Animate Your Life with Saving Sally at the MMFF 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"MMFF... Maraming Magandang Filipino Films!" - Saving Sally

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) council for this year could should be praised for no longer continuing to accepting poorly conceptualized movies with no substantial or significant story lines and only capitalizes on the popularity of its lead stars.

The acceptance of only quality films would make the movie choices on Christmas Day of December 25 a lot more interesting to watch since it would not cater to the upper level crowd that usually snubs the MMFF due to crap movie choices.

Being low-budgeted does not necessarily mean poor quality films. It only means it was a lot more challenging for the people involved to finish the movie project. It is quite admirable that these individuals have managed to come up with a promising piece even though they do not have the luxury of resources or financial funding.

I would be equally surprised that I would be included among the MMFF choices for the public to watch on a highly celebrated occasion when most people are joyously out there on the streets with their families dining out them watching their choice of movie.

One of the movies included among the 8 MMFF 2016 entries is Saving Sally, a familiar coming-of-age story told with super-stylized visuals. The project blends live action, 2D animation and an abundance of warm, fuzzy feelings to create a totally unique and loveable little film. The movie is from Director Avid Liongoren and Writer Charlene Sawit-Esguerra, with actors TJ Trinidad, Enzo Marcos and Rhian Ramos.

We recently had a bloggers conference (blogcon) with some of the Saving Sally peeps, specifically with actor TJ Trinidad, it's Director and it's writer.  The blogcon was held at the Tomato Kick restaurant located in Sct. Madrinan corner Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

"Witness The Victory 2.0" and "Kick Your Way to Barcelona" with Beko Philippines

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Beko Philippines recently held an event for bloggers to inform us of their newest promos, namely the "Witness The Victory 2.0" and "Kick Your Way to Barcelona," which gives everyone a lot of chance to fly to Barcelona.

At an event held at Contis Greenbelt 2 branch in Makati, selected bloggers where given an overview of the promos and mechanics by Plug and Play 360 representatives.

When I entered the room, one of them seemed to be wearing an official uniform of the FC Barcelona team so I thought he was a player but later on I realized he was just wearing it to put in the vibe at the event. There was also a tarp infront showing some of the FC Barcelona team members wearing the newer version of their uniform. You can tell from the video we made that I tried to make a joke about it but failed because I couldn't stop laughing already.

"Witness The Victory 2.0" is open to all buyers of Beko appliances who purchased at SM Appliance Store from November 15, 2016 to January 31, 2017. Buyers can claim raffle tickets whose number will be based on the amount of purchase. Below Php 20K will be equivalent to 1 ticket, below 40K will be 2 tickets, below 60K is 3 tickets, and 6)k and up is 4 tickets.

Two lucky winners will win a trip for two (includes round-trip flights, accommodations with breakfast, city tour and tickets to the game) to Barcelona, Spain and watch FC Barcelona play in the Spanish La Liga match on April 2017.

Wow, that's just a few months away from now since it's already the end of 2016.

There are also 60 other special prizes composed of jerseys, gym bags and soccer balls, so it means a lot of chances of winning at least one of the prizes at stake.

Give Your Best To Your Partner

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What other things can you give your partner this Christmas aside from love and security? Aside from all the material things you can think of, you can give them all your time and attention. It may have seen such a long time since you last cuddled in bed without hurrying so it’s just rightful to give them more of yourself this holiday. Why not spice things up and make love using Robust Extreme?

Robust Extreme provides a different level of intimate long-lasting endurance. With Spiral Algae, Corn Extract, Medlar Extract, Ginseng Extract, Epimedium Extract, Cistanche Salsa Extract and Hawthorne Berry—all these natural ingredients will keep you going for longer hours, giving extreme pleasure and satisfaction!

Show your love and affection by being fun, surprising, creative and exciting when it comes to lovemaking to your partner with Robust Extreme!

Robust Extreme is high content 100% Pure extract of Spiral Algae, Corn, Medlar, Ginseng , Epimedium, Cistanche Salsa and Hawthorne Berry of that is made more effective than powdered ingredients. It is a product of extensive research and development that guarantees top quality and excellent promising health results which makes it absolutely different from other supplements.

CONSLA Partylist Files Petition at SC for Allege May 2016 Manipulation of Votes

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The CONSLA (Confederation of Non-Stock Savings and Loan Associations) party-list, one of the 115 party-list groups accredited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to participate in the May 2016 elections, recently filed with the Supreme Court in Manila on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, a Petition-in-Intervention to the case filed by Atty. Eduardo V. Bringas', Bishop Reuben M. Abante's, and Moses C. Rivera's petition for mandamus to compel the COMELEC to order an independent and thorough investigation of the discrepancies between the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Council for Responsible Voting's (PPCRV) results which were obtained from the Transparency Server and the COMELEC's canvassing to clarify what happened in the aftermath of the May 9, 2016 National Elections.

On May 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., PPCRV's own Twitter account, @PPCRV_2016, showed that CONSLA was 14th overall with 523,753 votes. An hour after, or at 12:00 noon, CONSLA maintained its 14th position, with its votes increasing to 555,896 votes.

Surprisingly, however, COMELEC's own canvassing results eventually showed CONSLA failing to obtain even half of the votes twitted by PPCRV through its Twitter account, as CONSLA only garnered a total of 213, 814 votes.

CONSLA's missing votes could be a case of outright negligence on the part of COMELEC and PPCRV, or could have been a deliberate effort to rob CONSLA of its seat in the 17th Congress.

Protect Your Liver This Holiday Season

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As we welcome the holiday season, we also welcome overeating “good” food and binge drinking sugary and alcoholic beverages. Though it is okay to cheat a little, the holiday season doesn’t provide a free pass for you to eat and drink everything you want without affecting your health. Whatever you drink or eat, whenever it is and whatever occasion it is, your body will take in the consequences. Some of us may not think about it, but it definitely would affect your body in the long run. Avoid this from happening especially during the holiday season, get yourself a supplement that protects the liver’s health, get LiverMarin!

