Treasure Jar

Michele Gumabao as 51Talk Ambassador

Michele Gumabao is an athlete, health and wellness advocate, entrepreneur and inspirational speaker who motivates young people to do more at their age. When she joined 51Talk, Michele conducted an online class to different learners. She has then spent time interacting with the students, teaching them the language and learning more about their culture.

Michele said that “From my experience, I’ve learned that patience and understanding are very important so that each session will be fulfilling and successful. Students have different learning curves, so I have to adjust and adapt to them so I can teach effectively.”

51 Talk Teacher Story Contest

51 Talk recently held “51 Talk Teacher Story” Contest, aimed to encourage their e-Educators to share their experience as online teachers. Three winners were chosen out of 250 entries based on uniqueness, inspirational appeal and over-all impact.

The winners were the following:

1st place : Teacher Moyee

2nd place : Teacher Lilydale

3rd place : Teacher Amorlove from Cebu

Read more about this here.

Visit 51Talk.com/ph for more info.

Tags: 51Talk, Become English teacher online, Online English teachers, Work from home online English teacher

Bagdasarian Productions’ brand new series ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks premiered yesterday, Friday, May 8 7.30pm (PH) on Nickelodeon.

Alvin and the Chipmunks are back on Nickelodeon in the all-new CG-animated series “ALVINNN!!!! And the Chipmunks”. This premiere marked the return of the franchise to television after 20 years. It is also the return of the duo Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian, who were both behind the original 1980s animated series and three blockbuster feature films.

ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks follows the friendship of Alvin, Simon, Theodore and The Chipettes as they face growing up and learning new life lessons.

Each episode will feature an original song produced by Bagdasarian. In the half-hour series premiere, Alvin is back in school but is not thrilled about it, that is, until he sees the new Principal and develops a crush. This episode is entitled “Principal Interest.”

In “Talking Teddy” episode, Theodore’s new talking-teddy bear is driving Alvin and Simon nuts. The two decide to rewire the bear to follow their instructions.

• After the premiere, new episodes of ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks will air weekends from Saturday, May 16 11am (PH) on Nickelodeon.

• Season one of the series will feature 52 x 11 minute episodes and is created by Janice Karman and produced by Bagdasarian Productions and OuiDO! Productions.

Alvin and The Chipmunks is a classic, global property that was created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. in 1958. Considered to be one of the most successful kids brands in the world, Alvin and The Chipmunks has secured a loyal fan-base and garnered more than 50 million+ viewers in over 150 countries and five Emmy award nominations.

Tags: Alvin and the Chipmunks, Alvin and the Chipmunks on Nickelodeon, Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian

Change for the Better Campaign by Krem-Top focuses on 5 key Filipino values to help us Filipinos give focus on doing a reflection about how we lived in 2014 and how we will be stronger and better for 2015 as we start to plan and start things right.

The campaign Change for the Better started in 2012 as a call to action to commit and sustain change that will help people become better throughout the year and not just when the inspiration to do so is stronger.

Going beyond making one’s self better was the call for a more nationalistic mission, to bring more fire to the Filipino spirit that has been through a lot of challenges in the recent years.

Krem Top’s Change for the Better campaign reminds us of the small distinctly Filipino traits that when rekindled can make our country better. Small changes can create a huge impact when done together by a community wanting to practice innate Filipino traits that will make their lives, and the lives of fellow Filipinos better,

For 2015, Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign zeroed in on Filipino values that remind us of our identity which in turn can help build a stronger nation.

Dr. Mina Ramirez of the Asian Social Institute is a renowned phenomenological sociologist who helped identify the FIVE CORE VALUES that define the Filipino people. These core values make the Filipinos stand out from the rest of the world. These five core values are essential in our quest to build a stronger nation.

Based on Dr. Ramirez’s study “The Filipino Worldview and Values” and her insights from decades of practice as a phenomenological sociologist, here are the Five Core Filipino Values based on the Basic Aspirations of a Filipino:

Mapagpasalamat

This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Pamumuhay” (Life) and “Pananalig sa Diyos at Kapwa” (Faith in God and people).  Filipinos know how to enjoy life.  We have many holidays, feasts, occasions, and reunions.  Filipinos are cheerful and naturally sociable.  We love to connect to people. We are a happy race.   We wear smiles on our faces even in depressing situations. This is because we always look at the bright side of life. We always have a positive outlook because we always find things to be thankful for, even in the smallest things. We would always say “Salamat sa Diyos” (Thank God) whenever good things happen because Filipinos, from whatever religion, would attribute life’s blessings to the Higher Being. We also acknowledge the good deeds of other people towards us and we do our best to return the favor.

