Rex Education enhances learning resources in Philippine history and social sciences

(L-R): Jeanne Marie F. Tordesillas (Chief Marketing

Officer of Rex Education), Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson (Chairperson of Philippine Social Sciences Council), Don

Timothy I. Buhain (Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education), Professor Emeritus Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay (Representative, Philippine Historical Association), & Dr. Marcelino M. Macapinlac, Jr. (Representative, Philippine National Historical Society)

Rex Education hosted a memorandum signing with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), and the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) on September 6, 2022 to seal a fellowship program centered on Philippine history.

The main goal of the program is to develop a compendium on Philippine history that could serve as a reference material for writing and publishing future history-centered textbooks. A careful selection of fellows who are knowledgeable about specific periods in Philippine history would be conducted to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the compendium.

In line with REX’s pledge of providing relevant and timeless learning solutions, the program would ideally improve the content of learning materials in history and social studies.

“This fellowship program brings together the academe, civil society, and private sector toward the common goal of serving Filipino learners,” Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education, said in his welcome remarks. “REX believes that looking back at where we all came from is important in enabling our learners, teachers, and communities.”

For every Filipino learner

PSSC stands as the project’s implementing agency alongside REX. PHA and PNHS, two local and professional historical associations, will collaborate with REX and PSSC to oversee the compendium’s development.

“This wonderful, novel project will benefit all learners. History is not only for the young; it is for learners of all ages,” PSSC Chairperson Dr. Excelsa Tongson shared.

Dr. Bernardita Churchill, president of PNHS and president emeritus of the PSA and MSA, also highlighted the importance of corroborating history in a country as diverse as the Philippines. “The plan is to enhance the study and teaching of Filipino culture, and create an inclusive history that will present the multiethnic history of the Filipino. A serious study of our history and culture would settle doubts and questions about our identity as a nation.”

A worthwhile endeavor for the future of education

REX’s goal for the program is to provide authoritative reference materials in the writing and publishing of history textbooks.

Dr. Marcelino Macapinlac Jr., a representative from PNHS and a professor for over three decades, believes that the references that will be produced by the fellowship will further capacitate authors and those in the academe as they enlighten learners about Philippine history.

The development of well-researched historical resources invites not only educators but also the youth to reflect on our national history and culture. Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay, president of the PHA and professor emeritus, Department of History, UP Diliman, and Dr. Macapinlac noted that the current generation of learners has become more discerning of the sources they consume.

“I find that those who finish the K to 12 program are better prepared and more engaged [in the study of history],” said Dr. Macapinlac. He noted that the last national elections highlighted how his students are now more passionate and engaged, but the bigger challenge lies in maintaining that passion in the long run.

“I hope Filipinos will not consider history just as a classroom or University course, but it should be a lifetime interest—whether Philippine, Southeast Asian, or world history,” Dr. Camagay concluded.

To keep up with news about the program, be sure to follow Rex Education’s Facebook page.

5th EDDYS Award (2022): Full List of Nominees

Despite the previous years’ quarantine restrictions arising from spikes of coronavirus cases, the film industry still thrived and came out with finished works that The Eddys, an annual awarding ceremony organized by the Society of Philippines Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), now honors in its anticipated event.

Meralco reaffirms commitment to support hotel industry

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reaffirmed its commitment to support the recovery of local hotel operators as they bounce back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a webinar recently organized by Meralco, the power distributor, which has long been a partner of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), pledged to continue providing stable and reliable electricity service, and energy solutions befitting to the needs of the industry moving forward.

The pandemic, at its peak in 2020, led to temporary closure of businesses and loss of income for the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges, the industry supported the government in its fight against the pandemic.

“For the past two years, our customers from the Hotel Industry were among the hardest hit with the sudden decline in occupancy. Their facilities were used for quarantine, requiring them to operate as quasi-hospitals and to strictly implement health and safety protocols while providing utmost care to travelers that had to be accommodated. During this time, Meralco initiated contract right-sizing to assist our customers with hopes of preventing further loss of business and employment,” said Meralco Vice President and Head of Enterprise and National Government Engr. Ma. Cecilia M. Domingo.

According to PHOA Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon Jr., Meralco played a vital role in helping PHOA members deliver on their commitments with energy-saving measures, such as contract rightsizing and temporary waiving of the Guaranteed Minimum Billing Demand (GMBD).

“PHOA sees Meralco as an institutional and vital industry partner. We hope to strengthen our relationship so that together we can continuously improve the delivery of services to our clientele,” Bengzon said.

Raffles and Fairmont Hotel Group, a member of the PHOA, similarly recognized the crucial role that Meralco plays in the recovery of the industry.

“Meralco is an essential partner in our business by providing for the electricity of the hotels. Customer satisfaction is one of our goals and we could have not attained it if power supply is unreliable,” said Raffles and Fairmont Hotel General Manager Aubrey Ada.

