PH Turns Over AMEM Chairmanship to Singapore

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36th ASEAN MINISTERS ON ENERGY MEETING:   L-R:  Hon. Dato Mat Suny Hussein, Minister of Energy, Mapower and Industry, Brunei Darussalam; His Excellency (H.E.) Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy, Cambodia; H.E. Dr. Arcandra Tahar, Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia; The Hon. Yeo Bee Yin, Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Malaysia; H.E. U. Win Khaing, Union Minister of Electricity and Energy, Myanmar, H.E. Alfonso G. Cusi, Secretary, DOE, Philippines;  H.E. Chan Chun Sing, Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore;  Mr. Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore;  H.E. Dr. Siri Jiriponghan, Minister of Energy, Thailand; H.E. Dang Hoang An, Vice Minister of Industry, Vietnam; H.E. Dr. Khamanny Inthirath, Minister of Energy, Lao PDR; H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Deputy Director General, ASEAN Secretariat,  Dr. Sanjayan Velauthum, Executive Director, ASEAN

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary and outgoing Chairperson of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) Alfonso G. Cusi turned over yesterday the AMEM Chairmanship to His Excellency Chan Chun Sing, Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry, during the 36th AMEM held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“While our backgrounds and nationalities in ASEAN may be different, our common denominator has always been a strong commitment to pursue bold ideas and innovative solutions to make our tomorrows better than today. An ideal that can only be realized if it is built on the foundations of regional and public-private cooperation,” Sec. Cusi said in his opening remarks.

He added that these innovations led to the strides made in the past year which included, among others, the success of the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities in advancing multilateral electricity trading under Phase I of the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project and the advancement of the Gas Advocacy White Paper by the ASEAN Council on Petroleum.

AMEM is conducted annually and serves as a platform for ASEAN Energy Ministers to synergize energy cooperation endeavors given that energy is crucial to the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community.

To this end, the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2016-2025 was developed and is being implemented in two phases. Phase I covers short to medium-term measures to enhance energy security cooperation over the period 2016-2020, while Phase II will cover the period 2021-2025 and will be dependent upon the implementation of Phase I.

“Let us not to forget our aspirations for regional energy sustainability - to achieve a 23% share of renewable energy in ASEAN’s primary energy mix by 2025, while aiming to reduce regional energy intensity by 20% in 2020 and a further 30% by 2025,” reiterated the Energy Chief.

The 36th AMEM tackled the key outcomes of the 12th East Asia Summit (EAS) and related high-level EAS meetings, the implementation of the Cooperation Programme under the EA Energy Cooperation Work Streams, energy policy research in EAS countries, and the new initiatives under the EAS energy cooperation mechanism.

Singapore will hold the AMEM Chairmanship for one year with Thailand as Vice-Chair.

AMEM is composed of the Energy Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as the ASEAN Secretary General.

A Grand Entrance for Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower

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In photo:  Toasting for the successful launch of Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower are Gottfried Bogensperger, General Manager and Area Vice President of Grand Hyatt Manila​; Pascual M. Garcia III, President of Federal Land Inc.; Japan Minister & Consul General, Atsushi Kuwabara ; Alfred V. Ty,  Chairman of Federal Land Inc.; His Excellency Mr. Sung Kim, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Fumihiko Sato, Vice Chairman of Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corporation and Johannes Hauri, President of Bonifacio Landmark Realty & Devt Corp.

A grand entrance for Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower. The recent debut of Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower, puts a spotlight on hotel-like living basked in the finest amenities and hospitality parallel to the legendary Grand Hyatt hotel experience.  The new structure completes the two-tower Grand Hyatt branded residences gracing the skyline of North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, adjacent to Grand Hyatt Manila. As Grand Hyatt’s only residential setting in Southeast Asia, Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower stands regally with 50 stories, cradling 188 spacious residential units across three zones: low, mid, and high.  It has a separate podium next to Grand Hyatt Manila, endowing utmost privacy while allowing residents to still enjoy the hotel’s dining selections and services. Purchasing a home in Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower comes with a Globalist membership to World of Hyatt loyalty program, which lets members earn points when they avail of hotel services and redeem rewards such as dining and spa experiences and room upgrades.  Grand Hyatt Manila and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower are landmarks of luxury in Grand Central Park, 10-hectare mixed-use development of prime real estate firm, Federal Land, Inc.