ATC LiverMarin is specifically made to aid our liver with its Silymarin and Sodium Ascorbate compounds. Here are the benefits of Silymarin and Sodium Ascorbate:

· Silymarin – Is an anti-fibrotic which helps avoid tissue scarring. It also blocks the toxins away from our body, away from our liver.

- It regenerates liver cells damaged by alcohol or drugs.
- It protects us against industrial poisons.
- It is a good antioxidant

· Sodium ascorbate – Has general immune boosting properties. It helps prevent the body from getting diseases.

- Has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which aids in protecting the body from harmful diseases.
- Is essential for the body to be able to synthesize collagen, which is an essential component of connective tissues.

Takeda Philippines Awarded 2017 Top Employer Status

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Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (Takeda Philippines) has been certified as a Top Employer for its outstanding employee offerings. The recognition comes from Top Employers Philippines and Top Employers Asia Pacific 2017 through independent research conducted by the Top Employers Institute.

The annual international research undertaken by the Institute recognizes leading employers around the world: those that provide excellent employee conditions, nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the organization, and which strive to continuously optimize employment practices. Takeda Philippines is one of the select companies to achieve the exclusive Top Employers Asia Pacific 2017 certification. Takeda has also been similarly certified in a number of other countries in the region.

“This is a significant milestone for Takeda in the Philippines,” said Gabriel Georgy, President and General Manager of Takeda Philippines. “We have focused on investing in our staff, providing an environment that encourages learning and also put in place initiatives that will help our people develop and flourish in their careers. For an organization that has been operational for less than two years, this is something that we should be very proud of. Takeda is also delighted to be part of the exclusive and internationally renowned community of Top Employers in Asia Pacific.”

The Top Employers Institute globally certifies excellence in the conditions that employers create for their people. It recently announced the overall results of this year’s research into the employee conditions of significant employers in the region. Crucial to the Top Employers process is that participating companies must meet the required high standards in the research in order to achieve the certification. In addition, organizations that achieve certification in at least four countries within the region are awarded the special Top Employers Asia Pacific 2017 recognition.

Exciting Condo Projects to Look Forward to in 2017

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Global property portal Lamudi Philippines lists down some exciting real estate projects slated to be completed in 2017

As Philippine real estate continues to flourish, developers all over the country are giving their best to provide the most unique real estate projects that match the evolving needs of Filipino homebuyers. For 2017, another batch of fresh and exciting properties will once again change the Philippine real estate landscape.

In Metro Manila, a couple of exciting developments will open this 2017. Taguig alone will welcome a vibrant mix of residential properties from top real estate companies. Megaworld, the real estate arm of business mogul Andrew Tan, will welcome the first residents of its Venice Luxury Residences and The Viceroy, both of which are in the developer’s mixed-use McKinley Hill township in Fort Bonifacio.

Venice Luxury Residences is a three-tower Italian-inspired high-rise condo development. Sitting right next to the Venetian Grand Canal Mall, it offers executive studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, ranging in size from 39 to 120 sqm. The Viceroy, on the other hand, is a much more affordable option offering studios and one-bedroom apartments, and is geared towards young professionals. Also in McKinley Hill, this four-tower condo high-rise is expected to be turned over in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Avida Land, a subsidiary of property giant Ayala Land, will complete and turn over this 2017 its newest residential offering, the Avida Towers Verte at the corner of 9th Avenue and 34th Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). A variation of the Spanish word, “to see” Avida Towers Verte is carefully designed to maximize the optimum views of the greens and wide spaces of the northern section of BGC. Avida Towers Verte is slated for turnover in December 2017.

Filipino Fighter Rene Catalan Aims to Establish First Winning Streak in ONE Championship

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Winning has been closely associated with Filipino fighter Rene Catalan (1-2) in international Wushu tournaments as he has brought home numerous gold medals for the Philippines.

However, having his hand raised as the winner in mixed martial arts (MMA) has been elusive since he transitioned to the world’s fastest-growing sport in 2013.

Like capturing the gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, one unforgettable moment in his illustrious fighting career was when Catalan finally claimed his first victory as an MMA competitor last September.

With an incredible work rate and accurate striking, Catalan dominated Chinese combatant Zhang You Liang to win the three-round strawweight encounter via unanimous decision at ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS.

After his remarkable conquest of Zhang in September, Catalan moves onto his next assignment as he faces ONE Strawweight Indonesian Tournament Champion Adrian Matheis (3-1) at ONE: QUEST FOR POWER in Jakarta, Indonesia on 14 January.

The 38-year-old Filipino Wushu veteran sees his marquee match-up against Matheis as an opportunity to extend his success inside the ONE Championship cage.

“This is my chance to establish my first winning streak in ONE Championship. It’s not impossible. That’s why I am exerting a tremendous amount of effort in training. I want to keep on winning,” Catalan said.

According to Catalan, he is inspired to win against his Indonesian foe because this gives him another opportunity to give honor to the Philippines.

“I am inspired to win the fight because I am representing the Philippines. It is always an honor to fight for my country. My goal in this fight is to win and bring pride to my nation,” he stated.

Although both men possess superb striking pedigrees, Catalan believes that he still has the upper hand in the stand-up department.

“I still believe that my striking is better than his stand-up game. I am very comfortable in that aspect. If he wants to strike with me, it will be my pleasure,” he pointed out.

With the aim to be a more versatile fighter than his cage counterpart, Catalan revealed that he worked extensively on his ground game in training camp.

“For this fight, I added more emphasis to my ground game. Even though I am coming off a win, I shouldn’t be complacent. I trained with the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the country to hone my grappling skills,” he bared.

Catalan hopes that if he secures a decisive win over Matheis, it will grant him a date with Yoshitaka Naito for the ONE Strawweight World Championship belt.

“Every fighter dreams to become a world champion. I really hope that ONE Championship will give me an opportunity to fight for the title in the future. This fight might be the door to a world title fight. Let us all hope for the best,” he said.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Latest from DOTr: Nose in, Nose out Policy

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In anticipation of heavy traffic this Christmas, the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic strictly implemented the Nose in, Nose Out Policy on EDSA starting December 15.

