Expand Your Horizons, Pursue Post-Grad Studies in EU

The Goodwill Ambassadors of the European Higher Education Fair 2017 share why Europe is the best place to pursue higher studies

The beauty of mobility, amazing sights, historical places, rich culture and arts, prestigious schools, high quality education, the list on why you should pursue further studies in the European Union goes on.

If you still need further convincing, the goodwill ambassadors for the European Higher Education Fair 2017 have this to say:

Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Author, Journalist and TV Host
Alumni, University of Paris IV-Sorbonne, France; London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
The best thing about studying in the EU is the immediate access you have to travel and culture! As a student you get wonderful discounts for museums, exhibits, trade fares, and travel deals so you can easily explore the rich history and culture the EU has to offer. Your education goes beyond university walls!

Not only did I love the ease and enjoyment of living there, I felt that I was able to get an excellent education for a fraction of the cost. This allowed me to truly enjoy the European lifestyle as well and immerse myself in the culture.

Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, VP for Sales and Business Development at Philux
Alumni, The London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom; Sciences Po, France
I truly enjoyed not only immersing myself in European culture, but also meeting students and professors from all around the world. My university was a dynamic platform for international students to socialize and learn from each other in a fascinating European setting. It was an experience to remember and I am truly grateful for my time there.

Being part Swiss, I wanted to study closer to my European roots as I grew up in Manila. I yearned for an international setting and for a globally regarded program that would help pique and grow my interests.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Designer ARANAZ. Co-founder SoFA Design Institute
Alumni, Istituto Marangoni, Italy
I loved being exposed to the European culture! It is so rich and unfamiliar. It is also great that travelling to other European countries is quick and easy.

(I pursued further studies in EU because) I always gravitated towards their rich culture and history. I love the environment, the cities, and the different languages! I chose the EU over the US because I really wanted a new experience.

Eric Manuel, VP & Head of Real Estate at Primiero Partners
Alumni, The London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
To be truly innovative, you need to explore a diverse set of ideas. Studying in LSE allowed me to brainstorm with my brilliant professors and fellow students, on some of the most pressing topics of the day. Additionally, the strong global alumni network of the school I chose, allowed me to have a balanced and global perspective.

The school I chose is one of the foremost social science universities globally. The topic I wanted to explore would require a strong background in economics, development studies, geography, and political science. Additionally, I had access to many influential outside speakers at the school as well as leading academics from all around the world.

Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Owner of Furniture Concept Store Designa Italia
Alumni, Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain
The best thing about studying in the EU is its wide network of countries and the varied cultures, history, and people you have the opportunity to be exposed to, which gives you the chance to truly find yourself.

I chose to pursue further studies in the EU because I wanted to immerse myself in a completely different environment and see how I could further develop myself.

Theresa Leung, Creative Director at Leung de Leon Marketing Services
Alumni, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Education was not only my passport to the future, it was also my passport to explore Europe. Studying in the U.K. was one of the best experiences in my life. It opened my eyes to a lot of new things – I immersed myself in different cultures and I met friends for life. It made me a student of the world and I am better for it.

Sunshine Puey, Chef and Owner of Gourmandise
Alumni, Ecole Ritz Escoffer, France
Deciding to study in Paris was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was a feast for all the sense and definitely food for my soul.

Loralee Baron-Soong, Co-Founder of School of the Fashion and the Arts (SOFA)
Alumni, Istituto Marangoni, Italy; Central St. Martins, United Kingdom
The best thing about studying in the EU is being able to easily travel from one EU country to another on weekends and breaks, meeting people from all over the world while immersing in diverse European cultures.

It was a privilege to study in two of the world’s best fashion and design capitals: Istituto Marangoni in Milan and Central St. Martins in London where everyone just lived and breathed fashion.

Monica Araneta, LBC Foundation
Alumni, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Studying in Europe was such as amazing experience that I’d do it all over again!

Noelle Hilario, Creative Entrepreneur
Alumni, Art School Metafora, Spain
Studying in Europe placed me outside my comfort zone and expanded my knowledge through exploring a new culture, language, and a new way of living. I learned immensely both in and out of school, which was truly a rewarding experience.

Want to study in EU and earn a post-graduate or doctorate degree? Visit the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) on October 18, 2017 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong and get to learn more about the opportunities in the region. Don’t miss out the series of lectures and talks about the EU education system and way of life, or talk to EU alumni volunteers present during the event.

