), Ramon B. Ramirez (Iloilo/cultural research), Rodolfo Reveche (Murcia, Negros Occ./cultural work), Cristina S. Taniguchi (Dumaguete /visual arts), Alma Taldo (Bohol/music), Dr. Vicente Villan (Sigma-Capiz/cultural research), and Mariant E. Villegas (Dumaguete/dance).

Launched in 2014, the Kaisa sa Sining Regional Arts Centers is a partnership program of the CCP, through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED), which aims to strengthen further the CCP’s linkages and cooperation with regional educational institutions, non-government organizations, and local government units in order to broaden public participation in the arts, promote and showcase artistic excellence and facilitate a vibrant collaboration between and among communities.  In the past nine years, the cooperation and exchanges between and among CCP and the KSS network have become more dynamic.  To date, the KSS network has grown to a total of 67 organizations:  26 in Luzon, 19 in Visayas, and 22 in Mindanao.

The KSSLAP Awards, a recognition for outstanding artists, cultural workers, and organizations, is one of the action plans and projects that the KSS Visayas agreed to implement during a KSS regional forum held in Roxas City last 2018. In fulfillment of this plan, the CCP CED facilitated the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of the project. In the last quarter of 2019, a five-member technical working committee (TWC) was formed composed of key representatives from four KSS Visayas organizations with CED as the lead facilitator.  In 2021, the first set of awards was conferred to thirteen honorees virtually and on-site because of the pandemic.

The KSSLAP Awards aim to give recognition to deserving Visayan individuals and/or organizations who have exemplified commendable work and services in cultural and artistic endeavors and have been at the forefront of the research, development, preservation, education, and promotion of arts and culture in Visayas for at least ten (10) years or more.  The general criteria indicate that an awardee must have made exceptional accomplishments in creative work, leadership, resource management, education, artist support, audience development, community service, solidarity, and partnership.

The 19 members of CCP KSS Visayas network are: the Province of Capiz, the City of Calbayog, the City of Ormoc, the City of Bago, the City of Himamaylan, the Municipality of Murcia, the Municipality of Cuartero-Capiz, the Municipality of Sta. Barbara-Iloilo, University of Antique,  Central Phil. University-Iloilo City, University of St. La Salle-Bacolod City, Silliman University-Dumaguete City, Holy Name University-Tagbilaran City,  University of Eastern Phils.-Catarman Samar, Leyte Normal University-Tacloban City, St. Joseph College-Maasin Leyte, Arts Council of Cebu, Negros Cultural Foundation, and the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and Arts.

For more information, contact the CCP CED at ccp.ced2014@gmail.com.

 

Best laptop deals for your loved ones this Yuletide season

 

The holiday season is not just about parols and endless gatherings, it's also the perfect time to give something special to yourself and loved ones. And one of the many things you can wrap and place under the Christmas tree is a shiny new laptop! 

 

Thanks to Home Credit, the country’s leading consumer finance company, you can cop best-selling laptops with its incredible 0% interest offer on various installment options for up to 18 months. Surely, you can make your holiday dreams come true without breaking the bank through a laptop loan! 

 

Check out these top laptop models that can match your lifestyle:  

 

Apple Macbook Air 13.3 inch 

The Apple Macbook Air 13.3 inch sets a new standard for mobility and power, redefining the on-the-go computing experience. Packed with remarkable features, this ultra-portable laptop boasts an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback and 15 hours of wireless web browsing, thanks to its 52.6W lithium-polymer battery. 

 

The inclusion of the M2 with 8-core GPU enhances its capabilities, accompanied by a 30W USB-C power adapter for convenient and speedy recharging. With the added convenience of a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable and fast-charge capabilities using a 70W USB-C power adapter, the 13-inch model stands out as a beacon for on-the-go efficiency. Driven by the M2 chip, the Macbook Air delivers supercharged performance, ensuring blazing-fast operations within its sleek and compact design. 

 

ASUS VivoBook 14 

For those who want a perfect blend of performance and affordability, the ASUS VivoBook 14 is a stellar choice. The ASUS VivoBook 14, inspired by innovation and designed for versatility, is a remarkable addition to ASUS's lineup of cutting-edge laptops. 

 

Crafted with precision and powered by the 12th gen Intel processors, this laptop embodies the perfect blend of style and performance. Its 14-inch NanoEdge display with slim bezels provides an immersive viewing experience, making work and play more captivating than ever. The VivoBook 14's compact and lightweight design ensures that you can carry your creativity wherever you go. The ErgoLift hinge not only adds a touch of elegance but also tilts the keyboard for a comfortable typing experience.  

