SUPERBOOK KIDS SITE, BIBLE BASED INTERNET GAMES FOR KIDS!

CBNs Superbook Kids website is a safe place for your kids to play free online games, learn more about the Bible, and grow in their faith!

In 1981, the Christian Broadcasting Network created a children’s animated Bible series as part of an outreach to the nation of Japan. Little did we realize what impact the series would have in Japan and throughout the world.

The English name for this series was “Superbook”. Research performed during and after the outreach showed that this series was an unprecedented success.

Superbook, also known as Animated Parent and Child Theater, Anime Oyako Gekijō), is an anime television series produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States.

Over 8 million people a night watched Superbook on Japanese prime-time television, 104 episodes were produced and aired on television throughout Japan, and the Bible became the best selling book in Japan.

From Japan, the Superbook series went on to air throughout the world from Asia to North America. By 1989, in the midst of economic and political turmoil, Superbook began broadcasting in the Soviet Union to astounding results.

Superbook aired during prime-time on the Soviet National Channel. CBN received over 6 million letters from children, introducing a whole generation to the Bible. Even today the Superbook Kids Club is one of the highest rated live action children’s programs in Ukraine.

Since first airing in Japan, the Superbook series has now been broadcasted in over 106 countries, translated into 43 languages and has been viewed by over a half billion people.

But, because of today’s new storytelling technology, the original series is losing appeal with this media savvy generation. To solve this problem, CBN is producing a re-imagined, 3D animated version of Superbook. The pilot episode is the story of David and Goliath.

Our goal is to produce a new series that will honor the life-changing legacy of the original series and re-introduce it to a new generation.

Visit here: http://ph-en.superbook.cbn.com/#
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperbookTV/info

Countries With Tough Visa Applications

Getting a permit to enter or visa to other countries can be a breeze, although in some cases it depends on your country of origin. However, there are some countries where getting a visa is complicated no matter the color of your passport. This is why most people prefer to engage the services of immigration and visa consultancy companies such as Global Visas which know the ins and outs of the visa application process of most countries. Before you give in to the lure of cheap accommodations or decide that travel to exotic places is just the right move for you at this particular juncture, find out first what you’re getting, or not getting, into.

The visa application process differs from country to country. In some, such as Angola and Russia, th process requires a multitude of documents, such as medical tests, letters of invitation, financial sureties, educational background, or employment history. Small mistakes in the application form can mean a rejection, and in the case of Angola, approval takes a long time.

Cuba is off-limits to most Americans, especially if the passport is stamped by a Cuban Embassy. Most Americans may also be denied entry into North Korea, which doesn’t even have an embassy in the US. Getting a visa for Saudi Arabia is not difficult, but chances are if you don’t know what you are doing you are applying for the wrong kind. They have very specific visas for different types of visitors, and women especially will be subject to close scrutiny.

Iran has no embassies of its own, so visa applications are handled by other countries such as Pakistan in the US and Switzerland in Tehran. To get a visa, you must have an Iranian sponsor, and if you are not careful, you could end up in prison for any number of violations. The case for Brazil is that their visa application process can change from day to day, and there is no fixed timetable  and if you are smiling in your passport photo, you can kiss your chances of approval goodbye. 

It is expensive to enter China; the visa costs $140 for a single entry if you apply yourself. Additional fees apply if you send a representative, but they do process quickly.  However, if your medical history indicates you have suffered from a contagious or mental disease, you will probably be denied a visa. 

The US and the UK are very difficult you get a visa for because they have strict security measures in place. Even if you do get a visa, you may still be turned away if they find any reason to suspect you are not what you represent yourself to be, especially in post 9/11 US.  Students are particularly given a hard time; in the UK, foreign students must have employment waiting for him or her at the end of their studies coming with a government-registered employer. 

If you like to travel to other countries, getting a visa is a crucial step in the process. Most people do not have extensive experience in applying for visas, so doing it yourself is probably not going to end well for you. At the very least, you will have wasted your time and money, at the worst you could be turned away at the airport or detained.  If you are considering taking the plunge, consult with professional visa assistance companies like Global Visas and avoid headaches and problems when you travel.

