TakBohol: Boholanos Run to Build a School on August 24, 2014

Doing Habitat Philippines re-build pose are (L-R) Aris Jim Jimboy Sarmiento, Event Coordinator; Ret. Lt. Gen. Calos Holganza, Deputy COO for Disaster Response, Habitat; Charlito S. Ayco, CEO & Managing Director, Habitat; Ret. Gen. Leo Olegario, AFP, President, Tapok-Tapok Bol-Anon, Inc.; Manuel Omictin, Board of Director, Tapok-Tapok Bol-Anon, Inc.; and Mayor Manuel Molina, Vice President, Tapok-Tapok Bol-Anon, Inc.

Hundreds of Boholanos will unite for a fun run to support the construction of a school building in the earthquake-hit province of Bohol. On Sunday, August 24, 2014, Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc., an organization of Boholanos based in Manila, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines will gear up towards the race for a brighter future of the youth of Bohol. The fundraising marathon is expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of the Boholano community in Manila this year.

Habitat is a non- profit organization which envisions a world where everybody has a decent place to live,. Habitat is committed to addressing the housing backlog in the Philippines, where millions remain in substandard housing.

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol and the Central Visayas, destroying infrastructures and leaving hundreds of people dead. Just 3 weeks from the quake, the region was not spared from the path of the super Typhoon Yolanda (international name “Haiyan”) which sent some 40,000 Boholanos homeless. With these figures in mind, the Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon Inc. saw the great need to partner with an organization to help their fellow Boholanos rise from the tragedy.

Today, more than six months after the earthquake, many families in Bohol remain homeless. In response to this need, Habitat targets to rebuild over 8,083 homes in 17 badly affected municipalities across the province providing decent, earthquake-resilient shelters to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

Habitat Ambassador Tonipet Gaba hosting the press launch of TakBohol Run for a School 2014.

All funds raised from the fun run will help fund the construction a school building in one of the worst hit barangays in Bohol. Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc. hopes to help school children still holding their classes in tents and makeshift learning facilities. Registration fee is P300, the run categories are 3k and 4.5k. Participants will run around the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital grounds.

Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc. was formed to further enhance the camaraderie and leadership of mid-level Boholanos based in Manila and contribute to Bohol’s well-being. Over the years, Tapok- Tapok Bol- Anon, Inc., has partnered with various government agencies and private organizations for programs to help support the needs of the Boholanos.

Today, Habitat for Humanity Philippines aims to rebuild the hard-hit areas in the various Visayan islands. It has continued to raise funds and gather volunteers in its goal to build 8,083 homes in 1,059 barangays of the 17 municipalities of Bohol. Habitat continues to seek the support of groups and individuals in building a better future for the Filipinos. To know more about Habitat and its programs, or to volunteer log on to www.habitat.org.ph.

To know more about “TakBohol, Run for a School”, please contact Mr. Aries Sarmiento at 0915-4079217.

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MANILA PAVILION HOTEL’S RAINY SEASON ROOM PROMOS

As the rainy season sets in, Manila Pavilion Hotel provides a selection of room accommodation promos to make the most out of this cold weather.

Embrace the cool breeze brought by the rain with the warmth of Pavilion Windfall’s room package for a Superior Room and Deluxe Room inclusive of complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Seasons Café and Manila Pavilion’s signature jacket and eco bag.

Stay fab and relaxed with our ‘Dazzle in the Drizzle’ room package that comes with Manila Pavilion’s travel bag and vanity kit to keep things tidy and dainty. Special room rate is available for a Superior Room and Deluxe Room inclusive of complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Seasons Café.

Create fond memories over a cool respite by reaping the benefits of our ‘Slumber, Tumbler’ room package for a Superior Room and Deluxe Room. Slumber all day to a haven of convenience and style coupled with complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Seasons Café plus our giveaway tumbler.

