PCGE holds biggest celebration of National Gifted Week

In celebration of National Gifted Week, Philippine Center for Gifted Education, Inc. (PCGE) in partnership with PROMIL® FOUR and support from the Kite Association of the Philippines held a "Let Your Gift Soar" event in Manila.

Last November 24, the celebration kicks off with the biggest kite making and flying event in Manila. Children and their parents create colorful kites and watch them rise in the air during the activity. Arts director of Masterpiece Movement Kara Escay facilitated the said activity. Attendees also enjoy the exciting games, entertainment, a parade, and other surprises.

“This event aims to celebrate the gift that every child possesses. It is a great way for parents to encourage the creativity of their children, have fun and spend some time together. We will also be gathering the most notable experts who will discuss and share their knowledge on how to nurture a child’s gift,” said Dr. Leticia Peñano-Ho, president of PCGE.



To promote discussion and share learnings on giftedness, the PCGE will also be a gathering of experts for a two-day conference. Happening on November 29-30 at Hive Hotel & Convention Place in Quezon City from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both days, the conference will focus on revisiting the Multiple Intelligences.

Sharing their expertise are experts that include Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, Ms. Shaira Luna, Ms. Kara David, Ms. Roselle Ambubuyog, Dr. Carlos Arcilla, Mr. Ryan Tumbocon, and Mr. Kim Atienza. They will discuss how to nurture a child’s gift based on their dominant intelligences which can be among Musical-Rhythmic, Visual/Spatial, Verbal Linguistic, Logical Mathematical, Science, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal, Naturalistic, or Body-Kinesthetic.

For more information, visit https://www.promilnurturethegift.com.ph/promil-four-nutrissentials or https://www.facebook.com/promilfour/.

Jollibee’s first-ever Level Up Joy Store transports us to the future

For Pinoys, nothing brings a more joyful dining experience much like Jollibee. From the feeling of being home, to the familiar taste of our classic langhap-sarap favorites, it’s no doubt that every visit is as jolly and memorable as it can be.

Now, the country’s number one fast-food chain is about to level up the joy—with a newly-designed concept store featuring modern innovations set out to give customers a hip and funky dining experience.

It’s the same Jollibee we all know and love, made better.

Standing along the stretch of Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, the Jollibee Level Up Joy Store is the first of its kind. From the outside, one can easily spot the state-of-the-art facade of this new and improved Jollibee branch.

Inside, the young and the young-at-hearts are certainly up for a visual thrill as vibrant and artistic murals welcome them as they enter Jollibee’s Level Up Joy Store. It also houses geometric floor tiles and mirrorlike lighting, as well as contemporary seating and industrial fixtures. Surely, every angle would be a perfect spot to snap an Instagram photo or two!

On the second floor, the new home of Jollibee in Katipunan brims with two functionally-themed party rooms. The walls feature eclectic artworks of Jollibee and Friends, giving every birthday celebrant an elevated Jollibee Kids Party experience.

Adding to the store’s youthful feel are the new-fashioned service platforms designed to guarantee customer joy in every step. Three digital self-service kiosks stand in front of the Jollibee Level Up Joy Store counter, where guests can find a quick and efficient way to place their food orders without having to go through long queues. These kiosks also allow cashless transactions, so one can conveniently secure their payments with just a tap of their debit or credit cards.

Low battery? No problem! Wireless charging pads are built-in to the tables of the Jollibee’s first-ever Level Up Joy Store. With this new and exciting feature, people can definitely stay connected with their family and friends while savoring their most-loved langhap-sarap meals.

Surely, the Jollibee Katipunan branch is first of the many Level Up Joy Stores that the company will be rolling out. To know more about exciting updates, ‘like’ and visit Jollibee's official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines/.

UNICEF offers Basket of Hope for Christmas

In the spirit of the Christmas season, UNICEF Philippines recently launched Basket of Hope – an online campaign to give meaningful gifts to help children in need.

Said campaign enables people to give something different this Christmas while supporting a cause.

For every donation of P500 to the UNICEF Basket of Hope, an individual can help provide children with treatments for malnutrition, or education supplies, or access to clean water and hygiene essentials. The donation will go directly to children most urgently in need at the time of giving.

For education, a basket can provide backpacks and school supplies. For health, children will be given life-saving treatment and ready-to-eat therapeutic food packs. For water, sanitation, and hygiene, children will get access to clean water and hygiene supplies during emergencies.

