REVIEW: Yellow Rose

It’s quite refreshing to see a Filipino-American film that is now showing in theaters commercially in the US. With the issue of immigration still a huge problem with many Filipino-Americans, it really has become a real life villain for many. Yellow Rose comes in as an interesting tale revolving around immigration and country music.

Written and directed by Diane Paragas, the movie premiered in the LAAPFF in 2019 and was supposed to be released commercially however was delayed due to the pandemic. However through partnership with KTX and Cinexpress, it will now be available for streaming in the country.

Digital Doc program: Send me your QR code

The next time you look to pay your doctor, you may want to ask for his or her QR code --     cashless transactions are safer for the patient and doctor alike.     

Through our Digital Doc program, we enable doctors and medical professionals to enjoy the benefits of digital payments via QR code.     

2 Public Schools Bag Youth Health Patrol Awards

Youth Health sessions on student health and lifestyle under quarantine

The Philippines is the 10th country in the world and the 1st in Southeast Asia to launch Kids and Diabetes in Schools (KiDS). Co-created by Sanofi and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and other partners, the program aims to raise awareness about diabetes management to schools and to educate and better promote healthy lifestyles among Filipino students. The program is operating in primary educational institutions across countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, India, Japan, Pakistan, Poland and the United Arab Emirates.

In the Philippines, over 500 schools, 3000 teachers and 2000 students participated in the KiDS webinars on student health under quarantine. The sessions were conducted by medical experts -- endocrinologist, Dr. Lizette Lopez and diabetologist, Dr. Myrissa Alip who expressed the need for a diabetes management and prevention guide for school children. 

LRMC welcomes new LRT-1 Generation-4 trains

Private operator of LRT-1 Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), has announced that the first of its Generation-4 (Gen-4) train sets arrived in the Philippines last 18 January 2021. It was formally launched to the public on 26 January 2021 at the Manila Harbor Center in an unveiling ceremony attended by distinguished guests from both the private and public sectors.

The state-of-the-art passenger train sets measure 106 meters in length and 2.59 meters in width, with maximum design speeds of up to 70 kph. Each train set consists of 4 light rail vehicles (LRVs) and can accommodate over 1,300 passengers per trip. The 4th Gen LRVs have destination signs to inform passengers if the trains heading north or south. Inside, the driver station features a modern design, and there is monitor that shows the temperature inside each LRV. The new train set is PWD-friendly with special areas for wheelchairs.

LRMC receives ISO recertification for Quality and Environmental Management System

Lead auditor of TUV Rheinland Philippines with the
 LRMC ISO team inspecting the LRT-1 Quirino Station
 during the onsite audit in November 2020

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has received its recertification for ISO 9000:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) after the successful audit conducted remotely last July 15-16, 2020 and onsite last November 18-19, 2020.

The new certificates will have a validity of three (3) years. LRMC first received its ISO certification in 2017. An ISO certification means that the company’s processes and systems meet international standards, ensuring both quality service for commuters and a first-rate work environment for employees.

Among the major positive observations commended in the audit include the management’s COVID-19 response (thermal scanning, UV C disinfection measure, contact tracing) on top of basic measures such as the use of minimum PPEs and physical distancing. Other safety measures that the audit team commended were the installation of additional beep card kiosks to improve queuing in all LRT-1 stations, installation of x-ray machines for additional security, encapsulation of asbestos roofing in the stations, and the implementation of specific controls to reduce risks on the tracks. The auditors also commended LRMC’s technology initiatives such as upgraded CCTVs, finger scan access control, electronic data management running on virtual server, and its enhanced Automated Train Operations Management System.

Filipino indie rock quartet Paper Satellites deals with childhood nostalgia on new single “Towns”

In a span of five years, Paper Satellites have been churning out tropical-infused indie rock songs that certainly had its rickety charms, most prominent of the bunch is “Golden Age”—a brash, unapologetic anthem that calls back to the days when Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and Twin Door Cinema Club’s Tourist History were the jam.

Fast forward to 2021, the promising quartet from East Manila continues to ride the familiar train with a dancier, more groove-oriented approach. “Towns,” their latest single under Lilystars Records, balances pop’s pleasure principle with their penchant for guitar-driven hooks, synth-noodling pipes, and big, ecstatic choruses. “Sound-wise, we took inspiration from various guitar-based artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club, Two Door Cinema Club, and a bunch of other bands with ‘Club’ in their names,” says vocalist and guitarist Jyle Macalintal. “It was also inspired by the music one hears from small town festivals.”

New Year, New Me: Signs You’ve Embraced the Adult Life

Transitioning to adulthood is never easy. Even when you plan or think you’re ready for what’s to come, there will always be bumps along the way. That said, growing up can feel less overwhelming once you start achieving adulting milestones step-by-step. 

Think you’ve mastered the art of adulting? Here are signs to look out for:

You have a steady job. 

It’s natural to jump from one job to another at the beginning of your career, but as you grow older, you begin to understand what you want to do until you retire. You weigh in on the pros and cons before accepting a job offer because you know your value. You’re aware that there are other jobs out there that would better suit your skills and experience.