Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

In Scholastic’s 101 years of partnering with schools and homes worldwide, it is a love of reading and a belief in its power that is at the heart of everything Scholastic has done and continues to do.  Scholastic’s mission is to make reading a central part of children’s lives.  

Scholastic, a trusted leader in education, honored its partner schools and educators in the 2021 Scholastic Readers Cup, streamed on Scholastic Asia Teachers Facebook page on the 23rd of September.

In 2012, Scholastic Philippines started the nationwide Readers Cup to excite and motivate its partners in its literacy programs to transform their schools into reading communities.  And every year, more and more schools would hit their reading target and take pride in how their libraries have become one of the busiest and most productive places in school.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the sudden shift to distance learning, Scholastic and its partner schools did not waver in their reading advocacy.  They understood how books and reading are fundamental, and how reading is necessary not just for the continuity of learning, but also for the readers’ delight and personal well-being.  

Through the PR1ME English Program, Scholastic’s partner schools had access to Literacy Pro Library –  a growing digital library of 1,600+ eBooks that enriched learning and that motivated pleasure reading. To aid teachers, PR1ME English also made available instructional resources (both print and digital) and lesson videos for synchronous and asynchronous distance learning.  

 

“The LitPro Library is the coolest!  Learners can access books whenever and wherever they want to, as long as they have Internet connection.  One of our learners read more than 500 books because she just loves to read.” ~Mr. Joven Sierra Llabore, PR1ME English Coordinator of Assumption Iloilo has this to say about the Literacy Pro Library

Some school libraries, like that of Early Christian College of Arts and Technology (1st place winner in the 2021 Readers Cup Diamond Category), also resumed their lending services through curbside pick-up or bookmobiles.  The books in their Scholastic Reading Centers found their way to children’s homes to provide children comfort and hope, and to take them to adventures in the wonderful world of books.

With Scholastic’s support, many schools continued with their reading campaigns.  Rookie of the Year Awardee, Maria Ferrari School Inc., for example, had regular read aloud sessions with their students, and the Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day to encourage independent reading.

Scholastic’s General Manager, Jane Tiongco-Aguirre, proudly reported that the learners in Scholastic’s partner schools even increased their reading rate in SY 2020-2021 by 36% from their readership in SY 2019-2020.  A fantastic achievement during a challenging “pandemic” school year, when many expected that pleasure reading might be put aside.

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

 

Steadfast Reading Champions

Scholastic is grateful to find in many Philippine schools dedicated and loyal partners in their reading advocacy.  And, with great pride and admiration, they announced that 80 of their partner schools have reached their reading target, with many far-exceeding the goal of 30-books-read per child.

The top winners of the 2021 Readers Cup and their average number of books-read per child are:

DIAMOND CATEGORY:  Early Christian College of Arts & Technology, Inc. (67 books); Our Lady of Peace School Antipolo (66 books); and Philippine Cultural College, Caloocan (64 books)

RUBY CATEGORY:  Iloilo Scholastic Academy (332 books); Stonyhurst Southville International School, Malarayat (103 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Valenzuela (99 books) 

EMERALD CATEGORY:  Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba (326 books); University of Batangas Lipa City (168 books); and Virtudes de la Academia, Inc. (157 books) 

SYNERGY AWARDS:  Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City and Malarayat (108 books); Casa Del Niño Montessori School System (93 books); and Saint Mary’s Angels College of Pampanga and Valenzuela (84 books) 

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:  Maria Ferrari School, Inc. (92 books) 

Scholastic & Its Reading Partners Steadfastly Champion Reading Amidst the Pandemic

Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

The 2021 Readers Cup theme - “Soar into Possibility” - builds on Scholastic’s centennial theme – Reading is Transformational.  Read On.

Celebrity readers and authors joyfully shared their personal ‘reading stories’. Kakie Pangilinan shared how she was a voracious reader as a child, and how reading has fueled her passion to write.  Martin Del Rosario proudly described himself as a “book lover”, and so did Andrea Torres, who also shared how reading has nurtured her sense of wonder and discovery, imagination, and eloquence.

Filipino authors, Catherine Rose Torres and Joel Donato Ching Jacob, talked about how reading can be our refuge, comfort, and joy during trying times like this pandemic, and proceeded to encourage the youth to write and tell their own stories.

The winning schools shared their journey to becoming a community of readers and the fruits that their learners are reaping from their reading habit.