The fair is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines together with the EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Institutions in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), supported by Shangri-La Plaza, Philstar.com, Business Mirror, Business World, Expat Magazine, and ANC.

Admission to the fair is free, but registration is encouraged. Participants can pre-register online via www.ehef-philippines.com or walk-in during the event day. For more information visit @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Alay Para Atleta Mobile Donation Campaign for Filipino Para Athletes Launched

Following the successful campaign of Philippine para-athletes in the recently concluded 9th ASEAN Para Games in Malaysia in September, the Philippine Paralympic Committee/Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PPC-PHILSPADA) is pushing the envelope further to support local para athletes in upcoming international competitions.

PPC PHILSPADA launched today a mobile donation service called “Alay PARA Atleta”, a simple and easy way for Filipino citizens to participate in the Philippine Paralympic movement using their mobile phones. The group has tied up with Rising Tide Mobile Entertainment Inc., a mobile content and service company, to launch APA on both Globe and Smart so Filipinos everywhere can help enable our para-athletes to move forward. Under the campaign, citizens can donate amounts starting at P10 up to P500 simply by texting the amount to access code 3456 on their cellphones.

According to PPC-PHILSPADA president Michael Barredo, the mobile donation campaign is part of an integrated marketing plan that aims to propagate the national paralympic movement through various events and activities that will increase public awareness and support for our athletes with disability.

On September 1, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) partnered with the PPC-PHILSPADA so UAAP students and schools can join the Paralympic movement and support Philippine para-athletes using the mobile facility, a communication and payment mode that is most appealing to millennials. UAAP students and athletes are looking to volunteer as support staff and crew in the next ASEAN Para Games in 2019 that will be hosted by the Philippines.



The country won a total of 69 medals (20 gold, 20 silver and 29 bronze) in the last Para SEA Games held September 17 to 23 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Formerly ranked 7th in the overall standing, the Philippines moved two notches higher to 5th place in the ASEAN region. PPC PHILSPADA sees this as the perfect jump board for bigger achievements for Filipino para athletes.
The biggest surprise in the recent KL stint were the fresh para athletes who bagged medals in their very first international competition. These rising stars are products of Palarong Pambansa and includes 16-year old Ma. Cielo Honasan who bagged 3 golds in Athletics, Gary Bejino, 21, 1 gold and 3 bronze in swimming and Claire Calizo, 18, a silver and a bronze in swimming.

“Our showing in KL validated our long range plan: to implement a grassroots development program that will help discover new talents and harness our existing ones in order to create a bigger pool of para athletes that will be ready to compete in the next 2018 Indonesia Asian Para Games, the ASEAN Para Games in Manila in 2019, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and other international para sport competitions,” Barredo said.

“The Alay PARA Atleta Program is our response to the colorful performance of our para athletes in the recent Para Games. Funds raised through this program will help provide our para athletes with equipment and basic needs that will support them in their quest to transcend their personal barriers to achieve excellence and excite the world. Above all, it will inspire them to know that the whole country is behind them in their dream to excel and bring honor to the country,” he continued.

Barredo further emphasized that “whatever resources we are able to generate will help strengthen PPC’s organizational capacity to enable our national sports associations (NSAs) to implement our grassroots development program. This is in alignment with the mandate of our Philippine Sports Commission Chairman, Butch Ramirez.”

Some Filipino para athletes who have consistently brought home honor for the country are powerlifter Adeline Dumapong (Polio Wheelchair), gold medalist in the 2017, 2015, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2003 ASEAN Para Games and bronze in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics; table tennis ace Josephine Medina (Polio Standing), gold medalist in the ASEAN Para Games 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2003; swimmer Ernie Gawilan (Congenital Deformity), gold medalist in the 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011 and 2009; track star Jerrold Pete Mangliwan (Polio Wheelchair), gold medalist in the 2015 ASEAN Para games; Joel Balatucan of field athletics (Polio Wheelchair), gold medalist in the 2015, 2013, 2011 and 2009 ASEAN Para Games; and Julius Jun Obrero (Polio Standing), gold medalist and Wheelchair Dance Sport IPC World Champion.

Best Destinations in the Philippines for Hosting Your Foreigner Friends

When we have our friends from overseas visiting us in the Philippines, we always try to be as hospitable as possible, that's a part of our mentality right? That also includes showing them around and giving them traveling advice. But by doing so, one can easily forget that "our" priorities and taste can be a little different than those of an outside visitor. On these instances we should really be careful and not let our hospitality push aside our guests' desires.

