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| (Image Source: Dot Daily Dose/Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc.) |
The Carlos Palanca Foundation Inc. is now accepting entries to the 72nd Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMA). The most prestigious literary competition in the Philippines, the Palanca Awards is open to all Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages, based locally or abroad.
Authors who wish to join may submit only one (1) entry per category, as follows:
• Novel and Nobela;
• English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;
• Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;
• Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano;
• Kabataan Division – Kabataan Essay (English) and Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino)
* Kabataan Essay: Today’s youth are deeply influenced by technological advancements in social media and AI. How can the government and families help the youth harness its transformative potential while mitigating inherent risks as they navigate the digital landscape?
* Kabataan Sanaysay: Lubhang naiimpluwensyahan ang mga kabataan ngayon ng pag-unlad ng teknolohiya ng social media at AI. Paano matutulungan ng pamahalaan at mga pamilya ang mga kabataan na pagyamanin ang kakayahan nitong magdulot ng pagbabago habang nilulupig ang mga kaakibat na panganib ng kanilang pagbabaybay sa digital na mundo?
For the Novel and Nobela categories, published works that were first published within two (2) years between June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024 and unpublished works may be submitted. Only unproduced works may be entered in the Dulang Pampelikula category. A work that has been awarded a prize in another contest before midnight of May 31, 2024 is not qualified.
Submissions must be accomplished online via the Palanca Awards website at www.palancaawards.com.ph. The Carlos Palanca Foundation will not accept printed and e-mail submissions for all categories. Deadline for submission of entries is on May 31, 2024. For the official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Awards website. Inquiries and other concerns may be directed via email at cpfoundation@palancaawards.com.ph or landline at (632) 8843-8277 / (632) 8478-7996. Look for Ms. Leslie Layoso or Ms. Susan Castillo. All winners will be honored in a special ceremony to be held later this year.
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PLDT, Smart Expand Learning Platforms In Laguna
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) are powering the digitalization efforts of the provincial government of Laguna. During the celebration of the ‘Anilag’ or Harvest of Laguna Festival in March, the PLDT Group turned over 17 desktop computers and 15 Smart Bro Pocket WiFi devices to expand access to learning tools of Lagunense students across the province. “Our support to Laguna is anchored in PLDT and Smart’s belief in the power of education to provide a better future for the youth. Through digital innovation, we help amplify the government’s initiative in creating a MATATAG nation where no learner is left behind,” said Smart First Vice President and Head of Regional Development for Luzon Hoyle Disuanco.
The donation is part of PLDT Group’s commitment to this year’s Anilag Festival which celebrates the province’s abundance and prosperity in its rich culture and heritage. The devices will be deployed to Laguna Science Integrated National High School in the town of Bay, Laguna Senior High School the Laguna Provincial Library in the town of Santa Cruz, and the Laguna General Services Office for the use of its scholars. “Public-private partnerships in education need to ramp up internet connectivity solutions in schools to open digital access points for students. This is particularly helpful in the government’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) because it brings learning closer to students in unique circumstances,” said Laguna 2nd District Representative Congresswoman Ruth Mariano-Hernandez.
To help bring inclusive and equitable quality education to more students in the province, PLDT and Smart have also committed to onboard teachers to the Central Visayan Institute Foundation Dynamic Learning Program (CVIF DLP). The pandemic-tested teaching pedagogy allows students to learn with minimal teacher intervention with the aid of the CVIF DLP Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) which contain simple explanations, even illustrations of a subject. Students then proceed to write down information and answer questions on another sheet of paper at their own pace, promoting independent learning. PLDT and Smart’s support to LGU efforts in expanding learning platforms with the help of digital innovations highlight the PLDT Group’s use of technology for good to promote inclusive and equitable quality education for all. This initiative aligns with its commitment to help the nation meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #4 on Quality Education.
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MILO Executive Honored For Contributions To PH Grassroots Sports
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| Philippine bowling legend Olivia "Bong" Coo and Nestlé Philippines Inc. Senior Vice President and Business Executive Officer Veronica Cruz (Image Source: Manila Standard/Nestlé Philippines Inc.) |
The recently-concluded Women in Sports Awards, held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, has awarded Nestlé Philippines Inc. Senior Vice President and Business Executive Officer Veronica Cruz with a special citation and recognition for the support of grassroots sports in the Philippines. Cruz’s accolade stands as a testament to her exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to making sports accessible to all Filipinos.
Through the dynamic sports programs spearheaded by MILO® Philippines under the MILO® Active Pilipinas campaign, Cruz and her team at MILO® have championed a movement aimed at empowering young individuals and communities to accelerate their life journeys and become successful through sports. “It is with deepest pride and honor that our efforts towards grassroots sports are being recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Commission on Women. This further reinforces our commitment to providing opportunities and nurturing the champion journeys of every Filipino through the sports programs MILO® offers," said Cruz.