Mr. Peter Chan, Executive Director of Iloilo Scholastic Academy revealed that their school was guided by these 5Cs in their effort to become a community of readers – Collective efforts, Convincing skills, Conviction, Collaboration, and Consistency.

Ms. Donnabelle Atienza, Principal of Stonyhurst Southville International School – Malarayat, who shared the top Synergy Award with sister school Stonyhurst Southville International School, Batangas City, expressed her delight in how Scholastic’s Reading Program has excited their young learners to read and equipped them to become skilled and confident readers.

“The Scholastic Reading Program and the Readers Cup Award has made our young CASAns voracious readers, and transformed them to be competitive in ways more than we can imagine.  Declared as national champion in this aspect has made our students feel that reading can make them superior and special.”  ~Dr. Farah G. Acierto, School Directress of Casa Del Niño Montessori School Ciudad de Calamba

The 2021 Readers Cup was indeed a great celebration – a celebration of books and reading, of writers and storytellers, and of readers and those who champion reading to open for all children a world of greater possibilities, opportunities, and joy.

For more information on Scholastic’s education initiatives, visit www.scholastic.asia or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ScholasticAsia.  Please feel free to send a message, too, to Scholastic Philippines at educteam_ph@scholastic.asia.

G pa rin sa buhay ngayong lockdown kasama ang GCash

G pa rin sa buhay ngayong lockdown kasama ang GCash

Maraming pagsubok ang hinaharap natin ngayong pandemya pero kung papanatilihin natin ang pagtutulungan at positibong pananaw sa kabila ng lahat, unti-unti ay makakabangon ang bawat Pilipino. At dahil prayoridad natin na masiguro ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng bawat isa, patuloy nating sundin ang health protocols tulad ng social distancing sa tuwing lalabas tayo ng ating mga bahay at higit sa lahat, ang mabakunahan sa lalong madaling panahon bilang matibay na proteksiyon laban sa COVID-19.

Sa kabila ng lockdown, tuloy pa rin ang buhay at responsibilidad natin tulad ng pagbabayad ng bills, pagbili ng groceries at essential products at siyempre, mahalaga rin na maglaan tayo ng oras para sa ating sarili at mga mahal sa buhay at huwag nating kalimutang magbigay tulong sa mga nangangailangan ngayong pandemya. 

Sa tulong ng ligtas at mabilis na transaksiyon at serbisyong hatid ng GCash, narito ang ilan sa mga paraan upang mapanatiling ligtas iwas stress ang iyong pang araw-araw na buhay gamit ang GCash app.

I-organisa ang bawat araw na gawain. Mahalaga na masiguro natin na maayos at nababayaran natin ang ating mga bills para maiwasan ang anumang problema sa subscriptions o disconnection service sa cable services, insurance premiums, o tubig at kuryente, Ngayong ECQ, G pa rin magbayad ng bills gamit ang GCash Pay Bills. Higit sa lahat, ligtas mong magagawa ang iyong #adultinglife dahil pwede kang magbayad gamit lamang ang iyong mobile phone habang nasa bahay o saan man. Mayroong higit 600 partner billers nationwide para G na G kang makakabayad ng bills mapa-utilities, insurance, telco, o school fees! Pwede ka ring magbayad gamit ang iyong GCredit at i-scan ang Pay Bill QR Code para G maitawid ang araw araw!

Sagot na rin ng GCash ang cravings at pag-stock mo ng essentials ngayong quarantine gamit ang GLIfe kung saan pwede kang mag-order ng groceries, pagkain, gadgets, at iba pa. Pindutin lamang ang “GLife'' icon sa GCash app at mag-order sa partner merchants ng GCash. Kung mahilig ka sa milktea tulad ng nakararami, pwede kang makakuha ng 20% sa iyong order sa Tokyo Bubble Tea mula August 10-24 at higit sa lahat, kung first time user ka ng GCash at nag-order ka sa Lazada, libre na ang iyong shipping at may P30 off ka pa kapag binayaran mo ang iyong order gamit ang iyong GCash wallet!

