Thursday, August 30, 2012

SHARP envisions a promising future for generations to come

For a safer and more livable shelter for Elsie Gaches children, SHARP Philippines Corporation (SPC) has donated quality home appliances as part of its global commitment to promote corporate social responsibility through “My Sharp, Our Future”. (From right (R) to left (L), Happy Elsie Gaches children received Sharp refrigerator, washing machine and TV unit together with Sharp Philippines Corporation representatives namely B2B Manager Peter Villanueva and Assistant Marketing Manager Amor Golifardo. 
Sharp Philippines Corporation (SPC) embarks recently on a socially relevant campaign with its ASEAN flagship program “MY SHARP, OUR FUTURE”.

“MY SHARP, OUR FUTURE” is a major initiative of SPC to promote corporate social responsibility while helping the impoverished sector of society particularly homeless children, kids with severe illnesses and calamity victims.

SPC President Takahiro Tanaka urged,” We need to take care of our young generation to ensure their brighter future especially those who are incapable to have a decent living.  Each of us can do something to build a promising future for them”.

To mark the global celebration of SHARP’s 100th Anniversary, Sharp Philippines Corporation commits to donate Php 20.00 for every purchase of plasma cluster ion products and LCD/LED TV during the campaign period from June 7 until September 15, 2012.

Donation of proceeds shall be awarded to a chosen beneficiary, which will be revealed during the 100th Anniversary of SHARP-WORLD and 30th Anniversary of Sharp Philippines on September 14, 2012 at the Manila Hotel.

To realize this vision, SHARP continues to strengthen its store visibility and dealers partnership to make SHARP products and services closer and readily available to consumers nationwide.

SPC Executive Vice President Kazuo Kito noted,” As SHARP Philippines Corporations continues to develop high-standard consumer electronic products, we also strengthen our partnership with appliance stores nationwide aside from our growing sales and service centers.  This is to ensure that SHARP products and services are accessible to every Filipino consumer”.

SHARP Philippines Corporation has been active in delivering relentless community service by donating quality home appliances to charitable institutions.  Two of the most recent beneficiaries were Elsie Gaches and Tuloy Foundation, which received Sharp refrigerator, washing machine and TV unit.

Through donation of quality home appliances, SHARP Philippines Corporation, a major player in the consumer electronics industry for 30 years now, affirms to build safer and more livable shelter for children under the care of government and non-government centers.

For a brighter future of young generation, SHARP Philippines Corporation (SPC) is encouraging all Filipinos to partake in its serious commitment to improve the lives of socially disadvantaged children because for every SHARP product could mean a SHARPer future to them.

Monday, August 27, 2012

‘The Future of Education' Conference


Vibal Foundation, the non-profit arm of Vibal Publishing House, Inc., and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) are inviting educators, students, scholars, publishers, and policy makers to the forthcoming “The Future of Education” Conference slated on August 28, 2012.

The conference, scheduled from 7:30 am to 3 p.m, will be held at the SMX
Convention Center in the Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. It has a prestigious roster of speakers including Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC; CEAP President Fr. Greg BaƱaga, LitWorld Executive Director Dr. Pam Allyn, who will talk about “Universalizing the US Common Core State Standards”, Philippine Normal University President Dr. Ester Ogena who will discuss “A New Culture of Teaching” and Vibal Publishing House President Mr. Gaspar A. Vibal who will give a presentation on “Life-long Learning”.

This momentous gathering will discuss the present state and future directions of Philippine education at the height of global innovations in learning. It is also a ground-breaking venue for Filipino educators to cull insights, experiences, and issues relevant to coping with dramatic digital transitions in education around the world.

Locally, the latest manifestation pertaining to the digital shift is the adoption of tablet education and e-textbooks by different major schools all over the
Philippines. Starting out as a pilot class or experimental program in pioneering schools like Foundation University in Dumaguete and La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong, the practice has now expanded to full implementation across different learning institutions, not only within Manila but also in the provinces.

