ABS-CBN Stages Simultaneous 5-City "One Run, One Philippines"

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One Run, One Philippines,” the five-city simultaneous advocacy run of ABS-CBN in the Philippines and the United States this October 6 as part of ABS-CBN’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Thousands participants are expected to take part in the “One Run, One Philippines," in five cities to save five environment projects including Pasig River rehabilitation.

In cooperation of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), Regional Network Group (RNG) and The Filipino Channel (TFC), the “One Run, One Philippines” will invade Quezon City, Cebu City, Bacolod City, Davao City, and Los Angeles (USA) to clamor for the protection of various environmental advocacies.

Cruisin' to Iloilo and Bacolod : 2GO Travel Adventures (Part 2)

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 The adventure began aboard the St. Michael the Archangel cruise ship. I can't compare if its the best ship 2GO Travel has because this was really my first time to travel via cruise ship. The only thing nearest was a much smaller boat going from Batangas port to Puerto Galera in Mindoro. I'm been traveling via plane all my life, locally and internationally.

What is so sad about traveling by plane is that I just sleep inside and wait for my arrival to the destination. With the 2GO Travel cruise ship, there was plenty of time to do other stuff....and if ever I slept on some of these hours, I slept on a very comfy bed in an air-conditioned room with great amenities at my easy reach.

Bonding with my fellow passengers were also very easy. I believe I was able to chat with more people than traveling by plane. Actually I gain zero acquaintances if I travel by plane but with the 2GO Travel experience, I now have plenty of new Facebook friends, and a lot more blog followers!

Beyond the Metro: Property Sector of Several Progressive Provincial Cities on an Upswing

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Thanks to a booming economy, the real estate sector of several progressive cities outside of the metro are on a roll, growing remarkably well over the last few years and expected to continue soaring to new heights in the next decade or so.

More and more property developers are answering the growing demand for residential and commercial properties in Cebu, Cavite, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Pampanga as their property landscapes evolve and are expected to be at the forefront of a property development boom in the country.

A pronounced surge in demand and supply

The growing interest from local and foreign investors, as bolstered by the national government’s robust infrastructure projects in these provincial cities, attracted a surge in interest among property buyers from here and abroad.

From 2017 to 2018, Pampanga registered a whopping 873-percent increase in leads on the Lamudi platform. During the same time frame, Cavite witnessed a 298-percent increase in leads, Davao raked in 69 percent, while Cebu and Iloilo also increased by 274 and 214 percent, respectively. Page views among properties in Bacolod likewise spiked by 38 percent.

These numbers go to show that these cities are currently enjoying a shining moment in their real estate sector. In conjunction with this impressive upward trend in demand, the property supply in these cities followed suit.

Based on Lamudi listings from 2017 to 2018, Davao enjoyed a 102-percent increase in listings while Pampanga saw a 202-percent spike. Likewise, Cavite’s listings spiked by 188 percent. Cebu-based listings increased by 27 percent while Iloilo grew by 29 percent. Bacolod, however, had more property searches than the available supply during the time period, where apartment and land searches were seven (7) percent and 12 percent higher than the supply, respectively. This could mean that there is a well of opportunity for property developers in the city to answer to the growing demand that is yet to be addressed.


Average prices and a notable increase in page visits

Page visits, which likewise signify interest among property buyers, in these provincial cities also increased. From 2017 to 2018, Pampanga, Cebu, and Bacolod grew by 65 percent, 23 percent, and 38 percent respectively.

Iloilo, on the other hand, rose by 22 percent from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019.

Davao, despite being one of the country’s most competitive cities and investment hubs, remains affordable for prospective investors and home seekers. The average price of a condo property in the city is Php4,622,195, where the average price per square meter is tagged at Php 100,377.

Meanwhile, Cavite’s residential sector also maintains its relative affordability, with an average price of Php 6,372,632 for houses. The average price per square meter is Php 50,576.

Most Searched Areas

The most searched for areas in Davao that property seekers searched for are Buhangin and Sasa. These were followed by Barangay 19-B, Ma-A, Talomo, Barangay 20-B, Bucana, Barangay 34-D, Matina Crossing, and Matina Aplaya. 

In Cebu, the most searched for properties were those in Cebu City, followed by those in Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Consolacion, Minglanilla, and Liloan.

Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Tagaytay, General Trias, and Imus were the most searched cities in Cavite.

On the other hand, the towns of Pavia, Jaro, Oton, Guimbal, and Mandurriao generated the most interest in Iloilo.

In Pampanga, Angeles, San Fernando, Mabalacat, Arayat, Mexico, Bacolor, and Magalang.

For Bacolod, the towns of Alijis, Estefania, Mansilingan, and Tangub drew in the most interest.

House and lots dominate property types

Majority of these property seekers are interested in house and lots, although there’s also a growing interest for residential condo units. The majority also prefer to buy these types of properties compared to those who want to rent them. In Iloilo, for instance, the page views for houses were close to 62 percent among property seekers, about 52 percent when it comes to sessions, and 59 percent for leads generated, based on Lamudi’s data. The same is true for Cavite, where about 64 percent of the leads came from house searches.