Chillax at manatiling konektado. Gamit ang Buy Load feature ng GCash app, hindi mo kailangan pang lumabas para magpa-load sa iyong prepaid SIM. G na G ka nang magpa-load ng prepaid combo load tulad ng GO50 For Students kung saan mayroon kang 1GB load para sa school apps tulad Zoom, 1GB WiFi access, at unli text hanggang 3 days. At hindi lang ‘yan, pwede ka ring makakuha ng P10 discount voucher sa kahit anong Telco network or P20 discount voucher sa Globe Products at TM Promos mula August 1-31. At kung kailangan ng iyong pamilya o kaibigan ng prepaid credits, G na G ang pagpasa ng load gamit ang Share-A-Load, siguraduhin lamang ang iyong PIN para sa ligtas at mabilis na transaksiyon.

Hindi rin natin dapat kalimutang mag-relax at ipahinga ang ating isip para maiwasan ang anumang stress ngayong pandemiya. Pwedeng pwede kang maglaro sa GCash! Pindutin lamang ang “Goama Games” sa dashboard ng app at mamili ng laro o tournament na 24 hours mong pwedeng ma-enjoy. Pwede ka ring sumali sa mga team tuwing paid tournament at manalo ng mga pa-premyo galing GCash.

Tumulong sa nangangailangan. Isa ang GCash for Good sa halimbawa ng bayanihan at pagkakapit-bisig ng mga Pilipino lalo sa panahon ng mga pagsubok at sakuna. Layunin ng GCash for Good na padaliin ang pag-abot ng tulong at donasyon sa mga charities at indigenous group gamit lamang ang GCash app. Kaisa rin ng GCash for Good ang ilang non-government organizations (NGOs) na mayroong magandang layunin at advocacy sa edukasyon, kalikasan, kalusugan, animal welfare, people empowerment at marami pang iba.

G na G din ang pagpapadala ng pera sa iyong kapamilya dahil libre lang ito gamit ang GCash app. Kung nais mo namang magbigay ng good vibes sa iyong mahal sa buhay ngayong ECQ, pindutin lamang ang Send with a Clip sa app at pwede kang mag-send ng pictures para maparamdam ang iyong pagmamahal sa kanila kahit magkakalayo tayo ngayong quarantine. 

Maging handa at ligtas. Gamit ang GInsure sa GCash app at sa halagang P39 kada-buwan para sa health insurance package na hatid nito, abot kaya mo nang mapanatling ligtas ang iyong pamilya lalo sa panahon ngayon. Para mapanitili ang seguridad ng iyong pamilya, extended na ang redemption ng libreng COVID-19 and dengue insurance hanggang Aug 31. At hindi lang iyan, magbibigay din ang GCash Konsulta MD voucher para sa personal na health checkup mula August 15-31. Kung interasado ka namang mag-invest, kayang kaya mo na ring palaguin ang iyong ipon para sa’yo at sa’yong pamilya ngayong pandemic gamit kasama Ginvest sa halagang P50.

Anumang pagsubok ang hatid ng pandemic at sunod-sunod na lockdown, G ka pa ring maging ligtas, protektado, at ipagpatuloy ang bawat araw mo kasama ang GCash!

Bisitahin lamang ang www.gcash.com para sa karagdagang impormasyon.

About GCash

GCash is the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines. Through the GCash app, customers can easily buy load; pay bills at over 600 partner billers in the app; pay at more than 7,000 online partners; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines; pay using QR codes at over 130,000 partner merchants nationwide; save money while earning interest; and invest money at local and global funds -- all through the convenience of their smartphones.

GCash is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom, Inc. GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 40 million Filipinos in the country today.

Best Casino Destinations in the Philippines

The Philippines are a hot gambling destination, not only in South East Asia but worldwide. The industry started its steep rise in the mid-'70s when the government legalized gambling. Nowadays, it is a fully regulated sector, and you can visit dozens of casinos in this country and enjoy luxury and glamour. Stay with us, as we will guide you to the top three destinations in the Philippines that gamblers love!

Manila

Manila, as the Philippines' capital, is the flagship of the casino industry in the country. However, besides that, it is a vibrant metropolis that offers different entertaining content. It is a must-see destination when you visit the Philippines. You can have a lot of action in the city, which is well-known for its museums, history, art, and nightlife. Tourists shouldn't miss going to Intramuros City, visiting the National Museum, taking a walk in the Rizal Park, or meeting the marine life in the Ocean Park. 

