Philippines to host epics and ballads international conference in January 2011

An international conference on epics and ballads will he held in the Philippines from January 20-22, 2011 to preserve these forms of intangible heritage and foster self-pride in them by cultural communities in various parts of the world. The theme of the conference is “Songs of Memory: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage at the Turn of the 21st Century,” and its venue will be the Ateneo de Manila University at Loyola Heights in Quezon City.

Scholars from the Philippines, Europe, and Southeast Asia are being invited to the conference to discuss ways of storing oral narratives in the light of contemporary multimedia technology and to share their views on the interpretation of sung narratives.

To be launched during the conference is Ateneo de Manila University’s “Philippine Epics and Ballads Archives,” a digital collection recorded, transcribed, and translated with the guidance and dedication of Dr. Nicole Revel, research director emeritus at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France, in collaboration with singers of tales, scholars, and local knowledgeable people.

Registration fee is PhP2,000 for local participants and US$100 for participants from overseas. Registration details may be obtained from the Conference Secretariat, c/o Ms. Kristina Garcia, by email at humani@admu.edu.ph or Fax (632) 4261042.

Click this link for the “Songs of Memory” conference brochure

Download the registration form for local participants

Download the registration form for overseas participants

Invitation to join the Holcim Journalism Awards for Sustainable Construction

Holcim Philippines, the cement company that forms part of the Holcim global network, is inviting qualified Filipino participants to join the 2010 Holcim Journalism Awards for Sustainable Construction. The competition is being conducted in the media category and student category and offers a total of PhP420,000 in cash prizes for the winners.

The Grand Award winner in the media category will receive a cash prize of PhP100,000, a trophy, and a round-trip plane ticket and accommodation for a three-day stay in Singapore to attend the regional ceremonies for the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction. The student whose essay is adjudged most outstanding will receive a cash prize of PhP50,000 and a round-trip plane ticket and accommodations for a three-day stay in Singapore to attend the same regional ceremonies.

Media category (Deadline: May 31, 2011)

The competition in the media category is open to Filipino journalists who have written articles either in English or Filipino that discuss past, ongoing or planned sustainable construction projects; concepts, technologies, trends; or research and studies involving sustainable construction relevant or applicable to the Philippine setting. Preference will be given to business features that are at least 1,000 words long, original, by-lined, and published within the period from August 10, 2010 to May 31, 2011. 

Participants must be currently working for a local print media organization. The participants themselves or their editors may submit entries to Holcim; if mailed, the entries must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2011. Ten finalists will be chosen, four of which will be given major awards.

Three special citations will be given for stories that best capture the following results of sustainable construction: (1) Benefit to the Environment - ecological quality and resource efficiency; (2) Benefit to People and Communities - ethical standards and social relevance; and (3) Benefit to Consumers and End-users - economic performance, innovation and transferability, and aesthetic impact.

Special citation awardees will each be given a P50,000 cash prize and a round-trip ticket and accommodations for a three-day stay in Singapore to attend the regional ceremonies for the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction.

Student category (Deadline: November 12, 2010)

The competition in the media category is open to all college students nationwide who are enrolled during the current school year. A participant should submit an essay that discusses sustainable construction projects, concepts, technologies, and trends. The entry can be either in English or Filipino and should be at least 1,000 words long but not exceeding 1,500 words. Articles should be original and should not have been printed in any school or media publication.

The contest period for the Student Category is from August 10 until November 12, 2010. Entries must be submitted in duplicate printed in MS word in Arial 12 pts., 1.5 spacing along with the official entry form. Entries may be hand-carried or e-mailed to the Holcim Philippines head office not later than November 12, 2010; if sent by snail mail, they should be postmarked not later than that date.

There will be two merit awardees in the student category, each of whom will get a cash prize of PhP30,000.

All entries in both the media and student contest categories must be sent to: The Holcim Journalism Awards for Sustainable Construction, Holcim Philippines, Inc., Corporate Communications Department,7/F Two World Square McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634. Further details about the contest may also be requested from that office.

Click this link to get the detailed mechanics of the Holcim awards program as well as to download the official essay entry form.