Below are the pertinent info on the policy and implementation.

STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF NOSE IN, NOSE OUT POLICY FOR PROVINCIAL BUSES

• Enforced on December 15, Thursday to ease traffic in EDSA

• Nose in, nose out is a long existing regulation reiterated thru MMDA Resolution 16-06, series of 2016, covering the whole of EDSA

• Nose in, nose out means buses should enter or exit their terminals front end first, instead of backing up or maneuvering on EDSA and causing bottlenecks. Buses may only maneuver within the terminal. The rationale is that buses take longer when they enter or exit terminal using the rear, thus obstructing traffic flow.

• In line with the nose in, nose out policy, the Resolution also prohibits provincial buses from plying EDSA Timog Ave. up to EDSA P. Tuazon southbound from 6am-10am. This is being implemented initially in Cubao area only because it was identified as a major choke point. 

• Consistent with the goal to not cause traffic in EDSA, the policy also prohibits private and public vehicles from loading and unloading in front of the bus terminals 

• Violators will be issued a Uniform Ordinance Violation Receipt for obstruction and disregarding traffic sign with corresponding penalty or fine

• GM Tim Orbos' suggestion to bus companies: 

(1)     Improve ticket-selling system

(2)     Designate loading/unloading area within the terminal or along a street outside EDSA

(3)     Hire more porters and conductors 

• Initial assessment on traffic impact will be done after a week

NEC Technology Knows Where You Are Looking

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It's Real-time detection of a person’s line-of-sight!

NEC Corporation today announced the development of a “remote gaze detection technology” that enables real-time detection of the direction an individual is looking, even when using existing cameras from remote locations.

Conventional technologies estimate an individual’s line-of-sight using specialized devices equipped with infrared lights and advanced cameras that detect light as it is reflected from an individual’s eye.

This new technology, developed as part of NEC’s cutting-edge portfolio of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, NEC the WISE (*1), uses face feature point detection technology, the core of NEC's world leading face recognition technology (*2), to accurately identify characteristics in and around the eye, such as the pupil and the corners of the eye, from images taken with common cameras, including web, surveillance, tablet and smartphone cameras, without the need for specialized equipment. These images and technology enable highly accurate detection of an individual’s line-of-sight, with a measurement error of less than 5 degrees from the left, right, top and bottom.

Moreover, this remote gaze detection technology’s advanced response to low resolution images and changes in brightness enable it to detect an individual’s line-of-sight, even when they are separated from the camera by 10 meters, making it well suited for automatically detecting products that draw the attention of shoppers at retail stores.

Big Savings At Burgoo!

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Christmas is here and as a treat Burgoo is giving away 20 percent discounts at all of its outlets with a minimum food purchase of P1,500 and maximum of P5,000 with an order of at least one drink. Enjoy Burgoo’s delicious and huge servings of quality American dishes. Also feast on Burgoo’s sumptuous variety of appetizers to share, sandwich and burgers, soups and salads, stone-baked pizzas, delicious pasta, mouth-watering chicken and chops, seafood sensations, premium steaks and ribs, and luscious desserts with price cut off until January 31, 2017! This promo is not valid with set menus and outside catering events or delivery; also not valid with other promos and discounts.

Visit Burgoo at Tomas Morato (9277424), Rockwell (8981815), The Podium (6875565), Gateway Mall (9136112), SM Mall of Asia (5560091), Robinsons Galleria (6336256), The Block (4420115), SM Marikina (4771934), Fairview Terraces by Ayala (720-9513), SM Southmall (5192114), The District Imus (0915-8023070), Starmall Prima in Taguig (632-1411), and Solenad 3 in Sta Rosa Laguna.

At Burgoo it’s always a family treat!

Gumbo Price Cut Off

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This Christmas enjoy huge discounts at Gumbo as it offers 20 percent price cut off in all of its dishes at all outlets located at at SM Mall of Asia (5560238), The Block 442-0106, Mega Atrium (6353015), Robinsons Manila Midtown (5671820), Gateway Mall (440-4632), Robinsons Magnolia (7209632).

Enjoy Gumbo’s all-time favourite dishes such as Seafood Jambalaya, Bayou’s Stuffed Crabs, Shrimp Etouffe, Bourbon-Style Baby Back Ribs, Southern-Grilled Chicken Caesar, Cajun-Style Fried Chicken, Seafood Boil, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formaggio, Steamed Clams, Jumbo Onion Rings, Cheesy Baked Oyster, Classic Caesar, Smoked Salmon, Mardi Gras, Four Seasons Salad among others at a discounted price with a minimum food purchase of P1,500 and maximum ofP5,000 with an order of at least one drink!

This promo runs until January 31, 2017 is not valid with set menus and outside catering services or deliveries; also not valid in conjuction with other promos or discounts.

Beauty Queens Maggie and Parul Crowned the Winners of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5

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Unbeatable! The Philippines does it again.

Pinoy power reigned supreme last night as AXN crowned Filipino beauty queens Maggie Wilson-Consunji and Parul Shah winners of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5.

In the gripping finale episode, Maggie and Parul arrived first at the pit stop in Bali with just minutes to spare havingsurvived challenges insix countries, 12 cities and over 12,000 kilometres, beating 10 other teams to claim the ultimate USD100,000 cash prize.

Hot on their heels were Malaysian beauty queens Chloe Chen and Lee Yvonne who arrived in second place, with Filipino fan favorites Eric Tai and his wife Rona Samson arriving in third. The exhausted but jubilant finalists were welcomed to the last pit stop by series host Allan Wu, and the eliminated teams.

“We warmly congratulate Maggie and Parul on winning this season of The Amazing Race Asia. It was our toughest race yet with several surprising twists and some extremely challenging conditions. All 22 racers should be super proud of what they achieved during their journey. Their determination, camaraderie and sense of humor ensured that The Amazing Race Asia was the top program in its time slot amongst all English general entertainment channels in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines*,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing.

Maggie and Parul joined the world’s most famous adventure-reality series in the hopes of winning the US$100,000 for Parul’s family.

