Twitter Ushers In Digital Governance for Duterte Administration at #SONA2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipinos can follow the @PresidentialCom official account on Twitter to watch live video highlights of President Duterte’s first-ever State of the Nation Address

Twitter is collaborating with the Duterte administration to connect the new President with Filipino citizens worldwide, starting first with the #PresidentDuterte emoji and #PartnerForChange campaign and expanding now to his first-ever State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 25 July 2016. For the first time ever in Southeast Asia, live video highlights of a head of state’s address to the nation will be shared on Twitter for a global audience. Filipino citizens worldwide, and anyone interested in President Duterte’s plans for the Philippines, can follow the @PresidentialCom account to see high-quality video clips of #SONA2016 in their Twitter timeline, powered by SnappyTV technology. In addition, Filipinos can comment, share and discuss the much-awaited speech using the event’s official hashtags #DuterteSONA and #PartnerForChange on Twitter.

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/PresidentialCom/status/755928661627314177

“The keys to an effective democracy are real-time political updates and live engagement with the government. This initiative with Twitter is a landmark development for the Duterte administration’s digital governance efforts,” said Pratiksha Rao, Head of Media Partnerships, Twitter Southeast Asia. “By providing a platform for live commentary, connections and conversations for the President’s State of the Nation Address, Twitter is enabling the Duterte administration to connect with Filipinos via social media and help initiate change for the country.”

Appstart Academy Bridges the Gap Between Students and Their Dream Careers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Most of us would know how popular apps are nowadays. This is why they would call app developers the rockstars of the new generation when apps literally rule the world due to its innovative usefulness and the convenience it offers to the users.

Available as either web or mobile apps, these user-friendly, affordable and most of the time free applications can be accessed almost anywhere as long as you have a smartphone with Internet or data connectivity.

This made app developers very much in demand and has also paved the way for even young but bright-minded individuals to form startups seeking funding opportunities from potential investors who they try to impress with their globally useful and sustainable ideas. Usually, these ideas revolve around the usage of apps accessible through mobile phones since its the most "in" thing to have right now especially by the millennials who are fully engaged with everything mobile and online.

You can actually become "appreneurs" if you know how to code and design your own apps, and would surely give you financially rewarding either on your own or through collaboration with like-minded individuals.

Unfortunately, ordinary individuals would not have the full knowledge of successfully developing their apps by their own unless they enroll in a training center or be tutored by a developer. However, there seems to be no school focused on app development training alone so you have to shell out big bucks Luckily there is now a training institution that caters to app development training.

Appstart Academy is a training institution built with the mission of bridging the gap between students and their dream careers in the tech industry. Through their immersive program, students will be able to create and launch their own iOS apps in a very agile manner all in just 12 weeks of training for three times a week with 3 hours every session. 

"It is more than just a school, it’s a place where barriers are broken and goals are reached. Where visionaries can finally make their ideas happen, where everything can now be applied to something actual and workable."

AppStart Academy was formally launched through a Press Conference on July 22, 2016 at Makati Shangri La Hotel in Makati city. The event was led by founder and CEO, Ann Villar Jacobe, together with her co-founder,]and CTO, Lyndon Cruz, as well as the other team members that made up Appstart Academy.

The event was attended by members of the media including bloggers, the new breed of media or journalists managing online sites where they can easily express their personal thoughts, ideas and opinions.

There was a lot of questions since Appstart Academy can be considered a pioneering company for this particular industry. Most of the app development success stories happens outside the Philippines, so it gives us pride and joy to finally have a local initiative that aims to fill up the lack in app development training. It is about time to put the Philippines in the mAPP!

We also learned about the Apprentice program which is Appstart Academy’s way of recognizing real talent and helping those who want to get started with their goals right away. With the “Learn Now, Pay Later or Join Us” option, students can pay as they learn with realistic terms or eventually be a part of the Appstart Team.

