NEDA LAUNCHES THE PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The National Economic and Development Authority launched the Philippine Development Plan ( PDP ) 2017 - 2022, the blueprint for the country's development under the Duterte Administration, in Pasay City, Friday.

Over 300 people from the public and private sectors attended the event, titled Aksyon para sa AmBisyon: The Philippine Development Plan Expo.

The PDP 2017 - 202 largely stems from the 0 -10 point Socioeconomic Agenda. It is the first of four medium - term plans that will work towards realizing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years.

Now available online, the PDP has 21 chapters aimed at laying a strong foundation for inclusive growth, a high - trust and resilient society, and globally competitive economy - all of which will enable Filipinos to achieve their aspiration of a " matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay."

The said plan is structured along the pillars of malasakit ( i. e., enhancing the social fabric ), pagbabago ( i. e., inequality - reducing transformation ), and patuloy na pag - unlad  ( i. e., increasing growth potential ).

The PDP has set targets that the government aims to achieve.

By 2022, the Philippines will be an upper - middle income country. The growth rate of GDP is set at 7 to 8 percent in medium term.

Overall poverty rate is targeted to decline from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent by 2022. Poverty incidence in rural areas is intended to decrease from 30 percent to 20 percent for the same period.

The unemployment rate will also go down to 3- 5 percent by 2022 from 5.5 percent in 2016.

Other targets are higher trust in government and society, more resilient individuals and communities, and a greater drive for innovation.

Embedded in the PDP are bedrock strategies that provide the necessary environment for the plan to work. These include achieving peace and security, accelerating infrastructure development, building resilent communities, ensuring ecological integrity.

" We already have the goal. Now here's the plan to turn AmBisyon Natin 2040 into reality," Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Ernesto M. Pernia said.

Senator Loren Legarda, National Competitiveness Council Chairperson Guillermo Luz, and Dean Dennis Mapa of UP School of Statistics were present in the Expo and spoke on the pillars of PDP.

The Expo also featured booths showcasing the strategies set in the PDP, as well as plans and ongoing programs of government agencies.

MANILA TECH CONVENTION 2017

PMCM Events Management have an upcoming event entitled Manila Tech Convention 2017, on July 29 & 30 at the SMX Convention Center Pasay City.

The two day event will be hosted under the banner of Techtonic, it will serve as an annual meeting point-middle ground, or hub- where society and technology can connect for collective growth. It hopes to inspire Filipinos here and abroad to explore technological entrepreneurship and support the local technological industry.

This year's theme " Culture For The Future " aims to expose innovations ( local and International ) that successively build positive social, academic, and business culture, and bring together the industry's brightest minds to give talks on social or technological subjects that can foster learning, conversations and collaboration between innovators, funders, hunters, and technology adopters.

This was announced by Ms. Mys V. Sandico, Event Director of #TECHtonic2017
CEO&Founder of PMCM Events Managemen

STONE HOUSE: At Home In The City

Stone House Bed & Breakfast Hotel located at 1315 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Brgy Kristong Hari, Quezon City, It is a home to stay in the heart of Quezon City that is suitable for all ages. A nostalgic ambiance that will take you back through time accompanied by great home based cuisine and superb band entertainment.

They have different room accommodation such as CASA AURORA SUITES: A house atop the hotel; with four magnificent rooms that may be rented individually; best for event preparations or small family gatherings; it has a living, dining room & Kitchenette but cooking is not allowed.

The Presidential Suite ( PS ) ***: Big and spacious with walk in closet, private & separated toilet & bath with hot & cold shower; two queen sized beds; good for four persons.

The Junior Suite 2: ( JS 2 ) ***: Big room with two queen sized beds; big closets with mirrors; good for four persons.

The Junior Suite 1 ( JS 1 )***: Suite room with one queen sized bed and bath tub; good for two persons.

Executive Suite ( ES )***: Honeymoon suite type with one queen sized bed; good for two persons.

Suite:

Diamond***: Big & spacious with two queen sized beds with bathtub; good for four persons.

DE LUXE:

Sapphire***: Two adjoining rooms that may be rented individually and located at the penthouse garden. Each room is good for two persons.

Topaz**: Spacious room with either three single beds or one queen sized bed & one single bed; good for three persons.

SUPERIOR:

Garnet: Room with one double sized bed & a double decker bed; good for four persons.

