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Kumon Philippines will be offering for free its Math and Reading Programs in all its centers nationwide on September 17-30, 2009 to allow more Filipino children and their parents to experience the benefits of the widely-recognized Kumon method.

The free trial campaign allows interested students to go through the same learning routine as regular Kumon students. Participants under the free trial campaign will attend four class days and receive daily worksheets at no cost.

According to Kumon Philippines president Mr. Norihiro Nakamura, “With these free trials, Kumon aims to provide parents a clearer picture of what we can do to help maximize their children’s capabilities. More than an organization that assists children with their academics, we also hope to equip the country’s next generation of leaders with Life Skills that will allow them to contribute positively to the community.”

Prior to their children attending the free trial lessons in the nearest Kumon center, parents will be taken through a scheduled orientation to help them gain a thorough understanding of the Kumon method and its benefits. Children will then be given a diagnostic test to allow instructors to gauge the participating kids’ specific starting point under the Kumon program. This way, the children can begin their Kumon experience comfortably and confidently.

After taking the diagnostic exam, the children may already be enrolled for the trial. Kumon instructors will recommend the appropriate learning program based on the child’s readiness level.

Interested parties can visit their nearest Kumon center or call the Kumon head office at (02)885 0226 or 1-800-1-888-0231 (toll-free outside Metro Manila) to inquire about the Free Trial Campaign. To find out where the nearest Kumon center is, they can also log on to Kumon Philippines’ website.

This is a media release from Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide – Manila.

About Kumon

Kumon is an after-school Math and Reading Program that uses a systematic and individualized approach to help children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. In the Philippines, there are more than 200 centers nationwide wherein children develop their full potential. For more information, visit their website.

Copyright © 2009, Oliver Robillo.
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Here are some photos of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2009 festivities, taken by Jaime Haw.

And here are a few blog posts and news items that have been published online:

• Ginoong Kadayawan 2009
• The Revolution that started in Kadayawan 2009
• Darna flies to Davao for Kadayawan 2009
• Kadayawan 2009 by Councilor Mabel Acosta
• 2009 Kadayawan sidelines: indak-indak
• 2009 Kadayawan sidelines: Pamulak
• Mayor Rody & Inday Sara – Kadayawan football results

Copyright © 2009, Oliver Robillo.
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This has reference to the news item that “MARCOS URGES ABOLITION OF NAMFREL.” In said item, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. was quoted as having said: “The country was deeply divided because of allegations of fraud during the 2004 and 2007 elections and Namfrel has done nothing about it. I think it’s about [...] Open Letter from Namfrel/PPCRV ## Namfrel voters reg drive at U-Belt ## Namfrel on the Maguindanao massacre

I have just nominated two of my own blogs in the 2009 Philippine Blog Awards: Davao Delicious, under the Food & Beverages category; and Ang Dabawenyo, under the Mindanao Destination Blog special awards category. In this year’s PBA, a set of four special awards will be given to Mindanao blogs (and another set for Visayas blogs). [...]

The Philippine Blog Awards, the first of which was held around the same time that the Mindanao Bloggers Community came into existence, is embarking on a grander and more meaningful undertaking this year. In order to make the Awards a truly Filipino experience, PBA2009 is going to be a nationwide effort, with Regional Awards to be held in Mindanao and the Visayas.

The theme of this year’s PBA is One Blogging Nation.

For us in the South, it was decided by the MBC core group, along with the bloggers of CDO, to hold PBA-Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City, on the same day as the 3rd Mindanao Bloggers Summit. What this means is, there will be special awards exclusively for Mindanaoan blogs (the same is true for Visayas blogs). There are four special awards for Mindanao:

Mindanao Advocacy Blog

In line with the objectives of the Mindanao Bloggers Community, the Best Advocacy Blog is a blog that exemplifies how an online publication can bring a worthy cause to the consciousness of a broad audience. It is a blog that inspires its readers to take action and participate in an ongoing discussion of the issues at hand. Special points go to blogs that promote the best and true images of Mindanao.

