Singapore Math by Galileo Enrichment Learning Program

When I was in High school, when someone asks me what course I would want to take when I get to college, I just say any degree as long as it doesn’t have Math on it. Later I realized that whatever course I decide to take, it seemed that math subjects are always part of it, and it’s practically inevitable.  Fortunately, I was able to finish college and learned and endured math the hard way, and that is why until now I still find it difficult to appreciate it. 

Last week, I was fortunate to be a part of a group of adults, mostly moms and dads to go visit GALILEO Enrichment Learning Program in Makati. Galileo, headed by Ms. Rowena Matti is noted to specialize in teaching the Singapore Math. I heard Singapore Math from my wife before but I really didn’t pay any attention to it, because again, it’s Math. 

Singapore Math is a breakthrough system (at least for me) in how to compute math problems from the simplest addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to the more complex problem solving like Algebra. Galileo Enrichment Learning Program is just one of the pioneers that brought Singapore Math in the Philippines. So, why Singapore Math? For many years Singapore was noted to have the highest rates of students who excelled in Math compared to any other countries in the world. 

Basically, Singapore system of education revolutionizes how they teach math to children. Traditionally, the most common way to learn Math is through memorization. But Singapore’s way is through understanding and mastery. In SG, first graders will be taught addition only for one whole year and students will master it. On the second grade, that’s the only time they will proceed to subtraction. Math tends to be difficult to understand if it is in an “abstract” form which the usual equation we see in a math problem. SG Math sues blocks and simple symbols. 

At the Galileo Center in Makati, I and together with some parents (bloggers), who happened to dislike math also, tried to solve some simple math problems using SG Math. Teacher Beth Lamis taught us to solve equations which were normally very hard for me to solve before, but through SG Math, it becomes easier. Many of us were surprised by the results we did and just wished there was SG Math already when we were still students and our careers would have been different. 

If you find SG Math interesting for your kids (and yours), Galileo will be holding an event called Singapore Math Learning Festival on July 4, 2015 at AIM Conference Center in Makati City. The event will start 7:30am to 5:00pm.

For more information, you can visit; www.galileoenrichment.com or you can also email them at; SMLF@galileoenrichment.com

HUAWEI Philippines ICT Roadshow 2015

For the majority of Filipinos, the Company HUAWEI can be best associated with quality smart phones from China. For the elitists, buying a Huawei phone would even come as a second consideration. But little did many people know, among the 1,500 plus telecommunication companies in China, the two largest are Huawei and ZTE. 

Jacky Gao, CEO Huawei PH, Monchito Ibrahim Dep. Exec. Dir. Department of Sicence and Technology- DOST, Atty. Gamaliel Asis Cordoba, Commissioner  - National Telecommunication Commission 

Tee Chee Kiat, Principal Architect, Huawei Global Solutions Elite Team, Mark Wu, Solutions Director - Huawei Enterprise Networking Marketing, Barry Lerner, Chief Information Officer, Huawei Regional Solutions Marketing, Southern Pacific, Ron Raffensperger, Solutions Director, Huawei Data Center Solutions Sales

Actually, for the past 10 years, Huawei has been a loyal partner of the two telecom giants in the Philippines Globe and Smart, both in the area of hardware and software applications. For Globe, Huawei has been an integral partner in modernizing the 2G and 3G network where Globe was able to achieved great success in the past two years. And for Smart, they have jointly launched the first large scale 3.5Ghz TDD LTE network to help serve home and SME users in the country. These are just some of the many contributions of Huawei in the advancement of the telecommunication industry in the Philippines…and there’s more. 

Huawei Mate 7

Globally, HUAWEI is present in 170 countries with a man power of more than 170,000 employees world-wide and currently serving more than 3.5 billion people all around the world. Indeed, Huawei has become the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) giant, that offers not just high capacity storage products and servers, but cutting edge data base management solutions and applications that are way ahead of our time. 

OceanStor VTL 6900

Last June 25, 2015, HUAWEI Philippines hosted the ICT Road Show with the theme: Building a Better Connected Philippines, that features some of the many telecommunication solutions Huawei has to offer and how this country can be an integral partner in creating potential breakthroughs in the ICT industry in the Philippines. 

