1st Philippine International Play Festival from Play Pilipinas: BIG DISCOUNT!!!

Below is an e-mail announcement sent to Special Education Philippines by Play Pilipinas 2011 informing everyone about the lowered entry rates to the Play Pilipinas 2011, the 1st Philippine International Play Festival.

Due to an increase in sponsorships, the Play Pilipinas 2011 seminar is now offered at a lower rate with the same inclusions (meals and 1 workshop)

Date of Registration Payment Amount per delegate
July PhP 10,500.00*
August to September PhP 12,000.00
*Applies to currently enrolled students as well.

Play Pilipinas 2011 also have special rates for field trips for teachers and students. The visit to the 1st Interactive Play festival is an enriching experience – visitors can try out new toys, games, listen and watch special programs and demonstrations from sponsors. The package rate for this is as follows:

Number of Visitors Amount per Visitor
Group of 25 - 50 PhP 100.00
Group of 51 - 100 PhP 85.00
Group of 150 & above PhP 70.00

Play Pilipinas 2011's desire and mission to bring the benefits of play to the greater majority. Play Pilipinas 2011 truly wish everyone to avail of this opportunity to take part of a first in the Philippines.

The speakers are well-respected resource persons from Japan, Australia, UK and the Philippines. They will be sharing their unique perspectives on the subject:

Dr. Lourdes "Honey" Carandang (Philippines)- The pioneer of group play therapy for children in the country, Dr. Carandang has spearheaded many research and intervention projects for organizations such as UNICEF, International Labor Organization and our local Department of Social Welfare and Development. (Topic: The Magic of Play)

Mr. Hitoshi Shimamura (Japan) --- A play worker at the Sakai Adventure Playground Park in Tokyo, Mr. Shimamura is also Regional Vice President for East Asia/Pacific of the International Play Association and a member of the Japanese Adventure Playgrounds Association. He is currently involved with Play Tokyo, working for play opportunities affected by the Japan Tsunami. (Topic: Creating Inspiring Playspaces)

Professor Anita Bundy (USA/Australia) --- Known internationally for her work in occupational therapy assessment and intervention, Professor Bundy has published widely and has given lectures and courses on five continents. She is best known for developing theory and research on sensory integration and on play with children who have disabilities. (Topic: Popping the Bubble Wrap: Unleashing the Power of Play)

Professor Geraldine Naughton (Australia) --- A respected pediatric exercise scientist, Professor Naughton's extensive track record includes research grants and publications in musculoskeletal health of intensively training adolescents, injury surveillance of pediatric sports-related injuries, and innovations in family-friendly weight management support for overweight children. (Topic: Engaging Kids to Play)

Ms. Kay Gibbons (Australia) – Is Head of Nutrition Services at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, and Honorary Senior Lecturer Monash University. She has a particular interest in issues involving eating and behaviour, including childhood obesity and eating disorders, and the role of children’s early learning about eating. Kay leads the ‘Filling the Gap’ education program, the nutrition and physical activity support for the ‘Kids – Go for your life’ project. (Topic: Nutrition and Active Play)

Dr. Maria Theresa Gustilo-Villasor (Philippines)--- A clinical psychologist by profession, Dr. Villasor is affiliated with the Psychological Association of the Philippines, the American Psychological Association, and the International Council of Psychologists. She also teaches at the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM) at Ateneo de Manila University, and the Graduate School of Counselor Education in De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU). (Topic: How Adults View Play : Understanding the Developmental Stages of Play)

Dr. Esther Joos-Esteban (USA/Philippines)--- A facilitator of hundreds of parenting and teaching seminars the past 25 years, Dr. Esteban has published several papers on Values Education and Parental Verbal Abuse. She is currently an adjunct professor at Miriam College and at the University of Asia & the Pacific. (Topic: Media and Technology: A friend or a foe of Play?)

