Tears from Heaven: CHILD Haus celebrates 21 years

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The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy, Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.

Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky, and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make a big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and their parents.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy

Three CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa, were turned into video vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to describe such events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears by these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that these testimonials had on the audience at the event.

After ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization's life-saving work possible.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.

Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

SM Supermalls' lady security guard Gilren Bajado honored for exemplary act

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Gilren Bajado, lady security guard of RJC Security Solutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year at the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame. The recognition ceremony was presided over by PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services Senior Assistant Vice President Mr. Almus J. Alabe and Regional CRS Manager Harold James E. Herrera were also in attendance to witness the awarding ceremony.

LG Bajado's outstanding accomplishment stems from her remarkable act of honesty and integrity on August 3, 2023, at SM Cinema, SM City Marikina. During her clearing duties, she discovered a lost black pouch containing 64,800 pesos, along with ATM cards and assorted ID cards belonging to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old staff member of Palarong Pambansa.



Photo Caption L-R: SM City Marikina Customer Relations Services Manager Mr. Edward S. Masangcay, Regional CRS Manager Mr. Harold E. Herrera, Lady Guard Gilren Bajado of RJC Security, PNP Chief Bejamin Acorda Jr., SM Supermalls Senior Asst VP for CRS Mr. Almus J. Alabe, RJC HR Manager Mr. Wilmark Reyes

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors.

SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company's core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services.

The recognition of LG Gilren Bajado as the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year strengthens SM Supermalls’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence. The company consistently strives to provide security solutions while ensuring that its employees embody the highest ethical standards.

SM Supermalls extends its warmest congratulations to LG Gilren Bajado for her outstanding achievement and for being a shining example of integrity and professionalism. Her actions serve as an inspiration to all and remind us of the impact that a single individual can have on building a safer and more trustworthy society.

The Evolution Of Digital Pianos: Modern Advancements

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Over the centuries, the piano has been a beloved instrument, but the traditional acoustic piano has some limitations. For instance, Digital pianos were first introduced in the 1980s as an electronic alternative that offered portability, affordability, and features acoustic pianos lack. Since then, digital pianos have dramatically advanced in technology and realism.



Examining the evolution of digital pianos reveals the innovative progress that now makes them a leading instrument worldwide.

 

Early Stage Digital Pianos

The first digital pianos emerged in the early 1980s with instruments like the Roland RD-1000 and Yamaha Clavinova CLP-10. These used digital sampling technology to reproduce piano tones using integrated circuits and speakers. The sounds were fundamental compared to acoustic pianos. But portability and cost made digital pianos appealing for home use. More sophisticated sampling in later models improved realism considerably.


Adoption Of MIDI

A significant advancement was the adoption of the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol in digital pianos during the 1980s. MIDI allowed digital pianos like the Casio Privia PX-S1000 with innovative Lumi key lighting to interface with computers and other devices for more advanced functionality. The Lumi keys use LED lights underneath each key to illuminate proper hand positioning and technique. MIDI enabled recording, editing, and playback of compositions, expanding creative possibilities for those learning how to play the piano. It also permitted the layering of instrument sounds and expanded creative possibilities. Support for the MIDI protocol was a defining moment that increased the versatility of digital pianos. The introduction of MIDI was truly revolutionary, allowing digital pianos to be connected to computers and other MIDI devices. This opened new creative horizons, from recording and producing music to experimenting with different instrument sounds. MIDI transformed digital pianos from standalone instruments into powerful music-creation tools. Adopting this technology was a major milestone in the evolution and capabilities of digital pianos.


Introduction Of Weighted Keys

Early digital piano keyboards used unweighted plastic keys that differed significantly from acoustic piano’s weighted keys. In the 1990s, digital piano makers began incorporating weighted and partially weighted hammer-action keys. This was achieved using tiny hammers and weights within the mechanism of each key. The introduction of weighted keys significantly improved the feel and playability of digital pianos. Heavier keys replicated the tactile experience of playing grand pianos, enhancing realism.




Better Sound Sampling

Manufacturers used increasingly sophisticated sampling techniques as memory capacities grew to produce multilayered piano sounds. Recording piano notes at different velocities could reproduce a realistic range of tonal dynamics based on playing style. Stereo sampling created a spacious ambiance, while damper resonance recreated the resonance of an acoustic piano’s strings. Advanced selection resulted in remarkably authentic and nuanced piano tones.


Modern Features

Over the years, technological advancements have improved features in modern pianos. Some of the notable changes include having high-quality sound systems. The increment in the sound system has been instrumental in ensuring musicians can enjoy various genres, thus increasing their levels of creativity.

Another prominent feature is Bluetooth and USB connectivity, which facilitates audio recording, file sharing, and streaming music between devices. It is critical to note that wireless capabilities are instrumental in unlocking new potentials. Moreover, other models with advanced sounds permit editing through layering and pitch shifting. The advancements have been essential for monitoring the functional capabilities of the digital piano.





Hybrid Pianos

The advancements of engineering in digital pianos are well illustrated through hybrid pianos. For instance, hybrid pianos ensure the integration of the best elements of acoustic and digital pianos for unparalleled realism and expression. Integrating the new elements is critical to ensuring your playing experience is improved and authentic. Moreover, digital technology is heavily used to promote your playing experience using hybrid pianos.




Since the acoustic and digital components are seamlessly united, hybrid digital pianos feel auditory but sound digital. The acoustic action directly informs the digital tone generation in real time for unrivaled responsiveness and expression. Popular hybrid models include the Yamaha AvantGrand, which combines wood action with digital modeling, and the Kawai Novus NV10, which senses action vibration with optical cameras.


Modern Advancements

From primitive sampling to expert digitization and hybrid engineering, digital pianos have come a long way. Once viewed as inferior, they now realistically emulate the touch and tone of a fine aural grand. Modern innovations like smartphone integration, teaching aids, and silent practice capabilities make digital pianos highly versatile in any setting. For contemporary pianists, they provide affordable quality and expressive potential. The evolution of digital pianos demonstrates digital technology's power to revolutionize traditional instruments.

 

Conclusion

The digital piano has traversed a long path since its humble inception in the 1980s. Early apparatuses were elementary and artificial resounding but proffered portability and accessibility. Over decades of ingenuity, digital pianos have metamorphosed into refined implements that replicate the elaborate subtleties of an acoustic grand piano. Weighted hammer-action keys, multilayered stereo sampling, and hybrid engineering now enable digital pianos to harness the opulent tone and responsive feel that pianists covet. Modern capabilities expand creative possibilities and make learning the piano more absorbing and pleasurable than ever. For contemporary pianists, digital contraptions finally purvey an affordable, adaptable alternative for practice, performance, and musical expression. The evolution of digital piano expertise is a testament to the imaginative potential unshackled when innovation is applied to a traditional craft.