The UNICEF Basket of Hope campaign is led by UNICEF’s three Goodwill Ambassadors Gary Valenciano, Daphne Oseña-Paez, and Anne Curtis, and with the support of other celebrities and influencers.

To know more about the Basket of Hope and to make a donation, visit https://bit.ly/2O4XZD8.

Smile Train Partners with Glad® Philippines to Host “Glad® To Give Smiles” Family Fair to Raise Awareness and for Children with Clefts

The world’s leading cleft charity, Smile Train, and food storage and cooking solutions provider Glad® Philippines recently held the Glad®-To-Give Smiles Family Fair to help spread smiles to Filipinos this Christmas season.

The Glad®-To-Give campaign is Glad®’s global corporate social responsibility platform. This year, the Glad®-To-Give Smiles Family Fair was filled with fun activities, delicious food stations and a cooking demonstration prepared by Glad®'s Ambassador, Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

Glad is ready to give a helping hand to working moms like Happy, as we navigate the Christmas season. Prep and cook without the mess using Glad's foils, cling wraps, Cook n' Bake and ovenware for your ready to serve dishes.

 "I am very proud to be a part of this meaningful campaign this holiday. It is an honor for me to help raise funds and awareness about Smile Train’s work in the Philippines,” said Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

The program was hosted by Ms. Suzi Abrera.  Other supporters include The Medical City, Alveo Land, Beyond® Yoga, Swell Sweets Cake Lab, and Ms. Natalia Santamaria Escano, who performed with Smile Train beneficiaries during the program.  Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Smile Train’s cleft programs in the Philippines.

Approximately 5,000 new babies with clefts are born every year in the Philippines. Without access to proper cleft treatment, these babies often have difficulty eating, breathing, speaking, and ultimately thriving. Smile Train’s sustainable model empowers local medical professionals with training and resources to provide 100 percent-free, quality, comprehensive, and safe cleft care to children in need in their own communities.

For more information about Smile Train's global efforts and to make a donation, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s programs in the Philippines, follow Smile Train on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

SM Cinema brings upgraded cinema experience to SM Fairview

Heads up Northerners! You don’t need to go far to get premium movie experience as SM Cinema unveils seven new theaters in SM Fairview that promise to bring you a one-of-a-kind cinema experience.

SM Cinema has given its Fairview branch a stylish makeover while upgrading both its facilities and the movie experience it offers. SM Cinema Fairview is now home to two premium Director’s Club Cinema, a Large Screen Format theater and five state-of-the-art regular cinemas.

SM CINEMA FAIRVIEW RE-OPENING. (From L-R) SM Supermalls Operations Regional Manager Lea Sta. Ana, SM Cinema VP for Operations Edwin Nava, Quezon City District 5 Congressman Alfred Vargas (and family), Mark Anthony Fernandez, SM Cinema VP for Marketing Ruby Ann Reyes, and SM Supermalls Central Region Vice President for Operations and Senior Assistant Johanna Rupisan officially opened the refurbished cinema with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last November 22.

SM Cinema is committed to finding new ways to upgrade the cinema experience to cater to the constantly-changing demands of its patrons.

Moviegoers can enjoy true-to-life pictures with SM Cinema Fairview’s theaters that are all equipped with state-of-the-art Christie CP42LH RGB laser cinema projectors. With laser projectors come the promise of vivid, punchy colors and swift frame shifts that does not compromise picture quality. At SM Cinema Fairview you will never miss a scene from your favorite blockbuster movies.

SM Cinema Fairview has upgraded its audio system to Dolby Surround Sound. And with this upgrade SM Cinema guarantees that viewers fully immerse themselves in movies’ dialogues, OSTs and musical scoring. No matter where you are seated in the theater you are sure to get pure, crisp and reverberating sound since the theaters’ front back and side walls are fitted with powerful Dolby speakers.

Moviegoers spend an average of two hours in the theaters. And for the whole duration they are seated on cinema spectator chairs. SM Cinema made sure to complete the viewing experience with premium Opus Glide seats that slide to your preferred semi-reclining angle to find the best position for optimal vista. Opus Glide seats’ super-soft fibers provide comfortable seating while handling body weight for back support.

