...the Aussie connection

Australian volunteers to lend their skills to the Philippines

 

May 28, 2012

GMA News

 

 

A secondary school teacher, chartered accountant and business management specialist are among nine passionate young Australians who will begin working with local organisations this month through the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Program.

 

The AYAD Program is the youth stream of the Australian Volunteers for International Development program, an initiative of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) that deploys skilled volunteers to live and work in developing countries as part of the Australian Government’s overseas aid program.

 

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell said, “The Australian Government’s development cooperation program aims to help improve lives of Filipinos and we work closely with the Philippine Government to deliver aid where it is most needed and most effective. Australian volunteers contribute to this goal through the sharing of skills and the building of local capacity of our partner Filipino organisations and communities.”

 

“Volunteering overseas is one way that Australians can make a positive contribution to poverty reduction, sustainable development and cross cultural understanding. They develop a strong understanding of local and cultural issues and build effective professional and personal relationships that help them to share skills and knowledge.”

 

For the past 12 years, over 200 Australian volunteers have worked with Filipino organisations in the areas of: sustainable agriculture; community development and sustainable livelihoods; education; youth development; persons with disabilities; environmental sustainability; governance; and human trafficking.

 

Newly arrived Australian volunteer, Marie-Louise Batenburg, is a secondary school teacher who has started work as a Community Education Project Officer based with the Department of Education (DepED) in Tiagon, Camarines Sur. Marie-Louise will be involved in monitoring and evaluating a pilot program to support people of all ages to experience learning outside the formal education system.
 

Newly arrived Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) volunteer, Marie-Louise Batenburg will be involved in monitoring and evaluating a pilot program to support people of all ages to experience learning outside the formal education system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The program has the potential to reach people who previously would not have been able to access any form of education. I hope to support the program to be successful and sustainable for the Camarines Sur Region,” Marie-Louise says.

 

“Though I have only been in living in the Philippines for a short time I have been welcomed with open hearts and homes. The kindness of the Filipinos has made my transition here from Australia so much easier.”

 

The other volunteers are Tania Groba (Community Education Officer, DepED Calabanga); Kerry Lomas (Education Program Assistant, Gawad Kalinga); Matthew Jones (Financial Support Officer, Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation, Inc.); Caroline Duyvestyn (Program Support Officer, Unlad Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation, Inc.); Adam Smith (Product Development and Marketing Officer, Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation); Claire Holland (Capacity Development Officer, Panaghugpong sa Gagmayng Bayanihang Grupo sa Oriental); Alexandra Pinti (Business Development Services Officer, Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, Incorporated); Karen Taranto (Policy Development Officer, Local Government Unit of Gubat).

 

There are currently 23 Australian Volunteers supported by Austraining International in the Philippines, including 16 Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development. AusAID is working in partnership with Austraining, as well as Australian Red Cross and Australian Volunteers International to deliver the Australian Volunteers program.

 

For more information about Australian Volunteers for International Development, visit the AusAID website.

 

Press release and photo from Australian Embassy Manila

...the Moody's Analytics

Moody’s Analytics: PHL Q1 GDP grew 4.8%

 

May 28, 2012

GMA News

 

 

Moody's Analytics Inc. said Monday that Philippine output as measured by the gross domestics product likely accelerate by 4.8 percent in first quarter of 2012.

 

The unit of New York-based Moody’s Investors Service said in its latest “Asia Pacific Review” that higher government spending gave the Philippine economy a much-needed boost in the face of weak global demand during the first three months of the year.

 

“GDP in the Philippines likely grew 4.8 percent in the first quarter, after 3.7 percent in the fourth… increased government spending drove the acceleration, boosting domestic demand amid still-weak exports,” Moody's Analytics emphasized in its review.

 

It noted government stepped up infrastructure spending to encourage foreign investment and beef up the business process outsourcing industry.

 

Higher government spending would help offset the slowdown in private consumption as growth remittances by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continued to ease this year, according to the Moody’s Analytics.

