Global IT Challenge: LG’s Journey Towards a Better World

Always understanding its responsibility as a corporate citizen to make a positive impact on society, LG has hosted the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC) program since 2011, strengthening youth’s IT skills and capabilities that will help them in the real world.

Let’s take a look at the history of the GITC and how it has grown into the international program it is now to enhance accessibility for youth with disabilities from all around the world.

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Unbox these December presents from Netflix

Unwrap Netflix's exciting presents this December with new seasons, new movies and shows that the family can spend on binging for the holidays.

BONJOUR!
Get ready for more work (mis)adventures, love troubles, and tres chic fashion in the third season of "Emily in Paris." A year after moving to Paris for her dream job, Emily is at a career and romantic crossroads that will force her to decide where her future lies. Stars Lily Collins and Lucas Bravo.

AN EGG-CITING JOURNEY
In "Gudetama: An Eggcelent Adventure," Sanrio characters Gudetama and Shakipiyo embark on a road trip in search of their mother. Along the way, Gudetama begins to think about its own path and realizes it must work hard or just go rotten. Can Gudetama reach its mother before it goes rotten?

ENJOY CHRISTMAS!
Add these titles to your Christmas wish list. Solve the Whodunit mystery behind "Glass Onlion: A Knives Out Mystery" and find out the new games on season 2 of "Alice in Borderland" at our next barkada party. And next family reunion, sing and dance along "Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical."

Have a Merry Christmas on Netflix! Don't miss Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, I Believe in Santa, Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery, The Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus and the classic It's a Wonderful Life.

Check out this album for the FULL SCHEDULE of shows and movies only on Netflix.

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Jesus Reigns Celebration all set on November 30

Come and celebrate the biggest Christian worship festival in the Philippines this November 30, 2022 as Jesus Reigns Philippines Celebration gathers all Christian believers  in all 82 provinces across the Philippines.

This is an annual festival held to honor Jesus Christ alone and to proclaim that HE REIGNS over our beloved Philippines and all nations. In this celebration, JESUS is the center highlight. No church names, no personalities are acknowledged except JESUS alone. 

After two years of virtual celebration due to the pandemic, Jesus Reigns as a movement is now ready to go out on the streets and worship as a united Body of Christ.

On its 11th year, over a million people all across the Philippines will come and declare that JESUS REIGNS over every home, city, province and the whole Philippines. 

One Voice. One Lord. One Nation.

2022 is the Year of No Compromise. 

We are taking it from 2 Kings 18: 5-7 which states:

“Hezekiah trusted in the LORD,  the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the LORD in everything, and he carefully 

obeyed all the commands the LORD had given Moses. So the LORD was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did.”

We believe if we publicly come together as a nation and declare that Jesus Reigns in our hearts 

and live it out without compromising, the Lord will bless and prosper our nation.

Join the celebration as NCR kicks it off at 6am with a grand parade in Greenhills, EDSA to People’s Power Monument with people marching, dancing, singing and making a joyful sound  pronouncing that  JESUS REIGNS. Then celebrate the festival at Amoranto Stadium at 3pm. 

Be amazed by the creative movements of worship of art, dance and music. 

As a finale, a spectacular grand fireworks display and feasting from every city takes place.

Be a part of this celebration in your province. 

Visit the Jesus Reigns Celebration website at https://jesusreigns.ph and facebook.com/JesusReignsCelebration for more information.

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LG Supports Young Technology Leaders with Disabilities through 2022 Global IT Challenge

Attracting More Than 320 Participants From Around the World,

GITC Continues to Empower Youth With Disabilities for Eleventh Year

LG Electronics hosted the final round of the 11th Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC) last week. The two-day event saw inspiring, young participants from all over the world test their skills for computer-based activities in a series of timed challenges. Adopting a hybrid online and offline format, several key participating countries including Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam set up venues locally as well.

Following the success of the GITC’s preliminary round in August, registrations were high for the competition’s last stage. Ultimately, more than 320 participants from 16 countries were invited to join in the final round which was held online. After competing in four challenges – eTool, eLifeMap, eContent and eCreative – the young contestants gathered both in-person and online for an awards ceremony that acknowledged this year’s winners while also allowing everyone to come together and share experiences.

The eTool challenge tests entrants’ ability to make and edit presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and utilize functions and formulae to calculate and organize data in Microsoft Excel. eLifeMap involves conducting advanced text and image searches online to solve daily problems, while eContent evaluates one’s capacity to create and edit videos dealing with a specific topic. Lastly, the eCreative challenge, which is divided into two sections, tasks participants with coding a self-driving car program (eCreative_SmartCar) and with developing an idea for technology to make life more convenient for persons with disabilities (eCreative_IoT).