Apportunity Initiative is Appstart Academy’s own way of supporting and encouraging women to be active in tech and the app development scenario. Through it, headstrong women in tech can be sponsored by willing financiers, companies and foundations. Given the proper funding and support, every determined woman can finally be given the chance to learn and become prime movers in the tech world. 

Appstart Academy is open to most kinds of collaborations, especially investment opportunities, so it can help them fully realize their vision of bridging the gap between you and your dreams through innovative app development ideas.

Congratulations to Appstart Academy for this new venture. They are literally quite new, with less than a month in conception as of this writing, but we see big things ahead for them.

Watch out for our video interviews with them at our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

More photos will be available at our official Facebook fan page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Interested parties may visit http://www.appstartacademy.io/ or call (02) 828 2298 for inquiries.

Solar Power Developers Courtesy Call to DOE Secretary Cusi

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The Confederation of Solar Developers of the Philippines, Inc. (CDSDP) sought an audience with Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi to discuss the country’s solar power development last 18 July at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) compound in Taguig City. CDSDP is composed of seven founding generation companies, including AboitizPower, Bronzeoak, EDC, Equis, NV-VOGT Philippines, SolarPacific and Solar Philippines. These solar power developers have combined, installed and in operation capacities of up to 515 megawatts.

As shown in the photo together with Sec. Cusi (center) are (L-R) the DOE Chief-of-Staff Jesus Cristino Posadas, Engr. Arwin Ardon, Ret. Admiral Reuben Lista, Central Tarlac Biopower Inc. President Don Mario Dia, Equis Manager Craig Marsh, NV-VOGT Phils. President Vivek Chaudhri, North Negros BioPower, Inc. President Arthur N. Aguilar, Reynaldo Casas CSDP President, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. Senior Vice President Juan Antonio Bernad, Carlos Aboitiz of Aboitiz Power, Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste , SolarPacific Energy Corp. Senior Business Development Officer Dyna Enad, DOE Spokesperson & NASECORE President Pete Ilagan.

What Kind of Car Would Your Favorite Pokémon GO Character Be?

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We thought that Pokémon fever would never again reach the limits it soared to in the late 90s, but with the recent release of the augmented reality game Pokémon GO, the world has once again gone crazy for those adorably strange creatures.

The Pokémon app’s popularity has reached such heights that it has seldom been out of the headlines in recent weeks, with some intriguing stories highlighting just how addictive this app is (just read your favorite news site to find out all the details). And having come down with a bit of a Pokémon fever ourselves, Carmudi has compiled a list of your favorite Pokémon- and what car model they would transform into if they could take an automotive form.

1. Pikachu- Yellow Cherry QQ

Undeniably the most famous Pokémon out there, Pikachu won the hearts of kids and adults alike with his puppy-dog eyes and sweet voice. We think that Pikachu could easily transform into the Cherry QQ, with its diminutive size, large round headlights and high angled bonnet reminding us of this little Poké monster’s face. A cute car for the cutest Pokémon.

2. Mewtwo- Purple Chevrolet Camaro

Strong, agile and striking, Mewtwo exudes power in almost every way imaginable. And what car could come close to showcasing all of these characteristics? The Chevrolet Camaro, of course! With its distinctive look highlighted by its strong front grille, the Camaro is a car made for those with attitude as well as style. A perfect fit for the legendary Mewtwo.

3. Charizard- Orange Ferrari 458 Italia

The fiery nature of Charizard leads us only to one car- the Ferrari 458 Italia. Fast and imposing with just the right amount of fire, the Ferrari 458 Italia easily bests any car that comes near it, just like its Pokémon counterpart, Charizard.

4. Squirtle- Blue Hyundai i10

With his wide set eyes and slightly crooked smile, Squirtle is the definition of cutely awkward. And the same thing could definitely be said about his car counterpart, the Hyundai i10. Small in stature with a sharp front design, the Hyundai i10 is a small package with a lot of punch.