Let's face it, we travel our country differently than we travel abroad, and usually have two things in mind. The first is that we want it to be cost efficient – if it's going to cost as much as traveling overseas we'll just do that. It means that many times we'll prefer skipping the most popular places for cutting the costs. Though there are places that share some traits with many of the famous spots, the atmosphere and amenities, and the transportation to them, are just not as good and don't meet the international standard.

The second thing is that we're not very time wary, and willing to spend some time on the road, to get to a really good place. There are great places that everyone including foreigners will absolutely love, but it makes no sense for them to spend so much of their time commuting. By doing so they'll have to give up on other attractions on their vacation.

They'll want to get familiar with the local culture

We take it for granted, and sometimes even shy away from it, but let us make two things certain. The first is that we have nothing to be ashamed of our culture, we should be proud of it. The second is, that it's very interesting to outsiders, and extremely meaningful for them when visiting a new country. Therefore this is something to put an emphasis on when hosting international guest.

Intramuros is a must, and even Binondo can be a very interesting and educational, but when done alone can be very hectic and confusing. Even for us, who are aware of our history and cultural diversity, an unguided tour to these places can mean nothing to us as it is unorganized and lacking the proper infrastructure. Therefore booking a guided tour is a very good idea, and even you'll enjoy it if you have the time to join your friends.

For a wholesome perspective of a visit to Banaue is also one of the essentials of a trip to the country, and even us aren't taking it for granted. It is just worth the trip, as our culture, or let's call it cultural diversity, has more than meets the eye. Our indigenous cultures are fascinating to outsiders too, and the Banaue Rice Terraces gained a lot of reputation with international tourists.

Two more spots that are a perfect example of places we as local cherish, but are a hassle for international tourists are Vigan, and Batanes. As much as they are beautiful and culturally rich, they are just out of the way. But if your guests are on a long vacation in the Philippines, or it's not their second time, don't rule out these destinations. In any case, because of the difficulty of getting to all places in this section, unless you have a car, it's best to book a package from a travel agency to ensure the quality and convenience of the trip.

They would love to go to the best beaches possible

This is why most people come to the Philippines for, the beautiful beaches. Yes, Batangas has beautiful beaches, Zambales too, and also Pagudpud. Bicol has really good beaches also, and some of the best beaches are in Mindanao, and in other countless locations in the country. But many of these beaches are just very difficult to get to. And even after you get there, the infrastructure is just not enough.

It's true that some foreign tourists look for these kind of places that you just kick back, and enjoy the simplicity. When it comes to local tourism, most people don't look for many attractions, and usually travel in a group, which is also our entertainment. But for most people who travel from abroad, it's just not enough, and external forms of entertainment are very important.

Most foreigners automatically go to Boracay and El Nido. Both are highly touristy, and have everything a beach tourist can wish for. Restaurants and bars, diving and island hopping, and the most stunning beaches in the Philippines. Boracay is known for its wild parties and island lifestyle, and El Nido for its serenity and unmatched beauty. Both are easily accessible, especially in El Nido's case, that there was no direct flight there until recently. Hands down, those are really the best.

Where to dive?

In our opinion, both El Nido and Boracay mentioned above are great for diving. They both have good sites, and many dive clubs, but they aren't the best. Firstly because they are too crowded and secondly because there are just better places. So if your guests are really into diving, and it does make sense to send them to some places other than El Nido and Boracay, and there are many notable options.

Panglao is a really good choice: it's easy to get too, beautiful, very accommodating with a wide range of resorts and hotels, great beaches and relaxed nightlife. And it's also one of the better spots to dive in the country, as there are many dive sites, bountiful marine life, and highly professional and veteran dive shops.

If your guests are on a business trip, and can't really get away for a long time, some places around Manila are just perfect for short diving weekends. Puerto Galera is the best one, as it has all of what Bohol has on a little smaller scale. Well, the old readers can remember that before Boracay became the hottest place in the Philippines, it was Puerto Galera.

And if it is still too far, Anilao in Batangas will be great for a short diving trip, but tell your friends not to expect anything too grand as far on land activities are concerned. If it's a family, Subic is a very good place to visit, because it has the best wreck dives in the country, and family friendly attractions like Zoobic Safari, Inflatable Island and Ocean Adventure. And it is really close to Manila too.

