A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building.

Being hearing-impaired is a challenge in itself, navigating a world where communication relies heavily on spoken words.    

In the Philippines, this challenge further creates a gap, as opportunities for the deaf are limited, particularly in education and employment. The struggle is intensified as only a few secondary learning institutions are catering to their unique needs, with affordability and facility conditions further hindering their pursuit of skills and knowledge.    

A personal advocacy 

Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges.    

Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf learners.    

She eventually became a SPED teacher, before taking on the role of principal in PSD.    

"The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi," she underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment.   

A facility that produces opportunities 

 

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the renowned producer of the world's leading gin brand, is embracing the essence of fun this year with the color white and by commemorating World Gin Day (WGD) with a captivating twist of "cool, clear, and versatile" celebrations. Kicking off the festivities with a media launch on June 8 at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, a sequence of events will take place throughout June to spotlight the significance of this month as World Gin month.

The World Gin Day (WGD), a worldwide event held on the second Saturday of June, is led in the Philippines by GSMI, the organization responsible for introducing the initial WGD festivities to the Asia Pacific region in 2014. In that particular year, GSMI commemorated the 180th anniversary of its flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel. Presently, enthusiasts of gin eagerly anticipate GSMI's month-long series of events, not only honoring the enduring impact of gin on our drinking customs but also acknowledging its significance in festivities, fiestas, gatherings, and even our daily accomplishments. 

“We join gin enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating World Gin Day. As pioneers of this event in our country, we aspire to ignite the spirit of greater appreciation for more Filipinos to know gin’s outstanding qualities, as it is a drink that is ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile,’” says GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.

‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’

This June 8, GSMI once again reinforces that “Gin Is In,” highlighting gin’s “Cool, Clear, and Versatile” qualities that elevate it from the rest.

Gin has been around since the 17th century, and remains popular to this day, especially in Europe, and of course, the Philippines. It is loved by many, and its popularity can be attributed to its taste—the flavor of Juniper and a variety of botanicals—allowing gin to exude that classic yet “Cool” vibe.

The gin’s “Clear,” pure quality is derived from a rigorous distillation process that brings out its best flavor. Since it is unpretentious – with nothing to hide – it is a drink known for its “Versatility,” as it can be enjoyed straight or mixed with other ingredients in a cocktail.

In a new campaign supporting the appreciation for Gin, GSMI features three exciting and authentic personalities who perfectly embody these unique characteristics of gin. 

Gin Is Cool.

The actor and model Zanjoe Marudo likes the cool and refreshing gin experience to punctuate the day. For him, being cool is more than style and moves; it is being calm, too. “Alam niyo kung anong totoong COOL sakin? Yung pagiging kalmado ko (You know what’s truly cool for me? It is my being calm),” says Zanjoe. His choice of gin is popular to this day – Ginebra San Miguel, which has been his favorite since his days growing up in Batangas.

Gin Is Clear.

Basel Manadil’s choice is GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin made with natural ingredients and fine botanicals. Popularly known as “The Hungry Syrian,” the Syrian-born Filipino vlogger’s viral posts have made him a clear favorite among millions of netizens. As he would say, “always be CLEAR with your intentions no matter where you go. Because everything you do, can make an impact to others.”

Gin is Versatile.

Actress comedian Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol likes her gin to be versatile, a drink she can enjoy in many ways. This love for versatility in drinks is something that she also carries in life. The fact that this comedian was able to transform herself into a serious pageant contender truly is outstanding and admirable. Herlene has won over Filipinos with her charming wit, down-to-earth personality, and of course, her remarkable versatility. “In life, dapat VERSATILE (In life, one should be versatile). If you are good at one thing, you can also be good at anything! Stay true while learning many things.” 

The three of them – Zanjoe, Basel, and Herlene – will not only grace the WGD celebration but will also be present at various events of GSMI during “Gin Is In” celebrations starting in June.

“We are proud to say that they truly embody the best qualities of gin: Zanjoe is ‘Cool like Gin Is In.’ Basel is ‘Clear like Gin Is In,’ and Herlene is ‘Versatile like Gin Is In,’” Molina added. 

GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back

One of the highlights of the WGD event is the presence of three mixologists who are scholar-graduates of the Ginebra San Miguel Bar Academy, a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that gives Filipinos a chance to change their lives through education – training students in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship.

With the goal of producing globally-competitive and job-ready graduates, while elevating the quality of the bartending profession in the process, the GSM Bar Academy is proud to say that it has produced an astounding 100% immediate employability for all its graduates in 2022.

During WGD, three graduates of the GSM Bar Academy – Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor – who are all employed in top bars in Metro Manila, will showcase their mixology skills in a friendly competition with the theme, “Gin Is In, ” which will feature the world’s most popular and bestselling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other brands, GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin.

