Join Now at Lakbay Kalikasan Petron Student Art Competition

Everyone’s Vision Petron is a competition for photographers, painters and designers. It is also a venue for filmmakers, musicians, performance artists, art enthusiasts, and all Filipinos to converge and be one through their shared love for Philippine art and culture. Themed Lakbay Kalikasan —A Journey of Nuturing Nature, this year’s competition focuses on the different ways of caring for and protecting the environment. Samples may be seen in Petron's own efforts to protect our biodiversity through coastal management, reforestation, mangrove planting, creating fish sanctuaries and artificial reefs, and protecting sea turtles.

Petron believes that everyone has his/her own unique perspective on things and that this uniqueness can be expressed in so many different ways.  This is the inspiration behind Everyone’s Vision Petron — the belief that free artistic expression remains intrinsic to nation-building. Everyone’s Vision Petron is open to all talented students enrolled in a regular university or college course, or in tutorial art and photography classes.  Participants must be Filipino and ages 15-28 years old. Student artists may compete in three categories:  Painting (oil and water-based media), photography, and print-making (production of printed images on paper).

Entries for the painting categories (oil and water-based media) should be no bigger than 4ft x 4ft unframed. Colored photography entries should be no bigger than 10 x 15 inches unframed. For the printmaking category, the minimum artwork size on paper is 12 x 16 inches but not more than 16 x 20 inches.

In the painting category, six Grand Prize winners will each receive P50,000; for the colored photography category, six Grand Prize winners will each receive P30,000; and in the printmaking category, three Grand Prize winners will each receive P30,000.  Each Grand Prize winner will also receive a trophy/plaque designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. Application forms are available at participating Petron service stations and bulk plants nationwide, or from the Secretariat Office (c/o Studio 5 Designs, 28 Paseo de Roxas cor Jupiter St, Bel-Air Village, Makati City, telephone 02-8909318).  The form may also be downloaded from the website: www.visionpetron.com or from Facebook: www.facebook.com/EveryonesVisionPetron.

Deadline for submission of entries is 24 July 2012 at Petron bulk plants nationwide or 31 July 2012 at the Vision Petron Project Secretariat. If submitting by courier, the entry must be sent to the secretariat's address and postmarked 24 July 2012.

______________________PRESS RELEASE_________________

Delivering Customers’ Happiness with ASUS Design Thinking DNA

ASUS always delivering a greater user experience with the latest unveiling of its new and enhanced standard of notebook. This new innovation raised the industry standard for portable PCs with an array of innovative notebooks in sync to a whole new user experience, with most concern about aesthetic Beauty, Sound, Touch and Cloud service, and all part of the core elements of ASUS design thinking DNA in delivering customers’ happiness.

Recently at Opus Lounge Resorts World Manila, ASUS Country Manager Mr. George Su and Marketing Manager Mrs. Jamie Zaldivar provided the audience with an extensive presentation of the new ASUS notebook and all of its mixtures of Beauty, Sound, Touch, IOIC (Instant On-Instant Connect) and Cloud. 

For its Beauty,Sound and Touch, “Premium Perception” is the core design concept of ASUS notebooks this year, with this, ASUS delivers incredible beauty through its designs.  With two goals  in mind and that is to be unique and elegant, ASUS is confident with its success. SonicMaster sound technology which was co- developed with B&O ICEpower^®. SonicMaster technology brings notebook audio to life, with a combination of fine-tuned software along with superior speakers and oversized resonance chambers. With its crystal clear, yet deep with richness bass, playing across a wider range will achieve. ASUS enlarge the touchpad and provide more smooth multi-gesture when scroll, swipe, rotate, zoom in & out. More gesture functions are available with this new touch pad solution created by ASUS Magic Touch team.

ASUS provide the best instant on, instant connect (IOIC) solution through 2 seconds resume and up to 2 weeks standby time. ASUS will provide Instant Connect Link (IC link). It is a solution which includes an app and a cable to share the internet from your smartphone instantaneously.Also, ASUS cloud service will provide the most convenient cloud service for customers, easily storing, sharing, and syncing up all the data. With the MyBitCast App, users can quickly sync the notes, photos and audio recording data to various devices at once.

