The Sun is aging and the Climate is changing; and we feel the disastrous effects of Climate Change

Eventually these effects will lead to Political Instability, Large Scale Migration, Food Insecurity and Sporadic Violence. What can you do as a Peace Leader in your Home? What can you do as a Peace Leader in your School? What can you do as a Peace Leader in your Workplace? What can you do as Peace Leader in your Community? What can you do as Peace Leader in your own Country? Vision of a Peace Leader: 1. To Initiate Peace through Interfaith, Intercultural, Interracial Prayers for Peace Worldwide regardless of: a. Religion b. Culture c. Age d. Class e. Gender f. Race g. Color h. Political affiliation i. Economic Status j. Etc 2. To Educate Peace through Wellness for Peace Education on Climate Change at home, schools and workplaces; a. Wellness in Mind is Stress Management b. Wellness in Body is Nourishment and Detoxification c. Wellness in Spirit is Meditative Prayer d. Wellness in Environment is Holistic Lifestyle 3. To Innovate Peace through Business in Ecology Forum to give Jobs and Opportunities to All Sectors in All Countries by Peacefully Mitigating and Practically Adapting to the Effects of Climate Change: a. Help in Cleaning the Coal Industries with its affiliate businesses; b. Setting up of Renewable Energies; c. Healthy Competition of Coal and Renewable Energies favorable to people, animals, nature and the environment Mission of a Peace Leader: 1. Pray Daily to Clean and Heal Nature / Ecology / Environment 2. Work Professionally to Fund Own Advocacies and Peace Program 3. Network to Create Teams to Peacefully Mitigate and Adapt to the Effects of Climate Change Program of Actions: 1. Team-Building: Pray for Peace in your Home 2. Team Building: Educate for Peace in your School 3. Team Building: Integrity for Peace in your Workplace 4. Team Building: Business in Ecology for Peace in your Community 5. Team Building: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation for Peace in your Country If you belong to any of these sectors: OFWs sector Farmers sector Workers sector Fishermen sector Women and Children sector Youth sector Intellectual/ Education/ Professional sector Business sector Government sector NGO/ Environmentalist/Ecologist sector (your sector not listed above) Etc, etc., etc Organize and Attend the Climate Change Peace Building Forum in your Place or Organization. Make your Voice be heard! Let’s work for a Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future! Let’s start the Global Peace Education! Let’s give the Right of Peoples to Peace! Let us know if you want to become the Peace Leader in your home, schools and workplaces. Call or text mobile numbers: (63)9295197788 or e-mail: ambassadorzara@gmail.com Thank you! See you soon! Peace and Love! God bless you! Ambassador Zara Jane Juan Climate Change Peace Building Program of Sailing for Peace Year Round Contribution to United Nations 70 Years Celebration

FILIPINOS PRAY AT HOME: STORM PRAYER BRIGADE NOW GOING ON WHILE THE STORM PASSES BY

Almighty Father, as typhoon Ruby nears, we plead for your Mercy and pray that you spare our country and people further devastation and threats from nature's wrath; we claim by faith that You alone can calm this storm, in Jesus name, AMEN!- Catholic Churches in the Philippines. Please pass to join the Prayer Brigade. Thank you!

Community-driven approach in building Yolanda housing units proposed || ...

WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: PHL Mall, SM City North EDSA is now the world's largest solar-powered mall!

Solar Philippines, led by 21-year-old Leandro Leviste, partnered with SM Malls to build the solar panels that could generate up to 1.5-MW power. This is SM's second solar power project after it installed a 1.1-MW project at its SM City Xiamen mall in China. SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia said the 1.5-MW of electricity generated by the solar panels can power 16,000 light fixtures, 59 escalators and 20 elevators of SM North at the same time. This represents 5 percent of the mall's total electricity requirements. She said using the solar panels can generate up to P2 million in savings every month for SM North. Garcia said SM has two rooftop solar power projects by Solar Philippines in the pipeline --in SM Dasmarinas in Cavite and SM Mall of Asia in Paranaque. SM Dasmarinas will have a capacity of 0.8MW using 3,740 solar panels. It is expected to be operational by May 2015. SM Mall of Asia will also have 10,500 solar panels installed, as part of the mall's expansion. Garcia said the project, which will generate 2.7-MW, may go online by the end of 2015. Asked if more SM malls would have solar power projects, Garcia said it would depend on the studies conducted by Solar Philippines. https://anc.yahoo.com/news/sm-north-edsa-is-now-world-s-biggest-solar-powered-mall-053230941.html

WELLNESS IN TRADE & INDUSTRY: Israeli Companies held Trade Mission to PHL for Business Opportunities in Water & Agriculture Sectors

In a statement, the Economic and Trade Mission of the Embassy of Israel in Manila said the trade mission included the following companies: Afimilk Ltd, AgroTop Ltd, A.R.I. Flow Control Accessories Ltd, Eshet Eilon, Natafim Ltd, Ooval Valves and TopGreenhouse. Members of the Israeli delegation discussed irrigation know-how, dairy production, turnkey projects for livestock, post-harvest treatment, crop protection, agronomy, greenhouse technology, water system control, and water management. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau said the trade mission -- the first for the Middle Eastern country -- is an indication of the Philippines' economic importance to Israel. Gilad Peled, director of the Water, Environment and Agro-Technology Department of the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, said the delegation indicates the potential partnerships in technological know-how and capacity-building. Doron Hemo, head of Israel Economic and Trade Office at the Israeli Embassy, said the choice of Israeli companies is in line with the Philippine Agriculture Medium Strategic Plan for 2020, which stresses technological investments. “This two-day business event is a concrete step towards a fruitful collaboration between Israel and the Philippines in the area of agriculture,” Hemo said. Helping organize the meetings were the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).http://www.interaksyon.com/business/99754/israeli-agri-water-companies-hold-maiden-philippine-trade-mission

WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Business Confidence Improved due to Increase in Consumer Demand & Infrastructure Projects

The latest Business Expectations Survey (BES) showed that the overall confidence index rose to 48.3 percent in the October to December period from a three-year low of 34.4 percent recorded in the third quarter. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine central bank or BSP) said the improvement in sentiment was driven by a foreseen increase in consumer demand amid the holiday season and a sustained growth in orders and projects. The roll out of the Philippine government's public-private partnership projects, stable inflation, low interest rates, continuous remittances and sustained foreign investment flows have also boosted the confidence of companies in the country's economy. The BSP said the wholesale and retail trade sector was the most bullish this quarter, followed by the services sector. Construction firms were also optimistic due to foreseen acceleration in activities for both public and private projects before the year ends. Industry firms, meanwhile, also had an upbeat outlook due to ongoing projects and orders.For the first quarter of 2015, BSP said the confidence index slid to 43.1 percent due to the typical downturn in demand after the holiday season.The latest BES was conducted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 13 and involved a total of 1,518 firms. http://www.philstar.com/business/2014/11/21/1394526/business-confidence-phl-economy-improves-q4

WELLNESS IN ARTS: "Biyahe" Collection of Artworks about Rural Carabao to Colorful City Jeepneys, Caritelas, Calesas, and Tranvias @Ayala Center

Jovan Benito explores this idea of Philippine-style of transportation in “Biyahe,” which opens on Nov. 12, 6 p.m. at Galleria Nicolas, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City. The show runs until Nov. 26. Benito presents flat renderings of transportation scenes. Using a bright palette, Benito’s works display fiesta panoramas and classical scenes that demonstrate her technique. Dominated by that same idyllic glow that exemplifies top genre artists like Angelito Antonio, Antonio Austria or Mario Parial, but adapted to suit a contemporary aesthetic style, Benito shows that she has mastered a classical Philippine art tradition. Taking a cue from her own life growing up in the rural community of Pakil in Laguna, Benito’s canvases are examples of folk life simplified. Always in abundance in her joyful works of art are happy and idyllic figures that Benito paints in a colorful, attractive and cheerful way. http://www.philstar.com/arts-and-culture/2014/11/10/1389456/jovan-benito-galleria-nicolas

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: PEACE & DepEd gave Bicycles to schoolchildren in far-flung areas to boost access to education

Philippine Educators Association of CESOs and Eligibles Inc. (PEACE) handed over 18 bicycles to students of Lusaran National High School in support of the Department of Education's (DepEd) Pedals and Paddles Project, a campaign to bring boats and bikes to schoolchildren in far-flung areas aiming to boost access to education. The aim of the Pedals and Paddles Project is to ease the travel time of students through the distribution of boats and bicycles in communities that need them the most. In several occasions, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC underscored that the department remains committed to the delivery of quality basic education to Filipino learners -- especially to those who live in areas where transportation remains a challenge. The secretary said that DepEd wants to let every student know that we have not forgotten them and that they are not alone. When asked for comment, DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, who also is the President of PEACE, emphasized that no learners should be left behind in education. He added that through Pedals and Paddles, the organization hopes to help students who live far from their schools, and in turn, improve their performance in school by reducing their travel time. Through Pedals and Paddles, Umali also said they want to encourage students to attend school and perform better and to bring the school to Filipino children." The Pedals and Paddles Project is a partnership campaign between DepEd, Bike for the Philippines, and Yellow Boat of Hope. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2014/11/23/mendoza-access-education-senior-high-school-378216

WHO UPDATE: World Heart Day 29 Sept 2014: Salt Reduction Saves Lives. Target 30% salt reduction by 2015.

25 SEPTEMBER 2014 ¦ GENEVA - On World Heart Day, held 29 September, WHO is calling on countries to take action on the overuse of salt by implementing WHO’s sodium reduction recommendations to cut the number of people experiencing heart disease and stroke, and, in turn, save lives. Target: 30% salt reduction by 2025 Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of premature death in the 21st century. WHO is supporting governments to implement the "Global action plan to reduce noncommunicable diseases" that comprises nine global targets, including one to reduce global salt intake by a relative 30% by 2025. “If the target to reduce salt by 30% globally by 2025 is achieved, millions of lives can be saved from heart disease, stroke and related conditions,” says Dr Oleg Chestnov, WHO Assistant Director-General for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. The main source of sodium in our diet is salt. It can come from sodium glutamate and sodium chloride, and is used as a condiment in many parts of the world. In many countries, 80% of salt intake comes from processed foods such as bread, cheese, bottled sauces, cured meats and ready-made meals. Increased risk of hypertension/high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke risks Consuming too much salt can lead (or contribute) to hypertension, or high blood pressure, and greatly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. On average, people consume around 10 grams of salt per day. This is around double WHO’s recommended level from all sources, including processed foods, ready-made meals and food prepared at home (less than 5 grams or under one teaspoon per day). WHO recommends that children aged 2 to 15 years consume even less salt than this, adjusted to their energy requirements for growth. “Salt is in almost everything we eat, either because high levels of salt are found in most processed and prepared foods, or because we are adding salt when we prepare food at home,” adds Dr Chestnov. Dr Chestnov said that reducing salt intake is one of the most effective ways for countries to improve population health, and urged the food industry to work closely with WHO and national governments to incrementally reduce the level of salt in food products. Strategies to reduce salt consumption WHO’s evidence-based strategies to reduce salt consumption include: regulations and policies to ensure that food manufacturers and retailers reduce the levels of salt in food and beverage products; agreements with the industry to ensure that manufacturers and retailers make healthy food (with low salt) available and affordable; fostering healthy eating environments (that promote salt reduction) in public places such as schools, hospitals, workplaces and public institutions; ensuring clear food labelling so consumers can easily understand the level of salt in products; implementing WHO’s recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. Strategies for individuals and families to reduce salt intake include: reading food labels when buying processed food to check salt levels; asking for products with less salt when buying prepared food; removing salt dispensers and bottled sauces from dining tables; limiting the amount of salt added in cooking to a total maximum amount a fifth of a teaspoon over the course of a day; limiting frequent consumption of high salt products; guiding children’s taste buds through a diet of mostly unprocessed foods without adding salt. Editors note on iodized salt In countries where iodine deficiency needs to be addressed, all salts should be iodized. Even consuming small amounts of adequately iodized salt will still provide the additional health benefits associated with iodine, ensuring proper cognitive development in children. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2014/salt-reduction/en/

PEACE UPDATE: Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Panels Discuss and Formalize Bodies and Mechanisms that will Roll Out Normalization Process

