UST’s Henry Sy Sr. Hall to boost health education

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.

Named in honor of the late SM Founder, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall of UST will rise on the main campus in Manila to respond to the needs of digital medical education.

The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. Focused on interdisciplinary collaboration in medical studies, it will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS).

Leaders of Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI), led by the Sy family (L-R: Harley Sy, Hans Sy, Elizabeth Sy, Debbie Sy, Tessie Sy, Henry Sy Jr, Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal (extreme right)) , formalize its partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (L-R: UST Rector Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Domingo, Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP, Fr. Maximo Gatela, OP) 

Paragons with passion 

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged. 

“Your family consists of industry leaders who have visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family. 

“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added. 



UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall 

Rising as an intellectual hub for future physicians, the building has a dedicated floor for the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery Research Center and the Medicine and Surgery Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board. Here, medical education research and various medical-related specialty research will be reviewed and conducted. 

The building will include specialized centers, rooms, and laboratories, such as Medical Simulation Centers and Care Ultrasound Institute, and Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory. These will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to develop medical students’ competencies in multiple simulated healthcare settings crossing the human lifespan. 

The HSFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s desire to aid educational institutions to drive Philippine social development. Its projects are undertaken in partnership with the SM group and its foundations to honor the SM founder by supporting educational institutions in promoting academic excellence as a key to a brighter future for the youth. Through the years, the foundation established and supported several academic infrastructures, such as the Henry Sy Sr. Primary School Building in Xavier School, Nuvali Laguna; Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center in Miriam College, Quezon City; NU Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna; NU Nazareth School in Manila; and a Henry Sy Sr. Hall each at Immaculate Conception Academy, San Juan City, and Assumption College.  

Artistry Skin Nutrition : Clean, Traceable, and Vegan Skincare Brand

Artistry's flagship product, Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum offers multiple benefits to achieve clean, Healthy Beauty indeed !

Filipino beauty enthusiasts can now experience a new approach to skincare. Artistry Skin Nutrition™, the clean, traceable, vegan skincare line from the global leader in health and wellness, Amway.

Artistry Skin Nutrition works like supplements for the skin, thanks to its cutting-edge skin science and the infusion of powerful phytonutrient botanicals from no less than Nutrilite, the world’s number one selling vitamins and dietary supplement brand. It is also the only vitamin brand to grow harvest and process plants in their own organic farms, ensuring that the products are pure, safe, and effective.

Artistry Skin Nutrition Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum contains pure 100% vitamin C, 2.4 times more antioxidant power, and 3 types of hyaluronic acid all in an innovative, fresh-mix bottle.  

To meet the consumers’ growing demand for clean, effective skincare, Artistry Skin Nutrition is launching an advanced formula of its best serum ever. Artistry Skin Nutrition’s high-performance brightening Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum works fast to fight the appearance of visible lines and wrinkles and plumps the appearance of skin with every drop. Its formula contains multi-action superstar pure 100% vitamin C or L-Ascorbic Acid from Nutrilite-grown acerola cherry, 2.4 times more antioxidant power, and 3 types of hyaluronic acid all in an innovative, fresh-mix bottle that preserves 100% Vitamin C’s purity. It also includes Nutrilite-sourced white chia seed, a blend of peptides, and more natural ingredients that all help transform dull, tired, uneven skin into its healthiest glow.  

Apart from sourcing key ingredients from Amway’s very own Nutrilite farms, this daily serum has been formulated with no parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and more than 1,300 other iffy ingredients that discerning skincare fans may be concerned about. 

Based on independent and third-party testing, Artistry Skin Nutrition users all love the newly formulated serum as 83% agree it leaves skin looking brighter with a youthful glow and 90% say it leaves skin looking hydrated after just one use. Users also swear by its effectiveness in as little as 5 days, as 90% said it leaves skin healthier, 88% said it gives skin a healthy glow, and 90% said it helps their face feel smoother. 

Artistry Skin Nutrition is the clean, traceable, vegan skincare line from the global leader in health and wellness, Amway. This skincare line works like supplements for the skin, thanks to cutting edge skin science and the infusion of powerful phytonutrient botanicals.  