Asus selected models will come with IPS panel with 1080p FHD resolution such as the new Zenbook Prime.  The addition of the ASUS SuperBatt technology extends the overall lifespan of the battery by three times than the regular batteries. So watch out for that, Asus will not compromise the quality of their notebooks.

ASUS showcases the entire line of innovative X, K, N, G Series notebooks and the ZENBOOK™ Prime series all features the Beauty, Sound, Touch, IOIC and Cloud experience. ASUS notebook aims to deliver a satisfying user experience while ensuring incredible innovative solutions that offer endless possibilities.

Digital Photographer Philippines 6th Anniversary

Last Saturday after the iBlog 8 at UP Diliman, me together with co-bloggers went to Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City to cover the country's number one digital photography magazine the Digital Photographer Philippines in celebrating their 6th anniversary (DPP VI). It was a whole day event for professional photographers and enthusiast which was jam-packed with live shoots, lectures, product demos, and surprises from event's partners. It wouldn't possible without the Publisher/Editor in Chief Nick Tuazon.

I've also been a member of DPP online forum early this year, when one of my photographer friend introduces it to me and since then I never fail to browse the forum everyday because I really learned from them and treats everyone a family. Though im not that active in asking and answering someones inquiry but everyone has an opinion in terms photo analysis, cameras, accesories etc.

The free and open to public event offered new techniques from local masters,  and the one's who bought the latest issue of Digital Photographer Philippines magazine had an extra treat from the sponsors and supporters of the event like freebies, snacks and they are included in the raffle. They gave memory card readers, usb flask drives, camera straps, tripods, memory organizers, hard drives and CAMERAS, yes lots of cameras.

The much awaited blind judging or photo analysis by world renowned photographer happen around 9PM and all listened attentively because they get on the spot workshop and learned a lot from them.Photographers like Xander Angeles,Manny Librodo, Raymund Isaac, Sara Black, Loel Lamala, Paco Guerrero, Ben Chan, Mark Dimalanta, Ricky Ladia, Edwin Martinez, Jay Jallorina, Jiggie Alejandrino, Niko Villegas, Boboy Librodo, Joe Galian, Borj Meneses, and Val Rodr were peresent to support the said event. Three photos from three categories were analyzed and the grand winner took an awesome high quality camera of course..wow... congratulations to the winners.

Though we went home late at night, we always remembered the night because it was full of fun, excitement, learning and enjoynment. This is an annual event of DPP, so you might want to join next year just visit www.digitalphotographer.com.ph and like them on Facebook HERE purchase magazine for more updates and information about photography.

The Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City

Are you looking for a Hotel that is truly- Green here in the Philippine’s, particularly in Quezon City? Well look no more because I will tell you a place that has it all. A warm nesting place that is Modern yet Classic, a Tranquil yet steps from vibrant entertainment, and most of all an Environmentally Responsible Luxuriously, Carefree that is Global yet truly Filipino – COCOON BOUTIQUE HOTEL.

I remember early this year when I first saw the hotel I thought I was in a different place especially when we reach the pool area. From the lobby with a unique size of couch, to furniture and picturesque view of the metro, Cocoon  will definitely captures every breath you take. Recently they open their doors to pioneering guests who share commitment for environmentally sustainable luxury. By using the deluxe amenities at Cocoon, guest were able to take the initiative of being environmentally responsible and make a positive contribution to the community.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel is resolute in its commitment to all its stakeholders and establishing sustainable relationships to guest  through sincere, warm, and nurturing service befitting a genuine Boutique Hotel. Guests will experience the style and facilities with five-star amenities and superior services. Staff undergo with extensive training and work environment which provide holistic view which will then be impart for all the guest in terms of service and connection. Certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Cocoon Boutique Hotel evidently save the environment.

BUILDING - SUSTAINABLE SITE near Hospitals, Malls, Fresh Produce Markets, Supermarkets, Dining and Entertainment Center, Schools, Churches, Media Centres, Government Agencies, Corporations, etcRain & ground water harvesting for toilet flushing, plant irrigation & general house cleaning. 100% use of LED lighting. Reclaimed all wood, metal roofing & steel grills of demolished structure on site. Use of eclaimed materials for the construction process & re-use to form part of the structure. Passive cooling thru building orientation . Use of insulation on metal roofing. 2 level Basement for ample parking space. Business Center, Boardroom, Flower & Gift Shop, Specialty Bar & Restaurant, Spa & Nail Salon, Travel Agency, Aesthetic Clinic, Dental Clinic, Gym.