5 Reasons Why You Should Post Bail And Get Out Of Jail Until Trial

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Most people are never sure whether the cost of bail bonds is worth the hassle. However, in most cases it is important. In most cases, accused individuals can post bail and stay home as they await their trial. Even though the bail set by most judges can be costly depending on the nature of the crime, a bail bonds company can help you out if you have no access to these funds. Here are five ways that you can benefit from paying your bail and getting out of jail as you await your trial:

You will be more comfortable
Nobody wants to spend time in jail when they can be home until their trial date.  When you pay your bail amount, you will be able to sleep in your own home and bed. In addition, you will also enjoy your freedom and have the opportunity of spending precious time with your loved ones and family. Staying home will be much better than spending time locked up in jail.

Prepare for the trial
When you are locked up in jail, you will still have the right of meeting with your attorney.  However, it most cases it is difficult for you to focus on your trial preparation when you are behind bars. However, when you are not in jail, you will devote adequate time meeting your attorneys, getting solid witnesses and exploring all avenues of your trial. Being in jail can hinder all these moments and interfere with your communication, attention and concentration.

Keep your job
When you spend several days in jail, you may end up losing your job. By posting bail and getting out of jail, you can immediately get back to work. You do not need to have any gaps in the work history, lose your income or lose your job altogether. Unfortunately, most employers will not keep your position while you stay in jail for several weeks or months waiting for the trial. Dayton Castle Bail Bonds Company can help you post bail and get back to work.

Preserve your reputation and image
Even if you are innocent, it can still be embarrassing to be accused of any crime. The longer you keep staying in jail, the more people will notice that you are not there at your usual activities such as school pickups, social events, work and more. Over time, your reputation and image will be damaged when many people learn that you are locked up behind bars. By posting bail and getting out of jail, you will be more discrete regarding your ordeal and will keep your image and reputation intact.

Go to trial dressed well
When you are home, you can go to your trial dressed in your best clothes and make a good first impression. Think of the impression that the jury gets when they see inmates dressed in shackles and jail jumpsuits. People are human and they may not quickly erase this image from their mind and it can cause the judges to have preconceived notions. Even an innocent individual may seem guilty when they are dressed in prison attire. You will look better when you go for your court hearing in a suit instead of being weighed down by shackles and orange jumpsuits.


Posting bail will help you gain your freedom back and get back to your life as you await your trial. Irrespective of the situation that led to your arrest, the whole experience can be frightening. If you have no money, you can seek the services of bail bonds agents and get the cash to post you bail and get your freedom back.

Top Benefits of e-Sports in Hamburg

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There is an extreme change in every last field due to up degree in innovation. The strategies for playing sports have been changed because of present day innovation and in this manner playing games online is excessively regular nowadays. E-sport is another sort of game that has turned out to be so mainstream and giving fun and amusement to youngsters as well as to grown-ups. E-sport is here and now of electronic games. It very well may be played onelectronic devices, for example, PC, laptop and versatile. From little front rooms in home to colossal e-sport competition are there over the world in enormous field with a considerable measure of number of individuals. As the golf players play golf together, e-sports players play various sports and even some e-Sports lounge are there in Hamburg. At the end of the October, E-sports weekends in Hamburg are filled with intense unique atmosphere and welcome the best team around the world.

In e-Sports you can contend with different players utilizing your versatile or tablet gadget. It the enormous competition is orchestrated with surely understood players, fans from everywhere throughout the world may check out watch the activity on the web, and contenders may even get paid for doing it. Golf Pro is one such amusement, which permits gamers from all over the globe to contend on their iOS gadgets. Hamburg offers golfers the perfect combination of city trip and golf vacation. The best practice golf courses can be learned in Hamburg. If you want to participate in such e-Sports, a number of e-Sports tournaments are arranged in Hamburg for people who enjoy such competitive games.

