SM scholar-alumna takes the road less travelled; pursues career in SPED

TEACHING surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission.

Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED).

Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners.

With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively.

She currently teaches at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay, the only government-owned institution for the deaf in the country. Here, she spearheaded the numeracy skills training program for deaf learners.

Her journey to becoming an educator was not easy. Her parents separated when she was three years old, and her mother became the breadwinner.

“In the early years of my life as a threeyear-old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman,” she said.

The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. Instead of slowing her down, it did the opposite. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, they got by.

She finished primary school with good grades, and was a consistent honor student in high school, despite having one centavo allowance and rice and coffee as meals.

With good standing, she had her mind set on her next goal: going to college.

“Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in,” she stressed.

“When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education. Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship,” she recalled.

She vividly remembers sending her SM College Scholarship program application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo and how she learned on May 9, 1995 that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in room 214 of the MSE Bldg. The three-digit number has since become unforgettable for her. By June 1995, Macaspac was among the SM scholars who had started their college education under the scholarship program.

According to her, the scholarship helped her become a well-rounded individual.

It was the key to the realization of her dreams and paved the way to success. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars’ assembly, the orientation, leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, were very memorable for her.

“Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service,” she said. efore teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office, which was then located in Calle Echague, Manila. She was hired immediately after college.

Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today: “Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students.”

“I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.”

PAGCOR is now accepting entries for its Photo Contest 2023

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is now accepting entires for the Photography Contest 2023.

This year's theme, “Sa’n Tayo Next?”, aims to showcase the unadulterated, yet equally beautiful places in the Philippines with tourism potential. Photo entries must depict underrated or not-so famous spots in the country with the potential to become major tourist hubs.

PAGCOR‘s Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Carmelita Valdez invites photography enthusiasts, newbies and professional lensmen to join the contest which will run from February 15 to July 31, 2023.

“This is your chance to show amazing destinations in the Philippines that are not yet widely known and often visited. It will not only give travelers more options to explore, but it will also help boost tourism in that area, which will later provide sources of livelihood to locals,” she said.

To join, participants must register at and submit their entries through the contest website https://www.pagcor.ph/ photocon2023. They need to fill out the needed information and upload the necessary documents to complete the registration. Photographs to be submitted must be in landscape (horizontal orientation) format.

The photography contest has two categories – Conventional Category, which includes photos taken using traditional or conventional cameras like Single Lens Reflex (SLR) or Digital SLR, compact cameras and the like; and Mobile Category or photos taken using mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, drone-mounted cameras, and action cameras.

“We allow only a maximum of two entries from each participant.

Individuals have the option to submit two photos either under Conventional Category or the Mobile Category or submit one photo for the Conventional and one for Mobile category,” Valdez added.

Valdez also reminded the participants to register under the regional group where they are residing such as Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao. They will be required to upload a valid ID with address as proof of residency. However, they can still submit photos taken anywhere else in the Philippines regardless of their residence’s location.

“We will screen the entries carefully. Photos sent to the wrong group will be automatically disqualified. The entries must also be taken within the period August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 only,” Valdez explained. Big cash prizes await the 24 grand winners of the contest –P80,000 each for the 12 winners under the conventional category, and P35,000 each for the 12 winners under the mobile category. Another P10,000 will also be awarded to the “Most Liked Photos” under each category.

The Photography Contest 2023 is open to all Filipino nationals who are at least 18 years old as of February 15, 2023.

For more information, visit www.pagcor.ph or follow PAGCOR’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pagcor.ph).

GOOD property locations are already hard to find in highly-urbanized Metro Manila, where homeowners have to contend with congestion and a dense population. However, there is a property development in Quezon City that offers a more relaxed way of life. Think seclusion, security, and convenience with a proven prestigious location.

Tivoli Royale Subdivision by New Creation 101 Realty and Development Corporation offers an exclusive enclave that has attracted residents who want to experience modern living while still being in touch with the wonders of nature but still close to places that matter.

One of the long-time residents of Tivoli Royale is comedian-actor Bayani Agbayani, who calls Tivoli Royale his “Dream Place,” “When I first saw the property around 16 years ago, it was still underdeveloped, but I saw the potential. The panoramic view of the mountains of Antipolo and the lights in the city below immediately attracted me. I did not hesitate to invest in life here for my family,” he says.

Bayani is very happy with his choice, not only because of the view and the wide-open spaces that are rare for living in the Metro but also with the subdivision’s security and sense of community. “The subdivision is compact, so you get to know your neighbors. There is a feeling of belonging in a community. I also like that there are two security gates before you enter the subdivision, so you know that your family is safe.”