5. Bulbasaur- Green Honda Brio

He may be small and flash a cheeky smile, but Bulbasaur is one of the most resolute yet dynamic Pokémon you can catch. We think the only car that Bulbasaur would be rightfully matched with is the Honda Brio. This hatchback is on the smaller side but has all the dynamism of a sedan. And with its array of features and topnotch drivetrain, we think Bulbasaur would be proud to be coupled with this handsome hatchback.

6. Skarmory- Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

With its steel wings and sharp look, the somewhat scary Skarmory could easily transform into the stunning Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. An automotive wonder both inside and out, this sports car showcases some of the most impressive design traits available today.

7. Jigglypuff- Suzuki Alto Lapin

Quite possibly the most adorable Pokémon of all time, Jigglypuff is all candy floss and dreams. And the Suzuki Alto Lapin is exactly that, just in car form! With its baby pink coloring, round headlights, and cute boxy exterior, the Alto Lapin is a car you will understandably want to take care of more than drive.

8. Mightyena- Black Range Rover

Mightyena is fierce and stealthy, just like its automotive ally the Range Rover. Turning heads wherever it goes, the Range Rover is a sure fire way to intimidate other road users- and just like Mightyena- the Range Rover can travel long distances without getting out of breath.


Pokémon GO will be released this weekend in the Philippines, so get ready to “catch ’em all”!

All-New Globe Switch App Gives All the Hottest Apps and Mobile Internet Deals at the Flick of a Switch

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Globe Prepaid/TM customers get to try the best app deals, and track their data usage

The exponential growth of smartphones and mobile data usage has customers constantly searching for premium online deals that will give them the most value for their money – from free app access to mobile data bundles.

With all these in mind, Globe gives customers another reason to enjoy their digital lifestyle with the all-new Globe Switch App! This all in-one-app solution gives Globe Prepaid/TM customers affordable access to the hottest apps and lets them discover the best online deals. In addition to the exclusive mobile offers, Globe Switch sets itself apart with its data management and usage tracking capabilities

Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business, Issa Cabreira said, “Giving our customers an enriched and immersive digital lifestyle entails giving them full control of their access and spending. Globe Switch solves that need by curating a great selection of trending app deals and at the same time giving users a way to understand their usage and freeing them from unwanted charges.”

Globe Switch is designed with three main functions: OFFERS, CONTROL and USAGE. Under Offers are the best app deals that are only exclusive within Globe Switch. These deals are ready for download, ideal for those new to navigating online and using mobile data. Users can freely try and purchase these deals at a more affordable price. Globe Switch is your gateway to more than 3 GB worth of access to over 50 of the most popular apps. Purchases are conveniently charged to ones prepaid load, while some apps are permanently FREE to explore.

With the Control feature, users are given a way to properly regulate which applications consume data charges. Certain apps can be turned on or off, preventing unexpected data consumption from some apps that are rarely used. The Usage feature gives visibility into how much mobile data and WIFI each app is consuming on an hourly, daily and 12-day basis, alongside a data saving mode. Also, upon opening an app that consumes data, Globe Switch will automatically notify the customer on how long they want to use the app and consume data.

From hot deals and trending apps, to data usage, control and tracking, Globe Switch gives customers more confidence to discover and explore amazing deals online! As a special launch treat, starting July 21 and for a limited time only, Globe is giving the first 500,000 Globe Switch users free 5 days access to the app of their choice! Users can avail of the "Special Launch Day Treat" option under the OFFERS tab to choose their free app.

Currently some of the apps available to access on Globe Switch include Skype, Grab, Waze, Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, Musical.ly, Smule, Spotify, Zalora, Lazada, Pinterest, Instagram, and Snapchat, among others.

Globe Switch is free and available for download on Google Playstore. To learn more about Globe Prepaid and its latest offers, visitwww.globe.com.ph/Prepaid. Globe Switch is also available for TM subscribers.

Two Like Minds: Senator Hontiveros Meets with Health Secretary Ubial

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A meeting of two like minds.