Winners of the 2010 Palanca Awards for Literature

Here is the complete list of winners of the 60th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards):

Dulang Pampelikula
1st – Kristoffer G. Brugada, “Patikul”
2nd – Jerry B. Gracio,  “Magdamag”
3rd – No Winner

Dulang Ganap ang Haba
1st – No Winner
2nd – Liza C. Magtoto, “Rated PG”
3rd – Christian R. Vallez, “Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter”

Dulang May Isang Yugto
1st – Nicolas B. Pichay, “Isang Araw sa Karnabal”
2nd – Floy C. Quintos, “Suor Clara”
3rd – Allan B. Lopez, “Higit Pa Dito”

Kabataan Sanaysay
1st – Christopher S. Rosales, “Gulayan Klasrum”
2nd – Marianito L. Dio Jr., “Ang Aking Pangalan, Ang Aking Kababata at ang Mithing Tilamsik para kay Third”
3rd – No Winner

Tula
1st – Carlos M. Piocos III, “Guerra Cantos”
2nd – Romulo P. Baquiran Jr., “Parokya”
3rd – Mark Anthony S. Angeles, “Engkantado”

Tulang Pambata
1st – No Winner
2nd – No Winner
3rd – Will P. Ortiz, “May Puso Ang Saging”

Maikling Kwento
1st – No Winner
2nd – Rommel B. Rodriguez, “Toxic”
3rd – Thomas David F. Chavez,  “Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian”

Maikling Kwentong Pambata
1st – Christopher S. Rosales, “Si Berting, ang Batang Uling”
2nd – Renerio R. Concepcion, “Ang Kagilagilalas na Paglalakbay nina Mumo at Am-I”
3rd – Bernadette V. Neri, “Parada ng mga Alingawngaw”

Sanaysay
1st – Maria Clarissa N. Estuar, “Ang Reyna ng mga Tumbong”
2nd – Ferdinand P. Jarin, “D’Pol Pisigan Band”
3rd – Mark Gil M. Caparros, “Sina Bunso at ang mga Batang Preso”

Full-length Play
1st – Jay Crisostomo IV, “God of the Machine”
2nd – Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza, “The Encounter”
3rd – Lito Casaje, “Shooting the Boys”

One-act Play
1st – No Winner
2nd – No Winner
3rd – Peter Solis Nery, “The Wide Ionian Sea”

Short Story
1st – Ma. Elena L. Paulma, “Three Kisses”
2nd – Ma. Rachelle Tesoro, “Waiting for Rain”
3rd – Catherine Rose Galang Torres, “Café Masala”

Short Story for Children
1st – Irene Carolina A. Sarmiento, “Tabon Girl”
2nd – Hiyasmin Ledi C. Mattison, “Little Bear Goes Home: A Love Story”
3rd – Grace D. Chong, “I am an Apple”

Poetry
1st – Merlie M. Alunan, “Tales of the Spiderwoman”
2nd – Rafael Antonio C. San Diego, “My Name in Reverse”
3rd – Joel H. Vega, “Latitudes and Other Poems”

Poetry for Children
1st – Duffie Alejandrino H. Osental, “After the Storm and Other Poems”
2nd – Patricia Marie Grace S. Gomez, “Poems from the Pantry and Prehistoric Times”
3rd – Ma. Celine Anastasia P. Socrates, “Playgrounds”

Essay
1st – Miro Frances D. Capili, “Vinyl”
2nd – Florianne Marie L. Jimenez, “Postcards from Somewhere”
3rd – Corinna Esperanza A. Nuqui, “Library”

Kabataan Essay
1st – Miro Frances D. Capili, “The Nature of Nurture”
2nd – Anton Raphael S. Cabalza, “A Shot at Perfection”
3rd – Catherine D. Tan, “Green at Heart”

Short Story – Cebuano
1st – Richel G. Dorotan, “Si Tarzan”
2nd – Jonecito R. Saguban, “Tinuboang Sapatos”
3rd – Noel P. Tuazon, “Patas”

Short Story – Iluko
1st – Sherma E. Benosa, “Dagiti Pasugnod ni Angelo”
2nd – Ariel S. Tabag, “Voice Tape”
3rd – Joel B. Manuel, “Apo Bannual! Apo Bannual!”

Short Story – Hiligaynon
1st – Andy P. Perez, “Bayuso”
2nd – Ferdinand L. Balino, “Dumdumon Ko Ang Imo Guya”
3rd – Jesus C. Insilada, Ed. D., “Walingwaling”

Read an account of  the Palanca Awards ceremonies by Krip Yuson

DOST opens undergraduate scholarship programs to interested applicants

ILOILO CITY (PNA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is now accepting applications for its undergraduate scholarship programs for those interested to pursue priority fields in science, mathematics, and engineering starting next school year.

The DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholarship comes in two programs: the Republic Act 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 and the merit scholarship.

The RA 7687 is open to a member of the five percent of the regular high school graduating class or a member of the graduating class of the DOST SEI-identified schools or science high schools recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The merit scholarship, on the other hand, is open to qualifiers of the 2011 scholarship examination whose annual family income is above P120,000.

It is being awarded to students with “high aptitude in science and mathematics and willing to pursue fields of science and technology” the DOST primer stated.

The deadline for the filing of application is on October 8 while the examination date is on November 21.

