SM Cares Holds Bowling for Differently Abled Peers

A few days ago, we went to the bowling lanes of SM North Edsa Annex to witness something special. A couple of our differently abled friends and their partners have gone hand in hand with SM Cares in the goal to actually be real deal bowlers for a day and we witnessed that first hand. SM Cares wants you to know that they actually have their facilities available for your family no matter who you are, what you do and how you are in the society. SM takes pride in an environment fit for your family and they've been able to do this for years. We met a couple of their executives and one got me surprised. One of my bowling idols was there, do you remember World Champion CJ Suarez?

Cj Suarez is now the Division Manager for SM Bowling and Leisure Center. He's been with them a couple of months ago. I've seen him play for the country several times along with legends like Bong Coo and Paeng Nepumoceno. He used to handle sports programs for special children too in the past, mostly with ILLC in Mandaluyong. People might thing SM is just providing these facilities for ordinary people, but as you see they're actually playing games and enjoying it. The activities that we do, we give out and share with people with special needs. It's their advocacy. SM Cares approached them and asked for this Bowling Buddies event and they never hesitated to accommodate them. There are several other organizations and special olympics participants that use the lanes too. They do this on a regular basis. That's endearing to know.

They have activities with PWD's and they'll be doing this on a regular basis next year too. They have the venue, 8 bowling centers nationwide. CJ Suarez left bowling since 2007 and he's devoted much of his life playing for the country. When SM approached him he never hesitated, he explored and accepted this as an opportunity. He can now promote the sport at an advantageous angle. There has been a decline in the sport but he's hopeful their efforts will pay out especially next year. They're also hosting their biggest event in November with a prize as much as 2 Million pesos and a brand new car called SM Millionaires Cup. It's across all their centers and the top 32 from all their centers nationwide will battle it out in Manila as part of their celebration since SM Bowling is now 25 years old.

They're going to have an international tournament also next year that would be even bigger because they're inviting professional players from around Asia and the world to get a more rearing interest in the sport, more so in the talented pool in the Philippines. There are going to be some school programs as well next year plus coaching certifications for those who would want to pursue it. You should watch out for that big tournament soon. Bring your family because that's where you can bond big time.

SM is a mall for all. They want inclusion for everyone to enjoy their facilities. No one gets left out. For differently abled customers, you can play here. You should be aware that they have programs here that would be able to cater to you. They have other organizations also aligned with SM CARES' cause. The Angels Walk will also be happening soon in Mall of Asia so make sure you check out their social media channels to participate in that. SM Cares will also push for activities like these to be a regular thing so awareness can be done. The organizations usually tap them and they won't say no if they see there's potential to reach out to big communities. Don't think you won't enjoy activities like these because as I see it, they've succeeded to make these guys and gals happy. The name is apt for them, SM Cares.

For more information about their foundation:

Official SM Cares

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Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com

Two New Good Reasons To Celebrate At Shakey's!

I missed this event big time but you won't miss the news of course. I said 2 good reasons, they're something new too. Shakey's has revved it's game and got Captain Shakey's recruiting a few more Superheroes on its joint to bring an even more super good memory when having your party at Shakey's. Who do you think they are? Well, this might be something quite good to look at when your kids birthday happens.

Oh yes! My favorite Batman, your favorite Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonderwoman and the others from the Justice League can now be seen in the Justice League Unlimited Party! If you wanna ask your kids friends to dress up as their favorite superhero and come on his or her birthday then this is the perfect party for you!

The birthday packages equips you and your whole party crew with the food, amenities and prizes you need to make that whole event the grandest one your son or daughter could ever have. I can almost see it. It's going to be hassle free, you'll get a free gift and you'll fill your guests tummies in no time by choosing one of their Power Packages. It's ready for 30, 50 or 70 people and you'll just have to get them there. Some branches like the one in Katipunan Avenue even has a full blown arcade so you're never going to run out of activities when you spend it here. Oh and I almost forgot the second surprise, ladies and gentlemen... this is the Shakey's New Shrimp Chorizo Pasta!

I know you must have been still craving for the red and white sauce you usually see in their menu but isn't this such a nice alternative? Oh and yes, they've even got those scrumptious shrimp and smoky chorizo slices you oh so love in home cooking. Now if that doesn't convince you to check out your nearest Shakey's branch then I don't know what would. Shrimps and Chorizo sound a bell? Haha I know! Call them now at 77777 or visit their stores for party inquiries.

For more information about their stores:

Shakeys PH

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Visit their official website

http://www.shakeyspizza.ph/

Dennis Trillo, LJ Reyes and Director Mike Tuviera for The Janitor

Director Mike Tuviera (center), Dennis Trillo and LJ Reyes for The Janitor

It's now out on theaters and this might be a little late already to post but here's a rundown of what happened during the blog conference of The Janitor. This is the same film that was shown in Cinemalaya's Director's showcase which stars hunky Dennis Trillo, LJ Reyes and a couple more people from ABSCBN and different networks. It's not usual that you see them in Star Cinema but since the film outfit is the one releasing it in cinemas, we got the chance to talk to them last week. I missed this during that festival so it's a good thing they're releasing it on regular theaters. It's more of a thriller, the plot is also rich with conflicts betweem Dennis and the other characters like Richard Gomez, Derek Ramsey and how the love of LJ Reyes makes it all worthwhile. LJ by the way was also lauded because it made them a bit more human according to foreign critics who watched the film. They also got to be invited in international festivals but they're still finalizing everything so watch out for that.