Global Visas has won for its clients the most difficult battles as far as visa facilitation is concerned, such as immigration to Australia. The expertise of the Global Visas team allows it to deliver the best quality service in the lodgment of spousal, fiancée, tourist and working visas. The company holds the distinct advantage of having personnel in destination countries as well as constant updating of visa regulations in these areas: the USA, Canada, UK and other parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asian territories. Visit http://www.globalvisas.com/ for more information.

ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP™ FINALIZES ONE FC: RISE TO POWER CARD WITH THREE EXCITING UNDERCARD BOUTS!

ONE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP™ FINALIZES ONE FC: RISE TO POWER CARD WITH THREE EXCITING UNDERCARD BOUTS

LOWEN TYNANES VS FELIPE ENOMOTO

TIM SYLVIA VS TONY JOHNSON

RYAN DIAZ VS YUSUP SAADULAEV

LIVE ON 31 MAY FROM THE MALL OF ASIA ARENA IN MANILA PHILIPPINES

CATCH ALL THE ACTION LIVE ON STAR SPORTS IN ASIA AND ON PAY-PER-VIEW AT WWW.ONEFC.LIVESPORT.TV AROUND THE WORLD

08 April 2013 – Singapore: ONE Fighting Championship™ (ONE FC), presented by Casino Filipino and in association with Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), announced today three undercard bouts for ONE FC: RISE TO POWER. Up and coming Lowen Tynanes will battle the seasoned Felipe Enomoto while MMA veteran Tim Sylvia is back in action against Tony Johnson and fan favorite Ryan Diaz will take on Russian ace Yusup Saadulaev. All the action takes place live on 31 May from the MOA Arena in Manila, Philippines.

As a young MMA fighter, Lowen Tynanes has already made a big impression by winning fights against top opponents in the Philippines, Japan and Malaysia. The high school wrestling champion silenced the home-crowd in Manila by incapacitating crowd-favorite Eduard Folayang with a vicious elbow which caused the doctor to instantly stop the fight. In his last outing at ONE FC, Tynanes also defeated Hong Kong-based South African fighter Vuyisile Colossa via rear naked choke. A proud American, he loves nothing better than to travel to Asia to take on the best local fighters in their own back yards. Tynanes is once again looking forward to showcasing his skills when he takes on Swiss-Japanese fighter Felipe Enomoto.

Each time Felipe Enomoto has entered into the ONE FC cage, he has been the underdog. This time, it is no different. Having established a reputation as being one of the toughest and most durable fighters in Asia who always leaves it all in the cage, Enomoto will undoubtedly be looking to silence the crowd with a decisive victory in the early rounds. Any fight which involves Enomoto is going to be a treat for MMA fans because this fighter never backs down no matter who the opponent is or which round he’s in.

One of the most frightening figures the MMA world has ever witnessed in combat sports action is Tim “The Maine-iac” Sylvia. Towering at over two meters tall, this brute of a man poses a serious threat to every heavyweight fighter in the world. Sylvia has fought over 30 times, won numerous championships and knocked out countless opponents. Sylvia’s unusual combination of size and quickness has ushered in a new era of monstrous, weight cutting heavyweights who seek total domination of their smaller counterparts. Sylvia is looking for a spectacular KO when he squares off against Tony Johnson on 31 May.

Tony Johnson is an imposing heavyweight fighter. Considered a top prospect in the heavyweight division, Johnson is famed for being one of the fastest strikers in the division and is currently on a two fight win streak. At ONE FC: RISE TO POWER, he will be looking to make an impressive debut in the famed ONE FC cage.

Ryan Diaz has been training in MMA for over ten years and already has thirteen professional wins to his name. Over a long career, Diaz continues to perfect his background in BJJ, Muay Thai and boxing. He possesses incredible power and strength. Diaz is much more experienced of the two fighters and will be looking to use his strength to overpower his Russian opponent and return to the USA victorious. After 2 outings in the ONE FC cage, Russian wrestler Saadulaev is still searching for his first ONE FC victory and will enter the cage for the third time with the determination to prevent a Diaz win at all costs.

