The National Youth Commission (NYC), in partnership with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and local partners, celebrated the success of the three-leg DrogAwareness Fun Run last November 15, 2025, in Manila. The fun run spanned across the country’s three major island groups, being held in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Manila. With over 7,251 runners in total, this nationwide initiative echoes the importance of health, wellness, and a drug-free lifestyle among the Filipino youth.
Zumba Session in Manila Leg
Avid runners and anti-drug advocates joined 3km, 5km, and 10km race categories, supported by energetic Zumba warm-up sessions and voluntary counseling booths with partner organizations that offered drug-prevention education, mental health support, and HIV testing. Due to the recent Typhoons Tino and Uwan, the Iloilo and Manila legs expanded into a “Run for a Cause” initiative, which gave runners the opportunity to donate through the Philippine Red Cross to show solidarity with affected communities.
10K runners at the starting line with NYC ED and COO Leah T. Villalon and NYC Chairperson Usec. Joseph Francisco Ortega
Manila Leg 10km Starting Line
The Manila culmination also coincided with the celebration of National Students’ Day and the kickoff of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week, underscoring the role of young people in community leadership and substance-abuse prevention.
3km Youth Finishers After Their Run
To highlight youth empowerment and the importance of sustaining drug-free lifestyles, messages of support were delivered by the NYC Chairperson and CEO, Undersecretary Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega; NYC Executive Director and COO, Leah T. Villalon; DDB Chairperson, Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela; DDB Executive Director, Undersecretary Earl P. Saavedra; and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Rolando C. Puno.
Photo of the NYC’s Executive Director and COO Leah Villalon and DDB’s Executive Director Undersecretary Earl P. Saavedra, together with SK Federation President of Manila Hon. Juliana Rae Ibay, Manila Youth Welfare and Development Bureau’s Dir. John Daniel Layno, and Anti-Drug Advocate and Youth Ambassadors
Across all three sites, runners enjoyed post-race cooldown Zumba sessions, free refreshments, access to wellness booths, and the awarding of the top finishers.
The NYC’s DrogAwareness Fun Run showcased the powerful role and influence of the Filipino youth in transforming events into a unifying force toward a healthy and drug-free future.
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MOLD Manila, a leader in aesthetic wellness, is excited to announce its Pre-Holiday Skincare Prep Campaign, a service designed to help clients look radiant and feel confident for the festive season. Featuring rejuvenating treatments, skin boosters, and body contouring options, this campaign ensures clients are ready for reunions, office parties, and holiday photos this month of December.
Quezon City, Philippines — With the holiday season fast approaching, MOLD Manila is offering clients an opportunity to prepare for gatherings, parties, and reunions with confidence through its Holiday Glow campaign.
MOLD Manila | Quezon City
Known as the best non-surgical aesthetic clinic in White Plains and Baesa, Quezon City, MOLD Manila provides a range of safe, medically guided treatments that focus on hydration, rejuvenation, and subtle enhancement.
Popular options include skin boosters, facial rejuvenation, laser facials, and contouring procedures — all designed to help clients achieve a natural, camera-ready glow without invasive procedures or downtime.
MOLD Manila | Holiday Glow
“We always remind clients that beautiful results come from consistent, science-backed care,” said the MOLD Manila team. “The holidays are about connection and confidence — and that starts with taking time to care for yourself.”
The Science of Radiance
MOLD Manila’s treatments are anchored in evidence-based practices that focus on restoring balance, promoting hydration, and improving skin texture. With the right preparation, clients can enjoy refreshed, radiant skin just in time for December festivities.
By scheduling treatments in advance, clients can give their skin time to recover naturally — ensuring that results appear healthy, luminous, and effortless by the holidays.
MOLD Manila | Slimming Program
“Our goal is to empower people to look their best in a way that feels natural and authentic,” the clinic added. “Radiance should reflect confidence, not pressure.”
About MOLD Manila
MOLD Manila is a premier non-surgical aesthetic clinic with branches in White Plains and Baesa, Quezon City. Specializing in skin boosters, facial rejuvenation, laser facials, and contouring treatments, MOLD Manila is known for its commitment to safety, professionalism, and results that enhance each client’s natural beauty.