Secret spots for long term adventurers

Sometimes you have friends from overseas who come to the Philippines for a long vacation. Actually, you're just an excuse for them to show up, they really want to travel. Well, even if you can't travel with them doesn’t mean you can give them a good advice. Especially if they are adventurous, there are some really good places they can try out.

Coron is one of those, with amazing wreck diving, and secret spots in Palawan, like Barracuda Lake with a mixture of fresh and salt water, and Twin Lagoons, and extremely beautiful beaches. There are many island hopping trips to choose from, and the town has some nice restaurants. It is also very easy to get to, just a flight from Manila (or Cebu). Coron is amazing for divers and should be included in your recommendation for your diver friends.

Malapascua is another spot for divers. We wouldn’t tell anyone who's not a diver to go there, if he isn’t local that is. Many of us love this island because it's beautiful and relaxed, and relatively accessible. It has nice places to stay and eat, good island hopping and it's cheap. Nothing that you can't get anywhere else mentioned in this post, but there is one thing that's special in Malapascua: Thresher Shark diving, available all year round. This is a diving spot prized by divers worldwide.

Last for this post is no other with the upcoming new most popular in the Philippines, Siargao. It still don't have the capacity to host as many tourists, and doesn't have the same level of resorts and amenities as Boracay and Bohol, but it's becoming very popular with foreigners, mainly backpackers. But if that's the style of your friends, you'll send them to a place that's wild, fun and young, with many attractions. The most prominent one is surfing obviously, but with virgin beaches, and countryside adventures, they'll have plenty to do regardless.

Duterte, Robredo, Sereno, Bato support #WorldPandesalDay on Oct. 16

President Rody R. Duterte, Vice-President Leni Robredo, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Bato dela Rosa and other leaders supported the “World Pandesal Day” celebration on October 16 by the 78-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe at Judge Jimenez St. corner K-1st Street, Quezon City. President Duterte sent a special message supporting #WorldPandesalDay, which honors the Philippines’ humble yet popular pandesal bread, also a reminder of society’s goal to alleviate poverty and hunger.

“World Pandesal Day” started Oct. 16 Monday at 9 a.m. with Vice-President Leni Robredo, PNP Gen. Bato Dela Rosa, Quezon City Police District chief Senior Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar and Kamuning Bakery Cafe owner Wilson Lee Flores led ceremonial giving of free 50,000 pugon-baked pandesal breads, free Mega sardines, free Fly Ace & Hobe noodles, free King Sue hams, Ok Koolers juices, etc. Wilson Lee Flores said: “Kamuning Bakery Café’s World Pandesal Day gift-giving and other charities are inspired by the Bible story in John chapter 6 verses 1 to 14 about the miracle of a boy’s 5 loaves of breads and 2 fishes, which were multiplied to feed over 5,000 people because of faith. This old-fashioned and simple bakery was saved three years ago, now it has become a source of blessings for others.”

Gen. Bato dela Rosa spoke for two hours and answered all questions of local and foreign media at the non-partisan “Pandesal Forum” of Kamuning Bakery Café. He spoke frankly about improving peace and order, the status of the anti-drugs war, his personal life story surviving poverty, President Duterte’s reformist leadership, also possibility of entering politics, and his hope that the media will balance reports with accounts also of deaths of his police.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno---who grew up as a public school student at nearby Quezon City High School who bought pugon-baked pandesal, pan de coco and Spanish breads at Kamuning Bakery Cafe---shall speak at the non-partisan “Pandesal Forum”.

Apart from Kamuning Bakery Café’s annual celebration of #WorldPandesalDay, its yearlong donations of breads to orphanages and other NGOs, its hosting the non-partisan and issues-focused “Pandesal Forum”, writer and realty entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores has announced that 100% profits from this pioneer bakery in Quezon City shall be donated to charities focusing mainly on non-traditional education and cultural causes like its donations of public schools for poor rural barrios.

The Oct. 16 civic event’s hashtag is #WorldPandesalDay.

DOTr and LTFRB Statement on Piston's Two-Day Nationwide Strike

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) appeal for patience and understanding to those who may be affected by the two-day transport strike to be launched by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operaytor Nationwide (PISTON) from October 16-17. 

The DOTr would also like to express its utmost dismay over PISTON’s refusal to discuss with government their issues on the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), and its consistent appeal to public sentiment through false propaganda and misinformation. 