Matatag

Being in a country prone to natural disasters, Filipinos have adapted and learned to be strong in times of need and in hard situations life throws at us. We continue to stand up, be firm, and fight because we have our loved ones and life’s aspirations to be strong for. This strength is drawn from our love for our family and to the higher being we believe in. This is based on Filipino’s aspiration for “Kaayusan” (Order).  In fact, Filipinos’ common expression is “Ayos Na”.  When we are able to get through difficulties, we say “Ayos Na”.  We, Filipinos long for “Kaayusan” and we will endure everything and be strong amidst hardships and challenges until we surpass the obstacles.

Masigasig

When Filipinos dream of something, we do everything possible to get it. We do it for our families and loved ones.   This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa” (Relief).  A Filipino aspires for abundance not for himself but for his family.  The Filipino translation for Happy New Year is Masaganang Bagong Taon (Bountiful New Year) because we equate happiness and celebration with abundance.  In Bisaya, “Ginhawa” means breath.  And the smooth flow of breath is the smooth flow of life which we call “Ginhawa”.  “Ginhawa” according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino.  An example would be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who endure being away from home to give their families a good life – abundance and relief from hardships.

 

Mapagmalasakit

It is because of our love for the family extended to friends, neighbors and other people that make Filipinos naturally compassionate. This compassion enables us to help other people without asking for anything in return. This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other People) as explained in Dr. Mina’s The Filipino Worldview and Values.  “Loob” is the seat of Filipinos’ dignity.  The personhood of Filipino is manifested in his “kalooban”.  Filipinos tune in each other’s “kalooban” by checking on each other’s condition and chatting about each other’s lives.  Filipinos reach out to other people.  Due to our familistic culture, Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not just to a stranger but to a relative, a next-door neighbor, a distant relative or a friend.  Our “Mapagmalasakit” trait makes it easy for us to champion the Bayanihan spirit – to unite and help each other during calamities and celebrate together during special occasions.

 

Magalang

The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (kissing of the hand) are distinct Filipino ways of respect. We say these words and use this gesture to show our respect and love for the elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people.  Our language itself is also respectful because it does not have any gender bias. Examples would be the words kapatid (brother / sister) or asawa (husband / wife) or biyenan (father-in-law / mother-in-law) or anak (son / daughter) which do not manifest differences in gender. These words are uniquely Filipino definitely respectful of the sexes. Our respect for other individuals is embedded in our culture and in our language.  This is based on our aspiration for “Lakas ng Loob” or “Kagandahang Loob”.  Malakas and Maganda, Filipinos’ original creation story brings dignity to both the Filipino and Filipina.  Both the man and the woman sprang from the bamboo.  The man bowed to the woman.  They held hands and went off together.  Dr. Ramirez said, “This is a very non-sexist indigenous version of the creation story.”

 

Dr. Mina Ramirez explained, “If you want to get to know the Filipino, learn the language.  Most of our values are deeply rooted in how we express ourselves.  The Five Core Filipino Values based on the Basic Aspirations of a Filipino are in Filipino language because there are no direct translations of these traits.  The words are unique to us.  Understanding these traits would mean dissecting the soul of a Filipino.”

“Filipinos may be hard pressed at times, but in general, we are rich.  We are rich in natural resources; we are rich in our people.  If we can just get to know more ourselves clearly and use our values to our advantage, we will become a better nation.  It’s time to change for the better,” said Dr. Ramirez.

Blen Fernando, Alaska Milk Corporation’s VP for Marketing and also the campaign leader for Krem-Top Change for the Better is optimistic that through this project, there will be awareness about the need to keep and further enrich these five Filipino Core Values. “We hope that Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign will inspire us to be the better version of ourselves for the benefit of our families and our country.  The public can count on our continued support to champion the Filipino spirit that will help make us a better and stronger nation.”

Photos here.

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For more information about Krem-Top Change for the Better campaign, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop or follow @kremtopPH on Twitter.