As local tourism takes off this year, Engr. Domingo said: “Meralco is more than happy to assist the hotels to ensure energy-readiness once again. Further, their aptitude for economic recovery through participation in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) is laudable.”

ILP is a demand-side management program of the Department of Energy where large businesses are asked to temporarily de-load from the grid when the Luzon grid is placed under red alert.

Participation of companies is crucial to the success of ILP, since this may spare an estimate of 4,000 households and small businesses from power outages for every 1-megawatt of de-loaded power.

Among the companies in the hospitality industry within Meralco’s franchise that are enrolled under the ILP are Taal Vista, City of Dreams, Discovery Suites, Diamond Hotel, Sofitel Manila, and Raffles and Fairmont Hotel.

European Higher Education Fair 2022 | November 18-19, 2022

Thinking of studying abroad? Conscious about getting the best graduate or post-graduate education while expanding your horizons and getting to know other countries and peoples? Interested in scholarship opportunities?

Take your first step towards excellence and innovation by learning everything that the European Union has to offer as a higher education destination at this year’s Hybrid European Higher Education Fair, on 18 and 19 November 2022 at the Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong, or online at www.ehefphilippines.com. 

H.E. Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, underlined the importance of studying abroad, especially in the EU, as this experience will enable the Filipino youth to gain a different perspective, which can be incredibly useful in both personal and professional development.  

Through the partnership between the EU Delegation to the Philippines and the Commission on Higher Education, the EHEF has become the premier platform to link higher education institutions, cultural groups, and other EU academic programs with those aspiring to study in the EU.

This year’s fair will be the biggest so far, with more than 90 European higher education institutions and education services joining in person or virtually.   

Participating EU Member States include Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Finland and Sweden.

 

Here are what Filipino students, academicians and researchers can expect in this year’s EHEF: 

1. Meet with some of the EU’s top universities and higher education institutions 

 

EHEF’s format allows to directly connect students with some of the most distinguished EU universities and HEIs, either onsite or virtually. Get the chance to meet representatives, inquire about academic programmes, and just have a fun and engaging talk about your dreams of studying in the EU. 

 

European HEIs have long been popular destinations for students looking to pursue Masters' and Ph D programmes because of many reasons. First of which is EU’s emphasis on using cutting-edge technology 

in engineering, sciences, design, and information technology. They also offer specialized courses, excellent research programmes and facilities, and an educational environment conducive to higher learning. These reasons, among others, make the EU one of the world’s leading higher education destination. 

2. Get a glimpse of life in the EU

 

The Fair will provide first-hand access to information about the EU member states and how it is to live and to study in the EU — from university selection, living arrangements, and even famous places to visit during your stay in Europe.

 

Enjoy an awesome experience about what it is like to study and live in the EU.

 

3. Meet and greet Goodwill Ambassadors and Erasmus+ scholars

 

Get the chance to meet with both EHEF goodwill ambassadors and Erasmus+ and Marie Curie scholars. EHEF goodwill ambassadors are notable personalities who have studied in the EU and are now making their waves in their chosen fields of expertise, be it in business, mass media, or in the academe. Erasmus+ scholars consider EHEF as their annual reunion event where they get together and invite interested students to join their network.  

 

4. Get social with EHEF!

 

Get updates before, during, and after the event through EHEF’s social media accounts. Follow EHEF on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @ehefphilippines

5. Choose from among wide-ranging program offerings

Having an MA or PhD programme from the EU is undoubtedly attractive on your CV. Going to the Fair means having a first-hand interaction with HEI representatives who can give the best and tailor-fit options in programme offerings from nanotechnology and biotechnology to creative industries and culinary arts. 

6. Experience world-class education 

Get immersed and soaked up in learning in the EU where world-class teaching, top facilities, and cutting-edge research programmes abound. 

7. Feel right at home 

The EHEF is a welcoming and friendly one-stop shop for information from experts of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, EU Member States’ Embassies and academicians from well-known and specialized European Higher Education Institutions who flew to Manila just for this hybrid event.

8. Celebrate diversity 

With all the enormous options, studying in the EU means a celebration of diversity. Twenty-seven 27 countries, different languages, and rich cultural and historical heritage, amazing and diverse foods, great geographical and natural diversity… Get a taste of this diversity at EHEF.

The Virtual European Higher Education Fair 2022 is being organised by the EU Delegation to the Philippines together with the EU Member States’ Embassies, education services and Cultural Institutes and in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education.   

This year’s university partners include regional university hubs such as the Wesleyan University and the University of Cordilleras (Luzon), Silliman University (Visayas) and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao) and other top-notch Philippine universities such as Ateneo de Manila University European Studies Programme, De La Salle University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Mabalacat City Colleges, Rizal Technological University, Trinity University of Asia, University of Sto Tomas, and Visayas State University.

