Wolfsburg may be the seat of German automotive engineering, but the heart and soul of the iconic company originating from this city belongs to every place the auto manufacturing company calls home. Volkswagen has, over the decades, achieved legendary status not just for its cars, but for its corporate culture that puts arts and culture alongside its global image.

In 2011, for instance, the Volkswagen Group of America formed a multifaceted, multiyear partnership with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and MoMA PS1, providing the framework for the development of new and inspiring experiences as part of Volkswagen’s international commitment towards the support of arts and cultural institutions.

This partnership led to a series of exhibitions, concerts and educational activities, including the display of works from influential modern artists such as Francis Alÿs, Sigmar Polke and Christoph Schlingensief.

In 2012, it also made possible the installation of the VW Dome, which now provides an additional performance and experiential art space in the courtyard of MoMA PS1 in Long Island City, Queens, annually from September to May.

In 2013, the partnership launched Expo 1: New York, an extensive exhibition project that combined works from international artists focusing on present economic and ecological challenges. In addition to sponsorships for exhibitions and educational activities, the Volkswagen Group of America also donated the VW Dome 2, built in the New York district of Rockaway Beach to serve as a cultural and communal center in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Volkswagen has also worked closely with renowned Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang who founded the Lang Lang Foundation to foster musical education of children and teenagers.

In the Philippines, Volkswagen trains its eyes on children with a two-pronged approach to their development: via pedestrian safety, and through the enhancement of musical skills.

In the first approach, Volkswagen Philippines launched its child safety initiative (CSI) campaign during the Manila International Auto Show this April. In the second approach, on May 12 at the Volkswagen dealership in Bonifacio Global City, it donated 21 violins and two cellos to the pupils of the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (Centex)-Tondo, Manila. The donation was made possible through the efforts of Ayala Foundation Inc.

Aside from the musical instruments, spare strings and rosins were handed out to the scholars of Centex-Tondo. After the ceremonial handover, the children performed seven compositions to an appreciative audience composed of Volkswagen Philippines and Ayala Foundation officers, Centex teachers and parents of the students, and members of the motoring media. Volkswagen, consistent with its global drive for automotive and community excellence, once again demonstrated that, on the road to economic progress, the arts and culture must come along for the ride.

Volkswagen Philippines president and CEO John Philip Orbeta put it clearly: “Music—in particular, playing musical instruments—has countless benefits for children; it increases their learning ability, and is an effective way of building team work and confidence.”

Centex is a project of Ayala Foundation Inc. in partnership with the Department of Education. It aims to provide bright but economically disadvantaged children with primary education comparable to that of the best schools in the country. There are two Centex schools: one in Tondo, Manila, and the other in Bauan, Batangas.

The ceremony was also attended by Ayala Foundation president Ruel Maranan and senior director for programs Rowena Lopez. Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of Ayala Corp., has four key program areas: youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, arts and culture, and education. Education is where Centex plays a crucial role. For this reason, Volkswagen Philippines has chosen this special project as its second CSR activity for the year.

Patay ang isang lalaki na hinihinalang lango sa alak makaraan itong mahulog sa isang kinukumpuning drainage sa Tondo, Maynila, kahapon ng madaling araw.

Ang biktima, na nagtamo ng sugat sa ulo, ay inilarawang nasa edad 30-35, nakasuot ng pulang T-shirt at itim na short pants.

Sa ulat ni SPO3 Glenzor Vallejo, ng Manila Police District (MPD)-Homicide Section, nabatid na dakong 12:05 ng umaga nang mahulog ang biktima sa ginagawang drainage sa harap ng F.G. Calderon High School, na nasa Hermosa Street sa Tondo.

Ayon sa mga residente, napansin nilang naglalakad nang pasuray-suray ang lalaki sa lugar kaya pinaniniwalaang lasing ito at hindi napansin ang drainage hanggang mahulog doon.

Kaagad na ipinagbigay-alam ng mga saksi kay Al Caturay, kagawad ng Barangay 202, Zone 18, ang insidente at tulung-tulong nilang iniahon ang biktima mula sa hukay na may 20 talampakan ang lalim.

Isinugod pa ito sa Tondo Medical Center ngunit patay na ito.

Source: Balita galing sa BALITA

Narito naman ang ulat ayon sa TEMPO

The body of a man was found floating in Manila yesterday. The body of the man, medium built, in his early 30s, and about 5’3″ to 5’5″ tall, was discovered floating on a drainage being built in front of F.G. Calderon High School on Hermosa St., Barangay 202, Zone 18, Tondo at around 12 a.m. by street children.

Source: Balita ng Tempo

Filipino voters will not revert back to the old manual system of voting and counting during the 2016 elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“The commission en banc specifically said that we will automate. The Comelec is determined to automate the elections and the manual elections is not being considered for now,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez following a special commission en banc meeting on Thursday afternoon.

Some groups earlier raised concern over the possibility of the country reverting back to the old manual system of voting and vote counting after the Supreme Court junked the Comelec-Smartmatic deal for the refurbishment of the precinct coun…

Keep on reading: Comelec: 2016 voting will still be automated
Source: Batang Tondo New feed

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — The United States, a long time ally, is a “big brother” to the Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said on Friday.

Other than battling insurgents, the Philippines and the world are facing other challenges in the modern times. These include climate change, transnational crime, terrorism and other things, the AFP chief said.

“There’s no other country that can help us in addressing these global concerns. No other country we can think about but the United States,” Catapang said in his speech during the closing ceremonies of the Balikatan 2015 exercises held here.

This year’s Ba…

Keep on reading: AFP chief calls US PH’s big brother, friend and ally
Source: Batang Tondo New feed

Various charges, including grave threats and direct assault, are being considered against two motorists with guns who were caught on CCTV harassing barangay traffic enforcers in Kamias, Quezon City on Wednesday.
Source: Batang Tondo New feed