The largest cleft-focused organization in the world, Smile Train, is attempting to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record for the most extensive online collection of smiling faces.

“We’re passionate about smiles because we know what a serious business they are. As an organization that supports free cleft surgeries and comprehensive cleft care, including oral health care, we are embarking on a global effort to honor all smiles by setting a world record,” said Susannah Schaefer, President, and CEO of Smile Train.

The attempt by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM will begin on July 17, 2023, and the company hopes to break the record by World Smile Day® on October 6, 2023. We need to post 20,000 pictures of mouths to our online photo gallery, whether they are grinning, smiling, or otherwise.

Actress and Smile Train Ambassador, Samantha Hanratty is sharing her smile in support of the campaign. “I’m proud to partner with Smile Train on this global effort,” said Hanratty. Anyone over the age of 13 can participate and it’s simple to do.  Go to everysmile.org and click on I want to make history. The platform will guide you in taking and uploading a clear and well-lit photo of your smile. That’s it. I did it and encourage you to do the same in support of Smile Train.”

Once the record is set, Smile Train partner, Dentsply Sirona – the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, will be donating $20,000 to Smile Train on World Smile Day^® – for life-changing surgeries for children with clefts.

“We are proud to help shine a light on the important work that Smile Train does to help children and all people with clefts around the world,” said Erania Brackett, Senior Vice-President of Orthodontic Aligner Solutions & Customer Experience and Head of Sustainability at Dentsply Sirona.

The campaign launch coincides with the celebration of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month in July 2023. Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth conditions that can make eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking difficult.

“This is another opportunity to raise awareness, support, and celebrate people born with a facial difference. We strive to give every child with a cleft the opportunity to smile and lead a full and happy life by empowering medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally,” Schaefer said.

“Let’s make history together while continuing to help children across the globe who are cleft-affected,” Schaefer concluded.

In the Philippines, Smile Train is commemorating its milestone of performing more than 75,000 free cleft surgery on underprivileged Filipinos. Support Smile Train as it pursues its goal of providing vital cleft care to more children through its different programs and initiatives.

Visit smiletrain.org to learn more about Smile Train’s global initiatives and to make a donation. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to find out more about our regional initiatives in the Philippines.

According to a survey done by the Singapore-Manila Branch of the Nomura Research Institute (NRI), middle-class Gen Zs and Millennials in Metro Manila have been increasingly concerned about the effects of inflation during the second quarter of 2023. The poll, which was performed in May and June, found that an astounding 94% of participants experienced inflation during this time.

These young adults have had to reduce their non-essential spending, such as leisure and entertainment prices, due to the rising costs of vital products and services like food, transportation, fuel, and utilities. Following transportation and fuel prices at 15% and utilities like power, water, and internet bills at 14%, the respondents (60%) said that their food and beverage expenses had been the most affected by the ongoing price hikes. Additionally, a staggering 83% of participants claimed to have cut back on non-essential purchases, while 79% felt it necessary to limit spending on entertainment and leisure activities.

The survey also highlighted the financial challenges faced by this demographic. Approximately one-third of respondents (32%) reported being unable to save over the past 6 to 12 months. For those who managed to save, 44% saved a lower percentage of their income. The persistent inflationary pressures have led 38% of respondents to adjust their savings goals by either reducing the target amount or delaying their timelines. Similarly, 47% of participants had to make similar adjustments to their savings plans.

To cope with the financial strain, a significant number of respondents have turned to loans. Of the surveyed individuals, 71% reported having outstanding loans. In an attempt to augment their incomes, 43% of respondents resorted to taking out additional loans in the past year. Among those who already had loans, 58% had to cut back on other expenses to meet their loan obligations, while 19% were forced to delay payments. The survey also revealed that 41% of respondents possessed credit cards. Personal loans were the most prevalent type of loan, accounting for 30% of respondents, followed by alternative installment loans and salary loans, each representing 19% respectively.

Regarding investments, 52% of respondents had existing investment portfolios. Among these, mutual funds and stocks were the top investment products, chosen by 18% of participants each. However, due to the inflationary pressures, 12% of respondents had to partially liquidate their holdings for increased liquidity, and a minimal 1% sold off their entire investment portfolio.