Emerald: Spacious room with two single beds; good for two persons.

Emerald: Spacious room with one double sized bed; good for two persons.

STANDARD:

Opal: Spacious room with one double sized bed; good for two persons.

Ruby: Room with one double sized bed; good for two persons.

***Rooms with complete set of toiletries, complementary coffee and bottled water.

**Rooms with complete set of toiletries.

Check In Time: 2:00 pm

Check Out Time: 12:00 nn

All rooms comes with a FREE set breakfast available at the restaurant from 7am to 10am. All rooms are provided with air conditioned unit, telephone, digital/ cable television, hot and cold shower.
All rooms are WI-FI ready ( FREE )

Other Amenities:

24 Hour Security Service, Rooms Service, Valet Parking ( FREE ), Nightly Entertainment at the Music Hub Bar, Filipino Cuisine Restaurant, Penthouse and Rooftop Garden, Function Room.

Stonehousebb2@yahoo.com
www.stonehouse.com.ph
www.facebook.com/Stonehousehotelquezoncity

AGILA: TRULY A UNIQUE EKSPERIENCE

There is a certified new destination in town. It's a unique attraction that soars mightily above all others, and fast becoming a popular choice among local and foreign tourists looking for that instant getaway. Escape the hustle and bustle of the metro with a quick trip to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and enter the magical world of the country's premiere theme park. Enchanted Kingdom offers everyone its newest and grandest attraction in 21 years, " Agila: The Eksperience, " a flying theater that showcases the Philippines in all its rugged beauty, calming splendor and amazing diversity in one spectacular ride.

Travel the breadth of the country' 7,641 islands and zero in on twenty of the most captivating sights to wow and delight any traveller, adventure or thrill seekers. From Batanes to Cagayan de Oro, Agila will soar high, glide over and swoop down places most people can only dream of going. You're only a ticket and a ride away from ticking off some must-see destinations in your Philippine bucket list. Simply board the flying theater and let Agila take you across the archipelago to witness postcard pretty places from vantage points that only this powerful raptor can traverse.

Experience simulated flight replete with special effects, motion seats, scents, mist, and the most visually stunning film featuring awesome vistas that simply go on and on. It's a thrilling journey that touches more than just the multi - sensory, because Agila draws the audience to the core of its advocacy  - inspiring pride in the Philippines and in the  uniqueness of the Filipino, appreciating the beauty and diversity of the God - given paradise; and conserving and protecting the nation's symbol of hope and strength, the Agila.

Agila: The EKsperience is one giant attraction that offers superlative features packed with so much learning, imagination and visual enjoyment for park guests of all ages and races. Best of all, get front row seat to this one of a kind ride every time you choose to take Agila's flight. Agila single ride ticket is worth P500 but can also be purchased bundled with park admission at P900 Eksperience is definitely worth every peso and minute spent.

To know more about Agila: the Eksperience, please visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or call ( 02 ) 5843535 or ( 02 ) 8303535 to book your one of a kind flight today.

DTI - CITEM Targets over PHP 8.72B export sales in IFEX Philippines

Local agriculture, manufacturing surge seen to boost PHL's food exports

More than 8.72 billion are expected to be generated by over 700 local and International food exhibitors participating  in the upcoming 11th edition of IFEX Philippines on May 19 - 21 @ the World Trade Center Metro Manila ( WTCMM ) and the Philippine Trade Training Center.

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions ( DTI - CITEM ), seeks to get more than a billion sales compared to the previous IFEX Philippines last 2015, which had reached PHP 7.69 Billion - recording a 99.17 - percent buyer satisfaction from 15,000 buyers and visitors.
" As one of the official trade events in the 30th Asean Summit, IFEX Philippines sets a strategic stage for International and local companies and manufacturers to fulfill the growing global demand for Philippine and Asian food products, " said DTI - CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon.

" With high buyer satisfaction from previous show, we expect to seal more export deals and partnerships this year with the rapid expansion in our food manufacturing sector and developments in the agriculture industry, which are the primary source of our premium export products, " said Tugonon.

To streamline export deals, DTI - CITEM sets up the  " IFEX Connect " program, a customized platform for integrated business matching services to help buyers identify and screen potential business partners among exhibitors.