“One Hell of a Race Day” Finale Episode of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5

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The last leg of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 starts with a journey to Bali, Indonesia! Eric & Rona are the first to set out with a ferry from Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk. Here, teams must take a three hour car trip to a holy temple in Sanur where they can find their next clue.

“This is where it counts, this is where you win The Amazing Race so we have to give it all we’ve got,” says Eric.

“We climbed the ladder ever so slowly…but this leg we’ll come in first,” comments Maggie &Parul giving 100% for this last leg.

“We will try to win this for Malaysia. Malaysia boleh!” says Yvonne and Chloe cheering each other on.

Once the teams arrive at the temple, they will receive route info where they will need to assemble a Balinese Penjor to the satisfaction of the Penjor Artist and deliver it to the marked Penjor area at PantaiMertasari.

While Eric & Rona and Yvonne & Chloe are starting to assemble their Balinese Penjor, Parul& Maggie are stuck in a traffic jam. Fortunately for the Philippines beauty queens, both teams are having trouble getting the details right and they have to reassemble.

“Adrenaline kicks in when you know you’re last so you have to bust this one out fast so that we can get to the next,” says Maggie rushing through the task while Eric & Rona are almost done with theirs.

Smart TechnoCart Wins in London

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Smart TechnoCart – a mobile digital laboratory donated to public schools to help develop literacy among kindergarten students – won the Social Contribution Award at the prestigious World Communication Awards (WCA) ceremony held last Nov. 29 in London.

Organized annually by London-based industry publication Total Telecom, the WCA recognizes outstanding performance by carriers, multimedia content providers, vendors, and other communication service providers all over the world.

In winning the WCA award, the Smart TechnoCart program beat shortlisted entries from Orange, Telin, and Turk Telkom. Judges commended the TechnoCart for “extending literacy in an engaging fashion.”

The TechnoCart, developed by Smart Communications, is a 2ft x 2ft cart containing 20 student tablets and a laptop, projector, and mobile WiFi for the teacher. The tablets are preloaded with the Batibot mobile application, the first educational app for kids in Filipino which is aligned with the kindergarten curriculum of the Department of Education.

Through the Batibot app, kids learn how to write letters correctly by tracing. The app also features children’s stories that highlight values; songs that kids can sing along to; and games teaching students how to spot the different object among a group of items, as well as how to match and sort objects consecutively.

Since it launched the program in June 2015, Smart has distributed TechnoCarts to 30 public schools from as far as Pangasinan in the North and Tawi-Tawi in the South. Seventeen of these units were donated by Smart, while the rest were sponsored by its employees, other individuals, and organizations wanting to help spread the benefits of digital learning to more public schools.

Enjoy #ChristmasFeels at the Evia Lifestyle Center in Vista Alabang

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Holiday shopping is much more fun in a place where you do not just see the happiness of Christmas, but feel it as well. At Evia Lifestyle Center, Vista Alabang, you can experience the warm, velvety feel of the Holidays as you go from store to store.

Get an instant Holiday fix from the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the Atrium that brings to life the merriness of the season. Fill your heart with hope as you gaze upwards to the tip of the tree that almost skims the glass dome ceiling.

Look around and enjoy the rich colors of Christmas on lamp posts and lintels -- the Red, Green and Gold ablaze at every corner, with each store adding its own brand of holiday cheer to the halls of the mall.

Red, Green and Gold signify a traditional Christmas because Christmas celebrations originated in western and northern Europe where Christmas comes in the cold, dark winter. Ancient Christmas revelers used colors from nature to bring happiness to the winter feast.

Green stands for the plants in season: holly, ivy and mistletoe. Red comes from the Holly berries that abound during the white, wintry period. Gold symbolizes the Sun which sometimes shines during the cold winter season. 

How to Keep Yourself Alive and Alert Throughout the Party

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When you work 5 times a week, you feel so exhausted every night after work that you just want to rest. But this holiday season, there are a lot of parties, gatherings and reunions that you really want to be part of except that you’re always tired from you everyday schedule which makes it impossible for you to be able to handle parties after work? How do you stay alive and alert throughout the party especially this holiday season? It’s easy! You just need to take Robust Energy and you’re going to be alive and alert all throughout the party!

Robust Energy Capsule contains the ENERBOOST formula that gives extra energy needed to cope with everyday living of different individuals with various lifestyles. The ENERBOOST formula contains properties which help boost energy, enhance endurance, improve alertness and alleviate stress without caffeine. This gives you energy boost without the “crashing effect” of caffeine namely palpitations, anxiety and lack of focus.

Ilabas ang lakas! No caffeine, more energy with Robust Energy Capsule!

Robust Energy Capsule is high content 100% Pure content of Taurine, Ginseng, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin B1, B6 and B12 that is made more effective than powdered ingredients. It is a product of extensive research and development that guarantees top quality and excellent promising health results which makes it absolutely different from other energy preparation.

Robust Energy Capsule is developed by ATC Healthcare International Corporation known for their supplements such as Robust, Robust Extreme, FatOut, Vita-E, BitterGo, LiverMarin and a lot more that provide care to all Filipinos.

Note that, Robust Energy Capsule is not a medicinal drug and should not be used to treat the symptoms of any disease. Robust Energy Capsule is SRP P15.00 per piece, available at all Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide!

Please Like Robust Energy on Facebook.

CI Premieres True Story of Kidnap Survivor in Documentary Special

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This December, Crime + Investigation Network (CI) brings the disturbing true story of Colleen Stan, the Oregon native who was abducted in 1977 and was held captive and imprisoned for up to 23 hours a day in a coffin-sized box for seven years in a documentary special.

Colleen Stan’s survival story is documented in the two-part special, Colleen Stan: The Girl In The Box, where she relates the actual events behind her harrowing experience and how she manages to overcome the worst nightmare of her life. Featuring news footages, interviews, and first-hand accounts from Colleen and police officials, the docu-special takes viewers through Colleen’s journey as she starts a new life and reveals how her faith and fortitude kept her alive.

Colleen Stan: The Girl In The Box premieres December 17, Saturday at 9pm.