Mr. Marcus Veerman (Australia/Thailand) --- A teacher, counselor with 6 years experience teaching children in the outdoors, and 4 years working with teenagers from Hands-on-learning Play Space Design Challenge. Here, the finalists’ designs will each be brought to life on a 100-sqm area --- open to grown-ups and children alike, for one and all to experience and enjoy.

The 3-day festival also has a variety of fairs and exhibits designed for children and adults to fully immerse in the world of play. The World Toys Exhibit showcases the very best of games and toys from different countries around the world. At the Schools Fair, parents will get to know the different approaches to learning and programs available for their children. Then there are also the Toy-, Books-, Children's Nutrition and Children's Fashion Fairs for the general public.

Play Pilipinas 2011 is open to one and all. It’s about time that everyone take play seriously and now is the time!

For the updated registration form, you can send an email to playnow@playpilipinas.org.

Should you have further queries or clarifications, Play Pilipinas 2011 will be glad to answer them at telephone no. 470-7677 and look for Karla or by email address sigrid.perez@playpilipinas.org

Play Pilipinas 2011 hopes that everyone can join for this pioneering affair. Play Pilipinas 2011 is positive it will be beneficial for Filipino children.

Hunghong Sa Yuta (Earth's Whisper) - A Fundraising Film-Showing for Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc.

Fellow SPED advocates especially for the deaf, the Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc. is inviting everyone for the screening of the award-winning independent film “Hunghong sa Yuta” on July 16 at the U.P. Film Center,Cine Adarna from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.

Below is a repost of the Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc.'s invitation.

The Filipino Deaf Women’s and Crisis Center Inc, (FDWHCC) was established in November 1999 and incorporated in 2001. The FDWHCC is a Deaf people’sorganization comprised of Deaf women. The Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc.'s vision and mission is to uplift the welfare of Filipino Deaf women by upholding equality and social justice through the improvement of standards of living. FDWHCC foresees a future wherein Filipino Deaf women are treated equally and without discrimination in all aspects of life whether at home, in the workplace,within the community and in the entire country. FDWHCC's current concerns focus on assistance for abused Deaf women. The FDWHCC opened last year the Rainbow House (RH), a shelter for Deaf women in difficult circumstances. It is the only one of its kind in the country. It arose from a need of the Deaf community where the incidence ofgender-based violence is very high, compounded by inaccessibility offacilities and programs in general for the Deaf. To date, the FDWHCC have housed several Deaf women clients at RH, almost all victims of sexual violence. The RH provides services to Deaf women victims / survivors of sexualassault, domestic violence and stalking.

The Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc. believes that violence is a learned behaviour and envision a world where it is not tolerated. For more information about RH, please visit http://fdwhcc.webs.com/.

As a small non-profit Deaf organization, the demands for maintaining RH are very great. Financial support is needed primarily for meals, medical appointments, legal-related expenses, therapeutic activities as well aslivelihood capital. Proceeds of this fund-raiser shall benefit not only the organization but individual Deaf women who are striving to seekjustice and healing as well as regain their dignity.

The indie film “Hunghong sa Yuta” is a beautiful film by award-winningdirector Arnel Mardoquio whose plot revolves around a group of Deafchildren in a fictional town in Mindanao. It is a powerful film not only for its story and cinematography but also for the several relevant issuesthat it touches on. It depicts the experiences of Muslims and indigenous peoples in war-torn areas. It also shows the strong role of women in thecommunity, and the value of education. It speaks of the richness of ourcultures and communities. It is poignant, thought-provoking andinspirational.

The Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc. has chosen to screen this film not only because it includes the theme of deafness and sign language in its plot but also because it is truly a film that any Filipino would be proud of. To reserve tickets for the movie Hunghong sa Yuta (Earth's Whisper) you can email your request to fdwhcc.secretary@gmail.com.

Tickets are slated at P120.00 (regular price) and P100.00 (students with current ID).