Professional associations such as Philippine Society for Public Administration, Philippine Association of Agriculturists Inc and Philippines Communication Society are joining this year’s Fair. 

Media partners this year include: Adobo Magazine, BusinessWorld Spark Up, CNN Philippines, Gadgets Mag, iOrbit News, Philippine Daily Inquirer – INQPOP!, Seawave, ThePhilBizNews, and When in Manila.com.

It’s a Happy Christmas at SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.

Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall

SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20. 

The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And starting October 20 until December, SM shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively. 

If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities just for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall

Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best. 

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM

Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations

SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love

Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs 

Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.

Sinclair: The colorful mark of a true industry leader

Filipinos remember Sinclair for its infamous advertisement in the 80s and 90s that inspired more people to make home improvements by themselves. The term do-it-yourself or DIY became synonymous with the brand’s catchphrase “Sinclair it!” that established the brand as a household name over the past decades. 

Over the past years, Sinclair remains true to its vision of providing premium quality paint products for millions of families and establishments around the world. With the rise of technological advancements and as the market for construction development remains competitive, Sinclair is marking its return to the local market with a broader and more advanced selection of products that provide beauty, durability, affordability, and eco-friendly solution suit for every Pinoy home.

The New Generation of Sinclair

With the reopening of the local market, Sinclair’s timely return will fire up the local competition with its latest premium products that continue the legacy that it started.

Aside from its Traditional or Classic Paint selection that made Sinclair one of the world’s pioneer and trusted brands, Sinclair highlights its innovation with its modern technology paint system, from oil-based to water-based paint and universal colorants.

(L-R): Diosdado Cheng (Local Business Line Manager - DKSH Phils, Inc. and PAPM Secretary General), Charlie Kwa (President of Fedchem Manufacturing & Distribution Inc. and Vice President of Mayon Industrial Corporation and President: Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers Inc.), Derrick Tan (CEO and Founder of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies Inc. and Construction Chemical Specialist), Sabrina Tan (Chief of Finance of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies Inc.)

“We’re delighted to bring back the brand that provided beauty, protection, and comfort to many Filipinos over the past years. With Sinclair’s new line of products – from oil-based to water-based - customers can assure continued premium quality products that will last for a long time while keeping the environment safe and sound,” Mr. Derick Tan, Founder, and CEO of Magna Prime Chemical Technologies, Inc., the company that manufactures Sinclair in the Philippines.

Sinclair’s new generation of paint products highlights its waterproofing innovation that made the paint system more economical, easier to apply, and durable. Inspired by the beauty and long-lasting capability of nature, these new generation paints are made suitable for the tropical weather system in the Philippines on top of the climate change we’re experiencing:

 

Natica Waterproofing Paint – Inspired by the abundant marine shells in the Philippines, this waterproofing paint possesses marine shells’ thick and smooth features that represent durability and protection. Made of modified pure acrylic paint, this latest innovation of Sinclair is used as a water-proofer, primer, sealer, and top coat making it more cost-efficient than the traditional method of waterproofing and painting exterior walls. 

 

Armadillo Polyurethane Paint – inspired by the New World placental mammal, this Armadillo Polyurethane Paint is the first water-based PU Paint in the Philippines takes pride in being a tough and flexible paint just like an armadillo skin. Recommended to use for high-rise buildings to avoid frequent repainting or costly paint over because of its durability.

Tamago Cleanable Interior Paint – Sinclair’s take on the sheen of an egg – or Tamago (卵/玉子) in the Japanese language – is made to provide a sleeker yet manageable look for home and establishment’s interiors. Made to provide a clean and cleanable look, its simple yet calming effect is achieved with its balance of flat and glossy while protecting your walls or hiding wall imperfections.

 

Taro Silicone Paint – Is the first silicone paint in the country. With the wet season taking over almost half of the year in the Philippines, rainwater has become one of the main reasons why paint fails to protect many homes and establishments. With Sinclair’s Taro Silicone Paint, families and establishments can have peace of mind any season due to its impregnating capabilities. Impregnation happens when the paint penetrates through the pores of the substrate thus enhancing its adhesion. It also has high-performance formula creating high-vapor permeability that allows water vapor to escape from the surface, avoiding the build-up of algae and fungus that cause paint to peel off. This paint is suitable for structures located in highlands, beside seashores, and areas where wall moisture is present.

More Options to Choose From

Aside from the New Generation paints, Sinclair also levels up its Classic Paint selection which ranges from oil-based to water-based paints that provide equal beauty and protection to various surfaces.

             

Ligno – this waster-based wood primer is ideal for priming, sealing, and filling wooden substrates that help prevent tannins and stains. An eco-friendly product, this paint has low odor, low volatile organic compounds, and is non-toxic.