Access and ports - OceanStor VTL6900

The Philippines, despite garnering the lowest speed in internet connectivity in Asia, still holds a very promising future for good business in the ICT industry. To begin with, this country of ours still ranks number one in the world when it comes to voice BPM services and ranks number two in the non-voice in the BPO services. These two industries employ more than one million Filipinos, creating one of the largest contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. 

BES Digital Business Accelerator

With the fast pace of technology in the ICT industry staying connected is no longer an option but a necessity for most people. With the culture of Filipinos which is very “Familial”, we cannot afford not to be connected with our loved ones. That is why the government is supporting the initiative to make internet connection available everywhere, with the tag line; “No Juan left behind”. With this positive development, Huawei is also enthusiastically committed to support ICT in the Philippines and with this partnership; the Filipino Netizen’s dream of faster internet connectivity may come true sooner than expected. 

Cherry Mobile introduces its newest lines of Smart Phones…

After a very successful launch of Cosmos, Infinity and Alpha, Cherry Mobile is now rising up from months of silence,  focusing its resources to research and development. Cherry Mobile, an all Filipino mobile company noted for bringing Filipinos quality and yet very affordable phones with cutting edge features comparable to the more popular international brands.  

While in hiatus, little did many people know, the R&D group of Cherry Mobile did an extensive research on the grassroots level to find out the wants and needs of most Filipino consumers in a mobile phone. Through this study, the company was able to zero-in the top five which revolves around entertainment, imaging, gaming, social-ready and affordability. From these key factors, Cherry Mobile came up with its newest mobile phone line, the Cherry Mobile Flare X. 

The launch of Flare X was held last June 19, 2015 at the Crown Plaza Manila Galeria in Quezon City. The launch was attended by members of the media, Tech-bloggers and partners. This special event also coincided with the forging of a business partnership with Lazada, the country’s widest online shopping network where another Cherry Mobile phone brand, Cubix was introduced to be made available exclusively at Lazada. 

Cherry Mobile Flare X and Cubix are the two newest Smart Phones that will be coming out in the market soon. And to complement these cool gadgets are accessories and “on-the-side” devices that will make you enjoy Cherry Mobile Phones more. The brand PYXIS specializes in “on-the-go” gadgets such as portable speakers, portable mini bass, compact high powered pocket chargers with capacities of 2,000 to 6,000 mAh. With this power load, you can even charge a laptop. 

Allow me to spill out the spcecs and what these phones can offer…

Brand Name: Cherry Mobile
Model Name: Flare X
Operating System: Android 4.4.4 Kitkat (OTA-Lollipop)
Processor: MT6752  1.7GHz Octa Core
GPU: MaliT760
SIM Slot 1: Micro SIM
SIM Slot 2: Micro SIM
Display: 5.5” Full HD IPS OGS
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Memory: 16GB
RAM: 3GB
Expansion Slot: MicroSD up to 64GB
Connectivity: Wifi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
LTE
Rear: 13MP BSI SONY IMX214 with Flash
Front: 5 MP
Battery Capacity: 3000mAh, Removable

The CUBIX – Cube on the other hand carries a lesser specs but fare enough for the SRP of P4,495. Again, this phone will be available only at Lazada starting June 26, 2015. I just hope that this will be available in Cherry Mobile authorized vendors soon. 

Brand Name: CUBIX
Model Name: CUBE
Operating System: Android 4.4 Kitkat (Upgradeable to Lollipop)
Processor: 1.4 GHz Octa Core
SIM Slot 1: Standard SIM
SIM Slot 2: Micro SIM
Display: 5.0" IPS On Cell Full Lamination
Resolution: 720 x 1280 (HD)
Dimension / Weight: 140 x 71.9 x 7.9mm ; 135g
Memory: 16GB
RAM: 2GB
Expansion Slot: microSD, up to 64 GB
Network GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
WCDMA 2100/900 MHz
Connectivity: Wifi b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
I/O Port: Standard MicroUSB port
3.5mm Audio Jack
Rear: 13 MP with Flash
Front: 5 MP
Battery Capacity: 2000mAh, Removable

