DepEd set to conduct Basic Education Report on Jan. 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to conduct the Basic Education Report (BER) 2023 on January 30 to present current challenges and the sector priorities of the agency.

In a press briefing of the Department, DepEd Spokesperson Atty. Michael Wesley T. Poa announced that Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte will deliver the BER 2023.

“Gusto natin ilahad sa general public kung ano talaga ‘yong current state of education kasi po lagi natin naririnig na ang daming challenges ng basic education. So, dito po natin iisa-isahin sa publiko kung ano ‘yong mga specific challenges ng basic education,” Atty. Poa stressed.

“Aside from that, siyempre pagkalatag natin ng challenges, ang Department po natin ay maglulunsad ng Education Agenda. Tinutukoy nito ang mga plans and initiatives natin upang maresolba ‘yong mga challenges na ito,” Atty. Poa added.

Furthermore, DepEd will launch a new call to action for all Filipinos anchored on BER 2023.

“It’s really to give the public an idea of the steps that this administration will take and also the direction of this administration towards resolving issues in basic education,” Atty. Poa said.

Hop your way to luck this 2023 at SM Supermalls!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

This 2023, say goodbye to the roaring tiger and usher in the spirited rabbit as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide!

From January 9 to 22, SM Supermalls has lined up exciting activities and events for a prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit festivities. If you are up for some hoppin’ fun adventures, here are exclusive CNY deals for you to enjoy.

Share good luck over good food at SM

Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together. This month, indulge in a delicious dine-in experience at SM with the whole family and enjoy sumptuous Lucky Feast deals from participating tenants. 

Have a stroll at the Lucky Park

Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals.

Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance

Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!

Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert!

When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you.

Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls:

● January 14, 2PM - SM City Olongapo Central

● January 15, 2PM - SM City San Lazaro

● January 19, 2PM - SM City Fairview

● January 20, 2PM - SM City Dasmariñas

● January 20, 5PM - SM City Sta. Rosa

● January 2 1, 2PM - SM Megamall

● January 21, 5PM - SM City North EDSA

● January 22, 2PM - SM City Bacoor

● January 22, 5PM - SM Mall of Asia 

Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game

Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.

As the Year of the Water Rabbit predicts hope this 2023, SM Supermalls wishes their shoppers longevity, peace, and prosperity this Chinese New Year. So, hop on luck and enjoy all these CNY-themed activities safely and conveniently at your favorite SM Mall!

For more updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

Philippine Post Office launches colorful Year of the Rabbit Stamps to mark Chinese Lunar Year

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) released the commemorative "Year of the Rabbit" stamps to mark the celebration of Chinese New Year 2023 held at Seascape Village in Pasay City.

“The celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Filipino-Chinese friends. For us, the Lunar New Year is an occasion to celebrate the rich heritage that both our nations have treasured”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) Executive Vice President Ms. Mary G. Ng said that recognition and respect for both the Filipinos and Chinese is being represented through the stamps”.

The Chinese New Year is said to be the most important and longest holiday celebrated not just in Asia but in other parts of the world. The celebration begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, and it is considered the beginning of “Spring”.

The Chinese Zodiac has twelve representative animals, namely: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. During this auspicious event, Filipino-Chinese and even the general public practice age-old traditions and joyous festivities associated with the holiday.

The Chinese calendar has sparked "a lot of interest" in recent years among Filipinos who "collect the (Chinese zodiac) stamps”, the Philippine Post Office, which is under the Office of the President, said in a statement.

In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. The Rabbit is known to many as the luckiest in the zodiac. If one is born under the Year of the Rabbit, it is said that one is friendly, gentle, and kind to others.

Modern Chinese Lunar Year Stamps have bolder colors and designs to make it more appealing to collectors. For example, viva magenta, which is the pantone color this 2023, represents universal harmony and emotional balance. It promotes compassion, kindness, and cooperation.

The Chinese cultural influence has been widely recognized in the country, from eating Chinese food, talking to Feng Shui experts for good luck, as well as reading their Chinese horoscope.

PHLPost in-house artists Ryman Dominic Albuladora, Eunice Dabu and Agnes Rarangol designed the colorful stamps.

The stamps, souvenir sheets, and official first-day cover will be available to the public starting Wednesday, January 25. The Year of the Rabbit ends on February 9, 2024. For inquiries on the stamps, call (02)8527-0108 or (02)8527-0132 and follow and like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.