LOBBY - Use of reclaimed wood. Use of natural & renewable materials such as woodstone. Use of used lighting fixtures. Front stairwell has natural lighting & ventilation. Use of indoor plants. Latest design Schindler elevator, PABX System, Modern Tropical interiors with touches of Filipino designed by Steven Leach + Associates. Concierge Services. Original 1800s Steinway Grand Piano. Antique wheels of carabao drawn carriages, heirloom chests & intricate wooden calado cutouts

HALLWAY - Fresh cool air generated from Heat Recovery System. Use of used lighting fixtures. Use of CCTV & addressable fire alarm systems for security. Limit traffic access by use of RFID key card system . Wide hallways with acoustic panels. Original oil on canvass paintings.

ROOMS - Inverter type airconditioners using non-ozone-damaging R410A refrigerant. Use of reclaimed wood. Art wall from individual scrap wood pieces. Use of large windows for natural lighting. Fixed windows for sound insulation. Lower Operable awning window to allow fresh air . 32 inches LED Cable TV with USB port capable of playing movies, DVD, MP3. Absorption-type mini refrigerators; coffee/tea making facility. Fresh air circulation in guestrooms through natural positive-negative air pressure. Waste segregation program. Linen reuse program. Built-in desk & floors using reclaimed solid hardwood. Structured cabling system for high speed internet. In-room electronic safe; hair dryer. 3-units IDD/NDD telephone set-up. Top-of-the line bed with pocket springs & anti dust mite, anti microbial memory foam. 400 Thread-count, 100% Egyptian Cotton bed linen. 90% Goose down duvets and circle-of-down pillows. Day Service & Turn-down Service.

BATHROOMS - Towels reuse program. Eco-certified 100% organic bathroom amenities. Toiletries made of Plasticized Cornstarch with packaging using Stone Paper & Soy Ink. Dual piping system for separate grey & potable water. Water-saving faucets with aerators & Siphonic jet toilet flushing. Separate Deep-soak bathtubs & rainshower with hot & cold water. Open bathroom set-up with speakers for TV viewing convenience in most rooms. 100% Egyptian Cotton towel sets.

BALLROOM - Use of Low-e laminated glass & insulated double glaze glass for windows and doors. Use of eco-friendly cleaning materials throughout the hotel. No smoking policy. 250 pax capacity with soundproof operable walls that can divide to 2 Function Rooms. 4-fixturesdeep soak bathtub and rainshower. High ceiling accented by four Murano dimmable LED chandeliers. State of the art sound and video equipment.

THE DECK - Use of canopies for natural sun shading & protection from rain. Use of reclaimed wood. Roof garden as “quarantine” for the indoor plants. Coffeeshop with Home style comfort Filipino & International food. Wireless Internet Connection in Public Areas. Adult pool has four jets for hydro massage & with over 60 light shows. Kiddie pool with bubbler. Rainshower with hot & cold water.

For inquiries and reservations, please contact the Sales and Reservations Office  at Telephone  632-998 3117/Mobile Phone  0922- 810 4692 or Email  them at info@thecocoonhotel.com. You can also visit their website at www.thecocoonhotel.com and “Like” them on Facebook HERE.

You Have Until May 31 to Assemble the Avengers with Petron

Im sure all of you have seen and repeatedly watch the movie  Marvel's The Avengers , and now Petron brings another treat to its customers with its Assemble the Avengers promo April 1to May 31, 2012 at participating Petron service stations nationwide. Meaning you have until 31st of May to avail the said action tumblers.

Fans of the action blockbuster Marvel's The Avengers, presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures,  will have a chance to complete their Super Hero set through Petron's Assemble the Avengers promo.  With every P1,000 single or accumulated purchase of any Petron fuel—Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Unleaded, Pinoy Gasoline, Xtend, Diesel Max and Turbo Diesel—the customer is entitled to purchase one Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumbler that comes with a special cup topper for only P60.