 

“Private consumption lost some steam as remittances from Filipinos working abroad eased. Remittances, a key driver of private consumption, account for 10 percent of GDP,” it added. —VS, GMA News

...the Asian stem cell headquarter

PH to be headquarters of stem cell therapy and research hub of Asia

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Saturday, May 26th, 2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines—The much-anticipated opening of the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies (ARCCT) will soon be taking stem cell therapy treatment to a whole new level and on a larger scale than ever before in the Philippines. Slated to open in September 2012, the center will provide cellular regeneration therapies to treat conditions related to aging and chronic pain.

 

The ARCCT will be a pioneer and a leader in medical research and innovations, immune and stem cell research and therapies, and in wellness and anti-aging programs. The research and therapies of the ARCCT will serve to advance knowledge of cellular regeneration medicine in Asia and the rest of the world.

Some of the medical services and applications that the ARCCT will offer include immune and stem cell storage; genetic tests; muscular dysfunction diseases (orthopedic and reconstructive); chronic pain; antiaging therapies; organic vaccines; as well as cosmetic and dermatologic treatments. “It is the ARCCT’s vision to bring most advanced technology equipment available today for stem cell therapy or regenerative cellular therapy.

This technology and machinery has never been brought to the Philippines prior to the ARCCT’s establishment,” said Cynthia Carrion, president of the Asian Holistic Medical Alliance, which owns and administers the ARCCT in a joint venture with the US-based Keller Medical Institute. Carrion is also the former Tourism Undersecretary that helped launch the Philippines’ medical tourism program.

According to Carrion, the ARCCT is envisioned to make the Philippines a hub for regenerative cellular therapies in Asia. It will not only offer medical treatments but also, just as importantly, the latest and best research on the present and future applications of stem cell technology. “When it comes to cellular regeneration therapy, the Philippines and the rest of the world have yet to discover its full potential for improving human health.

The kind of stem cell therapy that is being done in the Philippines today is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. What the ARCCT will do is broaden the treatment applications of stem cell or regenerative cellular therapies, and offer it on a larger scale at more affordable prices. This will bring the benefits of cellular regeneration therapy to more people,” said Carrion. Carrion added that the ARCCT’s wide range of applications for stem cell therapy offers the chance for many patients to receive effective, non-surgical treatments for many types of illnesses and conditions. “We would rather refer to stem cell therapy as cellular regenerative therapy because of the wide range of applications that this new medical technology can offer patients.

Also, ARCCT will use stem cells that come from human sources, without using human or animal embryos.

“You see, stem cells can be sourced from bone marrow, cord blood, and even muscle,

skin and adipose tissue. So if one has the proper technology, there’s really no need to take from human or animal embryos,” she explained. Some conditions that cellular regeneration therapy is used for include the treatment of autoimmune diseases; arthritis and cerebral palsy; diabetes type 2; heart failure; multiple sclerosis; torn tendons, ligaments or muscles; stroke; Parkinson’s disease; erectile dysfunction; hearing loss; muscular degeneration; pulmonary fibrosis; emphysema; spinal cord injuries; lupus and certain viral diseases. Cellular regeneration therapy may also be used in cosmetic, anti-aging procedures.

Another interesting application of cellular regeneration technology is in the storage of our immune cells. By the time a human being reaches the fifth decade of life, his or her immune cells have grown old. This compromises a person’s immune system, reducing the body’s capacity to fight diseases and the effects of old age. “Cellular regeneration technology allows us to harvest immune cells, and to multiply and store them as healthy immune cells.

These healthy immune cells may be used on the patient to help fight various diseases, including cancer and aging-related conditions,” said Carrion. The ARCCT is established through a partnership between the Asian Holistic Medical Alliance and the US-based Keller Medical Institute, a leading clinical facility for cellular regeneration treatments that has already patented its own therapies and procedures. The facility is composed of worldrenowned physicians in cellular regeneration medicine, including a Nobel Prize winner, under the leadership of its CEO and medical director, Dr. Robert Keller.

CYNTHIA CARRION, AHMA president and Dr. Robert Keller of US-based Keller Medical Institute partner to create the Asian Regenerative Center for Cellular Therapies set to make the Philippines a hub for regenerative cellular therapies in Asia

Dr. Keller’s expertise include non-surgical cosmetic treatments like lipolysis, skin lasers, cosmetic injections, autologous fat transfer, as well as advanced imaging and laboratory test analysis and wellness planning, as well as predictive genetics. Dr. Keller also practices emergency medicine, family clinical, urgent care clinical skills and sports medicine. He is also the CEO and medical director of another clinic in the US, which is Regenertec, Inc.