The preference for house and lots, as well as lands, in these provincial cities, show that the prices of these property types in Cavite, Pampanga, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and Iloilo are still relatively more affordable compared to those in Metro Manila. Many of those who were also searching for properties in most of these progressive provincial cities are from Metro Manila, according to Lamudi data. In Pampanga, for instance, although the number one city that searched for a property there came from Angeles City, the next three came from Quezon City, Makati, and Manila, data from the property portal shows. Pampanga’s proximity to Metro Manila has attracted quite a number of property seekers from Quezon City, Makati, and Manila who are planning to relocate in the province, live a more relaxed lifestyle and escape from the urban chaos of the metropolis while also pursuing great careers with the growing number of companies opening their offices there.

With the property sector of these thriving provincial cities on the upswing, expect their economic landscape to evolve and benefit nearby towns and municipalities as well.

Cruisin' to Iloilo and Bacolod : 2GO Travel Adventures (Part 3)

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Third day of our adventure was spent on board St. Michael the Archangel ship of 2GO Travel on our way back to Manila. It took us around 8 hours to travel from Bacolod to Manila. I dedicate Part 3 of my Cruisin to Iloilo and Bacolod mostly to the people I met at 2GO Travel.

Sir Chef, who was responsible why we all gained a few weights after the trip, performed a cooking demo cooking some kind of fish in vinegar, and some kind of dessert using bread crumbs. SActually he showed us  how to impress the ladies using a wine glass. We also had two guest bloggers that shared with us their experiences with 2GO Travel and learned a few tips from them on how to enhance our blogs. Awarding of Certificates of Cruisin' for everyone, plus the special awards given to those that made their posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram more creative and viral.

Due to the lack of a stable Internet connection, I was not able to participate actively. I was also in awe when I found out one of the bloggers was able to tweet more than a hundred times on Twitter within those three days! Wow!

One made an impact on Instagram with so many Likes and shares. However, the Facebook challenge announcement of winner was postponed due to intermittent Internet connection.
 

Cruisin' to Iloilo and Bacolod : 2GO Travel Adventures (Part 1)

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Do we always need to be in a hurry? Should we always race against time? Should we make every moment count as if it was our last day on Earth? I know that life has a lot of responsibilities that need to be addressed immediately, but there should also be times when we need to let loose and let go of the complexities and priorities so we could relax and re-energize.

Pause for awhile, pamper yourself, indulge on your favorites, give in to the temptations and you'll be surprised that you're now looking differently at the world. All it takes is a short pause good enough to show you a different perspective of the world around you.

Taking a flight across the different islands is a splendid adventure! However, your adventure usually starts when you arrive at your destination. Many should also consider making use of the travel time as part of the adventure. It's an unexplored opportunity to bond with friends and families - to strengthen the ties that unite by simply having more time to cuddle up in bed or breathe the fresh and warm sea air aboard a cruise ship via 2GO Travel.

An Overall Supremacy for the Raider R150 at the Super Series Nationwide Championships - Bacolod GP

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The Suzuki Raider R150 proved itself once again at the 3rd Leg of the Super Series Nationwide Championships in Bacolod City. With combined agility and strong performance of the Suzuki-VMan Racing Team with the Raider R150, Team Suzuki reigned supreme attesting that it is indeed the Underbone King at the Super Underbone races of the Bacolod GP.

Suzuki-VMan Racing Team’s April King Mascardo and Eane Jay Sobretodo grabbed the Champion and 2nd Runner Up spots respectively after an intense battle at the Baywalk Karting Zone in Bacolod City on board the Raider R150 Fi. Mascardo who was also the pole sitter of the race consistently led the competition from the time trial to the finals while Sobretodo who started 3rd on the grid had an exciting battle with other riders but still managed to cap the race on the podium after an intense head on with his peers.

Another promising rider from the Suzuki-VMan Racing Team Djereck Ondillo and Dan Carlo Alvarado also dominated the Underbone Beginners/Novice Class with a powerful 1-2 finish with the Raider R150 Fi. Ondillio also had a very strong performance securing 2 more championship wins at the Raider Breed Wars R150 Fi and R150 Carburetor One Make Races. Alvarado also had a strong finish with a 2nd runner up win at the Raider Breed Wars R150 Fi One Make Race.

 

The Raider Breed Wars Raider R150 Carburetor and Fi One Make Races were also a hit to the riders of Visayas testing the Underbone King’s power and performance with its signature 150cc engine. Privateers Kirby Caparon dominated the 2nd Place on both Raider Breed Wars Races while RJ Comendador won 3rd Place for Raider Breed Wars Raider R150 Carburetor One Make Race.