There are four Petron limited edition Marvel's The Avengers Action Tumblers to collect—Iron man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America. These may be redeemed only at the participating station where the customer loaded fuel, and the customer must present the single or accumulated receipts when redeeming the toy tumbler. Lost or damaged receipts will not be replaced or honored.

Mall of Asia Arena All Set for Lady Gaga

Have you been to Mall of Asia lately? Have you seen the biggest eye in the world and what's on it? Are you ready for Lady Gaga's Born This Way concert? Let me show you what's inside, including the star dressing room that Lady Gaga will be using.

Recently I had a chance to visit and tour around the latest and biggest architectural "eyecon" - Mall of Asia Arena. First of its kind, not only in our country but in Southeast Asia. MOA Arena is within the place where integrated shopping and entertainment experience take place- Mall of Asia Complex. The MOA Arena began constructed in 2010, owned by SM Investment Corporation and managed by West Avenue Theaters Corporation and now it is ready and functional for all kinds major occasions.

As media registered and assembled in one of the 31 Corporate Suites(Premier Suites Level) located just above the lower box section, furnished with its own restroom, mini bar, comfortable furnishings and a glass paneled viewing deck complete with plush theater seats and before the tour occur, we tasted the sumptuous food prepared by Raintree Restaurants which will exclusively cater the Premier Suites Level. Inside and around the Arena, has wide array of food selections served with foodcourt area appropriately named Hawker's Alley. Other food establishments are Krispy Kreme, Kroketa by Chef Gino, Snack Time for burgers and hotdogs, Chick-A-Go, Starbucks, Bronco Billy by Chef Florabel Co, Pitstop by Yellowcab, Spudnik by NYFD and many other.

Then the tour started and we began to amazed more about the MOA Arena specially when we saw the four dug-outs, mess hall for an event's technical team, room for exclusive press conferences and meet and greet and the four big dressing rooms, one of which the star dressing room and they mention that it will be Lady Gaga's home during the concert. I never wasted time to roam around and use the mirrors she will be using hehe.. I even went into the wash and bath room hehehe... and it really amazes me on how big and functional it is. Well lighted and very spacious.

MOA Arena is ready and equip with any concert and events, with almost 20,000 full-house capacity the audience will purely get the entertainment that they wanted, I also tried to seat on the chairs and it was so comfortable and spacious. The five-level ultramodern events also boast of Robbins flooring, eight-sided, center-hung scoreboard by Daktroniks, retractable Spalding basketball goals and an LED ribbon boards all international standards. Security is not a problem also because CCTV cameras by Mobotix will be provided all over. With 10 elevators, 34 escalators with 8 units each floor and 16 comfortable smoking lounges will also be available in the premises.

Mall of Asia Arena definitely a feast for the eye from inside and out. An "eyecon" that will be a grand place for future and momentous events, sports, concerts and gatherings. Exciting line-up will be rendered staring in May 21 and 22 for Lady Gaga "Born This Way Ball, season games of UAAP and NCAA and in June, boy bands Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block will grace the Arena along with Billboard chart toppers Edwin McCaine, The Fray and Taylor Dayne, while world-renowned Cirque du Soleil will perform in August. For tickets and inquiries visit www.smtickets.com or call 4702222.

Novuhair Salutes Mothers

Nature’s own solution to hair loss paid tribute to mothers last Mother’s Day Weekend at TriNoMa Mall, North EDSA.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion sponsored Lifestyle Network and Working Mom magazine’s The Happy Mommy on Sunday, May 13^th, a joint, mall-wide celebration held especially for mothers. All took place exclusively at Ayala Malls: Market! Market!, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Bonifacio High Street, and Alabang Town Center, with the live shows and main events happening at TriNoMa Mall, where moms across the metroenjoyed an entire day of special privileges as they gave themselves a pat on the back for their job well done.

Among many of the activities set up were spas, manicures and pedicures, and salon booths for moms to avail of some much-deserved pampering sessions; a mini-bazaar of eco-friendly products in honor of Mother Earth; an expo of the latest and trendiest mom- and baby-related products; workshops conducted by experts from Working Mom magazine on homemaking, career-building, child-rearing, pregnancy, beauty, and fashion; as well as kiddie zones that kept kids busy and a fathers’ lounge that kept dads entertained while moms enjoyed their day away. And once they were done, games and prizes awaited families ready to take bonding to a new, competitive level!