CCP VOICE SCHOLAR DOMINATES BRITISH BURSARY

 

Young soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada, a scholar of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, bested the participants from prestigious music conservatoires in England, Scotland, and Wales and won the first prize in the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers last October 29, held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England.

Currently taking the Music Standard Pathway program at the Royal Academy of Music, Estrada was selected to represent the academy in the competition. With her innate musical ability, formal music guidance, and exposure to a variety of musical events, she excelled on the stage and won against other participants in the said competition. She performed “Ano Kaya Ang Kapalaran” by Francisco Santiago.

“[I’m so] grateful for this opportunity to represent the Royal Academy of Music. [I’m] sharing this great achievement to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ayala Foundation, Inc., Ms. Lyca Balita, Ms. Zenaida Tantoco, Gregorio Araneta Inc, NCCA, Mayor Ross Rizal and to all the people who helped me and made studying in London possible,” said Estrada in her social media post.

Established in 1996, the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary is a prestigious competition opened to vocal students aged between 19 and 24 who are just beginning their second year of study in one of the eight major music colleges in England, Scotland, and Wales. Every year, each college sends two singers who will then present an 18-minute varied program.

The competition is named after one of the world’s renowned singers, Kathleen Ferrier. Born in 1912 at Higher Walton, a village near Preston in Lancashire in the North of England, Ferrier was known for her amazing voice and warm personality, making her one of the most celebrated British female singers. Died in 1953, she might have had a short-lived career in music but her legacy lives on. She is still held in high regard today, and remembered by many with great love and admiration.

“We congratulate Lizzie Bett Estrada for winning first prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers. We are so proud of her accomplishment. She is one of the many artists the CCP has been supporting in their pursuit for artistic excellence in both local and international stages,” said CCP president Michelle Nikki Junia. 

Since its inception, the CCP has been true to its mandate to nurture the next generation of Filipino artists.

“Aside from providing training and venues to showcase their talents, the CCP has been identifying noteworthy Filipino talents to whom we can provide financial support. No matter how meager our budget, we are able to contribute to the artistic journey and career of these young artists. We have been providing assistance to aspiring young musicians in their music studies and creating opportunities to make their headstart in the most difficult and demanding careers,” shared Junia.

Embodying the ideals of the late singer, Estrada is training under the tutelage of Professor Susan Waters at the Royal Academy of Music in London, United Kingdom. Prior to her London studies, the young soprano graduated from the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA). Under the tutelage of Filipino soprano Camille Lopez-Molina and Pablo Molina, she graduated with the highest honors and received the Outstanding Student Award.

To further her music career, she enrolled in special programs in music, including the Virtual Masterclass for Classical Singers with Susan Waters and Camille Molina in 2021 and 2020, as well as Masterclass with Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu for the Voice Major at the Philippine High School for the Arts in 2017.

In 2020, Estrada bagged the first prize in the Junior Voice category in NAMCYA (National Music Competitions for Young Artists).

She has performed in various capacities in the different CCP shows, including in Tuloy Po Kayo 2021 and Pasinaya 2019. She was also involved in Ating Kalayaan, organized by the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, in coordination with MusicArtes, Inc., as well as in the Viva Voce Vignettes - Viva Vivaldi of Manila Pianos and in Tita King, A Tribute to Lucresia Kasilag’s 100th Birth Anniversary.

While in London, she has performed at St. Leonard's Church Streatham and United Reform Church Caterham.

 

Cowrie Grill Celebrates a Decade of Culinary Excellence

 

Press Release:

Cowrie Grill, the esteemed steak house formerly nestled within the historic walls of The Manila Hotel, now conveniently located at Promenade Greenhills, proudly commemorates its 10^th anniversary. A decade of serving exceptional culinary experiences is indeed a momentous occasion, and Cowrie Grill is eager to share this milestone with its patrons.

 For the past decade, Cowrie Grill has consistently upheld its reputation as an epitome of fine dining and the go-to destination for discerning connoisseurs of exquisite cuisine.

EXPLORE LOVE AND LONELINESS IN CCP NTL: THE SEAGULL

 

Press Release:

After the successful premiere of Fleabag in the Philippine cinema last October, the CCP National Theater Live brings to the big screen another must-watch British play, The Seagull, on November 28, 2023, 5:30 PM at the Ayala Malls Cinemas Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1.