Veer away from your usual getaway during this wet season and revel in the functionality of our ‘Room Sale’ room-only package. Roam around the city and feast your eyes on marvelous highlights during the daytime. Come night time, give yourself a well-deserved break by relaxing in Manila Pavilion’s well-appointed rooms that suit your every need. Room-only rate is offered for a Superior Room.

All rainy season room packages are inclusive of complimentary use of gym and swimming pool and are valid only for bookings with prior reservations.

The Manila Pavilion Hotel is part of the Waterfront chain of hotels and is located at United Nations avenue corner Ma. Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila. For booking inquiries and reservations, call 526-1212 or toll free # 1-800-10-WFRONT8 (9376688), or visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

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Coca-Cola, TAYO Foundation Open New Season of Outstanding Youth Organization Awards

Members of Team BUNDOL Mountaineers, the Coke Barkada Awardee last year, with officers of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. smile after planting trees by the balding side of the mountain. The Coke Barkada award is given to the TAYO Finalist that shares happiness, and embodies the passion in changing communities through projects that mirrors what Coca-Cola has been doing in the fields of water stewardship, women empowerment, and promoting well-being.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines with its longstanding partner, Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, is once again calling student and youth organizations across the Philippines to take on the 12th TAYO Awards challenge. The TAYO Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions of Filipino youth groups to their respective communities throughprojects that address relevant needs or opportunities such as poverty reduction, education, disaster risk reduction, financial literacy, environmental conservation, and tourism.

In its most recent run, TAYO received a total of 286 entries, of which the following winners were chosen: Gualandi Volunteer Service Program, Association of Locally Empowered Youth-NM, Hayag Youth Organization, Kawil Tours, Tanay Mountaineers Incorporated, Reduction Advocacy Program, TC Youth Laboratory Cooperative, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary - Foundation University Chapter, Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid, Volunteer Service Provider, and University of San Carlos-Pathways.

Special recognition was also given to a high-energy team of Sarangani mountaineers dubbed Team BUNDOL, this year’s Coke Barkada awardee. The Coke Barkada Award is given to one of the TAYO finalists that best demonstrates the qualities of a Coke Barkada – a group that shares happiness and embodies the passion to change communities through projects that mirror the Coca-Cola sustainability pillars ofwater stewardship, women empowerment, and promotion of well-being.

A Lasting Partnership

The partnership between TAYO Foundation and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines – the social investment arm of Coca-Cola Philippines and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines - began in 2005 upon the institution of the Coke Barkada Award as a special category in the annual TAYO Awards.

“At Coca-Cola, we believe that you can never be too young to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. People may be calling this generation the ‘selfie’ generation but, as one TAYO Finalist put it, it’s a we-generation or a TAYO-generation, not a me-generation, as I’ve come to know them. I feel like a proud mom to them, hearing their stories and getting to know all the wonderful work that they do,” said Cecile Alcantara, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.

In 2006, Coca-Cola Foundation scaled up its partnership to be the TAYO Award’s sole co-presenter.

“Last year, I remember being brought to tears when one of the TAYO Finalists went to the audience to hug her friend during the awarding ceremony. Moments like these are the result of the golden triangle at work: where business, civil society and government pool together to help towards the growth of the country and its people. As a Company, we believe that our business is only as strong and sustainable as the communities we serve and through partnerships like these, we take the opportunity to contribute all we can to make a positive impact,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Philippines, who also serves a judge in the panel for TAYO.

“You don’t forget groups like the Team BUNDOL Mountaineers, Tulong Sa Kapwa Kapatid, or even the Cebu Youth Ambassadors from the year before. These aren’t just groups, these are real people with real stories and I look forward to being part of the panel again this year to hear all of them,” he added.

The TAYO Awards 2014 is presented by the TAYO Awards Foundation, together with the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino.

Joining the search

To join the TAYO Awards, organizations must accomplish a TAYO 12 Entry Form and TAYO 12 Project briefer that can be accessed through in the Tayo Awards Website (http://www.tayoawards.net/tayo12/). Documents proving the existence and veracity of information, list of officers, leaders and founders and three-page project documentation must also be e-mailed to Tayo secretariat.