The product that brings back oomph to your scalp and the luster to your hair was also in on the fun, with Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion booths set up across the venues. On-site hair care experts shared with moms the benefits brought about by Novuhair’s all-natural concoction, which include increasing nutrients to hair follicles and improving blood flow to the scalp, as well as detoxifying the scalp, apart from combatting hair loss and ultimately spurring hair growth.

“I didn’t realize there was a product like this, now,” says Teresita Valerio, one of the moms present at the event, of Novuhair. “I will try this. It’s a great gift for mothers that are worried their hair is running out – and what a waste of their beauty it would be!” she laughed.

Indeed it was a fun-filled day for mothers and families last Sunday; a Mother’s Day celebration participants are sure to remember the whole year round.

Novuhair is available at all Mercury Drug, Watson's, Rose Pharmacy, South Star, Manson, NCCC (Davao and Palawan). Call 413-6570or 0922-883-0575 and visit www.novuhair.com for more details.

Free "Kape at Balita" with Petron

Get going with coffee and catch the latest news with Petron's "Kape at Balita" promo! Motorists who gas up between 6:30 am to 8:30 am at participating Petron stations will be treated to free coffee and newspaper for the month-long promo duration, which runs from May 10 to June 8, 2012.

For a minimum single purchase receipt of P1,000 of Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS Unleaded, Petron Xtra Unleaded, Petron Pinoy Gasoline, or Petron Regular Gasoline entitles the customer to one free sachet of San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee and one free The Philippine Star newspaper. The free coffee and newspaper may be redeemed from the same Petron station upon presentation of receipt, from 6:30 am to 8:30 am.

The "Kape at Balita" promo is valid only for cash and credit card transactions. Bulk, PO and wholesale transactions do not qualify.  The San Mig 3-in-1 Coffee sachet will be provided as a dry sample; cup and hot water are not included.

Look for the promo signages at participating Petron stations nationwide and get your early morning dose of "Kape at Balita" with Petron!

Get Ready for 2012 Run United 2 in June

Last March, me and my husband joined and had fun at Run United 1 HERE. To continue our journey towards healthy and active living for an important goal (to have a baby) we will join again in Unilab ActiveHealth’s  2012 Run United with its second leg on June 17, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia. As they also continuing efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among families.

Kids from age 5 to 12 years old can then again join the Ceelin 500-meter dash to jumpstart their journey to fitness. Moms, dads and older siblings can choose from the different race categories like 3km, 5km, 10km, and 21km. Registered participants of 500-meter dash, 3km, 5km, and 10km will receive their singlet upon registration. The Active Health race belt bag, bib with timing chip, and Riovana 10% discount stub can be claimed during the 1^st ever Run United race expo scheduled on June 13-16, 2012 at BGC Grounds near Mercato from 12nn to 8pm.

Run United runners knew that the participants of the 21k category will have a different singlet color design which makes the runners extra special, aside from the freebies that they will get during the race expo in BGC and the 2^nd piece of the collectible medal and finisher shirt. A personalized RunRio Timing Card will be exclusively given to them they just need to present their old IPICO timing chip during the registration to get the replacement. A BGC to MOA race route to improve PR and a shuttle service, to and from MOA and BGC.

“Active Health delivers Unilab’s vision of providing active health solutions for Filipino families,” Unilab Active Health Head Alex Panlilio said. “We encourage families to start or continue leading active lives through our events like Run United.

Active Health Sport Events Executive Lester Castillo said, “As we have always done in the past, we continuously improve Run United series to give runners a better experience and encourage them to keep running. Through our partnership with Coach Rio dela Cruz, Run United has become one, if not the best, running event in the country.”

There were also be a Run United Race Expo happening on June 13-16, 2012 at the BGC Grounds near MercatoAs this is a testament to the level of commitment that Active Health brings to the runners, it has brought in the Team Bike Boutique, the official merchandise partner of Ironman races worldwide. This four-day event aims to gather runners, sports enthusiast and their families to complete the active health experience. Runners can hang out with their friends while checking out the coolest and latest sports apparel. Fitness and athletic brands also present their latest products and services, including gadgets, running gear, among others.