Senator Risa Hontiveros today met with Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial to explore ways of cooperation in advancing healthcare agenda in the Senate, three days before the first State of the Nation Address [SONA] of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday.

Hontiveros, a former PhilHealth Director, said that she and Sec. Ubial have agreed that cooperation between the executive and legislative branches is important.

“Para masigurong ang mga batas ay tumugon at napapanahon, kailangan talaga mag-usap ang ehekutibo at lehislatibo”, Sen. Hontiveros remarked in a statement.

During the meeting, the Health Secretary and the Senator discussed legislative proposals including increase in salary for health personnel and mandatory allocation of 5% of local government funds for healthcare services.

The Senator has expressed optimism in working with the Department of Health [DOH] for her agenda in the Senate.

“Secretary Ubial and I have worked together during the Reproductive Health law campaign. I am looking forward to continue working with her and fellow health advocates”, Senator Hontiveros concluded.

Azkals and Global FC Star Misagh Bahadoran Will Judge WSOF Global 's Ring Girl Contest

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World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) will conclude its international ring girl search in the Philippines this Saturday, July 23, 2016. The final judging will be held July 23 at 4 p.m. at the 2nd Floor of the Gateway Mall (near Pizza Hut), located at the Araneta Center.

Philippine Azkals and Global FC football superstar Misagh Bahadoran, who is also currently Folded & Hung’s newest model, will be the celebrity judge. Other judges include World Series of Fighting Global owner Dunesa Hesser and blogger Jared Baliguat.

Also on Sunday, July 24, there will be an autograph signing from 4-6p.m. with all the 5 Philippine MMA fighters competing for Fight Night on July 30. Fighters Jujeath Nagaowa, Jenelyn Olsim, Neil Larano, Jessan dela Pena and Mario Sismundo will be there for their fans to sign posters that will be given away for free. Event will be held at the 2nd Floor of the Gateway Mall (near Pizza Hut), located at the Araneta Center.

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30, 2016. Tickets start at PHP300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2988982/wsof-global-championship-3philippines-quezon-city-smart-araneta-coliseum. Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III ‘The Thrilla in Manila’.

A lucky member of the audience on July 30, 2016 at Smart Araneta Coliseum will win P1,000,000.00. Visitwww.wsofgc.com/raffle for details. Promo period June 16 - July 30, 2016, DTI-NCR PERMIT #6130.

The House Cup Series 2016: It All Ends

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Calling all wizards, witches and muggles alike! Portkey Events presents: The House Cup Series 2016!

The saga concludes as we join Harry Potter in his last stand against Voldemort through challenging games and exciting new activities designed to test your Wizarding knowledge and skills! Participate and get a chance to earn House points and House pride, whether you are a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff.

Following the success of the first four installments of The House Cup Series ("Find the Sorcerer's Stone,” "Open the Chamber of Secrets," “Save Sirius Black” & “Join the Triwizard Tournament”), Portkey Events

now brings you "It All Ends" – the exciting end to the 3 final epic stories in Harry’s adventures at Hogwarts and beyond. Register now! Wands at the ready!

Venue: 5th Level Top Shelf (Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street)

Register here now: http://goo.gl/forms/UAJsslX1RLnLzp0t1 Call/text 09178410013 IG: @portkeyevents portkeyevents.com

Book Launch: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity in Mindanao

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Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA) 2016 Holds Media Launch

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The Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines' Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA) for 2016 recently had a media launch on July 21, 2016 at the Manila Peninsula Hotel. 

The competition was previously called the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NPYDA) which has now stepped into a whole new level of competition by expanding its network to 15 countries and relaunching it as the Asia Young Designer Award (AYDA). This year, AYDA will be extended to three additional countries, namely Sri Lanka, India and Taiwan.

First launched in 2008, the competition aims to inspire interior design and architectural students to apply creativity and innovation in the implementation of design. It started off with just Malaysia and expanded to 11 other countries in 2015 namely: Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan, and Hong Kong. 