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Call for manuscripts for the 10th Ateneo National Writers’ Workshop

The Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP), with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), is now accepting applicants for the 10th Ateneo National Writers Workshop (ANWW) to be held from Oct. 24-28, 2010 at the Ateneo de Naga University in Naga City.

This year, six slots will be allocated exclusively for writers writing in any of the Bikol languages. The qualifications are: a) a resident of the Bicol region, b) writes in a Bikol language and c) can translate his/her manuscript into Filipino or English. Each applicant must submit a portfolio in triplicate of any of the following: a suite of five poems or a collection of three short stories written in any Bikol language with a title page bearing the author’s pseudonym and a table of contents. The portfolio must include translations either in Filipino or in English. Entries in the Bikol languages must be addressed and submitted to Kristian S. Cordero, Philosophy Department, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City 4400.

Another six slots will be allocated for writers writing in Filipino and English. Each applicant must submit a portfolio in triplicate of any of the following: a suite of five poems or a collection of three short stories written in Filipino or English with a title page bearing the author’s pseudonym and a table of contents. Entries in Filipino and English must be addressed and submitted to the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) c/o Department of Filipino, School of Humanities, 3rd Flr. Dela Costa Bldg., Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City 1108.

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Future of the book to be discussed in Philippine digital publishing conference

The National Book Development Board (NBDB), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Filipinas Heritage Library, and Vibal Foundation, Inc. will hold the country’s first-ever digital publishing conference on the theme “Book Publishing in the Global Digital Arena” from September 13-14, 2010 at the UP-Ayala Technohub in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

As emerging technologies continue to change the landscape of book publishing, the conference aims to introduce the various aspects involved in digital publishing—from authoring, editing and layouting, to distribution and consumption. The two-day conference will feature talks by distinguished names from the international and local publishing industry, including Ms. Lynette Owen, copyright director of Pearson Education, one of the world’s leading textbook publishers.

On the first day of the conference, publishing professionals and industry leaders will tackle the business aspect of digital publishing in the Philippines. The plenary sessions will discuss the viability of digital publishing as a lucrative and exciting business opportunity for existing and prospective publishers alike.

In addition to perspectives from traditional book publishers, Vibal Foundation, the pioneer digital publisher in the Philippines, is inviting speakers from varied fields to discuss the impact of this new technology on consumers.

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10 public school teachers win Metrobank award for outstanding teachers

MANILA—Eight public school teachers from the elementary and high school level and two university teachers have emerged as winners of the 2010 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teacher.

The teachers are: Grace Salvatus, Municipal Sector Elementary School, Caluag, Quezon Miladith Polutan, Oroquieta City Central Elementary School, Oroquieta City Conchita Ibarondo, San Antonio Elementary School, Iriga City Nancy S. Aquino, Mlang Pilot Elementary School, Mlang, Cotabato Janeth Morata-Fuentes, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus, Palo, Leyte Mercidita Villamayor, Bukidnon State University – Secondary School Lab, Malaybalay City Estrelita Peña, Kabasalan National High School, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Mercelita Labial, Xavier University High School, Cagayan de Oro City Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Quezon City Dr. Raymund C. Sison, De La Salle University, Manila

The winning teachers were chosen from 156 nominees from both public and private schools from around the Philippines. Of these, 40 of these qualified as regional finalists, who were interviewed and asked to give teaching demonstrations to several boards of judges. Of these, twenty were selected as national finalists.

The ten winners were chosen from among the twenty finalists by a board of judges that included Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco Duque III, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith, San Beda College President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, and Shell Philippines Chairman Edgar Chua.

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Former newsman’s “Books-4-Guns” advocacy wins Smart community award

MANILA—A former newsman who built a library to help fight terrorism in Mindanao was among the 2010 winners of Smart Communications’ “Tipid-Sulit Idol Search,” a program that aims to support groups and individuals who take it upon themselves to help their communities.

The A-Book-Saya Group (ABSG), which was started by former newsman Armand Dean Nocum and his Muslim wife Annora, won in the “community group idol” category of Smart’s Talk ‘N Text Tipid-Sulit Idol Search.

Individual winners received trophies and P100,000 for their advocacies, while group winners got trophies and P200,000 to finance their community work.

Nocum, who embarked on the advocacy to “flood Mindanao with books” after leaving the media profession in 2007, thanked Smart and his colleagues in media for supporting the advocacy.

“I could not have built my library, received used computers and obtained tens of thousands of books were it not for my colleagues in media who brought the plight of Abu Sayyaf child soldiers/warriors to the people,” Nocum said during the awarding ceremony led by Perry Bayani, marketing head of Smart’s Talk ‘N Text group, at the Ynares Stadium in Antipolo City last August 1.

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Smart Communications runs online content contest for students

Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) has launched two new online content generation contests in addition to its annual Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) Learning Challenge, which is now on its third year. The competitions are open to all high school and grade school students, both public and private, in the Philippines.