Artistry Skin Nutrition Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum contains pure 100% vitamin C, 2.4 times more antioxidant power, and 3 types of hyaluronic acid all in an innovative, fresh-mix bottle.  

Jason Rothouse, Artistry’s Principal Research and Development Scientist, emphasized that the Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum is created to amplify one’s skincare regimen and help address the five Skin Nutritional Requirements. He shared that Artistry scientists have discovered that skin looks its healthy best when 5 key Skin Nutritional Requirements are fulfilled, which led to the creation of the Artistry Skin Nutrition range. These 5 key Skin Nutritional Requirements are universal, meaning, they apply equally to all skin types and all skin tones, regardless of age. 

To achieve visibly Healthy Beauty, Artistry Skin Nutrition believes one should satisfy these skin needs: Purify to keep the skin clean, calm and free of irritants; Balance to stabilize and nurture the skin’s natural microbiome; Rebuild to visibly repair the appearance of the skin; Moisturize to saturate the skin with lasting hydration; and Protect to defend the skin from the early aging effects of UV, pollution and blue light.  

“Each step in the Artistry Skin Nutrition regimen works like a supplement for one of the skin’s nutritional requirements, making visibly healthy skin simple and easy,” he underlined. “Artistry Skin Nutrition products including the Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum are all designed to target one or more of these key requirements, so it’s best to mix and match them to build an effective Healthy Beauty skincare routine.”  

Healthy beauty begins with skin that looks and feels healthy. Building on a combined 145 years of experience, Artistry Skin Nutrition is raising the bar with its unique new approach to skincare—one that’s clean, traceable, vegan and more importantly, one that effectively focuses on what the skin really needs.  

Amway Philippines Country Manager Leni Olmedo spoke about the brand’s excitement in offering Artistry Skin Nutrition to Filipino consumers especially at its highly-rated experience center, My Amway Place, during the launch.  

Recently, Amway Philippines has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2022 CX Asia Excellence Awards, bagging a nomination for Best Customer Experience Award which honors the highest level of achievement in customer experience (CX) across the Asian community. 

Experience a high level of service and customer experience by visiting My Amway Place Makati, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, online at www.amway.com.ph, or through hotline #26929 (#AMWAY) B
where the Artistry Skin Nutrition Advanced Vitamin C + HA3 Daily Serum, as well as other Artistry Skin Nutrition and Amway products are available. 

Amway Head of Marketing and Communications Carla Cruz shared how Artistry Skin Nutrition’s emphasis of Healthy Beauty with skincare products that deliver results without harming your health, and the environment. 

To learn m0re about Healthy Beauty and Artistry Skin Nutrition’s new approach to skincare, follow @OfficalAmwayPH on Facebook, @artistryph on Instagram, and the Amway website at www.amway.com.ph.  


About the Artistry Brand  

The Artistry™ brand reveals Healthy Beauty with no compromises by offering skincare, makeup, and other beauty products that work like supplements for skin. Building on a combined 145 years of experience in nutrition, wellness, and beauty, Artistry™ products are powered by cutting-edge skin science and plant-based botanicals to target every person’s unique needs. Healthy Beauty is also Clean Beauty with a goal to formulate all future Artistry™ products according to the Artistry™ Clean Guidelines with Vegan* formulas, pure, safe ingredients, better manufacturing processes, and more. With Artistry™ products, beauty no longer has to be a choice or a compromise. Artistry™ products are sold through Amway Business Owners in more than 50 countries and territories worldwide. 

*Refers to the global Artistry Skin Nutrition™ formulations 


About Amway 

Amway is an entrepreneur-led health and wellness company based in Ada, Michigan. It is committed to helping people live better, healthier lives – across more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. According to Fortune magazine, it is among the Top 50 privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™, Artistry™ and XS™ energy drinks – all sold exclusively by entrepreneurs who are known as Amway Business Owners. Global sales of $7.9 billion made Amway the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, according to the 2020 Direct Selling News Global 100. For company news, visit www.amwayglobal.com/newsroom. 