For the information of everybody, Cherry Mobile, Pyxis and Cubix are all under the group Cosmic Technologies Inc. The company has been partnering with Lazada since it started in the Philippines and with the launch of Cubix Brand, Filipinos can enjoy the experience the latest features of Smart phones in the online shopping convenience brought by Lazada. So, If you're planning another phone replacement anytime soon, you might want to consider checking out the latest phones from Cherry Mobile, and you'll be surprise to realize the savings you'll get of owning one. These phones are packed with all the latest features you want in a smart phone in an affordable tag price. 

MILO Marathon Welcomes 39th Season

This 2015 marks the 39th season of Milo Marathon, the longest and oldest organized running event in the Philippines. It is also my 2nd time to participate to this most coveted running event this year. Just this afternoon, my race kit finally arrived with a race bib that has my name on it! Now, this is one special marathon in deed! 

Last July 18, 2015, key personalities from Nestle Philippines officially launched the 39th Season of Milo Marathon which was attended by members of the media and TV networks. The launched was held at function room of Bay View Hotel, Roxas Boulivard. One of the highlights of the program was the recognition of Mr. Rafael Poliquit and Ms. Mary Joy Tabal, Podium winner (Silver medalist) in the 42k race of the recently concluded 28th South East Asian Games that was held in Singapore.  

Their recognition was further extended because they’re the reigning King and queen of last year’s Milo Marathon. The time to beat for this year’s race is 2 hours and 18 minutes as the Men’s course record that is currently being held by Mr. Edwardo “Bertek” Buenavista, and 2 hours 48 minutes for the women’s course record where Tabal holds the back-to-back record holder. So, whoever bags the first position for this year’s final race, will be given a chance to compete at the mecca of all Marathons, the Boston Marathon 2016. 

At the launched, executives of Milo and Mr. Rio Dela Cruz, President of RunRio announced some new developments for this year’s marathon. Organizers added up new race locations that will give runners from other regions a fresh and different kind of running experience. These are Balanga, Bataan and Calapan, Mindoro. And for the Finals which will be happening on December 6, 2015, which normally being held here in Metro Manila, will be moved to Clark Filed, Angeles, Pampanga. 

Another development is the “beefed-up” cash prizes for the podium finishers. This year, winners of the local category may also have a chance to bag additional cash prizes if he or she can win in the open category. This new development will certainly give our elite runners a big boost of motivation to further extend their running prowess to win the race.

For this season, organizers are expected a much bigger crowd, around 230,000 runners because of the additional new course locations and the prizes that awaits the aspiring winners. Furthermore, Milo will continue its CSR tradition –Help Give Shoes Advocacy by donating 50,000 pairs of shoes to under privileged children in poor communities in the country and it will be in partnership with the Department of Education. P10 of every registration fee will go to the poo-fund of this project.

Registrations for the 39th Milo Marathon is still on going in various designated registrations centers. As an additional requirement which is being applied every year is the 300gm Milo empty pack upon registration. For those who will run the 21k and 42k distances, organizers are requiring a Fit-to-Run Medical Certificate. Race Fees are as follows: 42.195km – P730, 21km half Marathon – P630, 10km Run – P530, 5km Fun Run (Adult) – P110, 3km and 5km Fun Run (student) – P80. 

Robinsons Supermarket: From a Wellness Campaign to a Wellness life-long commitment…

Indeed, any milestone of development is a journey where everyone needs to take the first step towards the process of transformation. 

I learn this wisdom after 15 years in the NGO industry and the context of development I’m talking about is in the community development realm, where everything that revolves around a person is essential for man to develop, a lengthy process a man learns to journey through. I never thought   that such wisdom in the social development world can also be applied to my journey as runner and fitness enthusiasts. 

Robinsons Supermarket, along with its wellness brand partners such as Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Del Monte, Abbott, Fonterra and Unilab are celebrating July as the Wellness month. And during this time Robinsons and its partners are on a campaign to promote and to encourage everyone to engage them into an active healthy lifestyle. 