Coach Rio dela Cruz said the race expo brings Run United to a whole new level. “Major international marathons like the ING New York Marathon and Chicago Marathon hold their own expos days before the event. Together with UNILAB Active Health, we look at some of the best practices from international races, and apply them to the Run United Series to further enhance the race experience of the Filipino running community.”

Registration for 2012 Run United 2 is ongoing at the following stores

·   Riovana at Bonifacio Global City and Katipunan, Quezon City

·   Toby’s at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City and SM North The Block, Quezon City

For online registration, check details at www.unilabactivehealth.com or www.runrio.com. Registration is until June 3, 2012 on a first come first serve basis.

2012 Run United 2 is for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga and Children’s Hour. For more inquiries, check out www.unilabactivehealth.com and www.facebook.com/unilabactivehealth. 

PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES AT PALARONG PAMBANSA 2012 OPENING PROGRAM

All are headed at Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, Lingayen Pangasinan for the opening ceremonies of Palarong Pambansa 2012. President Benigno S. Aquino III is the guest of honor and speaker of the said annual event.  Here's transcript of President Aquino's speech.

"Nagagalak po akong maparito sa Lingayen, Pangasinan, upang pasimulan ang pinakamalaking sports event sa Pilipinas ngayong taon: ang Palarong Pambansa 2012. Unang-una po, congratulations sa lahat ng nandito ngayon—mula sa mga kabataang atleta, hanggang sa inyong mga mentor at coach, sa ating sports officials, at sa bawat indibidwal at organisasyong nagsumikap upang matagumpay nating mailunsad ang pagtitipon at paligsahang ito. Ito pong Palarong Pambansa ang nagsisilbing pinakamalaking entablado upang maipamalas ng lahing Pinoy ang kanyang angking-kagalingan sa larangan ng palakasan. Sa mga susunod na araw po, masasaksihan ng sambayanan ang pagtatagisan ng galing, ang mga patalasan ng dunong, ang pagpapamalas ng husay ng mga atletang Pinoy mula sa iba’t ibang larangan, mula sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ng Pilipinas.Mahigit anim na dekada na nga pong nagbibigay-daan ang Palarong Pambansa para malinang ang kakayahan ng ating mga atleta para sa mga lokal na kompetisyon. Ito rin ang nagsisilbing lunsaran ng ating pagtuklas sa mga kabataang Pilipinong magdadala ng karangalan sa bansa sa mga pandaigdigang entablado. Dito nga po sa Palarong Pambansa unang ipinunla ang mga alamat nina Lydia de Vega at Elma Muros para sa Athletics, Danny Ildefonso at Marlou Aquino para sa basketball; Susan Papa at Eric Buhain sa swimming; at Chiefy Caligdong at Kristopher Camcam ng Azkals para naman sa football. Mulat po tayong lahat:tulad nila, hindi lamang kayo bumangon isang umaga, at natuklasang kayo na ang pinakamahuhusay sa larangan na inyong kinabibilangan. Namuhunan kayo ng pawis at panahon; nagsakripisyo kayo para marating ang puntong ito. Alam kong hindi biro ang pagbabalanse sa paglalaro, at sa pagbabasa ng libro sa ekswela. Mulat akong may mga oras na kinakailangan ninyong isakripisyo ang panahon sa pamilya at mga kaibigan, para lang makatutok sa inyong kasanayan. Pero tulad nga po ng kasabihan ng mga matatanda: “Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga.” Tagumpay ang bunga ng pagtatambal ng talento at pagsisikap. Kayo ang nagpapatotoo: walang pinanganak na kampeon—ang mga tropeo’t medalya ay nakakamit mula sa disiplina at puspusang dedikasyon. 

Sa inyong lahat na nandito ngayon: saludo ako sa inyo. Nawa’y maging mabuting halimbawa kayo sa mga kapwa ninyo kabataan. Nawa’y maging bukal kayo ng inspirasyon sa iba pa ninyong mga kababayan.

