CYAN, G-Watch aims to push for more evidence-based assessment of PH basic education system

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



A youth-led multi-level accountability initiative aims to forward a more bottom-up and evidence-based assessment of the country’s basic education during the pandemic as they launch their multi-level accountability project today, one day before the national electoral campaign starts.

The Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) and Government Watch (G-Watch) officially launched the Multiply-Ed Philippines or X-Ed today, February 7 with participation by almost 800 representatives from various organizations in the country online.

CYAN Executive Director Jeza Rodriguez in her message during the event said that it is an understatement to say that 2022 is a challenging year for Filipinos as we elect the country’s next leader this May.

She said that with the launching of this project, Multiply-Ed hopes to invite every rights-holder and duty bearer to help in accomplishing various activities for education resiliency.

“We hope that we can forward a more sound, scientific, and evidence-based assessment on the state of Philippine Basic Education,” Rodriguez said in front of the participants and guests that attended physically at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City and online via Zoom.

Multiply-Ed, a first-of-its-kind project in the country, is a multi-level accountability initiative that aims to help improve the Department of Education’s Learning Continuity program, making it resilient to the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises.

The event was also highlighted by messages from Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio.

San Antonio, who spoke on behalf of Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that it is important for the youth to push these kinds of causes for the government to also have the opportunity to listen and partner with more education stakeholders.

He added that the Department of Education is doing its best to cope with the challenging times and are looking for ways to make the learning system resilient during the pandemic better.

Statements of solidarity were also given by Student Council Alliance of the Philippines Chairperson Ken Paolo Gilo, Students’ Rights and Welfare Convenor Mark Diaz, Bukluran UP System Chairperson Dana Mica Torregosa, and Model SK Representative Kristine Cariman.

The event presented the objectives and the goals of the project and the results and recommendations of the special monitoring conducted by X-Ed last year on the pilot implementation of the face-to-face classes of DepEd.

Multiply-Ed is funded by the Global Partnership for Education’s Education Out Loud (EOL) that supports civil society organizations worldwide in shaping education policies to better meet the needs of communities, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.

After the launch, Multiply-Ed will also conduct its first Tool Development Workshop that will gather education stakeholders, namely teachers, DepEd officials, students, education-based NGOs, and community leaders, to develop the monitoring tool that will enable X-Ed’s multi-level accountability in education./*

Multiply-Ed or X-Ed is a project of CYAN (https://cyanpilipinas.com) and G-Watch (www.g-watch.org) that aims to set up a youth-led, multi-sectoral, and multi-level monitoring of education in the time of COVID-19. For updates on this project, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @MultiplyEdPH or email us at multiply-ed@cyanpilipinas.org.

Nicole Laurel's new collab song 'The One' set for Feb. 11 release

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Catch 'THE ONE' - the latest song of multi-talented artist NICOLE LAUREL ASENSIO co-written with upcoming band BASICALLY SATURDAY NIGHT as a result of a collaboration process in creating music together for the first time.

 
“The One” brings the old soul flavour into present times. A combination of Basically Saturday Night’s signature rhythm, silken guitar licks and their lead singer Migie Garcia’s deep smoky vocals, mixed with Nicole Laurel Asensio’s sultry yet powerful and unique tone and prowess in blending rock and jazz genres as well as beautiful embellishments from her formidable horn section.

The original composition is a simple expression between two people who have shed their uncertainties and given themselves entirely to their one true love. The message of the song intends for people to continue seeking, cherishing and living for their own interpretation of “The One”.

