U.P. SAMASKOM KICKS OFF LIVE A.I.D.S: HYSTERICAL REVISIONISM Tatlumpu’t Apat na Taon ng Makasaysayang Tawanan, Sayawan at Kimmy-nism

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The Longest-Running Campus Comedy Varirty Show in the Philippines is Back!

After five (5) years’ absence in the theater scene due to the restrictions set by the pandemic, the longest-running comedy variety show out of the UP Diliman campus is back!

Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, an annual musical-comedy series mounted by talent-laden student organization, UP SAMASKOM, is mounting its 34th edition from July 5 to 7 at the Ignacio B. Jimenez - KAL Theater in UP.

Entitled LIVE A.I.D.S.: HYSTERICAL REVISIONISM: “Tatlumpu’t Apat na Taon ng Makasaysayang Tawanan, Sayawan at Kimmy-nism”, the show will again put a funny but sharp spin on socio-political issues and pop culture, providing witty commentary on Philippine society and adding a comic touch to trending topics and viral content. Interspersed with dances and dazzling production numbers, it promises to make audiences laugh and have fun like never before.

“What started as a mere applicants’ batch project in 1983 is now one of the most awaited events in the Diliman Republic. Each year, Live AIDS always surpasses its previous record number of fans who watch the show,” says Live A.I.D.S Hysterical Revisionism Production Management Mentor, Venice Atienza, who is an alumna of U.P. SAMASKOM and has been part of both the production and creative departments of the show for several years now.

SAMASKOM alumni fill the local entertainment scene, finding fame in front of or behind the camera. LiveAIDS has given rise to the careers of Kuya Kim Atienza, Giselle Sanchez, RS Francisco, Raymond Lauchengco, Wency Cornejo, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, Mrs. Tan, and KaladKaren, among others.

ABS-CBN’s head of TV Production, Star Magic Chief and Pinoy Big Brother Head Director Laurenti (Loren) Dyogi and ABS-CBN Global Head of Creative Services Ned Legaspi are SAMASKOM alumni.

Live AIDS continuously garners fanatics and avid viewers who have steadfastly sought out the show, including known personalities like Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap, and Vice Ganda.

“Live A.I.D.S. and the UP SAMASKOM are platforms where students and alumni members alike are given the opportunity to nurture their talents and skill sets, and essentially nurture them to face the real world,” articulates well-known Filipino drag artist Mrs. Tan, a seasoned dancer and performer of the show.

“This show bolsters one’s talent, skills, and self-confidence. It’s evident in our alumni members,” said Kaladkaren, another UP SAMASKOM alumna and a seasoned performer, veteran writer, production member, and former resident officer.

“With the issues and concerns of the Philippines at present and history distortion as well, it is time to continue the UP SAMASKOM tradition of amusing audiences and making them aware of political and social matters. This year, through the Live AIDS legacy, everyone will hear what Samaskom will say about the current times. This is a show that finds humor on the right side of history”, said Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism Director, Bill Barrinuevo.

“There is pressure to outdo ourselves every show. This is our comeback show - we want to reawaken our audience as we give them the best show they will ever see. It is terrifying but it is a welcome challenge. UP SAMASKOM is passionate in creating a show that speaks out and entertains at the same time,” he added.

Tickets to Live AIDS Hysterical Revisionism can be bought at https://liveaids.helixpay.ph. For more information, follow @upsamaskom on X (Twitter) and Instagram, and on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.

Schneider Electric Foundation turns 25 and launches the ‘25 Years Young’ campaign in the Philippines

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To mark the 25th anniversary of its foundation, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is launching a global campaign in celebration of both this key milestone and the next generation of young leaders committed to building a fairer, low-carbon society. ‘25 Years Young’: A Celebration of Youth and 25 Years of Action 

Founded in 1999 under the aegis of the Fondation de France, the Schneider Electric Foundation supports changemakers driving sustainable development, promoting social inclusion, and empowering communities worldwide. Throughout 2024, the foundation will celebrate the world’s youth by raising awareness of their social and environmental impact and mobilizing the support of company employees. The high point of these celebrations is the launch of a global call for contributions with the foundation’s social entrepreneurship partner, Ashoka. 

Ever since its creation, the Schneider Electric Foundation has been a pioneer in supporting positive initiatives to tackle growing social and environmental challenges and many innovations are driven by young people from around the world. The foundation supports them in making an impact for a fairer energy transition and is honoring them on its 25th anniversary.‘Youth Innovation For A Sustainable Future’: A Global Call for Contributions 

The call for contributions titled ‘Youth Innovation For A Sustainable Future’ with Ashoka’s program 

Changemaker Companies aims to select 25 of the most impactful and innovative youth projects across all five continents (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East). This global call for contributions focuses on professional engagement and a fair transition, and a 50,000-euro prize will be awarded to the winning project during the COP29 climate summit in Bakou, Azerbaïdjan. Those projects selected will also benefit from increased visibility across the social media channels of both Schneider Electric’s Foundation and Ashoka’s network of countries. In the Philippines, the call for contributions will be launched on June 17, 2024. Entries can be submitted through the program’s website at https://volunteerin.se.com/#/youth-innovation-for-sustainable-future.

“Schneider Electric Foundation has been dedicated to driving sustainable development for the last 25 years by promoting social inclusion and empowering the youth to champion positive change,” said Norman Roland Ocana III, Head of Government Affairs and Sustainability of Schneider Electric Philippines. 

“We commemorate this momentous milestone, with our strengthened commitment to support NGOs and Foundations who work with the next generation on various initiatives focused on just transition, awareness and inclusion, professional training in energy management, entrepreneurship and gender."

Baguio City’s LGU and Hotels Receive ICT Proficiency and Internet Connectivity Boost as City Hits Revenue Targets by 45 Percent

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Baguio’s local government and hotels partner with Eastern Communications for reliable connectivity & ICT services.