Playing PC recreations for your activity may seem like a blessing from heaven - and to numerous individuals it will be. Also, the victors of eSports rivalries can run home with a huge number of pounds in prize cash, so there's not kidding money involved. There are such huge numbers of benefits of e-Sports Hamburg and underneath are few of them.

1) E-Sports are more social 
Here and now everybody has occupied timetable and playing on the web is extraordinary compared to other alternative to be pursue to play with companions. Present day gaming frameworks enable companions to play each other over the web so that there's not any more sitting alone while playing a computer game, notwithstanding when you're doing only that. Players can impart over headsets and converse with each other so that they can easily discuss about their plans in gaming. Obviously, it's no place close as social as physically being within the sight of other individuals.

2) Better sponsorship bargains 
There are number of hands that contribute or support when a web based amusement is propelled in the market. To move toward becoming successful, sponsors look for security and prevalence. In the event that e-Sports are controlled it will be significantly more engaging for a trustworthy support to put its cash in the game. E-Sports occasion will be trailed by bigger crowds and accordingly the support will get an opportunity to contact more people. Realizing that the arrangement he makes is sheltered and secure will give the support significantly more opportunity to incorporate more cash in it.

3) Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
Different recreations incorporate a lot of mental concentration. Anything that advantages the intensity of the mind will profit the individuals who play e-Sports. It improves your physical too mental ability to think profoundly. Here and there your memory power can likewise be enhanced by playing such e-Sports amusement. You go over different individuals when e-Sports are sorted out in a major field with various capacities, for example, football, cricket, and golf and so on. So your overall grasping power is improved in different areas depending upon your choice.

4) No Risk of Injury 
While playing any amusement, in actuality, there are a few opportunities to get injured or harmed. There's a danger of broken bones, sprains, and blackouts. While much exertion has gone into making the game less hazardous, the danger is as yet present. Indeed, even non-contact sports like rocking the bowling alley can harm knees and wrists. Be that as it may, e-Sports are played on web and you will get all the hardware for all intents and purposes so there is zero chance of getting harmed at all and there will be more amusing to shoot the adversary.

If you are such competitive person and want to train for different e-Sports or want any information regarding this, you can contact at the Golf Lounge. We organize different events and also provide training to enhance your interest in sports. We create pleasant atmosphere to make your short vacation auspicious.

The Size of Internet Companies in 2018

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Imagine, just for a moment, that you could go back to the early 2000s. The internet was now in full flow, smartphones were in early development and the world was becoming increasingly globalised. Could you imagine, though, that by 2018 some of the biggest companies in the world would be internet-based?

Companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and the like all cropped up from out of nowhere. They have established themselves as the go to brands in so many things that we do. People connect with one another on Facebook, romantically or professionally. They advertise their entire business through social media platforms like Twitter. They are found for so many reasons through search engines.

While on one hand companies like Google offer us the chance to learn something new whenever we want, are they too powerful? It would appear so.

Take, for example, the numerous data breach and privacy scandals over the last eighteen months. Numerous online giants were found to have, in effect, played fast and loose with our personal data. They offer us ‘free’ products and tools in exchange for our most valuable and precious commodity: our very identities.

Is this Orwell?

While it might be a strained trope, one can only imagine the reaction George Orwell might have to the present scenario. Marketing companies dressed up as social interaction forums, taking all of our details. Helping us to show the world what we like, where we live, what we do and how we earn.

Businesses now look to social media before anything else. You might have a 10/10 resume, but if a company can find even one slightly iffy or unprofessional social media post in your name, you could be in serious trouble. The concept of these companies essentially handing the keys to our very identities to whoever wants to have a look is something that was never truly considered.

Make no mistake: internet companies in 2018 are among the most powerful in the world. What other industry could be hauled up in front of major world governments, to discuss personal privacy invasion, only to leave with a slap on the wrist?

They hold incredible power, and must be better policed. The problem is, though, who polices these companies?

For one, they are often not situated in any location with real laws to do anything about their actions. They hold so much sway financially and politically that punishing or blacklisting any of these firms is nigh impossible. Given the immense amount of data they hold on more or less all of their users, and the incredible power they directly hand to business, where is the actual incentive to take them down?

