Closer View At Classes Online

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Most of us are very well familiar with the concept of a traditional classroom, be it in school, college or any other educational institution. We know how lectures are taken in these classes and how the teachers and students function in such setups. Offline and traditional learning was the only method of education before the pandemic hit and the entire world went under lockdown. Online classes are a very new concept when compared to offline classes but these classes have proven beneficial for all during testing times like that of a pandemic. In this article, we will be zooming in and taking a very close look at online classrooms and what goes on inside these classrooms. We will look at how these online classes are similar to offline classes and the ways in which they are different from offline classes.

A classroom is a place of learning where students and teachers interact and learn more about new topics related to various subjects. A classroom can be virtual and exist in the online space as well as real or offline and be in a school, college or any other type of educational institution. To understand the differences and similarities between these two types of classes, we must first clearly define both of them. This will help us perform a comparative analysis about the same. We will also look at the various features of both types of classrooms and how different activities related to teaching and learning take place in them.

First, let us discuss a traditional offline classroom since most of us are already familiar with the same. An offline class takes place in schools, colleges and other educational institutions like tuition centres or coaching centres. In this type of classroom, a teacher and a group of students are present physically in real-time. There is usually a blackboard or a whiteboard using which the teacher explains concepts and teaches about different topics related to their subject. The students and the teacher interact with each other during the class by asking questions and answering them, clearing doubts related to the lesson being explained and so on. Students raise their hands to seek permission before speaking to avoid any sort of chaos or confusion during the lecture. The teacher is supposed to mark and record attendance for their class to keep a count of how many students are present and attending the class. Different subject teachers come to the same classroom as per the set timetable and deliver lectures on their subjects to the students. Exams and tests are also conducted in the classrooms and the teachers have to set question papers for the same as well as mark the answer sheets.

This is how the offline traditional classes take place. Over the last two years educational institutions, be it schools, colleges, coaching or tuition centers, have remained shut due to the pandemic. All types of classes are being conducted online using apps, websites, software and online portals. Constant attempts have been made to ensure that online tools such as apps and websites make online learning and online classes much more similar to offline classes. This has been done to make these classes easier to understand and the tools easier to use for both students and teachers.

A mobile teacher app, a classroom app, an app for video meetings and an app for finding e-books are some of the different types of apps that are most commonly used by teachers and students in online class. Some apps and platforms offer the features of all these apps in one place as well. An online Virtual classroom takes place using a video meeting platform where everyone can turn their cameras and mics on and use them for communicating. These classes allow teachers and students to interact in real-time. Students can use features like raising their hands to answer questions or ask their doubts. Virtual whiteboards can be used to explain concepts similar to offline classes. Other than this tool, teachers and students also have the possibility of sharing their screens and showing videos, pictures and other media to help enhance the lessons. Unlike offline classes, attendance can be recorded and maintained automatically. Sometimes even question papers can be set using certain platforms and portals. Some apps also allow digital assessment of answer sheets.

SMDC’s Calm Residences: A Steadfast Investment To Fulfill Your Dreams

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As the Lion City of South Luzon, Santa Rosa has, time and time, proven itself to be a vital economic enclave — connecting many development hubs, and thus, driving growth within and beyond its community. It’s Santa Rosa City’s commercial and industrial growth that have paved the way for residential communities to thrive amid such unwavering progress.

Regardless of whatever stage in life you are in, investing in an SM Development Corporation (SMDC) property guarantees a future of security for you. The minimum capital outlay, alone, opens doors to immeasurable lifestyle opportunities — for those looking to start a family, a home to set the pace; for those in search of a new environment, a hearth to change your space; and perhaps, for those eager for financial contingency, a reliable source of passive income, and in turn, a ladder to help you climb your goals and aspirations.

Discover why Calm Residences, in particular, not only brings the best out of Santa Rosa lifestyle, but also merges the city's promise of business opportunity with SMDC's legacy of real estate service excellence.

Solace in Suburban Living

With such a prime, suburban location, Santa Rosa is within reach to fundamental places of interest. Reputable schools such as Xavier School and De La Salle University - Laguna Campus, and the impending University of Santo Tomas - Laguna and University of the East - Laguna reside in the area. Hospitals, malls, and other commercial centers, as well, lie within the sprawling green spaces of the city — all together, promoting not only a well-rounded lifestyle, but even a competitive one.

Santa Rosa also offers a plethora of employment, business, and investment opportunities. In 2010, industrial locators in the fields of manufacturing, food processing, and business process outsourcing multiplied from 21 to 102, most of which are situated in the seven Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered industrial estates. The businesses generated a combined employment of 100,000, and contributed almost eight billion dollars to the country's export earnings.

Easily accessible from the city, as well, are major thoroughfares such as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), which give invaluable access to Metro Manila and other key destinations such as Tagaytay City.

To top it all off, Calm Residences houses a wide array of holistic amenities geared to cater to your every need — whether it’s the pleasures of leisure you seek, or simply a breather from the daily grind. These and more give you a strong sense of peace and comfort; an assurance that your real estate investment is here to last.



Sanctuary of Stillness

Carrying SMDC's unique brand of ‘the good life,’ Calm Residences yearns to provide its homeowners with tranquility and wellness, above all else.

Residents are granted with generous choices of lifestyle activities. Relish the lush greeneries at various pocket parks, pavilions, and gardens.

Give in to the inviting resort-styled swimming pool, or perhaps get fit at the designated sports area. Brought together, such facilities not only encourage relaxation and recreation, but also promote a culture of camaraderie within the community.

With the dedicated services of the professional property management team, as well, you are guaranteed 24/7 security, and the kind of upkeep that ensures your own little sanctuary stays just like that — a sanctuary.



Security in Stability

Calm Residences extends a sense of calm not only to its residents but also to its cared-for investors.

