#AllianceSendOff3: A Fundraising Dance Concert by The Alliance

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An official delegate of the Philippines to the Hip Hop International stage since 2014 is set to compete and represent the Philippines for the third time.

Just last May, The Alliance bagged the Silver (1st Runner-Up) Medal in the Varsity Division of the 2016 Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship by Hip Hop International Philippines, which makes them qualified to compete at the 2016 World Hip Hop Dance Championship. Dubbed as the “Olympics of Hip Hop Dance”, it is a huge privilege for the team to set foot on that very stage again along with the other Philippine representatives and qualified dance crews from all over the world. The said competition will be held at The Westin from August 8-12 for the Preliminaries and Semi-Finals, and at Thomas & Mack on August 13 for the Finals (both venues in Las Vegas, Nevada).

Joining the line up of the team’s international endeavors this year is the World of Dance 2016 Finals, which will be held in Pasadena, California on the 30th of July. The team bagged the Gold (Champion) Medal for the second time in the Youth Division of the World of Dance Philippines National Qualifier just last March 19, 2016 at the AFP Theater, Quezon City. This time, the team will be pushing it further by joining the finals in California for the first time ever, going head-to-head with the other international crews.

Shades of Unlimited

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As we get closer and closer to the Olympic Games this 2016, our friends from the Swoosh are releasing a new signature colorway for their latest products.

In anticipation of the quadrennial games, Nike's design team looked into the flow of athletes' bodies while in motion. This then directed their minds and imaginations to tropical rainforests and the fauna that live in those kinds of environment. They looked into images and films of birds in the air including close-ups of their iridescent wings while also taking into account insects that arranged like precious jewels.

All these inspired the company's vibrant summer palette, led by the new signature unlimited colorway - a gradient fusion of Nike volt and hyper-punch pink.

This unlimited colorway makes up the uppers of the season's footwear, including all the track and field silhouettes. Volt, Nike's signature bright yellow hue, can be found on the toe in order to immediately catch the human eye. With yellow being the most visible color the our eyes and volt the most visible version of yellow, it definitely makes a statement. In this case with Nike, that statement happens to be SPEED. The Hyper-punch pink combined with the volt at the mid-foot and saturating towards the heel, mimics the optic blur of a breakneck runner.

While in motion, these brilliant colors aim to paint not just a subtle glowing path to represent the wearer's unlimited athletic abilities but also the way in which Nike looks at our world: one that is bursting with unlimited inspiration and design possibilities.

How Duterte Can Improve Philippine Real Estate?

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As former long-time Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte officially takes his seat as president of the Philippines, many are still speculating as to the new administration’s impact on the country, especially on the local economy. The real estate industry in particular has been enjoying its ride for a few years now, as seen in the rise of new developments both in Metro Manila and beyond, leaving people wondering if the property business will be able to maintain its momentum under a new government. Lamudi Philippines lists some of the things that the Duterte administration can do to ensure the continuous boom of real estate in the country.

Decrease Crime and Corruption

During his campaign, President Duterte’s platform has always been to eradicate crime in the country to improve the level of safety. But decreasing the crime rate will actually do more than just allow people to move around freely with no fear of imminent threat to their well-being. An uncorrupt and decriminalized socio-political landscape means a less risky investment to foreign companies who are considering bringing their business to the Philippines. More specifically, it would lead to the continuous growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, which is being seen as one of the main contributors to the country’s good economic standing.

Make Socialized Housing a Top Priority

Home ownership is probably the biggest dream of all hardworking Filipinos, yet the current property market lacks the supply to make this a reality. In Metro Manila, the current minimum wage ranges from Php454 to Php491 for non-agricultural workers, and Php454 for those in the agricultural sector, and even lower for those working outside the National Capital Region (NCR). Even with the availability of home loans from government sectors and private lenders, saving up for a home is still a challenge once basic needs, children’s tuition fees, and emergency funds are taken into account. If the new administration were to focus on meeting the demand for affordable housing, buying a home whether in Metro Manila or in provincial areas would be easier for the average Filipino family.

Improve Infrastructure

Accessibility is one of the factors that buyers take into account when purchasing a property, which is why condos and houses close to Metro Manila’s business districts cost more. But if one’s workplace and potential new home are separated by bad traffic congestion and even worse road conditions, what chance do farther-off properties have, even with a slightly lower price tag than those found in prime real estate areas? Better implementation of traffic laws, improving thoroughfares, and building more roads that connect Metro Manila to its provincial neighbors can help alleviate road conditions, and will open up more options for buyers and encourage them to consider purchasing properties outside known (and more congested) key areas. Also, bringing telecommunications and utilities to underserved areas of the Philippines should encourage developers to construct more homes in provinces, providing current and future residents with a safer and more comfortable lifestyle.

Promote Sustainable Building

Green building is steadily gaining momentum in the real estate industry, but not all have adjusted their developments and construction practices to accommodate sustainable elements. By incentivizing the creation of more sustainable residential, commercial, and retail structures, not only are developers able to do their part in lessening their carbon footprint, they’re also helping buyers and renters do the same thing. Not only that, green designs that allow the entry of natural light and improve air circulation help residents and tenants economize and save money in the long run. 