A close survey of organizations backing PISTON would reveal that these are mostly non drivers and/or non operators of public utility vehicles, as shown by PISTON’s open alliance with the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Hence, we question PISTON's true motives in staging these protests and demonstrations. How can they hold a legitimate protest when in fact, majority of the protesters do not represent the public transport sector? In PISTON's 36 years of existence, when did they ever agree or give their support to a proposed reform on our public transportation sector? 

These further leave us these questions: Do they [PISTON] really have the higher interest of the riding public and the best interest of jeepney drivers and operators if they oppose each and every program aimed at improving public transportation? Or is PISTON disagreeing just for the sake of disagreement, in order to justify its existence as a militant and leftist group? 

Among the issues raised by PISTON are the alleged lack of consultation in coming up with DOTr Department Order (DO) No. ‎2017-011, which defines the backbone of the PUVMP, and that the PUVMP is anti-poor because of the high-cost of acquiring new units.

On the issue of purported lack of consultation, nothing can be farther from the truth. The DOTr and the LTFRB have conducted numerous consultations and dialogues with various stakeholders, such as public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers across the country, as well as with organized transport groups and local government units. These consultations were organized before, during, and even after DO ‎2017-011 was signed. In fact, in some of the initial regional consultations, PISTON members were present and participated in the discussions. It was only when the PUVMP had already taken shape and gained support from transport groups and cooperatives nationwide that PISTON disengaged with the government and refused to dialogue. Nonetheless, consultations with LGUs for their local transport route plans, as well as with organized transport groups and various transport cooperatives across the country, are still being conducted until present. 

On the issue that the PUVMP is anti-poor because of the high cost of new jeepney units, PISTON is clearly misinformed. A major component of the PUVMP is the financial scheme available to PUJ operators and drivers who wish to avail of new units through financing of government financial institutions, Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines. The financing package for acquisition of new units endorsed by the Department of Finance (DOF) is very generous – as low as 5% equity, 6% interest rate and a repayment period as long as 7 years.  On top of this, government will offer as high as PhP80,000 subsidy per unit to cover the equity payment. Moreover, because of zero or low maintenance cost of new units in the first 3 years, savings thereon will be translated to income, with an increased confidence and capability to meet loan obligations. All business models based on actual studies ensure profitability on the drivers/operators, even if they avail of the financial loan package offered by government financial institutions.

With all these, DOTr and LTFRB reiterate once again that the PUV Modernization program is NOT about any form of phase out. It is about MODERNIZING our fleets towards a more efficient, safe, comfortable, PWD-friendly and environmentally-sensitive public commuting. 

Pollution caused by antiquated PUJs has not only put a heavy toll on the environment, but has already become a serious public health issue. Also, the alarming statistics of deaths and road crashes brought by dilapidated jeepneys and buses, obsolete systems and ill-practices has to be stopped. We need to avoid the repeat of road tragedies like the one that happened in Tanay, Rizal and in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, which claimed dozens of lives and injured many more.

Indeed, modernization of the country's public transport system is long overdue. Several attempts to modernize in the past have been thwarted due to similar transport strikes, protests and harassment. The result of which is what we have now – an outdated public transport system continuously endangering the environment and the safety of our people. We agree that the PUVMP may be bold and ambitious, but, when public good is at stake, the Duterte administration does not stop at anything. 

It is likewise important to note that, with the exception of PISTON, the PUVMP has gained the overwhelming support of different public transport groups. Among them are the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburb Drivers Association Nationwide Inc., (PASANG MASDA), Land Transportation Organization of the Philippines (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), Stop and Go Coalition, and an overwhelmingly majority of provincial transport  cooperatives all over the country. This shows that should reason and rational minds prevail, discussions between the government and public transport groups on the improvement of our public transport system can be fruitful and productive.

We hope reason will prevail upon the leadership of PISTON and they finally open their doors to discussion for them to truly understand and appreciate the PUVMP.

In the meantime, we ensure that the needs of the commuting public will be addressed in light of PISTON’s nationwide protests. Notwithstanding the expected low impact of the transport strike, LTFRB regional offices were directed to prepare for contingency plans, including the deployment of buses and to work closely with LGUs and concerned government agencies such as the LTO, HPG, PNP, MMDA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), to minimize the impact of the strike. In Metro Manila, the Joint Quick Reaction Team (JQRT) was established to address shortage of PUJs along affected routes, as well as to ensure safety of the riding public and jeepneys that do not want to participate in the strike. 