For a movie-watching experience above the rest, Director’s Club by SM Cinema offers a luxurious theater experience with stunning picture quality, resonating sound combined with top-of-the-line fully reclining Verona chairs complete with head and foot-rests. The plush leather seats promise both comfort and style while watching movies. And with an intimate seating capacity of 50 per cinema, you are bound to impress anyone you take to the movies.

Seats are integrated with side tables, lighting, cup holders and charging ports. To provide customers with the best service possible, Director’s Club offers in-cinema butler service. With an easy click of a button, cinema staff can bring you anything you need from Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema.

Movie tickets are inclusive of a tumbler of popcorn and bottled water. But if you wish to feast in the cinema, Snack Time offers a special movie munchie menu which includes wine and cheese pairings.

Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates! Satisfy your cravings at SnackTime, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema, which offers a wide array of snack like popcorn, hotdogs and burgers to complement your movie watching experience. Follow /SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

#CheckThisOut Liloan's Pride Liempo at Greenhills

Are you craving for lechon but finding it impractical to buy the whole pig? Check out Liloan’s Pride Liempo at Greenhills, San Juan and this might answer all your cravings!

A family from the town of Liloan, Cebu decided to share their secret recipe for juicy, mouthwatering pork bello with crispy and crunchy skin.

Liloan’s Pride Liempo established in 2011 and already garnered a top spot as one of the best liempos in Manila. And we're now enjoying Cebu's best liempo. The herbs, spices and extremely slow cooking method gives every bite of liempo it’s edge.

Aside fron their famous liempo, they also offer Cebu's Litson Manok, Sisig and more.

Come and visit Liloan's Pride Liempo at Ground flr., Connecticut Arcade, Greenhills San Juan. Follow them also on social media for more updates.

A Bully-Free Christmas at San Jose Del Monte

Team Robes finally kicks-off the holiday season and culminates with the lighting of the San Jose Del Monte Christmas Tree. Congresswoman Rida and mayor Arthur Robes graced the ceremony together with City administrator Dr. Dennis Booth, city council and barangay officials.

Along with this year's theme, a bully free Christmas, San Jose Del Monte set up a 20ft. high Christmas tree filled up with pink bells, symbolizes the arrival of the season to proclaim the birth of Christ at the city hall plaza.

Congresswoman Rida and mayor Arthur Robes are very happy to celebrate and shower the love with their fellow San Josenos. They also had a bazaar that feature San Josenos cooperative.

Tanglawan ambassadors, Starstrucks season 7 final four, Kim De Leon, Shayne Sava, Allen Ansay Lexi Gonzales and Eat Bulaga Bae, Joel Palencia also joined the festivity.

Be among the first to catch a movie at the all-new SM Cinema Fairview!

The newest cinema to watch out for in the north is opening soon! So, get your movie buddies ready as SM Cinema takes moviegoers to whole new cinematic experience.

On November 22, the new and improved SM Cinema Fairview in Quezon City will open its doors to the public. Moviegoers can have the chance to win tickets to its opening day and get a first-hand sneak peek of the freshly-renovated Scandinavian-inspired theatre.

From November 14 to 19, twenty (20) cars with the SM Snack Time Popcorn bucket will drive around Fairview in Quezon City, and North Caloocan. Motorists can snap photos or take videos of the cars with the red popcorn bucket on top and share it on Facebook, tagging the SM Cinema and SM City Fairview official pages with #SMCinemaFairview and #BucketOfFun

Winners will be selected on November 20, and will be notified via Facebook Messenger. Each will receive premiere tickets to the opening of the new and improved SM Cinema Fairview on November 22, 2PM, and get the chance to win exciting prizes on the same day.

The new SM Cinema Fairview is now home to two Director’s Club Cinema, a Large Screen Format theater and five refreshed and updated regular cinemas.

So, what are you waiting for? Be on the lookout for the SM Snack Time Popcorn bucket on the road and get a chance to win tickets to the advance preview and special screening of Frozen 2 of the stylish and most luxurious cinema just yet!

The Silent Language of Mental Illness: Unmasking the Truth About Mental Health

As a brand that truly believes in holistic wellness, Jeunesse Anion shares its advocacy of body, soul, and spirit health. Being physically well while struggling with emotional aches, low self-esteem, anxiety, and unexplainable feeling of a gap inside all affect a person’s well-being. Humanity is both physical and spiritual and this is what separates humans from non-humans.