KUALA LUMPUR – As Congress tackles the Bangsamoro bill for swift passage into law, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels met Saturday in the Malaysian capital to discuss and formalize the bodies and mechanisms that will roll out the normalization process. "The normalization process will be implemented simultaneously with the political process," GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said at the start of the three-day special meeting that is expected to end on Monday, Sept. 29. According to the chief negotiator, the Parties welcomed the three foreign experts who will sit in the International Decommissioning Body (IDB) which shall oversee the process of decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons. These are Major Muhammad Aiman Syazwi Bin Haji Abdul Rahim from Brunei, Ambassador Haydar Berk from Turkey, and Jan Erik Wilhemsen from Norway. The Panels are expected to jointly nominate four local experts to complete the seven-member body. "‎We thank the governments of Brunei, Turkey and Norway for providing us with the valuable services of their respective experts. Decommissioning is a delicate and difficult component of any peace settlement. It must be done effectively and sensitively. It is an affirmative support to the normalization process and will contribute to advancing collective security in the future Bangsamoro region and the country as a whole,”‎ Coronel-Ferrer said.‎ The IDB shall perform functions that include the conduct of inventory, verification and validation of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) members, arms and weapons; develop and implement a schedule of decommissioning of BIAF forces; plan, design, and implement techniques and technologies for weapons collection or retrieval, transport, and storage and putting weapons beyond use in accordance with the ‎agreement of the Parties; and report on the progress of its work and submit its report to the GPH and MILF Panels. ‎Aside from the IDB, the two other bodies integral to the normalization process include the Joint Normalization Committee which will coordinate the different normalization processes and mechanisms; and the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) which will undertake a study and recommend to the panels the appropriate mechanisms for transitional justice and reconciliation. ‎The JNC is co-chaired by Undersecretary Zenonida F. Brosas for the GPH and Muhammad Nassif for the MILF. GPH members include MGen. Ariel B. Bernardo (Ret) and MGen. Leo Cresente M. Ferrer (Ret) while MILF members include ‎Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo and Atty. Blo Adiong.‎ Dir Susan Guadalupe Marcaida and Toks Ebrahim will co-head the Secretariat of the JNC. Meanwhile, the TJRC was officially convened on the first day of the meeting. The Swiss Government upon request of the Panels provided the international expert, Madame Mo Bleeker, who will serve as chair of the TJRC. For the GPH, the TJRC representative is Atty Cecilia Jimenez, while for the MILF, the TJRC representative is Atty Ishak Mastura. The TJRC is preparing to hold two events in early October in Cotabato City and in Manila to introduce the TJRC to the public and begin the process of consultations. The TJRC is tasked to study and recommend to the Panels the appropriate mechanisms to address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, historical injustices, and human rights violations and marginalization towards healing and reconciliation. - See more at: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/gph-milf-formalize-normalization-bodies#sthash.uqhO4Dsg.dpuf

WELLNESS IN TOURISM: DOT Sponsored 7th World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress in Washington D.C.

“The Philippine Department of Tourism sees the forum as a platform to meet and negotiate, build relationships and to gain insight of the emerging trends in the medical tourism industry through face-to-face meetings and conference sessions,” said Ramon Jimenez, Philippine tourism secretary. “We perceive this as an avenue to introduce the Philippines as a medical tourism destination.” Jimenez said the Philippines is targeting some 6.8 million foreign travelers – some two million from the wellness sector as well as 200,000 retirees seeking long-term healthcare -- this year, building on 2,433,428 who visited the sovereign island republic in Southeast Asia in 2013. Renée-Marie Stephano, president of the Medical Tourism Association®, said medical tourism patients have long sought traditional Filipino healers for alternative medicine. “The Philippines has a deep pool of competent physicians operating in well-staffed local hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Medical City and Chong Hua Hospital, which have all received accreditation from the Joint Commission International, the ‘most prestigious recognition of high-quality care worldwide,” she said. “Specialty clinics in the Philippines have also been serving medical tourism patients from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Australia, who come for dental and eye care, plastic surgery and bariatric procedures.” The World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress attracts some 3,000 key stakeholders – hospital administrators, doctors and clinicians, employers, government policy makers, insurance executives, facilitators, and hospitality and tourism interests – from across the globe to share their experiences and identify and solve issues that bear significantly on the industry. For a preliminary list of speakers, go to: http://www.medicaltourismcongress.com/speakers_year/2014-speakers/ The Congress agenda features the 5th Ministerial Summit, Global, the 3rd Medical Directors Summit, the 2nd Global Women’s Leadership Summit, regional and industry forums, and educational workshops included among more than 1,000 networking meetings for up to 200 qualified buyers of healthcare. Participants, sponsors and invited speakers can keep abreast of Congress updates at www.MedicalTourismCongress.com or make an impact today on the Congress networking platform at http://www2.mtcongress.com/wmtc-networking/ About the Medical Tourism Association® The Medical Tourism Association® is the first membership-based international nonprofit trade organization for the medical tourism and healthcare industry made up of top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliates committed to promoting the highest level of quality healthcare to patients in a global environment. www.MedicalTourismAssociation.com Contact Information Medical Tourism Association Joseph Harkins 1.561.791.2000, ext. 803 Contact www.MedicalTourismAssociation.com http://www.pr.com/press-release/577387

WELLNESS IN TRADE & INDUSTRY: PHL Industrial Peace with Strong Macroeconomic Fundamentals, Successive Upgrades in Credit Ratings and Regional Developments

“THE Philippines is in a sweet spot,” Adrian Cristobal Jr., undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy of the Department of Trade and Industry, said referring to the robust economic growth and the positive results of the country’s efforts to compete. Cristobal who was the keynote speaker of the recently concluded Mindanao Food Congress held in the city last week presented the position of the country from the national level in the upcoming Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. “We have strong macroeconomic fundamentals, successive upgrades in credit ratings and regional developments,” he added. Cristobal also said the country has industrial peace, something that other countries do not have which has been taken for granted and the population dividend that must be used to our advantage Cooperation and collaboration Cristobal emphasized that AEC is about making trade and investments flow freely such as goods, services, investment, etc. thus, creating an enabling environment for businesses to prosper by seizing opportunities in the global market. With this, he urged everyone to participate and in return reap the benefits in the development process. As chairman for the committee for the AEC, Cristobal presented the game plan for AEC, the 4Cs: competitiveness, compliance, collaboration and communication. “We need to enhance competitiveness, improve compliance, promote collaboration and intensify communication,” he added. Cristobal stressed on collaboration, which consists of strengthening relationships between countries, public and private, inter-agencies, and the regions of the Philippines. “The AEC is cooperation and collaboration, not a competition. Competition among ASEAN member states will be there, however, the approach should be more on cooperation and collaboration to be certain of the Philippines not being left behind in the globalization. There is nothing to fear if we follow the gameplan,” he furthered. Organized by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Oro Chamber) and partner sectors, the Mindanao Food Congress 2014 carrying the theme: “Aligning Mindanao Food Security in the ASEAN market” closed on Friday, September 26. The congress also featured the annual Oro Best Expo." By Lenesse Marie Libres Monday, September 29, 2014 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/business/2014/09/29/cooperation-collaboration-phl-asean-economic-community-gameplan-3

WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Big Foreign Bank Wants to Globalize Peso: Shows Renewed Trust and Confidence in PHL Economy by International Community

President Benigno Aquino III said a huge bank catering to the entire world suggested to him the idea of globalizing the Philippine peso. The President said the suggestion of the foreign bank shows the international community's renewed trust and confidence in the Philippines and its economy. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 "Ganoon kaganda na o kabango ang Pilipinas na meron nang maglalagay ng kanilang puhunan sa ating salapi dahil may tiwala sa atin, may katatagan 'yung ating ekonomiya, 'yung ating bansa, 'yung ating pananalapi," Aquino said. Aquino's two-day visit in France is the third stop of his four-nation European tour. He went to Spain and Belgium earlier in the week where he talked to high-ranking officials including those from the European Union. In his speeches during these trips, Aquino trumpeted the country's economic gains due to his reforms for good governance. Aquino met with French President Francois Hollande at Elysee Palace and said that the Philippines is now more open for business. With an economic growth of 7.2 percent, Aquino said the Philippines was one of the fastest growing economies in Asia in 2013. He said the Philippine economy is expected to grow between 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year, and 7 to 8 percent in 2015. "The Philippines is determined to capitalize on the significant gains we have made in just four years—from the resurgence of our economy, to the restoration of trust and confidence from businesses, as well as the empowerment of our people and workforce. We believe France can contribute even more as we tread the straight and righteous path to greater progress," Aquino said after his meeting with Hollande. Aquino will hold bilateral talks and meetings with leading French businessmen, heads of major French companies and Prime Minister Manuel Valls. The President will also deliver a policy speech at a forum organized by the French Institute for International Relations.

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: North Cotabato: 1,000 Students Attended 6th Division Supreme Children and Advisers Leadership Training

Held at Pigcawayan Central Elementary School here, the three-day event was headed by the North Cotabato Division Supreme Pupil Government Advisers Federation (NCDSPGAF) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government. Speaking before the pupils during the opening of the event, Governor Emmylou Mendoza urged the children to become vigilant and service-oriented as they will become the future leaders. “As student leaders, you must be aware of your potentials and always do your best to lead and serve the community,” Mendoza added. Meanwhile, the governor lauded the Department of Education-Cotabato Schools Division for coming up with a constructive training which will mold the children to become model citizens in the future. (PIA)http://www.mb.com.ph/1000-pupils-join-leadership-training/

WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: PHL set New World Record for The Most Trees Planted in an Hour: 3.2 million seedlings!

Philippine officials said Saturday they had set a new world record for the most trees planted in an hour, with 3.2 million seedlings sown as part of a national forestation programme. Official certification from Guinness World Records will still take weeks but government officers expressed confidence they had broken the old record of 1.9 million trees planted in India on August 15, 2011. The trees were planted in six different areas on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao by an army of 160,000 people including government employees, students and volunteers, said the regional environment director Marc Fragada. "Our official count is about 3.2 million trees in one hour. But we are still getting reports. We still have to prepare the packaging of documentary evidence (for Guinness)," he told AFP. The trees planted were a mix of forest varieties as well as commercial crops like cacao, coffee and rubber trees, he said. "They were chosen by the planters in hopes that the local people will take good care of them because it will be part of their livelihood," he said. The organisers had originally targeted 4.6 million trees to be planted in one hour, said Environment Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio.https://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-breaks-world-tree-planting-record-190103626.html

PEACE UPDATE: Pres Aquino proposed to give Muslims in the south the ability to run their own government under their own flag as part of peace plan to end conflict

The draft law submitted by President Benigno Aquino III to Congress fleshes out a peace deal signed in March by the country's largest Muslim insurgent group, the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The autonomous region in the southern island of Mindanao, to be called Bangsamoro, would get its own 60-member parliament that would wield exclusive power over such areas as agriculture, trade, tourism and education. Under the proposal, Islamic Shariah law would apply to Muslims in the region, but the country's justice system would continue to apply to non-Muslims. The Moro group has renounced the terrorist acts of extremist groups, including the Islamic State, which seeks to impose a harsh version of Shariah law in areas under its control in Syria and Iraq. But at least three smaller Muslim rebel groups oppose the autonomy deal and have vowed to fight it. The autonomous zone, which generally covers five provinces, would replace an existing one, seen as a dismal failure. The new plan grants much more autonomy to the region, and Aquino's government also has promised to pour 17 billion pesos ($389 million) in special development funds over the next five years into the region, which has been stunted economically due to the conflict.

HEALTH UPDATE: Dengue cases down 61% so far this year.

DOH spokesman Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy said Monday there were many factors that may have led to the sharp decline in dengue cases this year. “Maybe our efforts are effective. The community, too, may have exerted extra effort [to eradicate] dengue.” Lee Suy told reporters that the absence of a new dengue serotype may have contributed to the decrease in the number of cases in the last eight months. “If there’s no new serotype, the exposure is also limited,” he explained. “But even if the numbers are low, we should not be complacent because it is still the rainy season. We should just carry on with our efforts to eliminate dengue in our communities,” he said. Records showed that majority of the dengue incidences were monitored in Northern Mindanao, accounting for 10.13 percent of the cases. The Davao region was next at 9.35 percent; Caraga, 9.81 percent; Soccsksargen, 8.82 percent; and Eastern Visayas, 8 percent. Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/636361/dengue-cases-down-61-so-far-this-year#ixzz3D5NLvwCc Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Phil gets another investment grading upgrade. This time from Korean firm, National Information and Credit Evaluation Ratings Inc

The credit rating raised the country’s long-term, foreign currency rating by a notch to BBB- with a positive outlook, which means further upgrade may be awarded in the short term. “The rating upgrade reflects improved fiscal profile and growth potential, robust stability in the financial market and the external sector, and the government’s continuing efforts to improve governance and infrastructure,” NICE said in a statement. The firm stressed that key factors considered for the rating included the strong economic growth of 7.2 percent achieved in 2013 although this is forecast to slow to six percent this year. NICE noted that the deceleration will be on the back of a “normal economic adjustment” as the growth momentum is seen being sustained. The credit rating agency also pointed out the stability of Philippine financial markets despite global sell-offs of emerging market assets since May last year.

WELLNESS IN CULTURE: "Gintong Parangal para sa Literatura" launched with Fortune Life, Philippine Graphics & DedEd

High school teachers in all 17 regions nationwide were invited to compete with essays in English to honor the teaching profession. Judges Alfred Yuson of Phil Star, Graphic Editor-in-Chief Joel Pablo Salud and Manila Standard columnist Jenny Ortuoste came up with the following winners: Ma. Melanie Mangulabnan of Baliuag, Bulacan for 1st prize; Jaquilyn T. Belagan of Makati City for 2nd prize, and Jasmin P. Mendoza of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan for 3rd prize. Each of these winners received cash prizes and insurance cash cards worth P50,000 at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office in Pasig City. The Gintong Parangal Awards are supported by Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua in line with his mission to spread the benefits of writing and literature.

