The GNP Team

Innovative weaving technology helps special needs students

 News
May 172017
 
Innovative weaving technology helps special needs students

Special needs students can now work with portable therapeutic handlooms designed to develop their physical, mental, and social abilities. Special needs students using handlooms [via DOST] The Portable Therapeutic Handloom features a hand-held lever that takes the place of pedals, to facilitate the interchange of harnesses during weaving of yarns. With this strategic mechanism, the handloom will now only require eye-hand coordination thus streamlining the handweaving process. Ten of these special handlooms designed by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), were turned over St. Francis School-VSA Arts Philippines for special needs students. This PTRI-designed technology is envisioned to aid the productivity of St. Francis School-VSA Arts students, as they design and create their own fabrics. Many of their outputs are developed into apparel, accessories, and other merchandise. Through this project, PTRI and DOST-NCR hope to empower them with livelihood opportunities, apart from therapeutic rehabilitation. Established in 1996 with the assistance of Japan, St. Francis School-VSA Arts specializes on special-needs education through various approaches—particularly speech and language development. Their K-12 curriculum is enhanced with extra-curricular activities, such as dancing, martial arts, acting, and urban weaving; providing their students other avenues of learning and expression. Their urban weaving program highlights saori, the Japanese art of handweaving that focuses on unique, freestyle designs, made by the school’s special needs students. Its premise is to provide them with creative therapeutic expression; the more mistakes, the better. Rebecca Santos, Executive Director of St. Read More …

Jeepney undergoes safety, fuel efficiency modernization facelift

 News
May 172017
 
Jeepney undergoes safety, fuel efficiency modernization facelift

The iconic Philippine jeepney is set to undergo a modernization drive to upgrade its road safety standards and fuel use efficiency – with the electric jeepney industry praising the initiative and pushing to retain the characteristics of the Filipino icon. [via motioncars] The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), leaders in the e-jeepney movement, has announced its support for the government program that would address issues of dilapidated road hazards and smoke-belching public utility vehicles, including the iconic jeepneys, plying Philippine roads. Rommel Juan, President of EVAP, has expressed optimism for the electric vehicle industry amidst the government’s impending PUV Modernization Program saying, “The Department of Transportation is finally on the verge of implementing this historic modernization program for public utility vehicles which aims to drastically improve the mass transport landscape and help reduce or eventually eliminate toxic air pollution on Philippine roads. This is because not only will the 15-year old jeepneys be upgraded to new ones but the power train will either have to be the environment-friendly Euro 4 engines or alternative-fuel type like electric and hybrid, LPG, LNG and CNG. With the political will of the Duterte administration, we think this will finally happen.” Juan reveals that EVAP and the entire automotive industry are passionate about growing local industries, specifically on generating fresh investments, generating new jobs and providing business opportunities for MSMEs that comprise the bulk of automotive parts and components suppliers. “That is why we are pushing for local manufacturing and assembly of the Read More …

Cebu sets up 1st PHL electronic-games school

 News
May 122017
 
Cebu sets up 1st PHL electronic-games school

University of the Visayas New School of Art & Design (UNVS) in Cebu has set up the country’s first electronic games track as part of its senior high track for arts and design. The UNVS track for game design allows students to focus on e-sports or games development. The e-sports program involves students learning about theory, strategy, game awareness and mechanics. Games development includes learning about game design, entrepreneurship, branding and shoutcasting. The unique school offering will train and coach students with hands-on gameplay, and mentoring by top Dota 2 teams in the Philippines. “The whole game design senior high track is holistic in a way that it not only teaches skill but also leadership, strategy and values that kids need to become well-functioning and productive individuals. ‘This will not only build skills but also character through a new medium — gaming,’ Genesis Raña, founder and school director of UVNS, said in a Sunstar report. UNVS offers ideal equipment and facilities: Oculus Development Kit 2 for developers of virtual reality CLiPtec Nacrono gaming keyboard which can register multiple keys simultaneously CLiPtec Sauris Gaming Mouse for durable and solid enhanced long-lasting button life cycle to five million times, and interchangeable DPI levels SilverStone PS08 Gaming PC high end motherboard, a high-end CPU, a high-end graphics card, some RAM, a hard drive and the power supply CLiPtec’s Poison P8 Gaming Headset equipped with 40mm premium speakers The game design senior high track of UVNS will be open this June for all incoming Read More …

