Who else wants to join the QC Eco-Run: Run Green, Breathe Clean? Runners, Fitness and Eco-Tourism advocates are thrilled to participate of the upcoming QC Eco-Run 2024.
Runners get ready! Quezon City is changing the game with its upcoming 10k, 5k and 2k QC Eco Run! Be one of the lucky runners who will get to be part of a premium race experience while doing your part to help preserve the environment.
Get the opportunity to experience running thru the Iconic Edsa-Quezon Ave Underpass whilst setting a new personal record along the straight road of Quezon Avenue. Partake the Clean Air Movement by planting the complimentary home garden seeds included in the race kit.
For your 10k run entry, get a premium event shirt, timing chip, race bib, finisher medal plus amazing giveaways and a chance to win raffle prizes! Experience this premiere Eco event for another game changing reg fee of only P550 for the 10km Run , P350 for the 5km and just P250 for 2km event! Level up the fun with the FREE Dance Fitness Marathon!
By uniting Fitness and Eco-Tourism initiatives, the QC Government creates a big impact in everyone’s day to day living. The QC Eco-Run sets the stage for a more active lifestyle for both fitness and run enthusiasts.
Happening on November 24, 2024 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, The QC Eco-Run highlights many first in the running community.
The ceremonial tree planting activity will be celebrated at the La Mesa Ecopark on November 17, 2024, a week prior the QC Run to highlight this ecotourism campaign and initiative.
To further encourage everyone to contribute environmentally, the complimentary home garden seeds can be used to start your very own Home Garden and contribute to a cleaner air.
Furthermore, to abide by this environmental campaign, the use of reusable cups in lieu if disposable ones, will be implemented by our hydration partner.
Following protocol, all promotional collaterals such as banners will also be recycled as Eco bags, in alignment with the QC Tarpcycling Program.
The QC Eco-Run is presented by Globe Telecoms, Major sponsors – Ayala Land Estates, Vertis North and Manila Water.
Event partners include Starbucks Philippines, Mc Donalds, Jollibee, Skeen Clinic, Gold Seas Tuna and GCashTo register, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/qcecorun
Who else wants to join the NIVEA’s 10 Out of 10 Care Celebration for a chance to win amazing prizes?
Did you know that your trusted skin care partner, NIVEA, recently marked a significant milestone in its commitment to skin health and well-being by hosting a nationwide raffle? This initiative went beyond simply offering prizes; it was a celebration of care, connection, and the expert solutions NIVEA provides to help you feel your best.
As a global leader in skincare, NIVEA is dedicated to delivering advanced skin solutions that empower individuals to embrace their own glow. With a focus on fostering community and well-being, NIVEA encourages you to connect with others and enjoy life to the fullest.
The much-anticipated nationwide raffle is still ongoing, providing you with the opportunity to win exciting prizes! As NIVEA continues its mission to reward and celebrate loyal customers, each winner exemplifies the confidence that comes from caring for one’s skin.
Join in for your chance to be one of the lucky winners! From October 10 to December 10, 2024, spend ₱500 on NIVEA products for your chance to win a dream trip to South Korea for two (2)!
Unlock More Opportunities to Win with NIVEA
NIVEA has even more thrilling opportunities for you to showcase your skincare passion and potentially score exclusive goodies—just share your NIVEA love on social media and you could be the next lucky winner.
To enter, visit NIVEA’s official Instagram @nivea_ph and find the “Add Yours” template in the 10/10 IG story highlight. Click the “Add Yours” button to create a 30-second video showcasing your favorite NIVEA product and why it deserves a 10 out of 10. Tag NIVEA in your post and include the hashtag #10outof10fromNIVEA.
By participating, you’ll have a chance to win exclusive NIVEA goodies like the NIVEA Intensive Moisture Body Milk, NIVEA Body Extra Bright Radiant & Smooth Lotion, NIVEA Extra Bright Super 10 Body Serum, and more.