One of the purveyors of digital learning is Vibal Publishing House, which has, to date, deployed 18,000 e-textbooks at the start of the 2012-2013 schoolyear. As an innovator in the industry, Vibal has produced the latest version of the etextbook called ePub 3.0, which makes it possible for e-books to come embedded with audio and video clips and enables true user interactivity. Students can answer self-scoring quizzes and generally benefit from the enhanced user experience for more effective learning.

The Future of Education conference is also a fitting prelude to the CEAP
National Convention to be held from August 29 to 31, 2012 also at the SMX
Convention Center.

To register for the Future of Education conference, please go to
For questions, please call tel. no.: +63(2) 712-9156 to 59 loc 343 to 344 or  fax: +63 (2) 4168460. Email questions and feedback to inquire@vibalpublishing.com.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Goya for the Filipinos and Chocoholics by Heart


What exactly is the difference between tsokolate eh and tsokolate ah?

Both were used as code in Noli Me Tangere where tsokolate eh, the “good” thick chocolate drink was for important guests, while tsokolate ah, the “bad” watery version was for nuisances. Both are still used today, but as different recipes rather than a comment on one’s importance. These quirky terms survive as reminders of how we came to our identities as Pinoys through our long-running love affair with chocolate, and the history of our own language, Filipino.

Filipino today is the result of generations of modifying the Tagalog dialect with various Spanish and English influences. It was officially chosen as the national language in the first National Assembly in 1937 because it identified us as Filipinos. In 1946, President OsmeƱa passed a law officially celebrating it with the first Linggo ng Wika, then held on March. It was in 1997 when President Ramos declared the entire month of August as Pambansang Buwan ng Wika.

Chocolate has its own rich history in the Philippines, and it was the Spanish that introduced us to it. It was love at first bite, and we never looked back. One chocolate brand in particular has captured our love affair with chocolate. And much like other things we Filipinos have inherited such as the jeepney, adobo, and our language, we took chocolate and made it distinctly Pinoy!

In this case it was Goya, when it introduced the Goya Chocolate Bar in 1956. The company’s signature chocolate, the Goya Bar quickly became a favorite amongst Pinoys because it was sweet, simple, straightforward, and undeniably Filipino.

2006 was a big turning point when Delfi Foods Inc., updated the iconic brand, Goya, using the expertise and license of Delfi Chocolate Manufacturing  SA Switzerland. This overhaul included sourcing the best cocoa beans, new and exciting chocolate recipes and variants, a modernized 3-hectare manufacturing plant in Marikina City, and a message that’s as honest and wholesome as the chocolate itself: Enjoy Life, Enjoy Goya!

Goya now has lots of different chocolates, but the Goya Bar remains a Pinoy favorite and the crown jewel of a brand founded over 50 years ago. Mostly unchanged since 1956, the Goya Bar still represents the Filipino and the Pinoy’s love for chocolate. With its history and identity, some might even say that it is the Filipino Chocolate. Loved by all, the Goya Bar does not discriminate, and it is still sweet, simple, and straightforward.

Perhaps most important of all, the Goya Bar has continued to grow with the Filipino thanks to the ongoing efforts by Delfi Foods. Since acquiring the brand in 2006, they have introduced new exciting recipes that cater to the Filipinos cravings for different types of chocolates, including 9 different variants for the Goya Bar!

Aside from the classic Milk Chocolate, Pinoy’s can also have their Goya Bar in rich Dark Chocolate, delicate Cream White, milk chocolate with Raisins, milk chocolate with Raisins and Nuts, milk chocolate with Almonds, Cookies and Cream with real cookie bits, Krispy Krunch—rice crispies in milk choclate, and Krispy Krunch Dark—rice crispies again, but this time in luxurious dark chocolate.
With all of these delectable Goya Chocolate Bars to choose from, Chocoholics everywhere have even more ways to enjoy life and enjoy Goya!

After all, chocolates are far more than just a sweet treat for us Filipinos. Chocolate to us is a gift, a celebration, and a tradition. And as President OsmeƱa wisely concluded, traditions are best honored by celebrating them.