Be Bold. Be Free. Be You is the theme for this year’s competition.

Be Bold: Take on challenges and concepts that are out of the ordinary, break out from conventional ways.

Be Free : There is nothing for you to lose, think beyond conservativeness and deliver ideas without boundaries 

Be You: AYDA is a platform that rewards expressions of individuality. Unleash your creativity and let us nurture it together.

Globe Scores PCC for Inconsistency of Applying Rules

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Globe Telecom decries the decision of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to treat the P70B deal it entered with PLDT and San Miguel differently from the others when the said transaction was clearly within the safe harbor period of the PCC.

Under the then transitory rules of the PCC, this transaction which happened on May 30 needed only a notice to the PCC and should be “deemed approved” and not subject to review. Stating that this transaction should still be subject to review despite its own rules, the PCC has changed the rules suddenly in the middle of a game and acted on it whimsically, Globe Telecom said.

Froilan Castelo, Globe General Counsel, expressed the company’s frustration on how PCC is handling the SMC transaction. “We are not against PCC to do its mandate but what we are opposing is the inconsistent policy in implementing its rules and regulations,” Castelo said. Globe has invited the PCC to investigate the conduct and behavior of the companies in the transaction as part of the PCC’s plenary powers, but the fact remains that the transaction should be “deemed approved”.

Castelo said that this does not make good regulatory sense as rules and regulations should be clear and consistent, whereby business can make good business decisions based on such.

Castelo further noted that the PCC also invited the public to comment on this case, considering that this is one involving the adjudication of rights of parties. “This is highly irregular as government agencies like the PCC can only validly conduct public consultations in the exercise of their rule­making powers. Certainly, the transaction we have is adjudicatory in nature involving the rights of private parties, and the PCC is in no way performing as if to issue new guidelines and implementing rules for the benefit of the public”.

Globe has strictly followed the provisions of Sections 4 and 5 of the PCC Memorandum Circular No. 16­002 before the deal was closed last May. Under the MC, the deal is deemed approved if they are “consummated after the effectivity of the memorandum circular but before the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations.” The PCC however chose to disregard this and took the position it is not bound by its own rules.

Globe vowed to continue improving the state of the internet in the country by rolling out using the co-­used spectrum. It is activating the 700 MHz frequency spectrum in 500 based stations nationwide and using its additional allocation in the 2600 MHz band to provide additional layer for its Long Term Evolution (LTE network) for faster data connectivity.   

Youth to Duterte: Honor Paris Agreement to Secure Our Future

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A youth group on Wednesday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to push for the ratification of the historic Paris Agreement that aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius (36F) and strive to keep temperatures at 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

"We appeal to our new president to reconsider his position on the Paris Agreement. Ratifying the Paris agreement is not just about honoring our word to the international community; it is about giving the youth a chance to live freely without fear of super-disasters like the recent super-typhoon Haiyan. The Paris agreement is about securing the future of the Filipino youth," said Rafaela David, chairperson of Akbayan Youth.

The youth groups further emphasized how the Philippines must maintain its leadership in the issue, as it has done in the past years.

"We may be a small nation, but we have stood up for what is right by our people, and successfully rallied other nations most affected by climate change to fight for international solidarity in the face of catastrophic changes in our environment. Why then would we renegade on our commitment when victory is close at hand? Kumbaga sa basketball, panalo ka na sana, kaso pinasa mo pa sa kabilang team ang bola”.

The youth groups also urged congress to call for the immediate ratification of the agreement.

"We also call on our legislators to be proactive in ensuring the ratification of the Paris agreement. Even as they wait for the President to transmit the treat to the legislative branch, we hope they do not dampen the hope of the youth, and put in their weight to ensure that the Paris agreement is ratified. By doing so, we are assured that the future of the youth is at the center of their agenda," concluded David.

