by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 28, 2019 | Ponderings
While everyone else is enjoying their summer vacation students, faculty, and staff that are with schools that have adjusted academic calendar (such as Benilde) are braving the summer heat and going to school.
Benilde’s second term officially ended for our students on April 24th. For our faculty who were still submitting grades it ended on the 25th. For our admin staff, it ended on the 27th. In other words, no one really got to enjoy a break from school except those classes that were able to end the week before (Holy Week) or even before that.
What we are doing now?
Students are possibly:
- Still enrolling for their classes
- Adjusting their schedules
- Paying their tuition
- Attending classes
- Savouring their few days of “vacation” by skipping the first week of classes
Teachers::
- For those who have taught the subjects indicated in the load they just received, just updating their lessons and activities on BigSky (assuming they use BigSky, there are still more than a handful that resist)
- For those who are new to the subject they are contacting subject heads and asking guidance on the course (syllabus, lesson plan, lectures, supplementary materials, activities, grading sheets, etc.)
- Academic advisers are busy approving/disapproving schedules
- Meetings, meetings, meetings … per subject, per track, for full-time, per department, with the associate dean and the dean, with the vice chancellor … it really depends, I guess, on the level of involvement in school
- Part time faculty are juggling between their corporate or freelance gig and their teaching gig (or gigs)
Admin staff have not yet recovered from the demands of the last term and are possibly still playing catch up. The work just never ends.
What do we wish we were doing?
There are many things we wish we doing other than going to school.

We would rather be lying down on one of these loungers in this pool, enjoying the cool water, and possibly holding a frozen margarita in one hand. Just the thought of it makes me feel (a little) fresh already.

Walking along the beach and enjoying the beauty of nature by the sea. With Boracay open for business again, it is a safe bet that many wish they were there now.

For some maybe the mountains is more their thing. The hike, the adventure, the fresh mountain air, the view.

For those who could afford it, a trip to a different country is will whet their whistle! Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, USA, Australia, Europe … near or far, it does not matter. They just want to get far, far away.

And then there are those who just want to stay in, catch some movies, watch TV, and basically do anything they want, or nothing at all. 😀
Back to reality
At the end of the day, though, we need to face the truth, it is time to get back on that horse. We are hot-wired to resume our responsibilities no matter what the weather, the time of the year, or our inclination. It’s back to school, Benildean boys and girls, whether we are ready for it or not. 🙂
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 25, 2019 | Entertainment
Not all summer fun can be found outdoors. Many of our youth today prefer to pass the time playing video games on their computer, on gaming consoles, and more popularly, on their mobile devices like tablets and cellphones.
Summertime has just begun, and most students are looking for activities to make their vacation worthwhile. Nimo TV, one of the country’s leading video game streaming platform, is an excellent past time for students who love gaming and learn new skills at the same time. It offers 8 to 12 MP quality live streaming and can be accessed via mobile or PC make it easier for everyone to start live streaming as a hobby and eventually make it a career.

Nimo TV screenshot
Nimo TV’s unique ecosystem, which consists of streamers, viewers, brand sponsors and celebrity players can help newcomers discover different techniques in starting their channel. It has a chat feature where streamers and viewers can communicate with one another and exchange tips on how to win a game they play.
Games like Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Mobile Legends, Dota 2, Rules of Survival and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are some of the exciting content that streamers can play via the app.
Nimo TV’s presence in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will also help you increase your fan base making it easier for every newbie to grow their channel and interact more with other gamers.
Download the Nimo TV app at Apple app store and Google Play store by clicking the link here at https://nimotv.onelink.me/B6cW/25ba46b7 and start streaming your way to the top.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 24, 2019 | Events
Alaska Sports resume its Annual program in teaching young athletes the fundamental skills and core values of the game by holding Alaska Basketball Power Camp 2019. This year, Alaska Basketball Power Camp is currently being held in Baguio and Manila having Bacolod as its next stop on May 10.