Contact
📍 Locations: White Plains & Baesa, Quezon City
🌐 Website: moldmanila.com
📸 Follow: @moldmanila on Instagram and Facebook for updates and bookings
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Manila / United States — As the U.S. teacher shortage continues to disrupt classrooms nationwide, Filipino educators are stepping into long-vacant teaching roles, particularly in rural and high-need school districts. Since 2022, more than 200 Filipino teachers have been deployed to U.S. K–12 schools through HireFox Staffing, helping restore stability to classrooms that have lacked permanent educators for years. Guided by faith, integrity, and compassion, HireFox focuses on ethical recruitment, long-term placement, and comprehensive support—ensuring both teachers and school districts are prepared not just for hiring, but for lasting success.
Filipino Teachers Answering a Global Call
As the U.S. teacher shortage continues to deepen, Filipino educators are bringing strong academic preparation, adaptability, and a deep sense of service to classrooms once left vacant for five years or more. Since its founding in 2022, HireFox Staffing has placed hundreds of Filipino teachers into K–12 school districts, particularly in rural and high-need communities where recruiting locally has proven difficult.
“There are schools where teaching positions have been vacant for years,” said Tim Lutz, Superintendent of Red Lake Public Schools in Minnesota. “International educators have helped bring stability back to classrooms that students desperately need.”
For many Filipino teachers, the journey to the U.S. is not just professional—it is deeply personal, marked by years of sacrifice, patience, and faith.
Dr. Ofelia Damag, a Special Education teacher in Sweet Home, Oregon, shared her story:
“For more than 15 years, I carried the dream of teaching in the United States while facing financial struggles and self-doubt,” she said. “Today, I am here—not because the journey was easy, but because of perseverance, faith in God, and a passion to serve students with special needs. Every sacrifice—from being away from family to starting over—was worth it.”
Ethical Recruitment Rooted in Faith and Service
HireFox Staffing is accredited by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through its Migrant Workers Office in Washington, DC, authorizing the agency to legally and ethically recruit Filipino educators for employment in the United States. Unlike many recruitment models, teachers placed through HireFox are direct hires by U.S. school districts, ensuring full employment benefits, transparency, and long-term stability.
The agency provides end-to-end support, including credential evaluation, visa processing, state licensing assistance, housing coordination, and ongoing post-arrival care—recognizing that teachers leave not only jobs behind, but families, communities, and familiar lives.
Jethro Limson, CEO of HireFox during his courtesy call to Under Secretary Felicitas Bay of Department of Migrant Worker discussing the ethical recruitment.
“As an immigrant myself, I understand how difficult it is to start over without support,” said Jethro Limson, CEO of HireFox Staffing. “Filipino teachers leave their families behind to pursue opportunity. We walk with them every step of the way—not just as recruiters, but as partners. Guided by faith, integrity, and compassion, we believe service must always come before profit. That is HireFox Staffing is what all about”
He added:
“Filipinos are no longer just dreamers of studying abroad—they are now educators shaping classrooms and communities across the United States.”
Strengthening Communities and the Education Industry
Beyond filling vacancies, Filipino educators are helping strengthen entire communities. In rural towns, each new teacher contributes not only to student learning, but also to local growth, cultural exchange, and renewed hope for schools that have struggled to retain staff.
By prioritizing long-term placement, teacher welfare, and ethical recruitment practices, HireFox has built trusted partnerships with school districts while protecting the dignity and future of Filipino educators.
School Principal of Liberal School Distrct in Kansas, USA welcomes the Filipino teachers.
Looking ahead, HireFox expects to deploy more than 100 additional Filipino teachers in 2026 and continues to encourage U.S. school leaders to visit the Philippines to better understand why Filipino educators continue to thrive globally.
About HireFox Staffing
HireFox Staffing is a Filipino-owned, U.S.-based international recruitment agency founded in 2022 to ethically place highly qualified Filipino educators in K–12 school districts across the United States. The company is accredited by the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through its Migrant Workers Office in Washington, DC as a Foreign Recruitment Agency (FRA). HireFox provides end-to-end recruitment and support services, including credential evaluation, immigration processing, state licensing assistance, and post-arrival integration. Guided by its core values of integrity, service, and excellence, HireFox is committed to protecting teacher welfare while supporting long-term staffing solutions for U.S. schools.
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As the new year begins, MOLD Manila, the best non-surgical aesthetic clinic in White Plains and Baesa, Quezon City, invites clients to embrace renewal through science-based, non-surgical skin and body treatments. The clinic’s approach focuses on consistency, safety, and confidence — helping clients achieve lasting radiance through professional care and personalized aesthetic solutions.
