Escuela Taller Foundation – Restoring and Enriching the Philippine Historical Heritage

20 June 2014, Manila

The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, in partnership with the National Museum and in collaboration with the Intramuros Administration, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and National Archives of the Philippines, presents Escuela Taller Foundation: Contributing to the Preservation and the Rehabilitation of Philippine Historical Heritage.

Open to the public since June 20, the National Museum showcases two great exhibits.

Firstly, the origin of Escuela Taller in Spain and through Latin America and the important role that Escuella de Intramuros has played, in strengthening the relations between Spain and the Philippines.

The exhibition also highlights the conservation efforts of Escuela Taller with the walled city of Intramuros and how the Escuella Taller Foundation, Inc. continues the legacy of 'building' 

in the earthquake-stricken Visayan region.

Inaugurated in the Philippines in 2008, Escuela Taller de Intramuros has been training youths in carpentry, brickwork, stonework and ironwork, aimed at conserving and preserving the Philippine  cultural and architectural heritage. 

Furthermore, Escuela Taller targets to empower the Filipino youth through capacity building and poverty reduction, skills development in traditional construction methods and restoration techniques; thus, uplifting the standard of living of these young people.

The 2^nd part is the launching of the English edition of the catalogue of the exposition Pacifico, Espana y la Aventura de la Mar del Sur.

The two mentioned great events are in commemoration of the Philippine Spanish Friendship Day celebrated annually, every June 30.  The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, in collaboration with several Philippine public and private institutions, organizes a series of activities, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

For further information, kindly contact:

Embassy of Spain

Cultural Departmen

Telephone Nos.: +632-8179997/8176676
Fax +632-8174892                                                                  Email: emb.manila.ofc@maec.es/emb.manila@maec.es
27^th Floor BDO Equitable Tower

751 Paseo de Roxas 1226 Makati City, Philippines

Suite Espanola - Una Magnifica Interpretacion Musical en CCP

7 June 2014, Manila

In celebration of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day this June 30, and to commemorate the strong ties between the two countries, Suite Espanola, brings together Rosa Torres-Pardo, a classical pianist and Rocio Marquez-Limon, a young flamenco singer, in Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino at CCP. 

Accentuating the deep historical and cultural ties of the Philippines and Spain, a series of activities has been organized by The Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, this entire month of June.

Both of Torres-Pardo and Marquez-Limon remarkably interpreted the classical compositions of Granados, Albeniz and Falla.  

I, together with the enthusiastic audience, were wowed by the superb performances of these two talented artists. No wonder, their  finale was brought to a well-deserved standing ovation, by their appreciative audience.

A great show, indeed! 

Visit: emb.manila.ofc@maec.es

SGD Conducts Diagnostic Testing

May 31, 2014, Makati 

Appreciate the good health screening services conducted by Singapore Diagnostics (SGD), a Philippine company that carries the full support of the entire LabAsia group. 

According to Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dan Luchangco, LabAsia together with Medlab Asia managed successful diagnostic laboratories in Singapore and Malaysia.  And in their maiden entry into the Philippines, they have a strong local team working with their expatriate to customize solutions that meet local needs.

While waiting for my cholesterol/FBS testing, I have had the chance to ask SGD Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Seelan, about some general health issues. Mr. Seelan is a biomedical scientist by profession, whose responsibility is to keep up to date with the latest progress in medical technology and feed these valuable information to the doctors, so that they could improve their interpretation.  

Check on their medical services at introductory promo, below:

For more details, email: seelan@singaporediagnostics.com

The 3rd Philippine-Korean Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibit

May 30, 2014 - Taguig

His Excellency, Lee Hyuk, Ambassador, Republic of Korea, delivered the Welcome Remarks at the opening reception of the 3rd Philippine-Korean Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibit, with theme, 'Coexistence in Asia', held at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC).

This 2014 Exchange Exhibit is in celebration of the 65 years of bilateral relations between Korea and the Philippines.

Prof. Leonardo Rosete, Dean of UP College of Fine Arts, recognized five artists, in his Congratulatory Remarks, namely: Filipino artists Geraldine Javier, Manny Montelibano and Leslie de Chavez; and Korean Artists Kim Min-kyung and Joo Dae Hee. And these artists  were presented a certificate and gift each, by Mr. OH Choong-suk, Director. Korean Journalist, Ms. J. Iirh, who discussed the art residency program earlier during the day, was likewise recognized.

While having Korean dinner, we were entertained by the nice performances of:

Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion) 

and Kulintang (Philippine traditional instrument), among others.

Below are some of the artworks on  display at KCC:

The art exhibit runs until July 26, at the Korean Cultural Center, Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

                                                                             

For more details, email: http://www.koreanculture.ph events@koreanculture.ph or call 555-1711

BSP Governor Opens First Philippine Retail Investment Conference

May 28, 2014, Manila - At the inaugural of the Philippine Retail Investment Conference in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, the keynote speaker, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., stressed the continued positive outlook of the economy.

Organized by CFA Society Philippines, the conference is part of a global series of events to promote 'Putting Investors First'.  On its first month this May, it aims to increase awareness and unite investment professionals to place the investors' interests first.  Close to 500 people attended the event, comprising of senior regulators, local and international investment professionals, and advisors, among others, to address common the issues facing retail investors.

A panel discussion on how to avoid investment scams highlighted the conference, with Hans Sicat, president of the Philippine Stock Exchange: Vida Chiong, deputy insurance commissioner of the Insurance Commission; Atty. Gerard Lukban, secretary of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, and Atty. Romeo Mendoza, Jr., general counsel of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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"As we welcome an integrated ASEAN economy, we expect greater opportunities to open up for retail investors," says April Lee-Tan, CFA, president of CFA Society Philippines.  "In order for us to fully realize our economic potential, investors must be able to trust their investment professionals to treat them honestly, competently, and ethically.  CFA Society Philippines organized this conference to teach investors best practices investment risks and their rights so that they will be smarter decision makers."