The Super Series Nationwide Championships is already in its mid season but we still have a lot to witness with Team Suzuki-VMan Racing’s performance and the whole racing battle. Catch the action again on the following dates and venues:

Cebu GP – Aug. 26
Bulacan GP- Sept. 16
Manila GP – Oct. 28

The Suzuki-VMan Racing Team is powered by Racing Boy Philippines, RK Racing Chain and Sprocket, Faito, VMax Racing, Koso, Pirelli, LS2 and Motoworld. The Raider Breed Wars is powered by Pirelli, Racing Boy, YRS, Faito, Koso and RK Racing Chain and Sprocket.

Post Office opens SM City Bacolod branch

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In its continuing effort to relocate Post Offices to a more convenient location to better serve the public, the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) opened another branch located at 3rd Level, Government Service Express (GSE), Rizal Street, Reclamation Area, SM Bacolod City, 6100 Negros Occidental.

On hand to formally opened the Post Office are: Regional Postal Area 6-Director Donabel Asuncion, Acting Support Service Manager Atty. Stevenson Conlu, Postmaster Rinald Rosadia, Ronald Vilches-Cashier and in charge of SM Bacolod Tellering, Mr. George Jadriolin, Mall Manager, SM City Bacolod, Ms. Julia Javellana, Assistant Mall Manager, Van Sombito, Property Manager, Enzo Benedicto, Building Admin Manager, May Castro, Public Relations Manager and Glen Sazon, CRS Manager.

“I would like to thank SM, one of the largest and most extensive over-the-counter one-stop shops for government services in the country, for giving us the opportunity to bring Post Office services closer to the public”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

He added, “I believe the Post Office can do so much in bringing daily convenience in the lives of the Filipinos by means of this partnership with SM Supermalls on government-private sector collaboration in order to expand its accessibility by bringing the Post Office closer to the community.”

“The Post Office today is way faster, more reliable, convenient, and innovative than it ever was in decades. In an effort to digitize and modernize the services of the Philippine Post Office, we launched early this year a new range of innovations to improve the operations and delivery of the country's postal system”, he said.

Regional Postal Area 6 Director Ms. Donabel Asuncion said that shoppers will be able to conveniently and quickly mail letters and express packages, buy stamps and other philatelic products, apply for Postal ID, and send electronic Postal Money Orders, postal cards, and so much more.

Bacolod Gets Ready for Color Manila's CM Blacklight Run

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After the recently concluded CM Challenge Cebu last May 14, that drew thousands in attendance; Bacolod folks who can’t wait for their turn to have that Color Manila experience, can now look forward to the next CM Blacklight Bacolod run, set to take place on the evening of June 3, 2017.

The run will be held at The District North Point, Bacolod, and is part of the 3-city CM Blacklight Tour that includes Manila and Davao City.

For a quick preview of what to expect, participants will be immersed in glow-in-the-dark vibrant colored powder in a series of color stations. They will also be wearing the CM Blacklight headlamps to heighten their blacklight experience. For Rockstar and Challenge categories, they will also have face paint applied on their faces.

Of course, runners can look forward to the signature Color Festival at the end of their journey, wherein everyone throws colored powder up in the air (and at their friends), while the latest beats are playing and everyone just dances to the music.

Participants can choose between three race distances - the 3K, 5K and 10K categories, and 3 types of kits - the Deluxe, Rockstar and Superstar kits. The Deluxe kit is priced at Php750, with the kit containing a singlet, costume prop, race bib, drawstring bag, finisher's medal and a color packet. The Rockstar kit, priced at Php1,050, comes with a drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, color packet and finisher’s medal. The Superstar kit, priced at Php1,500, comes with a drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, 3 drawstring bags, headwear, CM sticker, color packet and finisher’s medal.

Six Highly Urbanized Cities With Homes Under Php1 Million

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These cities outside Metro Manila have what it takes to give you a spacious home that fits your one-million-peso budget.

Many assume that buying a home in a highly urbanized city (defined by the National Statistics Office as having a minimum population of 200,000 and an annual income of at least Php50 million) is expensive. But it looks like this is not the case. According to data from MyProperty.ph, the following are highly urbanized Philippine cities that boast urban yet laidback lifestyle, great culinary tradition, buoyant economies, and most importantly, affordable real estate.

DUMAGUETE CITY
Photo by Mike Gonzales via Wikimedia Commons

Dumaguete City, nicknamed the City of Gentle People, is located in the province of Negros Oriental. This city is accessible by air via Sibulan Airport (aka Dumaguete Airport), which is located in the general area of the city. If traveling by sea, it can be reached via daily ferry transportation to and from neighboring Cebu Province.

This city is also the home of Asia’s first American private university, Silliman University, which makes Dumaguete a popular college town in the Visayas region.

According to the 2014 Retire Overseas Index released by Live and Invest Overseas, Dumaguete is one of seven best places to retire in the world. The index, which was cited in an article published in Forbes magazine, singled out Dumaguete’s beaches, affordable real estate, and good health care facilities are major draws.

So if one plans to relocate in Dumaguete, he will be delighted to know that houses for sale in the city are some of the most affordable. MyProperty.ph data shows that depending on the area, a two-bedroom house may cost as low as Php410,000.