A recent study by Leechiu Property Consultants showed that SMDC developments in Santa Rosa have a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of up to 23 percent. This means investors at Calm Residences can expect healthy capital appreciation, factoring the rapid development and commercialization of the area, as well as SMDC’s industry-leading offerings.

Top-notch property management services ensure you live with peace of mind every day. Meanwhile, maximize the returns of your investment, hassle-free, with SMDC Prime Key Leasing, your professional and dependable partner in managing your SMDC property.

Whether it is personal success, financial security, or sustainable living you envision, one thing is for sure — that a real estate investment with SMDC offers you maximum calm, confidence, and convenience as you carve a path from dreams to reality.

Invest now and spend the rest of your days worry-free. To know more about Calm Residences, visit https://smdc.com/properties/calm-residences/.

DepEd hands over chairpersonship of ASEAN Education Sector to Vietnam

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After two years at the helm, the Philippine Department of Education formally turned over the leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Education Sector organizations to the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.

“We would like to give our deepest appreciation to the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Secretaries and Ministers of Education in the Region, and other officials for supporting us during our tenure,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

“The Department was able to assist our neighboring countries in crafting initiatives and ideas to improve the education delivery, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Our leadership was challenging, but the endless support of the member countries made it easier for us,” she added.

Guided by the theme “Transforming Education the ASEAN Way: Forging Partnerships in the Global Age of Disruptions,” the Philippine chairpersonship highlighted the relentless and unified effort of the ASEAN Ministries of Education in ensuring that learning continues and thrives even in times of disruption.

The Department spearheaded and hosted 26 meetings and adopted ten documents and declarations to ensure continuous coordination despite travel restrictions.

DepEd worked closely with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) throughout its term, following the principle of a trifocalized education system.

In line with this, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training Prof. Dr. Nguyen Kim Son is now the head of the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting, ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting, East Asia Summit Education Ministers Meeting, and their related senior officials’ meetings.

“On behalf of the Department of Education, we would like to congratulate the Vietnam'sMinistry of Education and Training as they take over the ASEAN Education Sector’s organizations. Rest assured that you have the country’s support in your plans moving forward,” Secretary Briones said.

The flow of chairmanship among the member states of the ASEAN education sector follows the alphabetical order. However, with the demands of its current chairmanship of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) council, Singapore shall assume its term as chair in 2024 instead of this year following Vietnam.

PH-UK railway, maritime education partnerships to plant seeds of transport continuity and growth

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The Philippines and the United Kingdom are expected to plant the seeds of transport continuity and growth by investing in people through education, training, and skills development partnerships in the railway and maritime fields, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade said yesterday, 16 February 2022.

Secretary Tugade made the statement during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for PH-UK Education Partnerships in Transportation in Makati City.

The partnerships will be carried out by the DOTr’s Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and by the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) and Solent University of the United Kingdom.

The signing of the MOU is a vital component of the PH-UK partnerships, formalizing the cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in terms of education and training of Filipinos in the rail and maritime sectors.

Secretary Tugade said that education and skills training is important for the continuity of growth in the transportation sector in the Philippines.

“It is sweet indeed that today we gather here in order to plant the seeds for education. Why education? Because we want to have a continuity,” Secretary Tugade said.

The partnership between the PRI and the UK-NSAR aims to develop a highly skilled, competent, and world class rail workforce. It is also geared towards efforts to further improve the country’s railway sector which is trailing behind its Asian neighbors for almost three decades.

Programs included in the MOU are railway safety, accreditation framework for the railway sector’s training providers in the Philippines, worldwide recognition, as well as the offering of rail courses and apprenticeships, among others.

Being an archipelagic country and a primary source of 30% of skilled seafarers in the world, Secretary Tugade stressed that the partnership will also help Filipino seafarers.

“You want this to continue? You have to put technical people there. You want the advantage of seafarers to continue? You need to have education,” he said, adding that the partnership between the MARINA and the Solent University will be a boost to the Philippine maritime sector, benefitting the Filipino seafarers.

Under the MARINA-Solent University MOU, Maritime Education and Training (MET) programs will be developed to support human resource requirements of the maritime education sector in the Philippines.

Both Secretary Tugade and Richard Graham, a member of the UK Parliament for Gloucester and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Philippines, cited the benefits of skills training in the railway and maritime sectors.

“You are giving us the seeds so that the growth which we like to achieve in the maritime sector and the development that we like to achieve in the railway sector can continue, continue, and continue steadily so that the Philippines can grow,” Secretary Tugade pointed out.

“These twin events on both railway and maritime reflect that partnership between the UK and the Philippines across many sectors. The skills, whether in maritime or rail, all these things are in transition into a new world of innovation and technology,” Graham said.

SSS: ACOP compliance deadline is on March 31, 2022; regular schedule resumes April 1, 2022

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The Social Security System (SSS) reiterates that the deadline for compliance to the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners' Program or ACOP is on March 31, 2022.