Mindanao PhotoBlog

The Best PhotoBlog is one that brings the most beautiful images of Mindanao to the fore. It is a blog that evokes passion and inspiration, and clearly shows the blogger’s love for Mindanao. However, it must not be a site that harbors untrue or doctored images that lie about the true nature of Mindanao’s land and people.

Uniquely Mindanao Blog

This blog, as soon as it is viewed, is clearly identifiable as being from and about Mindanao. It evokes a feeling of belongingness among Mindanao readers, and an appreciation and understanding of what Mindanao truly is among non-Mindanaoan readers. The Uniquely Mindanao Blog champions the objectives of the Mindanao Bloggers Community, and contributes to the realization of these goals.

Mindanao Destination Blog

Beyond being merely a blog geared towards tourism, the Best Destination Blog strongly represents the locale (city, town, region) that the bloggers writes about. This blog is passionate about the promotion of his or her chosen locale for tourism and/or business, and publishes news and opinion articles for a well-rounded view of the destination.

To be considered for the PBA, you must nominate your own blog; or, you can recommend a blog for nomination. The process is quick and painless. Just submit your blog and follow the instructions. (There is one glitch, though: if you want to nominate more than one blog, you must use a different email address for each submission.)

There are many, many deserving blogs out there. Mindanao bloggers can certainly win in the PBA Major Categories, too, but let’s nominate blogs that deserve to win in the special Mindanao Awards categories. This is very much in line with the MBC’s objectives: to bring out blog content from Mindanao out into the open.

The deadline for submission of nominations for Mindanao and Visayas special awards has been extended to the 27th of August 2009.

The City of Davao is geared up for this year’s celebration of the Kadayawan Festival. As city streets have already been adorned with colorful buntings and streamers, the 2009 Kadayawan Festival Executive Committee — headed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte along with private sector co-chair Lorenzo Te, Jr. — has lined up an exciting calendar of events for this year’s celebration.

This year’s theme, “Naghiusang Katawhan Nakigdait sa Kalibutan” (“One People in Communion with the Earth”), fittingly responds to the need of the times as Dabawenyos are reminded of their responsibilities towards Mother Earth. As Davao’s indigenous tribes have deemed the earth as the core of their existence, they have also maintained a special connection to the earth which is also the source of the life, living, culture and traditions. Thus, the earth seriously needs to be given utmost care especially this time when climactic changes have affected the lives of many. That is the main cause of this year’s celebration.

Kadayawan, a celebration of thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living while paying tribute to Davao’s artistic, cultural, industrial and historical heritage, will officially begin on August 21, 2009 with “Dawow: Dayaw – Subay sa Suba” at Tionko Field (Agro Foundation College). The opening ceremony will feature a grand water ritual, musical and cultural performances and the sealing of the people’s covenant to protect mother earth.

Under the “Lumadnong Kasaulogan” (Peoples Indigenous Festivals) component of the festival, referring to the showcase of the indigenous peoples’ culture and arts, the following events have been organized: “Hulagway sa Kaliwatan” (Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit), a Visual Arts Competition and Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways (August 17-September 17, Museo Dabawenyo); “Panagtagbo”, the Ata Manobo, Ubo Manobo, K’lata, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama and Kalagan tribes’ celebration of thanksgiving of their oneness with the earth through performances, culinary fiesta and craftsmanship (August 20-21, Peoples Park and Rizal Park); “Hiyas sa Kadayawan”, the search for the Kadayawan Symbol, the indigenous lass who is knowledgeable of her indigenous culture and wisdom through a pageantry of Mindanaoan myths and legends (August 16, Gaisano Mall of Davao); and “Tugtogan sa Kahiusahan” (Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Music Festival), performances of indigenous music virtuosos from all over Mindanao using various gong percussions, string and wind instruments (August 22, Peoples’ Park).