CI is available on Skycable Ch 98 , Dream Satellite Ch 35, Cablelink Ch 41 and Destiny Cable Ch 98.

LBC Express and Ramco HCM Ink Software Deal

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LBC Express, Inc., Philippines’ leading logistics and remittance brand has signed Ramco Systems’ HR & Payroll solution to streamline the entire life cycle of its approximately 8,000 roster of employees, from hire to retire, on a unified solution.

As a part of the agreement, LBC Express will implement Ramco HCM integrated with Global Payroll across its global enterprise covering associates in more than 30 countries. This will include modules for Core HR, Time & Attendance, Leave Management, Employee Self Service, and Recruitment. The move to a unified webbased application will enable LBC Express’ HR team to focus on more strategic HR initiatives while aspects related to employee self-service, which were hitherto manual will now be completely automated. Employees on the other hand will be able to get real-time access to data via SMS chat, Mail transactions, CHATBOT among others. This is expected to reduce employee support cost, time and effort, substantially.

Commenting on the association, Jhayner V. Bhufi, Chief People Officer, LBC Express Inc., said, “In a service-centric atmosphere, our associates (employees) play a pivotal role in ensuring we deliver on our commitment to customers. We wanted a simplified but operationally rich HR software that can address our complete HR needs. Ramco HCM with its innovative features fit the bill with its Innovative offerings around HUB, Mail it, Chatbots and Mobility. We look forward to leveraging the application in creating a highly engaged and empowered workforce.”

Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said, “Our recent entry into the Philippines market has started yielding significant results. With rapid economic growth, the Philippines has been showing greater adoption for innovative technology. Some of our next-gen, intuitive features like Chatbots and Mobility have been garnering great interest. The addition of LBC Express to our growing Filipino clientele further strengthens our footprint in the region paving way for major inroads into the market.” 

Navigating the Filipino Work Culture

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Work culture is an idea in the cloud. It cannot be seen by the naked eye but it is a dominant factor whether an applicant decides to work for your company.

Nowadays, work is not just about work anymore. It has extended itself to an all-around experience for the many.

Officemates build more genuine relationships, care more about each other’s personal lives, and actually hang out beyond the confines of their cubicles and white-painted office walls.

At the same time, one must also adjust to a company’s work culture in order to quickly fit in and work well with colleagues especially when dealing with things that are either professional or personal.

A company’s work culture can either motivate or distract you. The work culture matters because an employee’s talent or skill will only grow and be nurtured in a place that aims for the positive improvement of everyone.

Furthermore, a happy employee means better performance and output, which would then translate to a more productive company that meets its goals and standards. It is a foundation to your company’s success and the business longevity you are aiming for. Who would’ve thought that an intangible factor would dictate so much in the business industry?

Globe to PCCI: Be with us in Building One Digital Nation

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Globe Business, the enterprise information and communications arm of Globe Telecom, led the discussion on connectivity- the various challenges it faces and the telco’s initiatives to improve service at a panel session alongside dignitaries from numerous Philippine chapters of chambers of commerce at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries’ (PCCI) CEO Breakfast Forum.

Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal discussed “Building One Digital Nation”, further expounding on the telco’s challenges on Philippine internet, the rollout of investments to improve mobile and broadband services, and how all of Globe Telecom’s efforts are now directed to delivering wonderful experiences and nation building.

“Access to connectivity is currently one of the most important drivers of economic competitiveness and growth. For the Philippines to fully take advantage of new digital opportunities, we need to create an Internet superhighway and provide ultra-fast Internet connection that will enable growth in every corner of our country,” said de Larrazabal.

In addition, de Larrazabal urged the luminaries who were present to enjoin in Globe Telecom’s initiatives to improve service, “A lot of the infrastructure backlogs in the telecommunications industry could be attributed to challenges in bureaucratic red tape. This is why we call on you to provide policy support and recommendations for initiatives to improve Internet infrastructure in the country.”

Serving as reactors and panelists to de Larrazabal’s presentation were MIS Maritime Corporation President Edgardo Lacson, GMA-7 Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon, and NOW Corporation Chairman Thomas Aquino.

Power Mac Center Surprises Customers with ‘Heaven Sent’ Gifts

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Who doesn’t like surprises? Especially when all you have to do is be at the right place at the right time. Now that sounds exciting! This holiday season, Power Mac Center is giving wonderful surprises to everyone who happens to be in their store when the clock strikes 7PM.

As a form of thanksgiving to shoppers, the activity dubbed as “Heaven Sent” will happen every day in select Power Mac Center Metro Manila stores until January 1, 2017. The venue of the surprise is, of course, undisclosed.

Last week, unsuspecting customers of Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 were treated to a cup of premium hot chocolate to chase the holiday stress away and warm the rather chilly December night. Prior to that, Christmas cookies were given away to spread holiday cheer.

“It was a small gesture but it felt extremely good to see their smiles when they received the surprise. This season is all about giving, so while they are in our store to find gifts to give their loved ones, we, in turn, will make them feel extra special and give them a little token of appreciation for supporting Power Mac Center for the past 22 years,” said Joey Alvarez, Marketing Director of Power Mac Center.

Does Isagenix IsaLean Shake Work; Isagenix IsaLean Shake Review

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What is Isagenix IsaLean Shake?

Isagenix Isalean is a brand of meal replacement shakes that are reported to be clinically proven to support the growth of lean muscle and fat/weight loss. There are 24 grams of protein included with 23 vitamins and minerals in this shake.

IsaLean claims to be better than the competition because it contains a lot of nutrients and low amounts of fat, sodium, and cholesterol. This shake can be blended with water or milk. IsaLean is also said to be free of hormones and antibiotics. But can this product really help you lose weight? What are the benefits to drinking this shake? We’ll tell you everything you need to know to decide if IsaLean is the right weight loss shake for you in this IsaLean review.

IsaLean Ingredients and Side Effects

There are a lot of ingredients in Isagenix IsaLean. The key ingredients are milk protein concentrate, fructose, xathene gum, and whey protein concentrate.