SM provides learners with environment conducive to learning

More than just an area where students gather to hold classes, a school environment plays a vital role in learners’ cognitive development. Research has shown that with an environment conducive to learning, students increase their attention and focus, and they are more motivated to practice higher-level critical thinking skills.

Adamant to provide students with venues where they can fully hone their skills and knowledge, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM group—cemented its partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) in 2002 through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program.

 

Through this, SMFI builds SM school buildings in grassroot communities, complete with basic furniture and equipment. More so, SMFI integrates specialized features to each SM school building to address the unique needs of their school recipients—some received rooms dedicated as a guidance office, a clinic, a mini-library, and some even got a water tank and a handwashing facility.

To date, SMFI has turned over more than 100 SM school buildings nationwide with the help of its partners, which share the same aspirations for the Filipino learners and teachers. One of which is the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) - one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. Since the project’s inception, over 90 SM school buildings out of the more than 100 were built through the social good collaboration with SM Prime.


Infrastructure for calamity prone areas

SMFI and SMPH ensure that the SM school buildings incorporate a disaster resilient design to guarantee the safety of the students, teachers, and other school personnel. Emergency lights at both staircases, and fire and earthquake alarm bells are also installed.

Principal Joji Buelvo, school principal of Basud Elementary School (BES) in Sorsogon City, shared the state of their school community before they accepted the fully furnished SM school building from SMFI and SM Prime in 2021: “Ang aming paaralan ay saksi sa maraming kalamidad. Kaya karamihan ng mga classrooms ay may kalumaan na, ang mga kisame ay malapit na bumagsak—talagang hindi na conducive for learning.”

“But through your [SMFI and SM Prime] donation, our BES learners now have a haven where we can nurture their young minds to be academically-ready and well-rounded members of the community,” Buelvo further expressed.


Addressing classroom shortage

The continuous rapid growth of the country’s population is taking a toll on schools—leaving the students, even the teachers, with overcrowded classrooms which affect learners’ academic performance.

In 2012, the Banisil National High School (BNHS) in General Santos City received its first SM school building. But being the only secondary school in Barangay Tambler, BNHS records a significant increase in their enrollment per year. With this challenge, SM Foundation decided to provide another edifice of hope for the sub-urban Muslim community in 2021, addressing the growing needs of BNHS learners and teachers.

BNHS then principal Shiela Balbon said, “Yung patuloy na paglobo ng population every year ay talagang naging suliranin namin.”

“Pagpasok ng 2020, nagkaroon ng COVID. So naisip ko baka hindi na matuloy. Pero itong SM Foundation, walang pande-pandemya sa kanila. Talagang desidido silang matugunan yung pangangailangan sa classroom ng mga estudyante,” she added.

“Our salute to our longtime partner, SM Foundation and SM Prime, for being so generous and proactive in providing us with school buildings that are conducive to learning. We are so grateful for your extended support to our school amidst the pandemic,” Balbon concluded.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School project. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide.

UNIQLO Expands Presence in Paranaque With Their Newest Store in Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO is opening their newest and biggest location in the Paranaque area, located in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The store is 1,495 sq. m in size and is the perfect one-stop shop for families as it carries the widest range of LifeWear for men, women, kids, and babies just in time for the holidays.

“Ayala Malls Manila Bay is the perfect destination for families in the area, and we want to make the shopping experience more fulfilling with the complete range of LifeWear staples we have at our newest store. We are gearing up for the holiday season by giving our shoppers limited offers and exclusive deals that are perfect options as gifts for their loved ones,” says UNIQLO Philippines COO Geraldine Sia.

STORE OPENING OFFERS

To celebrate its opening, shoppers can enjoy these exclusive offers from November 25 to December 1:

Men’s DRY-EX Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This t-shirt is made with DRY-EX, an extremely fast-drying fabric loved by athletes. Its drying speed, anti-microbial, and anti-odor properties bring comfort and freshness all day long. Wearers can pair it with the light and flexible DRY-EX Shorts, the perfect fit for active lifestyles. 