The cutting-edge technology that will be used by the ARCCT also makes it a highly-advanced laboratory and diagnostics facility. For example, ARCCT patients may avail of a genetic test that will map which diseases they are at risk for, so they can take immediate steps to prevent those illnesses.

“Prevention is a major component of the therapies that patients may avail of at the ARCCT.Imagine, from just a simple saliva sample, the patient will already get information on what diseases they are vulnerable to. In other words, why wait until you get sick to get treatment? It’s much better to know what illnesses you can prevent now, even before they occur,” said Carrion. Those who wish to take part in the next medical revolution and help the Philippines make an impact in the world of medicine are invited to join the ARCCT.

...the Sailor becomes the designer

Fil-Am ex-sailor places 2nd in 'Fashion Star' design tilt in US

May 26, 2012

GMA News

Jessica Sanchez, the 16-year-old Filipino-Mexican-American runner-up in the reality singing contest "American Idol," was not the only person with Filipino roots to bring honor to the Philippines recently.

Like Sanchez, Filipino-American Ronnie Escalante Jr., 33,  also placed second in a US reality show -- National Broadcasting Company's (NBC) "Fashion Star," the search for the next big brand in fashion.

According to a report of the news site Asian Journal, Escalante was declared runner-up of "Fashion Star' after 10 weeks of amazing showmanship.

The grand prize winner was Kara Laricks who received a $6 million contract for her creations to be sold at Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue, three of America’s biggest retailers.

The show gave 14 unknown designers the opportunity to ‘be the next big brand in fashion’ when they showcased their designs every episode to America under the guidance of celebrity mentors and fashion moguls Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos.

Asian Journal said many Filipino-Americans were rooting for Escalante, dubbed the “resident master of flounce and glamour” who earned a total of $420,000 in four sales.

On a blog posted on the NBC website a day after the finale, Escalante said: “Last night was bittersweet.. The Fashion Star experience has been a life-altering experience. And sadly, it’s over for now… I won’t trade it for anything. And as the other designers say, ‘it takes a lifetime to get in the room around these people."

The Navy Times Scoop Deck earlier said Escalante was a former sailor who grew up in an agricultural province -- Bulacan -- but was "surrounded by fashion, as his cousin worked as a ‘beader’ in a local fashion house."

His biography posted on the official website of "Fashion Star" said "at the age of 17, Escalante and his family moved to the US and soon after, he joined the US Navy where he served for four years."

After serving in the military, Escalante studied at a fashion design school in San Francisco.

Escalante later moved to Columbus, Ohio to design for Abercrombie and Fitch at their headquarters.

He worked in the Female Outerwear Department for two years where he learned the tricks of the trade not only in fashion but also in business. - with Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News

...the PHL Pavilion In Yeuso

Phl Pavilion in Korea expo attracting 4,000 daily By Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) May 27, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - More than 4,000 people visit daily the Philippine Pavilion in the ongoing Yeosu Expo in Korea, organizers said yesterday.

Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) Commissioner General Domingo Ramon Enerio III said the visitors include high-ranking government officials from other countries, international travel agents and foreign media.

Enerio said majority of the visitors were senior citizens, followed by students and families with children.

“The most popular attraction is the Philippine mascot ‘Bok,’ with whom the visitors would take photos for souvenir. The most typical comments are about the sweetness of the Philippine mango, the amazing sand of Boracay, and the visitors’ desire to taste the Filipino food,” Enerio added.

He said the “most popular Philippine brochure,” on the other hand, is on ESL or English as Second Language courses.

“The most popular activity inside the Philippine Pavilion is touching the sand, picture-taking at the digital hub, shopping at the ECHOstore, and watching the butan-ding (whale shark) animation,” he said.

The onsite digital hub is where visitors can acquire various information about the Philippines using their smartphones, while the ECHOstore is where they can shop for environmental products and souvenirs.

Other attractions are the interactive marine map through which visitors can identify fish and coral species, the interior pods and the façade’s coral pores that are all made of recycled materials.