This August, Goya invites all Chocoholics to stand proud and celebrate Buwan ng Wika with friends and family! Show your wit in the talumpati, your poetic heart in the tulaan, your intelligence in the bugtungan, make old Francisco proud in the balagtasan, and for the fiesta, make sure you’re stocked with lots of your favorite Goya Bar!

Not a certified Chocoholic yet? Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoyaChocoholics!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Profile of Flawless Chocolates


Why do women love chocolate? Personally, every pack of the tasty treat is love at first bite. 

The experience is much much better when the chocolate came from someone special to your heart. It makes you feel loved and happy with the fact that a thoughtful and generous soul just gave you something to irresistible to eat.  It's a sweet gesture to give something sweet to your sweetheart (redundancy intended).

Why are chocolates so heavenly good? Because chocolates, to be very, very good, are supposed to be processed with perfection in mind and thus, there is no room for error. Everyone wants to eat chocolate so it has to be of excellent quality to be truly outstanding.

This is what Delfi, a top chocolate confectionery brand, always bears in mind in the manufacture of their world class-quality chocolates. Through meticulous research, including time-perfected recipes plus safe handling and processing of top-quality raw materials, Delfi is now able to make chocolates as perfect as possible to meet consumers’ discriminating demands.

To make everything perfect, Delfi, brought here in the Philippines by Delfi Foods, Inc., makes sure that the quality of each product that comes out of their factory is really top of the line. All necessary ingredients are infused on its products, like Goya and Knick Knacks, for example, and carefully handled to make them perfect in taste. “Aside from being an art, chocolate making is also a science. Precise timing and temperature of the cocoa is always carefully observed to make that signature Delfi taste in every Goya chocolate,” explains Nilo Chincuanco, General Manager of Delfi Foods, Inc.

The scientific side in making Goya involves putting up a dedicated team of product experts to oversee all chocolate-making activities and at the same time, rigorous safety and quality standards are met or even surpassed to make the perfect chocolate.

With the Delfi Quality Management System in place, plus globally recognized manufacturing standards like ISO 22000, HALAL certification, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as set by the SociƩtƩ GƩnƩrale de Surveillance (SGS), all products that roll out of its factory are of more-than-adequate quality and free from other food safety hazards in order to protect the consumer.

“The credibility of the brand is at stake here so we cannot let our guards down. We continually find ways, through painstaking research and development efforts, on how to make our chocolates perfectly delicious and yet absolutely safe,” says Chincuanco.

Surely, with the breadth of food quality certification standards they put in place, Delfi is still able to make their Goya products affordable for every Pinoy. “Though affordable, it is no excuse to sacrifice quality and food safety. These two are always on top of our minds and are always in place in the entire manufacturing process,” Chincuanco adds further.

There is no denying that the perfect chocolate is made out of thorough and careful research, the best ingredients available, and proper food manufacturing processes—and Delfi makes sure that their Goya and Knick Knacks products has them all to make perfectly delectable chocolates.

Wanting for that ideal and faultless chocolate? The next time you crave for superb-tasting and extraordinary chocolates, try Goya Chocolates that come in bars, bite sizes, panned, wafers and other products that are a perfect fit to the Filipino chocolate palate and of course, Knick Knacks. These premium-quality and affordable brands are what every chocolate-loving Filipino rightfully deserves—and should not miss.

So head off to the nearest major supermarkets, leading groceries and convenience stores nationwide—and even pharmacies, too, and heartily share those delightfully-tasting Goya and Knick Knacks chocolates with your family and friends. It’s the best way to spend any chocolate day.

Or be a Goyaholic. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoyaChocoholics


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tutuban Idol 2012 calls for entries

 

Get your vocal chords prepped and ready to compete with other singing hopefuls as Tutuban Center launches the search for “Tutuban Idol 2012.”

Following the highly successful run of “Tutuban Idol 2011” last year, won by Rachel Gabreza, the bargain shopping hub brings back this musical competition to discover the next singing talent.