It’s an interesting challenge; one that we seem to have absolutely no idea of how to overcome. If you look at companies like Facebook and Google and wonder how they managed to hold such influence, just look at how much data they hold: in many cases, they know more about you and I than anyone else.

And that is an extremely dangerous place to be.

FEU Short Films Win in Pangasinan

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Two student projects from Far Eastern University recently brought home Urduja Film Festival trophies from the 5th UFF awards night at Sison Auditorium in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Madison, directed by Jesus Singh, won the Best Sound and Musical Score award for Jeff Hernandez while Estrella, helmed by April Jelen Tan, bagged Best Supporting Actress for Bellatrix Tan, who plays the elder sister in the short film. Both competed with 21 other finalists in the UFF short film competition.

Madison is a musical short film about a transgender student (Christian Viñas) who is fond of making fun of other people. One day, the lead character belittles an old woman (Raven Relavo) who is asking for help. Then, mysterious things start to happen.

Meanwhile, Estrella tells the story of Angel (Larissa Alivio), an aspiring actress who finds it difficult to penetrate the entertainment industry due to a strange condition. Compounding her problem is that elder sister Jackie usually gets chosen for projects because of her mestiza looks.

Singh and Tan have graduated from FEU. Both films were completed as their final requirement for Cinema Production under mentor and creative consultant Seymour Sanchez.

Singh was assisted by fellow FEU Theater Guild members and alumni led by Viñas, Relavo, assistant director Anne Valencia, directors of photography Richmond Cadsawan and Kenneth Mandrilla, FEU Cheerdancers, and Nota Productions team members Bevelyn Lopez, John Jeff Clores, Franz Dollete, Mhyca Ramos, Nolan Marcojos, Renz Regis, Jason Carpo, Bernice Punay, Kristal Lascano and Ashley Relleve.

Tan, on the other hand, got the support of fellow Peekaboo Productions team members -- assistant director Maria Fatima Francisco, scriptwriter and production designer Sandra Jade Villa, production manager Geneva Paula Mae Espejo, director of photography and colorist Sherwin Frondozo, and production designer, editor and sound designer Natalie Dones.

UFF is an annual event which highlights student and independent films, both short and feature-length projects, that promote and preserve the country's cultural and heritage values.

The Pangasinan-based competition is mainly sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

TEDxMiriamCollege AFTERMATH: Breaking New Grounds

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Life's trials from the past have completely honed us into what we are today and has been continuously opening new opportunities we didn't even think about. Now, how are we going to make use of all the experiences we had as we continue to embark the journey we chose?

On January 19, 2019 (Saturday), TEDxMiriamCollege will hold its third conference entitled, "AFTERMATH: Breaking New Grounds" at the Henry Sy Innovation Center, Miriam College, Quezon City from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. It seeks to converge the outcome on how a person is headed towards the path they took, and will practically deal in evoking the society about the result and growth of everything that is surrounding us.

The conference is open to the whole Miriam College community and even to other communities who are interested to take part in this remarkable event. Interested applicants may sign-up at https://tinyurl.com/TEDxMiriamCollegeApplication. Deadline of Application is on November 10, 2018 (Saturday) at 11:59PM.

For more information and updates about TEDxMiriamCollege, kindly visit their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TEDxMiriamCollege/

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today's leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED's annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available, free, on TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Monica Lewinsky, Philippe Starck,  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.

TED's open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from thousands of volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; the annual million-dollar TED Prize, which funds exceptional individuals with a "wish," or idea, to create change in the world; TEDx, which provides licenses to  thousands of individuals and groups who host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

For more information and updates about TED, kindly like their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TED/ and follow them on Twitter: @TEDTalks

Early Detection and Depression: What Filipinas Should Know About Breast Cancer

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With almost 25,000 new cases this year, breast cancer ranks first in cancer incidence among all other cancers here in the Philippines. In fact, one in every 13 Filipinas is expected to develop the disease in her lifetime.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a worldwide campaign held annually to raise awareness on the disease. With the World Health Organization reporting that early detection remains the best protection as the causes of breast cancer are still unknown, this awareness month is crucial to increase understanding of the disease in the Philippines.