Milk protein concentrate is a fairly potent processed protein. It’s a common ingredient in processed foods because it’s such a cheap protein source. However there are safety concerns about the ingredient put forward by the Food and Water Watch Group. They are also concerned about the chances of toxic effects given how the ingredient is commonly imported from countries that have their own safety standards.

Fructose is a kind of fruit sugar. It’s added to foods such as this to sweeten the flavor but there is no nutritional value of the ingredient. It’s thought to be perhaps the worst sweetener there is because of how it contributes to health conditions. Studies have shown that it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced insulin and leptin levels.

Xantha gum is a thickener that is included in many kinds of processed foods. It’s created by mixing bacteria with fermented sugar and it is known to cause bloating, flatulence, and stomach problems including diarrhea.

Price and Quality

If you were to purchase a 14 serving canister of Isagenix it would cost you $51.95, which means that a 28 day supply of 2 shakes a day would cost you over $200. This is much higher than the average meal replacement shake. While it does have a lot of protein, it isn’t of a much higher quality than other meal replacement shakes. We’re also concerned about how much sugar the shake has. It contains 11 grams of sugar per serving, or 22 grams of sugar per day, which is just under the recommended daily intake of 25 grams of sugar for women. We feel that this shake is overpriced and contains a lot of unnecessary ingredients. So the price isn’t very justified.


Customer Opinions

There are a number of Isagenix reviews online. Many of these reviews include people complaining about how artificial the shake tastes, and that it doesn’t blend properly, forming an odd and chalky texture.

Many customers also reported they failed to lose weight or suffered from side effects including diarrhea, headaches, and nausea. Some of these people reported that even after dieting and exercise they still failed to lose weight; likely to the high 240 calories the shake contains.

Many customers also expressed their dissatisfaction at being unable to claim a refund on the product. People who called the customer service department at Isagenix were told there was no return policy.


Conclusion

If you were to ask us “does Isagenix work?” then we would have to tell you that it contains far too much sugar and calories. There may be lots of protein included in the shake but the protein sources are not good enough to make this a good replacement for a meal. The protein they add is cheap. You can find it cheaper than this yourself if you look. There are also many complaints about the taste of the shake, the texture of the mixture, and their inability to lose weight while drinking it.

There are plenty of better options out there, including meal replacement shakes with no fructose, better protein with whey protein, and just one gram of sugar that can really help you lose weight. Our favorite weight loss shake is called 18Shake and it comes with a host of positive customer testimonials from people who managed to lose weight and the great flavor. 18Shake also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk on your part.

DOTr Offices Nationwide Simultaneously Sign INTEGRITY PLEDGE

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Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies personnel led by Secretary Art Tugade simultaneously signed INTEGRITY PLEDGE nationwide. Vowing to serve with integrity and NO CORRUPTION.



So far since the new administration took over, a total of 115 officials and personnel from the attached agencies of the DOTR have resigned or retired, have been dismissed or relieved, or are undergoing investigation due to corruption-related allegations.



DOTr has 23 offices (agencies, sectoral offices, corporations, etc) with 35,445 personnel nationwide.



Below are several photos from different DOTr offices nationwide:

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Central Office Officials signing the Integrity Pledge.

TopApp to Revolutionize Digital Spending of PH Smartphone Users

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Tired of lining up when paying your bills? Fret no more because your e-wallet gets smarter with TopApp!

As the smartphone market marches on to capture the next 10 million users, TopApp, a revolutionary new software tool for smartphones, marks its arrival in the fast-changing mobile phone landscape today.

Developed by UpMobile International Ventures, Inc., TopApp is a digital services hub that taps into various technologies and electronic businesses through smartphones to serve the lifestyle needs of its users, like reloading your airtime credits, paying your bills, making purchases online, and availing exclusive discounts and promos.

Built with the intention of empowering Filipino smartphone users, TopApp can turn any compatible device into a tool for improving one’s workflow and increasing one’s comfort with its three features:

TopApp Credit

TopApp Credit is an eWallet that lets users do a number of things that they would otherwise only be able to do with cash or credit and debit cards. Its main features include airtime load purchase, online bills payment, and e-commerce integration. TopApp Credit also rewards users with exclusive discounts and promos, giving it an immediate edge over the nascent competition.

TopApp Zone

TopApp Zone is an extensive repository of mobile apps, some of which aren’t found online or in the Google Play Store. It's an exclusive mobile app source where TopApp Credit can be used as a payment option.

TopApp Deals and Promos

Finally, TopApp Deals and Promos is where exclusive discounts and various offers from Partnered Merchants will be made available for all TopApp users. Needless to say, it will work seamlessly with TopApp Credit. And it will rely on ads and partnerships to best serve the needs of the TopApp userbase.

TopApp is currently preinstalled in Torque Mobile phones and tablets. It can also be downloaded and installed on other devices via the Google Play store via https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.upmobile.topapp.

Fill-up your Christmas Bayongs at the Adobomall Holiday Sale

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Shop-a-holics rejoice! Nothing can stop your holiday shopping anymore, because even when the city’s malls closes there’s one shopping mall that’s open 24/7. And it’s gearing up for a big shopping spree surprise. Get ready for the Adobomall Holiday Sale. Every day from Dec. 16 – 21, prices at Adobomall will be at a special all-time low and special surprises are in store from 12mn-6am for shoppers who’re willing to sacrifice a shuteye for incredible deals.

It’s a “mall-wide” sale with lots of premium items on discount. Go crazy filling-up your bayongs. The one-of-a-kind mall sale-slash-night market

Tugade Gets Confirmation from CA

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Secretary Arthur Tugade hurdled the confirmation process of his ad interim appointment as Secretary of Transportation.

The Secretary, one of the first appointees of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte vowed to continue addressing the many difficult concerns affecting the transport sector in the country.

The Transportation Department holds under it 19 attached agencies including the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Airport Authorities in the country, the MARINA, the LTO and the LTFRB, among others.

In the five months since he was appointed, Tugade is known to be working fast to address the many backlogs in his department.