Nike unveils Pinoy inspired LeBron Agimat shoes

 News
May 122017
 
Nike unveils Pinoy inspired LeBron Agimat shoes

As a send off to the 2017 SEABA Championship, Gilas Pilipinas has been fitted with the Philippines-inspired limited edition LeBron 14 Agimat released by Nike. LeBron 14 Agimat The Philippine National Men’s Basketball team’s bid for the 2017 FIBA Asia Championship is now aided with a lucky charm from the basketball superstar akin to what Filipino warriors use for good fortune and protection, the SPIN report says. The LeBron 14 Agimat or amulet, is heralded on the Nike website with the Filipino tag: “Mula Mandirigma, Sa Mandirigma (From Warrior to Warrior).” “Inspired by King James’ visit to the Philippines, LeBron 14 Agimat celebrates the fearless passion of the Pinoy ballers.” “This is the continuation of a legacy from one warrior to another.” Gilas Pilipinas with the Lebron 14 Agimat [via Spin] The new James LeBron line from Nike’s design “pays homage to the terrain of the Philippines and LeBron’s relentless climb to peak performance,” and bears a symbol of volcanoes in the Philippines and LeBron’s intense passion. The shoe design also bears the letters MNL as a shout out to ballers in Manila. Graphics on the inside of the shoe is inspired by Filipino traditional woven fabrics. The LeBron 14 Agimat will be available to the public by May 20.   The post Nike unveils Pinoy inspired LeBron Agimat shoes appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: 12-year-old Kristine Cayabyab earns praise from Lebron Perlas Pilipinas sweep SEABA basketball championship Gilas bags Silver in FIBA Asia, Castro still Asia’s Read More …

John Raspado wins Mr. Gay World 2017 in Spain

 News
May 122017
 
John Raspado wins Mr. Gay World 2017 in Spain

Mr. Gay World Philippines title holder, John Raspado, has won the new Mr. Gay World 2017 held at the World Pride 2017 in Spain. John Raspado Raspado’s win marks the first Philippine win in Mr. Gay World since the competition began in 2009. Raspado, an online marketer and businessman, bested 20 other candidates from 5 continents in the overall judging which included the best in regional costume, swimsuit, and evening dress. The Philippines’ bet also brought home the shashes for the Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Dress, Mr. Gay World Closed Door Interview, Mr. Online Votes and Mr. Social Media Special Award. "Itong pagkapanalo ko ay hindi lamang sa aking pamilya ngunit para sa mga baklang katulad ko na may prinsipyo at layunin sa pinaglalaban (I offer this win not only to my family but to other gay men like me who engage in principled fights),” posted Raspado on the Mr. Gay World Philipines Facebook page. Raspado’s life story was aired on Philippine television as a Lenten special. He won the Mr. Gay World Philippines title in 2016. The Mr. Gay World contest is a pageant that supports the fight against sexual prejudice, injustice and equality for the LGBT community across the world. It aims to modernize the perception towards gays and break all stereotypes from public consciousness. In addition, MGWPO continues the advocacy of HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment assistance for everyone.   The post John Raspado wins Mr. Gay World 2017 in Spain appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Read More …

Japan’s Nomura upgrades PHL economic growth

 News
May 102017
 
Japan’s Nomura upgrades PHL economic growth

The Philippines’ economic growth forecast for the years 2017 and 2018 has been upgraded in the latest Nomura Securities report. [via Reuters] The Nomura report “Philippines: Catching Up” released in April notes the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing to 6.7 %, compared to the previous year’s 6.3%. Nomura economist Euben Paracuelles revealed that the Philippines’ significant growth is faster than other Asian peers such as Indonesia (5.6 percent), Malaysia (4.8 percent), Thailand (3.4 percent), and Singapore (2.5 percent), according to a report published by Stock Signals Philippines. The global investment bank says the country’s current GDP is improved by first quarter merchandise exports, specifically, that of electronic exports, which picked up demand from principal trading partners. Paracuelles further explains that the catching up refers to the electronic exports whose growth increased to 10.4 percent year-on- year, after a last quarter 2016 decline of 1.9 percent. Electronics shipments from the country jumped to 15.9% in February, credited to surge of export volumes, while other ASEAN countries maintained price restraints. The Nomura economic analyst added that the Philippines remains “relatively protected from risks of slowdown because it is accounted for in the 26.5 percent of GDP in exports of goods and services. Plus, the domestic demand remains stronger than ever.” Nomura believes that the Philippine “economy will remain resilient as the central powers of growth – investment spending and private consumption – continue to prosper.”   The post Japan’s Nomura upgrades PHL economic growth appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: PHL Read More …

6 Filipinos best of the best in ASEAN film fest awards

 News
May 102017
 
6 Filipinos best of the best in ASEAN film fest awards

Six Filipinos received major awards from the 3rd ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards 2017 (AIFFA 2017) held May in Kuching, Malaysia. [via Facebook] Six awards were given to the Philippine entries out of 18 nominations at the AIFFA 2017. Popular comedienne Ai Ai DeLas Alas bagged the Best Actress award for her role as an ageing woman trying to get away from a life of prostitution in the movie, Area. Louie Ignacio received the Best Director trophy for the same film, Area. Ana Capri won the Best Supporting Actress award for the film, “Laut.” Ricky Davao received the Best Supporting Actor for “Dayang Asu.” Lawrence Fajardo won the Best Editing award for “Imbisibol.” Lav Diaz was honored with a special citation for “Ang Babaeng Humayo” which has been receiving several international acclaim. The AIFFA which is on its third run since it was first held in 2013, offers a platform to promote ASEAN films to the international market, facilitate collaborations among ASEAN film industry members, and provide business opportunities for film exhibitors and distributors. In 2015 the Philippines received 5 trophies, with Cherie Gil bagging the Best Actress trophy, and a Lifetime Achievement award for Nora Aunor. The Philippine trophies at the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards “furthers the art and craft of ASEAN filmmaking by inspiring and championing the work of screenwriters, filmmakers and all artistes who use the language of film to tell a story,” according to AIFFA.   The post 6 Filipinos best of the Read More …