LG Corporation, in conjunction with South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, has been leading the GITC since 2011. The program was established to help youth with disabilities by bridging the digital gap, enhancing their ability to utilize IT to improve their employment and higher education opportunities. Run by LG Electronics and the GITC Organizing Committee, and now in its eleventh year, the competition has attracted a total of around 4,000 young participants to date.

Using the GITC as a stepping stone for academic and professional pursuits, participants have continued to challenge themselves to accomplish their dreams after the competition. Faiza Pulri Adila from Indonesia, who won the all-around championship in the 2018 GITC, is studying nanotechnology engineering at Airlangga University in Indonesia. In addition, Cheenmanee Tnanapon from Thailand, the first person with developmental disabilities to win the all-round championship in the 2016 GITC, is taking the lead in raising disability awareness by appearing on popular Thai TV programs.

“I’ve worked very hard for many days with my friends for the competition because I thought this opportunity was perfect for me to keep pushing myself to improve my skills,” said Varinporn Thongjamnong, a 19-year-old from Thailand and winner of all-around championship in the 2022 Global IT Challenge. “I’m honored to be this year’s Global IT Winner, which I’m confident will motivate me to study even harder to achieve my dreams.”

“Technologies can help all of us to overcome obstacles in our daily lives and is something of a universal language that transcends borders, culture and many other differences,” said Kim In-kyu, chairman of the GITC Organizing Committee. “We hope that the wonderful young people who entered this year’s competition feel motivated and empowered to take on even greater challenges in the future.”

As highlighted in LG’s Better Life Plan 2030, the GITC is one of the company’s many initiatives in the key areas of accessibility and inclusion. LG is investing heavily in future generations as part of its comprehensive social contribution framework, and will continue to operate various events and programs specifically designed to assist and support the next generation of leaders by strengthening their skills and capabilities.

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BAYAN KO - A Filipino concert by Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe

Come and celebrate the 76th anniversary of Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe in a concert dubbed as BAYAN KO on November 26 (7pm) and November 27 (3pm and 7 pm) at the CCP Main Theater Lobby.

BAYAN KO is a depiction of the true identity of the Filipino people, showcasing the colorful and unique indigenous tribal and folk cultures with their customs and traditions, through music, song and dance.

The artistic team of BAYAN KO is led by Ronnie Del Barrio (Director / Artistic Director of PBFDT); Mariano Santiago (Associate Artistic Director) and Jun Arandela (Musical Director).

Originally 'barangay' meant boats used by the Malays arriving on the shores of the Philippines during the pre-Spanish times. Later, the name came to connote the unit of government known as the 'Pueblo'.

The word 'barangay', with its connotation of friendly association and harmonious living was adopted by the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PBFDT) to reflect its objectives of developing the physical, mental and social life of the individual through the cooperative effort of the members.

For the past seven decades, the PBFDT have traveled to the different stages of the world across Asia, Europe and North America, providing a window to the complex and culturally rich history of the Philippines.

The troupe continues to research, preserve and showcase the diverse multicultural Philippine life, with its customs, traditions, various religions, depicting the gaiety and friendliness of its people through its performances of the native arts in their authentic form.

The folk-like and unaffected atmosphere of the performances have won the world over as they present the story of the Philippines through a panorama of songs, dances and music.

The troupe has received many citations and awards both nationally and internationally.

The most prestigious of these is the Philippine Presidential Medal of Merit Award ‘Patnubay ng Kalinangan sa Sayaw’ (1971)—a truly distinguished award of recognition for the important contribution the troupe is making to its home country.

In 2021, the PB proudly celebrated its 75th Anniversary, a testament to the pioneering leadership of the founding Artistic Director — the late Dr. Paz-Cielo A. Belmonte, awardee of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining at Sayaw (1990), Philippine Centennial Awards (1999) and the Gintong BAI Awards (2005).

The PBFDT continues to excel as one of the leading dance companies in the Philippines, playing an important role in folk dance education, with most of its members being teachers and educators.

The group has had a significant impact on the development of the Filipino youth’s values in appreciation of their own culture, arts and traditions, particularly folk/traditional dance and music.

The PBFDT have traveled to Russia's Red Square, climbed the Great Wall of China, visited the land down under in Australia, crossed the Berlin Wall and basked in the shadows of London's Big Ben and Paris' Eiffel Tower while criss-crossing all of Europe, danced on the stages of Las Vegas and Broadway and performed alongside Mickey Mouse in Disneyland.

Inspired and guided by the ‘Baranggay Spirit’ and discipline, members and alumni have organized folk dance groups in their respective schools/universities and communities worldwide, with the continued support of the mother company, previously under the leadership of Administrative & Creative Director, the late Mr. Eugenio C. Ticzon, or ‘Kuya Eugene’ as he is fondly remembered by most.

Indeed, the PB has expanded a thousand folds in its 76 years of existence — the longest running folk dance group in the country — and it will continue to expand to attain its mission of educating the Filipino youth towards appreciation, preservation and promotion of their Philippine cultural heritage.