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About Krem-Top

Krem-Top is a product of Alaska Milk Corporation, a leading company in consumer goods and was launched nationwide in 2012. It is a non-dairy coffee creamer that gives all the rich taste which best complements your coffee. Relish the creaminess and savour the wonderful aroma which will make your coffee experience more enjoyable.

Tags: Change for the Better Campaign, Dr. Mina Ramirez, Filipino Core Values, Krem-Top Change for the Better Campaign, Krem-Top Change for the Better Campaign Filipino Core Values, Krem=Top campaign, Magalang, Mapagmalasakit, Mapagpasalamat, Masigasig, Matatag, www.facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop

You know life just got better when you can organize your kitchen better and thereby work more efficiently saving on time, energy and lessening exasperation over spoiled food, high electricity consumption and having to deal with disorganization.

The new Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator gives you all that and more. Designed to provide optimum use of space to make kitchen life more organized, looking for something in the refrigerator has never been as easy as it was before. To parents with children who like to rummage through the typical refrigerator in search for an apple to munch on or a pizza to heat for snacks, you know what this means, right? Some food containers are opened and not closed properly, some even spill (the horrors!) and some are switched in location.

Even chef couple and Samsung Digital Appliances ambassadors, Rolando and Jackie Laudico note that preparing dishes both at home and their newly-renovated restaurant, Guevarra’s, there is a difference on how an organized refrigerator makes work easier and smooth flowing.

“When preparing dishes at our restaurant, it’s always important to have our ingredients readily available. With the high kitchen traffic, we can’t afford to waste time looking for ingredients as the viands should always be readily available for our customers.” said Chef Jac “While at home, we always aim to prepare healthy yet delicious meals for our children so it’s important for us to have a refrigerator that keeps healthy produce like vegetables fresh so we won’t have to constantly replace them.”

Samsung Digital Appliances therefore created a refrigerator that helps families keep their food organized and fresh but also looks good in the kitchen.

Be more organized

The Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator features two layers that optimize the use of space and provide clearly defined zones for frequently used food. It has three functional zones

• The Cooking Zone stores frequently used items, such as eggs, cheese and sauce bottles;
• The Family Zone stores items for the entire family like beverages and fruit;
• The Kids Zone stores children’s snacks and is located at the lower part of the Showcase considering the height of children.

Customized storage space for everyone? Cool!

Located deeper within the refrigerator, behind the outer Showcase is the perfect place to preserve easily perishable items like vegetables, fruits and meats.

More Space.

The Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator has more space, to provide the family’s differing food preferences. The daily food items and ingredients like snacks, beverages, sauces are put in areas and at heights to determine optimal locations.

Ice Master

There is an Ice Master built into the door, to provide extra space by freeing two additional shelves in the freezer. Yes, with conventional freezers, if your ice cube trays do not have covers, sometimes these get contaminated with other food items. 

The Ice and Water Dispenser feature gives you chilled filtered water at just a touch of a button.

Slide and Fold Shelf

The Slide & Fold shelf adds extra flexibility to storage because it can easily be removed, folded up or raised and lowered to fit items you might want to put in. There is really no wasted space.

Save time

With the Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator, all frequently used items have a designated, easily accessible space.

Saving time in food preparation is very important, especially for moms like me who doesn’t need to go through the different zones in the refrigerator in search for just one item.

Keep food fresher for longer

Food also stays fresher for longer in the Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator. Its unique features retain cool air within the refrigerator even if the Showcase door is frequently opened, and ensure an even and constant temperature from top to bottom, front to back. This assures customers that food stays fresh, no matter where it is stored or how often the door is opened.

For sure, the Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator is a premium home appliance. Equipped with a Digital Inverter Technology, this refrigerator provides energy savings efficiency and guarantees durability.

There is a 10 year warranty on the compressor.

“Truly, one of the most important items you can have in your kitchen, both at home and, in our case, at work is a refrigerator that keeps your environment organized.” said Chef Lau “Which is why we are happy to have the Samsung Food ShowCase to make our kitchen life easier.”

The Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator (with Ice and Water Dispenser) is priced at Php 139,900 and Php 129,900 for the basic model.

Available at all authorized Samsung dealers nationwide.

More photos here. Pardon the grainy photos.