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Filipino children in Sabah to benefit from greater access to education

The memorandum of understanding was signed last Aug. 26 by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, Commission on Filipinos Overseas Chair Imelda Nicolas, Education Undersecretary Mario Deriquito and representatives of the alternative learning centers. “DepEd (Department of Education) remains committed in ensuring that the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized are given preferential attention, including our brothers and sisters in Sabah,” Deriquito said. The educational institutions that are parties to the agreement were Learning Translation and Review Centre, Persatuan Kebajikan Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Miskin (The Society for Education of Underprivileged Children), Sekolah Sukarela Persatuan MAFIL-KOFA, Stairway to Hope Learning Center, Stairway to Success Learning Center, and Vision of Hope Learning Center. http://www.philstar.com/pinoy-worldwide/2014/09/10/1367554/filipino-children-sabah-benefit-greater-access-education

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila closed its doors after 38 years and will reopen in a new location by Year 2020

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila will reopen in 2020 in a new location, at the tip of Ayala Triangle Gardens nearby after the hotel management signed a partnership agreement with Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts in June. The 422-room hotel has, through the years, hosted a bevy of celebrities, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Andrea Bocelli, Jacky Chan and Miley Cyrus. Even if there was only one guest left, many continued to discharge their duties. There was Louise Lindres, front office manager and employee for 12 years. “I’m trying hard not to be emotional,” she said with a laugh, as her staff attended to the last guest. Frank Schuengel, a German expat living in Makati, checked in at one of the suites the night before with his girlfriend to mark their recent birthdays. “I thought if I could be the last person to check out, that would be something,” he said, before handing over his key at 1:30 p.m. Read more: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/171299/tears-souvenir-photos-as-mandarin-closes-shop#ixzz3D51p69dm Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Pres. Aquino’s SONA 2014 Full Transcript (English) Released Online

click link to see it: Pres. Aquino’s SONA 2014 Full Transcript (English) Released Online: "Pres. Aquino’s SONA 2014 Full Transcript (English) Released Online"



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WORLD HEALTH ORG: WHO released Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment & Care for Key Populations

CLICK LINK TO ACCESS FULL REPORT: WHO | Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations: "Overview

In this new consolidated guidelines document on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations, the World Health Organization brings together all existing guidance relevant to five key populations – men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, people in prisons and other closed settings, sex workers and transgender people – and updates selected guidance and recommendations.

These guidelines aim to:

provide a comprehensive package of evidence-based HIV-related recommendations for all key populations;
increase awareness of the needs of and issues important to key populations;
improve access, coverage and uptake of effective and acceptable services; and
catalyze greater national and global commitment to adequate funding and services.
Web annexes

The web annexes include the systematic reviews, literature review, values and preferences, supplementary case studies and technical briefs on HIV and young key populations that informed the development of guidance and recommendations for the Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations.

Annex 1. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men: a systematic review
(file size: 606 KB)
Annex 2. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for people who inject drugs: a systematic review
(file size: 225 KB)
Annex 3. Values and preferences: consolidated report
(file size: 180 KB)
Annex 3.1 Values and Preferences of MSM: the use of antiretroviral therapy as prevention
(file size: 220 KB)
Annex 3.2 Values and preferences of people who inject drugs, and views of experts, activists and service providers: HIV prevention, harm reduction and related issues
(file size: 257 KB)
Annex 3.3 Values and preferences of transgender people: a qualitative study
(file size: 591 KB)
Annex 4. Health interventions in prisons: a literature review
(file size: 166 KB)
Related links

Policy brief: Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations
Men who have sex with men
Prisons and other closed settings
Injecting drug use
Sex work
More publications on HIV"



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PEACE UPDATE: World Bank Group Scales Up Support for Mindanao Peace Process

Philippines: World Bank Group Scales Up Support for Mindanao Peace Process: "The World Bank Group is expanding its support for the Mindanao peace process with new funding to build infrastructure and boost residents’ incomes as part of its growing program to help the Philippines achieve inclusive growth and reduce poverty.

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim announced the US$119 million funding today. The funding, which is part of a proposed new Philippine Rural Development Project,  will support farm-to-market roads, bridges, communal irrigation systems, and potable water, including in the conflict affected areas of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“The peace process is very important for attaining peace and development in Mindanao, including the ARMM where the conflict-affected areas are among the poorest regions in the country—with a poverty rate over 50 percent, more than twice the national average,” said Kim. “Our support for the peace process is in line with our goals of ending extreme poverty and building shared prosperity.”"



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WELLNESS IN CIVIC CLUBS: ROTARY, AFP & Youth Bayanihan Activities in Remote Brgys of Kalinga Apayao

Baguio Midland Courier Website: "Under the continuing Brigada Eskwela, the 17th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Resurrection Mariano, and in cooperation with the Rotary Club of this city and the Youth Leadership Summit, painted 42 chairs and 20 tables of grade 2 pupils of Bulanao Central School.

Capt. Ara Waleed Alfredo Agcaoili said they conducted a series of symposia in the different schools. Topics are on leadership and environment protection. After the symposia, students were brought to reforestation areas for tree planting activities.

The latest was at the Pinukpuk Vocational School in partnership with the Kalinga-Apayao Youth Organization (KAYO) headed by Maricar Baral.

A similar forum was also conducted at the Tuga National High School here and the Tappo Vocational High School in Pinukpuk for 655 students and teachers.

After the symposia, students were brought to reforestation areas for tree planting activities.

At the Ballayangon Elementary School in Pinukpuk,  military and KAYO members conducted supplemental feeding to 165 grade school pupils and circumcised 21 children.

Agcaoili said the military aims to engage the youth in protecting the environment through forums and tree planting to address climate change aside from rendering missionary service."



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WELLNESS IN SCIENCE & TECH: Rice Premix May Be the Answer to Anaemia in Philippines

CLICK LINK TO READ ARTICLE: Rice Premix May Be the Answer to Anaemia in Philippines | Oryza:



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WELLNESS IN TRADE & INDUSTRY: US brands are seeking Philippine partners

Why US brands are seeking Philippine partners | ABS-CBN News: "Josh Merin, international affairs director of the US-based International Franchise Association, said that while this wasn’t the case in the past, foreign businesses are now seeing “a growing sophistication of the Philippine business community.”

“It was historically not as important of a market, it’s really over the past 5 or 6 years that it has come to the forefront as a very important market to international franchise companies,” Merin said Friday during a press briefing at the two-day US Franchise Trade Mission.

The trade mission visited the Philippines for the first time to pitch business concepts to Philippine franchisees.

The delegation included representatives from 14 American franchises interested in expanding in the Philippines, namely Edible Arrangements, Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems, Panda Express, Pretzelmaker, Russo’s New York Pizzeria, Title Boxing Club, World of Beer, Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, PJ’s Coffee, RadioShack, Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery, Tutor Doctor, and Wow Café.

Merin said applications for the trade mission to the Philippines hit a record-high, compared to trade missions to China and India, which signified high interest in the Philippine business market.

“A lot of the things that have driven this are the ongoing growth of the Philippine economy, the very strong cultural ties that exist between the Philippines and the US, the fact that it is an English-speaking country helps a great deal, and the regulatory environment has improved in recent years to make it easier for franchise companies to come in,” explained Merin.

The American brands are looking for master franchisees in the Philippines to develop their brand.

The master franchisees will then be allowed to sub-franchise and sell off individual units within the Philippines.

“These US brands will be owned by Filipino nationals and the huge majority of the revenue, about 90 percent, would be staying in the Philippines with only a limited royalty stream going back to the US franchisor,” said Merin."



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WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Philippines pursues Free Trade Talks with European bloc

BusinessWorld | Philippines pursues free trade talks with European bloc: "FORMAL TALKS for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are expected to start this year, with Philippine officials noting “strong complementarities” between the economies of negotiating parties.
In a statement yesterday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines and EFTA member countries -- Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway -- signed last June 23 a joint declaration of cooperation (JDC) that paves the way for free trade talks.

The department said the parties agreed in Reykjavik, Iceland, that “a scoping paper containing the principal terms of references for the scope and the process of the negotiations is due in September for consideration, with a view of launching negotiations before the end of 2014.”

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said the agreement “paves the way for enhanced relations between the Philippines and EFTA.”

“The opportunities for both sides are tremendous -- the Philippines could benefit from the technologies of the EFTA states while EFTA stands to benefit from the economic growth story of the Philippines,” he said.

“[T]here appears to be a bright future for this agreement, hence, the Philippines would like to pursue it with vigor.”
"



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WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: Northern Mindanao Climate Change Campaign Launched w/ DENR & PIA

Environmental group launches climate change campaign in Cagayan de Oro | Sun.Star: "In the strengthened collaboration between the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in northern Mindanao, the campaign was designed to vigorously disseminate information aimed at educating Filipinos on the current trends in weather pattern–effects of the changing climate.

The “Nagbabago Na Ang Panahon, Panahon Na Para Magbago” as the slogan of the CCAC, is DENR’s project to provide thematic advocacy brand for its environmental programs and efforts, where the end result would weaken the public’s apathy to climate change concerns and environmental agenda.

The CCAC is a brainchild of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, who is part of the advisory board of the Climate Change Commission.

Ruth Tawantawan, DENR-10 regional executive director, said the campaign will bring to the fore the involvement of every Filipino toward self-preservation in consonance with the protection of the environment.

“The campaign is to popularize and strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures in response to climate change; inspire and motivate active cooperation and participation; [prescribe] behaviors and efforts; and facilitate partnerships with public and private communities—youth, academe, local government units, civic organizations, among others,” Tawantawan said in a statement read by Dr. Sabdullah Abubacar, DENR-10 EMB regional director.

Thelma Oliver, PIA-10 regional director, said the countrywide campaign hopes to enjoin Filipinos to take by heart the realities besetting the environment, particularly through factual information dissemination by utilizing media to the fullest.

“The PIA is mandated to inform the public of the government’s efforts for the awareness of our people to protect and better their lives, and this campaign is part of our involvement in the environmental concerns, because by doing so we are protecting ourselves,” Oliver said.

CCAC will position the youth and engage them as active proponents where they will become examples of value and behavioral formation to the near future generation."



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WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: 400 Student Leaders to ‘join’ Congress in PMC 2014

400 student leaders to ‘join’ Congress | Inquirer News: "PMC 2014 will run for two days to provide delegates ample time to submit original bills, give speeches in favor or against certain stands, gather support amongst other delegates for the creation of resolutions, and network with other leaders through the various sessions.
Bills that are approved at the committee level will be presented to actual members of the House of Representatives for their insights and possible support while those passed at the plenary level will be presented to both  the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives.
Endorsed by the Philippine Senate, the Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education, and modelled after conferences hosted by various international universities, the PMC is a collaborative effort of Filipino college students aimed at training the country’s future leaders and inspiring them to enter public service.
The PMC 2014 will be held at the Philippine Senate Building on September 13 and 14.
Interested delegates may visit the PMC official website while bianca@philippinemodelcongress.org is open for partnership transactions."



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Join! PEACE VIGIL 2014 UN International Day of Peace, Wellness for Peace...

Let's Celebrate World Peace Day on Sept 21, 2014

Join! PEACE VIGIL 2014



We Educate Wellness for Peace Education to Everyone

We Innovate Business and Ecology for Climate Change Adaptation

We Initiate 12noon Prayers for Peace where ever you are



Be the Peace Leader in Your Venue

Book your Schedule on September 21, 2014:

Free Symposium on Wellness, Climate Change & Peace

Free Wellness for Peace Workshops

Free Public Forum on Climate Change and Peace Building



Please call:



Wellness Pilipinas! +639295197788

wellnesspilipinas@yahoo.com.ph



Sailing for Peace Worldwide +639276767738

ambassadorzara@gmail.com



Thank you!



Peace & Love!



God bless you!



Ambassador Zara Jane Juan



Websites:



Personality Development for Peace Leadership:

innovativemindandbody.blogspot.com



UN World Peace Updates

peaceadvocates.blogspot.com



Wellness Pilipinas News & Updates

wellnesspilipinas.blogspot.com



Interfaith Interracial Intercultural Prayers for Peace

sailingforpeaceworldwidepeacevigil.blogspot.com



Wellness for Peace: Climate Change

zarajanejuan.blogspot.com



Peace Vigil:

facebook.com/ambassadorzara

Join! PEACE VIGIL 2014 UN International Day of Peace, Wellness for Peace...

We need you! Because you've got the principles, styles and passion for peace.