On the other hand, if you want to spin the reels and try out your luck, you'll have plenty of choices in Manila. Players have several luxury casino resorts at their disposal, and perhaps, the most famous one is the Solaire Casino & Resort. It is one of the largest gaming facilities in Manila and the country, equipped with more than 1,200 slot machines and featuring over 300 gaming tables. Players will be happy to hear that this casino is open 24/7.

We should mention another brick-and-mortar casino – Okada Manila Resort and Casino. It is a massive gambling facility with more than 3,000 slot machines available. Table games lovers can enjoy more than 500 editions. Players can try to hit some of the huge jackpots, and this casino is a real threat for all gamblers. However, if you prefer to play your favorite casino games online, try some of these legal and licensed sites.

Cebu City

If you are searching for another popular tourist destination in the Philippines, then head to Cebu City. It is the capital of Cebu province, and it is the oldest large settlement in the Philippines. The entire region has a huge historical heritage, and you can enjoy places that can take you back in time. You shouldn't miss the Basilica del Santo Nino, Fort San Pedro, or the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. Visitors can go to many history-inspired events like the Sinulog parade.

Cebu City is full of tourist attractions, so you shouldn't miss to check out Museo Sugbo or visit the Cebu Taoist Temple. For seeing all these places, you would need to spend a couple of days in the city. And you shouldn't plan your visit without a stay in the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. While you are there, you can try out your luck in the Waterfront Casino, which is the biggest gambling facility in the region. 

Players can count on having the chance to play at more than 400 slot machines and more than 60 table games. Some of the games are pretty rewarding, as they have high RTP percentages and huge jackpots. Who knows, the Cebu City visit might reward you with some big winnings if you are lucky enough at the gaming table.

Angeles City

Like the two destinations we have already mentioned, Angeles City is a place with a rich history. You can enjoy many 19th-century buildings in this city located in Pampanga province. Tourists shouldn't miss the colonial Holy Rosary Church, while other attractions worth mentioning are the Pamintuan Mansion and Museo Ning Angeles. 

Besides the historical heritage, Angeles City is also famous for its nightlife. Therefore, you shouldn't be surprised to see a few casinos. Casino Filipino is perhaps the most popular one, and all kinds of players can enjoy a lot of fun. It boasts more than 30 table games and almost 300 slot machines. Players can also visit the Casino Filipino Mimosa and try out more than 450 slots and two dozens of gaming tables. 

Conclusion

The Philippines are an exciting country that has a lot to offer to its visitors. You can enjoy a lot of action, from art and history to lively nightlife. This beautiful country should be on your bucket list, and if you visit it, you shouldn't miss the chance to win huge jackpots in some of its famous casinos!

Lumina Homes joins NREA’s first-ever International Housing Fiesta Filipinas

Lumina Homes, the affordable housing arm of Vista Land, joins the 1st International Housing Fiesta Filipinas (IHFF 1) of the National Real Estate Association (NREA) taking place today until September 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Most investors, homebuyers and developers are still missing physical real estate trade shows, but virtual events have been growing and evolving, that attendees are seeing them as more efficient as they save time from traveling, quicker interaction with exhibition representatives, quicker payment options, and of course, safer for everyone.

For the participants from the real estate business, meanwhile, the IHFF will allow them to attract not just prospective local buyers but also in the global market.

The three-day online event will be the largest Philippine trade show for real estate and related businesses to be conducted online, where clients can expect exhibits and presentations at a touch of a button.

Lumina Homes is not new in expertly showcasing its products and services online, and new customers can witness this during the IHFF. With just one click while inside the online trade show, interested Filipinos worldwide can interact live—video and audio—with Lumina Homes representatives who will assist in all their inquiries. 

Every Juan is invited to attend, while at the comfort of his own home and own desk. Experience the uniqueness of a new normal trade show—a more conducive atmosphere where you can choose Lumina’s various offerings, from house and lots to affordable condominiums—all sans the crowd and noise of a physical show.

IHFF and Lumina Homes invite everyone interested in buying or leasing houses, lots, condominiums, apartments; property investments, such as buy-to-rent, land banking, REITs; housing loans—mortgages, term loans, and alternative financing; contractors, from individual home finishing to project development; construction materials; and home fit out and furnishing fixtures, furnishings, supplies, and services.

To better serve the OFW visitors and expatriates, the event will also offer consular information and services.

Making the first-ever IHFF more massive are big names in the roster of speakers. This includes Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario of the Department of Human Settlements & Urban Development (DHSUD) and Sen. Francis Tolentino, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing & Resettlements.