The TAYO Awards accepts entries from interested youth groups, organizations, clubs, and societies that are composed of at least 15 members, more than half of which must be between 15 to 30 years old. The submitted projects must have either been recently concluded or are still ongoing.

Entries are judged on the following criteria: Impact of project entry on stakeholders; harnessing the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship; creativity and innovation; and sustainability and effective use of resources. The winning organizations will receive a special trophy created by Philippine sculptor Tyom De Leon Imao, and a Php50,000 grant from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

Deadline for entries is on September 30, 2014. Interested organizations may submit their entries through the official website of TAYO Awards, www.tayoawards.net.

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International Museum Day (IMD2014) on June 27, 2014

The International Council of Museums-Philippines (ICOM-Philippines) is the National Committee and Secretariat of ICOM in the country, an international organization of museums and museum professionals committed to the conservation, continuation and communication to society of the world’s natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible. ICOM has a unique professional network of institutions and museum professionals worldwide collaborating and participating in discussions and reflections concerning museum development.

In line with the ICOM International Museums Day Celebration (IMD), ICOM-PH is pleased to announce its upcoming event entitled “IMD2014 Forum” echoing he ICOM theme, “Museum Collections make Connections” to be held on Friday, the 27th of June 2014 in Manila, Philippines.

In partnership with the De La Salle -College of St. Benilde, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, University of the Philippines – Diliman, International Federation of Social Science Organizations, Philippine Association of Museums Inc, International Movement for Development Managers, Hiniraya Cultural Heritage and Development Foundation, GULF AIR, and other institutional partners, we will – as one team, celebrate the annual International Museum day in June and reflect on the global theme, “Museum Collections Make Connection” as we create the opportunity to introduce and strengthen new and creative collaborations among members, their museums and their partner stakeholders.

The objective for International Museum Day (IMD2014) is to continuously raise public awareness worldwide on the role museums play in the development of society. The global standard theme of IMD2014 is “Museum Collections Make Connections.” As the world moves away from traditional methods of engagement, museums musty find new ways to engage with their communities by making their collections more accessible and relevant to their stakeholders. It also encourages public awareness of the role of the museums in the development of society and promotes the connection that exists between different types of collection and their audiences.

ICOM – Philippines will be inviting representatives from its counterparts in Asia and Europe to share their won insights and best practices in making and keeping collections to the Filipinos. Speakers from province of Bohol will also be invited to share the current status of their lost treasures. Their presence will also solicit the help and support needed from the museum community in restoring and taking care of the collections affected by the recent natural disasters. Representatives of Indigenous People will also talk about their own collections that tell their stories. Congressman Teddy Baguilat of the lone district of Ifugao will share the collection, culture, heritage, and the current activities of the group of Indigenous People he belongs to. The Ifugaos are considered as the pride of the Philippine history and culture.

ICOM – Philippines is looking forward to see in museum professionals, advocate of museums, culture and the arts of everyone else who would like to learn more about the best practices on taking care of one’s collections using standards of museums’ code of ethics. ICOM – Philippines is inviting the public to join us as we celebrate the achievements of ICOM, share experiences as museum professionals and take ourselves to the next level of synergy.

If you would like to know more about ICOM Global, please visit icom.org or you may call ICOM-IMD Secretariat office at (632)550-2218. Please look for Ms. Mischelle Rico or Mia V. Morales.

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Manila Pavilion’s FATHER’S DAY TREATS

Father’s Day comes but once a year. On Sunday, June 15, make the most of this wondrous occasion by matching Dad’s big appetite with Manila Pavilion Hotel’s all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner at it’s interactive lifestyle restaurant, Seasons Café for Php1,500 nett. As our way of paying tribute to the superheros of the home, dining Dads with groups of four and more will receive our very own Indulgence cake, Waterfront apron, F&B Loyalty Card and gift items from Darlington.