Let's Celebrate World Peace Day on Sept 21, 2014

Join! PEACE VIGIL 2014



We Educate Wellness for Peace Education to Everyone

We Innovate Business and Ecology for Climate Change Adaptation

We Initiate 12noon Prayers for Peace where ever you are



Be the Peace Leader in Your Venue

Book your Schedule on September 21, 2014:

Free Symposium on Wellness, Climate Change & Peace

Free Wellness for Peace Workshops

Free Public Forum on Climate Change and Peace Building



Please call:



Wellness Pilipinas! +639295197788

wellnesspilipinas@yahoo.com.ph



Sailing for Peace Worldwide +639276767738

ambassadorzara@gmail.com



Thank you!



Peace & Love!



God bless you!



Ambassador Zara Jane Juan



Websites:



Personality Development for Peace Leadership:

innovativemindandbody.blogspot.com



UN World Peace Updates

peaceadvocates.blogspot.com



Wellness Pilipinas News & Updates

wellnesspilipinas.blogspot.com



Interfaith Interracial Intercultural Prayers for Peace

sailingforpeaceworldwidepeacevigil.blogspot.com



Wellness for Peace: Climate Change

zarajanejuan.blogspot.com



Peace Vigil:

facebook.com/ambassadorzara

Our Lady of Lourdes hymn

.नमस्ते Namaste The Spirit in me respects the spirit in you ........ Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh  السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ  May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be with you..............Peace be with you............. Amituofo    Amitabha Buddha Let's do an act of goodness today!......... Let's Pray the Prayer for Peace wherever you are..........God bless your day whatever your mood maybe. May the angels guide you and protect you from harm. If you are travelling, may you find the road and arrive at your destinations safely If trouble comes along the way, may it turn into blessings favorable to all. May you meet new friends and may the old ones stay. May the love of our Divine Creator fill your emptiness. and may you feel it in the vastness of the universe. If u get so tired today, may you find time to look up at the sky, feel the air, recharge and rejuvenate. And in all the things you did today, may your faith increase. May you be inspired by the diversity of people's personalities, and be grateful that you were granted the chance to lead them. And at the end of the day tonight as you rest, may you be thankful for all the blessings that this day had; and pray to forgive those who offended you. Amen."

HOW WILL YOU WORK FOR PEACE? JOIN! PEACE VIGIL

LET'S CONTINUE TO EDUCATE, INNOVATE AND INITIATE PEACE!

We educate Wellness for Peace Education at home, at school and at workplace

We innovate Businesses to Sustainable Ecology for Climate Change Peace Building

We initiate Prayers for Peace who ever you are, where every you are, and whatever you do!

JOIN! PEACE VIGIL! PLEASE CALL 63-926-678-7938. E-mail: wellnesspilipinas@yahoo.com.ph

Thank you! Peace & Love! God bless you!

Ambassador Zara Jane Juan

Internet Journalist & Peace Ambassador, UN International Day of Peace, Sailing for Peace Worldwide

Author & Resource Speaker, Wellness for Peace Education on Climate Change

Proponent, Climate Change Peace Building Adaptation Worldwide Campaign

WOMEN'S RIGHTS: MTRCB summons Pinoy Big Brother over nude challenge.The MTRCB invoked its 2012 Memorandum of Understanding with ABS-CBN and other networks for the positive and non-derogatory portrayal of women in television in support of the Magna Carta of Women of 2009.

MTRCB summons Pinoy Big Brother over nude challenge | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com: "The MTRCB has invited resource persons for the proceedings, including representatives from the Philippine Commission on Women.

Binay, Cayetano slam PBB

Meanwhile, Senators Nancy Binay and Pia Cayetano yesterday slammed the producers of “PBB: All In” for disrespecting the rights of women when they challenged female contestants to pose nude for a painting.

Binay said she intends to file a resolution within the week for a possible inquiry into the issue.

She urged the MTRCB to look into the possible ethical breach committed by the show.

“This may be a reality show but its contestants, especially the female housemates, should be accorded due respect without compromising their dignity and rights as women,” Binay said.

“I believe this is the second time PBB went overboard. How far can reality TV go for high ratings? Will we allow the network to exploit women and children for ratings sake?” she added.

Binay recalled that in 2009, PBB had been entangled in a morality issue over its “Naked Fan Dance” challenge, where the housemates were made to wear flimsy underwear."



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SPORTS UPDATE: In a rare display of camaraderie, Vietnam, Philippines turn to sports in Spratlys

Vietnam, Philippines turn to sports in Spratlys - The Washington Post: "Vietnamese and Philippine naval personnel played football, volleyball and tug of war Sunday in a rare display of camaraderie in the South China Sea, where their territorial rifts with China have flared alarmingly.

The daylong sports festival was held on Vietnamese-occupied Southwest Cay Island and also included cultural presentations, the two countries’ navies said in a joint statement. Philippine officials said about 40 Filipino navy personnel sailed by boat to the island, bringing local delicacies such as rice cakes.

China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have overlapping claims in the Spratlys, a group of mostly barren islands, reefs and atolls that are believed to be sitting atop oil and natural gas deposits and straddle some of the world’s most traversed sea lanes."



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WELLNESS IN SCIENCE & TECH: DOST and IBM Collaborate to Build an Intelligent Operations Center for the Philippines

CLICK LINK TO READ MORE: Press Releases - News - Stockhouse: "A centralized source of data and analytics will mitigate risk and improve response planning in the wake of natural disasters
MANILA, Philippines, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled a new intelligent operations center to provide a central point of command for disaster management. The new center will help the Philippine government better manage ongoing and future disaster response and recovery efforts following Typhoon Yolanda in 2013."



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WELLNESS IN TRADE & INDUSTRY: DTI-CAR to hold ASEAN Economic Community forum.The Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region will conduct ASEAN Economic Forum with the theme “ASEAN Economic Integration 2015 on June 23, 2014 at Hotel Elizabeth , Baguio City. The activity aims to give the participants an overview of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 and its effects and implications to the Philippine trade, industry, agriculture and tourism sectors. The Association of South East Asian Nations ( ASEAN) is currently considered as one of the world’s fastest evolving regions aimed at fully realizing its growth .The AEC is the goal of regional economic integration by 2015

CLICK LINK TO READ FULL ARTICLE: PIA | DTI-CAR to hold ASEAN Economic Community forum:



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WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Major retailers in the Philippines are expanding toward the convenience store space as competition and demand for the business grows. This could be attributed to the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and the changing lifestyle of the people due to improving income of the middle class

Puregold takes in Japan's Lawson for a cut in Philippine convenience store business | Economy | GMA News Online: "The decision to go into the convenience store business is a "natural extension of Puregold's presence in the local retail landscape," the disclosure read.
 
"It's a different format from our present businesses," Perez said. At present, the company operates hypermarkets through "Puregold Price Club," supermarkets under "Puregold Junior" and discounters through "Puregold Extra."
 
It also has S&R Membership Shopping, a wholesale and retail supermarket chain which caters mostly to registered members.
 
"We're basically going into food service with Lawson," the company official added.
 
According to its website, Lawson is a Japanese retailer which operates over 11,000 convenience stores throughout Japan. It also operates stores in China, Thailand, Indonesia and Hawaii.
 
 
In April, the SM Group said it intends to operate convenience stores this year as part of its business expansion and strategy.
 
The Villar group of former Senator Manuel B. Villar is also joining the fray via All Day which was originally called Finds Store.
 
In November 2012, Ayala Land brought Japanese convenience store FamilyMart into the Philippines after its joint venture with Tantoco-led Rustan's group signed a shareholder agreement with FamilyMart Co. Ltd. and Itochu Corp. 
 
The Gokongwei group, under Robinsons Convenience Stores Inc., has been operating Mini Stop since 2001. Mini Stop is a Japanese convenience store chain owned by the Mitsubishi Group of Japan.
 
Meanwhile, Philippine Seven Corp. is the local franchise holder of 7-Eleven convenience stores. – VS, GMA News
 "



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WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: Proposal to Resume Peace Talks: The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment proposes that one immediate basis for the resumption of the peace talks is for both parties to start discussing how to address pressing environmental challenges and problems in the country. - See more at: http://bulatlat.com/main/2014/06/06/for-the-sake-of-our-environment-resume-the-peace-talks. For the sake of our environment, resume the peace talks « Bulatlat

CLICK LINK TO READ MORE: For the sake of our environment, resume the peace talks « Bulatlat: "There is no reason for the peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) not to resume. Resolving the roots of the ongoing civil war—landlessness, poverty, neo-colonial exploitation and subservience—is an aspiration of the Filipino people that will also give us time and space to rehabilitate our environment devastated by conflict and plunder."



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WELLNESS IN CULTURE: APOLINARIO MABINI, THE MODEL OF INTEGRITY - Mabini was born July 23 or 24, 1864 in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, the second of eight children of dirt poor parents — Dionisia Maranan, a market vendor and Inocencio Mabini, an illiterate farmer. His education was often interrupted by poverty. He was brilliant and in 1881, he received a scholarship from San Juan de Letran College. From there he moved to the University of Santo Tomas which granted him his law degree in 1894. As with many of the ilustrados of that period, he joined the La Liga Filipina which asked for reforms from the Spanish rulers. It was after Rizal’s execution in 1896 that he gave the revolution his fullest support. In 1898, upon his return from exile in Hong Kong, Aguinaldo heard of Mabini’s intellectual prowess and he asked Mabini who was then crippled to be prime minister and foreign secretary of the Malolos Republic. As the second highest official of the fledgling republic, Mabini became frustrated and embittered, not so much by the threat of an American victory, but by rivalries in the hierarchy, disobedience in the Army, and most of all by Aguinaldo’s disdain for so many of his suggestions and solutions as embodied in his memos to him, to friends and cabinet members. He had enemies for sure among the ilustrados who surrounded Aguinaldo. They called him “The Black Chamber” of the President and, worse, gossiped about syphilis as the cause of his paralysis. I have already written about this, how I swallowed this gossip and included it in the first edition of Po-on — where the fictional Mabini is a major character. This is an old tactic of Filipinos inflamed by jealousy, envy or simple cussedness: demolish the critic, destroy his credibility — never mind the criticism. Unable to take the violence on his integrity, Mabini quit the Malolos government in May 1899, then hid in the towns of Balungaw and Rosales, Pagansinan where he had friends among the Aglipayans and officials there. The Americans who had occupied Manila earlier had captured Malolos and Aguinaldo had moved to Tarlac. Although no longer in government, he continued writing articles and letters to friends and officials who asked for his advice. His pain, his loneliness and frustrations stain all those letters and memos. He signed them “Ap Mabini.” The Spaniards underestimated Mabini primarily because he was a cripple. Had they known of his intellectual perspicacity, they would have killed him earlier. The Americans did not. They were aware of his superior intelligence, his tenacity when he faced them in negotiations for autonomy and ceasefire. The Malolos Republic had fallen, the revolutionary Army in disarray and Aguinaldo fled to the North with the Americans at his heels. Mabini stayed in Rosales for a few weeks, then he hid in the town of Cuyapo south of Rosales, a few kilometers away. It was there where he was finally captured in December 1899. As the story goes, the Americans went up to the house where Mabini was. They told everyone to stand up, and being a cripple, Mabini did not rise — that is how he was identified. Mabini was brought to Manila where he was asked to sign the oath of allegiance to the Untied States. Like Artemio Ricarte and the others, he refused. He was exiled to Guam for two years and lived in what was once the quarters for lepers. That irony was not lost on him. By then, together with Spanish and Latin, he had mastered English well enough to write in it. His health declined so he finally decided to sign the oath and return to the Philippines, primarily “to die” in his native land as he himself said in his last will and testament. He did not leave anything to his heirs. He never got rich. In Manila as in the past, he continued lawyering for the very poor, the destitute. In 1903, frail of health, he died of cholera. He was 39. Newspaper accounts of his funeral describe the thousands who lined the streets — the biggest ever, illustrating his tremendous impact on the common man. In his book, A Short History of the Philippine Revolution, Mabini condemned the Bonifacio assassination as “the first triumph of personal ambition upon true patriotism.” In hindsight, he concluded that “the revolution failed because it was badly directed, because its director gained his place not by meritorious, but by irresponsible actions; because instead of sustaining the most useful men for the country, he rendered them useless by jealousy. Believing that the aggrandizement of the people was but his own aggrandizement, he did not appreciate the merit of men by their capacity, character and patriotism but by the degree of friendship and kindred that tied them to him; and wanting to have his favorites ready to sacrifice themselves for him, he became indulgent even with their faults. May we not forget so terrible a lesson, learned at the expense of unspeakable sufferings.” - Ap Mabini, the Filipino Everyman | Arts and Culture, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

CLICK LINK TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE HINDSIGHT By F. Sionil Jose (The Philippine Star) | Updated May 26, 2014 - 12:00am : Ap Mabini, the Filipino Everyman | Arts and Culture, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com:

WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Cebu leaders recall heroes of revolution. Public high school students performed a seven-minute play on the Filipinos’ struggle against the Spanish colonial rule. Local government officials in Cebu led the celebration of the 116th Independence Day by raising the Philippine flag and laying wreaths at the monuments of heroes. Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide urged Cebuanos to remember those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama used the occasion to talk about other forms of bondage: indifference and corruption. He then led other officials in releasing doves and butterflies to symbolize independence. Before holding a short program at the Rizal-Bonifacio stage across the City Hall, City employees and officials in Mandaue heard mass at the St. Joseph National Shrine. Officials and employees of 27 barangays also participated in the celebration.| Sun.Star.