Youth Blitz campaigns for Urban and Home Gardening

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On June 2020, The Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition (SKC Philippines), a nonpartisan, non-governmental organization and a national consortium of youth organizations aimed at amplifying youth voices in the Philippines, together with 24 Partner-Organizations all around the Philippines have launched an online campaign for Urban and Home Gardening titled “Youth Gardening Blitz” as part of the Philippine Environment Month.

The online campaign is in support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s pre-existing efforts. It is the second annual inception of SKC Philippines’s National Tree Planting Blitz which planted more than 24,000 trees in its first installment on June 2019 but due to limited mobility and restricted public gathering brought by numerous quarantine and lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the main environmental consciousness campaign of SKC Philippines has moved online with relevant modifications such as a mental health advocacy component.

#YouthGardeningBlitzPH took form in two parts: 

1. Through information dissemination on environmental consciousness and how gardening can help alleviate mental health suffering especially in the middle of a pandemic that is continuous beyond June 2020 until the next inception of an environmental blitz campaign; and 

2. A month-long online contest for June 2020 whereby it engaged young people into urban/home gardening by encouraging them to showcase their creativity in developing innovative ideas on upcycling/reusing household materials in their gardening activities which were shared through social media.

The online contest was joined by many participants who submitted their garden entries but only three stood out from the rest due to creativity on their photoshoots and captioning, clarity of narration on how gardening has helped them get through on this COVID-19 Pandemic, faithful adherence to the provided mechanics such as the usage of official hashtags in post captioning, and concise description of what and how the materials are used in a ‘do-it-yourself’ manner, especially if recycling or upcycling are practiced. On July 2nd of 2020, SKC Philippines announced three winners from the month-long online contest.


https://www.facebook.com/sigawko/posts/4010980038943862

Top 3 goes to Vanessa Joy Dela Cruz of Aklan province where she wittingly described the process of gardening like having a “jowa” or to care for a significant other with love and passion. She also provided a realization “that farming is the most essential in this world” by having an impactful opening providing a quote saying “Imagine a day without a farmer.” especially in the middle of various forms of community quarantines and lockdowns, amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic where it is most recommendable to be self-sustaining through edible gardening to keep ourselves at home where it is safer and more secured from local virus transmissions.

https://www.facebook.com/vanessajoydc/posts/2723770721201161

Meanwhile, Top 2 goes to Jake Flores of Ilocos Sur province where he shared how tedious he has been tending to his indoor garden located in his bedroom by checking his plants “one by one, leaf by leaf, stem by stem and watch every progress they make”, as he said. He also provided that he used recycled materials for his indoor garden by using a scrap wood plank, and a PVC pipe. He has indeed not only surrounded himself by people who make him happy but also by plants! He has provided the benefits of gardening that has done to his mental health by boosting his mood during this COVID-19 Pandemic. He then ends his post by encouraging people by giving an “effort to make ourselves to be more productive and creative”. He then continued by saying that effort shows you are interested and that by looking after plants, we can reap all of its rewards.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=142367487440434&id=100050015497119

Lastly, but not least, Top 1 goes to Neljoy Nobleza Galigao of Capiz province. She began her submission by providing a quote from Wendell Berry saying “The Earth is what we all have in common.”, she has narrated well how the COVID-19 Pandemic brought devastation and distress that can influence the mental health of each one of us. She provided information on how SKC Philippines’s environmental and mental health advocacies through the Youth Gardening Blitz was timely and relevant to both World Environment Day which is celebrated on June 5th of every year, and the coinciding Philippine Environment Month as it isgiven force under Proclamation No. 237 signed by then-President Corazon Aquino on April 4th of 1988 which highlights the government’s advocacy to spread environmental consciousness among Filipinos.


She then provided each one of her plants with bits of information such as their common names and even their scientific names, these include Cucumber also known as Cucumis Sativus, Pole Sitao which is also known as Vigna unquiculata subsp. Sesquipedales (L.) Verdc., Mango with a scientific name of Mangifera indica, Rambutan that is known in its scientific name as Nephelium lappaceum, Guava which is known scientifically as Psidium guajava, Gmelina Tree which is also known as Gmelina Arborea, Ampalaya which is also known scientifically as Momordica charantia, Eggplant also is scientifically known as Solanum melangena, and Mung beans with a scientific name of Vigna radiata. She ended her submission by saying that it is better to plant a tree and be productive than by pondering on negative possibilities, which means that gardening has helped her keep distracted from the dire effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.


https://www.facebook.com/neljoy.galigao/posts/2755300604756944


The online campaign is done with warm support from these 24 organizations as partners:

