DepEd: Graduation rites 2016 should be simple and non-political

The Department of Education (DepEd) has set out the guidelines for the end of school year rites both in public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide with emphasis on simple and non-political graduation rites.

Based on DepEd Order No. 7 series of 2016, the education agency stated that all graduation ceremonies should be scheduled on or before   April 1, 2016 and that the rites should be simple, solemn and meaningful events.

“While we recognize that graduation marks a milestone in one’s life, let our focus be on our sense of community and personal responsibility as graduates whose journey in life has just begun,” Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC emphasized.

Eye protection for gamers

Gamers spend an average of 5 hours a day in front of a computer, and with the long hours spent online—building armies and forts or destroying opponents in the battlefield –gamers are most prone to a common eye disorder called digital strain.

Digital strain is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to harmful blue light emitted from the excessive use of digital devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. It is characterized by symptoms such as constant headaches, eye fatigue, redness and blurred vision. If left untreated, digital strain may lead to more serious eye disorders like retinal damage, which can contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

"Miracles from Heaven" Book Now an Inspiring Family Film‏

Based on the non-fiction book by Christy Beam, Columbia Pictures' faith-affirming drama “Miracles from Heaven” brings to the screen the incredible true story of the Beam family. The film is directed by Patricia Riggen, from a screenplay by Randy Brown, and stars Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson and Queen Latifah.

When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution.

After Anna has a freak accident and falls three stories, a miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.

Knowing her daughter's miraculous healing was too significant to keep to herself, Christy Beam decided to put Anna’s amazing story into a book. She compiled all the notes and journal entries she had written during her daughter’s recovery to help her recall important facts. The result was Miracles From Heaven: A Little Girl, Her Journey to Heaven, and Her Amazing Story of Healing.

Cumberbatch, Bieber Lead the Funny Cameos in "Zoolander 2"

Confirming its status as a beloved homage to the world of fame and fashion, the list of cameos appearing in Paramount Pictures' new comedy “Zoolander 2” reads like a who’s who.

A stark difference from their experience recruiting participation on the first film, the sequel found eager fans inside the real world of fashion and celebrity, now in on the joke and eager to be involved. “The movie has now lived in the consciousness of the fashion world and we found people were eager to be a part of it this time around, which is great because they are a part of the story in a major way. I think it adds a reality even though it’s a silly comedy. To have that intersection is really exciting,” says director and star Ben Stiller.

Three, Two, One, Arai! Classical Guitar From Japan Sets One Night Concert On March 20

Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc., presents an afternoon of contemporary and classical guitar music with three outstanding artists from Japan who will play solos, duets, and trios at 530 pm on March 20, at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium in UP Diliman.

Concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy the UP campus that bustles with activity on Sundays. People hike, bike, walk, picnic, fly kites. The family-oriented concert will be a good way to cap a Sunday.

Featured artists: Tomonori Arai and Duo Trussardi

TOMONORI ARAI was born in Shibuya, Tokyo. He started guitar studies 
at the age of six with his father Kazuo Arai. In 1991, he began to take lessons from Yoshinobu Hara. Tomonori won First prize at Junior Guitar Competition, Student Guitar Competition, and Spanish Guitar Music Competition that year.

Key Hitachi Officials Lead Social Innovation Forum in the Philippines


We always look forward to what new technology can revolutionize the world and make it a better one. But would it be better to be part of that change and lead us altogether to that vision? Recently, Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, “Hitachi”), recently hosted the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” at New World Makati Hotel. The aim of the forum was to discuss the need for sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing the Philippines and the region.

Key leaders of the company like Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), graced the event as guest-of-honor.

The Social Innovation Forum provided an opportunity to discuss technological answers to various societal issues particularly in the Philippines. The keynote speech by Mr. Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman and CEO of Hitachi explored global mega trends that require Social Innovation and how Hitachi’s expertise can drive these opportunities.

Rivals Turned Buddies Derek & Hansel Return in "Zoolander 2"‏

The fashionably unbreakable tandem of male models Derek (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson) returns in Paramount Pictures' hilarious comedy, “Zoolander 2,” the sequel to the 2001 cult classic “Zoolander.”

The road to Derek and Hansel’s return to the big screen was long and winding, spanning 15 years and several incarnations. With each incarnation throughout the development process, the return of the duo of Derek and Hansel, was unwavering, constant, and always central to the story.

When operating in a world as outrageous as that of male models in the fashion industry, the strength of the characters is what essentially grounds the movie, and director and screenwriter Ben Stiller knew the return of the core tandem was paramount. “At the end of the day people connect with characters. When someone tells me that they love Zoolander, to me that means that they love the characters and Derek and Hansel, because they are what make it what it is,” remarks Stiller.