The ACOP, implemented in 2004, is a measure used by the SSS to ensure the continuous payment of benefits to the rightful pensioners in accordance with the Social Security Law.   All pensioners who have not yet complied with the ACOP for the calendar year 2021 are required to do so on or before March 31, 2022.   Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines, on the other hand, are no longer required to do the ACOP effective October 30, 2017, but they are subject to other verification processes, if applicable.   The ACOP was suspended from March 2020 until September 2021 in view of the pandemic situation in the country.   “For over one and a half years, we have continuously granted our pensioners their respective pensions without the corresponding reporting under the ACOP since they are high-risk individuals to the virus. We have then resumed the implementation of this program last October 1, 2021, and to make up for the suspension period, we have given all covered pensioners, except those who already complied for CY 2021, a period of six (6) months or until March 31, 2022, to submit their compliance through online and alternative methods that are designed for their safety and convenience,” SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said.   If the said pensioners fail to comply, the SSS will temporarily suspend their pensions starting with their May 2022 pensions.   “Starting April 1, 2022, we will follow the usual schedule of compliance for the program, wherein retirement pensioners residing abroad, and total disability pensioners must comply on their birth month; survivor pensioners must comply within the birth month of the deceased member; while dependents and guardians must comply on the birth month of the member or deceased member, whichever is applicable. Non-compliance to this will also lead to the temporary suspension of their pensions,” Ignacio explained.   Covered pensioners may also submit their compliance within six (6) months before their schedule, which will be considered as early compliance.   Currently, covered pensioners can course their ACOP compliance through the following methods: By sending required documents to the corporate email of the nearest SSS branch (if residing in the Philippines) or foreign office (if residing abroad) using “ACOP Compliance” followed by their name as email subject – for survivor pensioners, retirement pensioners residing abroad, total disability pensioners residing abroad, dependents, and guardians. By sending required documents through mail or courier to the nearest SSS branch (if residing in the Philippines), or foreign office or OFW-Contact Services Section (if residing abroad) – for survivor pensioners, retirement pensioners residing abroad, dependents, and guardians. By submitting the required documents through drop box at the nearest SSS branch – for survivor pensioners and total disability pensioners residing in the Philippines. By sending a written request for home visit to the SSS through the email, drop box, or mail of the Medical Services Section of the nearest SSS branch – for total disability pensioners residing in the Philippines. By requesting for an appointment with the SSS for video conference using MS Teams through email at ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph – for pensioners, dependents, and guardians residing abroad except for total disability pensioners. The establishment of the said methods is part of the SSS' continuing compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution No. 100, which mandates the adoption of alternative modes of validation for senior citizen pensioners in lieu of personal appearances or submission of documents that require personal appearances before a notary public.   The list of documentary requirements and other information about the said methods of compliance with the ACOP is available at https://bit.ly/SSSCI2021-010, sample photos can also be found at https://bit.ly/ACOPCompliance.   The e-mail and location of SSS branches including its foreign offices can be accessed in the directory on the SSS website at https://bit.ly/SSSDirectory.   For more information, visit the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph, follow “Philippine Social Security System – SSS” on Facebook, “mysssph” on Instagram or YouTube, “PHLSSS” on Twitter, or join the SSS’ Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

ePLDT ushers in 2022 with two Microsoft awards

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ePLDT Inc, the ICT arm of PLDT Enterprise, is starting the new year strong after winning two awards during the Microsoft Philippine Partner Awards 2021—further cementing its place as the industry-leading enabler when it comes to digital business solutions in the Philippines.

The awards acknowledge Microsoft partners that have demonstrated and developed innovative solutions in the past year.

ePLDT received the Tech Intensity Award, the same award it won in 2020, for excellence in driving tech intensity within the organization and its customers.

ePLDT was also awarded the Azure Customer Recruit Award that recognizes excellence in delivering outstanding business value to Microsoft by landing new cloud customers in line with Microsoft Azure.

ePLDT Inc. continues to lead the industry in the development of end-to-end technologies for enterprises across the country and well beyond in the Asia Pacific region. Specific to Microsoft technologies, ePLDT is constantly deploying its cloud experts for the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Program to further enhance their technical expertise in terms of delivering cloud solutions to customers. To date, the group holds close to 100 Microsoft Certified Professionals for M365 and Azure technologies.

“These wins validate ePLDT’s commitment to providing our customers with the best digital business solutions that are up to par with global standards,” says Jojo Gendrano, FVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups. “We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with Microsoft Philippines that allows us to create such a positive impact into the lives of our community, our customers and their businesses.”

ePLDT drives Microsoft Azure capabilities by demonstrating Azure migration, innovation and educating customers on Microsoft Azure showing a higher closure rate. Likewise, the group accelerates its Azure Stack co-sell motion in Microsoft marketplace for wider market reach. With these activities, ePLDT delivered the greatest number of net Azure Customer Adds in most of the industry segments.

Fay September Ocampo, AVP & Head of Enterprise Strategic Partnerships and Alliances, was virtually present to accept and acknowledge these accolades from Microsoft for Azure Customer Recruitment Award, Tech Intensity Award and Customer Centricity (finalist) during the Go for Gold, Microsoft Partner Awards and Thanksgiving.

Last year, ePLDT also won the Para Sa Bayan special distinction award during the Microsoft Philippines Partner Awards and Appreciation Day for its efforts to enable remote learning for school and students nationwide.

For more information, visit epldt.com #

Leni-Kiko supporters in Echague, Isabela held a candle-lighting ceremony at the mural painted over by Comelec

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#LiwanagSaDilim candle lighting protest in Echague, Isabela againts COMELEC's incursion of their rights as citizens and artists.

Leni Robredo supporters lighted candles on a mural in a private property in Isabela that was unfairly removed by Comelec to protest the biased oplan baklas.

Even if you destroy the art or mock the foe. Then and again,we will repaint the walls to their original color until the walls speak for themselves that pink  is their real identity.

Actually, the shadow figures of those who stood up and repainted it, is the best picture to replace that. 

Paint exactly as shadows, with light. 

Maraming salamat sa mga volunteers at supporters natin sa Isabela, at sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas, na tumindig at mas nagpakita ng tapang ngayong araw. Patuloy na umaalab ang puso ng ating kampanya. Di magpapatinag ang people’s campaign. 

Ang paninikil ng malayang pagpapahayag gawing awiting umaalingawngaw sa gitna ng katahimikan, gawing #LiwanagSaDilim 

Tuloy ang musika ng pagasa para kay #RockstarLeni at para sa bayang hindi pagagapi.

"But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." ― Albus Dumbledore

What these people are doing is a clear sign of their fear and desperation that things are slowly spiralling out of their control. Those who believe must stand their ground. 