According to Enerio, the interactive features of the Philippine Pavilion have been enhanced by the “WeConnect Wall where photos and video messages about the holiday experiences in the Philippines can be posted.”

The country’s tourist destinations remained a principal attraction. The brochures about Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and Davao always had to be replenished because of the huge demands from visitors.

The Philippine Pavilion was themed “Islands of Diversity, Seas of Connectivity” consistent with the Yeou Expo’s “Living Ocean and Coast” theme.

Crafted by marine scientist and UP Prof. Edgardo Gomez, the Philippine theme was interpreted and applied in various design statements by Korean-based brand activation firm PICO North Asia and its team of Filipino architects.

The technical and creative application of the Philippines’ theme statement has reportedly impressed the company of international promotional manager Rosy Mosca of the Consorzio Milano Expo 2015 who is also a contributor to online news channel Webit.

...the "Top Models' in Manila

'Top Model' alums reunite for PH fashion show

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

05/26/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – Former contestants of the reality model search "America's Next Top Model" are in the country to walk the fashion week runway donning Filipino creations.

 

 

Allison Harvard (left) and Dominique Reighard (right)

Former "Top Model" contestants Dominique Reighard (Cycle 10) and Allison Harvard (Cycle 12), who both returned for the "All-Stars" edition of Tyra Banks-hosted show, will represent local clothing line Bench in the Philippine Fashion Week on Sunday .

Reighard and Harvard are set to walk the runway wearing celebrity designer Rajo Laurel's new line for Bench, and are gearing up for their launch endorsement for fashion designer Michael Cinco's new Bench fragrance "Impalpable."

"It's goning to be a fierce show. I'm excited to walk for Rajo's jean line, and to work with Michael Cinco with the launch of his fragrance. It's going to be super exciting. I love Michael," said Reighard, who finished fourth in last year's "All-Star" season.

"I'm excited to be here in the Philippines, the energy is incredible. And I can only imagine if it feels like  this stepping off the plane, the day of the show,  it's going to be insane," Reighard added.

On being reunited months after their stint on "Top Model," Harvard, who finished runner-up, admitted having lost touch not only with Reighard but with other former contestants as well.

"I will say that we lost touch a little bit post-show, but was really excited when I heard [Reighard was] also coming. I just haven't seen or spoken to [her] in the situation we're in," Harvard said.

"I just think it's really refreshing and it's nice to reconnect with someone perhaps even after losing touch because people grow a lot in a short time span. It's nice to see the same people in a new place and be productive in new ways -- in a much more professional environment without any underlying twists," she added.

Reighard and Harvard join the growing stable of international celebrities endorsing Bench, which includes American pop singer Joe Jonas, "American Idol" finalist David Archuleta, "Pretty Little Liars" star Lucy Hale and "The Vampire Diaries" actor Michael Trevino.

---

...the PH business confidence

Business confidence in economy up in 2nd quarter (philstar.com)  May 25, 2012

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Businessmen in the Philippines are more confident about the prospects of the country's economy due to the seasonal increase in demand for their products and the increase in government spending, the Philippine central bank said today.

Results of the recent business expectations survey done by the central bank showed that overall Confidence Index (CI) in the second quarter rose to 44.5 percent compared to 40.5 percent in January to March.

"The increased confidence of businesses suggest that a faster pace of economic expansion could be expected in the second quarter, " the central bank said.

Businessmen cited the increase in orders and new projects, expansion of product lines, increased government spending and seasonal uptick in demand during summer and enrollment as reasons for their optimism.

"Also contributing to businesses' improved sentiment were lower interest rates and manageable inflation as well as the steady growth of overseas Filipinos' remittances," the central bank said.

All business sectors were bullish about the economic prospects for the second quarter. Firms in the construction and the services and industry sectors were among the most upbeat.

The survey also revealed that businessmen will remain optimistic about the economy in the third quarter with the Confidence Index projected to reach 44.6 percent.

The quarterly survey involved more than 1,000 respondents, culled from a list of leading firms provided by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission. The survey, done from April 2 to May 11, is one of the data used by Philippine monetary officials in setting policies and macroeconomic targets.