Penguin Classics showcase Nick Joaquin’s literary works

 News
May 062017
 
Penguin Classics showcase Nick Joaquin’s literary works

Nick Joaquin [via Inquirer] Nick Joaquin is being honored by Penguin Classics with the first US publication of a collection of his works including the novel, “The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic.” The foreword to the book is credited to PEN/Open Book Award-winner Gina Apostol. The Penguin Random House release includes Joaquin’s best-known story “The Woman Who Had Two Navels,” about the country’s heritage seen through Filipino emigrants in Hong Kong. The Filipino writer’s play about history and change, “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” is also part of the selection, along with “May Day Eve” and “The Summer Solstice.” The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic [via Penguin Random House] “Nick Joaquin is widely considered one of the greatest Filipino writers, but he has remained little-known outside his home country despite writing in English,” the book description reads. Joaquin’s stories are likened to that of world-renowned writers Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa: “Set amid the ruins of Manila devastated by World War II, his stories are steeped in the post-colonial anguish and hopes of his era and resonate with the ironic perspectives on colonial history of Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa.” “His work meditates on the questions and challenges of the Filipino individual’s new freedom after a long history of colonialism, exploring folklore, centuries-old Catholic rites, the Spanish colonial past, magical realism, and baroque splendor and excess.” The classic works by the well-known Read More …

Filipina Kriesha Tiu gets big break as Korean-pop artist

 News
May 062017
 
Filipina Kriesha Tiu gets big break as Korean-pop artist

Filipina Kriesha Tiu is debuting as a Korean-pop artist after her successful performance on KPOP Star 6 talent competition in South Korea. Kriesha Tiu [via Facebook] The 17-year old talent will be launched as a solo artist under Urban Works Entertainment, a Korean agency. Tiu was runner up winner in the SBS television show together with Kim Hye-rin and Kim So-hee of the group KWINS. In her journey to the finals, Tiu was hailed in KPOP press as the Philippines’ pride as she amazed the Korean audience and the KPOP Star judges with her singing and dancing. She was at first eliminated but returned to KPOP Star as a wildcard choice of judges Yu Hui Yeol, Park Jin Young, and Yang Hyun Suk. She went on to the finals with her group KWINS, but were eventually bested by the boy group, Boyfriends. The Filipina K-pop artist is a native of Cebu who migrated to the United States with her family. Tiu has been doing front act performances in concerts when a talent agency discovered her and sent her to a Korean training camp, according to an ABSCBN report. While training she learned the Korean language, and improved her singing and dancing skills. In the network’s interview Tiu recounted the challenges of living away from her family for two years and sent out a message for aspiring artists: "Being a singer is not an easy dream to fulfill pero the most important thing is to be your own cheerleader because no Read More …

Philippine cinema centerstage in New York’s MoMA

 News
May 062017
 
Philippine cinema centerstage in New York’s MoMA

Contemporary Philippine cinema is getting the spotlight at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) of New York in June. Jaclyn Jose, in a scene from Brillante Mendoza’s Serbis [via Museum of Modern Art] MoMA is scheduled to present its new exhibit “A New Golden Age: Contemporary Philippine Cinema” showcasing 18 Filipino films spanning the years 2000 to present, and calls it the Third Golden Age of Philippine cinema after the first golden age in the 1950s, and the second golden age from the 1970s to early 80s. “The Philippines’ current wave of sustained creativity is unusual in its diversity of genre and style, audacious formal experimentation, and multiplicity of personal, social, and political perspectives. Defying simple description, this dizzying array of distinct cinematic statements makes it an exceptionally unique, vibrant movement,” goes the exhibit notes. The 13 Filipino directors whose works will be spotlighted include “Lav Diaz’s minimalist tales rendered at epic lengths,” Brillante Mendoza’s “gritty realist portrayals of the margins of society,” Raya Martin’s “experimentation with storytelling and form,” Ditsi Carolino’s “stark documentaries following the disenfranchised,” and Erik Matti’s “riveting thrillers.” The films to be exhibited from June 1-25 are: Motherland. 2017. Directed by Ramona S. Diaz Expressway. 2016. Directed by Ato Bautista Norte, the End of History. 2013. Directed by Lav Diaz Ma’ Rosa. 2016. Directed by Brillante Mendoza The Woman in the Septic Tank. 2011. Directed by Marlon Rivera Gemini. 2014. Directed by Ato Bautista Aparisyon (Apparition). 2012. Directed by Isabel Sandoval On the Job. 2013. Directed Read More …

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