Now available at Php 590.00 from Php 790.00

Men’s Easy Relaxed Ankle Pants

These pants are made of soft jersey fabric with great stretch. The easy waist design is comfortable and comes with an inner drawstring to keep the pants up even with heavy items in the pockets. It is best matched with the Oxford Slim Fit Short Sleeve Shirt, perfect for both indoor and outdoor wear.

Now available at Php 790.00 from Php 990.00

Women’s Smart Tucked Shorts

Style and comfort meet in the Smart Tucked Shorts. Its flattering high-waisted tailored cut makes it a versatile piece. This can be paired with a Rayon Short-Sleeve Blouse or Linen Cotton Cropped Sleeveless Blouse for a chic daytime look.

Now available at Php 990.00 from Php 1,490.00

Women's U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This stylish statement t-shirt is meticulously designed for outstanding comfort. Its compact cotton fabric has a smooth surface while its fitted silhouette is perfect for wearing alone or as an inner layer. This LifeWear staple can be matched with a Smart Skort for a day-to-night look in the city.

Now available at Php 390.00 from Php 590.00

Girls’ Easy Shorts

These Easy Shorts are an everyday essential. The elastic waistband promises comfort and ease of movement and is secured on the inside to prevent twisting. It features a stylish paper bag waist design and a flared cut. This can be topped off with a Smooth Cotton Flare T-Shirt for a cozy everyday wear.

Now available at Php 390.00 from Php 590.00

Girls’ Smooth Cotton Volume Sleeve T-Shirt

The cotton jersey fabric comes in an elegant texture. Its stylish voluminous sleeves showcase the moderately thick, crisp fabric. For a modern casual look, this can be paired with the Tuck Wide Tapered Pants.

Now available at Php 390.00 from Php 590.00

Kids’ Easy Shorts

The durable 100% cotton twill fabric and adjustable elastic waistband can keep up with even the most active kids. This is enhanced by a sleek short length for greater freedom of movement. This functions well with Kids DRY-EX Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt while they play and move around in the park or mall.

Now available at Php 390.00 from Php 590.00

Kids’ U AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

The classic T-shirt has a trendy loose-fitting cut that’s flattering on everyone. It also features UNIQLO’s AIRism technology, which actively wicks away moisture and heat from the skin. It's highly breathable and quick drying, with a smooth, light feel perfect to pair with Kids’ Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants.

Now available at Php 390.00 from Php 590.00



SPECIAL STORE OPENING DEALS 

As a special treat for customers, UNIQLO is offering freebies and deals to customers who purchase a minimum single receipt purchase worth Php 3,500 from November 25 to 27:

 Take your pick between the limited edition UNIQLO Travel Organizer or the UNIQLO 2023 planner

 One (1) free serving of Fried Truffle Cheese Wontons at Nono’s Ayala Malls Manila Bay 

 10% discount on select regular priced items in The Travel Club Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Additionally, the first 100 paying customers will also receive a free 8 oz. Avocado Lover from Avocadoria Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Customers who shop at the store from November 25 to 27 can also get a free photo at our Snap and Shoot photo booth.

UNIQLO is also offering Php 100 off for the first 200 customers daily on Grab rides when they book to Ayala Malls Manila Bay using the code “UQMNLBAY” from November 25 to 27.

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph. You can also download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store to experience the benefits of UNIQLO shopping anytime and anywhere, including the click and collect and self-checking of inventory features.

Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial), and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@uniqlophofficial) and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com.

Short-term Loans for Immediate Funding

In today’s very volatile economy, a time will come when we encounter some cash flow issues and no matter how robust our financial plans are, the money we have isn’t enough and we need immediate funding. This goes to show that no matter how much money or savings you have, when an emergency comes, you might still need to borrow money. Good thing that nowadays, there are loans that are easier to get and these type of loans falls under short-term loan category.  

Short-term loans offer quick funding with less demanding requirements, which is why it is very popular. Processing time is also fast, it can be between a day to 5 working days. Short-term loan payment terms usually range from one month to a year.

 

Cash Advance- Credit Card 

The quickest way to obtain cash is through a credit card cash advance which uses the current credit limit of the borrower as basis of how much money he can request. Repayments come in monthly installments which will incur interest which is a bit higher than making a purchase using the credit card. Cash advances can be made via an ATM directly from the credit card bank issuer. 

