Mapúa Central Student Council Proudly Presents Mapúa Foundation Week 2017

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The Mapúa Central Student Council of Mapúa Institute of Technology proudly presents the Mapúa Foundation Week 2017, one of the major events held yearly by the institute. The event will be held on January 22-28, 2017 at Mapúa, Intramuros Manila and Makati.

The Foundation week will start off with a fun run at the Mapua grounds on January 22. Opening ceremonies will happen the following day, January 23, with Institutional Service Awards, Awards Ceremonies and the Don Tomas Cup 2017 Opening. January 24 will have several seminars and lectures, the Cinemapua, an exhibition game, plus a Mapua Got Talent competition in the evening. Cinemapua, seminars and lectures, career talk, Math wizard, Mapua Tekno Teatro, Quiz Show, Mr. and Ms. Cardinals Red Carpet and a concert at night will happen on January 25. January 26 will have Teambuilding with orgs, Quiz Show, several seminars, Cardinal Excellence Awards. January 27 will have CineMapuas, Mapua Tekno Teatro, seminars and the grand coronation night for Mr and Ms Cardinals.

Mr. and Ms. Cardinals 2017 is one of its major activities where it showcases beauty and talents of our co-students. Just as how we are nearing the holding of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Manila, we give highlights to our respective beauties with our own "beauty pageant," may it be in school, work, neighborhood, city, region and of course, the country and the world...or universe rather.

James Chalmers’ “Prelude To Macbeth” – A One-Act Play All Set to Open Artist Playground’s 3rd Season on Feb. 23

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Artist Playground proudly presents the Asian premiere of James Chalmers’ “Prelude to Macbeth” as its third season opener starting February 23, 2017.

Directed by Roeder Camanag, Artistic Director of Artist Playground, “Prelude to Macbeth” is an epic tale set in the middle ages. This one act play is the prequel to Shakespeare’s Macbeth of how he becomes Thane of Glamis and how he meets Lorna Stewart who becomes his wife – Lady Macbeth. The play is written in blank verse - the style fashionable with playwrights of Shakespeare’s era.

“Prelude to Macbeth” was written by James Chalmers in 2009 and performed by his own drama company Shoreline at the Leverhulme Drama Festival and the Wilmslow Festival of One Act Plays.

“Prelude to Macbeth” won the 2010 Seahorse Award for Best Stage Play at the Moondance Film Festival in America. At the Wilmslow Guild Drama Festival 2010, it received the Adjudicators Award for the most original piece of theatre. It was also awarded the trophies for highest directing mark and overall winner at the SCDA Caithness District festival of one act plays in Scotland in 2016.

The schedule of performances of “Prelude to Macbeth” are as follows: February 23 – 26, 2017. Thursday – Friday at 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm and 7 pm. Venue: 1701 The Little Room Upstairs, Landsdale Tower, Mother Ignacia Ave. corner Timog, QC.

Globe Expands Interconnection with Competition for Fixed Voice Calls to Include Davao Oriental

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Globe Telecom said interconnection with its main competition for fixed voice calls has been expanded further to include Davao Oriental province.

Taking effect January 5, 2017, the interconnection enables customers of Globe landline services in Davao Oriental to call customers of other telco providers without additional charges as they no longer have to pay for long distance charges when calling one another.

“The implementation of an interconnection agreement in Davao Oriental supports Globe Telecom’s thrust of providing affordable and easily accessible ways of communication for the benefit of our customers. We expect more and more provinces and areas to enjoy lower connectivity rates, in line with our commitment of further expanding interconnection with other telco operators,” Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said, adding that interconnection with its main competition now covers 39 provinces and areas in the country.

Prior to the interconnection, landline customers of Globe and other telco providers were charged with long distance rate when making phone calls to one another. With the interconnection, Globe customers can simply dial the seven-digit telephone number to connect with other telco providers and vice-versa.

Interconnection among telco providers is in line with provisions for compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers under Republic Act 7925. The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers.

In addition to Davao Oriental, Globe has existing interconnection agreement with its main competition in Metro Manila, Cavite, Iloilo, Batangas, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Leyte, Davao City, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zamboanga, Laguna, Quezon, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Benguet, GenSan/South Cotabato, Tarlac, Davao del Norte, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Ilocos Sur, Capiz, Cagayan, Nueva Viscaya, Iloilo, Bataan, Isabela, Camarines Norte, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Aklan, and Bukidnon.

Globe Provides Libreng Tawag and Charging to CDO Flood Victims

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Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom reaches out to victims of torrential rains and severe flooding in Cagayan de Oro City by setting up Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging stations in three of the most affected areas.The Globe booths are located at Brgy. Hall, Mabolo St., Brgy. Carmen; Cugman Elementary School; and Brgy. 26 Osmena St. in front of ongoing SM construction. They are open until January 22, from 9 am to 6 pm and may still be extended depending on the need.