1. Akeanon - Aklanon sa West Organization
2. Abra Youth Organizations Society
3. Interact Club of Zamboanga City West
4. Kids Who Farm
5. Online SDG Youth Action Forum
6. Rotaract Club of Fort Bonifacio Global City, District 3830
7. Rotaract Club of Zamboanga City West
8. Rotaract Club of Rizal Centro
9. Sangguniang Kabataan ng Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
10. Sangguniang Kabataan ng Barangay Barangobong, Villasis, Pangasinan
11. YouthResist
12. 2030 Youth Force in the Philippines Inc.
13. Interact Club of La Consolacion College- Metro Bacolod
14. Interact Club of Negros Occidental High School-Metro Bacolod
15. Lacub Organization for Unity and Development - LOUD
16. Rotaract Club of Metro Bacolod - Community Based
17. Rotaract Club of University of St. La Salle - Metro Bacolod
18. Sangguniang Kabataan ng Barangay Tinajeros, Malabon City
19. Buhangin Stake Primary Organization - TCJCLDS
20. Youth for Mental Health Coalition, Inc.
21. Pangasinan Youth for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
22. ROTARACT CLUB of MAKATI
23. Rotaract Club of Miraculous Medal - Sucat
24. Youlead Initiative


Gardening has been seen to have positive effects on mental health according to numerous studies. It can reduce the risks of depression, anxiety, stress, and mood disturbance. It also leads to increases in quality of life, sense of community, physical activity levels, and cognitive function. It is given evidence through the numerous submissions to the Youth Gardening Blitz online contest especially by the Top 3 winners as provided above. With numerous quarantine and lockdown measures being put in place in reaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic that has led to many restrictions on many of the regular social routines that people are used to such as physical socialization and other activities, tending a small garden while locked up at home can alleviate mental health sufferings.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_Ql44HIamBpI-2b3V_jLC_9wjYf8klXl1CUvIVBZJmo/edit?usp=sharing

Manila Improv Festival 2015 To Be Held On July 2-12

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Silly People’s Improv Theatre (SPIT) is the country’s premiere improvisational theatre group known for their smart and incisive brand of comedy. Considered as one of the best improv comedy troupes in Asia, SPIT has had almost a thousand performances in the last decade to both local and international audiences whose combined numbers easily run up to the thousand. SPIT has represented the Philippines in the Los Angeles, Beijing and Hong Kong Comedy Festivals, and the Improv Festivals in New York and Chicago, and more recently, the Amsterdam Improv Festival in January of this year.

Improvisational theatre is a form of theatre where scenes are co-created by the audience and the actors in real time, without the benefit of a script or prior rehearsals for the performers. Because of this method, watching an improvised theatre show is more akin to performance art due to its non-conventional approach. 

This year, Manila International Improv Festival 2015 is happening on July 2-12, 2015. This performance art festival is a partnership with two prominent Philippine institutions. Silliman University in Dumaguete will host our Tropical Improv Camp from July 2-5, and the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) will be our partner venue where all theatre performances will be held on July 8-12, 2015.

 

#JusticeForZaraAlvarez: Bacolod-based Human Rights Defender Zara Alvarez Assassinated

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"If helping the poor is a crime & fighting for freedom is rebellion, then I plead guilty as charged." - Zara Alvarez

Zara Alvarez, a Bacolod-based human rights defender, was killed by unknown assailants at around 8 p.m. on August 17, 2020, in Eroreco Subdivision, Mandalagan Village, Bacolod in Negros Occidental.

Zara, 39, was a former political prisoner and continued to work as a paralegal for Karapatan after her release.

Negros activist Zara Alvarez had always been targetted by the military who considered her a terrorist . Yesterday, she was killed by an assassin.

#JusticeForZaraAlvarez is making rounds online.

A paralegal for human rights group Karapatan, Zara Alvarez is the second activist killed in a span of two weeks after Randy Echanis was found dead in a rented house in Quezon City last August 10.

So much happened. Randy Echanis was laid to rest and Zara Alvarez was killed. These are people who fought against injustice & lost their lives to it. But don't let them put a target on your back. Fight.

In a span of two weeks, two human rights and land rights defenders were killed.

Randy Echanis was tortured then killed in his own home. Zara Albarez was gunned down.

Nasaan ang hustisya?

Remember when Cayetano, Dela Rosa, and Roque "ensured" that the draconian Anti-Terror Law would not endanger and threaten our fellow activists and dissenters?

They said we need not be worry about the Anti-Terror Law but this is what’s happening—activists are being hunted and gunned down like stray animals, and no one is being held accountable?

Even if you haven't personally met those who have sacrificed and served the people throughout their lives in the movement, one's loss is deeply felt by many.

Though it doesn’t mean that Duterte or his minions did the killings. Some people will kill their own people to dirt someone else’s. He may have a foul mouth and the others may be timid, but you can’t say who’s who just because of what they show outside.

Maybe not or maybe it is? Targetting solely activists and human rights defenders is a clear pattern done by the elements of the state forces. He may not have done the killing directly but he definitely has his fair share of blood in his hands.

I’m crying, choking, chuckling, writhing, angry, outraged, shocked, and speechless

They are more than a statistic. Their work and passion for Human Rights is known worldwide.

Like Echanis, Alvarez was among the more than 600 individuals the Department of Justice looked to label as terrorists through a petition filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court last February 2018.

Sino ba ang tunay na terorista? ang may hawak ng panawagan o ang may hawak ng baril? you may have killed her, but her voice will continue to echo the streets and the Filipino people will have her back.