THE FIRST TIME

“I first heard Basically Saturday Night’s music because our head A&R at Warner Music, Kelley Mangahas and I were on a video call and he told me, “Nicole, there’s a band that I really think you might have a good time writing with, let’s see if you guys can collaborate.” Earlier in the call, I had expressed how I was longing to work with more musicians and grow more as a singer-songwriter. I heard their music and immediately added it to my listening playlist. Days later, Kelley me and the band were in communication setting up our first jam. The jam was in their drummer Faisal’s house which they have nicknamed “The Lab” I walked in there not knowing what to expect especially because they all knew each other very well and I was the stranger walking into their creative bubble. But as soon as we started free-jamming, the rhythms, melodies and impromptu lyrics were spouting out from every corner of the lab. I knew this first time was something special. It just felt natural. Even if I am now a solo artist, I understand the band culture very well, I still like to write like a band player, collaboratively. it was a culture that I guess I was secretly craving too and being around these immensely talented gentlemen eased that longing. within the second hour we had written our first song.”

Nicole Asensio Laurel


CHEMISTRY IN THE LAB

“It was instant chemistry! I think this stemmed from having shared the same reverence for soul, jazz, and blues artists, which made it much easier to find common ground. It was definitely a learning experience for the band to come into a session with a highly experienced musician like Nicole - I think it forced us to try and play at our very best. I think that both Basically Saturday Night and Nicole have a shared appreciation for the greats that have come before us, as well as the modern artists who pay tribute to the greats that came before them. Having that common ground made it easier to decide what might work for our collaboration. It just felt like good energy was traveling throughout the session.”
Junoy Manalo (Guitarist, Basically Saturday Night)


FINALLY FINDING “THE ONE”

“During a break in our first session, Nicole suggested that we go for a slow and groovy vibe. I started out on a chord melody with Jairus (Keyboard), Kurt (Bass) and Faisal (Drums) jumped in. Nicole started improvising some lyrics and melodies. Migie came back into the session and within minutes, most of the song had already been ironed out.” - Junoy Manalo


“We had just finished writing our first song and the boys were noodling through some riffs. I had this melody in my head that simply wouldn’t leave… Junoy played that first chord progression of the verse, and it all clicked! it fell together very easily. We got up to the chorus idea when Migie who was enjoying a fine cigar outside came back in with a smile and dove straight into the the second verse with his soulful touch. I like singing with him, I like the nuances. Smoke and velvet. We revisited the song another day to polish a few things and work on the voicing. Once done, shared a wonderful meal together and booked our recording session in Wildgrass Studio. To further the collaborative spirit, it was on my wish list to have my go-to horn section on this track, I asked Lester Sorilla (trumpet) to write a horns arrangement for the boys to check out and see how they felt. Migie had also expressed to me that having horns join them was definitely on their wish list too. There was so much love in wildgrass studio on recording day the smiles on everyone’s faces was proof that Kelley knew exactly what he was doing when he matched us up on this musical blind date.” - Nicole Asensio


WHAT’S THAT SOUND?

“Modern soul music. “The One” has beautiful vocal melodies that represent Nicole’s love for modern soul singers like Emily King, it has sonic textures that tip the hat to Mayer’s “Continuum” album, and it also weaves together the group’s love for soul music from the past.” - Junoy Manalo

WHAT’S NEXT?

“It goes without saying this collaboration is the first of many down the line! This collaboration has brought about an almost familial aspect to it, and there’s no telling how many more songs can be churned out in the future.” - Basically Saturday Night


“I will forever remain grateful for opportunities to collaborate with great artists and continue to learn. Working with Basically Saturday Night, their manager, Rem, this production, my horn section and Warner Music has been such an enjoyable experience, we’re like musical family now, and I doubt it will be our last project together. For the rest of 2022, a collection of more original compositions are set to be released. I am also excited to continue ventures in film and concerts.” - Nicole Asensio

The One is set to be released on all digital platforms on February 11, 2022 under Warner Music Philippines.
The music video directed by award winning director Gorio Vicuna will be released by the end of February 2022.

------
“THE ONE” (LYRICS)
Written by:
Nicole Laurel Asensio
and Migie Garcia


You are the one who changed my ways
You know I hate to admit it but I’m somebody else now
Others have tried to change my mind
But it’s you and you know that there’s no place like home


Jealous as I am
(There’s no other man)
I’ll give you space
Time cannot heal
(Wounds you can’t feel)
Are we too late?