People are taking it to the streets. Thanks for the inspiration, COMELEC.

Always remember that the most heated things burns the brightest.

Literal chills! This is the public. This is what happens if the government failed to do what is right. Fight on mga KakamPinks! 

You can take away our posters, but never our fight. 

You can paint over our murals, but you will never stifle our voices. 

You may destroy the art but not the hope that sparked it.

it only takes a spark to keep the fire burning, pass it on.

"If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be free,

A wonderful dawn of a new day we'd see...

And if everyone lit just one little candle,

What a bright world this would be." 

- One Little Candle by Chicago

Do they realize that this action is only fanning the flames of unrest further? It’s like trying to stop a volcano from erupting. 

Defend and protect the Leni-Kiko murals! We will not back down. We will not be pushed back. We will FIGHT on! 

Naalala ko yung community pantry: the moment authorities felt threatened by the spirit of volunteerism, they tried to take it down, except people stood their ground, and it only motivated more to do the same.

They feel threatened. we feel hopeful. 

The real spirit of unity starts from below, not from the top.

This is the first time that I actively campaigned a politician, and I am proud to say that this is the best decision I have ever made.

Mahirap pero kakayanin.

Lagi't lagi para sa bayan.

Isa sa mga iniwan na salita ni Rizal, “Patuloy ko na tatanawin sa likod ng dilim ang bukangliwayway.”

Ang hindi pantay na pagtrato sa mga tumitindig ay ang hahawi sa landas ng pagkakaisa, pakikibaka, at nag-aapoy na pagmamahal. 

Nakakaiyak.

People who are supposed to protect the civilians from both extremes (Government problems and terrorists) are the same people who are enforcing fear.

Sino ang aakay sa gabing tila ndi nag-uumaga?

But then, there's always a single light that immerse and attracts one another. They made it pink once again.

In the midst of darkness, light will prevail. Hindi kailanman mababaklas ang Peoples' Campaign.

This is People's Campaign. We will make this spark ablaze until Halalan 2022.

To all volunteers for VP Leni, don’t give up. Volunteer for a better tomorrow, volunteer for a better Philippines. They might have the money to pay people but you have the courage to inspire more people to volunteer.

History has taught us to fight for what is right even in our darkest moments. Filipinos are persistent, we dont give up easily. The country needs you more than ever.

Dont let the disgusting habits of the old generation, stop you from securing our bright future.

 While we're at it, might as well shine a light onto the dark underbelly of social media manipulation. Investigate Cambridge Analytica and all that is connected to it. Find out the depth of their influence on the outcome of our elections.

"Tumindig kayo; tinitiyak ko, mayroon ding titindig sa tabi ninyo."

“Fire is catching, and if we burn, you burn with us.”

-Katniss Everdeen, Catching Fire

Kahit andito tayo sa NCR, let us show our support for our kakampinks in Isabela.

Pakikiisa sa mga tumitindig sa Isabela at sa lahat ng lumalaban sa abuso at tiraniya! Hindi natin hahayaang manaig ang kasinungalingan at inhustisya; nasa ating paninindigan at pagkilos ang #LiwanagSaDilim. IPANALO ANG LABAN! MAY PAG-ASA!

DepEd celebrates Filipina scientists, role models on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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In celebration of the 2022 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday highlighted outstanding Filipina scientists to inspire more young girls to venture into the field of science.

“I am proud of the women who continue to uphold gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls involved in the field of science. This should abolish long-standing biases and gender stereotypes that are steering girls and women away from science-related fields,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

Undersecretary San Antonio highlighted that celebrating women and girls, who have contributed to science, is something that deserves the support of anyone passionate about equity, sciences, nation-building through a lot of innovations that only those with scientific minds can contribute.

“I fully believe that the Philippines is one country that is among the most gender-equal countries in the world, especially in dealing with gender issues, concerns, and development,” Undersecretary San Antonio said.

Eminent Filipino women scientists Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara, Undersecretary for Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Gay Jane Perez, Deputy Director-General of the Philippine Space Agency, and Dr. Maria Ruth Pineda-Cortel, Researcher at the UST Research Center for the Natural Sciences and finalist in the ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women 2020, shared messages of empowerment, while the inspiring story of Philippine Genome Center Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Palmes-Saloma on her journey to being a scientist was also featured.

“Sa Department of Science and Technology sa aming research and development grants, halos kalahati ng ating project leaders ay mga kababaihan at higit po diyan sa ating mga scholars sa science and engineering, halos kalahati rin po ay kababaihan,” Dr. Guevara shared.

On the other hand, Dr. Cortel noted that while the gender gap hinders the dreams of women and girls to contribute to science, she believes “that if we work together as one, as women and girls of science, we can smash stereotyping and defeat discrimination against women and girls in science.”

“The event is an opportunity for us women to serve as beacons of hope to each other, especially to the young girls of today. I encourage all women to persevere and break the barriers so that women in this field will one day be the norm rather than an exception,” Dr. Perez emphasized.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually by the UN on February 11, is implemented by UNESCO and UN-Women in collaboration with institutions and civil society partners that aim to promote women and girls in science.

FDCP to Hold a Night of Celebration for PH Cinema’s Global Wins

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The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will once again be honoring the stalwarts of Philippine cinema whose performances and cinematic work have brought recognition to our country through their awards and citations from the foremost international film festivals of the world, at the 6th Film Ambassador’s Night on February 27, 2022 at the reopened historical Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Every year, the Film Ambassador’s Night aims to recognize the films and filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines in the past year— films that competed and screened on the global stage, placing Filipino talent side by side to the finest ones in the world.

For the past five years of this gathering of some of the brightest artists of the Philippine film industry, FDCP has honored a total of 319 Film ambassadors. The list grows even longer with the addition of 77 awardees for this year’s awarding.