To join the online contest, “Ano ang Kwento Mo?” (What’s Your Story?), a participating student team headed by a teacher coach must create a video blog featuring a distinct characteristic, place, or culture in their community. The topic categories are arts and culture, history and society, travel and cuisine, and environment and disaster preparedness. The team has to upload its videos in a video hosting site, then create a blog site where the hosted videos will be embedded.

Registration is open until August 13, 2010. Registration forms can be downloaded from the DPSA website www.doonposaamin.ph.

The team with the best video blog will receive the championship prize of P30,000. Four “Best in Category” winners will each receive P10,000, while P5,000 will be awarded for both the “Best in Video Blog Site Design and Layout,” and the “Best in Student Collaboration.”

DPSA is a community service project that encourages schools to use computer and Internet technologies to contribute web-based information and educational materials about their respective communities.

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Sunwest’s “Adopt a School Program” now ongoing in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY (PNA)—The Sunwest Care Foundation Inc. (SCFI) has adopted 24 public elementary schools and daycare centers in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes as beneficiaries of its Adopt a School Program (ASP).

The SCFI is a corporate social foundation of the Sunwest Group of Companies (SGC) owned by businessman Elizaldy S. Co. It provides the adopted schools and the pupils with educational materials, equipment and construction or of school premises. It currently has at least 6,465 elementary school pupils as direct beneficiaries of the program.

The foundation recently signed an agreement formalizing the program’s adoptionwith the public elementary schools of Puro, Lamba, Victory village and Legazpi Port,.

Anelyn Sumanga, SCFI managing director and Zorayda Revelo, Legazpi Port Elementary School principal, signed the agreement, which adopts 1,560 school children currently enrolled at the school as direct beneficiaries of the ASP.

The elementary school is located in the area where St. Ellis Hotel operates. Ellis belongs to the chain of hotels owned by the SGC , which include Misibis Island Hotel Resort in Bacacay, Albay; Venezia Hotel and the Embarcadero mall.

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10 awarded in “My Icon, My Hero” lifestyle journalism competition

Ten writers were declared winners in the 2010 Philippine Star Lifestyle Journalism Awards competition on the theme “My Icon, my Hero” in ceremonies held last July 3 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Each received P200,000 worth of prizes from the Philippine Star, HSBC, Samsung, and the Rustan’s group, as well as a glass trophy designed by Impy Pilapil.

Left to right: Bianca Locsin, Teodoro Kalaw IV

The top awards went to lawyers Bianca Locsin and Teodoro Kalaw IV. Locsin wrote wrote about her grandfather, the late Philippines Free Press editor Teodoro Locsin Sr., the feisty political journalist who was jailed after the declaration of martial law; and Kalaw wrote about his grandmother, former Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw, who was severely wounded during the Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971 and became a prisoner when the Philippines was subsequently placed under martial rule.

Left to right: Edgardo Maranan, Allan Lopez

Left to right: Rodolfo Silvestre Jr., Ronald Regis

Left to right: Joseph Mansilla, Tweet Sering

Left to right: Ricardo Cueto, Leslie Lofranco-Berbano

Photos from The Philippine Star

The other eight awardees were Edgardo Maranan, a Palanca Hall of Famer, who wrote a piece on political exile Celia Mariano Pomeroy; Allan Lopez, a multi-awarded writer and playwright from the University of the Philippines Diliman, who wrote about his mentor, the late Rene Villanueva; Rodolfo Silvestre Jr., a humorist who wrote about the high-society columns of Amelita Reysio Cruz in the 1960s; Ronald Regis, a hip rocker who is now a full-time professional poker player and standup comedian, who wrote about his street heroes;

Joseph Mansilla, a writer for nongovernment organizations engaged in conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and advocacy against election violence in Mindanao, who wrote about advertising industry veteran Judith Albano; Tweet Sering, Palanca Award winner and Cinemalaya film writing awardee, who wrote about an unnamed “Astig Girl,” an archeologist-museologist who is now a public servant; Ricardo Cueto, assistant vice president and engineering head of TCGI Engineers, who wrote about the former Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin, who died of kidney failure in early 2010; and Leslie Lofranco-Berbano, a full-time mother and literature studies graduate of the University of the Philippines, who wrote about mother, Lilies Lim Lofranco.

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Two students of University of Santo Tomas named student ambassadors to Japan

Two students of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Gabriel Kintanar and Charmagne Loren Yerro, were among the student ambassadors to Japan for the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS), a program of the Japanese Embassy in cooperation with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE).

   
Gabriel Kintanar, Charmagne Yerro

Kintanar, student council president of UST High School, participated in the JENESYS program conducted from May 12 to 15, while Yerro, a medical technology intern of the Department of Medical Technology of UST’s Faculty of Pharmacy, joined the program conducted from May 7-16.