At Patisserie, Manila Pavilion’s French-style pastry shop, gift Dad with our heavenly cake of the month Pastillas Cheesecake made of sweet and creamy cheesecake that is sure to comfort him with its hint of crunch and perfect gooeyness of the pastillas available at Php1,100 nett.

A red-carpet treat and gustatory feast are also laid out for Dads with Manila Pavilion’s signature Black Angus Beef Rib served with rich bone marrow, shallot jus, fresh Yorkshire pudding and baked potatoes available at a discounted promo price of Php30,000 nett per slab.

Another delightful option for Dad is our drink of the month Mind Eraser, a refreshing vodka base cocktail laced with kahlua and soda at Php330 nett in all outlets and Php340 net for room service. For Dads who prefer to wine and dine at the outlets, our featured house wine – Merlot Pupilla pairs well with our spicy grilled meats while Chardonnay Pupilla is perfect for light fish dishes both available in all outlets starting at Php305 nett per glass.

For the ultimate Dad’s day gift, book your dads in one of Manila Pavilion Hotel’s well-appointed rooms starting at Php3,600 nett for a standard room inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at Seasons Cafe, access to swimming pool and gym, use of wi-fi and choose from our three types of promo with different souvenir items – tumbler (Summer Rush), vanity kit and bag (Soothing Pleasures) or jacket and ecobag (Pavilion Windfall).

For inquiries and reservations, call 526 1212 extension 2408 (food and beverage); or, for booking reservations, call toll free # 1-800-10-WFRONT8 (9376688); or, visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

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Manila Pavilion Hotel’s warm hospitality goes mobile with new app

Manila Pavilion Hotel, a property of Waterfront Hotels is transforming the way people travel with the introduction of Waterfront’s new mobile application for iPhone and Android. This latest digital move by Waterfront offers ease of use and access to information wherever and whenever the guest wants to.

Waterfront mobile application advantages:
- Search Manila Pavilion Hotel and save time in booking room accommodation
- Access maps and directions to easily find Manila Pavilion Hotel and nearby landmarks
- Access to hotel account and profile information
- Access hotel’s latest offers and promotions
- View photo galleries and hotel highlights
- Contact Manila Pavilion Hotel in just a click

"With mobile becoming more and more important, Manila Pavilion takes advantage of modern technology to allow our valued guests experience not only warm hospitality but a portable and more personal way to engage with us," said General Manager Christopher Park.

The Waterfront mobile application for iPhone and Android are available to download free on App Store and Google play.

Manila Pavilion Hotel is part of the Waterfront chain of hotels and is located at United Nations avenue corner Ma. Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call 526-1212 or toll free # 1-800-10-WFRONT8 (9376688), or visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

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KakaoTalk’s Latest Features Provide New Treat for Users

With the myriads of mobile messaging apps available in the market, it is crucial for developers to stand out by differentiating themselves from the competition. Simple, no-nonsense applications with only one defining feature struggle to appeal to the modern mobile user. In today’s technology-laden world, apps that capture the attention of mainstream audiences need to offer a full array of functions. On the other hand, the demand for constant new updates can clash with applications quest for greater innovation, particular in terms of providing an aesthetically pleasing user interface that does not feel too cluttered.

KakaoTalk’s fun and unique brand image also carries a strong reputation as a leading innovator in the mobile messaging industry. User feedback is the most prioritized aspect for Kakao, and many of its new features were developed specifically to reflect the insight and comments provided by actual users.

Brand-new functions such as the “Do Not Disturb” setting exemplifies KakaoTalk’s customer-centric mindset that also values the importance of privacy. Kakao promotes innovative connectivity, but it also understands the need for people to enjoy the occasional “Me Time.” The “Do Not Disturb” feature offers users the option to disable notifications during a customized time period without worrying about unwanted message alerts.

o To activate the Do Not Disturb feature, tap More > Settings > Do Not Disturb, or you can access this via your notification panel. Once activated, an icon will appear on your status bar to notify users of your inactivity. To disable the Do Not Disturb mode, simply turn your KakaoTalk push notifications back on with a tap.