Pinoy Fighter Roy Doliguez Finds One-Year Hiatus Beneficial in Skill Growth

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Over a year sitting on the sidelines, Filipino fighter Roy Doliguez makes his much-awaited return to the ONE Championship cage on 10 February as he is set to square off with grappling ace Alex Silva on the undercard of ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Doliguez, who holds a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 6-3, is considered one of the best strawweight competitors that the local combat scene in the Philippines has produced.

The 34-year-old native of Malungon, Sarangani is also a former professional boxer, who has nearly 50 fights under his belt. He captured the WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title in September 2002.

Doliguez, who has been out of action since January 2016, did not mince words about his excitement for his comeback bout at ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS.

“I am back, and I am so happy. I might have been away from action for over a year, but the desire to compete has been always there. I am so excited. I want to put on a great fight for the fans in Malaysia. And of course, bring pride and honor to the Philippines,” he said.

Although he has been away from the international MMA spotlight for 14 months, Doliguez revealed that he kept himself active during his absence from active competition.

“I was still training. It did not stop. Even if there wasn’t a fight, I still trained like there is an upcoming fight. It’s my lifestyle. I’m in great shape for this fight,” he stated.

Lenovo Launches Think University to Enrich Learning Experience in Partner Schools

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Recognizing the growing role of technology in the learning process of students, Lenovo Philippines launches Think University, an initiative that empowers partner schools to provide an enhanced and more interactive learning experience through a grant of 10 units of ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop to qualified colleges and universities. By purchasing a certain number of Lenovo computers, a school can qualify for the program.

“Lenovo believes that empowering the youth through quality education is vital to nation-building. Think University is part of our efforts to leverage our innovative devices to aid the academy in enhancing the overall experience,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “We hope that through this, our partner schools can create an immersive, interactive learning environment for their students.”

With the Lenovo computers, the students are able to access technological resources that will strengthen their learning experience. It will allow them to engage more fully in class activities and access worldwide databases with ease, acquiring competence in technologies that are relevant to their studies.

Ngan explains that an improved IT infrastructure in schools can further boost learning in the classroom. “Technology today enables students to learn at their own pace. Almost all educational apps allow for individualized instruction and there are plenty of legitimate resources that can be accessed anytime on the Internet. With this, students can learn according to their abilities and needs. This form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives him or her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling,” said Ngan.

As the leading PC manufacturer and seller of consumer electronics in the country, Lenovo’s products are known for their durability, ruggedness, and reliability—three critical factors which the company believes are tailor-made for the classroom. Lenovo’s products are flexible enough to adapt to the many ways technology can be incorporated into the overall school experience.

Not only for students
Knowing that improved education technology leads to better teaching opportunities, Lenovo also aims to assist educators. The products enables teachers to deliver more dynamic lessons by providing reliable access to the latest online multimedia materials and connecting their PCs to interactive online classroom boards. Administrators can also update policies and procedures on the overall network in real-time, maintain up-to-date emergency plans and increase collaboration among staff for school-wide initiatives.

“Being a global leader in technology and innovation, we have a special role in developing the use of technology in the classroom. We also understand the challenges schools face in improving education with new models of teaching while managing cost, efficiency, and security and that is why Lenovo will continue to support its partner schools,” added Ngan.

ThinkCentre M73 Tiny Desktop is a compact computer packed with the same reliable and powerful performance one expects from bigger desktops. It features 4th Gen Intel Core processors as well as plenty of storage and memory, making it a good fit for school use. Moreover, the model comes with an advanced heat regulator and an ultra-efficient Green design to help lessen energy use.

Cusi Outlines PH’s Energy Thrust in Abu Dhabi Meet

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Advancing continental energy cooperation, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi led a delegation from his department in taking an active role during the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Abu Dhabi.

The dialogue hosted by the United Arab Emirates last Jan. 17 had for its theme “Abu Dhabi, the Capital of Sustainable Energy.”

In his speech, Secretary Cusi said “ACD is evolving to a higher level and serious intent of cooperation. The Philippines is one with the ACD in pursuing its vision of sustainable energy and secured energy access for Asia.”

Recognizing the importance of energy planning with rising power demand due to rapid urbanization, Sec. Cusi emphasized that “the energy sector will play a critical role in ensuring the reliable supply of energy to all our consumers nationwide. We take the role of sustainable energy very seriously.”

“We continue to work with other countries to ensure a strong enabling environment which will encourage greater investment, especially in renewable forms of energy, as well as other conventional forms of energy,” he added.

Global Filipino Schools Enhance eLearning with 220 Tablet Donation from Cloudfone

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Select public schools under the Global Filipino School (GFS) program of Globe Telecom can now further enhance digital learning and promote love of reading among K-12 students through the help of 220 tablets donated by Cloudfone, one of the leading providers of smartphones and tablets in the country.

Globe and Cloudfone launched the partnership by holding a different kind of reading session at the Andres Bonifacio Integrated School in Mandaluyong City where 40 grades 5 and 6 students enjoyed stories told by Globe employee volunteers using the tablets.

The first 11 schools which implemented the GFS program received Cloudpad 900TV tablets pre-loaded with an ebook reader app. The tablets are on top of the regular Globe Digital Laboratory package that are provided to all GFS containing netbooks/tablets, wifi devices, and a mobile cart with a built-in projector screen.