Part of the campaign are festive activities inside every Robinsons Supermarket helping people actively choose the healthy lifestyle. The participating brands will also be in place to offer shoppers to join simple activities that will allow them to get freebies and promos and in the process learn more about wellness. Everyone may also choose to purchase the “Smart Shop”  tag labels which are color coded, and each color corresponds to its health benefits, nutritional content and of course price discounts. 

The Green-Tags in particular are products that meet at least three (3) of Food and Nutrition Research Institute – FNRI’s eight (8) nutritional attributes. These qualities are; Low Salt, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low in Saturated Fat, Sugar Free, Low Cholesterol , Low Sodium, A good source of Protein and lastly, A good source of dietary fiber. 

Last June 16, 2015, Robinsons Supermarket, together with its participating wellness brands kicked-off the beginning of the campaign that was witnessed and celebrated by friends in the media industry. The launch was held at the Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Quezon City where each brand prepared a booth / kiosk and guests are offered sample products or health monitoring services for them to be aware of their health status. 

The program was hosted by Ms. Iya Villania-Arellano, an avid fitness and outdoor sports advocate. Each participating booth was presented and Ms. Iya took the opportunity of trying each one and experiences the health benefits it offers. I personally tried the health monitoring services like the Bone Scanner being offered by Fonterra, the producers of Anlene. I was relieved that the calcium in my bones is still normal. I also underwent a quick check of my Body Mass Index – BMI and was surprised to see that it was not as superb compared two years ago. It seems my own personal wellness journey wandered off a little and that check-up gave me a warning to improve my efforts. 

Part of the wellness month celebration is the Fit n’ Fab Buddy Fun Run where my son, Gab and I ran together in a 10k distance last year. This fun run is a tandem event where runners are required to run and cross the finish line together. For this year, the basic rules still apply and race course will still be in BGC. This run was quite memorable for my son because this was his first 10 kilometer race and finishing it was quite a challenge for him. And only just over a year of running, he can already finish a half marathon barefoot!  So this year’s Fit n’ Fab Buddy Run is a special run for him because of the milestone he already achieved. And the celebration doesn’t stop there, because this year my wife Ruth will also be running with us. I must say she is really a “convert”, from a non-runner transformed into a 10k runner in just over a year of running.  

“We at Robinsons Supermarket, believe that health and wellness is not a destination but a continues journey. And we want to be part of the journey in people’s lives by being a trusted partner that they can always rely on for all their health and wellness needs,” Passionately stated by Robinsons Supermarket General Manager Jody Gadia. 

As we all take on this wellness journey, “campaign” should no longer be the mission were we only celebrate it one month a year, but a life time commitment. And every step we take is like a healthy adventure added to the quality of life we live every day. 

Hi-5 is back in the Philippines with an All-Filipino casts…

Hi-5, the Australian award winning children’s program brings back the spirit and fun much closer to Filipino kids with its all Filipino casts. TV5, the network that was able to get the franchise launches Hi-5 Philippines which was also adapted by several countries around the world. 

My two younger kids grew up watching Hi-5 right after they got bored watching Barney. I was quite relieved because at least, they have finally out grown nursery rhymes and leveled up to a more up- beat type of music which I find it very interesting and fun to sing too. So as they watched, I was able to learn and like the songs myself. Actually, in many occasions, I find myself unconsciously singing Hi-5 songs on my way to work. 

Last June 11, 2015, TV5 invited several members of the media (including me) together with children to witness the first live showing of Hi-5 Philippines at the TV5 studio in Mandaluyong City. After more than two months of auditions by dozens of aspiring talents, organizers of the new show have finally came up with five highly exceptional individuals that best fit the personality and charisma of the original gang in Australia. 

After a very hefty lunch, we all proceeded to the main studio where the set up was very much like the original studio. The kids, with their equally excited parents, gathered around the stage to watch their version of some of the original songs that my kids loved to sing a long when they were little. To my excitement, I can’t help not to sing-a-long with them as well. 