Some of what he has done so far in the Department of Transportation include:

- Having improved the on-time arrivals of flights from 41 percent to 71 percent prompting local airlines to issue a statement of support
- Extending the validity of drivers licenses from three years to five years
- Fixing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) in NAIA runway 2/4 allowing for better precision landing and lesser diverted flights
- Fighting corruption – 115 officials and personnel have resigned, retired, dismissed, relieved or are undergoing investigation due to corruption-related allegations

Also lessening processing times in agencies such as:

• LTO application for drivers license – 5hrs – 3.5hrs
• LTFRB Franchise verification – 3 days – 2 hrs
• MARINA Issuance of Seafarer’s book – 8 hrs – 4 hrs
• PPA permit to operate Ancillary Service – 1 week – half day

- Opening government properties such as Camp Aguinaldo and Veterans Memorial Medical Center to help decongest traffic in major roads
- Enhancing and extending the operations of the Pasig River Ferry with the provision of a free shuttle service until January 2017
- Expanding of the premium point-to-point bus service with high-end double-decker buses
- Deploying more premium airport shuttle buses

Initiating dialogues with Metro Manila mayors and traffic managers from various Local Government Units (LGUs) to which the following were agreed:

• Integration of a single enforcement system under one chain of command
• Enforcement of an extended Number Coding Hours and No Window Hours in all Radial and Circumferential Roads in Metro Manila
• Development of uniform traffic fines and penalties
• Putting local traffic enforcers under the operational control of i-ACT for synchronized traffic management
• Conduct of continuous trainings for traffic enforcers
• Review of existing PUV franchise

Initiating dialogues with Mall Operators to which the following were agreed:

· Imposition of a moratorium on Mall-wide Sales during weekdays
· Imposition of a Mall delivery schedule from 11:00 pm – 5:00 am
· Requirement for mall operators to change their mall operating hours from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
· Requirement for mall operators to submit traffic management plans to the i-ACT two (2) weeks before the conduct of Sales
- Enforcing stricter traffic laws along national roads and Mabuhay Lanes which led to achieving the following as of 12 December 2016:
· Issued 202,938 traffic citation tickets all over the country, where 31388 were from Metro Manila
· Towed 6,883 illegally-parked vehicles
· Impounded 401 colorum vehicles
· Cleared 5,738 illegal vendors


Tugade was a successful self-made businessman before he was asked to join government under the Daang Matuwid Program of the past administration.

He accepted the stint as Clark Development Corporation President from December 2012 to April 2016, where he has instigated key changes.

It was during his term as CDC President and CEO when the company earned a rare commendation from the Commission on Audit for its “outstanding financial performance and achievements”.

In a report issued last October 6, the COA said CDC’s net income hit P697.03 million last year, capping three years of record-setting revenues.

According to COA, under Sec. Tugade’s leadership, CDC has reached new heights in CY 2015 in transforming Clark Free Port Zone (CFZ) into a modern industrial estate and premier service and logistics hub. Likewise, for the same year, it also achieved outstanding financial performance and surpassed significant achievements in CYs 2013 and 2014.

Tugade thanks the Commission on Appointment for the trust and confidence, and vows to work even harder, with transparency and no corruption, to fix the country’s transport woes.

Filipino Students Nationwide Join the Three Million Virtual Mile Goal for Microsoft’s Global Skype-a-Thon

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Educators around the world were invited to participate in Microsoft’s annual two-day Skype-a-Thon on November 29 to 30, where thousands of students have joined the goal to travel three million virtual miles. The event connected classrooms in over 47 countries, including the Philippines, to showcase how technology can be used to enhance the learning experience and promote global citizenship.

Experts from Microsoft Philippines and guest speakers spoke to students from all over the country. 45 classrooms from around the Philippines joined the Global Skype-a-Thon to travel 145,000 miles combined.

For this year’s global Skype-a-Thon, several lecturers from Microsoft and educators shared motivational stories to the students. Each one got to virtually experience each other’s cultures through Skype. As classrooms are now borderless and learning is beyond any four corners in the world, indeed, there’s no distance that learning cannot conquer.


On photo collage are as follows:

Clarissa Segismundo, Microsoft Philippines Education Programs Lead with Grade 10 Students of Kapitolyo High School,

Cian O`Neill, Microsoft Philippines Chief Operating and Marketing Officer skypes with National University (NU) students on the other end

Ferdie Saputil, Microsoft Philippines Public Sector Director skypes with Pangasinan National High School students

Jomari Mercado, Microsoft Philippines National Technology Officer skypes with De La Salle University, Dasmariñas

Virna Venturanza, Microsoft Philippines Communications Lead skypes with students of Atty. Orlando S. Rimando National High School, Compostela Valley, Mindanao

Joel Garcia, Microsoft Philippines DX Director speaks to senior high school students of Ateneo de Manila

Just So You Know Video Series: Get the Know-How on your Globe Broadband Connection

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There was a time when people did not know much about apps like Netflix or devices like Chromecast. Today, these have become a big part of a digital native’s lifestyle and vocabulary. With these new innovations, people need to keep up to maximize their internet connection.

As Globe Broadband continues to roll out faster speeds and better plans across the country, more people are able to gain access to new entertainment content and the latest gadgets customized for their lifestyle.

Perfect for those who’d like to be more in-the-know, Globe Broadband launched Just So You Know, or #JSYK, a series of educational videos that answer the frequently asked questions about one’s home broadband connection.

“Giving our customers better connectivity, engaging entertainment, and device bundles do not stop after an installation. Some of our users are not able to maximize their plans simply because they have limited information about what it can do for them,” says Barbie Dapul, VP for Consumer Broadband Marketing. Dapul continues that, “the Just So You Know videos are easy to understand and entertaining to watch. This way our customers can easily relate to it and are able to apply what they have learned when using their home broadband plans.”

The current #JSYK videos talk about upping the ante of your home digital lifestyle by equipping customers with knowledge on a variety of topics. Some of the #JSYK videos talk about the right broadband speed for different activities; how to use Netflix; how to use Google Chromecast; quick fixes to get maximum coverage at home; and even how to prepare your house for a Globe Broadband installation. The #JSYK videos are simple and entertaining materials that are easy to follow.