Asahan naman ninyo, patuloy ang suporta nginyong pamahalaan sa pagpapabuti at pagpapaigting sa larangan ng sports sa bansa. Paranga po sa Palarong Pambansa 2012, naglaan ang Department of Education ng mahigit dalawandaang milyong piso. Ito po ay upang matiyak na sapat ang mga kagamitan ng ating mga atleta, at masigurong tatakbo nang maayos ang paligsahan. Bukod naman sa pakikituwang sa DepEd sa pangangasiwa sa mga kompetisyon, nakalatag na rin po ang 2011-2016 Philippine Sports Roadmap ng Philippine Sports Commission. Kabilang dito ang tinatawag nating “focus sports policy,” kung saan tututukan ang pagpapaunlad sa ilang mga napiling larangan, kabilang na ang boxing, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, wushu, archery, wrestling, bowling, weightlifting, at billiards. Halos dalawandaang milyon po, o 33% ng tinataya nating annual remittance sa ilalim ng National Sports Development Fund angilalaan para sa pagpapaunlad ng mga sports na ito. Pagdating po sa larangan ng palakasan at kalusugan, hindi rin po natin kinakalimutan ang mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan—kasama na ang mga inmates, Persons with Disabilities, at mga kabataan. Nitong taong 2011, muli na po nating nailunsad ang Batang Pinoy, isang programang naka-sentro sa paghuhubog sa kaugalian ng mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng sports at iba pang mga laro.  Ibabalik din po natin ang Philippine National Games bilang national try-out para sa mga atleta natin mula sa grassroots level—upang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong makalaro sa Philippine team. Gaganapin po ang susunod na paligsahan sa Dumaguete City sa buwan ding ito. Aabot naman po ng limang milyong piso ang inilaan nating pondo para sa mga Persons with Disabilites, upang maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pakikilahok sa iba’t ibang sports events. Gayundin, halos walong libong inmates mula sa iba’t ibang piitan sa bansa ang regular nating binibigyan ng fitness regimen upang mapangalagaan ang kanilang pangagatawan at kalusugan. Nais ko naman pong magpasalamatsa probinsya ng Pangasinan—sa inyong pagsusumikap sa pagiging host ng Palarong Pambansa sa taong ito, at sa mainit ninyong pagtanggap sa bawat isa sa atin ngayon dito. Sa atin namang mga atleta ngayon: pagkatapos ng kompetisyon, ito sana ang maging bitbit ninyong pabaon—hindi natatapos ang laban sa tunog ng pito, sa hudyat ng batingaw, o pagtapak sa Finish Line. Paglabas ninyo sa basketball court, sa swimming pool, o sa boxing ring, marami pang pagsubok sa tunay na buhay at kalakhang lipunan ang darating. Nawa’y gamitin ninyo ang lahat ng inyong natutuhan dito sa pagdaig sa mga hamong humaharap sa ating bayan. Patuloy sana kayong mangarap. Patuloy kayong mangahas sa pag-abot sa kung anumang minimithi ninyo sa buhay. Tuloy lang ang pagsisikap, tuloy lang ang disiplina, tuloy lang ang sakripisyo, at tiyak na sa mas malaking entablado na kayo paparangalan at hahakot ng mga tropeo’t medalya. Sa inyong lahat: good luck sa inyong mga laban. Mabuhay po ang kabataang Pilipino; mabuhay ang atletang Pinoy. Maraming salamat po."

Watch out for more of Palarong Pambansa 2012 at pangasinan.gov.ph, pangasinantourism.com and rappler.com.

Ogie Mendoza, The Man Behind Manila Tango

When I was in high school ballroom dancing became a big hit in events, parties and gatherings, even my aunties 30th birthday that time hired a dance instructor (DI) for us to enjoy and dance our hearts away the whole time and I really enjoyed it a lot. There are various dance like ChaCha, Waltz, Swing, Tango and many more which the instructor thought us that night. The one I remembered most is the steps of ChaCha which I had until now whenever ballroom dancing comes in.

Tango is one of it with sweeping across Asia and one man has quietly worked the room to make this passionate dance the craze it is now known to be. With only passion & dedication tucked under his sleeves, he created two major Tango events which have now become the barometer for quality Tango promotion in Southeast Asia.