Dennis said he didn't have any hesitations accepting this film. He says he knows how the indie film industry works and it was more fulfilling for him because he's being praised doing his craft. He's been longing for projects like this and this was some sort of a jackpot for him seeing the roster of artists involved in it. Director Mike says he's flattered that the people have said it looks mainstream but he says he used the same equipment as those used in Hari ng Tondo because they helped each other doing that. LJ wanted to work with Dennis as a leading lady because she has worked with him in the past in supporting roles too. LJ was the perfect pick of Direk Mike, and so was the other characters... like a dream cast. They thought they would not be able to get them but suddenly, they all became available so that was a great thing. Two days before shooting, those impossible ones on Direk's list suddenly all came together, and they haven't even talked about payment yet.

Plan International Philippines and their fight to end Teenage Pregnancy

Carin van der Hor, Plan International's Country Director in the Philippines and Marco Savio, Plan International's Deputy Country Director for Programs.

Alarming. The Philippines is actually leading in teenage pregnancy rates according to a recent survey. Plan International says every hour 576 more babies are born in the Philippines. There is a big correlation between poverty, but the major cause of it is lack of education. Ms. Carin van de Hor of Plan International says even though they are working with local government, and national agencies, it's still not enough and they have to start with something. The National Youth Commission gave them really good numbers that have been put to good use in statistics, then used for other agencies. These teenagers have no access to information and it's time to take action. Aside from that, there should be health reasons why this shouldn't be the case. A 14 year old for example should not undergo birthing yet because their bodies are not ready the child will have growth stunting - and not have life to its full potential. This cycle will keep repeating and if we don't work on the education and awareness of these teens, of which they are part of the demographic. It's a very sad statistic they exclaimed. They work in health, disaster risk reduction and the rest, but they know they had to have a more holistic approach. This is how it's supposed to be addressed.

Marco Savio, Plan International's Deputy Country Director for Programs says "We have education projects and we target areas that are also run by the government and address the reasons why they don't go to school and such. We tailor support to the children and we are doing 15,000 now (just on this project). We are using systems that are already approved by local government. We are helping them to support the children in their areas. There are a lot of problems, in the Philippines, parents know the importance of education and we are working on this. We have never had parents tell us they never want their children to school, like building bridges, pay for transportation, this is where other foundations come in. Right now, we have Dubai Cares here celebrating with us with their CEO. They've funded projects like these and provide for more children in places like Samar, Leyte and others. We measure success by the number of schools completed, the rate and number of graduates, how many of them move on and have highschool or college degrees and other KPI's. "

"We also check their health status, the number of pregnancies, no malnutrition, and the rest. There are different reasons in rural areas, distance and stuff. In the urban areas, the slums, the lack of work, there are a lot of things too. We are working in Mindoro, like with Mangyans, we give them knowledge and give them the ability to have choice. We work with different private organizations and help the government with their own programs. We do that in certain levels. We also work very closely with UN and their other divisions. They don't just fund, they share resources and we put our strengths together. We have stayed here for 53 years and we have a lot of areas that already have seen results. We help them do peer education as well so they can do it on their own. We do a lot of creative work so children go back to school. We support the structure of the community so everyone would be able to benefit. We do this in any given time and move in different areas in the country. We have offices everywhere and we hope to be able to bring these communities to be self sufficient and have all their issues resolved in 10 years or less." adds Ms. Carin van de Hor.

They also held a mini concert in Alabang Town Center that afternoon to bring awareness for the cause.

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Plan International's "Because I'm a Girl" Mini concert featuring Suitcase101 Band and Voces Aurorae Girls Choir. Even if it's raining, they sound heavenly

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I hope they get to help more people. Teenage pregnancy is indeed a big issue and we should start to learn how to tell the young ones how to have a healthier lifestyle, a successful life and a great mind to know when they should have their own offspring. Not when they are kids themselves. Thanks to Kairos Solutions and AnakTV also for helping them to reach that goal.

We also had Ms. Mikee Cojuanco Jaworski and the Ms. Earth Philippines candidates helping to raise awareness for the cause. They also had a short bike event in Marikina earlier that day. Mikee believes that aside from the parents, children should have a community of people who they can look up to, to have the knowledge and wisdom that could empower them to be better people. Education should start from the home and she adds that it should be to a point where girls would be able to decypher for themselves a sound decision, a right decision, one that they formulated themselves. In giving them education, she believes that we will get to have them achieve more. On the teenage pregnancy situation in the Philippines, she feel sad because teenagers are not ready because they haven't lived a full life themselves yet. Children should not suffer hunger later on and suffer consequences which their parents have decided on. The responsibility of bringing up a child is big, you can't learn that as a girl if you're still too young and haven't even played yourself and see the world as it is. That is just selfish. They don't know that yet.

She made a really good point. I hope together, these foundations and Plan International would be able to succeed in their goal of bringing the teenage pregnancy rates down in our country. I hope it's not just a dream.

For more information about their cause:

Plan International Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.plan-international.org/philippines