World Teachers' Day

In 1993, UNESCO inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day, a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths and adults through their life-long learning process. To contribute to the growth and development of the teaching profession in the country, a Teachers’ Month Campaign was conceived in July 2008 by the Metrobank Foundation Inc, De La Salle Philippines, Philippines Business for Education and Campaign for Social Response, with the special participation of the Department of Education and the support of key business institutions and major media partners.

The initiatives and successes of the Teachers’ Month Campaign since 2008 were solidified when President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the Proclamation No. 242 on August 24, 2011 declaring the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as the “National Teachers’ Month”. The theme of this year’s celebration is “My Teacher, My Hero”. The President emphasized the need to generate public awareness and support for World Teachers’ Month in the Philippines. The occasion can be used to celebrate the unique role and service that teachers play in guiding families, strengthening communities and building the nation, he added.

Buwan ng Wika

This August, we celebrate the Buwan ng Wika with the theme “Tatag ng Wikang Filipino, Lakas ng Pagka-Pilipino”. Education Secretary Armin Luistro are closely coordinating with the Komisyon ng Wikang  Filipino in promoting the national language. “Our national language defines us as a nation” said Luistro. He also emphasized the importance of our national language for communication, understanding, unity and progress of our country.

UAAP Season 75

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines or UAAP was established in 1938. It is composed of eight universities in the Philippines. Each year, teams from these member schools play in 15 different sports which include basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, football, swimming, track and field, relays, tennis and soccer.

            The member universities are the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, National University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Adamson University and University of the East.

Balik Eskwela 2012

     The Department of Education is all set up for the opening of school year 2012-2013 in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide on Monday, June 4. The opening of classes will also start the pilot implementation of the K-12 Basic Education Program. Of the 21.49 million enrollees this year, 5.76 million are secondary, 14 million are elementary and 1.73 million are kindergarten. They will be accommodated by over 45,000 public schools nationwide.

Brigada Eskwela

   Brigada Eskwela also known as the Bayanihan sa Paaralan is a nationwide voluntary effort of teachers, parents, students, community members and other organizations to do minor repairs and clean-ups on their school in preparation for the start of the school year. This week long event began in 2003 as part of the Oplan Balik Eskwela Program of the Department of Education. It encourages volunteers to give out their time, effort and even donate construction materials such as paint, cement, lumber and other materials which could be used for minor repairs and building.

March is Fire Prevention Month

     The Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines always falls on the month of March since it is the start of the summer season. The Bureau of Fire and Protection is the lead agency that initiates programs reminding citizens, schools, companies and communities about the value of preventive measures to avoid catastrophic event caused by fire. With this year’s theme “Makiisa, Makialam, at Makipagtulungan upang Sunog ay Maiwasan”, the BFP intends to lower the number of fire-related incidents. The Bureau will conduct fire and earthquake drills, information dissemination through fliers and posters and safety campaigns.

MV Logos Hope is in Manila

     To all book lovers out there, here’s good news for all of you. The biggest floating bookstore - MV Logos Hope is finally here in Manila. It is docked in Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor until March 14, 2012. The MV Logos Hope is operated by the German charitable Christian organization GBA Ships. The ship has been sailing from port to port since 2009 with its mission of bringing knowledge to the people of the world.

3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

The 3^rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will open at the SM Mall of Asia. This is an annual event that showcases never before seen spectacle of lights and colors from different participating countries. This year, twelve countries are competing for the coveted top prize. The 3^rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition sets on the months of February and March, 2012; a six-week of awesome fireworks display at the bay. For more inquiries, visit http://www.pyrophilippines.com

17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival

The yearly colorful, fun-filled Clark Hot Air Balloon Festival is once again gracing the aviation field of the Clark Freeport. This venue is projected to host over 100,000 tourists from February 9^th thru 12^th 2012. The Balloon Fiesta encourages the passion for flying to both the young and old and to help move the aviation industry forward. It also hopes to create jobs and business opportunities by promoting Tourism.

Concerts on V-day

     Love is in the air as February has arrived fast. Everyone is ready to paint the town with romance. Flowers, Cards, Candlelight Dinner and Chocolates are everywhere. If you are thinking about pulling off a special romantic surprise for your loved one, what better way than a soothing musical concert for your perfect date on Valentine’s Day. Here are some of the Valentine Shows and Concerts in the Metro that you want to visit for an unforgettable and exciting V-day.

It's More Fun in the Philippines

      

      The Department of Tourism launched its new slogan to attract visitors to our country with the line “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.  Before "Pilipinas Kay Ganda," the country had the more popular "WoW Philippines" catch phrase as its tourism slogan. The long-awaited tagline was developed by BBDO Guerrero which was personally supervised by DOT Secretary Jimenez and approved by the President and members of the cabinet.

Metro Manila Film Festival 2011

    The 37th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the annual film festival in Manila that will be held from December 25, 2011 until the first week of January 2012. During the festival, no foreign films are shown in Philippine theaters in order to showcase locally produced films. Since its Christmas time and we have more to spare, why not patronize our own locally produced movies. So if you are thinking of what film to watch, here are the official entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival:

Vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River

     Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan is composed of a long mountain landscape and a beautiful, breathtaking subterranean river that winds through a cave that has been carved into shape by a giant hand of nature. So it comes as no surprise that the Puerto Princesa Underground River has made it as one of the 28 finalists in the global search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.     

The Kerygma Conference

     The first Kerygma Conference was held in 2007. It is a brainchild of Catholic lay preacher and author Bo Sanchez, and is a three-day event in Manila and a one-day event in Davao and Cebu. KCon includes worship, entertainment, talks, Mass and healing – and in such an inspiring way that more people have come back year after year. From around 5,000 participants in 2007 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, about 15000 people attended last year’s conference in Manila, Cebu and Davao. In 2009, a one-day conference was started in Cebu. Last year, another was begun in Davao. KCon 2011 promises to be another life-giving event and has been dubbed “The biggest inspirational conference in the country.” Fellowship, inspiration and fun come together on November 18 to 20. It will indeed be glory time!