You Ready To Be A Hero?

Ortigas Foundation, Inc. and Kaya Natin! Movement would like to invite you to a free talk entitled We Can Be Heroes: How everybody can be heroes through ethical leadership, good governance and active citizen participation.

Kaya Natin! is a movement composed of good Filipinos from different sectors of society. They espouse genuine change and ethical leadership in our country in our government by promoting transparency, social accountability, people empowerment and electoral reforms. The pioneering leaders of this movement, that we hope would be present in the December 2 Forum, are Filipino of the Year Gov. “Among” Ed Panlilio, Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Gov. Grace Padaca and Mayor Jesse Robredo, Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of Nueva Ecija, and Gov. Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao.

The talk will be held on December 2, Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m. This is open to professionals, students, youth leaders, government servants, employees, housewives – everyone who has a stake in this country we lovingly call home.

To confirm your attendance, kindly send an e-mail to fernandezks@ortigas.com.ph or call Kiel at 631-1231 to 38.

Please refer to the attached e-flier and vicinity map for more details.

Thank you very much.

Gantimpala Theater Stages Rolando Tinio's A Life in The Slums

Gantimpala Theater closes its 31st Season with A Life in the Slums, written by Rolando S. Tinio, National Artist for Theater, which was awarded first prize, in the English division of the 1975 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards. This announcement came from Tony Espejo, artistic director, who also directs the play.
A Life in the Slums is a comedy of manners in nine scenes with musical numbers that presents the intertwining lives of Henny, a truck diver; the twins Millie and Annie; the neighbor Salud, the neighborhood hunk and Roger, every body’s lover.

One afternoon, Millie (Kimberly Diaz) gets a surprise visit from her sister Annie (Monica Llamas), in the squatters’ area where she resides. The two share pleasantries and discuss the many happenings in their respective lives.

Millie reveals the wonders of being part of the “real world,” in the slums, with her truck driver husband Henny (alternately portrayed by Xeno Alejandro and Francis Cruz III), and children. For Millie, despite the squalor, stench, confusion, fistfights, rumormongers, and the people’s search for their daily existence, being in the slums is her version of “heaven on earth.”

Annie, on the other hand, laments the sorry state of her affluence. She feels “filthy” because of the many transgressions of the people surrounding her – their mother’s accidental death due to gluttony, their father’s extra-marital affairs, her marriage on the rocks with Roger (Jojo Riguerra) who happens to be Millie’s former lover and her incapacity to become a mother.
In the end, the two sisters agree to reverse their roles, both hoping that they will discover true happiness in their newly acquired neighborhood and personas.

Tony Espejo says, “I am directing the play as a theatre of the absurd production because obviously, National Artist Rolando Tinio wrote it so that it can be performed as such. It is very funny; biting at some points, and will definitely open the eyes of people on the ridiculousness and hypocrisy of the rich and their ambivalent attitude towards the poor. One day they embrace them, the next day, they loathe them.”

A Life in the Slums is the fifth season of Gantimpala Theater’s National Artist Production Series. Yearly, the company stage plays written by national artists for theater and literature to give its audiences the opportunity to appreciate and understand the artistic contributions made by these masters of the dramatic and literary arts.

Helping Espejo create the impoverished world of Millie and Annie are Andy Villareal (lights designer); Marianne Sedotes (set designer); Albert Figueras (costume designer); Joey de Guzman (musical composer); Jorge Cabullo (production manager) and Michael King Urieta (stage manager).

A Life in the Slums is fully supported by the National Parks Development Committee.
Performances are on December 5-6, (10am/2pm), at the AFP Theater, in Quezon City, December 12-14, (10am/2pm) SM South mall in Las Piñas City.

Shows will resume next year with play dates on January 23-25, (10am/2pm) at the AFP Theater, and February 6-7, at the SM South mall in Las Piñas City.

For information, tickets, and booking information, please call the Gantimpala Theater Marketing Office at 899-5745/896-3503 or 474-5198 or write to: gantimpalatheater.multiply.com or gantimpalatheater@yahoo.com.ph

SkyCable Makes A Buzz Among Bloggers

Recognizing the influence and contribution of bloggers among today’s consumers, SkyCable recently spent an intimate afternoon together with some netizens whose blogs have been creating a buzz in the World Wide Web to present how the Digibox takes TV viewing into new heights as well as other service developments. SkyCable Vice President for Marketing Ray Montinola led in welcoming the bloggers at the Dasmariñas Room of Hotel Intercontinental in Makati . “This is the first time that we at SkyCable are meeting with the blogger community,” Montinola disclosed. “We are very much aware of their influences to families and to their readers. We hope that with them, we will be able to communicate how relevant SkyCable products are to our daily lives.”

For more than a decade, SkyCable has been at the forefront of introducing the latest technological innovations in cable entertainment. It has redefined the viewing habits of Filipinos in more ways than one through its unparalleled programming content. Today, SkyCable continues to pave the way for changing the cable television landscape and also in propelling its subscribers into the future of entertainment and communication.