Early detection

In the Philippines, breast cancer screening is often seen as a burden and there is a false belief that breast cancer is a sure killer, even if caught in the early stages. The ICanServe Foundation, a breast cancer advocacy group in the Philippines, promotes early breast cancer detection, which encompasses education about breast cancer, breast self-exam (BSE), clinical exam, and mammography. Citing the American Cancer Society, ICanServe suggests women should perform a monthly BSE by the age of 20, schedule an annual clinical exam upon turning 30, and have their annual mammography by the time they hit 40.

Alya Honasan, ICanServe member and veteran writer and editor, was diagnosed at 49: “I was lucky because it was detected early,” she shared. Having always had regular checks, Alya stopped in 2011, and when she found time again in 2013, her doctor discovered a lump that didn’t look benign.

Due to her early detection, and after having multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Alya successfully completed treatment in 2014. In a recent interview, she referenced both post-treatment depression and support groups as important topics of treatment that are not often discussed.

Post-treatment depression

“Of course, it’s normal to be depressed while you have it, but in my case, I was depressed after,” Alya revealed. In a study, it was found that up to 50% of women diagnosed with early breast cancer had depression and/or anxiety in the year after diagnosis; 25% in the second, third, and fourth years; and 15% in the fifth year. This may be attributed to factors such as adjusting to life after treatment and having worries about breast cancer recurring.

A number of treatments for depression are available,7, and Alya found comfort in seeking professional help and therapy: “It also helps that my psychiatrist is a cancer survivor, so we speak the same language.”

Breast cancer buddies

Aside from seeking professional help, having a support group around you is essential during and after treatment — moms, daughters, and spouses are great point persons. Alya had fellow Bicol native and ex-Marine Ernesto Lozada, aka Kuya Kulot, who was assigned to her by her older brother and who drove her to and from chemo and work just like a true kuya or big brother. “If I’m not done with work by 9 PM, bubusina na nang bubusina yan sa labas (he would honk the horn repeatedly until I came out of the building). He was quite the disciplinarian but was also malambing (affectionate), always there to reassure me that I am loved,” Alya recalled.





Alya with her breast cancer buddies: retired Marine Sergeant Ernesto Lozada or Kuya Kulot, and her eldest dog or panganay Kikay

Aside from friends such as Kuya Kulot, workmates, and family, Alya also had a spiritual group and ICanServe Foundation to lean on. ICanServe’s flagship project, Ating Dibdibin (Take Your Breast Care to Heart), is the Philippines’ first community-based breast cancer screening program, launched in 2009 under the auspices of the American Cancer Society and with a grant from Pfizer.

Pfizer’s heritage and innovation in breast cancer

Pfizer’s legacy in breast cancer spans nearly two decades, being a leader in awareness campaigns, advocacy partnerships, and pioneering treatments. Among its latest breakthroughs in research and development is a therapy targeted for specific mutations in breast cancer, which is a significant advancement in first-line treatment of breast cancer in 10 years.

“We believe that more than the breakthrough therapies that Pfizer develops, our success is also measured by how we are helping redefine life with cancer,” Dr. Veronica Prasad, Medical Manager for Pfizer Oncology in the Philippines, shared. “We want the breast cancer community to know that they are not alone in their journey, and that Pfizer goes beyond treatments to help them live their best lives despite the disease.”

Father-Daughter Authors Bag Prizes at 68th Palanca Awards

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Father-daughter duo from Iloilo, Leoncio Deriada and Dulce Maria Deriada won in separate categories for regional division at this year’s Palanca Awards. Dulce received her father’s award on his behalf, as he found it difficult to attend the ceremony.

The awarding ceremony of the 68^th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature saw 54 writers bestowed with the highly sought-after prize in the Filipino literary community. Included in the list of winners in this year’s edition is a father-daughter duo from Iloilo who won in separate categories. This is the first time in the history of the Palanca Awards that a father and daughter claimed prizes in the same year.