The JENESYS program aims to further strengthen the relationship of Japan with other East-Asian countries like the Philippines, deepen the understanding of these countries to their diverse cultures, and promote solidarity through their students and youth. It includes formative interactions among student ambassadors, cultural shows, educational tours, and home stay program with Japanese families, and provides the student ambassadors with the opportunity to learn from other students the best practices of their respective countries.

US English Speaking Union donates books to Metro Manila public schools

The English Speaking Union of the United States donated a container van of more than 24,000 books, toys, and other school supplies to the Department of Education through the English Speaking Union Philippines and Books for Philippine Schools Foundation.  The beneficiaries were public schools in Malabon, Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, and Valenzuela. Shown in the photograph during the formal turnover on June 21 are (first and second from the right) ESU Phils. President Marlu Vilches, BPSF President Isagani R. Cruz, and DepEd officials led by NCR OIC Flordeliza R. Magday and Elementary Education Division Chief Joven M. Valencia.

Honors bestowed on winners of 7th Jose Rizal Awards for Excellence

This year’s Tsinoy Awards, which is how the Jose Rizal Awards for Excellence is increasingly called by Filipino-Chinese, were conferred last June 19 on nine of the Philippines’ most outstanding citizens of Chinese descent. The awards were given in ceremonies with Supreme Chief Justice Renato Corona as guest of honor and keynote speaker.

The awardees are as follows: Kenneth Cobonpue, internationally acclaimed furniture designer, for arts and culture; Samie Lim, acknowledged as the “father of Philippine franchising,” for business and entrepreneurship; Luisa Ng-It Chua, social worker and volunteer, for community service; Dr. Ellen Huang Palanca, economist, educator, and director of the Confucius Center, for education (Chinese studies); Ricardo Lo, entertainment editor of the Philippine Star, journalism; Dr. Nenita Lee Tan, former three-term president of the Philippine Medical Association, for medicine; Judge Rafael Crescencio Tan Jr., regional trial court judge of Dumaguete City, for public service; Jethro Dionisio, competition shooter, for sports; and the Philippines Ling Nam Athletic Association Fire and Rescue Volunteers, group award for community service. A special award was conferred on Lily Yu Monteverde, matriarch of Regal Films, for contributions to the Philippine cinema.

In his keynote address, Chief Justice Renato Corona exalted the nine awardees as inspiring figures who should be emulated, and urged the Tsinoy community to support the Supreme Court in its efforts to guide the whole judiciary system in rendering justice fairly and correctly.

He said it was only fitting and proper to recognize the oustanding Tsinoys on the birthdate of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, because Rizal was himself an outstanding Tsinoy, a man who belonged to a Filipino-Chinese clan.

He vowed that under him, the Supreme Court will continue to be the bulwark of true justice in the country, and he asked the Tsinoys to be hopeful that the newly elected Philippine administration would be able to bring about the political and social changes the country needs to rise from its problems and difficulties and become a great republic.

Dante F. Ang 3rd, president, CEO, and executive editor of The Manila Times, said about the awards during the ceremonies: “The Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence can perhaps better appreciated in light of what is happening in our country today: that while masses of our countrymen leave these shores for better lives abroad, we have a group that has been coming to the Philippines for centuries, embracing our culture, assimilating into our society, and putting an indelible stamp on our national identity; and that amidst all the news and noise about the lack of leadership at the local and national levels, we are blessed with a quiet but hardworking people who could be role models for the young today and for the generations to come.”

The biennial search and award-giving is a joint venture of The Manila Times and the Kaisa sa Kaunlaran Foundation, whose charitable work and cultural endeavors have made it a strong presence in the Tsinoy community. Kaisa publishes the newspaper Tulay, which seeks to serve as a bridge between the Philippine and Chinese cultures. Kaisa also maintains the Kaisa Heritage Center, which maintains Bahay Tsinoy (a museum of the Chinese in Philippine life), a library, a research and databank center, and a photo archive.

Clark Education City holds TESOL forum

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE—The Clark Education City launched its Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Professional Development Conference last June 19 at the former at the Clark Expo here. The conference was a preview of a six-week TESOL program of Clark Education City, which is being run by the Australian International Training and Management Group (AITMG).

The TESOL conference, led by international lecturers from various parts of the world, expounded on the importance of the English language in their chosen career and on the latest developments and opportunities in the English teaching industry. It was for TESOL teachers or anyone interested in gaining a TESOL qualification.

Earlier, officials of the Australian International Training and Management Group (AITMG), Careers Australia Group (CAG), and Systems Plus College Foundation, Inc. (SPCF) signed an agreement to “promote mutual interest through cooperation in the fields of nursing and caregiving.” AITMG would exclusively provide SPCF nursing graduates further training in preparation for employment opportunities in Australia.