DEFEND HUMAN RIGHTS! DEMAND JUSTICE!

#JusticeForZaraAlvarez
#JusticeForZara #StopTheKillings

Kobe Demisana : The Jr. NBA’s Gentle Giant Makes It To The World Stage

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The Philippines has once again proven that when it comes to basketball, it can compete with the best in the world. In the recent Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific Selection Camp held for the first time in Jakarta, Indonesia, four out of ten Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 All-Stars became part of the Asia Pacific selection that will represent the region in the Jr. NBA Global Championship that will be held in Orlando, Florida on August 6-11, 2019.

The Philippines has the most number of representatives in the Boys Team for which other top junior players from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines competed to be selected.

One of the young athletes who will get the chance to show off his basketball prowess on the world stage Jr. NBA All-Star and Alaska Ambassador Henjz Gabriel “Kobe” Demisana, a 6’5 14-year old from Bacolod.

Kobe’s quickness, body strength and soft touch to the basket impressed coaches in the Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific Selection Camp. "I feel very blessed. It’s a dream come true. I am really honored to represent the Philippines and our region to the Global Championship. I will bring all the lessons I learned from the Jr. NBA and Alaska in the global championships, especially the S.T.A.R. values," Kobe concluded.

The Jr. NBA STAR values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect are the core values of the program and is something that all Jr. NBA participants take to heart.

Kobe’s basketball journey started when he was eight, the year he first started playing basketball. It was his dad who influenced him to love the sport, he said. From then till now, he has always drawn inspiration from the hardcourt. Kobe vowed to always give his all inside the court and his family supported him all the way.

In 2018, he took his chances and joined the grassroots program of the National Basketball Association (NBA) when the Jr. NBA came to Bacolod. He outplayed his counterparts in the regional selection camp and got the chance to compete in the National Training Camp (NTC) as one of the Visayan region’s best. He also made it to the NTC’s Top 20 – the pool from which the year’s Jr. NBA All-Stars would be selected. But when the final selection was made, he did not make it to the All-Star team.

“After my Jr. NBA NTC stint last year, I was really down. But it did not stop me from continuing to work for my dreams. Aside from studying, I dedicated my time developing the skills that I need to improve my game,” said the soft-spoken center, the Gentle Giant of Bacolod’s Tay Tung High School. 

His not making it as an All-Star in 2018 turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He was destined for something bigger and better. He joined Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 presented by Alaska again, was chosen among the best in the Visayan regional tryouts once more, and made it to the National Training Camp in Manila just last May. This time his perseverance and all his hard work paid off. Jr. NBA Head Coach Carlos Barroca announced his name as one of five Jr. NBA All-Stars for 2019. And as he went up the stage, happy tears flowed. On top of that he was also named Alaska Ambassador, a testament to his character, pleasant personality and positive attitude.

Now, Kobe will be joined by fellow Filipinos Matthew Rubico, Sebastian Reyes and Camille Nolasco in the Asia Pacific Team that also includes one player each from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

“I prepared myself physically and mentally. Last year, I was really scared to commit mistakes. But with what I learned from my previous Jr. NBA experience, I became more confident whenever I step inside the court. I do all the right things. I sleep early, eat the right kind and amount of food, do proper hydration, and always make sure I’m thinking positive. Nutrition and good health habits are just as important in basketball as training hard and polishing your skills,” Kobe said.

Kaon Na 'Ta of Negros Occidental to Showcase Noche Buena Delights

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Kain Na! Food & Travel Festival of the Department of Tourism (DOT) culminates with a “star-studded” Christmas edition-Ilonggo style this coming December 19-21 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.

“The finale event in Bacolod City, aptly titled ‘Kaon Na Ta!’ Food & Travel Festival, is envisioned to capture the joyous spirit of Christmas in the Philippines with noche buena delights as its traditional centerpiece,” says DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

This week’s event will be the seventh edition of the food-travel fest series in partnership with the Ayala Malls Group that was launched simultaneously in Legazpi City, Albay and Cebu City last October, followed by events in Cagayan de Oro City in November; and in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and Davao City early this month.

“The Bacolod cookfest, which will feature international culinary luminaries like Margarita Fores, is a fitting culmination to our efforts to promote awareness about the Philippines’ rich and diverse gastronomy and establish the country as a world-class food hub,” Sec. Puyat pointed out.

Sec. Puyat said the event, which will be participated in by the local government units and various tourism stakeholders, will also celebrate the triumph of newly-crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Going into the pageant, the beauty queen has gone out of her way to champion Philippine tourism.

In addition to Margarita Fores, other prominent chefs who will serve their special recipes for degustation include Nico Millanes, Don Colmenares, Joeri Arro, Patrick Go, Niño Laus, Kalel Demetrio and JP Anglo.

Native delicacies, bamboo products, handcraft items, fresh fruits and vegetables will also be on display Wednesday through Friday.