To visit the virtual booth of Lumina Homes, and get to know more about the affordable house and lot for sale nationwide or the affordable condo in Cavite, visit this link: https://bit.ly/IHFF-lumina-homes.

Go Higher with the EU in the 2021 Virtual European Higher Education Fair Philippines

“The EHEF 2021 promotes the diversity and excellence of higher education in the EU. Useful, practical and comprehensive information about the different mobility initiatives and distinctive higher education programs will be available at your fingertips.” ~Luc Veron, EU Ambassador

Virtual European Higher Education Fair Philippines 2021

Other than dreaming of travelling to Europe are you also planning to take graduate or post-graduate studies in the EU?  Let the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2021 guide you to “Go Higher with EU”.

The biggest of its kind in the Philippines, EHEF will give Filipino students, academicians, researchers and university officials the opportunity to connect directly with world-class higher education institutions from across the European Union.

The Fair will be inaugurated on 1 October at 1:30pm and streamed live at https://www.ehefphilippines.com and on the EU Delegation to the Philippines Facebook.  

The registration at https://www.ehefphilippines.com is free and all that is required is an internet connection, an interest in pursuing further studies in the EU, and dreams to go higher in life. 

The EU is one of the world’s top centres of academic excellence and a hub for cross-fertilization of ideas and cutting-edge technologies and innovation. 

Outside of academia, the EU offers limitless opportunities for borderless travel to some of the world’s best, most iconic destinations and to immerse in a wide diversity of cultures.

This holistic experience is how post-grad students can “Go Higher with EU”, the motto of this year’s Fair.

EHEF 2021 will be the biggest yet, with 140 European higher education institutions offering MA and PhDs that will improve the career opportunities of talented Filipinos wishing to study in any of this year’s participating EU member states, namely:

• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Ireland
• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Hungary
• The Netherlands
• Austria
• Poland
• Finland
• Sweden

Regional partner institutions for this year include:

• Wesleyan University (Luzon)
• Silliman University (Visayas)
• Xavier University –Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao) which will host clustered presentations for students and other members of the academe. 

University partners for this year are the following:

• University of Sto Tomas
• University of the Cordilleras
• Lyceum of the Philippines University - Batangas
• Mabalacat City College
• St Louis  University
• Rizal Technological University
• Trinity University of Asia
• Ateneo de Manila University
• Visayas State University
• Jose Rizal Memorial State University
• Mindanao State University’s (Marawi) College of Public Affairs

The Fair is supported by:

• Campus Erasmus and the Association of Christian Schools
• Colleges and Universities

Media partners this year include:

• Business World Spark Up
• Cebu Daily News
• Gadgets Magazine
• Inquirer Super
• Panay News
• Subselfie Online
• Philippine Star
• Manila Times
• Adulting Millennials Podcast
• The Philippine Business
• News (thePhilBizNews.com)
• SunStar Davao

The Virtual EHEF 2021 is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies, education services and Institutes and in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education.

If you’re ready to Go Higher with EU, Join us this October 1 and 2 as we embark on the wide array of opportunities in terms of scholarships, research grants, joint degree programs, and practicum courses offered by European universities. Register for EHEF 2021 now at https://ehefphilippines.com/.

NACIONAL Opens New 5-Storey State-of-the-Art Center, Redefines Memorial Services for Filipino Families

“The new Nacional was designed to give the Filipino families of today a place where they can spend their final days with their departed loved ones in utmost comfort, convenience, and sophistication. We wanted to give them a unique space to celebrate the life of their dearly beloved while, at the same time, making new memories with relatives and friends. All told, the new Nacional Chapels and Crematory is really more about those who have been left behind even as it gives those who have passed on the fitting and dignified venue for the celebration of life.” ~Annette Estacion, Managing Director of Nacional Chapels and Crematory

Nacional Chapels and Crematory Room

Nacional, has been around since 1900 one of the pioneering names in the Philippines’ memorial services industry, has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art building on its old location along Araneta Avenue in Quezon City. Along with it a change in name from Nacional Memorial Homes to Nacional Chapels and Crematory.

The multi-million peso center sets new industry standards and redefines memorial services with a contemporary aesthetic usually seen only in hotels and condominiums and rarely, if ever, in memorial homes. 

