Gilas Pilipinas reclaims the gold spot during the Asian Games after 61 years with a score of 70-60.
Photo from The Philippine Sports Commission
The game was held in Hangzhou, China. Moreover, Justin Brownlee led the team by scoring 20 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Ange Kouame contributed 14 markers and 11 boards. In addition, Chris Newsome added 13 points, and Scottie Thompson added 11 points.
The Philippines claimed a 13-point lead during the first half. However, Jordan was able to take the first half from a 16-3 to a 31-31 deadlock. Gilas broke the deadlock and outscored Jordan during the third quarter. The scores went from 20-10 to 51-41 before the fourth quarter.
Photo from The Philippine Sports CommissionPhoto from The Philippine Sports Commission
Finally, because of the consecutive points from Kouame and Thompson, the score became 60-50. With 1:44 minutes left, Gilas scored 64 points with Kouame’s putbacks.
The last time Gilas Pilipinas won the Asian Games was way back in 1962, and now they have claimed their spot.
Ej Obiena is hailed as the World’s No. 2 vaulter. EJ now holds a 5.9m record, beating Japan’s Seito Yamamoto. The games took place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
Photo from Philippine News Agency
Obiena received a hero’s welcome upon returning to the Philippines. Not only that, but he also received a P10 Million incentive from Chiang Kai Shek College, Obiena’s high school alma mater. Here is the breakdown of the cash incentives:
Incentive from Johnson Tan: P3 Million
Incentive from Carlos Chan of Oishi: P1 Million
Incentive Anson Tan, Quanzhou Philippines Association President: P1 Million
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc.: P5 Million.
Photo from EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena Facebook Page
“I’m blessed to call this my home,”
the pole vaulter expressed during his welcoming ceremony at the CKSC auditorium.
Johnson Tan expressed that they are ready to support EJ for his training and participation in the Paris Olympics.
Photo from Philippine News Agency
But wait, there’s more. Obiena will also receive P2 Million from the Philippine Sports Commission and P1 Million from the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Annie Ramirez, hailing from the Philippines, is a name that has been gaining recognition in the martial arts world for her exceptional skills and dedication to jiu-jitsu. Over the years, Annie honed her jiu-jitsu skills, competing in various local and international tournaments. Her unwavering commitment to her craft led her to achieve remarkable results, making her a force to be reckoned with on the international jiu-jitsu scene.
In an outstanding display of skill, Ramirez secured a 2-0 victory over Galina Duvanova from Kazakhstan in the championship match, maintaining her flawless record after winning her initial three matches. Annie Ramirez clinched her country’s third gold medal, marking the Philippines’ second gold in jiu-jitsu at the 19th edition of the continental event. She achieved this remarkable feat by dominating the women’s -57kg category at the Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium on Friday, October 6.
The Asian Games 2023: A Platform for Excellence
The Asian Games have always been a prestigious platform for athletes across Asia to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level. Competing against some of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in Asia, Annie faced formidable opponents throughout the tournament. Her journey to the gold medal was marked by intense battles, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination.
Annie Ramirez’s gold medal victory in jiu-jitsu at the Asian Games 2023 holds immense significance, not just for her but also for the sport itself and her country.
Jiu-jitsu has been steadily gaining popularity in Asia over the years, and Annie’s victory serves as a testament to the sport’s growth in the continent. Her success will likely inspire more young athletes to take up jiu-jitsu and strive for excellence in the martial arts. Notably, Annie’s achievement has brought immense pride to the Philippines. Her dedication and hard work have not only made her family and country proud but also inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Annie Ramirez’s success in a traditionally male-dominated sport challenges stereotypes and encourages gender equality in sports. Her victory is a powerful reminder that women can excel in any discipline they choose.