Cebu leaders recall heroes of revolution | Sun.Star: "During his speech, Davide said his administration recognizes the importance of protecting civil liberties, citing Capitol’s openness to the media and the public.

“It is our duty and obligation to preserve this freedom,” he said.

Newly installed Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Prudencio Bañas and Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Noel Gillamac joined the Capitol’s celebration of Independence Day.

At Cebu City Hall, Rama urged local government officials and employees to help in the fight against corruption.

“We should be emancipated from the bondage of arrogance of corruption,” he said in his speech. He said that it is time for Cebuanos to stop being indifferent and help fight corruption."



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WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: DepEd will provide tuition subsidy to over 350,000 incoming Grade 7 students who wish to continue their secondary education in private schools this school year. Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the number of slots for the DepEd’s Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program has increased from 257,365 in school year 2013-2014 to 352,328 this school year. The GASTPE program, which is being provided through an Education Service Contracting (ESC) scheme, is one of the government’s strategies to decongest public secondary schools. The ESC grants cover four years of junior high school, from Grades 7 to 10. The amount of subsidy for Grade 7 students in regions outside the National Capital Region (NCR) is P6,500 per grantee for an entire school year subject to adjustments approved by the State Assistance Council (SAC). For Grade 8 to 9 ESC grantees, they will receive P6,500 and for Grade 10, the amount of subsidy is P5,500 per student. Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 For student grantees in the NCR, the subsidy is P10,000 per school year. “The higher subsidy is in recognition of the fact that private school tuition and all other fees are much higher in NCR than in the rest of the country,” Luistro said. Meanwhile, the grant for incoming Grade 7 under the DepEd’s Open High School Program, including in NCR, shall be an all-in P6,500 per grantee. “In an effort to expedite the decongestion of public secondary schools and subsequently improve their learning environment, ESC shall be expanded to the Open High School Program,” Luistro said. The program also provides salary subsidy to licensed secondary teachers in participating private secondary schools. Section 14 of Republic Act 8545, or the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy Fund, mandates DepEd to earmark a portion of its GASTPE appropriations to finance the salary subsidy for teachers in participating private secondary schools.

READ MORE:

GLOBAL PINOY: Filipino conservationist wins prize for 'rebranding' world's rarest crocodile Marites Gatan Balbas has won a Whitley award for her work involving local communities in the protection of the 'misunderstood' Philippine crocodile. Saving the world's rarest crocodile has been as much about overcoming its image problem as more traditional conservation efforts. Traditional stories depicted the Philippine crocodile as a large man-eater, farmers saw them as pests and the animal is frequently used as a symbol to represent corrupt politicians. But in reality, she explains, the species is relatively small, shy and friendly and does not attacked unless provoked. It is her work to change this image through community initiatives that has seen Gatan Balbas recognised with a Whitley Fund for Nature award and helped to bring the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) back from the brink of extinction.

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WELLNESS IN TOURISM: Local players in the travel industry have committed to protect the environment and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage in promoting tourism. The commitments are part of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism drawn up by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). During the weeklong UNWTO International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change here, UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai lauded the Department of Tourism (DOT) for pushing the promotion of this initiative. Fourteen tourism-related establishments signed on to the code for the first time. The Philippines is the second country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, next to Indonesia, to have adhered to the code. Adopted in 1999, the code has only about 200 countries around the world as signatories, mostly from Europe and Latin America. With international tourism forecast to reach 1.6 billion arrivals by 2020, UNWTO members believe that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is needed to help minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and on cultural heritage, while maximizing the benefits for residents of tourism destinations. Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. has said their vision is for all Philippine tourism companies to commit to this program in the near future.

READ MORE:

WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Philippine economy will more than double in the next decade as earnings from overseas workers and business outsourcing surge, a respected US-based think-tank said Monday. Once the region’s perennial economic laggard, the Southeast Asian country is poised to stage a major comeback to be one of the top three economies in the region by 2030, forecast Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist for IHS. “(The) Philippines economy has undergone a remarkable transition from a pussycat into a tiger economy over the last decade,” he said in a statement issued ahead of the holding of the World Economic Forum on East Asia meeting in Manila this week. “The Philippine economy has the capacity for robust long-term economic growth of around 4.5 percent to 5.0 percent per year over the 2016 to 2030 time horizon,” the report said. The economy will grow from its present level of about $280 billion to $680 billion by 2024, “with a projected GDP of $1.2 trillion by 2030,” it added.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/170918/philippine-economy-to-double-in-next-decade-think-tank#ixzz32DwFKHWr Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

ROTARY UPDATE: Disaster Aid director shares mission with Rotary Club. Larry Agee, the executive director of Disaster Aid USA, gave a presentation to members of the Leesville Rotary Club that detailed his organization’s mission and outlined some of their successes. Agee described DAI as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity staffed with volunteers from around the world. He has, himself, only just returned from the Philippines where he and a group of volunteers offered aid to those most terribly affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Recently, he said, Disaster Aid has launched a domestic assistance program, providing help during the aftermath Moore, Oklahoma’s devastating tornados, logistics assistance during Hurricane Sandy, and, closer to home, aid with water filtration during Hurricane Isaac in Houma and Thibodaux. Agee explained that the Disaster Aid Response Teams, called DARTs, contained volunteers possessing a wide array of skill sets who were assigned to groups specializing in areas such as chainsaw operation and debris removal, rescue divers, fire and rescue personnel, water filtration, emergency medical personnel, operational logistics, and other important duties critical to handling the aftermath of a variety of different disasters. - News - Leesville Daily Leader - Leesville, LA - Leesville, LA

Disaster Aid director shares mission with Rotary Club - News - Leesville Daily Leader - Leesville, LA - Leesville, LA: "gee added that DAUSA was planning to host a volunteer training session in coming months in the Lake Charles area, the details of which are still being hammered out.
To learn more about this remarkable organization of volunteers and its many affiliates worldwide, visit www.disasteraidusa.com and www.disasteraidinternational.com."



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WELLNESS IN SCIENCE & TECH: “Science for Safer Communities” launched nationwide so that more lives are saved through better early warning and understanding of disaster risk. The Secretary of the Government’s Department of Science and Technology, Mario Montejo, said the initiative would ensure that “there are more disasters that do not happen. ‘’The role of science in reducing disaster risk is the good news story that is rarely told. We want such stories to occupy a greater amount of public space. We tend to hear only the bad news about what does not work,’’ Mr Montejo said. The “Science for Safer Communities” campaign has four priorities: first, increase local knowledge of risk; second, strengthen the capacity of local government units to act; third, test and improve early warning systems; and fourth, build response capability based on hazard scenarios. The Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margareta Wahlström, who is visiting the Philippines to promote consultations on a post-2015 international framework for disaster risk reduction, said the successor to the current Hyogo Framework for Action should include a much stronger role for science. ‘’Forty or so years ago science and technology opened the door on initial efforts to reduce disaster risk. Now, science can help us understand where we will be in another 40 years by providing evidence of the economic, social and environmental consequences if current trends continue,’’ Ms Wahlström said. ‘’Science can help provide practical and systematic evidence and only when we understand that disasters change people’s lives over years, and sometimes forever, will planning improve.’’ Assistant Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Mr Raymund Liboro, said the Philippines is shifting to an approach to disaster risk management based on predictive rather than historical data. ‘’It will make us smarter, for instance, in prioritising the protection and rapid restoration of critical services,’’ Mr Liboro said.- Philippines: Science to save more lives - News - Professional Resources - PreventionWeb.net

Philippines: Science to save more lives - News - Professional Resources - PreventionWeb.net: "UNISDR’s Head of Advocacy and Outreach, Jerry Velasquez said the Philippines is at the “cutting edge” of using science and related tools to reduce disaster risk.

‘’We were saying ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful if evidence-based and systematic information was used to save lives’ and here it is. We need to build on this achievement and begin applying such tools to save property and protect economic assets,’’ Mr Velasquez said."



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UPDATE: WOMEN'S CAUSES: 6th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit at the World Trade Center awarded Go Negosyo's 10 Filipina Starpreneurs who moved up in life through their passion and hardwork in doing business, and most especially their inspiring success story. They are: Mary Joy Abaquin founded Multiple intelligence International School (MIIS) in Quezon City for she believes that education is the key to empower and enable people. As a Go Negosyo Angelpreneur, she generously shares her time and expertise in teaching aspiring and young entrepreneurs. The Multiple Intelligence System aims to bring out the best in every child, by searching for one’s strengths and harnessing it to be the foundation in fulfilling the child’s dream. Using her own money, she put up a progressive school in 1996. Today, her school has over 700 students and over a hundred teaching staff. For her, education is the key to empower and enable people. Mary Joy Abaquin holds a degree in Ed. M in Early Childhood Education, Boston University (Summa Cum Laude) and A.B. Psychology minor in Education, U.P. Diliman (Magna Cum Laude). Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Edith Dacuycuy of REFMAD farm owns the largest dragon fruit farm in the country located in Ilocos Norte. Her dragon fruit farm was a result of her search for a cure for her daughter’s illness. The Dragon Lady, as she is known to many, was able to grow her business through process innovation and research, and her farm is very notable for its zero-waste farming practices. With the expansion of her business, Edith realized the need to register her agribusiness and encourage other local farmers to engage in dragon fruit production. Together with her fellow farmers, they established the Rare Eagle Forest Marine in Agricultural Development (REFMAD) as a legitimate organization. Her dragon fruit is also distributed here in the country and abroad. Dr. Milagors Ong – How, executive vice president of Universal Harvester Inc. (UHI), learned and mastered the intricacies of the fertilizer industry through experience and further education. Her experience and education in handling chemicals and seeing the opportunity of business growth eventually lead her in fertilizer manufacturing. She started as a valuable ally of farmers in their search to increase their yield and improve production. She realized that agriculture is where her heart is because of her getting involved in the fertilizer business. Today, UHI is known as a Filipino company engaged in large-scale manufacturing, distribution, and exportation of world class fertilizers. Maria Ressa, founder and CEO of Rappler.com, wanted to inspire smart conversations and encourage greater awareness among Filipinos. Her being a renowned journalist in Asia paved way for founding a social news media giving people easy access to information at a speed of a mouse click. Ressa’s vision is to stir community engagement and discussions with the help of new technology. Ressa has been very active in forwarding the utilization of new technology in coursing information in a fast and effective manner. Maria is a graduate of Princeton University with a degree in molecular biology and theatre. Cathy Turvill, president of Nurture Spa, started her spa as a search for a place where she can find tranquillity and peace of mind. She then saw the opportunity of establishing her own spa pioneering and eventually becoming the leader in the Philippine spa and wellness industry. It soon evolved into a venue offering international standard spa with a touch of Filipino ambience. Nurture spa was named one of 28 Most Relaxing Spas of Asia. Turvill also founded the first internationally accredited spa school in the country. Cathy has been a Human Resources consultant and marketing professional for the past 20 years and is the founding President of the Spa Association of the Philippines. She is a graduate of the Executive Spa Development Course conducted by Cornell University in Singapore.

Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Starpreneurs 2014 | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com: "It is very evident that women are becoming more empowered in this age. They have conquered the realm where men dominate like politics and government, academe, private sectors, entertainment, and other industries known to men. It is very timely that Go Negosyo recognize women who stepped up and achieved greater heights in life."



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WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Philippines tops regional sentiment. Optimism on the prospects of the Philippine economy is at its highest level in recent history, thus giving the country arguably the best investment climate in Asia, according to a study made recently by London-based Economist Corporate Network. Christopher Fossick, managing director of international property consulting firm JLL, which commissioned the report, said 49 percent of multinational corporations surveyed in the region ranked the Philippines at the top of the 14 major Asian nations in the pile. “When it comes to the investment climate, as far as these multinationals are concerned, the Philippines is effectively number one in the region,” he said. “And this climate is definitely improving.” The study actually ranked Myanmar ahead of the Philippines, with 77 percent of polled multinational firms saying things were improving, but Fossick pointed out that the country represents a special case. “Myanmar’s doors are just opening [to foreign investors] so the Philippines is effectively number one in the rankings,” he said. The study made by a unit of The Economist noted that 44 percent of all survey respondents believed that the Philippines’ investment climate is “staying the same,” while only 6 percent said that it was “worsening.” “And those that had a negative view on the Philippines were probably industry-specific,” he said. The respondents covered 334 large multinational corporations operating in Asia from a wide array of sectors like pharmaceuticals, banks and retail. Seventy percent of respondents had global revenues of at least $1 billion, and 80 percent of them were headed by non-Asian multinationals. The country was ranked by these executives ahead of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan. They were most bearish on India where 32 percent of respondents said the investment climate was deteriorating, followed by 22 percent in China who believed prospects were turning south. As such, the JLL official predicted that the local real estate market—especially the office, commercial and residential sectors—would be a direct beneficiary of the bullish sentiment. “We expect the capital value of the Philippine [property] market to reach $300 billion by 2031,” Fossick said, saying that this represented an increase of over 50 percent from the projected $134 billion value by 2021.- Inquirer Business -

Philippines tops regional sentiment | Inquirer Business: "More significantly, this would represent a sharp rise over the aggregate capital value of the local real estate market of only $48 billion recorded in 2011.
For this year, JLL expects capital values of office real estate in Metro Manila to rise by between 10 and 20 percent, while rental values would increase by between 5 and 10 percent, due mainly to the continuing strong demand from the business process outsourcing sector."