Tags: Digital Inverter Technology appliances, Digital Inverter Technology Samsung refrigerator, Samsung Digital Appliances, Samsung Digital Appliances refrigerator, Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator, Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator Cooking Zone, Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator Family Zone, Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator Ice Master, Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator Kids Zone, Samsung Food ShowCase Refrigerator Slide & Fold Shelf

If you were able to join Electrolux’s annual clothes donation drive last year where the collected pre-loved clothes were washed before given away, this year, Electrolux made the clothes donation campaign better.

How?

Electrolux and Gawad Kalinga’s Trese partnered to have these donated pre-loved clothes transformed into beautiful and colorful quilts for the newborn babies from orphanages and other communities. Now, if that advocacy touched your hearts, then sort through your closets now and look for clothes that you might want to give to help keep warm these babies as the -BER months usher in cooler winds.

Why quilts?

Quilts are traditionally made to preserve a story told by each piece of fabric sewn to form it. In Delightful-E Simple to Share, these quilts will document a story of underprivileged moms helping newborns in need.

This new twist to Electrolux’s advocacy aims to show that sharing goes beyond donating clothes.“Through Delightful-E Simple, we hope to mark the difference between giving and sharing. For when we share, we freely impart a piece of ourselves—our time, effort, and concern. Hence, we are able to give more,” explains Andrea Pionilla, marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines.

But wait, there’s more in the Electrolux Delightful-E Simple to Share campaign with Simple to Share Instagram and Twitter Contest:

Here is what you have to do when you share your pre-loved clothes in the Simple to Share Instagram and Twitter Contest:

1.  Take a photo of a special piece of clothing you are willing to donate
2. Write why this piece of clothing is special to you and why you wish to donate it
3. Do not forget to use the hashtags #DelightfulE and #SimpleToShare and tag @ElectroluxPh

ElectroluxPh on Twitter and ElectroluxPh on Instagram

The Simple to Share Contest will run from August 1 to September 30, 2014.

To know more about Electrolux Delightful-E Simple, visit www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook or follow @ElectroluxPH on Twitter and Instagram.

Tags: Contest Alert, Electrolux, Electrolux and Gawad Kalinga's Trese, Electrolux Delightful-E, Electrolux Delightful-E Simple to Share, Electrolux Simple to Share, ElectroluxPH, Simple to Share Instagram and Twitter Contest, www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook

DreamWorks Animation is building the world’s first Dreamplay “Edutainment” Center, City of Dreams Manila.

Featuring DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved characters from its movies, DreamPlay blends Entertainment and Learning with interactive experiences.

Launched last May 22, 2014, Casino resort developer Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation (Melco Crown Philippines) is a company listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange (“PSE”) with trading symbol “MCP” and a subsidiary of Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (“Melco Crown Entertainment”) (SEHK: 6883) (NASDAQ: MPEL), a developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities in Asia, today announced a collaboration with global branded entertainment company DreamWorks Animation (NASDAQ: DWA) to develop the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired “Edutainment” center at City of Dreams Manila.

Celebrating the announcement of City of Dreams Manila’s introduction of DreamWorks Animations and the DreamPlay edutainment center to its planned thrilling entertainment and leisure destination resort at Entertainment City, Manila.
DreamWorks characters join Mr. Jorge Sarmiento, President of PAGCOR, with Mr. Clarence Chung, Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines; Mr. James Clark, Head of Retail Development and Entertainment for Asia Pacific of DreamWorks Animation; along with SM Group partners.

In collaboration with DreamWorks Animation, Melco Crown Entertainment introduces the education-based, interactive entertainment concept, “DreamPlay by DreamWorks”, which will be the first of its kind in the world when it opens later this year, at City of Dreams Manila, a leisure, gaming and entertainment destination resort currently under development at Entertainment City, Manila, Philippines.

Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines Mr. Clarence Chung is joined by Mr. James Clark, Head of Retail Development and Entertainment for Asia Pacific of DreamWorks Animation, in “magically” turning the page of an “enchanted” story book to officially launch the logo as part of the DreamPlay edutainment center at City of Dreams Manila announcement.

Inspired by the mantra of learning through play, “DreamPlay by DreamWorks” is a revolutionary approach to family entertainment.