A group of scientists led by a Japanese pharmaceutical startup is actively engaged in developing a groundbreaking drug designed to stimulate the growth of new teeth, a pioneering endeavor. Toregem Biopharma Co. is set to initiate clinical trials on healthy adults around July 2024 to verify the drug’s safety. This follows their previous success in cultivating new teeth in mice back in 2018. They aim to bring this revolutionary product to the market by approximately 2030.
Photo from Unsplash
How Does This Work?
The research team has crafted an antibody-based drug that obstructs the protein responsible for suppressing tooth growth. This drug has a stimulating effect on these dormant buds, encouraging their development.
In an experiment in 2018, the team also administered this drug to ferrets, which possess both baby and permanent teeth similar to humans, resulting in the successful growth of new teeth. In most individuals, there exist “tooth buds” that hold the potential to develop into new teeth, in addition to baby and permanent teeth.
Photo from Unsplash
The Future of The Tooth Growth Stimulant
The team’s future plans include conducting clinical trials on the drug starting in 2025, targeting children aged 2 to 6 years who suffer from anodontia, a condition where some or all permanent teeth fail to develop. Katsu Takahashi, co-founder of Toregem Biopharma and the head of dentistry and oral surgery at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, emphasized the impact of missing teeth in children on their jaw bone development. The children in the clinical trials will then receive a single dose of the drug to initiate tooth growth.
Adults will also be part of their target market, as there are countless adults who have lost teeth due to cavities. This innovation could potentially transform the field of dentistry, offering solutions for tooth growth in both children and adults.
Photo from Unsplash
The development of a tooth growth drug could lead to a deeper understanding of tooth biology and regeneration as this knowledge could have broader implications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Currently, dental treatments for tooth loss often involve invasive procedures like dental implants or bridges. A tooth growth drug could offer a less invasive and more convenient option for tooth replacement, hence, this research highly revolutionizes dental care overall.
Park Eun Bin attended the Busan International Film Festival wearing a dress designed by the Cebuana, Monique Lhuillier.
Photo from Namoo Actors on Instagram
The “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” actress hosted the film festival’s opening ceremony. Park Eun Bin wore a strapless teal ball gown with a ruffled neckline and a boned bodice. The dress is part of Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2022 RTW collection.
The color perfectly flaunts the actress’ complexion, and she looks stunning with it. According to Monique Lhuillier’s website, the dress costs P348,700.
Photo from Monique Lhuillier Official Website
Monique Lhuillier is a Filipino-American Fashion designer raised in Cebu City. She graduated from Saint Theresa’s College and is now a renowned fashion designer. Celebrities who have worn her work include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, and Jessica Alba.
After 35 years since its publication, Paolo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” will finally get a film adaptation.
Photo from Paulo Coelho Foundation
The film, television, and rights to Coelho’s novel have been acquired by Legendary Entertainment. Moreover, the film will also be developed by Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Palmstar. In addition, the film will be distributed worldwide by TriStar Pictures.
Jack Thorne is set to write for the film. Thorne is a playwright who is known for “Wonder” and the hit Netflix adaptation of “Enola Holmes.”
What is The Alchemist about?
The Alchemist revolves around a shepherd boy named Santiago, who longs to possess extravagant worldly treasures. Santiago travels to Egypt to locate the treasure in the pyramids. During his journey, Santiago goes through challenges and acquires life lessons along the way.
It’s another win for bookworms, especially Paulo Coelho fans. What book of his would you want to be adapted into a film next?
In Manila, Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced that they are now able to provide plastic driver’s license cards to individuals whose licenses have expired and those who currently hold paper-printed licenses. LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II shared this update during a press briefing on Thursday.
Photo from Land Transportation Office – Philippines Facebook Page
Mendoza advised drivers who have previously paid for their licenses but only received paper licenses to visit the district office or LTO office where they made their payment and present their official receipt in order to get the actual license.
The expiration dates for driver’s licenses and their corresponding renewal schedules are as follows:
Licenses expiring from April 1 to 30, 2023, should be renewed from October 6 to 31, 2023.