Eastern Communications enhances the digital landscape of Baguio by rolling out innovative ICT services tailored to the city's hospitality and government sectors. The company aligns with Baguio's goal of boosting economic and tourism growth, aiming to support the region’s resurgence post-pandemic. 

Baguio city is a significant contributor to Cordillera’s economy, and is on track to meet its PHP2.74 billion collection target for 2024. Having already collected 45% of this goal in the first four months, Baguio City Assistant Treasurer Fernando Ragma reported a 12% increase in collections compared to 2023, with PHP1.205 billion gathered from January 1 to April 30.

To sustain this momentum, Eastern Communications is committed to equipping more businesses with digital solutions to help them thrive.

The telecommunications provider will enhance Baguio's digital landscape with innovative ICT services tailored to the city's hospitality and government sectors. This initiative aligns with Baguio's goal of boosting economic and tourism growth, aiming to support the region’s post-pandemic resurgence. 

Strengthening Baguio’s Government Sector 

Reliable connectivity is pivotal for Baguio's economic development. It enables efficient communication, access to global markets, and fostering innovation. Both businesses and public services rely on seamless internet access for transactions, research, and networking. 

Additionally, robust connectivity supports remote work, enhances education, and drives technological advancement, fueling economic growth and competitiveness. 

The partnership between Baguio’s local government and Eastern Communications represents a significant step towards enhanced connectivity and progress. Eastern's comprehensive internet solutions support Baguio's vision for a digitally inclusive future, providing the robust infrastructure necessary for economic vitality and community empowerment. 

"Eastern's connectivity services offer a transformative opportunity for Baguio City's development. By providing free fiber connectivity to barangays, Eastern enables seamless communication infrastructure essential for urban planning and public services. Integrating IoT boxes for sensors and CCTV enhances security and resource management, fostering a smarter, safer cityscape," said City Government of Baguio Officer in Charge - Management in Information and Technology Division (MITD) Francis Camarao. 

Boosting Hospitality and Tourism in the Summer Capital.

Eastern Communications is also playing a crucial role in the digitalization of Baguio’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The company has recently partnered with several prime hotels in Baguio, including Soto Grande Hotel, Hotel Cosmopolitan, and Newtown Hotel, to provide top-tier ICT solutions.

Clients have expressed satisfaction with Eastern's personalized services and ICT solutions, noting that digital adoption is essential for businesses to thrive in the modern era. 

Soto Grande Hotel 

Eastern Communications holds a contract signing event with Soto Grande Hotel. [From L to R: EC Regional Sales Senior Account Manager Lawrence Balbin, Soto Grande Hotel Resident Manager Marco Fetizanan, EC Marketing Head Jed Estanislao, and EC Regional Sales Executive Account Manager Alejandro Carandang]

During the official contract signing event with the newly opened Soto Grande hotel, Resident Manager Marco Fetizanan offered a positive outlook on their partnership with Eastern Communications, noting that it "will significantly enhance our digital processes."

"Their reliable connectivity ensures our guests enjoy a seamless online experience throughout their stay. Eastern has proven to be our partner of choice, and we believe that adopting digital solutions is crucial for businesses to thrive in 2024 and beyond.”

Hotel Cosmopolitan

Eastern Communications officially seals its partnership with Hotel Cosmopolitan through a contract signing ceremony. [From L to R: EC Regional Sales Senior Account Manager Lawrence Balbin, Hotel Cosmopolitan Owner Glen Flores, and EC Marketing Head Jed Estanislao]

Hotel Cosmopolitan, located in the heart of Baguio, also recognizes the importance of digital adoption in accommodating the city's increasing number of tourists. The hotel seeks to meet this need as it officially sealed the deal for Eastern Communications to be its Fiber1 internet service provider.

Glen Flores, owner of Hotel Cosmopolitan, expressed his confidence in the telco's service, “Eastern Communications is not only fast and effective but also offers friendly and impeccable customer service.”

Newtown Hotel

Newtown Plaza Hotel partners with Eastern Communications for reliable internet service. [From L to R: Newtown Hotel Representative, EC Regional Sales Senior Account Manager Lawrence Balbin, Newtown Hotel Manager Josh Ancheta, EC Marketing Head Jed Estanislao, and EC Regional Sales Executive Account Manager Alejandro Carandang]

Eastern also partnered with the popular Newtown Plaza Hotel, located along Claro M. Recto Street, to offer the business an Internet Direct Service (IDS) leased line.

During the official contract signing, Newtown’s Hotel Manager, Josh Ancheta, highlighted the main reasons for choosing the telco as their dedicated internet service provider.

"Our partnership with Eastern was driven by our need for a provider that offers reliable after-sales support and quick response to our concerns. Apart from this, they also helped us exceed our guests' expectations. We recommend Eastern as the go-to provider for the tourism and hospitality sector due to their personalized solutions and dependable service."

With Eastern Communications' growing ICT and connectivity partnerships in Baguio, it aims to be a Partner in Progress for the city, building a digitally connected and economically vibrant community. This ensures that both businesses and tourists can benefit from enhanced services and opportunities.

Eastern Communications, the Philippine premier telecommunications company, and ICT solutions provider, has provided reliable connectivity and advanced business tools to enterprises and emerging businesses for 145 years. The company offers custom solutions from an extensive portfolio of services that include Connectivity Solutions, Network Solutions, Security Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. It continues to be the solutions partner of choice for the biggest industry players in the country through its unique brand of "High Tech" and its "High Touch" service.

Eastern Communications was recognized for its customer-centric business approach at the 2023 Asian Experience Awards and the B2B Client Initiative category at the Asian Telecom Awards, among other prestigious accolades.