“It’s another year's worth of victories with the best of the best Filipino films being recognized around the world, highlighting our cultural heritage in cinema over the years. As we have continued to reach altitudes on the global stage, we applaud each filmmaker who shared his or her talent, creativity, and passion to the world. We created this night to celebrate you,” FDCP Chairperson and CEO, Liza Diño expressed her excitement for this year’s awarding.

The annual ceremony will also be presenting the special honors of the evening — the Camera Obscura Award, as the highest honor granted by the FDCP to a film worker or a film project with extraordinary achievements with two recipients and the Gabay ng Industriya Award (Ilaw ng Industriya and Haligi ng Industriya), given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions during their lifetime becoming respected pillars of the Philippine film industry. Honorees for these will be unveiled by the Agency in the coming days.

The year 2021 was a challenging one for the industry with the global pandemic limiting distribution opportunities, on-ground events, and filming logistics. As the Philippine cinema continues to transition and overcome challenges, recognitions and notable participations in the major leagues of the international film scene is a worthy cause of celebration in this much-awaited occasion.

The 6th Film Ambassador’s Night will be an exclusive, invitational event for this year’s honorees at the MET Theater—a fitting home for this very important event—the cultural gem of Manila which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The event held in hybrid format will be telecast on the FDCP Channel on a later date.

Last year, Filipino films and filmmakers were feted at A-list international film festivals. Among the three of the biggest are: John Arcilla for On the Job: The Missing 8, Whether the Weather is Fine (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon) by Carlo Franciso Manatad for its numerous citations in the biggest international film festivals—74th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Guanajuato International Film Festival in Mexico, 46th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada, and at the 52nd International Film Festival of India. Also bagging Asia’s top film fests recognitions is Gensan Punch by Brillante Mendoza—34th Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan, and 2 awards from the 26th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.

Here is the list of this year’s Film Ambassador’s Night honorees.



A-LIST


John Arcilla - On the Job: The Missing 8


Whether The Weather Is Fine (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon) by Carlo Francisco Manatad


Gensan Punch by Brillante Mendoza



A-LIST CITATION


Count by Adjani Arumpac


Random People by Arden Rod Condez


Gunam-Gunam X Guni-Guni (Rumi X Phantasm) by Khavn De La Cruz


Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story produced by Rocketsheep


Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss by Sonny Calvento


On The Job: The Missing 8 by Erik Matti


Arisaka by Mikhail Red


Payback (Resbak) by Brillante Mendoza


The Brokers by Daniel Palacio


How To Die Young In Manila by Petersen Vargas


Big Night! by Jun Robles Lana


Last Days At Sea by Venice Atienza


Love Is A Dog From Hell by Khavn Dela Cruz









SHORT FILMS


Here, Here by Joanne Cesario


The Visitor by Joey Agbayani


Venganza by Joey Agbayani


Harana by Marie Jamora


My House by Adam Dumaguin


Confession by Arjanmar Rebeta


Miss You, George! by Mark Moneda


Ang Lihim Ni Lea by Rico Gutierrez


Filipiñana by Rafael Manuel


Naiiba (Unique) by Rey Coloma


Bukal (Wellspring) by Jeffrey Smith “Epy” Quizon


Mga Salitang Inanod (Drifted Thoughts) by Gabriel Carmelo


Iamannika by Dan Verzosa


Mito Ng Maynila (Myth Of Manila) by Janus Victoria


Ora Miss Mo by Khent Cacho


Ana Bikhayr (Okay Lang Ako) by Hannah Ragudos


Bakpak by Carlos Dala


Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot by Vahn Pascual


How To Die Young In Manila by Petersen Vargas


Siil by Will Fredo


An Sadit Na Planeta by Arjanmar Rebeta





SHORT FILM ACTORS


Jek Jumawan for Pas-An (Carried Burdens)


Frencheska Farr for Harana


Jeyrick Sigmaton for Dayas


Janice De Belen for Wounded Blood



DOCUMENTARIES



TV DOCUMENTARY


Fedelina: A Stolen Life by ABS-CBN’s DocuCentral


Miguel's Wounds (Mga Sugat Ni Miguel) by GMA-7’s Reporter’s Notebook


24 Oras: Special Coverage Of Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) In Luzon - GMA Network



SHORT DOCUMENTARY


To Calm The Pig Inside by Joanna Vasquez Arong


Maliit Na Hakbang by Richard Legaspi


Bullet-Laced Dreams by Kristoffer Brugada And Cha Escala



FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY


A Thousand Cuts by Ramona Diaz


Sa Layag Ng Bangkang Paurong (The Boats That Sail Backward) by Mark Giddel Liwanag


Aswang By Alyx Ayn Arumpac



CREATIVE AWARDS


Eric Ramos for In The Name Of The Mother


Arlyn Dela Cruz Bernal for Ecq Diary (Bawal Lumabas)



ACTORS


Rogelio Balagtas for Islands


Kit Thompson for Belle Douleur


Elijah Canlas for Kalel,15


Snooky Serna for In The Name Of The Mother


Julio Cesar Sabenorio for Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban


Janine Gutierrez for Dito At Doon (Here And There)


Cedrick Juan, Anna Luna and Noel Comia Jr for Gitarista (Guitarist)



DIRECTORS


Carlo Ortega Cuevas for Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban


Carlo Francisco Manatad for Whether The Weather Is Fine (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)


Maria Diane Ventura for Your Color (Deine Farbe)


Mcarthur Cruz Alejandre



FEATURE FILMS


Tagpuan (Crossroads) by Mcarthur Cruz Alejandre


Belle Douleur by Josabeth Alonso


In The Name Of The Mother by Joel Lamangan


Balangiga: Howling Wilderness by Khavn De La Cruz


Fan Girl by Antoinette Jadaone


Latay (Battered Husband) by Ralston Jover


Gitarista (Guitarist) by Jason Orfalas


Midnight In A Perfect World by Dodo Dayao


Metamorphosis By J.E. Tiglao



SPECIAL CITATION


Vice Ganda - Everybody, Sing! - ABS-CBN







###



Film Development Council of the Philippines

Media Relations Unit

ADDRESS 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000

PHONE +63 2 82569958 loc. 100

E-MAIL mediadesk@fdcp.ph

WEB https://www.fdcp.ph/

Briones inducts largest batch of third level DepEd appointees

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones inducted on February 9 the largest batch of third level DepEd officials appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Eugenio Lopez Center, Antipolo City, Rizal.