Going digital
The highlight of the event hosted by ANC news anchor TJ Manotoc was a presentation of SkyCable’s digital platform. Malou Esparrago, marketing head for SkyCable postpaid business, demonstrated how the digital addressable box or Digibox revolutionizes cable TV viewing. Once attached to the TV set, the Digibox acts as an interactive device that lets subscribers be in command of their personal viewing preferences by simply pressing the few buttons on the remote. With the Digibox, avid cable TV viewers have the option to arrange and re-arrange channels according to their preference, or even designate a list of their very own favorites so that the frequently tuned-in channels come one after the other for a customized channel surfing.

Also among its key features is the Electronic Program Guide (EPG), which displays the daily and weekly schedules of programs to be aired. An Information bar also displays the title of the show that is currently airing and the show coming up after as well as their respective synopses so viewers can keep track of what they are watching. Parents can now have peace of mind whenever their kids are left alone watching TV with the unique child lock feature of the Digibox. Channels that are deemed not appropriate for children can be “padlocked” using a password to prevent kids from watching shows with matured content

Insanely fast
Another latest offering under the “Sky” brand is the groundbreaking SkyBroadband., the fastest broadband internet service in the country today. According to broadband marketing head Joy Lantin, SkyBroadband has download speeds reaching up to 12 mbps. It is practically four times faster than any residential DSL – something that bloggers who often surf the net and download or upload chunk loads of files at any given time, will surely welcome in their homes. TJ Manotoc himself was very impressed with SkyBroadband’’s download speed, which he humorously referred to as “insanely fast.” To make subscription to SkyBroadband even more rewarding and practical, Lantin revealed that they have SKY POWER BLOCK packages that bundles with SkyCable Gold and SkyVoice Plan 100 to give users the opportunity to enjoy the best programs on cable TV while availing of the lowest IDD rates for calls to the US and Canada, all under one subscription rate

The sky is the limit
While firmly establishing its hold in digital-ready areas in Metro Manila, SkyCable is also working on pioneering product offerings for its loyal subscribers. Montinola shared that they are currently structuring their plans to bring high definition (HD) TV to more households and are now in the process of acquiring more program content. Last September, SkyCable marked the pilot offering of HDTV with the exclusive telecast of the Ryder Cup. Video-on-demand is also in the pipeline of SkyCable offerings in the future. These developments are all in line with SkyCable’s brand identity. As Montinola aptly put it, “SkyCable changes the lives of countless people, one way or another, by offering quality programming and unparalleled services.”

Mag Watch: November Edition

Last month, we have discovered new publications in store shelves. Of course, it won't escape our tantalizing and watchful eyes. There are old and new. For the 11th month of 2008, take a look at our list.

Candy: Joe Jonas
Chalk: Sarah Geronimo
Cosmopolitan: Sarah Geronimo
FHM: Gail Nicolas, Cherry Ann Kubota, Precious Adona, Joyce So, Jacq Yu
Fudge: Madagascar 2, (alternate cover) Erik Santos, Christian Bautista
Garage (October-November): Akihiro Sato
Good Housekeeping: Ruffa Gutierrez
Health&Lifestyle (October-November): Dr. Fe Del Mundo
Lifestyle Asia: Kirk Long, Chris Tiu, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Jai Reyes, Mike Baldos
Look (November-December): Judy Ann Santos
Manual: Yasmien Kurdi
Marie Claire: Judy Ann Santos
Maxim: Valerie "Bangs" Garcia
Meg: Caroline Riiegg
Mega: Kim Chiu
Men's Health: Mark Anthony Fernandez
Metro: Nikki Gil, Maja Salvador, Jessica Wilson, Amanda Lapus
Offcam (October-November): Richard Gutierrez
People Asia: Angel Jacob, Claudine Trillio-Webb, Agot Isidro-Sandejas, Donna Cruz, Hindi Weber-Tantoco
Preview: Heart Evangelista
Sense&Style: Mika Lagdameo-Martinez, Ines Cabarrus
Seventeen: Vanessa Hudgens
Smart Parenting: Mikee Cojuangco, Baby Renzo Cojuangco
Speed: Christine Reyes
Starstudio: Piolo Pascual, Angel Locsin, Vhong Navarro, Toni Gonzaga
Sugar Sugar: Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz
T3: Daiana Meneses
Town&Country: Felicia Hung Atienza
Total Girl: Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens
Working Mom: Ai Ai Delas Alas
You (November-December): Sarah Geronimo

How to write with a flourish

Designed by Words Co., a writer-led initiative devoted to enhancing writing skills and creativity, organizes its first ever series of writers'workshops." The World as An Articulate Subject: The Art of Feature Writing" is a one-day workshop slated on *November 29,* *December 6 and 13*, at the DBWheadquarters in T.M. Kalaw Ave., Manila. The workshop is an exploratory course on the fundamental techniques of feature writing. It is designed to equip the student with real-life tips and tools on writing to produce thoughtful and evocative pieces worthy of a publication.