Last April 14, 2019, more than 300 kids joined the first leg of the camp in Baguio and had the first-hand opportunity to be trained by Alaska-certified coaches headed by the Power Camp Director, Philippine Basketball Association legend and Alaska Aces Assistant Coach Jeffrey Cariaso together with the Alaska Aces players Simon Enciso and Abel Galliguez.
Cariaso said that they make sure that they teach them the core values that they believe in not only to become good people but also to become good athletes. “We want to instill them the value of hard work, determination, discipline, and respect,” added Cariaso.
Alaska Sports is focused on promoting sports program that shapes, trains, challenges and inspire children to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Alaska Sports also wants to teach children that the true spirit of participation is not just winning the game but it’s about the spirit of learning the values or determination, hard work, teamwork, and spirit of discipline and sportsmanship.
Alaska Milk Corporation is a pioneer towards promoting affordable nutrition and active lifestyle in the Philippines and aims to teach a new generation of children to become better at sport through the Alaska Basketball Power Camp.
The Alaska Basketball Power Camp teaches more than basketball skills. It also instills the value of discipline, hard work, teamwork and determination and teaches the importance of proper nutrition and active lifestyle for the growth and development of the camp participants.
Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in Alaska Basketball Power Camp and let their children experience the fun and benefits of what sports will bring to them.
Registration form is available at www.alaskamilk.com/Alaska-sports, present printed registration form and proof of purchase or official receipt from February 2019 up to present at the start of the camp. Walk-in participants are also welcome for all three camps.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 22, 2019 | Events
LBC Business Solutions held a thanksgiving party recently for all their clients via the 2019 Shippers’ Night.

DJ Chacha of MOR 101.9 FM
LBC 2019 Shippers’ Night
With the theme “Disco Inferno”, the annual gathering was held at 12 Monkeys Pub at El Pueblo in Ortigas. DJ Chacha of MOR 101.9 FM hosted the event with the Spirit of 67 and DJ Marrion providing the live music.
Aside from the music of the 70’s all through the ’90s, what turned the party up a notch was the series of raffle prizes – which brought much anticipation to the already worked up crowd.
LBC Partners
Among the companies represented during the celebration were:

LBC Business Solutions hosts the annual Shippers’ Night to give thanks to their clients who have shown unwavering support for their various services- from logistics, cold chain solutions, NVOCC, specialized logistics, warehousing, remittance, and printing.
According to VP For Corporate Sales Jerome Santos: “The Shippers’ Night is not just a platform to celebrate our successful collaborations but a platform for us to look into the future with the common goal to further our respective businesses with more ease and efficiency”.
My personal thoughts
When I read “shippers’ night”, geek that I am, I thought they meant relationSHIP instead of the traditional definition of ship meaning to send. For a moment I forgot that this had to have something to do with LBC which is a delivery company. Lol!
I’ve used LBC to send packages, pick up packages, pay bills, pick up remittances … and to my own personal assessment, they are currently the best in the biz. You really can’t go wrong with LBC.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 11, 2019 | Business
OLX and Property 24, two of the most powerful online enablers for property buyers and sellers, recently gathered real estate developers, brokers, and marketing practitioners to discuss the latest trends in digital marketing.
Entitled “Engaging today’s digital users and property buyers,” the exclusive seminar led by OLX head of real estate Tina Bautista (far right) aimed to help real estate companies navigate the online market and understand the netizen’s buying behavior and preferences.
She also discussed new digital marketing trends for 2019 and real estate outlook and recommendations for the year. Joining her were (L-R) Ayala Land International Sales, Inc.’s Jared Carlo Enrile, Hetty Uy, and Casey Anne Lombos.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 8, 2019 | Business
As part of a series of innovations designed to improve customer malling experience, SM Supermalls raises the bar in customer service with the introduction of SAM, the country’s first-ever in-mall smart robot – launched at SM Megamall last March 28.
SAM is an artificial intelligent (AI) humanoid robot programmed to deliver a smoother, more personalized and efficient interaction with customers.

Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO with Sam
“Innovation is what SM strives for in providing better customer service to all and we are proud to introduce our latest innovation yet,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls COO. “SAM is easy to approach and has answers to almost everything SM mall related, making shopping more seamless and fun for our customers.”