You are the one I’m coming home to
You are the one I’m coming home to


You are the sky that holds the light
And I try to be somebody else around ya
Others have tried but I’m nothing like them
Give us time and you’ll know when


Jealous as you are
(I’m done counting scars)
I’ll give you space
(I’m prepared to wait however long it takes)
Time cannot heal
(Wounds you can’t feel)
Are we too late?


You are the one I’m coming home to
(Try as I might but there’s nobody left in sight)
You are the one I’m coming home to


I’m coming home to you
I’m coming home
Oh you know I’m coming to you
Oh you I got you waiting for so long ohh

Count your luck and celebrate Chinese New Year at SM Supermalls!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Good fortune awaits shoppers at SM Supermalls this Year of the Tiger


It’s going to be a prosperous 2022 as SM Supermalls celebrates the Year of the Tiger with fun-filled events and activities for its shoppers! Whether you choose to stay home or safely shop at SM Supermalls, there are exclusive CNY deals for everyone to enjoy!


Lucky Dining Deals.

Kick off the festivities with an abundant gastronomic feast with discounts and promos from January 16 to February 2. Shoppers can enjoy Lucky Eats Deals of as much as a 22% discount from participating tenants. For your convenience, you can easily shop via the SM Malls Online app where you can arrange for delivery or pick-up, or by calling our SM Customer Care hotline at (02) 8876-111, 0917-876-111 or 0908-876-1111. You can also have your fill of your favorite food while safely dining at Chinese New Year-themed indoor and outdoor Lucky Eats Dining Spots.

Lucky Red Finds Bazaar.

Boost your luck and find all the lucky red items from SM Supermalls’ partner tenants and affiliates in this Chinese New Year-themed pop-up market.

 

Lucky Tiger Park.

Families will be treated to a dazzling Chinese New Year experience featuring an outdoor set-up with lighted 3D tiger art installations, Chinese lanterns, and Drive-Thru Lion and Dragon Dances and Fireworks Displays to welcome the year of the Tiger!

Lucky Paws.

Show off your pet’s best CNY-themed costume and get a chance to win pawsome prizes when you submit photos of your pets online or take them to select SM Supermalls Paw Parks.

Lucky Forecasts.

When it comes to ushering in good fortune, SM Supermalls knows how to help prepare shoppers for the positive energy this new year brings. By scanning the QR codes, you can check out your 2022 Chinese zodiac brought to you by Feng Shui expert Ms. Marites Allen. Plus, you can also get a chance to win exciting prizes and SM vouchers!

Additionally, SM Supermalls has also prepared other activities and promos for everyone to enjoy until February:

Lucky Plants.

Attract good luck all year round with lucky plants in your home! This Chinese New Year-themed green market in select SM malls features floras that are considered lucky like the lucky bamboo, money tree, Jade plant, mandarin orange tree, orchid, bamboo, and bonsai.

Lucky Finds on SM Deals. 

Check out CNY exclusive offers from SM Supermalls’ tenant partners and affiliates from Buy 1 Get 1 deals and 50% discounts.

Lucky22 vouchers. 

If you opt to stay at home during these festivities, don’t worry about missing out on these exciting deals because SM Supermalls has got you covered. SM Malls Online will be having Lucky22 vouchers– a special voucher offering a 22% discount on food and non-food items for stay-at-home shoppers like you!

Lucky in Red Pick-up at Curbside Promo.

 

When you pick up your order at SM via SM Customer Care Hotline, SM will be giving away Php 200 worth of SM GCs on February 1 for those decked in red! So wear something red or drive by to pick up the items you’ve ordered in your flashy red car! This promo is for the first 22 customers only, so be sure to get there as early as you can.

Enjoy all these and more when you celebrate your #LuckyDaysAtSM this Chinese New Year! So, increase your luck and safely celebrate with SM Supermalls as it welcomes the Year of the Tiger with wishes of prosperity, health, abundance, and continuous good fortune!

For #SafeMallingAtSM, you can follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.