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Metrobank Foundation wins Grand Anvil for its search for outstanding teachers

The Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers won the Grand Anvil in the recently concluded 45th Annual Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. The Grand Anvil is the highest recognition conferred by the Anvil Awards for an outstanding public relations program.

Aside from the Grand Anvil, the Metrobank Foundation also received the Anvil Award of Excellence for each of its entries in four other competition categories, namely for the 2009 Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) in the “Public Relations Program on a Sustained Basis – Education category,” for the 2009 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) program in the “Public Relations Program on a Sustained Basis – Arts and Culture/Heritage/Tourism category,” for the 2009  Metrobank Foundation Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) in the “Public Relations Program Directed at Specific Stakeholder – Host Community category,” and for the 2009 Metrobank Foundation Search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) program in the “Public Relations Program Directed at Specific Stakeholder – Special Interest Groups category.”

Officers and managers of Metrobank and the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. in a posterity shot after winning a Grand Anvil and a record five Anvil Awards of Excellence and two Anvil Awards of Merit in the recently concluded 45th Annual Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

Metrobank itself won an Anvil Award of Merit for its Metrobank and Metrobank Foundation 2008 Unified Annual Report in the “Public Relations Tools – Publications-hardcopy/printed format- Annual reports category.”

The Manila Doctors Hospital, which is owned by Metrobank Foundation, Inc., won an Anvil Award of Excellence for The Manila Doctors Hospital Tarlac Medical Mission for Typhoon Victims in the “Specialized Public Relations Projects-one time basis – Crisis/Disaster & Risk Communications category,” and an Anvil Award of Merit for its Bridging the Gap: a Comprehensive Program for Patients with Cleft Deformities and their Families program in “the Public Relations Program Directed at Specific Stakeholder – Special Interest Groups category.”

PSBank won an Anvil Award of Merit for its Inspiring Change 2008 PS Bank Annual Report in the “Public Relations Tools – Publications-hardcopy/printed format- Annual reports category.”

The Metrobank Search for Outstanding Teachers, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, was awarded its first Anvil as outstanding institutional public relations program in 1986, a year after its first batch of awardees was named. It also received an Anvil Award of Excellence in 2001. 

Dubbed as the Oscars of the public relations industry in the Philippines, the Anvil awards are given to outstanding public relations programs and tools that reflect and promote public interest, good values, and genuine service to the community and society.

The Search for Outstanding Teachers aims to improve the quality of education in the country by encouraging exemplary Filipino teachers to pursue excellence in their profession, thus making them models not only for their peers but for the entire community as well. Over the years, the outstanding teachers awards have become much sought-after among educators, making them a benchmark of excellence in the teaching profession. To date, the search has honored 286 outstanding teachers, among them pillars in the academe who continue to excel in their respective fields.

The Metrobank Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, has won a total of 21 Anvil awards since 1985 for its various programs and public relations tools. Over the last 31 years, the foundation has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs, among them the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program. The foundation also has a grants program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts.

Jose Carillo’s “Give Your English
The Winning Edge” now available

Give Your English the Winning Edge, the third book in Jose Carillo’s English-usage trilogy, was formally launched last July 20 in ceremonies at the Centennial Hall A of The Manila Hotel in Manila.

Carillo and Manila Times Publishing executives led by its president and CEO Dante Francis Ang II were joined during the launching by Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, the multi-awarded writer, critic, and educator; Dr. Ma. Lourdes Bautista, professor emeritus of English and applied linguistics of the De La Salle University-Manila; John Nery, senior editor and columnist of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Ed Maranan, writer and Hall of Famer of the Palanca Awards for Literature, and several other guests. A lively discussion about English usage in Philippine literature and journalism ensued during the program.

BOOK LAUNCH OPEN-FORUM: Award-winning author Jose Carillo (center) explains a point about English grammar during the open-forum that followed the launching of Give Your English the Winning Edge, the third book in his English-usage trilogy, last Monday (July 20, 2009) at The Manila Hotel. He was joined in the panel by Dante Francis Ang II, president and CEO of Manila Times Publishing Corp.; Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, multi-awarded writer, literary and language critic, and educator; Rony Diaz, former Manila Times publisher now editorial consultant and a Palanca Awardee for English fiction; and Ed Maranan, writer and Hall of Famer of the Palanca Awards for Literature. Click image to see larger version

The 486-page volume by the National Book Award-winning author discusses the various mechanisms and tools of English for combining words and ideas into clear, logical, and engaging writing. It shows how the various connectives—the conjunctions, the conjunctive adverbs, and the prepositions—establish the six basic logical relationships in language, then demonstrates how to make them work with the various other grammar elements to form more effective, convincing, and readable expositions.