"Part of Cloudfone's advocacy is to equip the youth of today with technological devices such as these Cloudpads, to make their learning experience awesome and worthwhile,” said Eric S. Yu, President and CEO of Cloudfone.

“Through this partnership with Cloudfone, more students and teachers can have access to a vast library of information previously out of their reach. Students can go beyond what they learned in the classroom with just a few clicks while teachers benefit too because the information they get from the internet can make for more interesting and enriching lessons,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications of Globe.

With the help of the tablets, students and teachers can fully explore the GFS Library (http://www.gfslibrary.com), a free, web-based platform that provides free and quick access to digital story books for children and young adults as well as textbooks on core subjects such as Math, Science, English, Filipino, Music, Arts, among others. They may also use the Globe-provided internet service to connect to the GFS Library and to download as many titles as needed for their learning needs.

Under GFS, schools are provided with unparalleled online connectivity to give homeroom teachers access to limitless teaching and learning engagements available on the internet that will help further improve their craft and make learning fun and interesting for the students.

GFS Library is a component of the GFS program, a long-term Globe educational initiative that seeks to transform public schools into centers of Information and Communications Technology excellence and innovative teaching methods in order to set the stage for 21st Century Learning.

All schools under GFS are, likewise, intended to become teacher training hubs and training partners of the DepEd Division Offices in conducting teaching workshops for neighboring schools of each division.

There are currently 80 schools under the GFS program, with Globe expecting to put up a GFS school in each of the 221 school divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) nationwide within the next four years.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Students of Andres Bonifacio Integrated School listen intently to a Globe employee volunteer who reads them a story using the Cloudpad 900TV tablet.

DOTr Statement on 260% increase of Common Station from Original Php778 M to Php2.8 B

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Here is the statement of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in response to the post of Renato (Nato) Reyes Jr. re: 260% increase in the project cost for the Common Station from the original Php778 million in 2009 to Php2.8 Billion:

"CLARIFICATION: The Php777 million is not the cost for the SM City Annex Station. It is the ADDITIONAL COST TO THE ORIGINAL COST of the North Avenue Station of the North Extension Project (NEP) which was transferred to the SM Annex location because of MRT7. Please take note that the 2009 transfer of the NEP's North Avenue Station to the SM City Annex location was due to the fact that the MRT7 project was not yet in place back in 2006.

The original cost of the North Avenue Station of the NEP in 2006 was approximately Php780 million. When it was moved to SM City Annex in 2009, an additional Php777 million was needed with a total cost of around Php1.5 Billion. This is because the original North Avenue Station of the NEP was originally intended to service ONLY Lines 1 and 3. BUT, with the subsequent approval of Line 7, the government needed a bigger station to serve three (3) rail systems. Bigger station equals bigger budget.

The "additional" 777 million approved in 2009 was on top of LRT-1 NEP's original 2007 NEDA Board approved Project Cost of Php6.3 billion. The reason for the additional cost was because the SM Annex station (a.k.a. MM Integrated Rail Terminal) is larger than the original LRT-1 NEP terminal station across Trinoma (because instead of just being a transfer station between LRT-1 and MRT-3, the SM Annex station connected LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7). Again, Php777 million is NOT the cost of the SM Annex station; Php777 million is the "ADDITIONAL" cost entailed by shifting from the original LRT-1 NEP terminal station across Trinoma to the SM Annex Station.

Boodle Fight in a Bilao at St. Nicholas Catering and Restaurant

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Our pre-Christmas get-together last December was a tummy-filled foodie blast thanks to St. Nicholas Catering and Restaurant's "Boodle Fight sa Bilao." Unlike most boodles that you eat either on banana leaves, the restaurant's boodle fight is conveniently placed in a "bilao" or large woven tray. The "Boodle Fight in a Bilao" is available for Dine in or Take out.

The "Boodle Fight in a Bilao" is available in many variants or food combinations. In our case, we got three "bilaos" of the one they call "Davao" with Shrimps, Calamares, Shrimp tempura, Lechong Kawali, Eggplant Tempura, of course Rice, plus some Salted Egg Tomato and Onion.The "Palawan" version has Fried Chicken, Pancit Canton, and Okoy Gulay to replace the Shrimp tempura, Lechong Kawali, and Eggplant Tempura, while the "Boracay" bilao has Fried Chicken, Lechong Kawali, Sisig, Pritong Talong with Bagoong, and Pancit Canton. "Cebu" has Calderetang Baka, Lechon Kawali, Sisig and Pancit Canton. "Batangas" has Adobo sa Dilaw, Calamares, Shrimp Tempura, and Pancit Bihon. All Boodle sa Bilao have Shrimps, Salted Egg, Tomato, Onion and Rice. You save around Php200 per bilao.

Too bad it's not yet available for delivery since the place is quite hard to get a taxi or regular transport services if you're just going to commute. Getting a Grab or Uber transport may be difficult especially during peak hours. It is thus advisable to bring a car or any vehicle as service. But the owners just wants you to come to the place so you could personally visit and take some photos with their new giant teddy bear.