#smthingnew at SM
Now at SM Megamall and coming soon to other SM malls, SAM is designed to help with directions and provide mall information about the latest deals, promos, and events. Equipped with an advanced face recognition technology, it can also make personalized greetings to customers once they enter the mall. Customers can also chat with SAM through the SM Supermalls Facebook page. It serves as a 24/7 online concierge that can provide information like branch locations, mall schedules, and promos, to name a few.
SAM was created in partnership with Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines), which is a leading provider of electronic and original design manufacturing services.
Next time you visit SM Megamall, drop by Mega Atrium, Mega Fashion Hall, or Bank Drive and say hi to SAM for more fun, convenient, and exciting malling experience!
For more information, visit SM Supermalls’ official website at https://www.smsupermalls.com/, or its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts @smsupermalls.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 7, 2019 | Events
A kick-off of summer fun and the biggest collaboration of best-loved global toy and children’s brands, brings to everyone Everyday is Play Day on its 3rd biggest year, launched at SM City North EDSA, that will surely showcase series of exciting shows and festivities for both kids and kids at heart in many of your favorite SM Supermalls from March to October 2019.
This year’s campaign is particularly extra special as SM Supermalls is partnering with UNICEF, and together, they are set to promote and instill every child’s right to play, relax, and indulge through a holistic approach on both their artistic and recreational activities. Through this team up, they promote their shared advocacy to bring more smiles to children’s faces across the country.
“SM brings back Everyday is Play Day with kiddie character meet-and-greets and interactive play that aims to help develop their confidence and social skills,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP for Marketing.
Through a showcase of a new found wonderlands filled with real-play and digital experiences while also featuring toy collections, play machines and giant interactive displays, SM Supermalls also pride in delighting everyone with over 30 global brands including Toy Kingdom’s biggest such as Barbie, Hatchimals, Paw Patrol, Shimmer and Shine, Pokemon, Shopkins, Beyblade, My Little Pony, and many more.