Journalism students, bloggers, teachers, aspiring writers and other enthusiasts can greatly benefit from the workshop as they are led to discover and articulate their voice and point-of-view, which empower any written piece. The lectures and illustrative examples will be provided by seasoned practitioners of the craft. Limited slots available. Workshop fee is P2,500 inclusive of writer's kit, certificate, and meals. Pre-registration fee of P500 is required. Early bird registrants who pay in full at least one week before the workshop date are entitled to a 10% discount. To register and for inquiries, call 536-1926; text 0907-5006420; or email dbw.workshops@gmail.com.

The First Adamson University International Film Festival

Adamson University—in partnership with Ambassade de Fance AUX Philippines, Instituto Cervantes, Repvbblica Italiana, Israel Embassy, and Japan Foundation—brings the First AdU International Film Festival from November 17-28, 2008.

Schedule of Screenings are as follows:

French Films

Nov 17 - Le scaphandre et le papillon (2:00 p.m.)
18 - Mademoiselle (2:00 p.m.)
19- Fauteuils d' Orchestre (2:00 p.m.)

Spanish Films

Nov 19- Tu vida en 65 minutos (2:00 p.m.)
20- Un franco, 14 pesetas (2:00 p.m.)
- 4a planta (4:00 p.m.)

Italian Films

Nov 21 - Salvatore Questra e la vita (2:00 p.m.)
22 - Passato Prossimo (2:00 p.m.)
-Cosi e la vita (4:00 p.m.)


Israeli Films

Nov 25- Paper Dolls (2:00 p.m.)
26- The Bubble (2:00 p.m.)
-Ushpizin (4:00 p.m.)

Japanese Films

Nov 27- Waterboys (2:00 p.m.)
28- Aiki (2:00 p.m.)
-The Twilight Samuria (4:00 p.m.)

For further queries, contact the University's Cultural Office at 524 20 11 local 255.

Kaya Natin! Movement

Thursday, November 13, 6:00pm

Ortigas Foundation Library

Join us on 13 November as we listen to inspiring talks from the Philippines’ most effective local government leaders. Gov. Teddy Baguilat of Ifugao, Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela and Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija will share with us best practices at local governance and how we each can be heroes through ethical and active citizen participation.

The talk will be moderated by Ms. Kai Pastores, also of Kaya Natin! Movement, and the Ateneo School of Government.

Kindly confirm your attendance by replying to this email or by calling us at 6311231. Kindly look for Kiel.

About KAYA NATIN! MOVEMENT:

Kaya Natin! is a movement composed of good Filipinos from different sectors of society that aim to espouse genuine change and ethical leadership in our country. We aim to promote genuine and lasting change in our government by promoting transparency, social accountability, people empowerment and electoral reforms. By upholding these values and principles, it hopes to help make our government and our leaders more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people and enable it to deliver basic services to those who need it most in the most efficient and effective way. We firmly believe that our government officials should be effective and ethical servant leaders who look not only at the outcomes of programs and projects but also at the processes required for them as well as the values and motives behind them. Effective and Ethical leaders are those who fight corruption and frown upon abusive practices of those in power while at the same time training future Filipino leaders to do what is right and just despite opposition. These leaders are those whose stands are reflective of their constituents’ beliefs and who do not stand alone but side by side with other good leaders for support.

In order to achieve these goals, Kaya Natin! will focus on the following:

1. Promoting Electoral Reforms by encouraging the Filipino Youth to register, vote for the right candidates and volunteer their time to ensure clean and honest elections. Promoting Local Autonomy and Empowerment of local government units by decentralizing the delivery of basic services such as Quality Basic Education. Working with the Church, other like-minded organizations and civil society groups towards the total eradication of all Illegal Activities such as Graft and Corruption in all forms, illegal gambling, and illegal logging. Development and encouragement of ethical and effective young Filipino leaders who will consider to run for public office and/or work in government.
2. Kaya Natin! believes in the Filipinos’ ability to finally conquer poverty and injustice, to turn hopes into reality and thoughts into action. If you think that sounds impossible, then open your eyes and ears. Kaya Natin! is only the beginning of true progress and development in the Philippines and with the cooperation of every Filipino we can finally have the life worth living for. Kaya Natin! started through a meeting facilitated by the Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government last June 2008 between three of the most inspiring and trustworthy leaders in our country today, namely, Governor Eddie Panlilio of Pampanga, Governor Grace Padaca of Isabela and Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City. The movement is open to every Filipino who believes and is willing to work towards promoting genuine change and ethical leadership in our country. Kaya Natin! is not just a movement but more importantly it’s a way of life.
   

About ORTIGAS FOUNDATION, INC.:

Corporations play a major part in nation building. With their vast financial and human resources, corporations have the capability to help solve the country’s woes.

The Ortigas Foundation, Inc. is Ortigas and Company, Limited Partnership’s answer to the call for responsible corporate citizenship. Established in November 1996, the Foundation’s primary focus is to promote pride in being Filipino by supporting the study of Philippine history, culture and arts. Since then, the Foundation has embraced a host of other projects with a variety of concerns, participating in initiatives where its support is most needed.

(press release from Ortigas Foundation)