Nacional Chapels and Crematory Facade

The new Nacional Chapels and Crematory is five floors of warm and contemporary chic guaranteed to please modern sensibilities as well as classic tastes. It houses 15 well-appointed chapels with various designs and several sizes to suit different family preferences and to satisfy varying accommodation needs.  

Nacional Chapels and Crematory Customer Lounge

Nine of these chapels have family rooms with their own bedroom, dining area, and toilet and bath. Exuding a warm ambiance, these rooms provide families an extra space for rest and other important activities away from their guests.  

In the new Nacional, families who wish to be with their dearly departed every step of the way for a complete final journey together may do so in amply spaced viewing rooms for preparatory activities, cremation, and other services. 

For these important undertakings, the new Nacional has been fitted with modern technology through a suite of new state-of-the-art equipment that adhere to world-class standards and provide better, faster services. 

There are also cozy lounges with comfy sofas, chairs, and coffee tables in strategic areas in the building that provide guests and visitors more options to relax, remember, and cherish their memories with their loved ones.

Nacional Chapels and Crematory Lobby Area

And for those who may want to have meaningful silence in private, several non-denominational incense rooms are available for personal devotional activities. 

The Nacional redevelopment project is one of the biggest undertakings in the memorial services industry in the last ten years. It started in 2018 and took three years to complete.

“Careful planning and robust investment came into  achieving our goal of giving Filipino families a modern facility they can enjoy for their memorial needs without putting a strain on their financial resources.” ~Lia Enriquez, President of Rosehills Memorial Management Phils. Inc., which now manages Nacional Chapels and Crematory

Rosehills is the firm that has made The Heritage Park one of the premier memorial parks in the country. The new Nacional brings the same industry-best practices and top-quality services to more Filipinos at more reasonable prices. 

The full menu of services makes managing memorials as easy and worry-free, so families can focus on the truly important aspects of their final few days with their departed loved ones.

For more information about Nacional Chapels and Crematory by The Chapels at Heritage Park, visit facebook.com/NacionalChapelsAndCrematory or contact 8713-5231 or 09178693771. 

'Life Below Water' by Ganden Medved-Po launches book for the benefit of WWF

“I’m proud of this collaborative project with the WWF because it combines two of my passions in life: photography and the ocean. With the help of my mentor, Gutsy Tuason, we were able to capture beautiful images of our marine life in the Philippines. Through these photos, I hope people will have a better appreciation of our oceans and to learn to care for them more. The first time I started taking photos was probably on my parents’ old camera which they would use to document family celebrations and occasions. That was an old Panasonic camera.” ~Ganden Medved-Po, a 17-year old photographer of “Life Below Water”

'Life Below Water' by Ganden Medved-Po

I always wanted to live near the ocean ever since I step foot of the sand and felt the heat of the sun while I was walking down the beach. The waves calms my soul and makes me breathe so peacefully with serenity. 

The ocean covers about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, serving as a home to diverse and breathtaking underwater gardens and marine wildlife. Truly, there is much to be discovered in the vast underwater world, and 17-year old photographer Ganden Medved-Po will give us a glimpse of its beauty as he unveils his “Life Below Water” ocean photography book. Ganden is the son of Christopher Po, chairman of Century Pacific Food, Inc. and Nanette Medved-Po, founder and chairperson of HOPE and Plastic Credit Exchange.

Ganden Medved-Po

A joint project with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines, “Life Below Water” is a compilation of photos featuring scenic seascapes and surreal marine life. The photos in the book were taken between 2020 and 2021 by Ganden during the COVID-19 pandemic under the mentorship of world-renowned underwater photographer Scott “Gutsy” Tuason. 

'Life Below Water' by Ganden Medved-Po

All proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the sustainable fisheries work of the World Wide Fund for Nature - Philippines.

'Life Below Water' by Ganden Medved-Po

'Life Below Water' by Ganden Medved-Po

'Life Below Water' by Ganden Medved-Po

Currently, his camera of choice is the Sony Rx100, which has been with him on all his adventures. 

Now a senior high school student in International School Manila, Ganden expresses his gratitude for his parents for encouraging him to pursue his love for photography and the ocean while advocating for the environment. Apart from being the team captain of the school’s swimming varsity team, he is also active in various organizations including the Photography Club Council where he organizes events and workshops, as well as the Ocean ActivISM council, advocating for ocean conservation and sustainability. In July 2021, he became a member of the WWF-Philippines National Youth Council.