President Duterte’s Commitment to Cut Red Tape

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Leading telco provider Globe Telecom welcomed President Duterte’s commitment to improve government services by reducing bureaucratic red tape, expressing hope this will lead to the standardization of LGU permits and fast track the approval process of securing permits to build cell sites and right-of-way.

“We are optimistic that the policy direction made by President Duterte will be immediately implemented and thus shorten the permitting process for cell sites and right-of-way,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo. Globe has actively lobbied for the reduction of the 25 permits needed to build cell sites with an approval period of at least 8 months. “Our commitment to the Duterte administration is to improve internet services in one year. We can do this if we have the full support of the LGUs and other government agencies in fast-tracking the permits in our roll-out," Castelo said.

Castelo clarified that the use of additional spectrum assets as a result of the company's buyout of 50% of SMC telco assets will greatly improve capacity issues for mobile internet users. However, the more sustainable solution would be to build more cell sites to increase not only capacity but also coverage. Efficiently utilizing spectrum and having high cell site density in the country are the necessary infrastructure support to propel the Philippines to first world internet experience.

Castelo also mentioned other issues such as social acceptability especially among homeowner's associations and political bickering among local government officials, also hamper telco providers from establishing the optimal telecommunication infrastructure needed to bring about good service experience.

At his inaugural speech, President Duterte committed to reduce bureaucratic red tape saying, “I direct all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission to the release. I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all,” Duterte said.

As part of its network build, Globe is currently expanding its network coverage and capacity in various areas all over the country across all technologies, including 3G & LTE, for faster internet experience of its customers.

Flash Plus 2 3GB RAM With More Capacity to be Available in the Philippines Starting July 5 at 12NN!

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When Flash Plus 2 arrived on the scene, we got heads turning. But who’s ready for something that pushes the regular further forward than ever?

From Indonesia, to Malaysia, up to Thailand and east to the Philippines and Vietnam, the Flash Plus 2 has been making its incredible mark with features like the Fingerprint Scanner, high-quality audio capabilities and premium camera functions.

In keeping with the huge demand for the phone that’s sweeping the region, get ready for July 5 as Flash launch its 4th Flash Sale for all those who still haven’t had the chance to get their hands on this groundbreaking device. Its previous sales have sold out within 1 hour; with Indonesia selling over 1000 units within 30 seconds, so act now you so you don’t miss out on the phone everybody is talking about!

The Flash Plus 2 3GB will be offered during Lazada’s Best Brands Sale. Selling price is at Php 8,490. Both Luna Silver and Venus Gold will be available. 

For more information, please visit http://www.flash3c.com

Lazada Celebrates Brands with Free Metro Manila Shipping

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The country’s one stop shopping and selling destination (www.lazada.com.ph) is proud to unveil the latest version of its new Mobile App and free shipping services for Metro Manila deliveries in time for the Big Brands Sale this July 5-11.

Lazada now offers free shipping for deliveries within Metro Manila, giving more reasons to click that checkout button faster without having to rationalize the total purchase amount versus shipping costs.

This empowers customers around Metro Manila to experience the joy of online shopping even more through the convenience of shopping for low ticket, everyday essentials such as grocery items, toiletries and even small gadget accessories that they can avail at Lazada without having to add random items to reach a certain minimum requirement.

As an additional treat to all customers, Lazada will be holding its Super Brands Sale this July 5 to 11, with discounts up to 80% off! Top deals on the radar are: Samsung Home Theater System at Php 4,699, Nescafe Dolce Gusto at Php 2,999 with a free box of Cappuccino capsules, and BCBGeneration shoes starting at Php 1,980.

3rd Philippine Investment Expo and Conference Starts July 1

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Lamudi Philippines shares Philippine real estate investment outlook at the Philippine Investment Expo

Slated to open on July 1, 2016, the Philippine Investment Expo (PIE) will bring to the table the best investment opportunities for this year up to the next.

Happening in one of the business centers in the metro, PIE is inviting all investors, entrepreneurs, business professionals and everyone who dreams of financial stability to visit at the Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Now on its third year, the event offers a premiere trade and consumer exhibition from the Property, Financial and Business sectors. Over 80 companies from different investment sectors will be featured in the expo. Following this year’s theme, “Your Gateway to the Best Investment Opportunity and Wealth”, the event will deliver a wide array of lucrative ideas for your next best investment or for your first foray in business and investing.

Dedicated to instill the best trends in business and investing, the two-day event will also highlight the Philippine Investment Conference where top local property portal Lamudi Philippines will discuss the Philippine real estate investment outlook for 2016 and 2017.

Hontiveros Begins Term with “Health Package for Women and Children”

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Health advocate and now Senator Risa Hontiveros filed on Thursday three bills she labeled as a “health package for women and children”.

The former PhilHealth Director said the bills are keeping true to her campaign promise, reflecting into legislative proposals the issues she encountered as a health advocate. Hontiveros ran under the platform of universal healthcare and the slogan “Healthy Pinoy, Healthy ‘Pinas”.