In support of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Jeunesse Anion digs deeper into how this  invisible illness will encourage a culture of change beginning with the right mindset and knowledge on mental health.


While both genders are prone to a mental condition, a study at Oxford University discovered that women are 40 percent more likely to develop mental illness than men. Physiological and biological factors are contributory to mental health problems among women. Dramatic hormonal changes during puberty, pre-menstruation, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, premenopause, and menopause cause a roller coaster of emotions. Women find themselves angry, sad, irritable and experiencing crying spells during these times. While these are normal and short-lived for some, others have severe symptoms that disturb their personal lives and relationships.

The Philippine data on mental health shows that there are 3.3 million Filipinos who suffer from a depressive disorder and 3.1 million are afflicted by anxiety disorders. Of high school students 13 to 15 years of age, 17 percent attempted suicide at least once, 12 percent seriously considered taking their lives, and 11 percent have made plans on how they would commit suicide. Given the numbers, the country has only 60 psychiatric health care facilities and only two mental health workers for every 100,000 population.

Victory Greenhills campus missionary and pastor Dave Estrera said, “In my observation among students, social media primarily affects us in three ways: perception, socialization, and rest. Whether we like it or not, social media has adverse effects on the way we view ourselves because there’s always the temptation to compare. Secondly, it affects the way we socialize, we have the option to project ourselves the way we want to be seen-- being connected yet alone is not helpful in someone going through a hard time.”
As the second country with the largest social media consumption worldwide, it’s not also surprising that restlessness is prevalent and  quality sleep is almost unknown. “In my survey among students, 80 percent admitted they have slept less than 5 hours. Now that we have the option to look at something that interests us, our body is restricted to recharge and recover,” Estrera added.

The spiritual aspect is something that we can never neglect either. “It starts with a mindset that God wants peace for us. Through the power of God, we can strengthen our grit and grow in hope. If peace is what God promises, then we can fight and claim it for our lives. When we see that He’s for us, then it gives us the will to keep fighting. We need to see that He providentially uses everything around us (medicine, psychology, medical advancement, support structure, a person’s spirit, and prayers.),” he concludes.

Phil.-US registered dietitian-nutritionist Cheshire Que believes that diet, nutrition, exercise, and mental illness are all connected. “Food fuels the brain for it to function optimally. Poor nutrition causes nutrient deficiencies that affect hormonal imbalance and many other factors that influence mood, thought process, and other functions of the brain,” said Que.

Several studies have been said about the gut and brain connection, so understanding how they’re synergistically connected will change the way we view the gut as the body’s second brain. “When a person is diagnosed with a mental condition, one of the first steps to bring back the balance in the body is by applying these 3 Rs of gut-healing: Remove triggers in the form of gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and soy; Repair with fresh produce, functional foods, and supplementations; Lastly, reinoculate probiotics and feed the gut with prebiotics such as honey.”

Chemical messengers serotonin and dopamine affect similar aspects of your health. Dopamine is the chemical that the body releases when we encounter pleasurable experiences from hobbies, eating a favorite meal, to sex. Meanwhile, serotonin which is the body’s anxiety buster is being produced through sunlight,  exercise, and eating foods rich in tryptophan. Both chemicals spur the body’s happy hormones.

Understanding that food not only significantly impacts mood along with exercise while making time for the things that keep a person’s sanity in check, will also impact a person’s energy level and countenance.

The Suntay family is a living proof that it’s a disease that knows no age, gender, social class, religion, or background and perspective. “Our family was far from perfect but I’ve always thought that it was a fairy-tale kind of life,” said mompreneur Sheila.

However, 2018 proved to be the most tragic year for the  Suntays when Renzo, the eldest son among the brood of 5, took his own life because of depression. She admitted that it was a disease she knew nothing about and that it was a situation that they didn’t see coming. The experience was the turning point for the family, which gave birth to YOLO by Renzo Suntay, a non-profit organization that aims to be the voice for those who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and other conditions. “My role as a founder is to relentlessly share my story and remind these people that they’re not alone in their struggles and that there’s real, tangible hope and healing.”