World’s Funniest Videos: Top 10 Countdown Returns To Sony Channel This December

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This December, fill your weeknights with nonstop fun and laughter when the new season of World’s Funniest Videos: Top 10 Countdown premieres on Sony Channel.

Season two brings more of everyday life’s hilarious moments caught on video. Each episode features the funnier side of different situations ever imagined that people get into – from adults to kids, from pets to other animals, from occasions and other celebrations, from the great outdoors to the confines of the home, and many, many more.

But what makes World’s Funniest Videos: Top 10 Countdown most endearing to viewers is the show’s Top 10 list – a countdown of the most entertaining homemade videos in every episode’s category that the whole family has come to love and enjoy.

World’s Funniest Videos: Top 10 Countdown Season 2 airs Weeknights at 7:55pm with

2 Episodes Back to Back. First & Exclusive on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is available on Sky Cable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60,

GSat Channel 48, Global Destiny Cable Channel 62, and Cable Link Channel 39.

Globe Creates New Holiday Traditions for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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Traditions are essential in every culture and create different experiences for everyone. For Filipinos, the Christmas season is one of the most celebrated traditions across the nation. As early as September, malls, establishments, and even homes are already decked out in holiday colors as families make plans for their usual Christmas activities.

Whether it’s the annual Christmas Dinner, gift shopping, or traveling to wonderful destinations, the true meaning of the season is anchored on togetherness. Some may be miles apart but the love for each other brings everyone closer.

Today's digital lifestyle allows old traditions to be relived and made more exciting. Turn them into new ones by using the latest digital trends from Globe and let everyone create new memories for a lifetime, with the people who matter most.

“Christmas is all about spreading cheer and creating new memories. We are happy to be part of every Filipino family’s celebration and enable them to create new traditions that will last them for many more holiday seasons to come,” says Globe President and CEO, Ernest Cu.

Pimentel, Hontiveros File Resolution to Audit Philippine Debt

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Asserting that there is an urgent need to scrutinize the country’s debt, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution calling on the appropriate Senate committee to inquire, in aid of legislation, the foreign loans contracted by the country through the process of a Senate-led debt audit.

Proposed Senate Resolution no. 253 (please see attached) authored by Pimentel and Hontiveros urged the Senate to conduct a comprehensive debt audit to verify whether the loan agreements the Philippines has entered into are legitimate and to enact measures to ensure the prudent and proper use of foreign loans.

The senators said that it is the duty of the government to verify whether the country’s loan agreements entered into with different international financial institutions (IFIs) are in accordance with the principles on promoting responsible sovereign lending and borrowing by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

“I am happy that we found an ally in no less than Senate President Pimentel in the crucial first step to free the nation’ s coffers from illegitimate debts and/or loan agreements riddled with questionable processes, contractual obligations, purposes and use,” Hontiveros said.

Vitaly Bigdash to Defend One Middleweigth World Championship Against Marcin Prachnio

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), is set to electrify the Jakarta Convention Center once again on Saturday, 14 January for its first event in 2017 dubbed ONE: QUEST FOR POWER. Headlining the spectacular fight card is ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash as he defends his title against Polish fighter Marcin Prachnio.

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “2017 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for ONE Championship. We have an exciting lineup of world-class events all across iconic cities in Asia, and we are thrilled to kick things off in Jakarta. Get ready for the biggest year in MMA history!

“ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash, one of the most exciting fighters in the promotion, is set to make his highly-anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage against worthy challenger Marcin Prachnio. The last time Vitaly was in the cage, he took the title from former champion Igor Svirid by force, rallying from a series knockdowns to score an epic come-from-behind victory. Will he be able to handle Prachnio’s blunt power? This is a fight the fans will not want to miss!”

ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash of Rostov-on-Don, Russia will be making the first defense of his title since winning the belt back in October of 2015. With a resounding technical knockout victory over former champion Igor Svirid, Bigdash displayed true grit and determination in one of the most action-packed fights in ONE Championship history. Bigdash showcased tremendous heart and resolve, overcoming a devastating attack by Svirid to score the upset. Now, he takes on his first challenger as champion in Marcin Prachnio.

Anti-Discrimination Bill Reaches Senate Plenary

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros reiterated her call for the passage of a law that will protect members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender or LGBT community in the country, citing numerous cases of hate crimes and discriminatory practices. 

In a historic first, Hontiveros on Wednesday sponsored Senate Bill No. 935 otherwise known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB). It is said to be the first LGBT bill in the Philippines to reach the senate plenary. Hontiveros said that “deep-seated hate and prejudice” perpetuate violence against the LGBTs. 

"Since 1996, 164 crimes against LGBTs have been recorded, but the numbers may be higher since the country lacks a clear policy on determining what classifies as a hate crime. The murders of 29 transgender people have been documented in the Philippines since, the highest in Southeast Asia and the second highest in Asia. In October 2014, the high-profile case of transwoman Jennifer Laude was cited by LGBT groups as an effect of systemic discrimination," Hontiveros explained.

Hontiveros, who also serves as Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, lamented how the Philippines is lagging behind in securing LGBT rights and welfare. 

"Globally, fundamental victories were accomplished in terms of securing LGBT rights and welfare, more notably an adoption or strengthening of their respective anti-discrimination laws. However, the same thing can't be said for the Philippines. For the last 17 years, Congress has failed to pass the ADB. The LGBT community cannot wait any longer," Hontiveros said. 

Hontiveros' Anti-Discrimination Bill seeks to mandate the creation of social protection and diversity programs that will protect LGBTIQs rights and promote equality. It will ensure that discrimination, stigma, and hate would not hinder anyone from access to education, healthcare, employment, and other fundamental rights. 

The said bill also vows to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It lists and defines discriminatory acts that are to be proscribed and penalized. 

“Ang labang ito ay para sa mga tulad ni Jennifer Laude na biktima ng karahasan dulot ng isang marahas na kultura. It's time we end hate and prejudice. Discrimination escalates into violence. We need to put an end to this," Hontiveros concluded.