Meanwhile, under the “Subay Sa Lumadnong Kagikan” (Contemporary Indigenous-motivated Celebrations) component, illustrating the impact of the indigenous culture and traditions to contemporary artists and communities, the following events will be showcased: “Tunog Mindanaw” (World Music Festival), a Mindanao-wide competition of popular yet Mindanao tradition-based music (August 18, NCCC Mall); “Moda Mindanaw”, a fashion and floral design dompetition showcasing indigenous-inspired silhouettes, Mindanawon fabrics, and floral accessories (August 16, Gaisano Mall of Davao); “Sayaw Mindanaw”, competition of Mindanao myths, legends and folklores transformed into dance narratives by Mindanao-based dance groups (August 18-20, SM City Davao); “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan”, street dancing competition and Mindanao festival showcases (August 22, downtown streets); “Pamulak Kadayawan”, the grand finale featuring floral float and parade competition (August 23, downtown streets); “Kalasikas”, contemporary music and dance concerts (August 17-23, Peoples Park); and “Pakonsyerto ni Mayor Rody ug Vice-Mayor Sara sa Kadayawan” (August 23, Rizal Park).

Other events that are sure to make this year’s festival the grandest ever include the “Baylehan sa Katawhan” (August 23, San Pedro Street), “Kasadalanan” (August 29-30, Streets of Davao), Agro-Industrial Trade Fair and Floral Exhibit (August 1-30, SM City Davao), “Tabo” (August 17, SP Lobby), and Hudyakaan Street Party (August 17-23, Bolton Street), as well as those initiated by the private sector.

For more information, please refer to the Kadayawan festival website. This is a media release from the City Tourism Operations Office.

Copyright © 2009, Oliver Robillo.
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Today, as the family of Corazon C. Aquino bury their matriarch, the Filipino nation mourns the loss of the country’s symbol of People Power, the restorer and defender of democracy. As President of the Republic, Cory was far from perfect. But, her actions and decisions were always guided by hard and fast principles. It was ever [...] Cha-Cha on hold…for now

Today I’m in General Santos City, but on my way back to Davao in a few hours. I spent the weekend here with blogger-friends, Lyle & Brendel, to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and to help out Bariles Republic’s Avel M. in his local blogging efforts. Marz, happy birthday again!! I’m happy to say that Lyle and I [...]

[Media Release]

From rowing a banca in a river during his teen years to bringing his own children to their first beach outing, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Felix Mari Hotchkiss Durano shares why idyllic Carrascal in Surigao del Sur is still home to him in the latest issue of m (Life and Living in Mindanao) magazine. Durano, champion of Philippine tourism, reveals the many unforgettable summers he spent in his maternal hometown as well as his plans for tourism development in Mindanao.

Also in m’s sixth issue, learn about the sumptuous paella recipe of Dabawenyo chef Juan Guino-o Gaddi; the purposeful journey of Eric John Madela in helping rebuild lives in many Mindanao communities; the stylish creations of Cagay’anon designers Roel Rosal and Melvin Lachica in the recent Philippine Fashion Week; Mindanao’s bustling rubber industry and Zamboanga’s Ecozone and Freeport Authority; and, the passions of visual and performing artists Rosalie Zerrudo and Jun Cayas.

Itching to travel? Flip through the pages of m and unravel the treasures of ancient Maitum, the vibrant nightscape of Iligan, the festive and religious rituals of Kinabayo Festival, and the vibrant blend of the north and south in Binuyugan Festival. Get your backpacks ready and join m in rediscovering the island’s amazing destinations — Dapitan, Mati, Sohoton Cove, and the islands of Surigao.

As this issue’s special fashion feature, m highlights six exemplary young men — Mindanao’s up-and-coming movers and shakers, plus many more fascinating stories on the places, people, flavors and colors of Mindanao as m celebrates its splendor, beauty and diversity.

m, Mindanao’s first-ever glossy travel and lifestyle publication, is now available in National Bookstore, Babasahin, Fully Booked, Power Books, Forewords, Christian Ventures, hotels, resorts and airport lounges and other leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. Grab a copy now!

Copyright © 2009, Oliver Robillo.
This feed is for the exclusive use of the publishing site, AngDabawenyo.com. The unauthorized use of this feed is an infringement of copyright.
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