For indie film-reviewers and advocates of the deaf or anyone who just wants to give back to the society and believe on the mission and vision of Filipino Deaf Women’s Health and Crisis Center, Inc., we highly encourage we show our support for this fundraising activity by watching this film.

The UST Wind Orchestra Performs at Concert At the Park (Rizal Park) on July 3, 2011

This Sunday, July 3, 2011, 5:00 p.m. at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium, conductors Herminigildo G. Ranera and Michael E. Jacinto take turns in directing the UST Wind Orchestra for their one-hour performance in Concert at the Park. Ms. Minette Padilla is program host. Admission is free of charge.

Concert at the Park is a regular public service project of the Department of Tourism, under Sec. Alberto A. Lim, the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), under Executive Director Juliet H. Villegas, and the National Broadcasting Network. NPDC Chief of the Cultural & Public Affairs Division Freddie A. Edos is the Executive In Charge of the project. Gie V. Arnold writes the script.

The UST Wind Orchestra is composed of 65 students of the UST Conservatory of Music, many of whom have been winners of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) winners while some have had stints from the Asian Youth Orchestra and the World Youth Orchestra. Most of the members enjoy scholarships from the UST Alumni and from the University itself. Herminigildo Ranera is a conductor, composer, arranger, performer as well as an educator. The City of Manila’s 2006 Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Awardee for Music, Ranera is the associate conductor of the national orchestra and the conductor and coordinator of the UST Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Band. Michael Jacinto, another product of the UST Conservatory of Music, is currently a member of its faculty under the Brasswind and Music Education Departments. A recipient of Bulacan’s Gintong Kabataan Award for Music, Jacinto is currently the associate conductor of the UST Wind Orchestra.

The program for this Sunday’s concert is as follows: FANFARE & ALLEGRO (Williams); GYPSY DANCE (Compello); BRAZIL: CEREMONY, SONG AND SAMBA (Arr: Smith); THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT (Arr: O. de la Cruz); MODERN BALLROOM (Arr: Ranera); GLENN MILLER, IN CONCERT (Arr: Murtha); REGINE VELASQUEZ MEDLEY (Arr: O. de la Cruz); PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN (Arr: Badelt); HERCULES (Arr: Moss) and BEATLES: POP AND ROCK.

Barangay Merville: One-Day Registration of Persons with Disabilities

Apolinario Mabini: A Philippine hero

In celebration of the “National Disability Prevention & Rehabilitation Week 2011”, a one day registration for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) residing in Barangay Merville will be held on July 22, 2011, Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at The Learning Center, Inc. (TLC) located at 134 Carmelite Street, Merville Park, Paranaque.

Applicants should bring the following:

• Filled-out application form (Forms are available at The Learning Center, Inc. before and on July 22, 2011, Friday.)
• 3 pcs. of 1x1 ID picture
• Photocopy of Barangay Clearance, Medical Certificate and Birth Certificate

Successful registrants will be given the following:

• PWD ID
• Purchase booklets

Reminders:

• Please pre-register at The Learning Center (Tel. No.: 828-4918) or Barangay Merville Office (Tel No. 822-1592) to ensure we will provide enough booklets and IDs .
• Doctors will be present to issue medical certificates to those without medical certificates.
• The Barangay will provide transportation to and from The Learning Center, Inc. Pick-up point is the Barangay Office.

*Please register to get your ID and Purchase booklets to avail of various discounts and privileges*

1st Philippine International Play Festival from Play Pilipinas: An Invitation (Let's Play!!!)

Something is happening on my birth month which excites me. It's not just guaranteed fun but its also educational. It has all the elements a teacher or a parent like me is looking for to make every child interaction a memorable one. And the answer to that is no other than PLAY! PLAY! PLAY!

The 1st Philippine International Play Festival will be held this year at the SMX Convention Center on October 21 up to 23, 2011.