Beauty titlist, mental health advocate,  and Jeunesse Anion brand ambassador Ivanna Pacis encourages individuals and families to discuss more openly the issue on mental health, “Jeunesse Anion looks out not just the physical being of its users but also the mental health of every woman. Mental health is such a sensitive topic but it’s an important issue to discuss and Jeunesse Anion takes part in putting an end to the stigma of mental illness. If you’re a person who suffers from a mental condition, know that your feelings are valid and your situation is not hopeless. Seek out professional help and surround yourself with positive people who look out for your well-being.”

Available in five variants – ultra‐day pad, day pad non‐wing, ultra-night pad, all-night, and panty liner. All variants are a canvass of comfort and freshness for a hassle-free monthly period. You can find them at Watsons, selected Mercury Drug and South Star Drug outlets, SM department store’s health and beauty section, Robinson’s Supermarket and selected department stores, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket, Waltermart, Landmark Department Store, PCX stores, selected Metro Gaisano outlets, plus other selected stores in Visayas and Mindanao. For more tips, visit www.jeunesseanion.com and follow Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram: Jeunesse Anion. For inquiries, email: wellgoldinternational@gmail.com or call (02) 4701294.

Fast Charging is the smartphone feature that will change your life.

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, a smartphone is a must-have appendage to keep up with one’s daily grind. But one feature that rarely takes the spotlight, yet very much deserves it, is Fast Charging.

Go-getters would know that the last thing that they want is for their smartphone to slow them down. And the best smartphone of choice to date, that will be up and running as you are is the Vivo V17Pro.

Powered with 4,100 mAh battery, the V17Pro guarantees long battery life despite multi-app use. In layman’s term, one can enjoy a reliable phone that is versatile enough for quick document work, incessant communications via messaging apps, constant browsing, and even games, without it dying on you just after a few hours.

The Fast charging feature is the life hack you need, especially if your mantra is Rest and Reset. It’s most important to have a phone that will only require as little time to reset as you are if you’re the image of up-and-about.

MR. PINOY HOOPS held a #PAINTPARTY the NIPPON PAINT WAY!

In celebration of Mike Swift’s birthday, Mr. Pinoy Hoops and Nippon Paint Coating Philippines Inc. held a #PaintParty last November 9. The party was celebrated at the Tenement Home, Taguig’s Famous Court.

#Paintparty is a one-day event that aims to beautify and inspire the Tenement community, aside from painting the tenement ramps, apartments and corridors, the whole event was also armed with other fun filled activity such as Graffiti Wall painting, 3x3 Basketball game, and a free concert held in the evening of November 9.
Nippon Paint Coatings Philippines and Mike Swift also announced that they will join forces in supporting and strengthening the basketball community by painting a thousand basketball court nationwide thru #Everycourtcandream campaign. In the coming days, Nippon Paint Gang (Nippon Paint and Mike Swift’s Paint squad), will go different places in the Philippines to look for a basketball court to paint.

Do you want your basketball court to be painted next? Follow Nippon Paint Coatings Philippines Inc. and Mike Swift Facebook page for updates.
facebook.com/nipponpaintcoatingsph
facebook.com/IamMikeSwift
This event was also made possible through the cooperation of Tahanan Inc., Chookstogo, Nike, MNL Kingpin and Kings of the Court.

Congresswoman Rida Robes at ang kanyang pasasalamat

It's another short and sweet afternoon with honorable Rida Robes. After her activities at San Jose Del Monte, ate Cong joined us at Misto, Seda Hotel for a quick chikahan moment.

She still looks fabulous with her casual attire (sobrang nagagandahan talaga me), simple white top and jeans. And chikahan turned interview started.

We asked updates and she's very happy to share all their projects especially the activities lined up for the Christmas season. San Jose Del Monte will have the Christmas Tree Lighting plus Misa De Gallo and traditional food like Bibingka, lugaw at tokwa with a 1-week bazaar featuring Cooperative. They will also launch the talented Tanglawan ambassadors.

Honorable Rida Robes shared that she's very thankful with all the people and departments that helping them Bulakenos achieved all the great facilities that will improved their lives. First, mayor Arthur that continue to give his best effort to served San Josenos. She also mention Philip Salvador and his brother helped Bulakenos. She's also very vocal that senator Nancy Binay supported sport complex for the youth and the convention centers for all the teachers and for all big congregation. Also secretary Mark Villar is a big help to them and paging senator Bato Dela Rosa, for the Philippine National building (hehehe).