Palanca Awards Hall of Famer Leoncio Deriadawon third prize in the Short Story-Cebuano category for his work Dili Baya ko Bugoy, while his daughter Dulce Maria Deriada won third prize in the Short Story-Hiligaynon category for Candelaria. Dulce received her father’s award on his behalf, as he found it difficult to attend the ceremony.

“I’m very happy for the recognition but we could’ve been happier if my father were here with me. Before, I used to accompany him as his guest, but now I can say that I’m a winner too,” Dulce said. “It was actually him who told me to join this year.”

Claiming her win was a pleasant surprise, Dulce explained that her entry was both a personal challenge on her Hiligaynon writing skills and a personal encouragement from her father.

“Hiligaynon is a language I have been using my entire life, but I admit that I find writing in it difficult,” said Dulce. “I’m really used to writing in English so it took me weeks to finish the story because I was really grappling with the language. But thanks to the help of my father, I was able to submit it. Before the deadline, I showed him the manuscript. He gave his comments and also helped in cleaning it up.”

Leoncio, who is now 80 years old, is largely recognized as the Father of Contemporary Literature in Western Visayas. A vast majority of writers in the region have gone through his tutelage. Currently, he is a Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) where he teaches Comparative Literature. He is a multi-lingual writer, having produced works in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano.

Dulce also teaches at UPV in the Division of Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences. She also serves as the President of Hubon Manunulat, an organization that promotes the advancement of West Visayan literature.

With this year’s award, Leoncio now has 18 Palanca awards under his belt. He was inducted into the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2001. Some of his first prize-winning pieces include the full-length play Maragtas: How Kapinangan Tricked Sumakwel Twice (2001), the one-act play Medea of Syquijor (1999), and the short story for children The Man Who Hated Birds (1993).

Dulce, on the other hand, is among this year’s first-time Palanca winners. Taking a day off from her teaching duties, she explains that her winning piece Candelaria is a story showcasing Ilonggo beliefs and culture while also putting into the spotlight the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Jaro, a limestone statue depicting Mary with the Child Jesus carrying candles. Also known as Our Lady of Candles, it is currently enshrined on the balcony of Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo City and is recognized by the Catholic Church as the patroness of Jaro District and the whole of Western Visayas.

“Those who live in Iloilo know well of the image, and it’s believed to be miraculous. The statue is said to be growing bigger and bigger each year,” explained Dulce.

Despite growing up as the daughter of a literary titan, there was no pressure for Dulce to follow the footsteps of her father. Instead, it just happened naturally.

“I grew up surrounded with books and I got acquainted with other writers at an early age. Growing up, my father didn’t really force me to take up writing, but he was supportive and encouraging whenever I did it. I even remember him storing my writing assignments when I was in Grade 1,” said Dulce.

To aspiring writers who are seeking their first Palanca award, Dulce suggests starting with the basics, which is by reading a lot.

“My father always told me to read and read, and this is what he always tells his students. Because of reading, I became attracted to books at an early age, and this really helped me in putting into words my imagination and improved my vocabulary use. So for those who want to become a successful writer, you have to read,” Dulce said.

Such advice definitely helped Dulce to not only win the country’s most prestigious literary award but get to share it with her father too. This rare recognition accomplished by the Deriadas, which has added to the rich history of the Palanca Awards, shows that while skill in writing can run in the blood, it also needs to be cultivated and nurtured in the right environment to prosper.

Named after businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca Sr., the Palanca Awards continuously seeks to cultivate Philippine Literature by providing incentives for writers and serving as a treasury of these literary gems. It is considered the gold standard in writing excellence, highly-coveted by Filipino writers, young and old alike. For complete list of winners, visit www.palancaawards.com.ph.

SPECTRUM: A Colorful Expression of Contemporary Chairs

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The PUP BS Interior Design Furniture Design Class 2018 will be holding their annual

Furniture Design Exhibit on 30 October - 12 November 2018 entitled:

“SPECTRUM: A Colorful Expression of Contemporary Chairs”

The exhibit aims to showcase eleven (11) prototypes of different gender representations in artistic and ingenious contemporary seating pieces with green and sustainable forms, all but works of students of this year’s Furniture Design class.

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #Spectrum