The NIVEA Pop-up Booth
NIVEA recently brought its expert skincare advice with its exciting pop-up booths! Visitors enjoyed personalized skin consultations, product demonstrations, and exclusive offers. If you missed the event at SM Mall of Asia and SM North Edsa, you can still experience NIVEA’s 10 out of 10 care through online exclusive offers. A perfect chance to pamper your skin and discover your new favorite products!
Join the NIVEA Squad
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the NIVEA family, this is your chance to experience 10 out of 10 care and win amazing prizes. Follow NIVEA on social media and visit their website to learn more about upcoming promos and the latest in skincare innovations. Let NIVEA’s expert care continue to be a part of your daily routine and your special moments.
Together, let’s celebrate the power of feeling cared for!
October 28, 2024 – Meralco crews and personnel worked round the clock to restore service to over 566,000 customers that were affected by power interruptions amidst the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. As another weather disturbance enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Meralco assures its customers that it is monitoring the situation and is ready to respond 24/7 to service concerns that may arise from Tropical Storm Leon.
For inquiries or concerns, Meralco is ready to serve you 24/7 via our online channels:
The much-anticipated PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga kicked off with a bang, drawing a massive crowd to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. A total of 11,021 fans attended Game One of between Barangay Ginebra and TNT – the largest PBA crowd in the venue.
The game, which saw TNT dominate Ginebra 104-88, was a testament to the league’s enduring popularity.
PACKED TO THE RAFTERS
The Ynares Center was filled to capacity, with fans from both teams creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere. The passionate crowd cheered on their respective teams, adding to the intensity of the game. The huge turnout underscored the intense rivalry between Ginebra and TNT, two of the most popular teams in the PBA.
BARANGAY GINEBRA AND TNT TROBANG GIGA RIVALRY
The high attendance for Game 1 is a promising sign for the rest of the series. With both teams boasting talented rosters and passionate fan bases, the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals is expected to be one of the most exciting and competitive series in recent years.
The crowd attendance surpassed the previous high of 10,952 set on December 21, 2011 during a quarterfinal doubleheader between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine, and Petron and Meralco during the 2011-12 Philippine Cup.
Long time PBA fan Marlon Estrada who came with his wife Eloisa enjoyed the action-packed Game 1 even if his PBA team San Miguel Beer is not playing for contention. “Thankful ako kasi yung finals ng PBA nandito sa Ynares Center. Malapit sa amin sa Teresa and tamang-tama, Sunday ngayon kaya parang date na din namin. Masaya akong nakitang enjoy ang asawa ko kasi first time din nyang nakanood ng PBA” shared Estrada.
Rizalenyos and PBA fans from nearby provinces and even cities braved the traffic going to the venue. The PBA Game 1 tickets between Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga were selling like hot cakes and PBA fans can be seen entering the Ynares Center even after the start of the game.
Incidentally, Game One was also for a cause as the PBA Board announced during a press conference in Taguig City that all Game 1 earnings will go to the calamity victims.
Board chair Ricky Vargas of Meralco said all Game 1 earnings will be coursed by the PBA through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility organization of TV5 Network Inc.
The 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor’s Cup Finals Game 1 between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga was held on October 25 2024 at Ynares Center, Antipolo City.
Who else has participated the IELTS Mini Fairs Laoag?
On October 13, 2024, I attended the IELTS Mini Fairs Laoag co-presented by The Travel Club, organized by IELTS British Council Philippines, held at Venetian Hall, Java Hotel, 55B Gen. Segundo Avenue (Bacarra Rd.), Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900, Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Philippines.
Photo Credit: ENZ Education
During the event, the team of IELTS British Council Philippines, shared the features and benefits of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), co-owned by BRITISH COUNCIL and IELTS. These benefits are as follows:
1. Become familiar with the format of the IELTS on paper test.
2. Gauge your current level of English proficiency.
3. Pinpoint areas where you need improvement through the indicative IELTS and scores on your Listening, Reading and Writing tests.