Quezon City, Philippines — The start of a new year brings an opportunity to reset — and for many, that includes prioritizing skin health. This season, MOLD Manila encourages clients to take the first step toward long-term confidence and glow through its non-surgical aesthetic treatments, designed to support skin rejuvenation and wellness safely and effectively.Known for its science-backed approach, MOLD Manila offers a range of treatments that help refresh and restore tired skin after the holiday season. Among its most popular options are:
Facial Rejuvenation Treatments for smoother, more radiant skin
Skin Boosters to deeply hydrate and nourish from within
Laser Brightening and Resurfacing to even out tone and texture
Contouring Treatments for natural definition and balance
“The new year is the perfect time to start investing in your skin,” said the MOLD Manila team. “We believe in results that look natural, feel authentic, and build confidence over time.”
Building Confidence Through Care
MOLD Manila’s philosophy emphasizes consistency and personalization over one-time transformations. Each treatment plan is developed through careful consultation and performed by licensed professionals, ensuring safety and tailored results.
“Transformation should never feel rushed,” the team added. “We guide clients through every step, helping them reach their goals through care, not pressure.”
About MOLD Manila
MOLD Manila is a non-surgical aesthetic clinic with locations in White Plains and Baesa, Quezon City. Specializing in facial rejuvenation, skin boosters, contouring, and laser facials, the clinic is known for its commitment to safe, science-based aesthetic care that enhances natural beauty and confidence.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
The latest Android update for the Wacom MovinkPad series enhances creative workflows by connecting ibisPaint X, Wacom Canvas, and Wacom Shelf, while introducing a complimentary 180-day ibisPaint Prime Membership.
Tokyo, Japan — December 17, 2025 — Wacom today released a new Android update for the Wacom MovinkPad series that introduces ibisPaint X as a pre-installed app and deepens the integration between Wacom Canvas, Wacom Shelf, and ibisPaint X — one of the world’s most popular illustration platforms — enabling creators to move seamlessly between sketching, editing, and managing their artwork.
Wacom’s MovinkPad series continues the company’s vision of portable, all-in-one creative pads for drawing anywhere. The series includes the Wacom MovinkPad 11, introduced in mid-2025, and the Wacom MovinkPad Pro 14, launched in October. These standalone pen displays combine Wacom’s signature pen technology with a built-in Android environment to deliver a complete, PC-free drawing experience.
On both devices, users will be able to open sketches created in Wacom Canvas directly in ibisPaint X or view ibisPaint X project files within Wacom Shelf. Wacom Shelf now supports IPV, the native ibisPaint X format, in addition to JPG, HEIC, PNG, CLIP, BMP, WEBP, and TIFF, allowing users to browse and organize their creations more intuitively. These improvements reflect Wacom Canvas and Wacom Shelf optimization for ibisPaint X, designed to make creative workflows even smoother.
With over 500 million downloads worldwide, ibisPaint X stands as one of the most recognized digital art apps globally.
ibisPaint X will be added with the latest Android update on the Wacom MovinkPad 11, while MovinkPad Pro 14 users can update ibisPaint X, Wacom Canvas, and Wacom Shelf through Google Play.
“With the integration of ibisPaint X, the Wacom MovinkPad series will expand to enable even more diverse creative experiences,” said Koji Yano, Senior Vice President, Creative Experience Unit at Wacom. “By connecting Wacom’s creative ecosystem with vibrant art communities around the world, we believe we can offer new opportunities and possibilities for creative expression to even more people.”
The update also introduces a complimentary 180-day ibisPaint Prime Membership for all Wacom MovinkPad users — both new and existing — giving them access to the full range of Prime features available through ibisPaint X. The Prime Membership removes ads, expands cloud storage to 20 GB, and adds access to vector tools, exclusive Prime Materials, apply Canvas Papers, Prim Fonts, and advanced filters such as Tone Curve and Gradation Map — letting users explore every detail of ibisPaint X right away.
With ibisPaint now available on the Wacom MovinkPad series, users can enjoy a more intuitive and liberating creative experience than ever before,” said Yuka Inoue, Section Manager at ibis inc. “We believe this freedom—to draw whenever and wherever inspiration strikes—will further expand the possibilities of artistic expression. We’re also truly delighted to support creators on their creative journeys.
This update reflects Wacom’s ongoing commitment to supporting everyone who loves to draw — from beginners exploring digital art to experienced illustrators seeking a portable, all-in-one device that adapts to their style and workflow.
Wacom is a global leader in digital pen solutions, offering intuitive tools for writing and drawing. Our products are trusted across creative fields — from studios and classrooms to healthcare — supporting students and professionals alike. Wacom pen technologies also power many pen-enabled PCs, tablets, and phones through partnerships with top tech brands.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
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