Today, the dance troupe is under the new leadership of Administrative & Creative Director, Ronnie del Barrio, who joined the PB in 1982 as a Principal Dancer during his time at the PNC (now PNU). Ronnie’s career spans the past three decades, working as a creative director and choreographer, and a performer in London West End shows. Ronnie has worked closely with Philippine Embassies and communities across Europe as an arts consultant, collaborator and facilitator for cultural projects worldwide. Ronnie co founded PB’s sister company, the Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company (LahingKayumanggi.com), which has become widely recognized as Europe’s foremost Philippine cultural performance company.

BAYAN KO is a strictly by invitation event.

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​​LG Re-Imagines the Holidays With New Refrigerator Models

It’s no surprise that the holiday season is a favorite among Filipinos. Especially in the new normal, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and rekindle relationships to make up for lost time. House gatherings, no matter how big or small, whether with friends or family, are sure to be aplenty. However, with all the food and leftovers during the holidays, you’ll need a ref that’s up to the task.

Mr. Sungjae Kim, LG Philippines Managing Director with Ms. Iza Calzado

L-R: Mr. Jun Lee, Product Director for Home Appliances, Ms. Iza Calzado with Mr. Sungjae Kim, LG Philippines Managing Director

Knowing the Filipino’s penchant for hosting parties, LG recently hosted an event focused on the South Korean brand’s newest refrigerators, which are perfect home upgrades for the holiday season. The highlight of the afternoon was the LG InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator, which boasts of an Instaview Panel that is 23% larger than its predecessor. Knock twice and you’ll see what’s inside. If you do decide to grab something, the popular door-in-door feature gives you easy access to frequently used items without needing to open the whole door and letting warm air rush inside.

 

The LG InstaView also offers key LG innovations such as LinearCooling^TM for sealing in freshness and reducing temperature fluctuations, DoorCooling^+TM for fast and even performance, and UVnanoTM which automatically reduces 99.99% of bacteria from the water nozzle with UV light.

The event, which was hosted by new LG brand ambassador Iza Calzado, also featured other refrigerators for different markets and use cases. The hosts highlighted the RVS-Q245NS, an even bigger Instaview model, the RVT-B149BS and the RVT-B145PZ, two similar, high-performance top freezers with a sleek and modern silhouette that fits any lifestyle, and the RVT-B119DG, which is the perfect ref for smaller spaces.

Mr. Jillian Yap, LG Refrigerators Senior Product Manager and Ms. Iza Calzado checking out the LG Instaview Refrigerator

Another segment during the event focused on what a smarthome is and how it works. Representatives from LG demonstrated how you can control different home appliances on your mobile phone with just one app. Even if you’re away, you can also receive remote notifications on your mobile phone and control the appliances remotely. They also showed how the different LG smart appliances can be monitored through the Home Dashboard on LG TVs.

 

LG’s Managing Director Mr. Sungjae Kim was in a festive mood during the event, saying “We at LG know how much Filipinos love Christmas time and how it’s the season to reward the family or one’s self with much needed tech upgrades…With LG, it’s never too early to get your Christmas wishlist.”

Mr. Sungjae Kim, LG Philippines Managing Director

Reimagine the holidays and upgrade your home with the latest and greatest from LG. To know more about LG’s offerings, visit the official website at https://lg.com/ph and follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. You may also check out LG’s official flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee.

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MAGIC MIKE's LAST DANCE teases finale of the sexy trilogy

The creative team behind the first film “Magic Mike,” which garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, has reunited to create the magic again in “Magic Mike’s Last Dance”: Channing Tatum reprises his role as Mike Lane and Steven Soderbergh returns to the helm with a script from Reid Carolin, who also wrote the first two films. And starring alongside Tatum is Salma Hayek Pinault (“House of Gucci,” “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”).

“Magic” Mike Lane (Tatum) takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida. For what he hopes will be one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite (Hayek Pinault) who lures him with an offer he can’t refuse…and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, once Mike discovers what she truly has in mind, will he—and the roster of hot new dancers he’ll have to whip into shape—be able to pull it off?

The film’s producers are Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs, Tatum, Carolin and Peter Kiernan. Julie M. Anderson serves as executive producer.

Also starring with Tatum and Hayek Pinault are Ayub Khan Din (“Ackley Bridge”), newcomer Jemelia George, Juliette Motamed (“We Are Lady Parts”) and Vicki Pepperdine (“Johnny English Strikes Again”).

Soderbergh’s creative team behind the scenes includes production designer Pat Campbell (“The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself”), costume designer Christopher Peterson (“The Irishman”) and music supervisor Season Kent (“KIMI,” “Let Them All Talk”), with choreography by Alison Faulk and Luke Broadlick, both part of the “Magic Mike” franchise.

