MANILA, Philippines — The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for Young People will honor 78 participants from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Ticket to Life and the De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) today, Feb. 13, 3 p.m., at the ARG Theater, 5th floor, of the DLS-CSB Taft Campus..

SDEAS' awardees include Ana Arce (silver awardee), Bea Francisco (gold) and eight other deaf students (bronze). Ticket to Life will have 18 bronze recipients and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines will have 51 bronze recipients.

Undersecretary Leon Flores III of the National Youth Commission with Mae Paner (a.k.a. Juana Change) are the guest speakers. Rob Oliphant, program officer and Sue Walker, executive director of the International Awards Association Asia Pacific region will also be present at the event.

The International Award is a self-development program available to all 14 to 25-year-olds. Over seven million young people worldwide have taken up the Award challenge. Young people design their own award program, set their own goals, and record their own progress.

Dialogues @ Starbucks features Nat -Geo producer

‘DIALOGUES @ Starbucks,’ will feature Singapore-based Filipina content producer Camille Faylona on Feb. 15, 7 p.m., at the Starbucks Drive Thru on 32nd and 7th streets, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Faylona will talk about her experiences in video content production culled from her 10 years of working with Channel News Asia, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and National Geographic, as well as her plans for the next generation of Filipino nerdtainers.

Email csr@rustancoffee.ph for details.

Nihongo Fiesta set

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) kicks off its 2012 Nihongo Fiesta on today, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. with a one-night free concert of Asian jazz group Unit Asia at the SM City North EDSA Sky Dome in Quezon City.

The five-piece group of outstanding jazz musicians from Japan, Thailand and Malaysia will incorporate rock and pop tunes in their groovy jazz repertoire for a unique pre-Valentine date. Filipino alternative-rock singer Cooky Chua will also perform.

Meanwhile, dessert enthusiasts can learn how to make traditional Japanese desserts in the Wagashi: Japanese Traditional Confectionary Lecture/Demonstration on Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Atrium of The Podium in Mandaluyong City. Three Japanese pastry chefs Noriyuki Myojin, Keisuke Yoshihashi, and Naoya Koizumi will demonstrate their skills and food artistry when it comes to making mochi, azuki bean paste, sweet rice crackers and other Japanese confectionery.

A Nihongo Speech Contest will also be held on Feb. 25, 10 a.m. at the The Tents, Alphaland Southgate Mall in Makati City. A Nihongo Quiz Bee will also be held on the same day and venue for high school students who are currently taking Nihongo classes. For inquiries, call (02) 811-6155 to 58 or email@jfmo.org.ph.

Ben Adams ’ A1 holds concert

Ben Adams of A1 is more than just a pretty face with a good voice. He is also a brilliant songwriter.

At 16, Adams wrote his group’s biggest hit “Like A Rose.”

“I wrote it when I was 16 years old on my old upright piano at my parents house. I haven't told anyone this really as most people assume it’s a love song, but it was actually originally written for my mom!,” he revealed.

A1, which released a new album via MCA Muisc entitled “Waiting For Daylight,”is performing with members Blue and Jeff Timmons (frontman of 98 Degrees) for a triple treat concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 25, 8 p.m. The concert, produced by Wilbros Live, is called "The Greatest Hits Tour: Blue, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees and A1 - Live in Manila 2012."

For ticket inquiries, call TicketNet Box Office at 911-5555 or Wilbros Live at 374-2222.