Mr. Charles Yang, CFA Chair of the board of governors of CFA Institute, presented the University of the Philippines, Diliman team that won the CFA Institute Global Research Challenge Finals held in Singapore in April.  The Research Challenge is an annual competition in financial analysis, that considered "the investment Olympics" for university students.  Globally, more than 3,700 students from more than 825 universities participated in some stage of the challenge.  It was the 2nd time  U.P. Diliman won the global finals.

"We are proud of the series of investor awareness activities organized by CFA Society Philippines, including the Financial Fitness Fun Run in February and ringing the closing bell at the Philippine Stock Exchange.  To raise our commitment to the local investment community.  CFA Institute and CFA Society Philippines will co-host the Philippine investment Conference in October, to highlight investment opportunities to professional investors in this exciting economy," says Mr. Yang, who delivered the conference's closing address.

Visit: www.cfasociety.org/philippines; www.cfainstitute.org

Pro-friends' Conducts Carmona Estates Media Campaign

27 May 2014, Manila   

Emceed by celebrity mom and stand-up comedienne Giselle Sanchez, PRO-FRIENDS campaign’s kickoff event-slash-brand, Carmona Estates launch was witnessed by privileged media representatives and special guests among others, at the Blue Leaf Filipinas in Paranaque City.

Indeed, owning your dream house proves to be a challenge these days.  Several factors like location, affordable financing and environment play important roles in determining whether a house can be turned into a home.  Fortunately for prospective homeowners, these elements are exactly what property developer and game changer Property Company of Friends, Inc., or simply PRO-FRIENDS, strategically consider in creating residential communities and in providing homes to Filipino families.

To support this mission, PRO-FRIENDS’ 87-HECTARE DEVELOPMENT Carmona Estates bears its newest campaign called, “We’re Home.”

Carmona Estates, a noted development of PRO-FRIENDS, offers the most value for your hard-earned money.  With an impressive portfolio of horizontal and vertical residential developments all over the country, PRO-FRIENDS is a trusted name in the real estate industry.  This alone is assurance enough that choosing to reside within the Carmona Estates enclave is one of the wisest investments young married couples can have.

Situated at Barangay Lantic in Carmona, Cavite, Carmona Estates is a thriving community with existing happy homeowners already.  Residents can also spend their time in the community's sprawling greenery, where a playground and a swimming pool are available for every homeowner's use.  Carmona Estates is conveniently located eight minutes from the Carmona Exit of the South Luzon Expressway, and just a few minutes away from the Carmona town proper and public market.  It is a flood-free community that fosters belongingness, comfort and security.

“A house should be a place where you and your family feel most comfortable at – no pretensions, no hesitations.  This is where you should be able to reveal your true self without fear of judgment.  Carmona Estates, through the “We’re Home” campaign, delivers your own sanctuary, a space where you can be the way you are.  Our house and lots are roomy and cozy, perfect for a growing family who seeks to be completely at home in their own house.  Our units are both affordable, starting at PhP9,300/month for the Pines house model, with no lump sum or balloon payments, and spacious with well thought-out designs, something that’s rarely offered in the market today,” says Mr. Augusto G. Leonardo, Jr., PRO-FRIENDS COO/EVP Business Unit 4 Head.

A range of house models like townhouses and single-attached units, each smartly utilizing every available space, awaits different kinds of families.  And as mentioned by Mr. Leonardo, upstart couples may opt for the Pines, a manageable 60-square-meter dwelling with three bedrooms and two bath, starting at PhP9,300 for the monthly payment.  Meanwhile, bigger families may want the four-bedroom Oakwood, a spacious 104-square-meter expanse with enough room for two cars, starting at PhP18,900 a month.

Each house and lot is priced competitively so even a modest amount of savings can already get you started in owning your dream home.  With one of the most flexible financial schemes in the market that guarantees no balloon payments, living in the well-appointed Carmona Estates gated community is within reach.

Incidentally, in that fun-filled launch, it came as a surprise to Mr. Leonardo, when he was called on stage and greeted by event-emcee Giselle, a 'Happy Birthday'. While the celebrant was traditionally presented with a birthday cake, the audience joined Giselle in singing the birthday song.

Pro-friends owner, Mr. Gerry Choa, inspired the audience by stating the developer's strongest selling points, “Pro-friends is being able to understand the people we serve, and saying good enough isn’t good enough.  We will continue to improve in every facet we can improve, and to keep improving as we have improved in the last 15 years."

More info at: www.profriends.com

ZCR 4th Conference in Manila

May 21 2014 - Attended by tourism SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises), hotel/resort/restaurant owners, local associations of architects, engineers, technical consultants, tourism and human resources students and advocates,    the 4th Zero Carbon Resorts Conference was conducted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

 

Catching my attention was the unique and cozy ZCR Native Bamboo Cottage - an energy self-sufficient model, showcasing sustainable principles and energy systems using appropriate technology solutions.  In its redesign stage, 3rd of ZCR's three-pronged approach (1st is to reduce the energy consumption in hotels and resorts; 2nd is to replace inefficient fossil-based devices with better, greener technologies), this redesigned "Zero Carbon Cottage" (below), uses solar-and biomass-based energy generation systems.

Recognized during the event were the tourism SMEs that gained the highest CO₂ savings. Likewise acknowledged were the ASEAN awardees from the ZCR members.

Congratulations to GrAt Managing Director, Dr. Robert Wimmer, and his dynamic team for the ZCR's success and achievements  over the last 4 years!


More details: www.zerocarbonresorts.eu 
Email:  zcr@grat.at