DOTr and LTFRB are open to more healthy discussions and further collaboration with groups and organizations who want to engage, learn and contribute to the development of the  PUV Modernization program.

Jomary Torres Determined to Keep Winning Momentum Going at ONE: HERO’S DREAM

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Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres shocked the world this past August when the little-known atomweight from the Philippines made her promotional debut against rising Thai martial arts superstar Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige at ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS in Macao, China.

While the Thai standout has emerged as one of the most popular talents in Asia’s mixed martial arts scene, Torres stole the spotlight on that fateful night when she submitted Ishige in the second round of their exhilarating contest.

Torres stepped on Macanese soil with little fanfare, but by the time the Filipina warrior left the glamorous Cotai Arena, everyone knew who she was.

Everything that Ishige threw at Torres, she withstood as the proud product of the Catalan Fighting Systems countered the Thai’s strikes and even successfully defended several submissions.

However, the most telling moment was when Torres caught Ishige’s body kick in round two, where her confidence skyrocketed as the Filipina held onto the leg and landed blow after blow.

Seeing a golden opportunity to get the finish, Torres swarmed with ferocious ground-and-pound blows as Ishige tried to cover up before finally using the position to lock in a match-ending rear-naked choke.

“After the match, I was happy, but I did not know what to do. Do I celebrate or do I cry? I was really surprised because I did not expect the outcome. It was the first stoppage win of my career,” Torres recalled.

The submission victory over Ishige shocked everyone in attendance, including Torres and her teammates.

“They asked me where that choke move came from because it surprised them,” she revealed. “I told them I surprised myself, too!”

After her remarkable conquest of Ishige last August, Torres moves onto her next assignment as she faces Indonesian kickboxer Nita Dea on the undercard of ONE: HERO’S DREAM in Yangon, Myanmar on 3 November.

The 21-year-old Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines sees her three-round encounter against Dea as an opportunity to extend her success inside the ONE Championship cage.

“This is my chance to establish my first winning streak in ONE Championship. It’s not impossible. That’s why I am exerting a tremendous amount of effort in training. I want to keep on winning,” she said.

While the 26-year-old Indonesian may not have much experience inside the cage, Dea is actually a very accomplished martial artist.

Dea is a national wrestling champion and a two-time national Wushu Sanda champion, who also a well-versed kickboxer with a 12-4 record in the discipline.

“From what I saw, I think she (Nita Dea) is a striker. She does not seem to hit the ground all that much. I am prepared to go toe-to-toe or take the match to the ground, wherever I think I have the advantage,” Torres stated.

Although she is riding a huge wave of momentum coming into her second bout as a ONE Championship competitor, Torres is confident that she will have her hand raised in triumph once again.

“I felt really nervous in my first bout. But when I saw my opponent was right in front of me and remembered all the people who supported me, I relaxed and slowly put my focus on winning the match,” she shared.

“I want to win again because I want to give back to my gym and the people who love and support me. I am competing for my country. Everything I do is for all of them and as long as I can do this, I will keep doing this,” Torres ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

7 Reasons Why You Should Level Up to LTE Right Now

LTE or Long-Term Evolution is currently the most-advanced commercially available mobile technology being used by mobile users all over the world. Usually indicated by an ‘LTE’ or ‘4G’ mark beside a smartphone’s signal bars, LTE delivers mobile internet that’s more than twice faster than the data speed of its predecessor - 3G.

But more than just faster download and uploads, the essence of LTE technology is in the delivery of a much better mobile internet experience and digital services, especially now that connectivity is fast becoming an integral part of how we live our daily lives. LTE is no longer the future; LTE is now.

If you’re still not using LTE on your phone, you are missing out on a lot. Smart Communications is encouraging its customers to make that important shift now in order for them, Smart subscribers, to maximize the benefit of the LTE network.

Here are seven reasons why you should level up to LTE:

SIM upgrade is free. To start connecting to LTE, you must: 1) have an LTE-capable device 2) use an LTE SIM and 3) be in an area covered by LTE network. If you haven’t updated your SIM since you got your first phone, say 5 years ago, chances are you’re still using a 3G or 2G SIM. If your SIM is not LTE-capable, you may upgrade it for free at the Smart Store nearest you. Don’t worry, you’ll get to keep your original SIM’s mobile number.

LTE gives the best possible mobile internet experience. LTE is made for how we use the internet today. We no longer just browse and search via mobile, we watch movies, play games, listen to music, download email attachments, share files, shop, bank, study, and more. With LTE, we can enjoy and experience all these digital content and services the way they’re intended to be.