Fast - paced manufacturing growth

Since 2010, the Philippines has been one of the fastest - rising global economies in terms of gross domestic product ( GDP ). In 2016, the country grew by 7.1 percent in its 3rd quarter, recording the highest in Asia. The Philippines is seen to expand more than 6 percent until 2018 to rank among the fastest growing in the world, according to economies surveyed by Bloomberg.

Tugonon said one of the major drivers of this economic development is the food sector, which accounts for nearly half of the country's total output of manufacturing industry.

As of 2016, the Philippines' food manufacturing growth ranks second among the fastest in Southeast Asia. Labor productivity also recorded a significant increase by as high as 6% in 2015, basedon a study of Japan External Trade Organization  JETRO.

POSITIVE AGRO - EXPORT DEVELOPMENTS

The country's external trade for agricultural commodities grew by 13.6 percent to $4.554 Billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, from $4.010 Billion during the same period in 2015, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority ( PSA ).

PSA also recorded that the agricultural exports increased by 34.2 percent to $1.434 Billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, from $ 1.068 Billion in the same quarter of 2015.

The Philippines is the world's second largest producer of coconut and banana, based on 2015 data of the Philippine Coconut Authority and Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the country  is also a top global producer of pineapple( 3rd ), canned Tuna  4th, and mango 10th, based on 2013 data of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

IFEX Philippines is the country's biggest International trade exhibition on the Philippines' and Asia's ethnic and specialty food, tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, beverages, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, Halal - certified products, as well as natural, organic, and healthy food products.

It is one of the official trade events in the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nation  ( ASEAN ) Summit. The three - day event is organizef by DTI - CITEM, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture ( DA ) and the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion ( CBIP ), which is chaired by DTI.

MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2017: May 1 to 31

MAGAYON FESTIVAL 2017: May 1 to 31

Albay culminates its yearly month-long celebration of the Magayon Festival. Founded by Governor Al Francis C. Bichara, this month-long celebration aims to not only emphasize the beauty of the province but also the majesty of one declared wonder of the world, the Mayon Volcano.

The Magayon Festival started in 1999 from its original festivity, Karangahan Festival founded in 1997. This was a move by the governor not only to highlight the majestic volcano but also the legend behind it, the Legend of Daragang Magayon—a story that is so beautiful to read and heart-touching to all romantics. “Daragang” or “Daraga” means young girl or maiden and “Magayon” means beautiful.

It is the story of a young maiden, child of a datu, whose beauty is beyond compare. She had a lot of suitors, but none was able to catch her eye or fancy until a young man named Ulap from a far land came into her life. They fell in love and her father gave his blessing. A wedding was prepared but was thwarted when another suitor, Pagtuga of Iraga, kidnapped Magayon’s father. To save her father’s life, she agreed to wed him instead of Ulap. Ulap went home to his land and prepared an army to defend his love. On the wedding day of Magayon, a battle took place as the armies of Ulap and Pagtuga met. Pagtuga was killed, but it was not a happy ending because an arrow hit Magayon. In the arms of her love, she died and Ulap was stabbed by a guardsman of Pagtuga. They were then laid together, Magayon and Ulap, and on the ground where they were buried, a volcano slowly rose to great heights showing the love between the maiden and the warrior.

It is said that whenever the volcano is hidden by clouds, the lovers are kissing one another. This year, the culmination will happen on May 29-31, with various activities covering beauty, sports, talent, and thanksgiving. On the 29th, the 57th Sikaran National Tournament will take place at 9 a.m. in the Ayala Mall. On the same day, the grand finals of a singing contest will be held at 6 p.m. in Peñaranda Park.

The search for Mutyang Magayon will happen the next day at 7 p.m. in the Albay Astrodome. May 31 will be a day for the Summer Dance Camp from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a street competition at 2 p.m. The closing event will be a fireworks display and a street party at the Peñaranda Park. Simultaneously, a musical treat is set in the Astrodome at 7 p.m. True to his vision, Governor Bichara aims to make Albay which is in Region V, a top tourist destination in Southern Luzon.

This month-long celebration is but a taste of what Albay has to offer in terms of sights, sounds, and hospitality. Let Albay enchant you with its beauty, story, and culture.