A 21st-century retelling of Anton Chekhov’s tale of love and loneliness, the play follows the story of a young woman who is desperate for fame and a way out, a young man who is pining after the woman of his dreams, a successful writer who longs for a sense of achievement, and an actress who wants to fight the changing of the times. 

In an isolated home in the countryside, dreams lie in tatters, hopes are dashed, hearts are broken with nowhere left to turn, and the only option is to turn on each other.

Actress Emilia Clarke, best known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, made her West End debut through The Seagull.

Adapted for stage by Anya Reiss, and directed by Jamie Lloyd, the classic play was filmed live in London’s West End, featuring an amazing cast led by Tom Rhys Harries (White Lines), Daniel Monks (The Normal Heart), Sophie Wu (Fresh Meat), and Indira Varma (Game of Thrones).

Eco-Friendly Weddings: Sustainable Choices for a Greener Celebration

With climate change and sustainability being increasingly important issues, more couples are looking to have eco-friendly weddings. There are many ways to make your big day gentler on the environment, from conscientious venue choice to sustainable attire. With a little  forethought, you can reduce your wedding's carbon footprint without compromising on style or enjoyment.

Destination and Venue

One of the biggest factors in a wedding's environmental impact is transportation and travel. Opting for a venue close to your hometown means less fuel burned getting yourself and your guests there. Look for sites within a reasonable driving distance that don't require air travel. For example, if you live in Wiltshire, a simple Google search of “wedding venues in Wiltshire” will bring up a wide range of Wiltshire wedding venues that you may not even know were close by. Grittleton House is just one of the many wedding venues Wiltshire has to offer, and even though it is set in the countryside, your guests can easily reach it by train from wherever they are. Supporting local, independent businesses boosts community sustainability.

Cop the latest iPhone 15 with Home Credit’s 0% deal with HomeCredit's 0% deal

 

It’s the season to be techy, fa-la-la-la-la! Get ready to add some jolly to your holiday with iPhone 15. And yes, it's not just another smartphone; it's your passport to a world of digital fun and entertainment. From dazzling specs to a generous serving of storage options, the iPhone 15 is a delightful gift for yourself or your loved ones this holiday season.

What's more, you can now enjoy a special 0% interest offer and flexible installment payment on this amazing device when you purchase one in Power Mac Center and The Loop stores. Thanks to Home Credit, the country’s leading consumer finance company, you can make your holiday a Christmas tech-tacular one when you get your hands on this latest gadget with an iPhone loan!

Check out iPhone 15’s incredible features here: 

Tech That's a Ho-Ho-Whole Lot of Fun!

No matter which storage variant you choose, the iPhone 15 promises nonstop fun. Powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chip, this phone offers speeds that Santa's sleigh would envy. It's your go-to device for high-speed gaming, seamless multitasking and impressive power efficiency. With the iPhone 15, you'll be dashing through your tasks with ease and spreading the joy of tech this holiday season!

Dazzling Display

Prepare to be dazzled by the iPhone 15's Super Retina XDR display. It's like unwrapping a present every time you use your phone. The 6.1-inch OLED screen treats your eyes to a visual feast with its vibrant colors, deep blacks and incredible brightness. Whether you're binge-watching holiday movies or video chatting with loved ones, the iPhone 15's display adds a touch of magic to every moment.

Say Cheese!

Ah, the iPhone 15's advanced dual-camera system is the real star of the holiday show, delivering picture-perfect moments that will light up your season. With a 48MP Main camera at the helm, equipped with a 26mm lens, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, and support for super-high-resolution photos, you can capture the tiniest details of your festive decorations in all their glory. 

The 12MP Ultra Wide camera with a 13mm lens and a 120 degree field of view allows you to snap up those epic group photos without anyone being left out. The night mode and deep fusion features ensure that your photos are Instagram-worthy, no matter how dim the lighting. Say cheese, and say it again, because your holiday memories are about to shine!

Storage Galore

With the iPhone 15, you can choose from three storage variants: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. It's like having a Christmas stocking that never runs out of space. So, snap all the holiday pics, store your favorite festive playlists, and download those addictive holiday-themed games. With the 512GB variant, you can hoard all the holiday joy your heart desires.

Party Time with 0% Interest Offer via Home Credit!

But the fun doesn't stop there! Home Credit is turning your holiday season into a tech-tastic fiesta.