It's so nice to see a public servant that really value and appreciate all the people that help her achieved their goals for San Jose Del Monte. San Josenos are very lucky to ate Cong, sana all!!?

Press by Fullybooked presents Holiday Meal sets and Holiday Pastries

Do you love books? Do you love food? Why not both have at Press by Fullybooked, a place where it reminds you of home with its relaxed setting, food offerings and the aroma of books surrounding the dining area.

Just in time for the Christmas Season, Press by Fully Booked launched Holiday Meal Sets inspired by the staple menu items found on a Filipino Noche Buena table. These sets are good for three to four people so a group of friends or a family can share and enjoy them.

Set A -- Php999
Arroz Valenciana, Homestyle Fried Chicken and Press Iced Tea

Set B -- Php1499
Arroz Valenciana, Homestyle Fried Chicken, Lechone Belly and Press Iced Tea

Arroz Valenciana, a Filipino dish made with glutinous rice, chorizo, shrimp, bell peppers, egg and spices.

Homestyle Fried Chicken, deep-fried buttermilk chicken.

Lechon Belly, slab of pork belly rolled in seasonings and then slow roasted in the oven for a crisp skin and moist meat.

Holiday Pastries, assortment of festive cakes and pastries for 'salo-salo' and perfect as holiday gift.

4 Seasons Cheesecake Php1350

Baked cheesecake which comes in 4 flavors: Original, Caramelized Banana, Quezo De Bola and Hazelnut. Garnished with chocolate, fresh strawberries and honeycomb.

Ube Custard Php850

Fluffy ube cake topped with creamy leche flan.

Chocolate Cake Php1250

Moist chocolate sponge cake filled with layers of chocolate ganache and salted caramel. Coated with cashew crumble.

Cookie Sampler Php440

An assortment of mini cookies in 4 different flavors: Chocolate Chip, Cranberry & Raisins, Double Chocolate Chip and Double Mint Chocolate Chip. Each tub contains 20pcs., 5pcs per flavor.

Bar Sampler Php550, a mix of mini barsnin 2 flavors: Food for the Gods and Butterscotch. Each tub contains 24 pcs., 12pcs per flavor.

Press by Fullybooked also improved some of our favorite heartwarming dishes to strengthen the taste and flavor: Aglio Olio, Mushroom Soup, my favorite Carbonara and Caesar Salad.

Through its wide range of offerings, Press by Fullybooked is sure to capture everyone's taste. From sandwiches, heartwarming dishes to a hot cup of coffee, you'll surely want to stay and grab that book that you're meaning to read for the longest time.

Come and experience a positive full dining experience at Press By Fullybooked

PowerPlant mall
Level R3, Rockwell Center, Makati

Santolan Town Plaza
GF, Col. Bonny Serrano Ave., San Juan

You may also follow their social media @pressbyfully_booked

Announcing the official Philippine National Volleyball Team lineup for the 2019 SEA Games

Philippine volleyball fans, are you ready for this year’s SEA Games in Manila?

The Philippine national men’s and women’s volleyball teams have released their official line-ups for the games, featuring a pool of talented professional and competitive players. Here is a look at our Volleyball representatives eyeing a podium finish in the regional meet.

MEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM
Joining the men’s national volleyball team are talented players who have made their mark in the sport. Headlining the team is a powerful trio collectively known as BAE (a playful acronym of their surnames), and their team captain John Vic de Guzman.

Men’s national volleyball team captain John Vic de Guzman is a stellar pro athlete with the PLDT Home Fibr Ultra Fast Hitters. He shot to prominence through his winning collegiate career, leading De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to an NCAA championship in Season 92, as well as earning the MVP honors along the way.

Bryan Bagunas is a collegiate MVP and Japan-based pro player. Bagunas led the Bulldogs to two UAAP championship runs and finished his storied collegiate career with two MVP titles. The 6-foot-5 athlete portrays his power on the court through his long wing-span and powerful spikes, taking his talents not only to the Philippine national team, but also to the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler volleyball club in Japan.

Alnakran “Ranran” Abdilla is a standout pro from Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao. He is a BS Criminology graduate from DLSU-Dasmarinas, where he helped the team win three national championships from the Private Schools Athletic Association, two from the National Capital Region Athletic Association, and three from the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association. He currently plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Philippine Air Force, in which he also serves as an airman 2nd class. Folks in his hometown of Bongao revere him as a hero and a role model for the youth.