A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” slides into theaters across the Philippines beginning this February 2023.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day 2023 comes the third installment of the blockbuster “Magic Mike” film franchise, the musical comedy “Magic Mike’s Last Dance.” Check out the film’s official trailer below.

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Christmas at the Top

A Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony kicked off this year's most festive season at Amiya Raya.

Held on November 12 at Club Vihara, lot owners and guests of this developing highland community were also treated to a Holiday Musical Concert that featured choirs from the local Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu, the San Pedro Calungsod Choir (SPCC) and the Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu Ensemble (ENSA), who performed their renditions of well-loved Christmas songs such as Diwa ng Pasko, Come All Ye Faithful, Magdiwang, Magpuri, Gumising, Pasko Na, Sinto Ko, Joy To The World, and Tuloy Na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko, among others. The concert was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the community's 15-foot candy-themed Christmas tree. The event was capped off by a fireworks display against the Metro Manila skyline.

Join this exclusive residential enclave in San Mateo, Rizal that is only a 15-minute drive from the city, making it close to places of interests such as schools, churches, malls, and government offices. For inquires, visit their website www.amiyaraya.com.ph or @AmiyaRayaOfficialPage on Facebook.

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Dulaang UP makes a comeback with Floy Quintos' The Reconciliation Dinner

The stage is set for Dulaang UP’s comeback with 45th Theatre Season opener, THE RECONCILIATION DINNER, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos.

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER is a dark comedy about friends trying to heal unspoken hurts, suspicions, disbelief about the choices of those they thought they knew well. In light of the 2022 elections, how well do we really know those we hold dear? And how far are we willing to go to overlook the choices they make?

The production boasts a powerhouse ensemble of actors led by Stella Cañete-Mendoza and Frances Makil-Ignacio. They are joined by regulars in the Philippines theatre scene including Randy Medel Villarama, Jojo Cayabyab, Nelsito Gomez, Hariette Mozelle, and Phi Palmos.

Frances Makil-Ignacio

Stella Ca˜nete-Mendoza

Joining Quintos and Santos on their sixth theatre collaboration (previous works include The Kundiman Party, Angry Christ, Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini, Ang Nawalang Kapatid, and Collection) are Charles Yee (set), Mitoy Sta. Ana (costume), Loren Rivera (lights), Arvy Dimaculangan (sounds), Steven Tansiongco (video and poster), and Jojit Lorenzo (photography).

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER runs from November 18 to November 20 at the UP Theater Main Hall Stage, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me (https://ticket2me.net/e/36022). The production will also have a limited video-on-demand release via Ticket2Me.

November 18 (Friday), 7:30 PM

November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM

November 19 (Saturday), 3:00 PM

November 19 (Saturday), 7:30 PM

November 20 (Sunday), 10:30 AM

November 20 (Sunday), 3:00 PM

November 20 (Sunday), 7:30 PM

For ticket inquiries and sponsorship, you may email us at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph or message our Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).

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SM City Masinag celebrates a Merry and Bright Christmas

It is that time of the year again when everyone gathers at SM City Masinag to light up the annual giant Christmas display at the mall atrium.

Aptly called Merry and Bright Christmas, SM City Masinag illuminates the entire mall highlighting an amazing Christmas centerpiece that features a towering 20-feet royal gazebo and an abundantly adorned Christmas Tree on top of it. The centerpiece greenery is decked out with poinsettias, Christmas trees and fluttery park lights that complete a beautiful indoor garden scenery. I and my mom took the opportunity to take our photos in the wonderful display.

The launch highlights a ceremonial lighting ceremony with local officials led Antipolo City Councilor Susan Say and Bgy. Mayamot Kagawad Arvie Reyes-Regino. They are joined by SM Supermalls Senior AVP Johanna Rupisan, Regional Operations Manager Chris Martin Coquia, SM City Masinag Mall Manager April Duques Bulanon and Assistant Mall Manager Sean Arroyo. The talented performers from Madison Events entertain guests with a Christmas musical.

“To see families and friends gather round our annual Christmas centerpiece makes us beam with happiness as we know we become part of their Holiday memories when they take pictures at our mall displays. We are thankful that we get to do this again for our shoppers especially after the limiting years we endure because of the pandemic. We hope that our offerings and attractions here at the mall make their Holidays this year more meaningful,” says April Duques Bulanon, Mall Manager of SM City Masinag.

Starting October 29, 2022, SM City Masinag is again launching the Bears of Joy, an annual charity program of SM Supermalls wherein shoppers can also participate by buying a pair of Christmas Teddy Bears for P250 from the Bears of Joy booth. One of the two bears will be donated to a selected charity, while the donor can take the other one home. SM City Masinag will give the accumulated donated bears to a chosen charity.

Check out SM City Masinag Official on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for official updates about the lineup of promos and happenings this Holiday Season.

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