LTE’s coverage is expanding nationwide. Smart projects that by the end of 2018, more than 90% of the country’s population will have access to Smart’s LTE network. That means LTE will be virtually ubiquitous, making better internet experience seamless for the increasingly mobile smartphone users. With an LTE device powered by an LTE SIM, you’ll be enjoying LTE speeds almost everywhere.

LTE will have better indoor penetration. Smart has been deploying LTE across the country by replacing and upgrading cellsite equipment that are more efficient in utilizing LTE frequencies. And because Smart has been prioritizing lower frequencies like 700Mhz and 850Mhz for LTE, Smart users will be able to enjoy stronger data signal even while indoors. Here’s a video about one of Smart’s network initiatives designed to improve the LTE experience of customers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhEWAL5AgyI

There are more options for LTE devices now. Gone are the days when LTE devices are only reserved for the high-end users. There is a wide-array of LTE smartphones now from different manufacturers - catering to everyone from the entry-level to the premium market. When choosing your next smartphone, make sure it’s LTE-capable and it’s compatible with the 700 Mhz frequency for the best possible LTE experience.

More possibilities are coming for LTE. Just recently, Smart has successfully tested the use of LTE network to make crystal-clear voice calls. Soon, LTE connectivity will be used not just to power our smartphones, but also to connect devices that will allow us to manage our homes, our vehicles, workplaces, physical well-being and more. LTE can also be quickly upgraded to LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), which can provide even faster speeds and greater capacity to users with LTE SIMs on LTE-capable handsets.
Going LTE is simply the smart decision. Go LTE or go obsolete. We are all going to that direction and we should be equipped with the right technology that’s ready for the future. If you’re investing in a device, it’s only practical to choose one that will still perform well as the technology progresses.

Smart’s LTE network powers all of Smart’s mobile brands: Smart, Sun and TNT. For more information on the respective brands' LTE offers and SIM availability, go to smart.com.ph, tntph.com, or suncellular.com.ph.

SAP Promotes Filipino Executive Edler Panlilio as Managing Director for SAP Philippines, Inc.

SAP SE announced the appointment of Edler Panlilio as the Managing Director for SAP Philippines, Inc. In this new role, Edler will be responsible for leading and driving business growth and operations in the Philippines, building on the 22-year establishment of SAP in the country. He will report directly to Claus Andresen, President and Managing Director of SAP Southeast Asia.

A 20-year veteran in the IT industry, Edler joined SAP in 2013 and was most recently the Senior Director of Key Accounts managing a combined salesforce of Key Account Managers, Cloud Specialists, Platform and CRM Specialists focused on the Top customers for SAP Philippines. Prior to joining SAP, Edler spent more than a decade in his career holding leadership roles and responsibilities with various multi-national IT organizations based in the Philippines, including Symantec, Sun Microsystems and Logica. Edler replaces Ryan Poggi, who will take on another executive role within SAP Asia Pacific Japan.

Commenting on Edler’s appointment, Claus Andresen, President and Managing Director for SAP Southeast Asia said: “The Philippines economy remains vibrant and is the 10th fastest growing economy in the world. With a stable and sustainable economic environment, SAP is well poised to help the Philippines economy grow by supporting the country’s digital agenda with our technology. Edler’s promotion signifies a strong leadership bench that we have in Southeast Asia, and SAP’s commitment to the development of our talents. I am confident that Edler will be able to build on our growth trajectory and accelerate our growth plans in the Philippines.”

“The Philippines has a great opportunity to leapfrog into the next phase of digitization as government organizations and companies in the private sector embark on a digital transformation journey. The Philippines Digital Strategy has served as a great framework for organizations to start thinking about how we can collectively work together towards the vision of Philippines’ Digital Future,” said Edler Panlilio, Managing Director, SAP Philippines. “Being a global market leader, SAP has the transformative innovations needed to help local government and businesses strive to be a globally competitive Filipino nation with Digital. I am delighted to be a part of the SAP family and look forward to lead the team to help the Philippines run better, and improve people’s lives.”

SMX Convention Center Manila Pitches its 1st Bazket Manila: Work + Shop Local Event

SMX Convention Center Manila sets the mood for a shopping frenzy for fashionistas, entrepreneurs and start up online business owners when it pilots the 1st BazKet Manila: Work + Shop Local, on October 27-29, Friday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 10 PM at Function Room 5 of SMX Manila. The 3-day bazaar-market themed event highlights locally made products such as novelty and handcrafted items, food and beverage concocted by artisans and many more. BazKet Manila is a great venue for seasoned and budding entrepreneurs to promote their products and engage with the right market.

