Rex Education enhances learning resources in Philippine history and social sciences.

Rex Education hosted a memorandum signing with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), and the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) on September 6, 2022 to seal a fellowship program centered on Philippine history.

The main goal of the program is to develop a compendium on Philippine history that could serve as a reference material for writing and publishing future history-centered textbooks. A careful selection of fellows who are knowledgeable about specific periods in Philippine history would be conducted to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the compendium.

In line with REX’s pledge of providing relevant and timeless learning solutions, the program would ideally improve the content of learning materials in history and social studies.

“This fellowship program brings together the academe, civil society, and private sector toward the common goal of serving Filipino learners,” Don Timothy Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education, said in his welcome remarks. “REX believes that looking back at where we all came from is important in enabling our learners, teachers, and communities.”

For every Filipino learner

PSSC stands as the project’s implementing agency alongside REX. PHA and PNHS, two local and professional historical associations, will collaborate with REX and PSSC to oversee the compendium’s development.

“This wonderful, novel project will benefit all learners. History is not only for the young; it is for learners of all ages,” PSSC Chairperson Dr. Excelsa Tongson shared.

Signatories of the memorandum pose for a photo.
From L-R: Miss Jeanne Marie F. Tordesillas,
Chief Marketing Officer of Rex Education; 
Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson,
Chairperson of Philippine Social Sciences Council;
Don Timothy I. Buhain, Chief Executive Officer of Rex Education;
Professor Emeritus Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay,
Representative from the Philippine Historical Associaton;
Dr. Marcelino M. Macapinlac, Jr.,
Representative from the Philippine National Historical Society. 

Dr. Bernardita Churchill, president of PNHS and president emeritus of the PSA and MSA, also highlighted the importance of corroborating history in a country as diverse as the Philippines. “The plan is to enhance the study and teaching of Filipino culture, and create an inclusive history that will present the multiethnic history of the Filipino. A serious study of our history and culture would settle doubts and questions about our identity as a nation.”

A worthwhile endeavor for the future of education

REX’s goal for the program is to provide authoritative reference materials in the writing and publishing of history textbooks.

Dr. Marcelino Macapinlac Jr., a representative from PNHS and a professor for over three decades, believes that the references that will be produced by the fellowship will further capacitate authors and those in the academe as they enlighten learners about Philippine history.

The development of well-researched historical resources invites not only educators but also the youth to reflect on our national history and culture. Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay, president of the PHA and professor emeritus, Department of History, UP Diliman, and Dr. Macapinlac noted that the current generation of learners has become more discerning of the sources they consume.

“I find that those who finish the K to 12 program are better prepared and more engaged [in the study of history],” said Dr. Macapinlac. He noted that the last national elections highlighted how his students are now more passionate and engaged, but the bigger challenge lies in maintaining that passion in the long run.

“I hope Filipinos will not consider history just as a classroom or University course, but it should be a lifetime interest—whether Philippine, Southeast Asian, or world history,” Dr. Camagay concluded.

To keep up with news about the program, be sure to follow Rex Education’s Facebook page.

World winning Laguna Liberica Coffee soon to be available at The Giving Café: UPLB!

Residents of Laguna along with tourists will soon get to taste Sta. Maria town’s Liberica Coffee that recently won the Silver award in Signature Coffee Award: Latte at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea. The global winning coffee of farmers from Santa Maria, Laguna will be available at The Giving Café (TGC) in UPLB that opened yesterday. The store is located at the UPLB’s Student Union’s Soda Fountain.

“The Giving Cafe, a Social Enterprise by Henry & Sons, aims to build a beautiful coffee future by helping coffee farmers through its advocacy arm, The Foundation for sustainable coffee excellence (FSCE),” shares Michael Harris Conlin, 2019 PH Barista Champion and President and CEO of Henry and Sons.