Also called Play Pilipinas 2011 (The Philippine Active Play Festival), Play Pilipinas aims to help answer the challenge of preserving, promoting, and enriching the role of play as an integral part of our children's growth, development and learning. Play Pilipinas has invited speakers from Japan, Australia, the U.S. plus Philippine experts to share their experiences and insights on play. The program includes a 2-day conference on play, a 3 day play fair exhibit and a play space design challenge.

According to Play Pilipinas, the forum is set for 2.5 days featuring over 5 international speakers from the US, Japan, and Australia and lectures by Dr. Honey Carandang, Dr. Dido Villasor and Dr. Esther Esteban plus workshops covering wide ranging topics. The standard rate for the 1st Philippine International Play Festival is pegged at 15,000 (including lunch and snack, and all materials.

If you just want to attend the fair, the rate is now pegged at 150 per person. Play Pilipinas still hopes to bring it down as soon as more sponsors confirm their support. (Calling Sponsors!!!, Come on. Let us play.)

There is a special student rate for attendees of 1st Philippine International Play Festival (participant should be currently enrolled) of PhP 12,000. This rate is ONLY available until end of June 2011. Group packages are also available.

If you're thinking "Did I read that right? It's P15,000? Or is this a typo error and it should be P1500. Well, yes what you're seeing is correct. The regular rate is fifteen thousand while the rate for students attending the 1st Philippine International Play Festival is twelve thousand. There are no extra zeroes there.

So if your a student teacher, a Master's teacher or just a student who wants to attend this Festival, I suggest you take advantage of the special student rate. You have approximately one week to go and register for Play Pilipinas.

For the other package rates, I've posted a screenshot of the Play Pilipinas rates and registration form. The rates were sent to the UPD - Special Education Department on June 23, 2011. I hope the rates will still change or there can be a special contest (you know since its a Play Festival so there should be games!) or treat for teachers who want to blog about it. ehem. ehem. (Pick me, pick me!!!)





For questions or clarifications about Play Pilipinas and the 1st Philippine International Play Festival below are their contact details

Email: cecille.delapena@playpilipinas.org

To get your own copy of the registration form or if you just want to communicate with them, you can also send your emails to to playnow@playpilipinas.org

You can also check their websites which I highly recommend because it has information on the speakers, the significance of play, about the organizers and a contest they are holding for everyone. According to Play Pilipinas website,

PLAYGROUND DESIGN CHALLENGE

Play Pilipinas will be holding a competition that challenges designers http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifof all kinds to design an adventure playground that can immerse children, teens and even adults in the wonder and delights of active play. The competition is open to students and professionals alike.

The winning design will be brought to life on the event itself, a 100sqm indoor adventure playground for guests of all ages to enjoy.

There are more exciting details posted at www.playpilipinas.org,. Interested participants of this Play Festival can also check the facebook page at www.facebook.com/playpilipinas

They also have a facebook event page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194484040573111&ref=ts

For personal communications you may call 470 7677 and look for Cecile dela Pena or Karla Coronado.

So what are you guys waiting for, let's PLAY PILIPINAS!

SPEDminar: A.C.H.I.E.V.E. (Awareness and Conquest in Helping, Educating, and Valuing the Exceptionals)

This is one of the reasons why I think the University of the Philippines Diliman is one of the best universities to major Special Education here in the Philippines. There are just numerous opportunities for a Special Education (SPED) teacher to grow her knowledge.

The latest among these opportunities is being offered by UP SEC in their upcoming project SPEDminar: A.C.H.I.E.V.E. (Awareness and Conquest in Helping, Educating, and Valuing the Exceptionals).

To give a brief background on UP SEC, below is the e-mail press release sent to the UP SPED majors.

"The University of the Philippines Special Education Council (UP SEC) is an active organization based in the UP College of Education promoting Special Education in the college, university, and the greater public. Because of this advocacy, UP SEC has been chosen as a finalist in the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) by the National Youth Commission (NYC) in 2005.