KakaoTalk, understanding users’ need for message delivery assurance, also offers a neat feature that allows all messages to be delivered without fail, regardless of network conditions. This feature enables KakaoTalk to keep all messages sent by a user to stay afloat in the system and continuously reattempt delivery for a given length of time. So, even in situations where the network connection is unstable or weak, KakaoTalk users can send messages knowing that they will be automatically delivered as soon as the connection is stabilized, even during background mode. Once the message is delivered, the airplane icon disappears and is replaced with the ‘unread count’* number.

o Even with a busy network, your messages can still be sent and stay afloat in the network, and once your message is delivered the paper airplane icon will disappear.

The paper plane mode is a great example of Kakao’s core philosophy, which values users and user experience the most. Paper plane mode eliminates any cumbersome need for users to constantly recheck their phones for message delivery confirmation or resend the same message repeatedly, reducing user inconvenience dramatically.

Knowing how many people have read your message can be key when taking part in group chats with dozens of people, especially when it involves important announcements. KakaoTalk understands this need and ensures this information is adequately provided through the unread count number. Next to every message sent on KakaoTalk is a countdown number, which begins with the total number of users (excluding message sender) in the chatroom. As others in the chatroom read the message, the number counts down and eventually disappears altogether when everyone has read the particular message. An exclusive feature only available on KakaoTalk, the unread count number makes communication all the more effective while enabling speedier feedback.

o While talking to someone, or multiple people, countdowns are placed beside messages depending on the number of people you are chatting with. The number will decrease and eventually disappear when everyone has read your message

Users are bound to be pleasantly surprised almost every time they open KakaoTalk on their mobile devices. There is always a new gem to discover hidden within the settings that will drastically improve their mobile experience. As awesome features like the Do Not Disturb mode, paper airplane mode and the unread countdown illustrate, users can expect continued exciting innovations from KakaoTalk.

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Manila Pavilion Hotel Pampers All Moms

Manila Pavilion Hotel fetes all moms on Sunday, May 11 with exquisite gustatory offerings and luxurious room packages replete with loving pampering and giveaways, to make their day extra special.

Indulge mom’s appetite with a bountiful Mother’s Day special lunch or dinner buffet at the hotel’s interactive lifestyle restaurant, Seasons Café at Php1500 nett. A complimentary cake, chocolate roses and an F&B loyalty card awaits mom who will come in four or more. Plus, she can get a chance to buy the jewelry she desires at Michelis as she can be one of the 10 lucky moms who may receive P1000 worth of gift certificate courtesy of Foreign Post. The gift certificates will be raffled off to all mothers who dined at Seasons Cafe and the winners will be sent a notification letter via email.

At the Patisserie, Manila Pavilion’s French-style pastry shop, delight moms with our afternoon bigbang blowout to enjoy 30 percent discount on all cakes and pastries when she avail of our tree tier treat offered daily from 2pm to 6pm at Php599 nett.

Express your sweetest gratitude with irresistible desserts featuring Patisserie’s cake of the month fruity custard fiesta cake, infused with sweet fruit cocktail and crumble toppings in three layer sponge cake at Php1100 nett.

Stir up your senses with a captivating blend of vodka, orange and cranberry juices by engulfing the potent drink of the month, Boulvar’s Delight at Php250 nett at the hotel’s premier sports and music bar, Boulvar.

Pamper moms with a luxuriously relaxing retreat by booking with Manila Pavilion’s room packages starting at Php3600 nett. Soothe her senses with our Soothing Pleasures and Summer Rush room packages offered until May 31.

For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 526 1212 extension 2408 for food and beverage and toll free # 1-800-10-WFRONT8 (937 6688) for room bookings, or visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph.

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