Proceeds of TGC: UPLB will support its adopted coffee community, Barangay Juan Santiago, Santa Maria in Laguna. Barangay Juan Santiago coffee farming community is home to 38 families with 85,000 Liberica and Excelsa trees, the largest concentration of Liberica and Excelsa in Laguna and possibly in the entire Calabarzon. The funds raised by TGC: UPLB will be used towards bio-dynamic farming practices, improving harvesting, processing, and the communities much needed coffee drying solutions.

Henry & Sons, in partnership with UPLB leadership, makes what's old new again by bringing back the Student Union's Soda Fountain cafeteria to life with mouthwatering home-cooked meals, ice cream, and coffee. Flank by TGC's iconic cozy antique furniture, lighting, and books, the space is designed to encourage students, faculty, and visitors to strengthen the community around them and encourage to indulge in giving.

The Giving Café, with over 80 food and beverage offerings, is a hybrid restaurant and coffee shop that aims to contribute to the betterment of the local coffee industry and be part of something beyond the business. A place for comfort, The Giving Café is designed to be a safe haven for people looking to indulge in coffee experiences served with both excellence and compassion. The Giving Cafe focuses on bridging the community around it with the farming communities it adopts.

Beyond the advocacy, The Giving Café also offers guests multi-sensory experiences highlighting Henry& Sons' F&B expertise. “We want to everyone to enjoy, eat well and indulge in giving by supporting laguna coffee farmers with every cup of coffee you purchase,” Conlin, adds.

TGC will also be featuring its popular Bloom Coffee collection, which is a unique line of coffees created by Henry & Sons to generate funds that will support the following purposes:

• BEANS FOR THE LITTLE ONES – access to basic health necessities
• BEANS WITHIN REACH – access to programs promoting traceability and accessibility
• COFFEE FOR GREAT MINDS – access to education
• CUP TO SEED – access to livelihood and harvest implements
• THE GIVING WELL – access to clean and potable water.

For more information, visit www.henryandsons.ph and www.thevault.ph.

Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 | Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. As you explore the homegrown treasures of the city, you will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving - from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. This is in line with the organization's vision to be the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs, and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

According to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua, this expo is a testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and positioning Malabon as the Philippines' primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities.

“The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina's Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor's Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly's Yema Cake,” Chua said.

The event is free admission to the public --- just present your government issued ID to register.

The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. Virtually, you can also join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

To maximize the experience,  everyone is encouraged to join the expo onsite. Guests can look forward to various learning experiences such as the food safety program by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the credit access financing program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Francorp Philippines will also be hosting a seminar on how to grow businesses through franchising.

To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

Guests can also watch out for a live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday, and head over to the Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.

Best Winter Activities To Relieve Anxiety.

It's that time of year again; the short days are here, it's below-freezing outside, and you start to wonder if this winter will ever end. You've got cabin fever, and your anxiety levels are through the roof. What can you do to relieve some of this anxiety and bring back your sense of calm? If you're feeling a little down this winter, there are plenty of activities you can do to boost your mood and relieve your anxiety. There is also safe over the counter anxiety medication available to help.

Morning Journaling

Morning journaling can be an extremely effective way to help reduce anxiety. It allows you to get your thoughts and feelings out in a safe and private space and can help you to better understand your anxiety and how to deal with it.

Na Hee Do's Diary in Twenty Five, Twenty One (2022).

Here are a few tips to help you get started with morning journaling:

• Find a quiet, private place to write. This space can be anywhere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.
• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes. This will help you not feel rushed and allow you to write as much or as little as you want.
• Write freely and without judgment. Feel free to express yourself here.
• Keep it regular.

Get Outside and Exercise

One great way to combat anxiety is to get outside and get active. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Even if it's cold outside, bundle up and go for a walk, run, or hike. You can also try other outdoor activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating.

If you don't want to brave the cold, try indoor activities to lift your spirits. Activities like yoga, home workouts, or dance sessions can still provide the mental health benefits that come from regular movement. However, if anxiety symptoms persist or begin to affect daily life, exploring options, such as TMS Therapy & Treatment In Orlando, FL, or elsewhere, can provide additional support through advanced, non-invasive mental health care approaches.