Tickets for ONE FC: RISE TO POWER on 31 May are exclusively available at Casino Filipino outlets nationwide. Refer to www.onefc.com/tickets for details.

Fans from around the world can witness the action online via live streaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv.The first three undercard fights are available for viewing free-of-charge and the main card fights will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

ONE FC: RISE TO POWER is headlined  by a ONE FC Featherweight World Championship bout between reigning champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario against number one contender Koji Oishi and pound-for-pound king Bibiano Fernandes taking on Koetsu Okazaki for the ONE FC Bantamweight Interim Title.  All the action takes place live from the MOA Arena in Manila, Philippines.

 For more updates on ONE Fighting Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow on Twitter @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA.

About ONE Fighting Championship

Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Fighting Championship™ (http://www.onefc.com) is Asia's largest mixed martial arts organization. ONE Fighting Championship™ hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Fighting Championship™ has partnered with STAR Sports, the number one leader in sports content, for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans across 70+ countries in Asia.

Boracay Establishments Heed The Call For Voluntary Redevelopment

    The DOT Region VI office reported that among those which have complied are the Ambassador in Paradise and Seawind Beach Resort, both high-end resorts located at Brgy. Balabag. Ambassador in Paradise was the first resort to implement the clearing of the seawall built in front of the establishment that encroaches the easement. The clearing was made after the resort management attended the Consultation with the Business Cluster spearheaded by DOT Region VI last 17 January 2013, in which representatives of tourism establishments were advised to tear down the said structures to protect the area from further damage caused by sand erosions during south monsoon season. Other establishments located at Sitio Mangayad in Brgy. Balabag such as The Mandarin de Boracay Resort, Le Soleil de Boracay Beach Resort, Boracay Uptown, Chez de Paris Restaurant, and Nigi Nigi Nu Noos Resort also did their share by relocating fish bars and seafood display tables inside their respective establishments to allot space for the walkways. 

Early this year, the task force announced that several establishments were found to be not complying with the redevelopment plans for Boracay and were issued notices to act on the plan by the end of March. However, since the volume of tourists had peaked as early as February and continues to do so, the deadline was extended until after the summer season. 

The government task force enjoins the rest of the establishments concerned to comply with the voluntary redevelopment directive as soon as possible. The order pertains to the illegal structures, including embankments to prevent floods. The community was assured of an upcoming flood control project that will start soon and be completed within the year. 

“With the rise of tourism arrivals comes a heightened sense of protection and preservation of our natural resources. I am thankful that we already have the support of several stakeholders who understand the importance of sustainability. With the many international accolades the country is getting at the present, we cannot be complacent. We have just managed to breach the 1M visitor arrival mark in the first quarter leading towards our 5 million target this year. We can only be confident when we have the support of all stakeholders beyond Boracay in protecting the tourism assets in their respective destinations. This is definitely part of the more fun campaign, that is keeping the hosts proud and making sure our visitors are satisfied” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

Tourist Arrivals Bring “More Fun” With 1.27M Visitors In First Quarter!

      First quarter visitor arrivals reached 1.27 million, a 10.76 percent growth from last year’s 1.15 million for the same period. This marks the second time that foreign tourist arrivals breached the one-million mark in the first quarter, setting the pace for the Department of Tourism to reach its 5.5 million arrival target for 2013. The first quarter performance accounts for 23 percent of the target arrivals for the year.

Korea remains the leading visitor market, which captured 25.83% of the total inbound traffic with 328,454 arrivals, followed by the United States with 186,065 or 14.63% of the overall visitor volume. The Japanese market contributed the third biggest arrivals with 114,269 or 8.99%. Rounding up the top five visitor markets for the first quarter are China with 98,242 and Taiwan with 53,867 visitors. The Korean market rose by 23.93%, the highest among the top five major markets.

Other key markets contributing significant volume of arrivals include Australia with 53,679; Singapore with 41,524; Canada with 38,486; Hongkong with 36,005; United Kingdom with 32,475; Malaysia with 27,212; and Germany with 22,491.