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WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: Philippines hosted 5th World Ecotourism Conference in Cebu which brought together officials and other policymakers in island and coastal regions to network effectively and to find common solutions for the development of coastal regions and contribute to the sustainability of these areas. With the theme “Marine and Coastal Ecotourism: Oceans of Uncertainties, Waves of Opportunities,” the 5th World Ecotourism Conference discussed the impacts of ecotourism activities linked to the seas such as whale and shark watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, and recreational fishing. The conference also tackled the socio-economic aspects of the industry such as development of destinations, management of marine ecotourism spots, marketing, and the elimination of poverty through sustainability. Participated in by tourism and environment officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reinforce the region’s common resolve to cooperate on ecotourism development in Southeast Asia, the annual World Ecotourism Conference was endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and co-organized by the DOT and Discoverymice of Malaysia. Representatives from the government, industry, civil society, and the academe from all over the world attended the conference. Part of the country’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) is to develop competitive and sustainable products and destinations which will provide economic opportunities and protect the environment. Conference participants were toured around the nearby tourism attractions including whale shark sites in Oslob, Cebu, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan. In 2012, the Philippines was also host to the ASEAN Ecotourism Conference where the national ecotourism strategy was discussed, calling for sustainable management of destinations, education and awareness, participation of local communities, and development of tourism products. - Philippine tourism and the environment | Tempo - News in a Flash

Philippine tourism and the environment | Tempo - News in a Flash: "The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Directors, Officers, and Employees congratulate the Department of Environment and Natural Resources headed by Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and the Department of Tourism headed by Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., in their efforts in conserving and developing the country’s destinations, management of marine ecotourism spots, and marketing for our Filipino people in our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!"



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WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Philippines-Australia’s partnership for education. The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) have partnered to boost the Philippine education agenda through the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Program, a six-year (2013-2019) Aus$150-million (P6 billion) program to assist the Philippines improve learning quality and access to education in the context of the K-to-12 program, as well as strengthen the public education system. Australian Foreign Minister Julie I. Bishop signed in Manila on February 21, 2014, the Memorandum of Subsidiary Agreement for the BEST initiative, a commitment by Australia government to assist the Philippines promote prosperity, and enhance stability. DepEd and AusAID have been educational partners for 15 years, and Australia is the biggest bilateral grant donor to Philippine education. Among its programs being implemented in the country are Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao, the Technical Vocational Educational Project, and School Building Projects for Basic Education. The BEST program supports the Philippine education reform program to benefit more than eight million students in 19,000 public elementary and high schools nationwide. Australia helps the Philippines build new classrooms and train teachers. It supports the K-to-12 program. Under the BEST Program, there will be 1,000 more classrooms, 40 science and computer laboratories, and two Indigenous Peoples’ Learning Centers. Scholarships and training for teachers will be provided. A technology and research center will be established. The BEST program will initially focus on six regions: National Capital Region, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.- | Tempo - News in a Flash

Philippines-Australia’s partnership for education | Tempo - News in a Flash: "The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Directors, Officers, and Employees congratulate the Department of Foreign Affairs headed by Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin A. Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie I. Bishop, and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, for their partnership in providing quality, relevant education to young Filipinos and prepare for competitiveness the Filipino people in the global arena and in our Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!"



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WELLNESS IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: UP Los Baños to hold Science and Technology Forum and Exhibit. The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) will be holding a Science and Technology Forum and Exhibit on March 4 to 5 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. This year’s theme “Making Science Work for Sustainable Development” will highlight the role of science and technology in envisioning and creating a sustainable future. Aside from UPLB ’s research outputs and cutting edge inventions, the exhibit will feature 18 new and existing centers of interdisciplinary studies – think-tanks for the advancement of scientific and technical solutions for the challenges and problems the country is facing. The forum and exhibit also serve as a prelude to the UPLB’s 105th Foundation Day set on March 6. – Rappler.com

UP Los Baños to hold Science and Technology Forum and Exhibit:



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WELLNESS IN TRADE & INDUSTRY: In the Philippines, designers receive help from CITEM (The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions – the export marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry) to put Philippine brands on the world stage through events like the Maison&Objet Paris and Salone Del Mobile in Milan - Regional talent, international stage - Frame Up | The Star Online

CLICK TO READ: Regional talent, international stage - Frame Up | The Star Online: "Increasingly, South-East Asian designers are competing on an equal footing with their European counterparts, creating a design scene that is at its vibrant best today.

BY global standards, the South-East Asian product design industry has been fledgling at best, if you don’t count the tiny clique of the likes of Singaporean Nathan Yong or Filipino Kenneth Cobonpue or the Singaporean-Malaysian duo Voon Wong and Benson Saw of VW+BS."



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WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Optimism on Phl economy still strong. Despite the impact of the devastation brought about by Super Typhoon Yolanda, the international investor community remains bullish on the growth prospects of the Philippines, Standard Chartered Bank said in its latest research note. “Optimism about the Philippine economy remains strong. International sentiment towards the Philippines has improved, particularly in 2013. Investment is becoming a growth engine, albeit at a slow pace,” it said. However, it said expectations on the peso-dollar exhange rate are more divided. StanChart said investors also expect inflation to rise but still within the central bank’s target zone in 2014. “As early as Q1 2013, domestic and international investors had priced in the stronger economic performance seen since 2012 and the Philippines’ ability to achieve an investment-grade credit rating. Since March 2009, business sentiment for the next quarter has been generally optimistic, though the recent typhoon disaster did affect it to some degree in the latest survey. The Philippines has also climbed international rankings. It ranked 108 in the Ease of Doing Business in 2014, from 133 a year ago,” it said. It singled out the Philippines as one of the economies that made significant improvements, particularly in “dealing with construction permits”, “getting credit” and “paying taxes”. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 StanChart said the Philippines has also made some progress in improving investment-driven growth. “We note that investment growth has contributed at least 1.5 percentage point to GDP growth over the past seven quarters, providing the economy with a secondary growth driver. This has been supplemented by strong durable equipment growth, showing that the Philippines is investing in future productive capacity,” it said.- | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

CLICK SOURCE: Optimism on Phl economy still strong | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com: "But it said while progress has been made, the Philippines has a relatively low investment-to-GDP ratio compared with other Southeast Asian economies (20.2 percent in 2013 versus 19.4 percent in 2012).

“This will need to be driven higher by both domestic and external sources – we note that in 2013 that the Philippines remained dependent on domestic investment. The increase in investment growth needs to be sustained in order for the economy to benefit in the long term,” it pointed out.

StanChart said it expects the Philippines’ investment story to benefit from certain trends this year.

“It is likely that better global growth will support stronger FDI growth in the Philippines. Historically, Japan and the US have been big investors in the Philippines; we think this has further upside potential. In addition, higher labor costs in China have driven production chains towards Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, where labor costs are lower. With an English-speaking population and a sizable labor force, it is likely that the Philippines has the excess capacity to benefit from these trends in 2014,” it said."



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WELNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: 10 firms get DENR seal for environmental practices. The 10 industry winners under the PEPP’s “Track 1 Category” are Aboitiz Power Hedcor Sibulan Inc. in Davao del Sur; Aboitiz Power Hedcor Inc. in Benguet; Aboitiz Power Hedcor Inc.-Talomo Grid in Davao City; Aboitiz Power Renewables Inc.-Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Power Plant in Laguna; Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc. in Ilagan, Isabela; Dole Philippines Inc. main plant in Polomolok, South Cotabato; Green Core Geothermal Inc. in Tongonan, Leyte; Energy Development Corp.-Mt. Apo Geothermal Project in Kidapawan, North Cotabato; Kepco-Ilijan Power Corp. in Batangas; and Petron Tacloban Depot in Leyte. Track 1 industries are recognized for their initiatives that go beyond compliance and are driven to improve their performance with competitiveness, image and supply chain requirements, the DENR said. No pollution cases Winners are selected following a series of evaluation stages including validation of documentary requirements and site activities with the Environmental Management Bureau’s regional offices and members of the PEPP-Technical Evaluation Committee. They should have had no cases filed with the Pollution Adjudication Board for three years prior to the date of application. They should also comply fully with all applicable environmental laws and should have been proven to show superior environmental performance.- | Inquirer News

CLICK SOURCE: 10 firms get DENR seal for environmental practices | Inquirer News: "MANILA, Philippines—Ten industry players, seven of them belonging to the power sector, received on Thursday the Official Seal of Approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), hailing them for sound environmental practices.
The seals were handed out during the fifth Philippine Environment Partnership Program (PEPP) awarding ceremony at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City, officials said on Friday.
Environment Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio Jr. congratulated the winners for making “a mark in their environmental performance not so much as a corporate social responsibility program but as an integral part of their operations.”
Making sense
“More and more companies have embraced the principle that to thrive in the global and national arena, it is necessary to face environmental challenges, which is not only good for the environment but also makes a lot of business sense,” he said."



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WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Department of Education gets biggest share of 2014 National Budget. The Philippine education sector has the biggest share – P309.43 billion – of the P2.265-trillion 2014 National Budget in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The fund includes P44.6 billion for the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of school buildings nationwide. The Department of Education (DepEd) is building this year 43,183 new classrooms, repairing 9,502 existing ones, and creating 1.59 million new classroom seats, in support of the K-to-12 program. In addition to 213 existing library centers, 10 more will be constructed and given books. Other projects include the procurement of 42 million more textbooks and workbooks to attain the ideal 1:1 student per textbook ratio, as well as learning modules and teaching guides. A considerable portion of the 2014 budget will help ensure the improvement of Philippine public education system, the Department of Budget and Management said. In 2013, the government was successful in most of educational requirement, and this year it is more determined to fully address the deficiencies. Skills training and capacity-building programs will be funded and implemented, including the school-based management installation support (P1 billion), Alternative Delivery Mode Project or e-IMPACT and Abot-Alam Program (P1.7 billion), Basic Education Madrasah Program (P535 million), and financial support (P7.45 billion) to needy students, including the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) and scholarship programs of various agencies. DepEd has allocated P8.56 billion to hire 33,194 new teachers to attain the ideal 1:45 teacher to pupil ratio, and 1,500 new staff. A stand-by R655 million for Quick Response Funds has been allotted to school buildings and teaching equipment in the Visayas. Overall, the 2014 national budget is 13% or P258.7 billion higher than the 2013 budget. It is the country’s first Performance-Informed Budget, a landmark reform initiative that ties an agency’s overall budget to specific standards of performance and service delivery. With the details so explicitly in GAA, the public can demand greater accountability and efficiency from agencies, leading to citizen engagement and improved public service, Malacañang said.- | Tempo - News in a Flash

CLICK SOURCE: Department of Education gets biggest share of 2014 National Budget | Tempo - News in a Flash: "The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Directors, Officers and Employees congratulate H.E., President Benigno S. Aquino III, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr., Department of Education Secretary Bro. Armin A. Luistro, and Department of Budget and Management Florencio B. Abad, for their joint efforts to come up with the 2014 budget for the education sector – the biggest in history – that is designed to better serve the needs of young people for relevant, quality education of our Filipino people in the Republic of the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!"



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GLOBAL PINOY: Filipino skater makes it from mall to Olympics - SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Michael Martinez nailed the bow at the end. Four bows, to be exact, though no one could blame him. He didn't seem to want to leave the ice Thursday night, and no one was going to blame him for that, either. This wasn't the shopping mall in the Philippines, where he learned his jumps and spins while trying to avoid parents and their kids skating by on family outings. This was the Iceberg Skating Palace and this was the Olympics, where the teenager was desperate for the skate of his young life. He had less than three minutes to prove himself in the short program and make it to the men's free skate final. If he didn't, he might have to be thinking about the next step, perhaps working for his family raising vegetables to sell to Japan. The expenses had become too much. The mall had contributed some money, but in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan there wasn't much the government could do for a figure skater, the nation's only competitor in Sochi. The family home had already been mortgaged to pay for his skating. There was no more to give. "We're hoping he makes it and some companies support him," his mother, Maria Teresa Martinez, said. "Otherwise he will just have to stop. We cannot afford it anymore. It's just so expensive and we can't do another four years." In a sequined and braided black and white outfit donated by a designer in New York who saw his Facebook plea for proper Olympic attire, Martinez took the biggest stage of his life, skating just two spots before the great Evgeni Plushenko was supposed to go in front of a capacity crowd at the Olympic arena. - Yahoo News Philippines

Filipino skater makes it from mall to Olympics - Yahoo News Philippines: "He had reason to be. At 17, he is the youngest skater in the program and the only Filipino figure skater ever in the Olympics.
Still, Martinez was sure he would prevail. The gangly kid with the mop of black hair had to, because this has been his life ever since he walked by the rink in the Manila mall at the age of 9, saw the skaters, and declared to his mother that this was something he wanted to do.
He fell on his behind that day, but that didn't stop him from coming back the next. Neither did the asthma that put him in the hospital many times and kept him from playing sports outdoors.
"I WILL make the free skate," he declared after practice the night before. "Because I am prepared."
Preparation, though, only counts so much. So on his Facebook page, Martinez asked his friends to "Please pray for me.""