Indoor Yoga

Yoga is a practice for many people looking to improve their physical and mental health. But did you know that indoor yoga can also be an effective way to relieve anxiety? There are many different types of yoga, but the main goal of all yoga practices is to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

Jung So Min in Soul Mechanic (2020).

Indoor yoga can help you to focus on your breath and the present moment, which can help to calm your mind and ease your anxiety. If you're looking for a new way to manage your anxiety, indoor yoga may be worth a try.

Curl Up With a Good Book

Reading a book can be a great way to relieve anxiety. It provides a distraction from the stressors in your life and allows you to focus on something else. When you're done reading, you may find that you have a new perspective on your anxiety and how to deal with it. Also, you can try Brillia for adults to help take the edge off so you can enjoy what you're doing.

Do Something Creative

There is growing evidence that creativity can help reduce anxiety and promote well-being. So if you're feeling anxious, try doing something creative, like painting, writing, or gardening. Cooking is another creative activity that you might enjoy. It doesn't matter if you're not an artist or if you don't think you're creative. Just the act of being creative can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

Choi Siwon doing calligraphy.
Photo credit: @siwonchoi on Twitter

So, next time you are anxious, try these methods to help your symptoms. Also, check out the Brillia reviews and try this safe over-the-counter medication to help get you back on track.

Experts say curbing the spread of seasonal flu virus starts at home.

With this year’s flu season being accompanied by slowly rising COVID-19 cases, experts remind us that staving off the flu virus typically begins with common practices that families can do at home.

“It’s important to ensure that our personal spaces are free of transmissible diseases like the flu. Contrary to popular belief, the flu is caused by a virus different from the common cold so symptoms tend to last longer and are more severe,” says Dr. Gyneth Bibera, Country Medical Director of GSK Philippines. “Patients will experience the typical runny nose, coughing, headaches, fevers, and fatigue, but the severity can often lead to the inability to do daily tasks, the need for doctor consultations, or even hospitalizations,” she adds.

Here are five things you can do to prevent flu:

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Influenza viruses can survive outside the body and generally stay active longer on steel, plastic, and harder surfaces than on fabric and softer materials. They have been known to survive for 24-48 hrs on hard non-porous surfaces, and 8-12 hrs on cloth, paper, and tissues. Regularly disinfecting these surfaces with a household cleaner containing soap or detergent will help stop the spread of the virus, more so if someone is or has been recently infected at home. Focus on areas that are frequently touched, such as door handles, light switches, faucets, stair rails, or tables.

Toss your trash everyday.

Many communities have weekly or biweekly garbage collections, but it’s worth making a point to dispose of trash everyday. Keep a wastebasket outside of the home, in a garage, or by the front gate. This prevents contaminated items and germs that cause respiratory illness, like flu from lingering inside the home.

Launder your linens regularly.

Sheets, blankets, or pillowcases that are used daily may become infected by viruses. This is especially true if an infected member of the household recently used the linens. Changing and washing sheets on a weekly basis with hot water, can kill flu viruses that are present. This is because flu viruses are killed by heat above 75° C.

Practice good hygiene.

Personal hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent the flu. This includes washing hands frequently, particularly after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, before and after handling food, or after coming in contact with someone sick. It also includes not sharing personal items such as pillows, towels, utensils, and the like. Of course, covering the mouth when coughing, taking regular showers, and other basic hygiene practices are also necessary.

Get your flu vaccines.

The World Health Organization recommends that flu shots be administered once every year, which is applicable for both adults and even children when they reach six months old. Getting annual flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of contracting the flu virus.

Alongside practicing proper measures and being mindful of the environment to protect one’s home from the virus, having updated flu vaccines is the best way to keep oneself safe. “Although flu cases really tend to rise at this time of the year, each individual and communal effort within the household will do a lot to protect the health of the wider community and keep overall flu numbers down,” says Dr. Bibera. “We encourage all Filipinos to talk to their doctors and get their jabs done because it’s us and our own efforts that will help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”