One of the other aspects that Bayani enjoys is the five-storey Tivoli Royale Country Club which offers exciting amenities such as a swimming pool, bowling and billiards lanes, fitness club, dining options, and venues for socialization such as the 400-seater badminton/ pickleball courts convertible to an events venue.

“I told my wife there was no need to set up our own pool because the clubhouse already has a swimming pool, along with all the other activities that are available. This is really my dream place, and I feel at home at Tivoli Royale.”

Moreover, the combination of breathtaking beauty and functional luxury makes Tivoli Royale Subdivision the ideal retirement home for Bayani. “This is where I want to grow old, especially since this subdivision has got everything we enjoy and need to support the lifestyle we’ve worked hard for, which includes raising our grandkids.”

Tivoli Royale Subdivision covers a sprawling total of 22 hectares divided into low-density blocks of 300 to 800 square meter lots. There are now more than 100 established homes in the development, lived in by families who value a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood above all. The property has well-lighted streets, RFID-activated gates, and 24-hour security patrols to complete the world-class residential experience.

Tivoli Royale’s entire property is floodfree, with no fault line connection for each homeowner’s added peace of mind. There are a few choice lots that have opened up in the subdivision for more prospective homeowners to experience the luxury of Tivoli Royale living. While the sweeping views are the hallmark qualities of this luxurious hilly property, Tivoli Royale Subdivision is only built with the finest craftsmanship and innovation.

New Creation 101 Realty and Development Corporation’s very exclusive, four floors of lowrise condominium laid out in a one-unit-perfloor configuration is in the works for those who dream of being in a tastefully designed community of Tivoli Royale. With a target completion in the third quarter of 2023, buyers at this phase will have the opportunity to customize their future dwellings. A symphony of modern aesthetic design and the highest quality of attention to detail, endless views can also be enjoyed by anyone who looks for an open concept of living, dining, and kitchen.

The five-story building which is customdesigned to host only one family home per floor is adjacent to the country club for easy access to its amenities. Each unit has three bedrooms with ensuite baths, living and dining rooms, household staff quarters, and a dedicated elevator foyer. Each unit also has two balconies to catch the majestic views of Antipolo and the Sierra Mountain range.

Active Group chairman, family donate Castrillo sculpture titled ‘Pagsisigasig. Pagyabong, Pag-unlad’

Pagyabong, Pag-unlad” by well-known Filipino artist Eduardo Castrillo.

Conceptually, the sculpture represents various aspects of growth. As the work’s title implies, hard work or perseverance lets one flourish, which in turn allows one to progress and prosper.

THE deed of donation of the Eduardo Castrillo sculpture to U.P. Diliman signed and presented, by, from left to right:

Elvira A. Zamora, vice-president of development of U.P.;

Danilo L. Concepcion, 21st president of U.P.; Arch. Antonio A. Turalba, chairman and founder of the Active Group of Companies; and Arch. Antonio V. Turalba, Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Active Group of Companies.

THE family of Active Group Chairman

Castrillo is an award-winning sculptor and jewelry designer. Among others, he has received the Araw ng Maynila Centennial Award, the TOYM Award, and the Republic Cultural Heritage Award. Many of his figurative and abstract works are typically composed with embossed copper and welded brass. Art critics and experts describe his aesthetic as having both a neo-realist and a cubist tendency.

Are

Arch. Antonio A. Turalba and Active Group

Vice-Chaiman Arch. Ma.

Cristina V. Turalba donated last February 7, 2023 to the University of the Philippines (U.O Diliman campus, through Active Realty & Development Corporation, a modernist avantgarde metal sculpture entitled “Pagsisigasig.

IN celebration of its 20th anniversary, Mang Inasal, the country's Grill Expert, introduces a more affordable variant of its well-loved Extra Creamy Halo-Halo.

“Over the years, we have noticed how our customers are fond of enjoying a complete Ihaw-Sarap meal together with our Extra Creamy Halo-Halo. As a special treat for them, we are offering a 'sakto' size 8oz Halo-Halo that is more affordable.

Now, even more people will get to enjoy Halo-Halo with their favorite Mang Inasal meals,” said Mang Inasal business unit head Mike V. Castro.

Intended for those who want to complete their savory Mang Inasal meals with an extra-creamy dessert, the 8 oz. add-on treat comes in either Extra Creamy Halo-Halo or Crema de Leche Halo-Halo.

Simply pay only P39 to add the 8oz HaloHalo to your dine-in experience.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the

The sculpture was installed at the Tau Alpha corner, which is part of the Tau Alpha Fraternity Legacy Boardwalk, a grand legacy project envisioned as the fraternity’s everlasting gift to the U.P. Diliman campus on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. Accepting the Turalba family donation for the U.P. community was Danilo L. Concepcion, 21st president of U.P. and Elvira A. Zamora, vice-president of development of U.P.