Ogie Mendoza's expertise on Argentine tango spans for seventeen years of experience from three aspects of the dance. As a teacher, performer and an organizer he enriches the arts of dancing through tango.

As a teacher, he learned from all the important names in the world of tango where he had condensed the best from every master he has learned with and incorporated it with his own understanding, then eventually formulating his own syllabus that now defines his pedagogy.He has honed his teaching skills from conducting numerous workshops to tango communities in almost all the major cities in Southeast Asia.

As a performer, he did countless performances in cities like Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Dubai & Kota Kinabalu. The most notable of which, were two performances at the KLCC-Petronas with his violinist student,Ms. Runa Baagoe, in a symphony orchestra with musicians from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007 & 2008. The opportunity to perform at the prestigious KLCC-concert hall with a thousand spectators watching, is one defining moment in his colorful career.

As an organizer, he has brought tango promotion in the region to new heights and dimension under his event company Tango Oriental, creator of Tangoxposed, Tangoblitz, and Oriental Visit. The influx of genuine Argentine talents through his initiative benefited a whole region in need of tango expertise. It gave the region's tango communities improved skills and techniques from the expertise of the teachers/performers he has brought over the last six years.

The founder of the Manila Tango Club, one of the very first tango clubs in Southeast Asia which actively pursues the promotion of tango in the Philippines. He is still currently engaged with a lot of activities where he closely works with the major tango clubs around the region spear-heading workshops, performances and private coaching by visiting teachers and musicians.


This year, Ogie has gathered an impressive line-up of top-caliber tango artists from Buenos Aires for the avid aficionados here in Manila, From May 17-20, a 4-day event beginning with a Tango competition; and a Gala Masters show, both at the Makati Sports Club; Filipiniana-themed and farewell milongas at the Ristorante L'Ambasciata D'Abruzzo and Society Lounge, respectively; workshops, private coaching and more.

The region's well-loved couple Laila & Leandro Oliver together with Forever Tango star Tamara Bisceglia with Federico Paleo head the line-up for this year's presentation, with Analia Carreno & Luiggi Ramirez of Conjuro Tango fame, and salon maestros Noelia Coletti & Pablo Giorgini. 

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with not just one or 2 couples, but 4 fantastic Argentine tango couples. They will not only enthral you with this passionate dance that has been taking the world by storm, but they will be here to hold workshops starting on 15May2012, and dance with all the tangueros and tangueras during the nightly Milonga parties.

For the 4^th Manila Tango Festival program and packages, please email manilatangoclub@gmail.com  or call +632-895-4576. You  may also visit the following websites:  www.manilatangofestival.com or www.tangoblitz.com  for information updates, as well as Facebook pages: Manila Tango Club or Tango Philippines. 

Get "Real, Personal and All that Style!" at StyleRPA

As a blogger, we get a chance to be invited on various launch, concerts and food events around the metro from different PR agency. RPA headed by Philip Abadicio is one of them which I can considered successful and mastered the craft of it. Started as a young entrepreneur who knew the importance of communicating the right information to the right persons, eventually moved into public relations.

Now that his horizon is expanding he made the StyleRPA, the television and online style magazine to reach many audience off and on line. It covers events,travel, motoring,gadgets, arts,culture,fashion, beauty, home people, food and restaurants, artists, music and all new line of information freshly impart to you by StyleRPA.

Recently they launch StyleRPA and yours truly had a chance to witness the event and have a chance to party with them. Around 8PM the program was started it was hosted by Amanda and Philip. With a short VTR of the show they introduces the host as such Amanda Elvina, Ria Casco and Nicole Reyes. That night was full fun,food and drinks and no one got home empty handed because lots of prizes are given which came from friends and supporters of StyleRPA like Flawless, Pearlie White, Fame Haircare and Styling Salon. Congratulations StyleRPA and more power. Way ahead and i will support you, thank you.


StyleRPA TV is on Channel 8 GNN at Destiny Channel on Saturdays 7PM-8PM and they have replays on Sundays 8AM-9AM. Watch out for them because they are "REAL, PERSONAL and all that STYLE".