A reach beyond every kid’s imagination will also power up the launch with some memory games and scientific experiments from Nutty Scientist, a colorful ball pit plunge from Ball Pit City, and special performances and appearances from previous winners of The SM Little Stars, the Concio sisters, celebrity Supermoms, and mascots from participating toy brands.
Don’t forget to let your kids #EatPlayShopInTheCity this summer at these participating malls:
- SM City Angono
- SM City BF Parañaque
- SM City Bicutan
- SM City East Ortigas
- SM City Fairview
- SM City Las Piñas
- SM City Manila
- SM City Marikina
- SM City Masinag
- SM Center Muntinlupa
- SM City North Edsa
- SM City Novaliches
- SM City San Jose Del Monte
- SM City San Lazaro
- SM City San Mateo
- SM City Sta. Mesa
- SM City Sucat
- SM City Taytay
For more information, visit SM Supermalls’ official website at www.smsupermalls.com, or its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 6, 2019 | Events
Filinvest City proves that there’s always something fun to do in Metro South as it once again hosts Festival of Possibilities 2019, its very own town-wide fair aimed at bringing residents, workers, and guests closer together at the sprawling Filinvest City Events Grounds on April 26, 2019.
Now on its second year, the Festival of Possibilities promises to be more than just a music festival and be bigger with more exciting and fun interactive outdoor activities and attractions in store for its guests.
Festival goers can interact with one another, take lots of photos, and enjoy the arcade booths, board games and human attractions amid the city’s signature fresh air and lush setting. A picnic area will also be provided so they can bond over mouth-watering eats and treats offered at the food bazaar.
Some of today’s hottest local bands will also bring entertainment to the crowd. Set to perform at the biggest stage in Metro South are Itchyworms, Rivermaya, Spongecola, and many other rising artists such as I Belong To The Zoo, Written by the Stars, and This Band.
This community fair continues to be part of Filinvest City’s effort to explore the many exciting possibilities in Metro South. With events like the Festival of Possibilities, residents, workers, and guests from neighboring areas do not have to drive far to have fun and meet new friends.
“Our main goal here at Filinvest City is to give back to the community and provide our Cityzens not only a progressive, self-contained central business district, but one that enriches their lives as well,” says Don Ubaldo, Filinvest vice president for townships. “With Festival of Possibilities, we aim to further foster a growing community through exhilarating events that encourage participation among Filinvest Cityzens.”
Admission to the Festival of Possibilities is free. Festival goers must only present proof of residence or employment in Filinvest City at the venue gates to get in. Meanwhile, non-Filinvest Cityzens can join the event by presenting a single receipt with at least P1,000 worth of purchases from any merchant in Festival Alabang. This will be equivalent to two (2) tickets.
Festival of Possibilities definitely signifies Filinvest City’s position as the ideal destination for exciting crowd-drawing events in Metro South with its easy mobility and accessibility, vast open spaces, and abundance of greeneries.
For more information on Festival of Possibilities 2019 and other upcoming events in Metro South, visit www.facebook.com/FilivestCityOFFICIAL.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 5, 2019 | Entertainment
I have many friends who are looking forward to watching Avengers: Endgame (myself included) and have been counting down the hours and days. Luckily, there are theaters that have decided to open their doors extra early (before 11am) on April 24 AND decided to have viewings for 24 hours from the 24th to the 26th! Amazing, right?
If I had to guess it is possibly because the movie is 3 hours long so they want to accommodate more people in a day, and, thus, earn more. But which theaters are these? Here is a list of theaters in Metro Manila with screenings before 11am (for your reference) taken from Clickthecity.com.
| Caloocan |
SM Center Sangandaan |
Cinema 1 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
9:30am |
| Las Piñas |
Evia Lifestyle Center |
VIP Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
6:30am |
|
|
IMAX Cinema 5 |
6:01am |
|
|
VIP Cinema 8 |
9am |
|
Robinson’s Place Las Piñas |
Cinema 3 |
8:30am |
|
SM Southmall |
Digital Cinema 2 |
10am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 3 |
10:30am |
|
Vista Mall Las Piñas |
Cinema 1 |
10:30am |
| Makati |
Ayala Malls Circuit |
Cinema 2 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
9am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
8am |
|
Glorietta 4 |
Cinema 1 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
9am |
|
Greenbelt |
Cinema 2 |
10:40am |
|
Greenbelt 3 |
Cinema 1 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
7:20am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
8:50am |
|
|
Cinema 5 |
9:20am |
|
Power Plant Mall |
Cinema 5 |
6:01am |
|
|
Dolby Atmos Cinema 6 |
8:40am |
|
|
Cinema 7 |
6:01am |
|
|
VIP Cinema 8 |
5:01am |
| Mandaluyong |
Forum Robinsons |
Cinema 4 |
10:30am |
|
SM Light Mall |
Cinema 1 |
6:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
7am |
|
SM Megamall |
Digital Cinema 1 |
8am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 3 |
6:01am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 5 |
8:30am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 6 |
9am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 7 |
8:20am |
| Manila |
Lucky Chinatown Mall |
Cinema 1 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
10:20am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10:40am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
7am |
|
Robinsons Place Manila |
Cinema 2 (Midtown) |
8:30am |
|
SM City Manila |
Cinema 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
9:15am |
|
|
Cinema 6 |
10am |
|
SM City San Lazaro |
Cinema 1 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
9:15am |
|
|
Cinema 6 |
10:30am |
| Marikina |
SM City Marikina |
Digital Theater 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 6 |
8am |
| Muntinlupa |
Ayala Malls South Park |
Cinema 1 |
10am |
|
SM Center Muntinlupa |
Cinema 1 |
9am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
10am |
| Parañaque |
SM City BF Parañaque |
Director’s Club Cinema 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Director’s Club Cinema 2 |
8:40am |
|
|
Director’s Club Cinema 3 |
8am |
|
SM City Bicutan |
Digital Cinema 1 |
10am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 2 |
10:30am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 3 |
8am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 4 |
9:30am |
|
SM City Sucat |
Digital Cinema 1 |
10:15am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 3 |
8am |
|
|
Digital Cinema 4 |
9:15am |
| Pasay |
Newport Mall |
Ultra Cinema 1 |
7am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
6am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
6:30am |
|
S Maison |
Director’s Club 1 |
7am |
|
|
Director’s Club 2 |
8am |
|
|
Director’s Club 3 |
6:30am |
|
SM Mall of Asia |
Cinema 1 |
6:15am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
7:30am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 7 |
7am |
|
|
Cinema 8 |
6:30am |
|
|
Center Stage |
6:30am |
|
|
IMAX Cinema |
6:01am |
| Pasig |
Ayala Malls Feliz |
Cinema 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
10:50am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10am |
|
Ayala Malls The 30th |
Cinema 1 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8:30am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10:30am |
|
Robinsons Metro East |
Cinema 4 |
10:20am |
|
SM City East Ortigas |
Digital cinema 2 |
7:30am |
|
|
Digital cinema 3 |
8:30am |
|
|
Director’s Club 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Director’s Club 2 |
7:15am |
|
|
Director’s Club 3 |
6:50am |
|
|
Director’s Club 4 |
8am |
| Quezon City |
Ayala Fairview Terraces |
Cinema 4 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 6 |
9:30am |
|
Ayala Malls Cloverleaf |
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
10:30am |
|
Ayala Malls Vertis North |
Cinema 1 |
7:15am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8:10am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
6:05am |
|
Eastwood Citywalk 2 |
Cinema 1 |
8:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
6:30am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
7:15am |
|
Eastwood Mall |
Cinema 5 |
8am |
|
Fisher Mall |
Cinema 2 |
6:10am |
|
|
Cinema 5 |
8am |
|
|
VIP Cinema 1 |
6:01am |
|
|
VIP Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
Robinsons Galleria |
Cinema 1 |
8:30am |
|
Robinsons Magnolia |
Cinema 3 |
8:45am |
|
SM City Fairview |
Cinema 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
9:45am |
|
SM City North EDSA |
Digital Theater 6 |
10:15am |
|
|
Digital Theater 10 |
7:15am |
|
|
Digital Theater 11 |
6:10am |
|
|
IMAX |
6:01am |
|
SM City North EDSA – The Block |
Digital Theater 1 |
6:30am |
|
|
Digital Theater 2 |
9am |
|
SM City Novaliches |
Cinema 1 |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
8am |
|
SM City Sta. Mesa |
Cinema 5 |
7:15am |
|
|
Cinema 6 |
9:15am |
|
Trinoma Mall |
Cinema 3 |
8:25am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
9:30am |
|
|
Cinema 5 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 6 |
8am |
|
U.P. Town Center |
Cinema 1 |
8:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
10:20am |
| San Juan |
Santolan Town Plaza |
Cinema 1 |
8:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
| Taguig |
Bonifacio High Street |
ATMOS Cinema 1 |
8am |
|
|
ATMOS Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
7:30am |
|
Market! Market! |
Cinema 1 |
10:45am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 5 |
10:15am |
|
SM Aura Premier |
Cinema 1 |
7am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
|
Director’s Club 2 |
7:20am |
|
|
IMAX |
6:01am |
|
Uptown Mall |
Cinema 1 |
6:01am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
6:45am |
|
|
Cinema 3 |
7:15am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
6:20am |
|
|
Ultra Cinema |
6:05am |
|
Venice Grand Canal Mall |
Cinema 1 |
10:30am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Ultra Cinema |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 5 |
7:30am |
|
Vista Mall Taguig |
Cinema 2 |
6:01am |
|
|
Ultra Cinema |
10am |
|
|
Cinema 5 |
7:30am |
| Valenzuela |
SM City Valenzuela |
Cinema 1 |
9am |
|
|
Cinema 2 |
8am |
|
|
Cinema 4 |
10:30am |
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 4, 2019 | Entertainment
Ballet Manila recently closed its 23rd performance season with double header Deux — a fun mix of modern classical ballet set to the tunes of The Beatles and Chopin, held at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex.
Les Sylphides