Carillo, a nationally awarded writer and editor and an internationally awarded corporate communicator, won the National Book Award for linguistics from the Manila Critics Circle in 2005 for his first English-usage book, English Plain and Simple: No-Nonsense Ways to Learn Today’s Global Language. He came out in mid-2008 with his second English-usage book, The 10 Most Annoying English Grammar Errors.

A former newspaper journalist and corporate communications executive, Carillo ran a Metro Manila-based English-language services company as its general manager for nearly five years until mid-2005. He is now an independent editor and communication consultant based in Metro Manila, and writes a weekly English-usage column for both the print and online editions of The Manila Times.

Read two early media notices of the book

Read another media notice of the book

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100 Best Blogs for Teachers of the Future

Working hard to earn your teaching degree, you are likely ready to jump right into your own classroom already. Before you do so, check out these blogs to help you prepare for the real thing. From resources for teacher to veteran teachers’ perspectives to the special education classroom to education news, politics, and policy, and much more, these blogs offer information on a wide variety of educational topics.

These blogs offer tons of great resources for teachers, whether just starting out or experienced veteran:

The Top 101 Websites for Teachers. This blog is a great resource for quality places teachers can go on the Internet to find inspiration and more.

Creating Lifelong Learners. Elementary teachers can find tips for teaching traditional and new media literacies.

Dynamite Lesson Plan. Tips and information for teachers with a bit of education policy mixed in is found on this blog.

HOPE Foundation. Offering professional development for teachers in an effort to improve learning for all students, this foundation shares its mission on its blog.

Miller’s English 10 Classroom Blog. Each year, this class documents their class on this blog. Find assignments, homework prompts, and much more…

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Philippines outsmiles neighbors, raises P1M for UNICEF

MANILA—Sony Ericsson recently turned over P1 million to the local unit of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), marking the conclusion of a two-month campaign that “collected” one million smiles from users of the company’s products. The donation will go to UNICEF’s fund for children education programs.

Sony Ericsson donated P1 for every smile captured in its camera phone kiosks that are located in SM shopping malls in various parts of the Philippines.

“It has been said that everyone smiles in the same language,” Hirokazu Ishizuka, Sony Ericsson corporate vice president, said as he turned over the check to UNICEF country representative Vanessa Tobin at SM North Edsa in Quezon City.

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Public schools in Mountain Province take a new road to learning

Thanks to the advent of information and communications technology, the Mountain Province, a quaint, landlocked little corner of Luzon, has been brought closer to the rest of the globe.

By bringing ICT to seven public schools in Mountain Province, Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), through its Smart Schools Program (SSP), widens the horizon of both teachers and students.

In time for the opening of the new academic year, Sabangan National High School, Banao National High School and Guinzadan National High School, and four elementary schools—Bontoc Central School, Data Elementary School, Bun-ayan Labbay Elementary School and Sabangan Central School, were officially welcomed into the fold of the Smart Schools family.

Says Principal Joel Francis Licayo of the Data Elementary School: “We have come to a point when and where being in sync with the advancement of technology is by far the most essential key to be effective and successful in our lives, careers, endeavors and even in education.”

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Livemocha reaches 3 million members

SEATTLE, Jun 25, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Livemocha, the world's largest online language learning community, announced today that it has surpassed 3 million members in just 20 months of existence. Livemocha also unveiled free language courses in 12 additional languages, each translated and verified entirely by Livemocha members. With a thriving community from over 220 countries, Livemocha is also emerging as a powerful platform for leading language publishers around the world. Earlier this year, Livemocha and Pearson had announced an agreement to co-develop a new, direct-to-consumer, conversational English-language learning experience on Livemocha's online platform.

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Telephone access to interpreters in over 150 languages made available

Washington, D.C. (Vocus/PRWEB )—Consumers, business and government organizations across the nation now have a new option when communicating with non-English speakers. Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE), the leading, global provider of language services, including telephone interpretation, translation and language testing, now offers the ability to access a professional language interpreter over the phone in over 150 languages simply by using a credit card. This option compliments LLE’s telephone interpretation network, LLE-LINK where customers still have the ability to create an account for live access to a professional linguist.

"This new feature is exciting because it enhances the 'on-demand' nature of our organization, as you never know when a language barrier is going to challenge everyday business transactions," states LLE's founder and CEO, Kathleen K. Diamond.

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English proficiency championship among Metro high school students held

Nine finalists from as many Metro Manila high schools vied for the championship of the First A-Z English Proficiency Challenge (AZEPC) held last September 16 at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The championship round was conducted during the opening day of the 29th Manila International Book Fair, which runs until Sept. 20.  