The series represents DOT’s version of the Kain Na! food fair pet project organized by Sec. Puyat during her tenure as undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture (DA). The DOT chief has also held its own version of Philippine Harvest, an agro-industrial fair where farm produce were showcased.

To help boost food tourism, the Ayala Malls Group agreed to make available its branches in the key cities to serve as Kain Na! venue for the three-day events, free-of-charge.

NCCA, DTI launches the first Creative Industries Month 2023

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With this year’s theme Celebrating Filipino Creativity, Advancing Creative Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) celebrates the first Philippine Creative Industries Month 2023. The official launch of the event will be held at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Manila at 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. on September 17, 2023. The celebration will mainly offer simultaneous workshops and a concert with the support of National Parks Development Committee and Concert @ the Park. In line with the theme, this year’s PCIM aims to recognize the talents of Filipinos by celebrating their achievements not only in the local scenes but also highlighting their contributions in the international stage.

“ As we embark in this exciting journey of celebrating Filipino creativity and advancing the creative industries in the Philippines, working hand in hand, we can use this occasion to highlight the importance and impact of the Cultural Mapping Law, also known as republic Act 11961, which I principally sponsored and authored. This law is a valuable tool in documenting, preserving, and promoting our cultural heritage, ensuring that it remains a source of inspiration and pride for future generations” – a message from Senator Loren Legarda,Senate President Pro-Tempore and Chairperson, Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts.

“With PCIDA and with the push towards a Malikhaing Pilipinas and a more Malikhaing Pinoy, we dream that arts, culture, and creativity are one that all 110 million plus Filipinos will realize, value, celebrate, cherish, call their own, and most especially, love…” - a message from Cong. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, Pangasinan, 4th District.

SIMULTANEOUS WORKSHOPS at RIZAL PARK

This year’s workshop will tackle different topics each specific domains such as; Learning Filipino through Wikaharian by Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. for the audiovisual media domain;

How to start your own blockchain game project? by Dr. Albert Mulles of METATOKYO and Learning Through Minecraft Exhibit by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for digital interactive media domain; Events Management Workshop for creative services domain; Shoemaking Workshop, Parol Making Workshop, Jewelry Making Workshop, and T-shirt Printing Workshop for design domain; Basic Comics Workshop by Rustico Limosinero and Book Selling and Exhibit by Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc. for publishing and printed media domain; Song Writing Workshop by Joey Ayala, Theater Acting Workshop by Nanding Josef, Dance Workshop, Puppetry Workshop by the Samahan ng mga Papetir ng Pilipinas for Performing Arts Domain; Pottery Workshop by the OdangPutikPottery, Painting Workshop by the Egai Fernandez, Basic Photography Workshop by the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation for visual arts domain; Baybayin Workshop, Pabalat Making, Ilocos Empanada Making, and Traditional Weaving Demo for Traditional Cultural Expression Domain; and NCCA Papercraft Series and Exhibit for cultural sites domain.

LIVE CONCERT at CONCERT at the PARK

The Live Concert intends to demonstrate the vibrancy of the country’s culture and arts by giving platform to local artists to show their undying passion and efforts in performing. The featured artists are the following: Bayang Barrios, Colot it Red, Halili Cruz Dance Company, J Crisis, Joey Ayala, Johnoy Danao, Kammerchor Manila, Ms. Sarah Straschko, National Ballroom Ensemble, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Sindaw Philippines, Teatro ni Juan and The Nightingales

PERYA NG SINING, BUKAL NG GALING in Bacolod and Iloilo

The NCCA will bring promotion of the goods, products, and services of the Philippine creative industries and awareness on its role in nation-building and socioeconomic advancement to Bacolod and Iloilo.Perya ng Sining, Bukal ng Galing will showcase an exhibit featuring the domains of creative industries. An array of activities are line up for this event which includes, demonstrations, lectures, art markets, art and crafts demo and film showing for these
3-day event in Bacolod and Iloilo.

SUMMIT OF PHILIPPINE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES MONTH

The PCIM Summit will be held on September 29 and will serve as a space and platform for exchanging ideas between government officials, creative industry leaders, professionals, and students.

The summit harmonizes a wide range of creative minds, from professionals to aspiring beginners, to develop a dedicated and creative community. With the efforts to explore and tackle significant themes about the Creative Economy, Creative Disruption, Creative Design, Creative Governance, and Creative Spaces, the PCIM will provide keynote addresses, presentations, and panel discussions.

 

PHILIPPINE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT ACT

Republic Act No. 11904, also known as the “Philippine Creative Industries Development Act,” signed in 2022, mandates the further prosperity of Philippine creative industries by protecting and strengthening the rights and capacities of creative firms, artists, artisans, creators, workers, indigenous cultural communities, content providers, and stakeholders in the creative industries.

Creative industries are classified into nine domains: Audiovisual Media, Digital Interactive Media, Creative Services, Design, Publishing and Printed Media, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Traditional Cultural Expressions, and Cultural Sites. The law provides supplementary support to the specified domains that face numerous limitations which prevent their supplemental growth.

