Set to Change Lives of Filipino Kids: MUSIKWELA

Learned that a new show is being launched, it's called MUSIKWELA. This is an early childhood education and entertainment show where they utilize music, performance, puppetry, animation, and do lots of research so it could be easily understood by its target audience, the Filipino kid.

This all stemmed from experiencing it first hand. Ms. Ellen Estrada was fetching her daughter from school and noticed how her classmates weren't that optimistic in using "Po and Opo" in their conversations. This was something alarming because even if she taught her daughter GMRC, her classmates didn't have access to that too. Having a theater and music background, she was inspired to create the "Po and Opo" and "Ang Bagong Alpabetong Filipino" songs. Unknowingly, it was watched millions of times (3.4 and 4.7 Million) mostly by Filipinos. It became a norm for parents and teachers to use it as a medium for education. They realized how music made the experience of learning more enjoyable and uber fun!

They also joined a government initiated child documentary competition in 2023 (via the DokyuBata Festival of the National Council for Children's Television, an attached agency of the Department of Education). They did a documentary called "Ang Bayani at ang Kanyang Sandok" which teaches nationalism and love for one's country. This started the ball rolling for MUSIKWELA.

Image from their website musikwela.com

 

She harnessed the talent of her daughter Yumi Sansano to lead the show including a throng of folks called MUSIKSCOUTS (Ate Yumi, Potpot, Biboy, and Lala who were a pretty bunch!). She's no ordinary kid because she won awards in WCOPA as champ for Opera in the Juniors Division. She also did Artsy Craftsy in PTV4 a couple years back and have gotten audiences left and right, including the President of the Philippines.

We watched them perform during this event and I could liken them to Sesame Street, Sineskwela, Batibot among others. Knowing there's a huge educational crisis in the Philippines, I felt so happy that kids would have a place to learn how to respect the elderly, how to protect nature, hone their talents, what to do in case of emergencies, and care for Mother Nature in their first few episodes. Ms. Ellen also shared how they are planning to do more in the coming months, plus delve into other subjects (like reading, writing or math). I personally know some kids finish school without learning how to, and I'm hopeful this could address that (even if it doesn't entirely solve it!). Check out the event on video here:

You cannot discount the fact that it has done remarkably well for the 90's kids on why we're street and a little smart, we learned from shows like these albeit unconsciously. This is something that I'd like to happen in this generation too, and perhaps the next ones included. I wept for the shows that went off the air in the past because it has disenfranchised a lot of kids who could have learned from it. They need our help and hopefully, they get the resources to continue this. Currently, thanks to the people who are helping them and sponsors (Victoria Sports Cinema, Ceelin Gummies, Ceelin Immunped, Appebon, Allerkid, White Rabbit Philippines, Wildfire Inc., Shop N Play, Kontrata.PH) that they get to do this with passion. Imagine how many kids would learn from what they do, if millions more would consume their content on FB, their website and YouTube (so go and sub!). We'd have educated kids going out of our homes and schools, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?! 

The first episode will come out on November 11 6PM GMT and will talk about GRANDPARENT's DAY. They will release future episodes on a bi monthly period, so sub to make sure your kids could watch it! I'd like to take this bit and congratulate Ms. Ellen on her efforts, and hope you won't get tired of your passions. Here's hoping a lot of people could help you even more with your future projects!

FFCCCII Launches 2nd Short Form Video Comp for "Operation Barrio Schools"

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. or FFCCCII just recently announced their 2nd TikTok Video Competition with this year's theme: A Classroom For Every Dream (How FFCCCII Barrio Schools Have Improved Lives). 

The occasion was attended by FFCCCII President Victor Lim and his fellow FFCCCII officers Mr. Jayson Size, Mr. Peter Mangasing (Co-Chairman of Youth Integrated Committee), Mr. Reynold Sy the FFCCCII Vice President, Mr. Eddie Cobankiat (Chair Public Information and Media Committee) and Kamuning Bakery Owner and Journalist Wilson Flores. 

After the successful contest last year, they're gearing to get more people to join in this 2026 edition. For those who don't know, the organization has already built over 6,500 since 1961 and have been able to help countless students to finish their studies in different regions across the Philippines. 

This is open to Filipinos, 13 yo and above. Entries should be 1-2 minutes short, shot vertically with English Subtitles featuring FFCCCII Barrio School experience, impact or topic. You may upload this privately or through QR codes then tag @FFCCCII.official and use the hashtags #FFCCCIIBarrioSchools on May 5 - 15th this year. Total cash prize amount to 850,000 pesos and the Grand Prize is Php 120,000!

Mr. Victor Lim says "We at FFCCCII would like to encourage Filipinos especially the young ones to join our competition. Our organization's flagship project Operation Barrio Schools is part of Filipino Chinese tradition and we hope to showcase these to spark hope and see progress in communities."

The competition will be set in 2 categories #MyFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolJourney and #TheFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolsStory. Deadline for entries is on May 15th. So if you are a budding content creator or story teller, you've got to join this on the black app! Category A will be for currently enrolled students, teachers and school employees. Category B will be for content creators (pro or non pro, please scan QR for complete mechanics).

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

TechLife Offers Pad Lite 8 at Best Price

It's back to school season and the folks from TechLife knows what you need during this school year, a new tablet called Pad Lite 8. Though you have to wait a few days to get it because it'll be launched on the 11th of this month. If it's for reading, writing, assignments, exams, it's the best companion your kids could use in school. It is good for everyday use, and it's small form factor and weight would be super nice and not be a burden for them. 

The tablet is also 4G LTE and VoLTE capable which means internet connection and voice wouldn't be bad with it. You can also use it for research and learning apps to make sure you get to do those school subjects and have it work for long hours because it can do 600 hours of standby time. 

It can also be used for wellness activities, if Mom prefers to squeeze in their workouts or learn recipes from the best cooks on the internet. They would be able to see it clearly because it's HD display is great. You can also learn life skills when needed plus, enjoy sound good because you can connect to external devices using Bluetooth. It's going to be available on Shopee come July 12th, and only costs Php 4,999. I prefer the Champagne Gold but if you want something colorful, get the Lilac Purple instead. They also will offer it at Php 3799 if you get vouchers on the platform, and give you a free TechLife Pad 8 Folio Case because you are nice boys and girls. Make sure you follow their social channels to know more about it! Just search TechLife okay?