 

Merchant Cash Advance 

This loan is intended to help finance small businesses which accept either debit or credit card payments from their existing pool of customers. As part of the repayment process, the borrower must grant the lender access to his business credit payment facility. From the payments made by the customers, a certain amount will be taken by the lender. 

Payday Loans 

One of the easiest loans to obtain is the payday loan as it will only require some pay slips. There are many lenders offering this type of loan with the only drawback that the borrower must pay the entire loan including interest when payday arrives.  

Line of Credit 

Most banks and financial institutions offer this is a type of loan. A line of credit is granted based on the borrower’s current credit standing. The borrower can either take the entire amount granted or have it withdrawn on an installment basis. Once the borrower has fully paid the loan, the credit line is refilled with the amount borrowed. In this type of loan, the borrower’s credit score determines the loanable amount. 

Do you have a lower credit score or a bad credit history? Worry no more, there is a poor credit borrowing option to consider because of short-term loans. For people with low or bad credit standing, this type of loan is the best that they can count on, to give them a second chance to be better or be a more responsible borrower.  

  
If you are one of those people who were given the chance to acquire money from this kind of loan, put the money into good use. Just because you get it quicker and with less hassle doesn’t mean you can spend it anyway you wanted. Loans of any amount should be spent on necessities such as food, shelter, and health or to something that generate income over time. No matter how big or small, a loan or a debt is a huge responsibility that we have to take very seriously to avoid any financial trouble in the future. 

 

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Artificial Christmas Tree

Even if you’re living in a tropical country, there is still an art to picking out a Christmas tree.

In a country that really loves the Christmas season, decorating for the holiday season is like a sport. Families across the country would bring out Christmas decorations from their vaults and start decorating as early as September. Then, the following Ber months would continue to herald the arrival of the holiday season and families would start bringing out more Christmas decor, such as their Christmas trees.

Christmas Tree Vinyl with Metal Foot from AllHome

Luckily we live in a time where we have nothing but options. With that blessing, though, comes the burden of having to choose. Whether you like short or tall, thin or thick, dark green, bright green, snowy white, or even a red Christmas tree, that’s just the beginning of options you have to wade in when choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your place.

AllHome have listed down a few things to consider that will help you choose the perfect artificial Christmas tree for your home this Holiday Season.

Six Feet Vinyl Christmas Tree from AllHome 

Mind Your Space 

Make sure to properly measure the area you plan to put your Christmas tree in. Give an allowance of at least six inches from the ceiling if you want a tall tree. But if you want a shorter tree, there’s a variety of Christmas trees in smaller sizes, like tabletop sized or slim-width floor trees which are best suited for small apartments.

Red Tabletop Berries Christmas Tree from AllHome

Pick a Tree Type

Christmas trees are usually evergreen conifers, such as a fir, spruce, or pine. Since it’s not practical to use real trees in our weather, an artificial tree of similar appearance should do it. It’s best to buy a Christmas tree in person so you can check if it’s really up to par with what you wanted. If shopping online, you may check AllHome’s website as it has the feature of high-resolution images to zoom in. This way, you can examine the trees you’re eyeing.

White Christmas Tree from AllHome

Get Precise with Color

Monotone green trees can be beautiful but may not look as natural. If you want something different this year, go for wild colors such as red, pink, or snowy white! You could also go for a winter wonderland in the tropics by choosing a snowy white Christmas tree or one that has dustings of fake snow.

Christmas Tree with Faux Snow Dusting from AllHome

Ornaments and Other Elements

Finally, when selecting an artificial tree, you should know if it includes a stand. When there is an attached stand, this helps to ensure your tree stays upright and might make storage easier. Also, check its faux trunk if it’s strong enough to hold up the tree limbs with ornaments on it or if it’s too visible in particular areas. 

Ultimately, the Christmas tree that you should pick should be the one that perfectly encapsulates the love you have for Christmas, suits your aesthetic and lifestyle. Hope that this simple guide from AllHome will be a great help to you as you navigate through the fun process of choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your place. 