Licenses expiring from May 1 to 31, 2023, should be renewed from November 1 to 30, 2023.
Licenses expiring from June 1 to 30, 2023, should be renewed from December 1 to 31, 2023.
Licenses expiring from July 1 to 31, 2023, should be renewed from January 1 to 31, 2024.
Licenses expiring from August 1 to 31, 2023, should be renewed from February 1 to 29, 2024.
Licenses expiring from September 1 to 30, 2023, should be renewed from March 1 to 31, 2024.
Individuals who fail to renew their licenses during the designated schedule will face penalties according to the update. The LTO has now established a clear schedule for license renewals based on the expiration date, which extends into 2024. This staggered approach, as explained by Mendoza, has two key benefits: firstly, it aligns with the availability of plastic cards, ensuring a smooth transition; secondly, it prevents overcrowding at district offices, ensuring a more organized and efficient renewal process.
Photo from Merx Mercado
It’s worth noting that the LTO had previously extended the validity of expired driver’s licenses, demonstrating flexibility in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. It is important for drivers to comply so as not to face the repercussions which would cause more conflict in the future.
The music streaming platform announced its premium prices in the Philippines, Germany, and South Africa will increase.
Photo from Unsplash
According to Spotify, current premium users have two months left before the prices officially change. However, they can opt to cancel the subscription before the period ends.
“As we continue to grow our platform, we are updating our Premium prices so that we can keep innovating in changing market conditions. These updates will help us continue delivering value to fans,”
Spotify wrote on their official website.
As for the date of the price change, it would likely be in January, as per the two-month grace period. Existing Spotify Premium users will be notified via email.
Take a look at the new premium prices below:
Individual – P149
Duo – P199
Family – P239
Good news for Mini and Student subscribers: the price will remain at P7 and P75.
What makes a school international? A lot of us may identify international schools as merely expensive institutions that only the most privileged or the smartest and most talented (hence getting scholarships) can get into, but in essence, there is a reason why international schools are built in the first place.
International schools are institutions that follow an international or national curriculum but one that is different from the host country. Here, there is an emphasis on international education.
According to The International Educator, the following are the IASL criteria for international schools:
Transferability of students’ education across international schools
A moving population (higher than in national public schools)
Multinational and multilingual student body
An international curriculum (i.e., IB – DP, MYP, PYP)
International accreditation (e.g., CIS, IBO, North Eastern ASC, Western Ass. of Schools and colleges, etc.)
A transient and multinational teacher population
Non-selective student enrollment
Usually English or bi-lingual is the language of instruction
Students of international schools are usually children of those who work for international organizations or businesses, missionary programs, and foreign embassies. However, some locals also send their children to international schools in order for them to obtain a higher education that can provide more opportunities once the student decides to leave their country of origin.
If you’re interested in going to one or just want to know more about the international schools we have, here are the top five international schools in Cebu.
1. International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu
Photo from International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu Facebook Page
Photo from International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu Facebook Page
Culinary arts is easily one of the programs that ensure flexibility, allowing a person to get opportunities wherever they may be. With the advent of globalization, international cuisines are being studied by everyone who practices the art of cooking. The International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu provides education to those who specialize in the aforementioned, proving itself to be one of the finest schools for those who want to work in the hospitality industry.
Founded in 2002, the ICAAC established itself as one of the most prominent international schools in the region. You may take the Two Year Culinary Arts Chefs Programme if you wish to get in, taking an assessment examination and an interview with the dean.
The tuition fee ranges from P60,000-300,000 per year.
2. Lapulapu-Cebu International College Inc.
Photo from Lapulapu-Cebu International College Inc.
Photo from Lapulapu-Cebu International College Inc.
Photo from Lapulapu-Cebu International College Inc.
Photo from Lapulapu-Cebu International College Inc.
Lapulapu-Cebu International College Inc. offers three flagship programs: Tourism Management, Physical Therapy, and Foreign Language. They both participate in and accept student exchange programs for further cultural immersion.