Les Sylphides from Deux by Ballet Manila
The first chapter of the show opened with classical vignettes featuring “Les Sylphides” also known as “Chopiniana” in Russia, a romantic white ballet that depicts a lone danseur (The Poet) surrounded by his muses — white-clad sylphs or air spirits dancing in the moonlight. While there is no plot, its lingering music by Frederic Chopin and lyrical choreography by Michael Fokine evoke the illusion of ethereal weightlessness which characterized the romantic era of ballet where technique is the focal point, especially the intricate pointe work of ballerinas. Other classical vignettes included Pas De Action and Diane et Acteon.
The Winding Road

The Winding Road from Deux by Ballet Manila
From this trance-like ambience, the second chapter of the show highlights the thrilling contemporary number of The Winding Road set to the tune of The Beatles.

Martin Lawrance
Choreographed by Martin Lawrance, both young and old surely enjoyed The Beatles hits such as as I Saw Her Standing There, Here, There and Everywhere, Something, The Long and Winding Road, She Loves You, and many more!

Lisa Macuja-Elizalde
“Our 23rd performance season has been a series of highs, kicking off with Tour de Force and ending with our newest double header Deux,” said Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.
“We are very thankful for everyone’s continuous support for Ballet Manila and we are very thrilled to see everyone again on our 24th performance season.”
Ballet Manila is The Philippines’ Premiere Classical Dance Company. Under the leadership of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila has brought the magic of classical ballet to the farthest-flung regions of the country, as well as the important ballet capitals of the world. Ballet Manila also continuously innovates to provide its audience, clients, and business partners with a myriad of shows and performance options.
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