Rhino – for those metal surfaces, this Sinclair water-based metal primer and top coat provide a two-in-one purpose that saves time and money. This paint has excellent corrosion resistance for indoor and outdoor applications, ideal for new or weathered galvanized metal, steel, and aluminum roofing surfaces, properly prepared or treated ferrous metal, garages and fences, machines and industrial equipment, pipelines, and tanks.

Cascara – for multi-surface paint, the Sinclair Cascara is an eco-friendly, high-gloss, low-odor, water-based paint ideal as a topcoat for wood, metal, and concrete on interior and exterior areas.

Sinclair is also sparking more colors to its Filipino customer through its colorants products that are made to provide good color retention without losing the glossiness of the base paint. Along with its New Generation paints, Sinclair is also launching Chameleon Colorant, which is dubbed as the universal colorant that gives accurate blend and color preference. Chameleon Colorants are specially formulated using special types of chemicals and pigments to ensure that they can blend homogenously either with water-based, solvent-based or epoxy-based type of paints.

“With more Filipinos enjoying DIY home projects, Sinclair paint products that are highly recommended by professionals are made to spark creativity and freedom, while providing protection, peace of mind, and value to Pinoy’s hard work and money,” Mr. Tan concluded.

The return of Sinclair Paint in the Philippine market was officiated during the PHILCONSTUCT 2022. For more details about Sinclair’s products, you may visit https://www.magnaprime.com.ph/product-category/sinclair.

South Arts Festival 2022 | Nov 12-13, 2022

The annual South Arts Festival (SAF) started in 2017 as a one-day art fair that brought together art groups, art galleries and art enthusiasts in one venue located at the Southern Manila area. Artworks from hundreds of artists were on display and available for sale to the thousands who attended. There were also talks by artists and collectors, art activities and a celebratory festive atmosphere. In 2019, South Arts Festival became a two-day affair over the weekend as it gained more attendees. 

Apart from the annual art fair, SAF also became a growing art community that others looked to if they needed art exhibits. Since its inception, SAF has organized art activities and exhibits for the City of Muntinlupa, SM Aura, Festival Mall, Fora Tagaytay, Asian Hospital Foundation, Stage Zero Foundation, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City and Conrad Hotel among others. 

The annual art fair was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since the Covid situation has somehow normalized, the SAF community has had few intimate exhibits to smaller audiences. Now, there is a clamor for the annual art fair to return to its festive glory. 

The main goal of South Arts Festival was to be able to provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy a whole range of artworks, ranging from the ones created by aspiring artists to seasoned masters of the industry. South Arts Festival prides itself in creating an avenue for young unknown artists to be able to exhibit since not many get the chance as the industry dictates that successful artists must be worthy enough to be recognized and represented by an art gallery. 

“I’d like to think we have a pro-artist approach. For one, they can directly sell at their asking price and earn everything 100%. I’m not trying to take away from the galleries who work hard in promoting artists and art, but for the newbie, it serves as a motivation when they earn the full amount for what they worked for,” explains South Arts Festival organizer JJ Duque. 

“During the annual art fair, despite the sales of hundreds of works of art, SAF never received any commission or percentage from sales. 100% went directly to the artist, or in some cases, to the gallery representing the artist,” he adds. 

South Arts Festival 2022 is a 2-day art fair to be held at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City on Nov 12 & 13, 2022 from 9am to 7PM. It will be the fourth edition of the most colorful art festival in Southern Metro Manila. 

ENTRANCE IS FREE! However, guests must comply with the health safety protocols of the hotel. Bring your vaccine card.

There will be affordable art for sale, free sampling of art supplies with Art Nebula, sunset DJs and drinks, a presentation by Likha about the ins and outs of NFTs, a spoken word performance from Titik Poetry and also sip and paint sessions with Rachel Le Roux upon registration. Visit our Facebook page @southartsfestival for more information. 

SM Prime builds better, greener offices

E-com Centers at the Mall of Asia Complex

Many people have become more aware of the importance of sustainability in everyday living during the two years that the world faced the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental awareness has caught on through practices such as shifting to paperless, reducing plastic use and planting more trees. For property developers, taking part in this movement means transitioning into green buildings and developments.

“Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 to reveal its grand champions

The tough preliminary is over and done with, same with the tougher semifinals stage.

Now, the remaining contestants will experience the toughest part of the competition that will beat all the other stages as “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 enters the Grand Finals, the pinnacle of the competition. Here, the best among the best will be crowned the “Your Song of Excellence” Season 2 grand winner.

Federal Land holds spooky Halloween fun at the Bay Area

Are you looking for spooktacular activities for the kids over the weekend? 

Federal Land Inc. is inviting both kids and kids at heart to join the Halloween festivities happening on October 29 and 30 at Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live in Pasay City.