4. Get valuable practice in managing time constraints and test anxiety.
The 𝟮𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 (𝗗𝗣𝗥𝗠) 𝗞𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 was held on September 5, 2024, at Novotel Manila, Cubao, Quezon City, National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines. The theme, “Securing a Future for All by Growing a Resilient Middle Class,” is grounded on the Philippines’ AmBisyon Natin 2040, which envisions “a prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor.” It emphasizes the middle class’ quality of life and their role in promoting the country’s development, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), a nonstock, nonprofit government corporation engaged in the conduct of long-term policy-oriented research in the Philippines.
During the forum and press conference, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Dr. Jose Ramon Albert provided key insights from their study “Wealth Creation for Expanding the Middle Class in the Philippines”. He described the middle-class household as typically comprising 3 to 4 members, with a monthly income between PHP 24,060 to PHP 144,360. Mr. Albert emphasized that this segment represented around 39.8% of the population in 2021 and plays a critical role in socioeconomic growth due to their access to higher education and income.
However, Mr. Albert explained that many middle-class households have experienced job losses, reduced incomes, and increased expenditure on education and health. He warned that unless action is taken, these setbacks could hinder the middle class from fully contributing to inclusive growth. To address these concerns, the need for comprehensive strategy to not only expand the middle class but also make it resilient against global megatrends that can exacerbate existing inequalities, according to Mr. Albert.
Dr. Jose Ramon Albert and co-authors PIDS Senior Research Fellows Dr. Roehlano Briones and Dr. John Paolo Rivera suggested a four-pronged approach to achieve a sustainable transformation. This includes promoting social justice in natural resource management and climate action, harnessing new opportunities in trade and investments for MSMEs, ensuring a future-ready workforce and social protection, and improving digital governance and public service delivery.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), who served as one of the forum’s discussants, identified key investment areas that can help fulfill the aspirations of the middle class. These include housing and urban development, agriculture, manufacturing, connectivity, financial services, and tourism. “We must implement many more strategies so that they can better move up the social ladder,” she stated. Edillon also highlighted the importance of social protection to ensure the welfare and sustained growth of the middle class.
In discussing the broader governance implications, Ms. Daniela Braun, Country Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, pointed out that good governance is essential in empowering the middle class. “Good governance is not only a worthy goal in itself, but also a means to achieve economic growth,” she said, contrasting the effects of corruption in poorly governed countries with the trust and investment spurred by good governance.
The forum concluded with remarks from Atty. Marco Sardillo III, Executive Director of Asia Society Philippines, who underscored the apparent vulnerability of the middle class, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. “The assumption is that the oligarchs are invested in our politicians, and they look after the poor. It is the middle class that is left to their own devices,” Sardillo noted. He urged both the government and media to raise awareness on middle-class issues, as a more informed population is better equipped to engage in its own development. “If more of us were aware of what is at stake when we talk about the middle class, then maybe we’ll start taking these issues more seriously,” Sardillo said.
Photo Credit: PIDS
The DPRM is held every year in September to promote and draw nationwide awareness on the importance of policy research in formulating evidence-based plans, programs, and policies.
Frankfurt (Main), Germany (Press Release, October 17, 2024) – The Philippines will step into a central role at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM) as the Guest of Honour (GoH). During today’s press conference, curators Patrick D. Flores and Karina A. Bolasco as well as representatives of the organizing Philippine agencies – Dante Francis Ang II, Chair of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Eric B. Zerrudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and H.E. Irene Susan B. Natividad, Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy to Germany – revealed the visual identity and full theme, providing a sneak peek at the 2025 Guest of Honour presentation. Furthermore, two members of the authors’ delegation, the transfeminine thinker and artist Jaya Jacobo and Ferdinand Benedict „Budjette“ Tan, creator of the Trese Comics, gave an insight into their work.
As a culturally diverse nation of 7,641 islands, the Philippines will highlight the strength of this diversity by featuring national artists, indigenous traditions, global perspectives, and a tribute to national hero Jose Rizal. Inspired by a line from Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, the country’s theme The Imagination peoples the air encapsulates the profound intersection of Philippine literature, vibrant culture, and rich history. It invites the global audience to experience the nation’s literary heart.