Given the challenges posed by inflation, respondents have adopted a diverse array of coping strategies. A notable 94% expressed concerns that continuous price increases would persist over the next 6 to 12 months. Consequently, 91% of participants felt the need to explore additional income streams. To adjust to the current economic situation, 86% of respondents planned to continue cutting back on expenses, while 73% intended to reduce their spending on entertainment and leisure activities.

In terms of savings, 34% of participants expressed plans to increase their savings allocations to better prepare for the future, while 33% aimed to maintain their current savings pattern. However, 16% of respondents planned to reduce their monthly savings allocation due to inflationary pressures.

The survey also shed light on borrowing habits, with 46% of respondents indicating that they were less likely to take out loans, while 28% stated they were more likely to acquire additional loans.

Regarding investments, 12% expressed a desire to explore risky investments in the hopes of achieving high returns over the next 6 to 12 months. Meanwhile, 40% were considering more conservative options. Notably, 30% stated that they would choose to stay away from investing altogether, while 18% aimed to maintain liquidity.

295 persons from Metro Manila participated in the online poll run by the NRI Singapore-Manila Branch, including 203 middle-class Millennials and 92 members of the Gen Z generation. Individual participant incomes per month ranged from PHP 13,000 to PHP 41,000 and PHP 41,001 to PHP 163,000.

It is evident that middle-class Gen Zs and Millennials in Metro Manila are actively looking for solutions to handle these issues and safeguard their financial futures as inflation continues to have an influence on their everyday lives and financial well-being.

Recently, Luciano Armand Copok made headlines by taking home the bronze medal at the 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad and two golf championships from the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour and the SCJGT Oceanside Invitational, both of which were hosted in the USA.

In all areas, 14-year-old Luciano Armand, a Grade 8 student at the British School of Manila, excels while balancing his schoolwork and training at the same time.

He achieved Bronze in the Grade 7–8 division of the just finished 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad Global Round out of more than 100 finalists from 22 nations, showcasing his intelligence and commitment to the subject. Francis Deinmel Legaspi, a fellow Filipino and winner in his category, was also recognized. children in grades 3 through 12 compete in the Copernicus Olympiad, an international competition that strives to help children reach their full potential by enhancing their logical reasoning skills and fostering global connections with like-minded individuals.

Luciano Armand was also named Champion for two separate US golf tournaments. He first competed in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour for Boys 13-14 Years Old Category last July 8 in Freehold, New York. Then moved and claimed another Championship in Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT last July 18 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

His success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has proven that it is possible to excel at two seemingly unrelated activities and that it is possible to achieve success even when it requires juggling two different pursuits.

Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok, Armand’s mother, is appreciative of the help in their son’s competition journey.

The accomplishments of Luciano Armand in both the Math Olympiad and the Golf Tournaments serve as a reminder of the value of perseverance and hard effort as well as proof that success in several other areas is attainable.

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) last August 2022 prohibiting the implementation of Metro Manila’s no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) for traffic violators.

NCAP-related programs and ordinances are halted by the TRO, and any arrests made in accordance with the aforementioned policy and regulations “shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court.” The order also prohibited any government agencies, towns, or municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances from receiving motorist information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and any parties operating on its behalf. However, on June 14, 2023, renewed calls for NCAP to be reinstated gained steam following a deadly accident involving a motorcycle driver and an SUV in the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel. The former was struck by a tanker driver who was traveling in the next lane when both drivers were in the EDSA Carousel Bus Lane.

Because of this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wasted no time in coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General in the filing of a motion before the Supreme Court to consider lifting the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the NCAP.

It’s sad to know that a gruesome incident had to happen but aside from this, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said they will use the data they obtained in the past months showing an increase in the number of road accidents and traffic violations after the NCAP was suspended in August last year.

“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes. “We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” Artes added.

Aside from MMDA, Metro Manila Council President and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora is also leading the discussion to raise the TRO on NCAP.

According to Zamora, MMDA data shows from August 2022 to May of the present year has already resulted in an average of 25,926 per month as compared to a monthly average of 9,500 before NCAP was suspended.