Secretary Briones administered the oath-taking of 25 newly-appointed DepEd officials and challenged them to passionately serve the agency and its constituents and be faithful to their sworn duty.

"Be faithful to your oath, be faithful to the terms of references, to the terms of your responsibilities. I think that is a tough challenge at this time because giving your faith and allegiance to a country, to a population of 100 million humans is the real challenge," Sec. Briones emphasized.

Among the inductees were new Assistant Secretary Juan Valeriano C. Respicio IV, Central Office Directors Marivic Leano (Education Assessment), Joel Erestain (Palarong Pambansa Secretariat), Jennifer Lopez (Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development), Samuel Soliven (Bureau of Curriculum Development), Lope Santos III (Bureau of Learner Support Services), and Ariz Delson Acay Cawilan (Bureau of Learning Resources).

ASec. Respicio thanked DepEd officials for guiding third-level officials in crafting leadership philosophy that they can use in serving the public. He also challenged his fellow appointees to take an active role in forwarding the mission of the Department.

"I trust that this breakthrough in our professional life will deepen our commitment to public service as we bring change to our perspective sphere of influence. As we remain committed to upholding the standards of selfless leadership, may we take meaningful strides and play an active role towards a better, stronger, and progressive Department of Education," ASec. Respicio said.

Regional Directors Ruth Fuentes (Region IX), Carlito Rocafort (Region XII), Tolentino Aquino (Region I), Evelyn Fetalvero (Region VIII), Salustiano Jimenez (Region VII), Nicolas Capulong (MIMAROPA), Francis Cesar Bringas (CALABARZON), and Benjamin Paragas (Region II) were also officially sworn to office.

In addition, Assistant Regional Directors Pedro Escobarte Jr. (VI), Ronald Castillo (I), Bebiano Sentillas (VIII), Rhoda Razon (III), Florante Vergara (CAR), Ronelo Al Firmo (V), Jessie Amin (II), Cristito Eco (VII), Maria Ines Asuncion (XI), and Fiel Almendra (CARAGA) were inducted as well.

Briones also recognized the Department's Career Executive Service Officer Rank Appointees, including Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla.

Last January 28, DepEd and its partner agencies, the National Council for Children Television (NCCT), and the Teacher Education Council (TEC) also welcomed its new council members.

NCCT installed Atty. Santiago Gabionza Jr. as its new council member representing the academe, while TEC welcomed Dr. Jestoni Babia representing the Visayas, Dr. Felina Espiave representing Luzon, Dr. Thomas Edison Dela Cruz representing Science Teachers, and Dr. Garry C. Cachuela representing Math Teachers as their new members.

8 Tips You Can Follow To Have A Better And Peaceful Sleep

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



While trying to go to bed every night, there's a lot more to it than just lying and closing your eyes. And many contributing factors, such as your bedroom environment, sleeping habits, and feeling when waking up the following day.

Getting a good night's sleep is essential to living your life to the fullest. Your health relies on it, but sometimes even with everything you do in the morning, you still feel exhausted and frustrated.

So no matter what happens, it is hard for some people to get the sleep they require at the end of a long trying day. We all know there's nothing better than a good night's sleep, but it can be hard to find that peace and comfort during the day.

Sometimes, no matter how much we sleep, we cannot get a good night's rest. As humans, we all get tired after a big day and sometimes can't find the energy to fall asleep at night.

So what are some things you can do to make your sleep more peaceful? Don't worry! This blog explains some essential tips, including taking HHC cannabinoid that everyone should follow to get a better and more peaceful sleep.


8 Tips You Can Follow To Have A Better And Peaceful Sleep

Sleep is vital for our health, and rest is an essential aspect of getting through the day. However, if you don't get enough sleep, your body will not function properly. So it's important to know what you can do to improve our sleep quality.

There are many factors needed to get good sleep, and the quality of your sleep is essential. However, here are the eight tips that can help you have better sleep:


● Reduce Blue Light Exposure In The Evening

The blue light from your smartphone screen can stay on for hours through an entire night. It is this blue light that helps to keep you awake at night. Even if you try to sleep with no screens for a few days, you will still have some trouble sleeping because of the blue light from every device around you. There are many ways to eliminate this blue light exposure, including moving your phone away from your bed, wearing blue-blocking glasses, and keeping your phone in airplane mode before going to bed. It will help reduce the amount of blue light coming into your bedroom and make it easier for you to fall asleep.

● Increase Bright Light Exposure In The Morning

Light is the essential element for a healthy and happy life. The light activates all cells in the body-brain, muscles, skin, cells. Lack of light during sleep is one of the main reasons for insomnia. Bright light exposure in the morning helps to have a better and more peaceful sleep. It is because sunny light exposure has an antidepressant action and improves mood. Exposure to bright light positively impacts blood pressure and heart rate.

● Do Not Eat Late In The Evening


Sleep helps your mind and body to restore and rejuvenate. Eating at night can make you feel full, and so you will have difficulty falling asleep due to uncomfortable aches or excessive eating of food. But if you are eating late dinner or drinking too much coffee, you tend to have an interrupted sleep which makes you tired the next day. So it would help if you tried to avoid having a heavy meal in the evening and not drink coffee more than two hours before bedtime. Also, try to avoid snack foods that cause belly fat, like cookies, chips, and pretzels.