“Tutuban Idol 2012” is open to male and female contestants 15-25 years old. To register, applicants should fill up the registration form available at the Tutuban Center Ad & PR office, located at the 2nd floor, Centermall 2, Tutuban Center. Application forms can also be downloaded via tutuban.com.ph or through Facebook (facebook.com/tutubancenter).





Applicants should bring one whole body picture, a copy of his/her birth certificate and a valid ID (school ID, NBI Clearance, passport, etc.) Upon submission of the application form, applicants will be screened by the Ad & PR personnel of Tutuban Center. Those who pass the screening process will be allowed to compete in the elimination round where they must sing two songs: 1 ballad or pop song and 1 Christmas-themed song.

Accepting of applications for Tutuban Idol 2012 will start from September 1-14, 2012. The elimination phase will run from September 15, 2012 until November 16, 2012, with a wildcard phase on November 17, 2012.

Winners in the eliminations will automatically qualify in the grand finals, which will be held on November 24, 2012. Criteria for judging involve voice quality at 50%, 20% for song interpretation, and 10% each for stage presence, audience impact and appearance, for a total of 100%.

Who knows? That untapped singing talent of yours may soon be the next toast of the entertainment world.

So join “Tutuban Idol 2012.” For more information, visit www.tutuban.com.ph or “LIKE” their Facebook page (facebook.com/tutubancenter).

Monday, August 13, 2012

Japan’s Finest Anti Aging and Beauty Secret Now in Watsons

 
Japan’s best-held longevity and beauty secret, FINE Hyaluron & Collagen dubbed as an EDIBLE COSMETIC, is already available in 270 Watson’s outlets here in the Philippines. Made by Osaka-based FINE Co. of Japan, a  four-decade company and a leading player in the global “nutraceutical industry,”  distributed here in the Philippines by its subsidiary, Fine Nutrition Trading International.

According to Imelda Manook-Tesalona, a businesswoman and licensed pharmacist and President of Fine Nutrition Trading International, the local subsidiary of Osaka-based FINE Company, Japan’s leading player in the global nutraceutical industry, said that this breakthrough development also means that more and more Filipinos will gain access to help them combat aging and other signs of physical weaknesses.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Tesalona, a licensed pharmacist fully abreast with handling businesses and other important information about breakthroughs in the wellness and longevity sector, readily saw the potential of FINE Hyaluron & Collagen and other organically produced products of FINE Company of Japan, which made her decide to bring the product to the Philippines. Being a leader and well respected company in Japan, there is no doubt in her mind that the product she brought is credible and should be trusted.


Tesalona

TRIALS AND VICTORIES
Tesalona enthuses that every FINE Hyaluron & Collagen user has his or her own testimonial to share, some of them doctors of nearby hospitals. What they said were all about concrete proof of the product’s benefits like growing sturdier nails and more radiant hair, to freedom from arthritic pains to firmer breasts to lessening of wrinkles.

Tesalona also bared she owes her success to her mentor, the Director of FINE Group Ltd. in Hong Kong, Takeshi Hayashi, the Japanese tycoon who gave her his trust and opened the doors for her to become the exclusive distributor in the Philippines.

Under her able stewardship, her company has gone a long way from a mere affiliate to a full-fledged subsidiary. The parent company expressed satisfaction about FINE Hyaluron & Collagen’s status in the country as more people get to know the product’s outstanding attributes particularly on Collagen’s anti-ageing and aesthetic solutions and more recently, the breakthrough heralded by Hyaluronic acid.

BULLISH ON THE LOCAL MARKET
There is really nothing in the market like FINE Hyaluron & Collagen, which Tesalona says is several notches up when it comes to potency and effectiveness. Together with Hyaluron (60mg), Collagen (5,250mg) and Elastin (15mg) as its main ingredients give a synergistic  toward healthier  and more beautiful skin, plus, Vitamin C (100mg), Biotin (45mcg) and Pearl Coix extract (450mg) for more radiant and glowing skin. A lifting supplement, simple once a day empty content of 7g sachet of FINE Hyaluron & Collagen, mix with your favorite hot or cold beverages like coffee, tea, milk, juice, even soup and ENJOY!
 