“This data shows that we have more than a double increase in the number of violations. Having been Mayor of San Juan for the last four years, it is close to impossible to have traffic enforcers all over the city of San Juan, more so all over the entire Metro Manila. Having NCAP deters motorists from committing traffic violations” shared Zamora.

For those with an interest in road safety, NCAP represents a step forward, in terms of our enforcement of traffic laws.

In the few months it was implemented in San Juan, Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City and Paranaque City, NCAP did bring benefits that some would say were unfairly ignored in the debate.

These cities that have fully implemented NCAP cited decrease in obstructions, choking of traffic from apprehended vehicles, reckless driving, and hazardous motorists’ habits.

It is terrible that we had to wait for a deadly accident before we could appreciate NCAP’s advantages. And aside from this occurrence, most people concur that it is now appropriate to lift the TRO. The handheld gadget for the Single Ticketing System (STS) will undergo a pilot test in July under the direction of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), with NCAP having already addressed many of the public’s concerns.

With the STS in place, the local government entities in Metro Manila would be able to firmly enforce traffic regulations while also harmonizing the current national and local laws on traffic enforcement to create an efficient transport and traffic management system.

The Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), after 75 years, is finally crafting and building its forever home in Silang, Cavite, Metro Tagaytay.

AAP was founded as a social group in 1948 by Purita Kalaw Ledesma, and is now the biggest and oldest umbrella national artists organization with 12,000 members. However, for 75 years, the organization had no permanent home.

Master visual artist Fidel Sarmiento and the current set of AAP officers he is leading, wants to take a step further and find a place where the organization can plant its roots and cultivate more aspiring artists. Together with the AAP officers – Roger Santos (Vice President), Margaret Lim (Secretary), Monette Alvarez (Treasurer), and Lulu Olan (Board Director), and their network of friends, the artists are finally able to paint colors and bring life to their biggest collaborative masterpiece that is AAP’s first ever home.

According to AAP, the Tahanan aims to be a central office for different groups of artists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It will also serve as a gallery for out-of-town artists who need to exhibit their works but cannot afford accommodations. The Tahanan will also become an educational center for visual arts, for high school students by conducting regular workshops. Most importantly, AAP Tahanan aims to be the face of Filipino Artists to the world.

In a press conference held last July 10, Sarmiento said “Sabi namin siguro panahon na para isipin na natin yung ating sarili naman. Pangarapin na natin ang magkaroon ng sariling tahanan.” Also present at the conference was the self-taught metal art sculptor Ral Arrogante, who is also an AAP officer. I was one of the attendees who won and received a masterpiece from Mr. Arrogante. I feel lucky and honored to take home one of his handmade sculptures. The AAP officers expressed  their heartfelt gratitude to those who extended their help to them.

Sarmiento was inspired by Artabang 1 and Artabang 2, which was two successful artists co-sponsored auctions/fundraisers for Ondoy and Ormoc victims. Because of this, Artabang 3 was pushed through by Sarmiento where the earnings would be used to fund the AAP Tahanan.

“We asked 80 plus artists to donate their paintings for a one night auction on December 19, 2019, where we raised P4.5 million”, said AAP Secretary and watercolor Hall of Famer Margaret Lim.

AAP found the perfect place for their dream home in Barangay Ulat, Silang, Metro Tagaytay, where they bought a 200sqm lot worth P1.8 million.

However, the building process was slowed down due to the COVID pandemic. Expenses piled after the March 2022 groundbreaking, but donations in kind came after. The contractor/engineer, John Morales, is pro bono. Architectural design by Sarmiento, pro bono. The sculptural facade will be pro bono by famed artist Sam Penaso. An artist donated 30 cement bags. In the third quarter of 2022, SM offered the Podium and Aura for artists to put up fundraising exhibits where they generated less than a million pesos. A few students of Sunshine Place in Jupiter, Makati, where Sarmiento teaches painting thrice weekly, donated a couple of millions in cash and kind. Donated materials through Wilcon Home Depot and other generous art patrons also helped with the construction of the AAP Tahanan.

For those willing to help AAP and artists in building their forever home, donations can be forwarded to ART ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (Bank Account#122-124181-2 / CHINABANK).