With the fast-approaching Yuletide season, the BazKet Manila event is also a perfect time to start ticking off our Christmas shopping list. Exciting and educational activities and workshops are also included to pick up tips and business ideas: Basic Crochet Workshops by DMC Philippines; Scribble Workshops by Ink Scribbler, the first Calligraphy design company based in Manila; seminars entitled “How I Started My Social Enterprise Business” by Anne Krystle Yee of Jacinto & Lirio, the innovators of plant-based, eco-chic, multi-functional and sustainable leather goods; Green Housekeeping Workshop by Messy Bessy; Paint Your Tote by Andrea Mercado and Basic Brush Lettering with Florals by Kimberly Paclibar of Rockets PH and Being an Entrepreneur in the Corporate World by Builtable.

Shopping at BazKet Manila is made even more exciting with discount vouchers and raffle prizes.

Admission fee is at PhP 50. Workshops are free, pre-registration is required. The event is made possible by their sponsors Eastwest Bank, Nissan Philippines Inc., and Lugaw ni Bossing. Event partners include DMC Philippines, Ink Scribbler, Inspired Expressions Event Management Co., Jacinto & Lirio Handmade Plant Leather Goods, Messy Bessy, Rockets PH and Zalora together with media partners Discover MNL, WhineInManila.com, WazzupPilipinas.com, and ManilaBazaar.com.

For the complete schedule of the workshops and seminars, check out SMX Manila’s Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/smxccmanila or call Yvonne Palaganas / Abigail Sarita at (63 2) 556 8888 local 1008 / 1009 or email projects@smxcc.com.ph.

DOE Gets Inputs from Visayas on Energy Resiliency Policy

VISAYAS CONTRIBUTION: With their long experience in disaster risk reduction, Visayas energy stakeholders shared their ideas to help DOE in crafting a more comprehensive energy resiliency policy. The DOE held the public consultation Friday in Tacloban City, Leyte to ensure resiliency in the energy sector amid the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.

In a bid to gather more inputs on its proposed energy resiliency policy, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently concluded the second leg of public consultations in Leyte province.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said the public consultations are conducted to improve the energy resiliency policy.

“Engaging our stakeholders in policy formulation supports our thrust for a comprehensive energy resiliency framework,” he said.

“The insights of our kababayans in the Visayas who experienced the adverse effects of Yolanda –the strongest typhoon ever recorded—allowed us to give more depth in strengthening disaster prevention and management in the energy sector,” Cusi pointed out.

The energy resiliency policy, dubbed as the “Adoption of Resiliency Planning and Program in the Energy Industry to Mitigate Adverse Effects Brought About by Disasters,” is anchored on President Duterte’s directive to heighten disaster resilience.

The proposed policy revolves around four principles: to strengthen the existing energy infrastructures and systems; to institute the build back better principle; to improve existing disaster resilience operations; and to develop resiliency practices, systems and standards.
“All these are geared towards mainstreaming disaster risk reduction to ensure the reliability of our energy systems in times of disasters,” Cusi said.

Apart from typhoons, the provinces in the Visayas also experienced disruptive earthquakes affecting energy services in the region.

The first leg of the public consultations was held last 10 October in Batangas City, where critical energy facilities are located. The city was struck with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in August.

During the Luzon and Visayas consultations, the participants generally shared various comments and suggestions to revise, clarify and expand some clauses tackling the resiliency compliance plan and its timelines, the task force, regulatory support and monitoring, definition of terms, roles and responsibilities, costs and budgetary concerns, plans and roadmaps, among others.

The third-leg of the consultations will be conducted on 17 October in Cagayan de Oro, which experienced devastation from Typhoon Sendong and is now reeling from armed conflict in nearby provinces.

For those interested in voicing out their inputs, they may download a copy of the draft resiliency policy on the DOE's Official website: www.doe.gov.ph and send their recommendations thru the email doe.eppb@doe.gov.ph.





LUZON BRAINSTORMING: During the breakout sessions of the Luzon leg of the Department of Energy's public consultations, participants discussed among themselves the comments and recommendations on the specifics of the proposed energy resiliency policy. The consultation was held in Batangas City last 10 October