Marck Espejo is the country’s first ever “Mr. Volleyball,” proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Espejo’s crowning achievement is winning the Most Valuable Player in Ateneo de Manila University’s three consecutive championship seasons from UAAP Seasons 77 to 79, along with Rookie of the Year, Best Attacker, Best Server, and Best Scorer awards.
Together with Bagunas, Abadilla, Espejo, and De Guzman, the Men’s National Team, coached by Dante Alinsunurin, is completed by these talented players:
Francis Saura – Philippine Air Force
Kim Malabunga – Philippine Air Force
Ricky Marcos – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
Esmilzo Polvorosa – Cignal HD Spikers
Jessie Lopez – Philippine Air Force
Ave Joshua Retamar – Sta. Elena-NU Bulldogs
Rex Intal – Cignal HD Spikers
Mark Alfafara – PLDT
Jack Kalingking – Philippine Navy
Joshua Umandal – PLDT


WOMEN’S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM
The star-studded and jam-packed women’s team is headlined by the best and brightest volleyball stars of this generation. Led by Coach Cesael delos Santos, the team hopes to earn home court advantage as they look to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. Some of the headliners are:
Aby Maraño
A champion professional and collegiate MVP, women’s national team captain Aby Maraño plays with a burning passion under the mantra Beast Mode Don’t Care, or BMDC. Maraño shot to fame in her college days playing for the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, where she helped the team win an impressive three consecutive UAAP championships, earning two MVP awards along the way. Maraño has also had a successful pro career thus far, winning six championships in the Philippine Super Liga, five of which were with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. With this dazzling resume of accolades under her belt, Maraño will be looking to lead the team in dominating the field at the 2019 SEA Games this November.

Alyssa Valdez, affectionately known as “The Phenom,” is one of the most popular athletes of her generation. She’s best known for her time as a star player of Ateneo de Manila University during her college days, where she unceasingly led her team to two UAAP and two Shakey’s V-League championships, as well as numerous individual awards for her amazing play, including three MVP awards. Valdez has also been a standout in donning the Philippine tri-color in international tournaments, as well as in her pro career, leading her current team the Creamline Cool Smashers to two Premier Volleyball League championships in 2018 and 2019.

Majoy Baron is another champion pro and collegiate MVP.  She is truly unpredictable when she starts hitting it out on the court. She led the De La Salle University Lady Spikers to three consecutive UAAP championships, where she also won individual awards because of her commendable performance. Baron’s pro career is also flourishing, helping take the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers to five PSL championships, including the recently-concluded 2019 PSL Invitational Conference, in which she also won MVP. Baron is not new to international volleyball tournaments—just recently, she was named the Best Middle Blocker in the ASEAN Grand Prix held in Thailand and the Philippines.

Jia Morado is an award-winning pro MVP and former college standout who has previous experience representing the Philippines in the SEA Games. During the recently concluded 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix, Morado made noise by setting the pace for the national team during its five-set victory against Vietnam. Netizens praised her outstanding performance, with some describing her playmaking as a “game changer.” Her pro career with the Creamline Cool Smashers has seen incredible accomplishments so far, with two Premiere Volleyball League championships playing for the club.
Completing the promising women’s national volleyball team in the 2019 SEA Games are:
Rhea Dimaculangan – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
Ces Molina – Petron Tri-Activ Spikers
Eya Laure – Foton Tornadoes
Kalei Mau – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
Mylene Paat – Cignal HD Spikers
Jovelyn Gonzaga – Cignal HD Spikers, PacificTown-Army
Maddie Madayag – Choco Mucho
Mika Reyes – Petron Blaze Spikers
Dawn Macandili – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers
Kath Arado – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers
Cheering as Sambansa in the 2019 SEA Games
Now that we know who will represent the Philippines at the SEA Games this November, don’t be shy to show your support! Both the men and women’s teams have been busy preparing with the help of various organizations and companies such as Rebisco, and they will need all the support they can get from their Filipino fans as our players look to play their best against the top talent of Southeast Asia and bring home the gold.

The volleyball tournament of the 2019 SEA Games will be held from November 28 to December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Sports Complex, Manila.
For more info and updates on the Philippine national volleyball team, follow Rebisco Pilipinas on Facebook (facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/), and on Twitter and Instagram at @RebiscoSambansa.