Double-digit gains were recorded by the Russian Federation (26.9%), Hongkong (25.04%), Korea (23.93%), India (22.1%), Singapore (15.42%), Australia (12.65%), and Malaysia (11.86%). The ASEAN source markets grew 14.82% while East Asia increased by 14.15%.

Visitor arrivals for March 2013 also saw a double-digit increase of 11.28% with 417,392 visitors compared to the previous year’s volume of 375,083. For the fourth consecutive month since December 2012, the country has been surpassing the 400,000 visitor arrival mark. The upward trend may be attributed to the upcoming summer season, which is a peak season for the tourism industry.

“Month after month, we bear witness to a steady upward performance and new record highs. This only means that the efforts of the Department and its partners are bearing fruit. To achieve our 2013 target of 5.5 million and 2016 target of 10 million, the Department and its industry partners are actively working on stimulating greater demand overseas, while infrastructure agencies have committed to step up our convergence programs to facilitate entry and access to the different destinations in the country,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said.

He added that the expansion and development of secondary gateways could ease the volume of traffic in the primary gateways of Manila and open the country to more visitors by bringing them closer to their end destinations. Significant investments in the air transportation, as well as in the accommodation sector, are seen to beef up capacities in the years to come.

“With key policy reforms such as the lifting of significant security concerns by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the rationalization of the Common Carriers Tax (CCT), the focus is shifted to the tangible areas such as connectivity and improvement of tourism products,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.

Walking Labyrinth Project - A Mindful Walking!

Dear brothers, sisters, friends,

It is a great joy to share with you a dream:
To build a walking labyrinth at Rizal Park/Luneta, and share with the public our practice of mindful walking.

With this creative and meditative project, we take our mindfulness practices beyond the comfort of our mats and cushions, work together as a Sangha, and contribute to society. Mindfulness is a beautiful gift to the public.

How you can help:
1. Volunteer to mindfully design and build the labyrinth
2. Sponsor materials that may be needed, such as smooth stones, signboards, colored chalk, art materials, etc.
3. Volunteer to lead/guide meditation sessions at the labyrinth

IF YOU WISH TO TAKE PART in this project:
Please contact Alon Payapa at 0927-9436429, or via Facebook.
You may also suggest ideas on how to better joyfully implement this project :)

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How will we work:

1. One of our sisters who was with us during the first Plum Village retreat in the Philippines, Julia Nebrija of MNL Moves, very passionate about urban community design, is our point person with the National Parks Development Committee, which in turns oversees the Rizal Park. She has discussed the project with the government agency and is in the process of ironing out details like dates and permits.

2. We will gather volunteers who are willing to brainstorm for the design and implementation of the walking labyrinth. This meeting will be like a group of classmates doing a school project. :)

3. We will schedule a day where volunteers will bring materials needed and build the labyrinth at Rizal Park (Art Park area). We also need to schedule an intimate and meaningful ceremony to open the labyrinth to the public, having sitting and walking meditation as very integral parts of the activity.

4. Around the walking labyrinth we wish to put up signboards with verses/calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hanh to contemplate on, such as "Peace is Every Step", "The Miracle is to Walk on Earth", "Walk as if your feet is kissing the earth", "Every step a breath", etc.

5. The walking labyrinth may be open to the public for a weekend/entire week. We may schedule time-slots for volunteers to lead and guide sitting and walking meditation sessions.

6. Wrapping up the walking labyrinth means that we can bring it to other parks and places! This is a start of a series :)

IF YOU WISH TO TAKE PART in this project:
Please contact Alon Payapa at 0927-9436429, or via Facebook.
You may also suggest ideas on how to better joyfully implement this project :)

More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/265956406881644/

The Photography Academy - Manila!

   The Photography Academy - Manila is the most prestigious Photography school in the Philippines with the mission to develop photographers who make a difference.

   

We are an academy, a community, an advocacy.

Join us.

Visit here: http://www.thephotographyacademymanila.com/ 

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thephotographyacademymanila