What to expect:

• Each experience is designed exclusively for City of Dreams Manila by the artistic and creative forces of DreamWorks Animation and iP2 Entertainment to combine the best elements of the DreamWorks library with the hands-on activities of an education inspired play-center to create a truly one-of-a-kind family adventure.
• “DreamPlay” represents an exciting blend of integrated live and digital play spaces, featuring DreamWorks’ popular characters and creative storytelling combined with innovative educational play, appealing to children and adults alike.
• Guests will immerse themselves in the world of DreamWorks Animation, interacting directly with their favorite characters through revolutionary experiences.
• Interactive environments, featuring the very latest digital technologies, will enable kids to engage in a wide range of thrilling activities, interacting with beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s world-famous franchises including Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.

DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters Po from Kung Fu Panda; Shrek; and Alex the Lion from Madagascar, join executives Mr. Clarence Chung Chairman and President of Melco Crown Philippines and Mr. James Clark, Head of Retail Development and Entertainment for Asia Pacific of DreamWorks Animation, at the official announcement of the DreamPlay edutainment center at City of Dreams Manila.

“Melco Crown Philippines is delighted to be introducing DreamWorks to the Philippines as we continue our strategy of delivering innovative leisure and entertainment offerings that enhance the leisure destination appeal of Manila,” explained Clarence Chung, Chairman and President, Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation.

“Our collaboration with DreamWorks is a further illustration of our expertise in developing world-class, innovative and ground-breaking entertainment for leisure seekers both in the Philippines and internationally. The ‘DreamPlay’ concept delivers an education experience through spontaneous and sensory play that represents an industry first.”

Paul Kurzawa, Head of Retail Development & Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation said: “We are very excited to work with Mr. Lawrence Ho and Melco Crown Entertainment to build something that we believe is a truly unique way for children to experience, learn and interact with the characters and worlds of DreamWorks Animation.

“As a global entertainment brand, we continue to expand our footprint with immersive, year-round fan experiences and ‘DreamPlay’ provides a distinctive opportunity for visitors in a fun and educational setting.

“Harnessing leading digital technologies, this attraction is going to be unlike anything that currently exists and will undoubtedly become a new type of destination for families, both in the Philippines and across the rapidly growing leisure-destination markets of Asia.”

In January 2014, City of Dreams Manila introduced Hollywood-celebrity trendsetting Nobu brand, marking the first Nobu Hotel in Asia. With the addition of the world’s first “DreamPlay by DreamWorks” edutainment center, City of Dreams Manila is a further step in realizing its overall vision to deliver world-class and diverse innovative lifestyle and entertainment offerings, and to support the Philippine government’s strategy to broaden the appeal of the Philippines as a leading leisure destination in Asia.

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About City of Dreams Manila

City of Dreams Manila, when it opens in 2014, will mark the formal entry of Melco Crown Entertainment into the fast-growing and dynamic tourism industry in the Philippines. The new integrated casino resort at Entertainment City, Manila Bay, Manila, is being developed and will be operated by Melco Crown Philippines in alliance with SM Group’s Belle Corporation.

The dynamic and innovative resort complex, located on an approximately 6.2-hectare site at the gateway to Entertainment City, will include the ultimate in entertainment, hotel, retail and dining and lifestyle experiences with aggregated gaming space, including VIP and mass-market gaming facilities with up to approximately 365 gaming tables, 1,680 slot machines and 1,680 electronic table games upon opening.

The integrated resort will feature three distinctive entertainment venues, including Manila’s first branded Family Entertainment Center, a live performance central lounge inside the casino and a night club situated at the Fortune Egg, an architecturally-unique dome-like structure, which will be accented with creative exterior lighting design. It is expected to become an iconic landmark of the Manila Bay area.

City of Dreams Manila is destined to deliver an unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experience to the Philippines and will ultimately play a key role in strengthening the depth and diversity of Manila’s leisure, business and tourism offering, enhancing its growing position as one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations. It is being developed to specifically meet the needs of the large, rapidly growing and increasingly diverse audience of leisure and entertainment seekers both in the Philippines and those visiting Manila from across the Asia region and around the world.

Tags: City of Dreams Manila, DreamPlay by DreamWorks, DreamPlay by DreamWorks City of Dreams, Melco Crown Entertainment