The Hi-5 Philippines cast of Gerard Pagunsan, Aira Binas, Rissey Reyes, Alex Reyes and Fred Lo are all set to bring a Hi-5 House party in every household as they interact with kids in a “tag-lish” type of show  that will best connect with Filipino kids. Many of the original songs will be sung as it is and some will be converted to “tagalized” form. 

At The launch, we were very fortunate to see a member of the Hi-5 original cast who happens to be a half-Pinoy. She is no other than Ms. Fely Irvine. After the show, we were all invited to join a press conference where the casts were able to expound more about themselves. 

Hi-5 Philippines will airing weekdays at 8:30am starting June 15, 2015. A reply telecast will be aired every 3:00pm at TV5. 

The latest Harman / kardon & JBL Store Opens at Ayala Terraces

Finally, it’s good to see high end audio brands streaming their presence in the commercial scene. Way back in the early 90’s where I used to work in the recording studio industry, brands such as JBL and AKG are always the top of mind among sound engineers when it comes to quality sound. For monitoring speakers, recording studios invest on JBL because they produce distinct clarity sounds which are important in sound production. When it comes to micro-phones, we use AKG. Even in concerts, music production houses use AKG.  

With the advent of modern technology, more and more brands are emerging to compete in the market. And even the not-so popular brands are also producing a good quality sound now. So the popular ones are now seemingly moving from industrial to commercial, which I thing a good strategy.

Finally, a few weeks ago, a concept store of JBL and Harman kardon opened at Ayala Terraces in Fairview, Quezon City. Though quite far from my place, I had the opportunity to visit and experience first-hand the great quality sounds which I only got to listen to when I’m in a recording studio before. The store is owned and managed by Beyond Innovations Inc. in which JBL and Harman kardon are their flagship brands. 

Harman, a company noted for producing great brands such as JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, AKG and Infinity, is also the company of choice of more than 25 automobile owners all over the world for their car audio set ups. Moreover, it is also the brand of choice of sound production experts, audiophiles and musicians. 

The concept store, with its other branches in SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Trinoma and Bonifacio Global City offer a very wide range of product variants that covers from personal compact listening system, such as earphones, headphones, pocket speakers that delivers explosive sounds to a complete home entertainment system that brings larger than life quality sound. 

So whether you're setting up a comprehensive home entertainment system, a personal listening room or just finding a good quality personal listening gadgets, Choose only what the professionals use. 

Back to Back Championship Bouts Headline PXC 48 on TV5

Is boxing slowly losing its charm among Pinoys and is starting to be replaced by mix martial arts (MMA)? Why do a lot of Filipinos and same goes to the many people around the globe are going crazy over this new full-contact sport? I guess the barbaric nature of man are starting to kick in when two oppressing opponent tries to pin each other down. 

For those who are into this kind of action pack sport, then you are for another big treat when the Pacific Extreme Combat presents PXC 48 on June 13, 2015 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. PCX will feature some of the country’s toughest fighters coming from all over the regions will be challenged by MMA fighters from other countries.

To start off, four minor flyweight titles is at stake as Ernesto Montilla faces Jenel Lausa; a foreign contender will challenge Rufino Mante, while Marcelo Cabusas battles Marc Alcoba; after which, Adamson Torbiso and Nilo Vidal will grapple each other to the finish.

Three other bantam weight fights are on schedule, with Mark Abelardo of New Zealand facing Harold Banario of Benguet; Ramon Alvarez of Guam taking on Ernie Baraca of Ilo-ilo City and finally, Genil Francisco colliding with Charles Diao. 

PXC 48 will highlight the main event that will stage not one but two championship bouts, the flyweight and the bantam weight divisions. Well known fighters Alvin Cacdac of San Jose California and Cristiano Pitpitunge of Kapangan, Benguet will face each other for the flyweight crown.  Cacdac is ranked No. 1 out of 77 pro flyweight fighters in South East Asia and as a bantam weight is ranked No.2.

After which, Kyle Aguon of Yona Guam and Rolando Gabriel Dy of Davao City will battle off the title of Bantam weight crown. Currently, Aguon holds the title of the bantam weight and Dy will try all of his might to grapple the title off Aguon this afternoon. This action pack fights will be aired live at TV5 this afternoon June 13, 2015.