The Paris agreement was agreed and signed by 195 countries after years of failed negotiations. It will only be considered binding if at least 55 nation-states ratify it by 21 April 2017. Delegates of Akbayan Youth joined the civil society network that monitored the agreement in Paris, France last December 2015.

Style and Comfort Come Together with the Guess Kids 2016 Collection

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The Guess Kids 2016 collection features an assortment of lightweight clothes perfect for boys and girls who live in a tropical country. Items from the collection let free-spirited kids have fun and stay in action while maintaining comfort and style.

Guess Kids for girls offers punchy lace eyelet rompers, street-smart sleeveless hoodie and shorts set, timeless denim dresses, and whimsical plaid shirts with flowy-floral prints at the back. Basics like shorts, pants, dresses and denims all in various colors are classic pieces that are given a fun twist.

For the boys, Guess Kids serves some sporty spirit with its screen tee and short sets, mesh crew with stripe screens, and knit shorts. Color blocked shirts, printed polo shirts, and screen tops with mesh panels highlight a more updated look.

To showcase the Guess Kids lifestyle, this latest collection features an array of joyful boys and girls photographed in sunny California alongside Malibu’s breathtaking beaches. The soft sand, lush palm trees and piercing blue waters are the perfect setting for these children, enjoying their surroundings in stylish, comfortable and wearable designs. 

Directed by Paul Marciano, Chief Creative Officer for Guess?, Inc., and captured by long-time collaborator, Rus Anson, the campaign follows an energetic group of kids playing on a warm California day depicting the same sense of wonder and fun that is embodied by the Guess Kids. The children’s make-believe fantasy is brought to life using an oversized-palm tree hut, cluster of multi-colored surfboards and a ship-wrecked sailboat as key props alongside a mixture of fashion-forward looks featured in the collection.

For more information, visit www.GUESS.com.

Hope in 40 Seconds: A Fight to Save Lives

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Every 40 seconds, a life is lost to suicide, making it the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally, according to the World Health Organization. To add, depression is the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19.

With the grim scenario, the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the UP Junior Marketing Association (UPJMA), and the support of Globe Telecom is launching “Hope in 40 Seconds”, a 40-seconder animated digital video competition that aims to promote mental health and encourage those suffering from it as well as their loved ones to seek guidance from HOPELINE, NGF’s free 24/7 suicide hotline.

“We want to counter the suicide rate of one per 40 seconds by offering hope so that those who are in emotional crisis and in need of immediate assistance can have someone they can talk to, someone who understands what they are going through, and who can give them the support they need,” said Jean Goulbourn, Chief Executive Officer of NGF, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing depression to light.

Through animated videos which will be distributed using various channels such as social media and movie theatres, NGF would be able to reach out to more people and provide them with proper intervention so they could veer away from negative and escapist behaviors.

51Talk Now Publicly Listed on the New York Stock Exchange

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51Talk, also known as China Online Education Group, has announced a $72 million (along with Greenshoes & concurrent private placement) initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on June 10, 2016 under the ticker symbol COE. The company is the largest and fastest-growing online English language teaching platform in China, with over 100,000 students in China taking interactive English lessons on demand from a nationwide network of more than 6,000-strong, highly qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in the Philippines.

Its phenomenal growth has been fueled by the quality of English education it provides through its Filipino teachers, getting only the best of the best with strict recruitment processes. Says Shu Ting, co-founder and PH country manager of 51Talk, “The Philippines has made a name for itself as a top destination for quality English teachers. We at 51Talk go further by having an acceptance rate of 3% for our applicants, ensuring that we provide the highest standards in teaching our students. With this U.S. IPO, we expect to recruit more excellent English language teachers to our Chinese students.”

Being the biggest online English teaching platform in the world, 51Talk’s focus has remained on the recruitment of quality Filipino teachers, proving that the foundation of effective teaching lies in the kinds of teachers they bring on board. Going public means there are bigger expectations for the company to beef up their teaching body, with stringent processes in place, to ensure that online teaching and learning expertise are up to standards.