“The keywords imagination, people, and air allude to the elements of the writing and reading context: the producers and receivers of texts; the talent of the idiosyncratic individual who reads and writes; and the community gathered by the air emanating from and animating books,” said Patrick Flores, curator of the Philippine Pavilion. Literature in the Philippines is more than storytelling; it is a social practice that connects readers to global ideas and future aspirations. Philippine narratives span genres and mediums, offering a unique perspective on history, culture, and contemporary realities. “The Guest of Honour Pavilion will be the space, the climate for sharing: democratic, deliberative, daring, convivial, peopled by imagination, prompted to action by struggle and dream,” Flores added.
The visual identity, Flores introduced, also follows the theme: The imagination peoples the air while conveying the act of ‘imagining’ as a graphic and geometric abstraction brought to life. The main logo visualizes this process by an ascending grid lifting in the air, recalling the collective aspirations of the nation. The color scheme reflects Rizal’s descriptions of vivid tones of gold, blue, red and green in the settings and characters of his book. The typefaces refer to letters used in the first printing of Noli around 1890. Finally, the visual design also includes glyphs, inspired by the baybayin script, an ancient writing system, used by early Filipinos before the Spanish colonization. They represent characters or objects playing a central role in Noli.
Karina A. Bolasco, Head of the Literary Program, emphasized the unique offerings the Philippine Pavilion will feature: “The 2025 Philippine Pavilion will be a showcase of our literary development focusing on pioneering, unique works that represent significant aspects of Filipino culture. Collaborating with experts and stakeholders, the delegation aims to highlight titles that not only delve into Filipino heritage but also appeal to international markets interested in diverse stories.”
The expansive Philippine program at the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024, Bolasco introduced, will already provide initial insights into the ambitious plans of the GoH team, presenting more than 70 publishers, authors, and creatives taking part in various stages in the fair. Moreover, 700 titles will grace the Philippine stand and various sections of FBM including for genres such as graphic novel, children’s literature, new adult, and education. A key event of the 2024 FBM will be the formal handover of the Guest Scroll from Italy to the Philippines in a ceremony at the Italian Pavilion. Additionally, the Philippines will extend its cultural programming through a dynamic four-day launching program titled In the air that will be held in Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld where Jose Rizal wrote his Noli Me Tangere in the 1880s.
In 2025, the Philippines will double the numbers of representatives and books to take up space in the 2,000 square-meter pavilion creating a hub for dialogue and inspiration. Moving beyond traditional marketing, the Philippines’ participation seeks to engage with readers, writers, and publishers through a creative exchange: Panels, lectures, and interactive exhibits will explore the role of literature as a catalyst for social change, bridging historical and contemporary realities. The Philippines is working with German institutions to launch a comprehensive cultural program, focusing on Philippine perspectives on global issues and offering a space where past, present, and future come together in a dynamic exchange.
As the world gathers at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2025, the Philippines promises an inspiring vision of literary and cultural exchange. The Philippine Pavilion will be a nexus of ideas, cultures, and history and a vibrant highlight of the fair, where stories come alive, and The imagination peoples the air.
Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse, said: “I am very excited about the Philippines’ Guest of Honour presentation in 2025. The motto The imagination peoples the air resonates with the universality of storytelling. Even though the Philippines is the world’s thirteenth largest nation with more than 109 million citizens, I believe for many of us in Europe, Philippine literature is currently still rather unknown territory. As the country steps into its role as Guest of Honour, we will learn a lot about the importance of storytelling and today’s cultural scene for Philippine civil society. With an incredible 183 different languages spoken on its 7,641 islands, the country’s diverse influences are one of the aspects I am looking forward to seeing in Frankfurt in 2025.”
The Philippines as GoH at the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 is an achievement made possible through the joint efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.