● Consume HHC Cannabinoid Supplement


Consuming HHC Cannabinoid Supplement helps to have a better and more peaceful sleep. It does so by calming the mind and relieving stress, anxiety, and insomnia for those suffering from them. It further helps reduce anxiety and relax muscles, making you feel more relaxed and less stressed throughout your body. It is a 100% natural dietary supplement with all-natural ingredients used for centuries by people who suffer from certain conditions such as insomnia or pain.

● Avoid Drinking Caffeine Late In The Day

Avoiding drinking caffeine late in the day helps to have a better and more peaceful sleep. Prolonged or high levels of caffeine consumption are famous for interfering with sleep and slowing down the central nervous system. Thus, by avoiding caffeinated drinking beverages at night, you will be able to feel more refreshed in the morning.


● Cut Your Screen Time

When we are sleeping, the body is at rest. When there is too much technology in our lives, especially when screens are staring us in the face all day long, it can be hard to turn off the devices. It can be incredibly distracting, causing us to constantly check our phone or computer throughout the day. If you cut down on your screen time, it will help lead to a more peaceful sleep and less stress for you and your children.



● Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

If you drink alcohol and it keeps you up at night, you are sleep-deprived. As sleep deprivation worsens, your brainwaves become slow, and your hormones are not activated properly. You will have difficulty falling asleep, waking up multiple times during the night, being unable to stay awake all day, feeling very tired the next day, and obsessively thinking about things that have happened the day before (you have a think piece). It can be devastating for your health, leading to many other problems such as diabetes, weight gain, and depression.



● Avoid Too Many Naps In The Day

Avoiding too many naps is one of the secret ways to have a better, peaceful, and restful sleep. It is a common sleep problem that results from a person having more than 8 hours of sleep in 24 hours. When you have too many naps in the day, you can wake up feeling tired and groggy because your body has been in partial sleep mode. You may be able to get by with less sleep, but it will cause tiredness or fatigue, making you feel grumpy and irritable throughout the day.


Conclusion

Everyone has their means to be able to have a better sleep. You can make sure that your bed is comfortable and have everything you need. Some people like white noise, while others love silence. It's about what makes you feel comfortable.

However, many different factors can affect your sleep, so it is essential to consider these and find the best solution for your needs.

You should take at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Not getting enough sleep can cause stress levels to rise, causing you, in return, to feel unhappy.

So, if you are having trouble sleeping, there are many ways to improve the situation. Try some of the tips mentioned above and see if that helps!

Everything we know about the iPad Air 5

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

If among all current iPhones in 2022 the title "people's" has the iPhone 11, then among the iPads it is certainly the iPad Air 4. The tablet came out very good: frameless display, Touch ID in the power button, excellent performance and battery life. On the one hand, everyone expects new unique features from the next generation, on the other hand, it is very unlikely that Apple will change the trajectory of the Air lineup. Despite the fact that there is still a lot of time until the release of the iPad Air 2022, we already have some information about it. Today I suggest to discuss what we lack in the iPad Air and talk about the features of the future tablet.

I am sure we will remember the iPad Air 2020 for a long time. After all, it was the first frameless tablet with Touch ID in the power button. Later, the Cupertinians released the new iPad mini 6, which made the situation much more complicated. Now the iPad Air must very carefully fit between the iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro, which is very difficult.

The new iPad Air 2022

It is not yet possible to talk about the exact characteristics of the new iPad Air 5 with high precision, but we already have some information on this subject:

·        A15 or A16 processor.

·        Liquid Retina IPS display.

·        Camera: 12 MP widescreen with an aperture of f/1.8 and 10 MP super-wide, aperture ƒ/2.4.

·        12 MP front camera.

·        Support for 1080p video recording at 25 and 30 fps (now only 60 fps).

·        Support for "Spotlight" function for video calls.

·        Quad-LED True Tone main camera flash.

·        Support for 5G connectivity.

·        New colors.

With the iPad mini 6 having the top-end A15 found in the current iPhone 13, it's likely that the iPad Air 5 will also get the top-end Apple A16 along with the iPhone 14. On the other hand, in the past iPad Air is A14, and there were no clear predictions from analysts in this regard, so it is possible that the processor will be the same as the mini 6.

And, of course, we can not ignore the chips, for which the majority of users acquire a tablet - video calling. We would love to see the new Air with the spotlight feature, which would come in handy during video calls. Plus, we are waiting for an improved camera and flash.

iPad Air 2022 Display

 

The iPad Air 4 has a Retina Liquid Retina display made with IPS technology. Recently, all devices are slowly moving to OLED, so it would be logical to assume that the new Air will come with it.

In the spring of 2021, everyone's well-known analyst Min-Chi Kuo said that the future Air should switch to an OLED display, just like the new iPhone. Well, with smartphones he guessed, but about the tablet in October he changed his predictions closer to the end of October. According to his speculation, Apple has abandoned the idea of introducing OLED in the iPad Air 5, in favor of a simpler IPS.

What's new in the iPad Air 5

 

BestTablet.info reports that the iPad Air will look more like the iPad Pro 2020 than the iPad mini. And the first thing that interests us here after the display are cameras and speakers. Let me remind you, there are two cameras: a 10 MP widescreen and a 12 MP ultra widescreen. Plus, the iPad Pro has a LiDAR sensor, with which you can work with augmented reality. The source says that we should not expect it to appear in the Air.

Plus, of course, the speakers. The iPad Air 4 has two, and I personally think that is not enough. Yes, the sound of the Air is very good. Watching movies on it is a pleasure, but when you take the Proshka in your hands - you feel impaired. The speakers in the iPad Pro can easily compete even with my MacBook.