Tourism Management is one of the programs they focus on, making it easier for students to network even while in school, considering how important this is in terms of working in the tourism industry. Navigating a career in hospitality, travel, and tourism, a global perspective is needed for students to truly connect with the spirit of their program of choice.
The same can be said for the Foreign Language program. To really learn the heart and contours of a language, it is not enough to learn it from a textbook. LLCIC ensures that Foreign Language students get to transcend both cultural and linguistic barriers through a learning journey that goes beyond the classroom.
Through their state-of-the-art education, it is guaranteed that their Physical Therapy program will not fall short. LLCIC prepares students for excellent clinical practice wherever in the world they may choose to work.
The tuition fee ranges from P62,300 – P76,800 per semester depending on the chosen course.
3. CIE British School
Photo from CIE British School
CIE British School is well-known for its education to students in their formative years. Focusing on primary to senior high school education, CIE ensures not only the educational growth of their students but also one that makes up who they are outside of school. According to them, they not only feed minds with theories and concepts, but they also hone skills and talents.
CIE holds programs like music recitals for their students for an emphasis on their non-academic life and has won multiple awards in athletic events beyond the school, such as in swimming.
The tuition fee ranges from P400,000-500,000 per year.
4. Athenaeum International School
Photo from Athenaeum International School
Photo from Athenaeum International School
Athenaeum International School lives up to its namesake— a school founded in Ancient Rome concentrating on literature and scientific studies. Its offered programs are preschool (Nursery and Kindergarten) and basic education (Grades 1 to 10).
In high school, they promise their students an enhanced, context-based, and spiral progression learning curve with the following subjects:
Mother Tongue
Filipino
English
Mathematics
Science
Araling Panlipunan
Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP)
Music
Arts
Health
Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP)
Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE)
They also offer a sibling discount as well as an alumni discount, with a 25% discount on the Grade 1 tuition fee for AIS Kindergarten completers and a 50% discount on the Grade 7 tuition fee for AIS Grade 6 graduates.
5. Cebu International School
Photo from Cebu International School
Photo from Cebu International School
Photo from Cebu International School
Photo from Cebu International School
Photo from Cebu International School
The Cebu International School encourages and fosters global engagement and implements an educational system that produces highly competent students. It adapts an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme that guarantees a strong learning foundation, especially for children in their formative years. CIS offers programs for primary education, elementary, and junior and senior high school students.
The tuition fee ranges from P299,158 to P1,328,228, gradually increasing as the student progresses to the next year level.
Each international school has its own approach to education, allowing a diverse educational system to exist in a host country. All of them have their own strengths, but overall, the proliferation of international topics and varieties of curricula undoubtedly builds a stronger foundation of cultural understanding and intersectionality.
Remember Cady Heron’s iconic “On October 3rd…” line? Well, it seems like Mean Girls just dropped a massive announcement on the same date!
Photo from Mean Girls Facebook Page
On its official Facebook page, Mean Girls announced that the 2017 Broadway Musical will hit theaters in January 2024. “January 12 is going to be SO FETCH. The new #MeanGirls movie is coming to theatres soon.”
Are you curious who will pay your favorite Mean Girls? Let’s take a look at the casts for the Mean Girls Musical Film.
Cady Heron (formerly played by Lindsay Lohan) will be played by Angourie Rice. Meanwhile, the iconic Regina George (formerly played by Rachel McAdams) will be played by Singer. Renee Rapp.
Familiar stars such as Moana’s Auli’i Cravalho (To play Janis Sarkisian) and The Office’s Jenna Fischer (To play Ms. Heron) are two of the movie’s cast.
Tina Fey will be the film’s screenwriter and producer with Lorne Michaels. Moreover, the film will also be directed by Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne.
But wait; there’s more. In order of Mean Girls’ Day Last October 3, 2023, Mean Girl fans can watch the entire movie on Mean Girls’ Tiktok page, which is divided into 23 clips.