To shop for more Christmas decorations, visit AllHome for its wide selection of home homeware, kitchenware, appliances, and more.

If you are seeking inspiration in creating a home filled with Christmas spirit, look no further than AllHome’s 2022 Christmas Catalogue, available now in physical copies and for digital download! Shop now at your nearest AllHome branch or online at www.allhome.com.ph!

Shopping for Christmas gifts? Visit AllHome today and find amazing discounts at AllHome’s Merrier Christmas Bundles! 

From Gifts You’ll Love under PHP1,000, PHP3,000, and up to PHP20,000, bundled items priced for one, and more discounted items on AllHome’s wide selections of homeware, furniture, appliances, and construction materials! Shop now at any AllHome branch nationwide or through its e-commerce website, www.allhome.com.ph. 

Merrier Christmas Bundles promo will run until December 31, 2022. 

AllHome online store has a shopping site that offers fast delivery, cash on delivery, and easy payment terms. You may also follow AllHome on their official Facebook page and Instagram account for more updates.

Enjoy the holidays with AllHome!

Predator Gaming x Blacklist International Dota 2: Breaking the Code in Dota 2 with a World-Class All-Filipino Roster

After solidifying their position in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang as a global esports giant, Tier One Entertainment and Blacklist International are finally expanding to Dota 2 in partnership with Predator Gaming. Blacklist Dota 2 is here and the team has some of the best Filipino talents on its roster as it vies for international acclaim in the highly competitive esports landscape.

The star-studded team includes Marc “Raven” Fausto, Karl “Karl” Baldovino, Carlo “Kuku” Palad, Timothy “TIMS” Randrup, and Nico “eyyou” Barcelo.

"Tier One has always believed that talents in South East Asia are capable of competing globally regardless of which country. However, we opted to go for a full Filipino squad because we also believe in the value of communication in a team game like DOTA 2. The players from the Philippines have had a long history of success in this game and for me I'm just excited to have the opportunity to see some of the best players in SEA assemble under the Blacklist Rivalry banner and compete against the best in the world." said Tier One Entertainment co-founder Tryke Gutierrez.

This inaugural Blacklist International Dota 2 squad also joins the prestigious roster of Predator Gaming ambassadors.

“We at Predator are honored to work hand-in-hand with Tier One Entertainment and Blacklist International in helping put the Philippines on the world stage. We have an extremely talented all-Filipino roster playing for Blacklist International and these players happen to be former champions of the Asia Pacific Predator League (APAC PL). We hope this all-star roster can also represent our country in the upcoming APAC PL 2024 which will take place in Manila. We can’t wait to see them break the code and claim another championship in front of a live audience right here in the Philippines! Blacklist International is an organization that Filipinos can stand behind and cheer for together so we’re going to help them succeed any way we can and we are committed to making that happen.”, said Acer Philippines General Manager Sue Ong-Lim.

The team’s ultimate goal will definitely be representing the Philippines in The International, the most prestigious Dota 2 tournament in the world, in 2023. Blacklist International officially acquired the slot of Singaporean organization RSG in Division 1 of the next DPC season, which kicks off early next year so fans can catch them in action very soon!

For more information about Predator Gaming, follow Predator’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Galing Pook Foundation Recognizes Outstanding Local Government Programs for 2022

 

Ten outstanding local governance programs were recognized in the 2022 Galing Pook Awards held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace last Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Galing Pook Foundation with its co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the DILG-Local Government Academy, and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed named local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that promote innovation and excellence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Galing Pook Foundation for recognizing and incentivizing top performing LGUs. He stressed how strong collaboration between the public and private sector can lead to more meaningful and successful programs that truly benefit the Filipino people.

“The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive towards improvement and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country.”

Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento expressed his gratitude to all the local executives and LGU teams that participated this year: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay.”


The winners of the 2022 Galing Pook Awards were: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan);

Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province);

Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal);

Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and

Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte).

The 10 winners were chosen from 18 finalists and a record field of 196 applications from different LGUs in the country.

Launched on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards has recognized 329 LGU programs from 200 LGUs in the country that have been promoted for replication to benefit more communities.