Through the years, UP SEC has been working towards establishing an organization that shall exemplify genuine concern for children in general and special learners in particular. UP SEC commits itself to forming a community that shall foster equality by providing opportunities to all individuals."

In commemoration of the 11^th year of the organization, UP SEC will be hosting its major event, SPEDminar: A.C.H.I.E.V.E. (Awareness and Conquest in Helping, Educating, and Valuing the Exceptionals).

This is a series of lectures on the basics of Special Education, (three Saturdays are free, lecture on the second day has film showing, “Alyana”, and admissions will not be free, tickets will be available for Php 100.00) particularly on the components of the SPED team and their respective responsibilities to the child with exceptionality.

Furthermore, the seminar aims to teach the participants on ways to carry on each responsibility within the walls of their homes. This seminar will cater to people in the community, particularly those from depressed areas in Quezon City and from neighboring cities and provinces, as well.

A.C.H.I.E.V.E. will be given by eight SPED professionals on four Saturdays of July specifically July 9, 16, 23, and 30.

All Saturdays will be held at the Benitez Theater, College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City at 11:00 am-4:00 pm on July 9, 23 &30 and 11:00 am-5:00 pm on July 16 (since there will be a film showing).

UP SEC is accepting participants in a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis.

The first 150 online pre-registrants and 50 walk-ins will be accommodated.

To pre-register visit http://www.gourl.gr/ixo.

UP SEC aims that this event would be a good opportunity to show that teachers are one with its vision of upholding the ideals of Special Education and of children in general. UP SEC is asking for help to spread awareness, conquer differences, educate and value special learners and proclaim that it’s the ability, not the disability, that counts.

To contact the organizers of SPEDminar: A.C.H.I.E.V.E. (Awareness and Conquest in Helping, Educating, and Valuing the Exceptionals), their name and information is listed below.

Paula Catalan, Project Head, 09056081757, pau_mae25@yahoo.com

Kathryn May Deveza, Project Head, 09275623726, trina_kmd@yahoo.com

RIZAL MAKATA: Makabagong Pananaliksik sa Mga Obra ni Jose Rizal (a lecture by Virgilio Almario)

This is an announcement from the Department of Special Education under the College of Education, University of the Philippines (UP SPED) in celebration of the 150th birthday of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

RIZAL MAKATA: Makabagong Pananaliksik sa Mga Obra ni Jose Rizal (a lecture by Virgilio Almario)

July 2, 2011 (Saturday) - 1:00 p.m.
Filipinas Heritage Library

Jose Rizal is regarded as Asia's Renaissance Man. He was a student of life, an extensive traveler, and a prolific writer of letters, essays, poems, and stories.

In celebration of Rizal's 150th birth anniversary, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario will shed new light on the merits and impact of our National Hero's literary works. A forum with other noted Philippine writers will follow the seminar. Teachers are also invited to a workshop on How to Teach Rizal after the lecture and forum.

The participation fee is Php 250. It includes snacks, a copy of Rio Alma's book Rizal Makata, and a certificate. Pre-registration is required to secure a slot.

For more information, please contact Camille at 8921801 local 13, 0917-5612413, email at delarosa.cv@ayalafoundation.org, or visit www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph.

About the Venue: Filipinas Heritage Library

According to the site http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/ "The Filipinas Heritage Library, a division of the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), is a one-stop electronic research center on the Philippines. We provide access to the wealth of Filipino heritage through the latest in information technology and telecommunications."

For the library hours, contact information and address of Filipinas Heritage Library:

LIBRARY HOURS
Tuesday - Saturday (9 am-6 pm)

Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City, Philippines 1224

Trunkline: (632) 8921801

Fax: (632) 8921810

fhl_inquiry@filipinaslibrary.org.ph

As a teacher, I will be attending this seminar to learn on how I can incorporate Rizal's ideas in my lessons not just for explicit topics such as when talking about his literary works but also in implicit ways such as how to be a true hero.

See you guys soon!