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PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT FOR PEACE LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING WORKSHOPS OF AMBASSADOR ZARA (VENUE: YOUR PLACE)

HELLO! FRIENDS:-) HEREWITH LIST OF AVAILABLE SEMINAR-WORKSHOP FOR YOU & YOUR COMPANY. PLEASE CHOOSE & CALL OR TEXT 09295197788 TO RESERVE YOUR DATE. VENUE: YOUR PLACE ANYTIME BETWEEN JANUARY-JUNE, 2014:

Bridging the Gap to Productivity in the Internet Age
Topics: Cyberspace in Reality Leadership Training & Team Building Workshop, and Reconciliation of New Mind (Students) and Old Mind (Teachers) for Good Organization @ Home and @ School

Integrity in the Workplace
Topics: Effective & Timely Leadership Values, Ethics & Manners for Personality Development Workshop and Conflict Resolution for Effective Office Interaction & Team Building Workshop

Vocation@Work
Topics: Mind, Body & Spiritual Nourishment and Detoxification Workshop, Peace Leadership in Handling Human Weaknesses and Strengthening the Commitment to Profession Workshop

Colors of Wellness for Stress Management
Topics: Yoga/Pilates, Classical Music & Creative Dance Explorative & Fun Workshop, Food to Nourish & Detox, Developing the Peaceful Personality Workshop & Wellness Tips to Manage Conflict

Innovative Mind & Body
Topics: Holistic Lifestyle Workshop, Developing the Peaceful Personality that You Like, Wellness Tips for Health, Beauty & Fashion and Catwalk Showcase for Explorative & Fun Team Building

Other Available Seminar Workshops:
Rudiments of Theater: Acting, Music, Dance & Stage Mgmt
Public Speaking – A Breakthrough Approach!
Journalism, Television Hosting & Broadcasting
Breaking the 4th Wall – Innovative Styles in Teaching


GROUP FEE PER DAY IN YOUR VENUE (9AM-5PM)
RATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES:
PRIVATE COMPANIES: P10,000 (10PAX-40PAX discounted)
SCHOOLS, CIVIC & NGO'S: P8,000 (10PAX-40PAX discounted)

• For reservation of your workshop date in your venue, please call or text the Author @ 0929.519.7788 / 0926.678.7938

Note: For Arrangement and Fees to Countries outside the Philippines, please e-mail the Author @ wellnesspilipinas@yahoo.com.ph

Thank you!

Peace & Love! God bless you!

Ambassador Zara Jane Juan
Author & Resource Speaker

- Ambassador of Goodwill, Sailing for Peace Program in the Phil since 2003 to present

- Her speaking career started when she Co-Authored World History in 2001.

- In 2007, responding to the call of World Health Organization she started Wellness Series Tour nationwide (Wellness Pilipinas) to address lifestyle diseases. It consist of wellness tips as part of personality development based on her book Innovative Mind & Body.

- Her effort got positive reviews from the Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphics & Philippine Daily Inquirer. And eventually, she became a Media Practitioner as Writer, TV Host & Co-Producer of her TV show about wellness, arts & culture @ GNN in 2008-2010

She took a break from TV exposure to finish her writings & concentrate on her new task as Ambassador of Peace for UN World Peace Day starting 2011.

She maintained being an Internet Journalist & sustains her missionary works on children, environment & culture as Resource Speaker of several modules she wrote about human development. Some of which are: Integrity in the Workplace, Colors of Wellness, Vocation @ Work, The Art of Leadership, Innovative Styles of Teaching, Bridging the Gap to Productivity, etc

With her continuing effort to inspire people to wellness as “discipline & preparation to climate change”, she wrote Wellness for Peace (contribution to UN International Day of Peace 2011) - guide on Climate Change Peace Building & Adaptation.

Her work received the following citations:

2011
Peace Appreciation from In Love Humanity Mission, Pakistan in recognition of invaluable service rendered to the cause of humanity leading to World Peace

Sept 21, 2011
Certificate of Appreciation from University of the Philippines Manila as UN Ambassador for International Day of Peace 2011

July 20, 2011
Certificate of Appreciation from Far Eastern University of the Philippines as Guest Speaker on Climate Change & Wellness

May 2011
Awarded with Medal of Honor by Diocese of Novaliches Philippines as Media Practitioner & Peace Advocate

2010
Awarded by Rotary Club of Loyola Heights QC as writer, resource speaker, television host and producer, advocate of culture, arts, environment, women and children's causes, proponent of wellness and animal protection

2010
Awarded by Catholic Educational Association of the Phil (CEAP) for the significant role and contribution to health and wellness, transformative education and stewardship of creation

2009
Awarded by the Office of the President (NCRFW) on “Wellness in Mind, Body, Spirit, Environment & Economics, a tool for Nation-Building”

2008
Awarded as Lady Knight of the Royal Order of Sulu and Sabah as Ambassador of Goodwill

2007
Awarded By Children International as Ambassador of Goodwill on “Sailing for Peace Program Philippines”

Her List of Citations as Author & Resource Speaker:

Plaque of Appreciation from Philippine Heart Center on "Colors of Wellness"
Plaque of Appreciation from Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) on “Innovative Mind & Body”
Plaque of Appreciation from Office of the President NCDA on “Innovative Mind & Body”
Certificate of Appreciation from Roman Catholic Bishop of Novaliches Educational System (RCBN-ES) on “Innovative Mind & Body”
Certificate of Appreciation on “Colors of Wellness” from De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila
Plaque of Appreciation from St. Mary’s Pasay “On Mentoring Kids & Teens to Become Young Leaders”
Plaque of Appreciation on “Integrity in the Workplace” by San Lorenzo School, San Pedro Laguna
Plaque of Appreciation from San Roque Catholic School on “Corporate Communication”
Plaque of Appreciation on “Innovative Styles in Teaching” & “Vocation @ Work” from Treasury of the Golden Word School
Plaque of Appreciation on “Innovative Styles in Teaching” from Assoc of Private Schools in Batangas City
Plaque of Appreciation on “Colors of Wellness” from Assoc of Private Schools in Baguio City
Plaque of Recognition on “Innovative Mind & Body” from Dr. Carlos Lanting College, QC
Plaque of Appreciation on Leadership Training from Recoletos Academy, Antipolo, Rizal
Plaque of Appreciation on Public Speaking-A Breakthrough Approach! from University of Perpetual Help Cavite
Plaque of Appreciation on Artistic Exploration from Elizabeth Seton School, Las Piñas & Cavite
Plaque of Appreciation on Developing Positive Mental Attitude from Informatics
Plaque of Appreciation on “The Art of Leadership” from Philippine Cultural High School Manila
Plaque of Appreciation from St. Benilde School, Calamba, Laguna
Certificate of Appreciation on from St. Louis School, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya
Certificate of Appreciation on Preparing Teachers for the Internet Age (Internet 101 Innovative Personality) from Kid's World Christian Academy, San Mateo Rizal
Certificate of Appreciation on "Balik-Bata"Workshop from Philippine Cultural High School, Mla
Certificate of Appreciation on “Innovative Mind & Body” from St. Matthew’s College, San Mateo
Certificate of Recognition on Personality Development from Sto. Niño School, Muntinlupa
Certificate of Recognition on Theatre Arts from Good Shepherd Cathedral School, QC

Zara Jane Juan, Author & Resource Speaker
Summary of Work and Responsibilities:
2011-2015: Peace Ambassador, United Nations Int’l Day of Peace
• 2011-present: Internet Journalist, United Nations, Climate Change Peace Building Campaign, New York, USA
• 2010-present: President, Wellness Pilipinas! Lifestyle Disease Prevention Campaign of WHO
• 2009- present: Producer/TV Host, Author & Public Speaker, Wellness for Peace Education on Climate Change
• 2003-present: Executive Director & Ambassador of Goodwill, Sailing for Peace International Peace Program
• 2000-present: Value-Oriented Musical Stage Play Producer & Performing Artist Philippine International Convention Center, RCBC Theater & Philamlife Theater
• 2000 Co-Author, World History
• 1996-present: Producer of Value Oriented Events in the Malls Sponsored by Local & Int’l Brands

Past Work:
1995 Account Manager, Channel 5
1994 PR Associate, O&M British Company
1993-1994 Bb Pilipinas Awardee & Ms. Hawaiian Tropic International Finalist
1992-1993 Lead Role, Int’l Documentary Films
1990-1992 Trainor, UN Int’l Women’s Day
1989-1990 Asst Photo Journalist, Time Magazine

For more info and references about the Resource Speaker, kindly browse the internet & Google:
Ambassador Zara Jane Juan.
Thank you! Peace & Love! God bless you!

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT FOR PEACE LEADERSHIP TRAINING & TEAM BUILDING SEMINAR-WORKSHOPS OF AMBASSADOR ZARA (VENUE: YOUR PLACE):



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Tagaytay City's Holistic "Wellness for Peace" Team Building Workshops by Ambassador Zara

One Day Out of Town Retreat for Mind-Body-Spirit Detoxification, Rejuvenation, Nourishment, Stress Management, Team Building & Holistic Leadership Training of Employees & Staff



AMBASSADOR ZARA JANE JUAN

RESOURCE SPEAKER’S PROFILE

• 2011-2015: Peace Ambassador, United Nations Int’l Day of Peace
• 2011-present: Internet Journalist, UN Climate Change Peace Building Campaign, New York, USA
• 2010-present: President, Wellness Pilipinas! Lifestyle Disease Prevention Campaign of World Health Organization
• 2009- present: Author, Public Speaker, Producer & TV Host of Wellness for Peace Education on Climate Change
• 2009-present Stage Director of Italian Play at Mother Isabella Formation Center, Tagaytay City
• 2003-present: Exec Director, Sailing for Peace Int’l Peace Program
• 2000-present: Producer & Lead Performer @ Philippine Int’l Convention Center, RCBC & Philamlife Theater
• 2000-present: Author & Resource Speaker: Integrity in the Workplace, The Art of Leadership, Innovative Mind & Body, Vocation @ Work, Corporate Communication, Bridging the Gap to Productivity & Colors of Wellness
• 1996-present: Event Producer, Concept Maker & Host at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, SM Malls & Robinson’s Malls
with KFC, Maybank, Splash, Tree Top, Clara ‘Ole, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Welch’s, Shakey’s, Jollibee, etc

Past Work:
2000 Co-Author, World History
2000 Writer, Values Magazine

1995-2000 Single Proprietor
Projects & Clients Handled: Kentucky Friend Chicken PR Plan & Implementation to Schools, Selecta, Swift & RFM Products Mall Shows, Campaign Plan & Implementation of Newborn Food Products, Dunkin Donuts & Texas Chicken Shows, Mister Donut School Events, Channel 4 Public Info Campaign on TV & Film, etc

1995 Account Manager, Channel 5 TV Station
Sponsors Handled: Kimberly Clark & Hapee Toothpaste, etc

1994 Account Manager, Prime (Filipino-Chinese Company)
Projects & Clients Handled: Newspaper Supplement, Write-Ups & Advertorials of Machinex IDC Trade Fair at Philippine Trade and Training Center (PTTC), Jingle Production of Lily’s Peanut Butter, Advertising Campaign Plan & Implementation of Yamaha School of Music, Advertising Campaign Plan & Implementation of Yamaha Professional Sound System, Newspaper Whole Page Write-Up for Locator International Corporation, etc

1993 PR Associate, Ogilvy & Mather (British-American Company)
Projects & Clients Handled: Kimberly Clark Feminine Hygiene Program National Convention held at The Philippine International Convention Center, Pepsi PR Campaign, etc

1993-1994
Bb Pilipinas Awardee & Ms. Hawaiian Tropic International Finalist

1992-1993 Lead Role, Int’l Documentary Films
1990-1992 Trainor, Women's Desk, Ateneo de Manila University
1989-1990 Asst Photo Journalist, Time Magazine


To Reserve a Workshop Date Anytime,
Please call the Author @ 0929.519.7788 <> 0926.678.7938

e-mail:
wellnesspilipinas@yahoo.com.ph
sailingforpeace@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/ambassadorzara

Duration: Whole day (without overnight stay)
Group Fee inclusive of meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks)
10pax is P15,000
20pax is P20,000
30pax is P25,000
40pax is P30,000
Note: Additional P500 per person for overnight stay

Schedule of Fees:
50% down payment upon reservation of date;
50% on workshop day

For more info and references about the Resource Speaker, kindly browse the internet & Google: Ambassador Zara Jane Juan.Thank you! Peace & Love! God bless you! 