Adjudged champion after the two-hour on-the-spot competitions in English grammar, vocabulary, and syntax was Jose Maria H. Zaldarriaga of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, who was sponsored by the Rotary Club (RC) of Mandaluyong. Second place went to Juliette Michelle Aciedo of the high school department of the Cainta Catholic College, sponsored by RC Cainta; and third place to Rose Anne Acedera of Maysan National High School of Valenzuela East, sponsored by RC Valenzuela East.

They received cash prizes of P25,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively, as well as trophies and various books from the world-renowned academic and trade publishers that co-sponsored the event.

English proficiency winners. The winners of the First A-Z English Proficiency Challenge championships are onstage after their proclamation: Jose Maria Zaldarriaga, champion (center); Juliette Michelle Aciedo, second place (third from left); and Rose Anne Acedera, third place (to the right of the champion). Also in photo are (from left) Lirio Sandoval, president of A-Z Direct Marketing; the coach of the second place winner; Jose Carillo, AZEPC test panel member; the coach of the champion; Jaime Cura, Dr. Flordeliza Magday, Department of Education assistant regional director for NCR; Rodolfo San Felipe, district governor of Rotary District 3800; Dr. Isagani Cruz, AZEPC test panel chairman; the coach of the third place winner; and Ariel Roselo, AZEPC chairman. Click image to see larger version

The other six finalists in the competitions were Vanessa L. Gregorio of the Malabon National High School, sponsored by RC Malabon; Ruth Desiree V. Zabala of the Bagumbong High School, RC Caloocan Silangan; Joycel Angelique F. Chua of San Mateo College, RC San Mateo; Bernadette M. Lobarbio of the Child Jesus of Prague School, RC Binangonan; Camille April S. Trinidad of La Consolacion College Pasig, RC Pasig East; and Karen Cecilia C. Tan of the Immaculate Concepcion Academy, RC San Juan East.

The AZEPC, jointly undertaken by A-Z Direct Marketing, Inc. and Rotary International District 3800 with the endorsement of the Department of Education, is a high-school level competition aimed at boosting the English language proficiency of students. The finalists were the winners of Metro Manila district-level competitions conducted from July to August 2009.

The overall objective of the contest is to create an educational outreach program in support of the national government goal of improving the English language proficiency of high school students. Its specific objectives are to establish a platform for exchange and healthy competition among schools, to provide an enriching and fun experience in English learning, and to create goodwill through friendly competition.

The AZEPC test panel consisted of Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, multi-awarded writer literary and language critic, and educator as well as Philippine Star language columnist, as chairman, with Dr. Rodolfo Reyes, business communication trainer and Manila Bulletin English-usage columnist, and Jose A. Carillo, English-usage book author and Manila Times columnist, as members.

A-Z Direct Marketing, the primary sponsor of AZEPC, is a leading distribution and marketing company for international and local publications with a network of over 1,000 sales agents engaged in subscription solicitations and direct selling of books and home entertainment products. Co-sponsors were Readers Digest, Newsweek, Fortune, McGraw Hill Education, Wiley, Cambridge University Press, and Cengage Learning.

Gunning for the championship. The nine finalists of the First A-Z English Proficiency Challenge compete during the championships at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last Sept. 16. They were the winners of the Metro Manila district competitions conducted from July to August this year. Click image to see larger version

Philippine telecom giant and retailing giant to build new public schools

MANILA—Smart Communications and the SM have pledged to build dozens of new schools to give education to many more Filipino children around the country.

Smart has announced the expansion of its Smart Schools Program to include an additional 30 public high schools and 30 public elementary schools nationwide this year.

The SM group of Filipino-Chinese shopping and banking magnate Henry Sy Sr. pledged seven two-classroom, one-storey school buildings to the Department of Education. Aside from the seven school buildings, the SM group—comprised of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and SM Foundation, Inc. – pledged an additional school building it will build in partnership with Deutsche Bank.

Under the agreement among Smart, the Department of Education and the Philippine Business for Social Progress, teachers of selected public high schools nationwide are provided training as well as access to the Internet and to educational content.

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New DVD Series for English language teachers released

Denver, CO (PRWEB)—A new DVD series entitled English Language Teaching in Action has been published by BridgeTEFL, a Denver based provider of teacher certification courses. The "how-to" style videos are designed as a professional development resource for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers.

The DVD series is a high-quality, versatile product that can be used both in classroom training contexts and for self-access purposes. It is a long-awaited resource that has the right combination of quality, extensiveness, and price 

"These videos fill a gap in the current materials that are available to TESOL teachers," explains Sarah Athanas, one of the producers of the DVDs. "While most TESOL-oriented videos lack a clear focus, these videos are professionally shot, edited, and reinforced with helpful graphics. Each video focuses on a specific topic, such as tips for remembering students' names or how to use timelines to teach verb tenses."

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