The success of the GSM Bar Academy in transforming the lives not only of the students but also of their families and the community has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the program will be a recipient of the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award, to be formally awarded on June 16 in London, UK. 

‘Gin Is In’ Nationwide

Part of the WGD celebration will be the launch of the second season of G-MIX Nation Online Series, hosted by Luis Manzano, which will be shown for the first time and will feature new cocktail recipes. Alongside is the Home Bar Kit that features Ginebra products and tools for mixing different kinds of cocktails, which is sold online and at select supermarkets.

To ensure gin enthusiasts across the country can partake in the “Gin Is In” festivity, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will also host mini events in around 50 bars nationwide, including those in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro. These bar activations will offer consumers exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebration.

To sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In,” there will be various activities in hundreds on-premise outlets from July to December. Participating outlets will receive exclusive benefits, special “Gin Is In” stubs for consumers to support their patronage. 

GSMI's World Gin Day celebration is just the beginning of a series of exciting events, allowing enthusiasts to declare their love and support for the vibrant local gin culture. In the country, gin is synonymous with Ginebra San Miguel. It is the country’s pioneering gin and the oldest consumer brand still in the market, but still remains cool, clear and versatile, a timeless classic yet still in tune with the times.

Each bottle of Ginebra San Miguel undergoes a stringent production process to ensure optimal quality. As a testament to the strength of its brand name, variants such as GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, have been introduced to cater to different market segments. Just launched last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has now become a sought-after drink among those with sophisticated taste, as they are enamored with its infusion of classic juniper berries and unique Philippine botanicals such as Sampaguita and Calamansi. 

GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to leading global drinks journal, Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu and the newly launched G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.

Moms are said to be one of the best influencer and hopefully I can influence some companies and friends to check out the Blogapalooza 2013.  Blogapalooza is one of the biggest Business-To-Blogger event that is going to happen soon.  This is one great event opportunity for businesses to be heard through the fast growing blogs and social media networks, also this is the best opportunity for bloggers and mom like me, to blog about brands that we like and also know some companies.

So if you're a blogger or a brand and haven't signed up yet better get to this link http://Blogapalooza.WhenInManila.com and register your name and your blog of course and if you're a brand or company looking for a place to get heard then Blogapalooza is the right venue for your products.    So join now!  The more the merrier!

"Come and Get Me" is the teasing line of GMA Artist Center prime artist Aljur Abrenica's upcoming concert.  Revealing everything what this prime artist have as he showcase his talents for everyone which will be shown this coming November 7 at the Music Museum.  This is one of Aljur Abrenica special treat for his fans.





According to Aljur Abrenica he is very much excited with the upcoming concert.  He puts much effort on this and this is his time to showcase the different side of Aljur which is of course besides acting.  During the blog conference which was held at the Congo Grille in Tomas Morato, bloggers raised some good questions for him and he joyfully responded to these questions that made everyone react with ohh and ahhh.

According to Aljur singing is his first love.  He was a member of a band before getting into acting.  Some of the music he loves that influenced him very much are the Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, and Bon Jovi and the local singers that likes are Gary V, Gloc 9 and Yael.



Five things to expect during the concert are the Opening, Acoustic, Guests performances, Closing, and Know Aljur as an actor and a singer.  To make the concert sizzle a bit special performances from people close to his heart is their to support him like Julie Anne San Jose, Rochelle Pangilinan, Vin Abrenica and Kris Bernal which I know would really make noise once both of them are seen on stage.


So for those who wants to witness something more from Aljur this is your chance to watch him perform on stage.  Ticket prices from the concert are at VIP: Php 2,000.00 Orchestra Side: Php 1,500 and Balcony: Php 1,000.

Here's an invitation from Aljur Abrenica for you!


So fans get ready and be mesmerized by Aljur Abrenica on his concert this November 7, 2013.

Recently, I started blogging again, it was 2009 when I started blogging but then I stopped because it’s not may “forte” to write something about my life. Well, quote and quote, blogging is a sort of making a “diary”. Until my husband eagerly and continuously courted me that it is really fun and fulfilling to engage in blogging. Well, my husband is just like an avid suitor because I remember when he was still courting me, his really persistent, that’s why I gave my precious answer to accept him. I just relate it now that he is persistent again in asking me to blog, there you go..i’m into blogging now.

Now, blogging offers so much more events unlike before. In addition, there are so many online contest and giveaways.


Just like when I joined Mommy Jes’ birthday giveaway, but unfortunately, I did not won the major prizes. I just won a notepad. Mommy Jes’ concept is really nice, because she have a lot of prizes. Just like a notepad that I won, because I am one of the 1st thirty (30) bloggers who join. I am very thankful because her giveaways gave a lot of experiences to me such as first time to join a contest, first time to receive a gift from the contest and first time to receive a mail from the US. It was really fun!

I am now thinking to hold giveaways for my readers soon.