The MILO® Active Pilipinas campaign offers a diverse array of on-ground and online sports initiatives designed to inspire Filipino families to embrace an active lifestyle. Its flagship programs such as the National MILO Marathon, MILO Sports Clinics, Barangay MILO Liga, and MILO Champ Camp have collectively engaged millions of young Filipinos nationwide. These initiatives not only fuel the physical growth of participants but also instill valuable life skills and support their journey toward success. Cruz further stressed, “We remain steadfast in our dedication to the holistic development of Filipino youth. Through continued collaboration, we aim to empower the next generation of champions, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive both on and off the field.”
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Shopee Hails vivo V30 As Best-Selling Smartphone
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| (Image Source: Gadgets Magazine/Shopee Philippines/vivo Philippines) |
Shopee, a popular e-commerce platform, hailed the latest vivo V30 as the top-selling smartphone in the Php22,000-Php28,000 price range from March 1 to 20, 2024. The recognition marks the third consecutive success for vivo’s V Series following the achievements of vivo V29 in September 2023 and vivo V27e in March 2023. Being one of the first platforms to feature the vivo V30 even before its official launch in the country, Shopee has witnessed an overwhelming response from buyers, resulting in a remarkable 4.7 out of 5 rating for the device.
The vivo V30 has garnered praise for its exceptional features, particularly in photography and performance. Equipped with dual 50MP rear cameras and a 50MP autofocus selfie camera, the device offers studio-level portrait photography. Additionally, its Aura Light 3.0 feature ensures intelligent and soft lighting for superior photo quality. Beyond its imaging capabilities, the vivo V30 stands out as a performance powerhouse with a 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, a robust 5000mAh battery, and impressive 80W fast-charging technology. For those interested in purchasing the vivo V30 online, Shopee remains a prime destination. Keep an eye out for exclusive promos and discount vouchers to secure this premium device at a more affordable price.
Apart from Shopee, the vivo V30 is also available at Php24,999 (12 GB + 256 GB) and Php27,999 (12 GB + 512 GB) in vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide. Customers can also buy through the official vivo Lazada and TikTok. The vivo V30’s recognition as Shopee’s top-selling smartphone underscores its popularity and appeal among consumers seeking a blend of cutting-edge features and excellent value within the specified price segment.
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GMA Network Appoints Nessa Valdellon As Executive Vice President Of GMA Pictures
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| GMA Network's Nessa Valdellon (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GMA Network) |
GMA Network Inc. announces the appointment of Nessa Valdellon as Executive Vice President of GMA Pictures, effective last April 1, 2024. She remains as First Vice President of GMA Public Affairs. In less than a year since her appointment to Senior Vice President of GMA Pictures in 2023, Valdellon has enabled the GMA production arm to become a prominent player in the Philippine cinema landscape.
Valdellon produced the internationally-acclaimed film “Firefly" which won Best Picture not only at the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival in the Philippines but also at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood, California. The romantic drama “The Cheating Game” was GMA’s first offering to screen worldwide on Netflix, hitting the number 1 slot within 24 hours of streaming. In a personal capacity, she was one of the executive producers of independent film "Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)" which won Best Picture at the Cinemalaya Film Festival and became the Philippines' Oscar entry for 2024.
As GMA Network’s concurrent First Vice President for Public Affairs, Valdellon leads an award-winning department that has put the Philippines on the world stage with its premium content. GMA Public Affairs just received nominations for 6 of its programs in this year’s New York Festivals: one for action drama “Black Rider", two for “The Atom Araullo Specials” and three for GMA's flagship documentary show "I-Witness" which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The New York Festival Medalists will be announced mid-April.
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Discover The PH's Breathtaking Shores With 7-Eleven's Summer EsCUPades
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| (Image Source: Dot Daily Dose/7-Eleven Philippines) |
In the midst of the summer heat and longing for a refreshing escape, 7-Eleven is treating the country to another round of drinks and exciting getaway trips. This time, customers are invited to rediscover the beauty of the local scenery through the Summer EsCUPades Raffle Promo. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration with over 3,800 stores nationwide, this year’s adventure will be all about exploring the wonders that lie within the islands of the Philippines. With Summer EsCUPades, drinks and destinations go hand in hand as 7-Eleven gives customers a chance to travel to the top luxury destinations in the country: Siargao, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu.
All it takes is a large cup of GULP or CITY PRIMA or a medium City Cafe to secure a raffle entry. Customers just need to drop by any 7-Eleven store from now until May 21, 2024 and choose a cup designed for their desired destination. Once decided, all that’s left to do is scan the QR code on their smartphone and fill out the form with their complete details. 7-Eleven also has exciting news for participating CLIQQ users because one (1) drink promises them two (2) raffle entries in the promo. One winner will be chosen per location and will be awarded with a round-trip airfare for four (4). 7-Eleven sweetens the deal even more because luxury accommodation is also in store for the lucky winners and their travel companions.
For adventure-seeking customers, 7-Eleven introduces another option through the Mystery Cup. A purchase of City Cafe Iced Coffee will be their passport to a randomly picked destination among the five luxury destinations lined up this year, perfect for those who are up for anything exciting. This 2024, all roads lead to the pristine destinations waiting to be explored in the Philippines. As one of 7-Eleven’s biggest promotions this year, customers are encouraged to pack up and drink up with Summer EsCUPades.