How? With their 0% interest offer, you can surely unbox the iPhone 15 without breaking a sweat. Just choose from 6-, 9-, or 12-month installment plans. No extra interest means more money to spend on festive celebrations. It's the ultimate gift to yourself this holiday season!

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Shopping Mall Philippines. 

 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Discover the Best Smart TVs this Christmas Season via Home Credit

 Elevate your entertainment now to enjoy a 0% interest offer this festive time of the year!

With Christmas just around the corner, many are gearing up to make their holidays even more special by upgrading their home entertainment setups. And let's face it, most Filipinos absolutely love great entertainment! Most of their holiday wish list often includes a new television that they can use for streaming online shows, watching their favorite telenovela or even connecting to their karaoke set. 

Home Credit, the country’s leading consumer finance company, recognizes this, and is dedicated to making home entertainment upgrades a reality by offering a selection of top-selling TV brands. What's more, Home Credit bolsters the deal with its 0% interest offer on various installment options for up to 18 months, helping customers meet their holiday goals with affordable TV loans.

Here's a look at some best-selling TV model choices from for the dream home entertainment upgrades this Christmas. 

Interior Design Strategies for Mental Well-Being

 

In the pursuit of mental well-being, the environment we inhabit plays a crucial role. Interior design goes beyond aesthetics; it has the power to shape our emotions, behaviors, and overall mental state. By strategically crafting spaces that foster positivity and tranquility, interior design enhances mental well-being. This article will delve into key strategies that leverage design principles to create environments that are conducive to improving mental health.

Holistic Color Selection

Color is a powerful communicator of emotions and moods, and can have an influence on them as well. The strategic selection of colors is paramount in interior design for mental well- being. Soft, calming tones such as blues and greens promote relaxation, while warm neutrals can evoke feelings of comfort and security. Understanding color psychology allows designers to create environments that nurture positive emotions and contribute to a sense of overall well-being.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design, centered around the incorporation of natural elements into interior spaces, has been proven to positively impact mental health. Bringing nature indoors through the use of indoor plants, natural materials, and ample natural light creates a connection with the outdoors. This design strategy enhances aesthetics and contributes to stress reduction, improved concentration, and an overall sense of well-being.

Thoughtful Lighting

Lighting plays a pivotal role in influencing mood and mental well-being. Thoughtful lighting design involves a balance between ambient, task, and accent lighting. Natural light is particularly beneficial, so maximizing access to windows and incorporating daylight into spaces is crucial. Adjustable lighting fixtures allow for flexibility, enabling individuals to create environments that suit their varying needs and moods.

Comfortable and Ergonomic Furniture

The impact of furniture on mental well-being extends beyond aesthetics. Comfortable and ergonomic furniture supports physical health, preventing discomfort and fatigue. Properly designed furniture, such as those from Ligne Roset Chelsea, also contributes to mental well- being by creating spaces that facilitate relaxation, concentration, and social interaction. Thoughtful furniture arrangements promote comfort and encourage positive mental states.

Decluttered Environments

Clutter in the physical environment can contribute to mental clutter. A key strategy for promoting mental well-being is to design decluttered and organized spaces. Thoughtful storage solutions, minimalist design principles, and intentional decluttering contribute to a sense of order and tranquility. A clear physical space supports a clear mind.

Mindful Decor

Decor choices have the power to evoke emotions and memories. Mindful decor selection involves choosing items that hold personal significance, inspire joy, and contribute positively to mental well-being. Meaningful artwork, cherished mementos, and decor that aligns with individual tastes create a harmonious and uplifting environment.

Conclusion

Interior design strategies for mental well-being prioritize the creation of environments that foster positivity, tranquility, and a profound sense of comfort. Recognizing the interconnectedness of our surroundings and mental well-being, interior design emerges as a powerful and transformative tool for crafting spaces that enhance aesthetic appeal and promote holistic health and harmony. Through thoughtful design choices, personalized spaces, and a focus on sensory comfort, interior design becomes a catalyst for elevating the

quality of life within the spaces we inhabit.

Hear the bells ring! Shang unveils melodious sights and sounds for the holidays

 

Press Release:

There is nothing quite like a Filipino Christmas. The merriest time of the year never fails to fill the streets, homes, and even malls with Christmas carols that instantly wrap everyone up with feelings of warmth and joy. Shangri-La Plaza welcomes the season in the most melodious way possible, exactly how Filipinos make this holiday a true standout – with carols and bells.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers serenaded mall guests with the iconic Carols of the Bells and other popular Christmas tunes.