Hontiveros’ health package includes the strengthening of the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, extension of maternity leave from 60 calendar days to 120, and the Bibong Barangay Health Worker Bill which seeks to increase compensation and training for barangay health workers or BHWs.

Strengthening the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law

The strengthening of the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law is urgent, according to the newly-elected Senator. She cited numerous cases of complications and even death due to refusal of some hospitals to admit indigent patients in emergency cases.

According to Hontiveros, there is a need to bridge the gap between the services offered by private and public hospitals. In the Philippines, seven out of ten Filipinos die without seeing a doctor, and more than 50% of barangays lack a barangay health station.

Hontiveros lamented the situation of patients, especially childbearing women, who are placed in dire situations when private hospitals and clinics refuse admission. She seeks to place harsher penalties against hospitals that violate the law.



Extension of Maternity Leave

Hontiveros also seeks to extend maternity leave from 60 to 120 days. Hontiveros’ Senate bill version, however, provides a unique provision of giving option to women to allocate a portion of their maternity leave to an alternate caregiver.

“It takes a community to raise a child”, quoted Hontiveros referring to husbands, legal partners and even adoptive parents as part of that ‘community’.

The newly-elected Senator said that she wants to ensure that women are not discriminated against in employment due to an increase in maternity leave, if ever provided by law.

The former PhilHealth Director argued that her proposed mechanism of giving option to women to allocate a portion of their maternity leave will give equal responsibility to men or to legal partners and will be seen as equal before employers.

The bill also gives a 30-day parental leave for new adoptive parents to allow time for nurture and bonding with the adoptive child.



Added compensation and training to BHWs

“Barangay health workers are our first responders,” said Hontiveros. “But they are not given enough training and compensation for their service”, she added.

Her bill seeks to professionalize the barangay health system by giving additional training and compensation. Currently, BHWs are considered as barangay volunteers with little or no allowance.

The national government should give a counterpart in funding to the local government units, she explained.



Building blocks or pillars of universal healthcare

Hontiveros explained that her proposed health package is one of the many building blocks or pillars of universal healthcare.

She said that she plans to file more proposed legislations that will advance healthcare financing, increased benefits for various sectors, and generally improve the country’s healthcare system.

“Universal healthcare is possible in our lifetime”, she concluded.

DOE Institutionalizes Gender Balance in the Energy Sector

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In institutionalizing gender balance and equality, the Department of Energy (DOE) formally launches the “Gender Toolkit for the Energy Sector” on 29 June 2016 at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

Outgoing Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said "the DOE Gender Toolkit is a milestone for the sector and a glorification of my leadership in the agency being the first female Secretary." Relatively, Sec. Monsada has been with the DOE for 37 years and rose from the ranks showing that women are able and capable to perform works related to science and technology, among others.

Moreover, in her speech delivered by Asst. Dir. Carmencita A. Bariso as the Head of Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System Technical Working Group, she also said it is "the very testament of our strong desire to pursue gender equality and women empowerment in our workplace by giving emphasis on the many possibilities that women can do."

The DOE recognizes women as competent partners in nation building, particularly in policy and decision-making, through crafting and implementing programs and projects (e.g., Girls and Science, Girls in Science program, Gender Mapping, & various IECs regarding energy safety and efficiency for Households) which are devoted to uplifting not only the female gender’s morale, but also educating the male counterpart of their important role towards the advocacy of gender balance.

Above photo shows Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada presenting the DOE Gender Toolkit for the Energy Sector together with the DOE-GAD Focal Point System.

Double the Excitement with 2 Same-Day-as-Japan Series on Animax this July!

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It’s a power-packed July as Animax brings to fans two highly anticipated anime series express from Japan! Handpicked from the best series of the upcoming season, viewers across Asia will now be able to watch D.Gray-man HALLOW and Mob Psycho 100 with localized subtitles on the same day as Japan.

Long-awaited continuation of hit series D.Gray-man!

Picking up where the previous season left off, D.Gray-man HALLOW brings a fresh new look to the hit series for the 10th year anniversary of its anime debut. Set in the early 20th century, the series revolves around Allen Walker, a teenager exorcist who is able to transform his left arm into a large claw or sword. He is part of a group known as the Black Order, whose sole mission is to protect mankind from the evildoings of the villainous Millennium Earl. With social media and the online sphere abuzz with anticipation for the series, it is undoubtedly one of the hottest new titles of the upcoming season!

D.Gray-man HALLOW premieres on the same day as Japan on 5 July, every Tuesday at 10pm.



The next One Punch Man?

Adapted from a celebrated manga by One Punch Man author ONE, Mob Psycho 100 is a supernatural comedy that revolves around Kageyama Shigeo, a seemingly ordinary boy who keeps his psychic powers hidden. Known to others as “Mob”, Shigeo intentionally refrains from making his presence known or standing out amongst others due to a peculiar affliction – his psychic powers will go out of control and he explodes if his emotional capacity reaches 100%! Produced by renowned studio BONES (known for its work on hit series such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Space Dandy), fans are sure to be in for an amazing visual treat!

Mob Psycho 100 premieres on the same day as Japan on 12 July, every Tuesday at 10.30pm.