The journey to becoming the Guest of Honour has been a remarkable one. The Philippines made its debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 1998, presenting 302 titles from 45 publishers. After a brief hiatus, the country made a powerful return in 2015, driven by the unwavering support of Hon. Senator Loren Legarda, further cementing its status on the global literary stage. In 2023, the Philippines was officially confirmed as the Guest of Honour for 2025, a landmark moment in its cultural narrative.
“This is a moment of immense national pride,” Senator Loren Legarda, the project’s main supporter, remarked. “With the Philippine government support, we see the country being celebrated at the world’s largest book fair as a testament to the relentless efforts invested in promoting our literary and creative soul. We are excited to share the stories of the Filipino people with the world.”
Deriving inspiration from the Cordillera folk song “Dong Dong Ay!”, the much-anticipated Book Nook Conference 2024 underscored the power of unity in promoting reading among the Filipino youth. The spirit of cooperation resonated throughout the event as attendees reaffirmed their commitment to the shared mission: “Aklat para sa lahat.”
Just like one big, happy family in a grand reunion, area coordinators and partners from 113 Book Nook sites across the Philippines convened from August 28 to 30 at the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) in Manila for the annual Book Nook Conference. Organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the conference provided a collaborative space for volunteers and representatives to exchange insights, share best practices, and elevate the standards of their reading centers.
Collaborative discussions and goals
Participants engaged in robust discussions, tackling challenges, planning strategies, and exchanging success stories. The conference served as a platform for site partners to address ongoing issues and brainstorm solutions. Key sessions focused on refining decision-making processes, enhancing program execution, and fostering problem-solving approaches across the country’s diverse regions.
NBDB Chairperson Dante Francis “Klink” Ang II and NLP Director Cesar Gilbert Adriano opened the conference, welcoming 79 delegates representing 113 Book Nook sites. Over the next two days, NBDB officials led practical sessions to equip site partners with the tools and skills to enrich their community reading spaces.
Empowering site partners
In the opening session, the NBDB reviewed the core principles of the Book Nook Project. NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade gave an update on the project’s progress, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a nationwide reading culture and urging participants to rekindle their passion for the project’s mission. “Reading should not just be an event or program, but, above all else, a habit. With that, I call on everyone to take this conference as an opportunity to start thinking about the kind of future you hope to build for your Book Nook site,” she urged.
Daniel Mariano, Officer-in-Charge of NBDB’s Readership Development Division, and Ana Manalaysay, Head of the Reading Spaces Section, encouraged site partners to reflect on their success stories and envision a future where their communities evolve into self-sustaining, vibrant reading hubs. Allyn Canja, Book Nook Project Partnerships Committee Head, presented methods for improving public service, while Lyka Manglal-lan from the NBDB’s Policy and Industry Research Division shared insights from the 2023 National Readership Survey, highlighting innovative solutions to combat the nation’s reading crisis.
Building inclusive, innovative, and expansive spaces
Day 2 was headlined by actor, activist, and speaker Mae Paner (Juana Change), who moderated discussions on creating inclusive, forward-thinking reading spaces. Standout sites, including BN Guinobatan (Albay) for Innovation, BN Carles (Iloilo) for Inclusivity, and BN Sagay (Negros Occidental) for Expansion, were showcased for their unique strategies for overcoming challenges.
National Program Coordinator Carlo Ebeo shared fresh perspectives on how Book Nooks can forge deeper community connections. Breakout sessions featured NLP’s Melanie “Melai” Ramirez on dynamic storytelling techniques and Jean Ico, NLP Section Head of Rare Books, Manuscripts, and Special Collections, leading hands-on book care and binding.
In the closing session, Dr. Excelsa “Etchel” Tongson from UP Diliman introduced a framework for gender-fair practices, encouraging attendees to foster harmony within their reading communities.
On the final day, participants toured the NLP, the Quezon City Public Library, and the Valenzuela City Library to observe exemplary models of excellence. These visits inspired attendees with new ideas for enhancing their own sites and building stronger community engagement through reading programs.
Though managing a Book Nook site comes with its challenges, participants left the conference energized, ready to advance the vision of thriving, accessible reading spaces across the Philippines.