“Our holiday celebration this year is inspired by Carol of the Bells, an enduring Christmas song that’s beloved for its angelic melody that evokes the wonder and excitement of the season,” shares Joy R. Polloso, Executive Vice President for Retail and Commercial at Shang Properties, Inc. “It’s one of the best songs to usher in the season with lines like ‘Christmas is here bringing good cheer.’”

The magical sounds of the HOPE Bell Ringers also joined Shangri-La Plaza’s Tree Lighting ceremony,

which welcomed the holiday season.

“We want to highlight carols and bells that have become icons of the season, and focus on how the sounds of Christmas—from the ringing bells heralding Christ's birth to carolers hopping between houses and church bells sounding the 9-day Simbang Gabi—encourage us to embrace the good cheer and sentimentality the season brings.

According to Joy R. Polloso, Executive Vice President for Retail and Commercial at Shang Properties, Inc., the carols and bells theme encourages us to embrace the good cheer and sentimentality the season brings.

FLAIR POP UP AT THE FIFTH ROCKWELL ON NOVEMBER 18 TO 19!

 

The Christmas season is quickly approaching, and Flair Popup will not let those tinsels become tangled. On November 18 and 19, The Fifth, Rockwell Mall will host another bazaar event.

These are some of my great finds at Flair Pop up: 

Saint Cocomansi

Corrsy's Kitchen

Grab my booty scrubs

Yunik Belleza's room and linen spray

daily posh 

French Macarons by janedough

Bites by Kyal

Whether it's a gift for oneself, family, friends, or even pets, rely on the brand's extensive selection to fill the Christmas tree just in time. The Collective, Cooking Ina Food Market, Everything Avery, Presidential Paws, Imono Jewelry, Style Ana, and Kara De Juan are among the anticipated vendors.

Unwrap the Gift of Connection: Find Your Ideal Smartphone for Christmas!

 

Press Release:

With the holidays just around the corner, it's the perfect time to treat yourself or your loved ones with a new smartphone. As you prepare for the festivities and the joy of giving and receiving, consider the gift of modern technology. A new smartphone can open a world of possibilities, from staying connected with loved ones to capturing cherished memories, and more! 

 

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new smartphone, ensure that its specifications fit your lifestyle. Home Credit, the Filipinos lifestyle partner, lists some of the best-selling smartphones you can choose from this holiday season.  

 

Each of these smartphones has unique features, making it the perfect present this holiday season. 

Apple iPhone 11: A Perfect Blend of Performance and Style 

The Apple iPhone 11 64GB or 128GB combines the vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display with the potent Apple A13 Bionic processor. Its 64GB or 128GB storage and 4GB RAM strike a perfect balance for swift performance. With a dual-camera system and IP68 water and dust resistance feature, this sleek device caters to tech enthusiasts who appreciate style and substance. 

 

The iPhone 11’s dual-camera system also captures wide-angle shots and selfies with 12MP lenses and advanced TrueDepth technology. Stylish yet rugged, this iPhone boasts a battery ready for an active lifestyle, ensuring a remarkable smartphone experience. 

 

Realme 11 Pro+: Powerful Performance and Immersive Display 

The Realme 11 Pro+ introduces an industry-leading 200MP camera for unparalleled photography, especially in low-light conditions. This smartphone offers multifocal length lossless zoom, fast focus Super QPD technology, and stable OIS, elevating your photography experience. The fusion of high-quality hardware and software guarantees exceptional results. 

 

Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 processor, the Realme 11 Pro ensures seamless performance with 512GB storage and 12GB RAM. The 6.7-inch display, Android 13, and Realme UI 4.0 features deliver a user-friendly interface. This device redefines smartphone photography and combines it with robust performance, making it an exciting choice for enthusiasts. 

 

Realme 10 Pro 5G: Elevating Visuals and Performance 

The Realme 10 Pro 5G offers a dynamic visual experience with its expansive 6.72" FHD+ LCD, boasting a 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. Weighing just 190g, this device packs a 5000mAh battery, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, Android 13, and Realme UI 4.0 for efficient functionality. It supports dual SIM and microSDXC, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an uninterrupted, visually captivating smartphone experience. 

 

With its 108MP main camera and 16MP front camera, the Realme 10 Pro 5G ensures stunning photography. The device, with dimensions of 163.7 x 74.2 x 8.1mm, offers a stylish, compact design. If you're looking for a smartphone that seamlessly combines stunning visuals with reliable performance, the Realme 10 Pro 5G stands out as an excellent option in the 5G smartphone arena.