Tagaytay City's Holistic "Wellness for Peace" Team Building Workshops by Ambassador Zara:



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PEACE UPDATE: COTABATO CITY —Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas and presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles arrived Saturday for the inauguration of the office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission amid tight security. Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other local officials were also in attendance. The Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, is chaired by Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The commission immediately held a meeting at the new office. The commission’s draft is to be submitted to Congress for passage into law, formally creating the Bangsamoro autonomous region in the place of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao under the terms of a comprehensive peace agreement recently concluded by government and MILF negotiators. Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/575578/security-tight-as-roxas-deles-attend-inauguration-of-bangsamoro-office#ixzz2stRVv6WI Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook - Office of Bangsamoro transition body opens | Inquirer News

Office of Bangsamoro transition body opens | Inquirer News:



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WELLNESS IN ARTS: Art Fair Philippines 2014 (AFP 2014) is set to provide an even bigger and better experience to art enthusiasts. From Feb. 20 to 23, The Link Carpark, located near the Landmark Department Store in Ayala Center, will once again be transformed into a surprisingly sophisticated and much wider art space. AFP 2014 will extend to a second floor area and showcase more art galleries as it make use of both the 6th and 7th floors of the carpark with the exhibition venue designed by Leandro V. Locsin Partners and styled by design luminary Kenneth Cobonpue. In addition to several international galleries, AFP 2014 will primarily focus on galleries from the Philippines, emphasizing local ingenuity. Visitors of the fair can expect works by established names of the Philippine art scene, as well as by promising newcomers, showcased in thoughtfully designed exhibit spaces. Participating galleries include Altro Mondo, Archivo, Art Cube, Art Informal, Avellana Art Gallery, Blanc, Boston Gallery, Canvas, Crucible, Equator Art Projects, Finale, Galleria Duemila, Light and Space Contemporary, Liongoren Gallery, Manila Contemporary, Mo_Space, Nova, Now Gallery, Pablo, Paseo Art Gallery, Secret Fresh, Richard Koh Fine Art, Silverlens, Taksu, The Drawing Room, Tin-Aw, West Gallery, and 1335 Mabini. - The best in Philippine contemporary art at Art Fair Philippines | Arts and Culture, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

The best in Philippine contemporary art at Art Fair Philippines | Arts and Culture, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com: "In line with the Art Month celebration in the country, people will truly have an enriching and inspiring experience of the best of the Philippine Contemporary Art that cannot be experienced anywhere else except in Makati, reinforcing the city’s position as the country’s leading lifestyle and cultural district. These art events are in line with the Make it Happen Make it Makati project that is a campaign spearheaded by Ayala Land to showcase the many vibrant things that will make you fall in love with the city. For information, visit www.artfairphilippines.com and www.facebook.com/artfairph."



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WELLNESS IN EDUCATION: Philippine Science Centrum launched nine new exhibits aimed at teaching kids how to save the environment. All these exhibits, like everything else in the Science Centrum, are interactive. Interactive exhibits “In most museums, you see the description, you see the explanation, but you don't see the action. With this one, you touch it, you do something, it explains what happens,” said Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology President Engr. Filemon Berba, Jr. in an interview with GMA News Online during the exhibit launch on Wednesday. “We waste too much in our environment. We waste electricity, we waste materials, (but these) are preventable. We have to have what we call a war on waste.” One of the exhibits is called Standby (Phantom) Power, which features a television connected to a device that measures the electricity it consumes. With a push of a button, the viewer can turn the television on or off. The exhibit shows that a plugged-in television, even when turned off, still consumes electricity. Lesson learned: When appliances are not in use, don't just turn them off. Unplug them as well. - Philippine Science Centrum marks 24th anniversary with new exhibits | SciTech | GMA News Online

Philippine Science Centrum marks 24th anniversary with new exhibits | SciTech | GMA News Online: "A set of exhibits on climate change is to be expected in the summer, Dr. Corazon Claudio, member of the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology Board of Trustees, said during the launch."



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WELLNESS IN ARTS: As the country’s main agency for the arts and culture, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), headed by its chairman Felipe de Leon, Jr., leads in celebrating National Arts Month with the Philippine Arts Festival (PAF) in February. Spearheaded by the NCCA’s Subcommission on the Arts, PAF comprises mainly the flagship projects of the seven committees of the sub-commission — architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, theater and the visual arts. It aims to highlight the artistic talent and brilliance of the Filipinos. PAF activities will be held all over the country. For 2014, PAF has taken the theme “Art on the Edge: Arts for Healing, Arts for All,” highlighting the advancements achieved in different art forms, the innovations, the modern evolution of art and the artistic creations in the peripheries. - NCCA set to open Philippine Arts Festival 2014 for National Arts Month | Arts and Culture, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

CLICK LINK TO READ MORE> NCCA set to open Philippine Arts Festival 2014 for National Arts Month | Arts and Culture, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com: "For details, contact PAF media director and NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) head, Rene Sanchez Napeñas at 527-2192 or 0928-5081057, visit www.ncca.gov.ph or e-mail ncca.paio@gmail.com."

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WELLNESS IN ENVIRONMENT: Hydroelectric power remains the most attractive renewable energy investment in the Philippines as eight new mini hydro projects gain approval for construction this year. Hydrotec Renewables, the developer of the eight projects, which champions the use of low-impact hydropower construction said this week the company is investing US$53 million to US$62 million on the combined 25-30-MW projects, eyed for completion by 2016. The projects are located in nearby provinces outside Metro Manila, with three in Rodriguez City (Sitio Wawa, San Isidro and San Jose), one in San Mateo, two in Marikina City (Tumana and Nangka 4) and two in Antipolo City (Hinulugang Taktak and Nangka 1).- Hydro, wind power booms in Philippines in 2014 | News | Eco-Business | Asia Pacific

CLINK LINK TO READ > Hydro, wind power booms in Philippines in 2014 | News | Eco-Business | Asia Pacific: "The company applies a ‘sustainable small hydro approach’, where it incorporates data gathered from hydrological, topological and metrological research in the construction process, including project site attributes to avoid the need to cut trees and inflict environmental disruption to the flora and fauna and existing communities, its website said."

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WELLNESS IN ARTS: A FILIPINA BREAKS THE STEREOTYPE! Competing in Israel's X-Factor, Rose Fostanes, 47, swept the judges off their feet with a tear-jerking rendition of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" on Tuesday night's live final. Her victory came as a surprise in Israel, where about 20,000 Filipinos work mostly as caregivers and cleaners. In the run-up to the final, Fostanes said she hoped her popularity on the show would shine a spotlight on Israel's low-paid foreign workers. "I didn't expect that I will win," Fostanes told reporters in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, speaking in English. "Because I'm not Israeli and I don't have residence here and I'm only a worker," she said. For many Israelis, the word "Filipino" has become synonymous with caregiver, and Fostanes' appearance and success on X-Factor could help break the stereotype. - Filipina caregiver wins Israel's X-Factor song contest - Yahoo News Philippines

Filipina caregiver wins Israel's X-Factor song contest - Yahoo News Philippines: "Fostanes, who came to Israel several years ago, has been working for about 20 years across the Middle East, and currently cares for an ailing woman in Tel Aviv. She has been compared to the Scottish singer Susan Boyle, 52, who shot to fame in 2009 after appearing on the TV show "Britain's Got Talent" and performing "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables". Boyle's rise from unknown to multi-million-selling recording artist has been made into a musical."

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WELLNESS IN CULTURE: National Day of Prayer declared in typhoon-hit areas. Jan 20 National Day of Prayer and Solidarity with the theme ‘One Nation in Prayer’ will be held as the Filipino people’s way of recognizing the power of the Almighty God who guides us in our journey towards a brighter future,” Coloma told radio dzRB yesterday. “President Aquino will lead the nation in prayer in a simple program to be held in Malacañang,” he said. Coloma said the declaration serves as a call for all sectors to pray for the country, which was battered by successive calamities last year. Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 In his toast during the vin d’honneur held last Friday, Aquino said the Filipinos’ constant faith in God enabled them to weather the disasters that confronted them.- | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

"“Some of you have marveled at the resilience of our nation, a people whose faith, though challenged, remains constant and only deepened. Our unbreakable spirit and ability to recover find root in our firm belief in a benevolent God who has the perfect plan for all of us,” he said.  “These tragedies tell us that despite all our efforts, we are indeed powerless without God,” he added." CLICK LINK TO READ MORE: National Day of Prayer declared in typhoon-hit areas | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com:

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PEACE UPDATE: Norway Hopes For Peace Talk Resumption Between Philippine Government, Rebels. Visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said he hopes the Philippine government and leftist rebel group Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) will resume peace talks in the coming months. Norway is mediator in peace negotiations between the Philippine government and leftist rebels, Xinhua news agency reported. "We're committed to continue as facilitator in (peace talks) as long as this is the interest of the Philippine government," Brende told reporters in an interview. Brende said he will be discussing opportunities to resume the stalled negotiations during his meeting with Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III later in the day. "I think the presidency of Aquino is here for several years and we are looking into the opportunity to resume talks in the future," he said. Talks between the government and the CPP's negotiating arm, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, has been suspended since 2011 over the leftist rebels' demand for the release of a number of their detained commanders. The CPP has been waging war against the Philippine government for more than four decades.- BERNAMA

CLICK LINK TO READ MORE BERNAMA - Norway Hopes For Peace Talk Resumption Between Philippine Government, Rebels:

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WOMEN'S CAUSES: UN adopts PHL-sponsored reso on violence vs. women migrant workers. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a Philippine-sponsored resolution giving protection to female migrant workers against abuse and exploitation. In a statement, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said the UN General Assembly adopted four resolutions under the Advancement of Women report, one of which is “Violence Against Women Migrant Workers,” during the international body's 68th plenary assembly last December 18. The resolution urged member-states to ratify conventions from the International Labour Organization (ILO) protecting domestic workers, the families of all migrant workers, and smuggled persons. The resolution also calls for the abolishment of sponsorship systems, and for humane and gender-sensitive treatment of all migrant workers and their families “regardless of their immigration status.” | Pinoy Abroad | GMA News Online

"Indonesia presented the bill to the assembly on behalf of the Philippines and seven other countries on the 24th of October. PCW, in their statement, said governments around the world must ensure the safety of migrant women against exploitation, discrimination, and all forms of sexual abuse. The commission urged private institutions to provide gender-sensitive procedures at their workplaces, and encouraged both private and public sectors to realize the contributions of these women to the economy, regardless of their immigration status." CLICK LINK TO READ FULL ARTICLE UN adopts PHL-sponsored reso on violence vs. women migrant workers | Pinoy Abroad | GMA News Online:

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CHILDREN'S CAUSES: Philippines gives measles vaccine to 13 million kids. The Philippines will launch a nationwide campaign on measles prevention among children, after measles outbreaks took place in several areas in Metro Manila, a senior government official said Wednesday. In the campaign, planned in September this year, roughly 13 million children aged up to 5 years old will be given measles vaccination, Philippine Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona said. "The supplemental immunization activity is aimed at the children who missed their routine vaccine doses since 2011," he said.- Xinhua | English.news.cn

"In recent weeks, health centers in Metro Manila have been giving first dose of measles vaccines to children aged 9 to 11 months, while children aged 12 to 23 months have been inoculated with their second dose.This is part of the DOH's heightened campaign, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), to prevent the spread of measles in the National Capital Region, Ona said." CLICK LINK TO READ FULL ARTICLE Philippines gives measles vaccine to 13 million kids - Xinhua | English.news.cn:

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WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: BSP expects strong inflows from BPO, tourism. The sustained growth in the BPO and tourism sectors will support the Philippines’ balance of payments position, which indicates a country’s transactions with the rest of the world. The BOP position includes exports, imports, foreign direct and portfolio investments, and remittances, among others. BPO and tourism receipts are recorded under services, placed under the BOP’s current accounts. The central bank expects a BOP surplus of $3 billion this year. This will help the country boost its gross international reserves to as much as $88 billion in 2014. | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

 "“For the BPOs, we’re expecting a 15- percent growth (in export revenues) for 2013 and also a 15-percent growth for 2014,” Rosabel Guerrero, director at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Departmanet of Economic Statistics, said in a briefing. Guerrero noted that the growth rate will be from an $11.6-billion revenue figure recorded in 2012 by the BPO industry. Zeno Abenoja, director for BSP’s Department of Economic Research, noted that the sustained growth of the industry will be on the back of government’s continued support for the industry and sustained demand for firms abroad. “The projections were done in consultations with the industry... The projections took into account continued strong government support to the industry in terms of favorable tax treatment for capital equipment, and tax incentives (among others),” Abenoja said." CLICK LINK TO READ FULL ARTICLE BSP expects strong inflows from BPO, tourism | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com:

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