Tesalona cannot hide her bullishness about FINE Hyaluron & Collagen’s future in the Philippines. FINE Hyaluron & Collagen has been present in some of the world’s more advanced countries and cities, including the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and more.

“I don’t think the people of these countries could be wrong in using the product. Now that it is already available in the entire country, there’s now no need for people to go to these countries to buy this top-notch solution to aging signs and physical weakness.” explains Tesalona.

No wonder FINE and Tesalona has its hopes up in the Philippine market.

For more information on FINE Hyaluron & Collagen and all other products by Fine Company Limited, Osaka, Japan may be found on the website www.fine-kagaku.co.jp and Fine Nutrition Trading International is located at Unit 224 Garden Heights Condominium, E. Rodriguez Sr., Quezon City at contact details mobile no. 09175218698 or at telephone nos. 470392/5423842

Thursday, August 2, 2012

An Environment-friendly and Economic Approach to Desalination


With water fast becoming almost like liquid gold, especially in drought-prone regions like coastal areas with growing populations, an obvious solution is to take the salt out of seawater. After all, desalination technology has been around for thousands of years already.

Tantalizing as desalinated water sounds, the energy costs in producing fresh drinking water out of seawater have made it rather unpalatable—until now.

"Until recently, seawater desalination was a very expensive water source solution," said Jose Antonio Soler, president of Solerex Water Tecnologies, Inc.

Drinking seawater straight is a bad idea. You may think you have expelled the salt by urinating but you are actually losing more water than salt. Seawater contains roughly 130 grams of salt per gallon. With desalination, this technology can reduce salt levels to below 2 grams per gallon, which is the limit for safe human consumption.

Currently, between 10 to 13 billion gallons of water are desalinated worldwide per day. That's only about 0.2 percent of global water consumption, but the number is increasing.

Aristotle's efforts
Though Greek philosopher Aristotle envisioned the idea of removing salt from seawater through the use of “filters” arranged consecutively, he was not the first one to do it. The first duly recorded desalination practice was done by collecting freshwater steam out of boiling seawater. Sailors back in around 200 A.D. practiced desalination through the use of simple boilers in their ships. It was that simple.

However, in today’s environment, desalination on a large scale has become unbelievably expensive because of energy requirements. This meant that only countries rich in oil but lack enough water supply are those that can afford “thermal desalination.”
But advancements in technology saw researchers working on filters to take out the salt from seawater, just like how Aristotle saw it. The technology, which employs the use of “membranes,” now called “reverse osmosis,” needs a smaller amount of energy and costs around half the price of current saltwater distillation techniques used today.

Energy is the key
But even with membranes, large amounts of energy are needed to generate the high pressure that forces the water through the filter. In the 80's and 90's, the technology required about 14 kilowatt-hours of energy to produce 1,000 liters per cubic meter of desalinated seawater. However strides in energy recovery have decreased the energy requirement from 4.8-5.5 kilowatt-hours to 2.5-2.75 kilowatt-hours to produce 1,000 liters of desalinated seawater.


An island resort development, Balesin in Quezon province is currently enjoying the savings from installing the new generation Solerex Desalination Units introduced by Solerex Water Technologies whose water brand, Crystal Clear, is the leader in the home and office water delivery market.   “All our Desalination Units now are equipped with PX Pressure Exchanger, an energy recovery device that basically recycles pressurized water that does not pass through the RO filters back into the high pressure loops at a 98% efficiency, reducing the amount of energy required by 60 percent,” shares Soler.

Hotels, resorts and communities that rely on producing their own water will benefit from the maximum savings and reliability as the energy recovery unit is built to last a lifetime – of no less than 25 years.  “As a result the PX technology offers the best economic solution to all stakeholders,” Soler adds.

For more about Crystal Clear and Solerex Water Technologies, Inc., visit www.crystalclear.com.ph or www.solerex.com.ph.