HERBALIFE NUTRITION

Herbalife Nutrition Study Reveals Alarming Lack of Nutrition, Hydration and Exercise Among Adults

PHILIPPINES, APRIL 25, 2017 - Herbalife, a global nutrition company, has released the findings from its Asia Pacific Balanced Nutrition Survey, which focuses on shedding light on nutrition and health habits, behaviors and attitudes of consumers aged 18 and above. The survey is an element of the seventh Herbalife Asia Pacific Wellness Tour, seeking to inspire consumers to adopt balanced nutrition habits and reinforce its impact to long term health and wellbeing. According to survey findings, 8 in 10 ( 78% ) of Filipino consumers are eating less than half of the daily recommended serving of fruits and vegetables, 4 in 10 ( 41% ) do not drink enough water, and more than half p  (59%) do not get enough exercicse.

While 6 in 10 ( 60% ) of consumers in the Philippines believe that ensuring their body gets the sufficient nutrients to function optimally was the greatest motivator to adopting a balanced diet, modern, fast - paced lifestyles make it increasingly challenging to incorporate healthy nutrition habits into daily lives.

The study revealed that 6 in 10 ( 57% ) respondents in the Philippines found having a daily balanced nutrition approach to be challenging, citing the lack of time, money, and motivation to be the top three obstacles preventing them from having a healthier lifestyle.

Additionally, the Philippines survey findings revealed the following:
* 8 in 10 ( 78% ) consumers claimed to consume 0 to 2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, below the recommended 5 servings per day
* 4 in 10 ( 41% ) consume less than the recommended 8 glasses of water/ fluids pler day
* Over half ( 59% ) achieve less than 1 hour of physical activity per day, with 10% having no physical activity at all
* The top 3 motivations to adopting balanced nutrition are sufficient nutrients to function optimally ( 60% ), to prevent health related problems and complications ( 51% ) and to maintain ideal body weight to prevent obesity - related health problems ( 39% )
* The top 3 obstacles to a daily nutrition approach are lack of time ( 57% ), lack of money ( 53% ) and lack of motivation ( 45% )
* To help consumers improve their nutriton habits:
           * 7 in 10 ( 67% ) of respondents feel that having an easier access to healthier food choices would help them adopt a balanced nutrition approach.
            * 4 in10 ( 37% ) of respondents look for likeminded people to make healthier food choices together
              * 4 in10 ( 42% ) of respondent seek expert advice for a personalized nutrition plan

When asked about what would help them achieve their balanced nutrition and exercise goals, most of the respondents agreed that balanced nutrition and community support approach, such as that exhibited at Herbalife Independent Nutrition Clubs,would improve personal well being in the long run.

" As a global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition is committed to helping consumers adopt balanced nutrition habits, so that they can have a positive impact on their lives in the long run, " said Mr. Rosalio Valenzuel, general manager of Herbalife Philippines. "At the Asia Pacific Wellness Tour, our Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board members will be visiting cities in the region to raise awareness of the need for balanced nutrition and physical activity as well as associated benefits to one's overall well being, to help people put healthy nutrition habits into practice in daily living."

Held from 5th of April to 15th of May, the Herbalife Asia Pacific Wellness Tour will feature a series of medical symposia, nutrition talks and health workshops held in 23 cities across Australia, Cambodia, Hongkong, Indonesia, India, Japan, korea, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

At the symposia, Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board ( NAB ) expert will share their expertise on a variety of health related topics, including childhood obesity, weight management, sports science, sports performance, metabolism and balance nutrition.


The Herbalife NAB expert participating in the Wellness Tour in the Philippines will be Dr. Rocio Medina, Vice President of Worldwide Nutrition Training.

About Herbalife

Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people's lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated Herbalife Independent Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to fighting the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity by offering high quality products, one-on-one coaching with Herbalife Member and a community that inspires customer to live a healthy, active life.

We support the Herbalife Family Foundation ( HFF ) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. We also sponsor more than 190 world class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy and champions in many other sports.

The company has over 8,000 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange ( NYSE: HLF ) with net sales of US$4.5 Billion in 2016. The Herbalife website contains a significant amount of financial and other information about the company at http://ir.Herbalife.com. The company encourages investors to visit its website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com

Media Inquiries:

Ms. Barbette A. Soliven
Corporate Communications  Manager
Herbalife Philippines
+639188074323
barbettes@herbalife.com

Ms. Charmaine P. Pahate
Managing and PR Director
Eggshell Worldwide Comm. Inc.
+639178102079
charmaine@eggshell.ph