Davao Aguilas FC to Face Off with Ceree Negros FC in Bacolod City

Photo Caption: (L-R) Ceres Negros FC Head Coach Risto Vidakovic, Martin Steuble, Davao Aguilas FC player Jason Cordova and Coach Melchor Anzures, face the local media here in Bacolod City at the pre-match press conference held at L’Fisher Hotel.


Davao Aguilas FC’s Coach Mel Anzures and Jason Cordova, along with Ceres Negros’ Head Coach Risto Vidakovic and player Martin Steuble, faced the local media today at the L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City. 

They are set to face-off at Panaad Stadium tonight at 7 p.m. for the 4th and last time for the inaugural season of the Philippines Football League (PFL).  Their last encounter in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, in front of 4,000 Davao supporters, ended in a draw, with a score of 1-1.

After this match, Davao Aguilas FC will fly back to their home pitch, for this Sunday’s match at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex, as they face Stallion Laguna FC on November 5, at 4 p.m.  

Head Coach Marlon Maro says, “Davao Aguilas FC is already gaining altitude and the support from the home fans has been tremendous.  We will come out strong and defend our “nest” for our next home matches.


For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial. 

Globe Brings the Hottest Party at Masskara Festival with Loudfest 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One need not go far to see festivals or masquerades in other countries as “The City of Smiles,” Bacolod, gears up for another weekend celebration for their annual Masskara Festival.

The festival is a visual treat of locals garbed in elaborate and ingenious costumes, fabrics of cheerful colors and patterns, shiny sequins, and gigantic headgear. But the most iconic is the mask worn by participants. These are always adorned with smiling faces that have become the trademark for the celebration.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you will enjoy Bacolod for the street parties and festivities, and Globe is tagging along to party with you! From October 21-23, starting at 4:00 p.m., head to Lacson Street in Bacolod City for LOUDFEST 2016 and paint the town with all the colors you love! Dance the weekend away to the beats and mixes from the country’s most sought after DJs like Mars Miranda, Callum David, Funk Avy, Katsy Lee, and many more.

“The Masskara festival is just one of the most colorful festivals Filipinos will ever experience! Globe joins this celebration by making the experience more wonderful with on-ground events filled with surprises and the best dance music perfect for a festive weekend,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan.

Because Globe makes everything more fun with events like the Masskara Loudfest 2016, extraordinary and unforgettable experiences are guaranteed. Put your party hat on and join the festival of smiles! For more updates on #GlobeMasskara and how you can enjoy the weekend just visit the official Globe Facebook page or follow @enjoyGlobe on Twitter or Instagram.

BingoPlus, ArenaPlus continue to enrich Pinoy festivals by supporting MassKara Festival 2023

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



BingoPlus, the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines and ArenaPlus, the leading sports betting application in the country, continued their joint mission of promoting Pinoy festivals by amping up the fun and entertainment of the MassKara Festival 2023 in Bacolod.

As major sponsors, BingoPlus and ArenaPlus organized interactive and memorable social, sports and cultural events that delighted Bacolodnons and tourists. The MassKara Grand Countdown Salubong, the MassKara Electrika Diva dance competition and the Electric Float Parade dazzled revelers with colorful lights and pageantry while the competitions revved up the competitive spirit and energy of the competing barangays and participants.

To make the festivity more exciting, the brands set up booths filled with fun-filled games and premium merchandise for all the attendees to enjoy for free.

One of the festival's main highlights was the Miss Bacolod MassKara Coronation Night that Marianel Tan, a communication student from the University of St. La Salle, won. She also took home the Ms. BingoPlus title and a ₱10,000 cash prize.

A spectacular BingoPlus and ArenaPlus Variety Show at Lacson Road was the highlight of the festival where popular celebrities like Kice of Idol Philippines fame, actor Tony Labrusca and Pinoy Dream Academy standout Jay-R Siaboc delivered exceptional performances together with hiphop groups Allmost, G22, Versus, Project Z and A Class, among others.

The annual celebration in Bacolod, Negros Occidental was established in 1980 to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience after a tragic sea accident occurred, that deeply affected the Negrense community. After the accident the City government enjoined the city’s artistic community, civic and business groups to hold “a festival of smiles” that would erase the sadness. Thus, carrying a rich culture and history, the smiling, colorful masks is a grand reminder to one and all that no matter what tragedy strikes, the City of Smiles and the Filipino people will survive for a better and joyful tomorrow.

This year from October 06 to 22, 2023, the City of Smiles overflowed with color and joy as it featured numerous entertaining activities.

“Our active participation in events like this exhibits BingoPlus’ and ArenaPlus’ steadfast commitment to enrich local cultures and traditions that have been a major part of the Filipino identity for centuries. Through unwavering support, we aim to contribute to the preservation of our country’s heritage,” said Jasper Vicencio, AB Leisure Exponent and Total Gamezone Xtreme president.

ArenaPlus and BingoPlus proudly stand as flagship brands under Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Digiplus Interactive Corp continues to enrich the gaming experience for Filipino players across the nation.




For more updates on the latest and upcoming cultural events of BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net