They also promised to add studio-quality microphones, which would make life a lot easier for those who work remotely. I can't say I'm happy with the mics on the Air. Even though I work with headphones most of the time, sometimes the microphone sensitivity is not enough.

When is the new iPad Air coming out?

 

There is no exact data on the release of the iPad Air 2022 yet. Previously, it was said that the tablet should not be released until October 2021, exactly one year after the release of the iPad Air 4. As you have already guessed, the prediction did not come true. It is possible that Apple will show us the iPad Air 5 at the spring presentation, which is expected to be held in March or April.

Bottom line: if you were planning to buy the iPad Air 4 in the near future and are worried that your tablet will turn into a pumpkin in September, I can assure you: this will not happen. The iPad Air 2020 is still a very decent tablet that can handle all the challenges it's designed to handle.

Are there iPad Air 4 owners among our readers? Are you happy with the tablet? Are you looking forward to the 5th generation?

Multivitamins distribution as among our community projects in Eastwood Residences Phase 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

We wanted to come up with community projects that will benefit our community, and so we decided to begin as early as January starting off with the seeds and fertilizers distribution to vegetable gardening enthusiasts or just about anybody wishing to participate in the Grow Our Own Food project, an effort to encourage or inspire everyone to plant veggies as a productive way to spend their time instead of being totally dependent on buying food commercially. Planting is also a good way to keep ourselves busy and counter the stress we are experiencing especially during the pandemic.

Sponsored by Villar Sipag, many members of our community received the various seeds and a sack of fertilizer to start them on their vegetable gardening journey.

This was for the month of January, and for the follow month of February, we decided to give out multivitamins. Taking multivitamins is one way of boosting our bodies immune system against sickness or disease especially that we're experiencing the dreaded Coronavirus or Covid-19 virus pandemic.

So that's an advance Valentine's Day, or should I say Vitamins Day, treat for the senior citizens that we added on our list that we got from both residents and senior citizens of Phase 2. Since we can't give out every single one of our 500+ homes of our community, we needed to select the most needing...and that is the seniors who are more prone to weakness making them susceptible to virus infections.

On February 12, we distributed tablets of multivitamins and  capsules of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) per senior citizen within our community.

Multivitamins distribution for our community because we believe in strengthening our immune system via multivitamins intake.

In partnership with Dr. Zen's, we will be distributing BioComplete (Vitamins + Herbs + Minerals + Probiotics) tablets, prioritizing the senior citizens, of Eastwood Residences Phase 2 here in Baranggay San Isidro Montalban, Rizal.

We got a few Ascorbic Acid  (more popularly known as Vitamin C) capsules to be given out too.

We Identified the most needing recipients but we told members of our community to please also reach out to us to make us aware of their conditions needing multivitamins assistance so we could distribute appropriately. Thus there were also non-senior citizens who received multivitamins.

Thank you, Dr. Zen's for the generous donation to our community.

We're happy that we were able to somehow help out the senior citizens and non-senior citizens of our community thanks to our generous sponsors.

Especially glad to be able to give out to even the often excluded due to various reasons. 

We have to remember that everyone was affected by this pandemic, whatever status in life, and to discriminate is not a pleasing discovery.

Multivitamins distribution at our community in Eastwood Residences Phase 2 in Montalban, Rizal is in coordination with our Team Pagbabago, a group we supposedly created to run as part of the homeowners Board of Directors...but we decided to still hold projects eventhough we don't have positions in the homeowners association.

Ang dami palang senior citizens sa community namin. Seeing their happy faces receiving free multivitamins and ascorbic acid is rewarding enough.

Please help us think of our next community project for March and the coming months that would be greatly beneficial. Small or big, it doesn't matter dahil mas ok if we could have projects every month but still continuing or sustaining our ongoing projects.

Thank you very much, Dr. Zen's . Their products are available at all Mercury Drug branches, and also on online shopping portals Lazada and Shopee. You could also get them through me to get a promotional bonus.

DepEd to expand integration of inclusivity, global citizenship topics in K to 12 curriculum

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The Department of Education (DepEd) is eyeing to advance more topics on inclusivity and global citizenship in the intended curriculum for basic education.

For years, DepEd, through the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD), has been updating and recalibrating its curriculum to be up to par with international curriculums, including the integration of global citizenship education.

UNESCO describes global citizenship education as one that aims to equip learners of all ages with those values, knowledge, and skills that are based on and instill respect for human rights, social justice, diversity, gender equality, and environmental sustainability and that empowers learners to be responsible global citizens.

“I am happy to share that Philippine Basic Education has gone quite far in terms of advocating GCED in the curriculum. The last three years have been very vital in establishing the structural mechanisms and support relative to the GCED at various governance levels,” BCD Director Jocelyn Andaya stated.

“With these outputs, the GCED advocacy will likely reach 27 million learners. Though much is needed to be done, the Department of Education, through the Bureau of Curriculum Development, is committed to advancing the courses of GCED in the intended curriculum. As such, may we all be challenged to push all the boundaries that limit us in optimizing the premises and possibilities of GCED,” Director Andaya added.

DepEd, through the International Cooperation Office (ICO), has been in touch with different organizations from different parts of the world to take note of their best practices, their initiatives, and projects that will help in the integration of gender sensitivity and responsiveness, cultural appreciation, and inclusivity to the DepEd curriculum.

“We believe that everyone, our learners, and ourselves included, is a global citizen. We must evolve our curriculum to focus on cultivating values and integrating concepts of global citizenship to help our learners develop into responsive and empowered individuals capable of building and rebuilding peaceful communities in their respective places,” Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio said.

“In our strokes in shaping the curriculum, we not only integrate concepts of Disaster Risk Reduction Management, gender, and cultural sensitivity, but also inclusivity and global citizenship. These are all important in sensitizing our curriculum to ensure that our learners develop holistically and embody being lifelong learners,” he added.