Kevin Ray N. Chua

Free PLDT WiFi this Sinulog 2012

2012-01-12T23:45:00.001+08:00

Many are asking if there will be indeed a Free PLDT WiFi this Sinulog 2012. Well, one significant detail to set the Sinulog 2012 celebrations apart is the introduction of PLDT WiFi Zones all across public thoroughfares and establishments nearest the event to maximize the Sinulog experience.

In partnership with the Cebu City Government through the Office of the Mayor, Councilors Roberto Cabarrubias and Mike Ralota, the free PLDT WiFi this Sinulog 2012 through the PLDT WiFi Zones have been set up in time for Sinulog 2012 but will be a service made available to Cebuanos year round starting January 12. The PLDT WiFi Zones may be accessed in Gen. Maxilom Avenue (PERMANENT), Gorordo to Fuente Osmeña Circle (PERMANENT), Osmeña Boulevard (PERMANENT), Portions of N. Bacalso Avenue and P. Del Rosario (PERMANENT), the Cebu City Sports Center (TEMPORARY INSTALLATION UNTIL JAN. 16 ONLY), Cebu City Hall (PERMANENT), Cebu Provincial Capitol (PERMANENT), Magellan's Cross (PERMANENT) and Plaza Independencia (PERMANENT) and many other establishments.

The service will be FREE for the duration of the festival. Consumers just need to look for the PLDT WiFi Zone Booth strategically located along the festival route to get their FREE WiFi Zone PINS.

"PLDT has always considered Cebu as one of its priority cities. With the unveiling of its latest technology, the PLDT WiFi Zones, the Sinulog festival, every Cebuano's proudest moment, can now be shared throughout the world as it takes place," according to PLDT Head of Cebu Operations Bong Lintag.

PLDT Vice President for Data Acquisitions Retail Business Group, Gary Dujali, believes that powering Cebu up for its biggest festival will prove to be a great development for everyone involved.

"This new service we are proud to finally launch in Cebu is an extension of our subscribers' internet connection at home. They can take advantage of ultra fast and reliable WiFi service not just at home but everywhere in the city."

Residents of Metro Manila can attest to experiencing WiFi like no other from more than 2,000 establishments upgraded to the WiFi Zone just from last year.

And if you just don't know, it was Cebu City Councilor Bob Cabarrubias who took the initiative to make this happen and also the positive response of PLDT Head of Cebu Operations Bong Lintag. Something that we called as a dream is now a reality.

For the first time in Sinulog history, people can now share what they're going through online and in real time as PLDT WiFi Zone is right where all the festivities are centered! Posting photos in real time of the most colorful costumes, the most captivating Cebuana beauties, or even your best dance moves won't have to wait after the festival is over.

PLDT WiFi Zone is the same unlimited myDSL connection you take with you outside the home and is made even more convenient by utilizing JUST ONE USERNAME and PASSWORD when you connect to it.

Experience PLDT WiFi Zone now for as low as P150 a month for PLDT myDSL subscribers and P 300 a month for PLDT landline subscribers. PLDT subscribers can register at www.pldtwifizone.com to try the service out for free until January 15 in the midst of the Sinulog merriment and to be privy to areas in Cebu that are set to be upgraded to the WiFi Zone in the near future.

And tell your friends that indeed, there will be a free PLDT WiFi this Sinulog 2012. Just be careful with your gadgets when you access that WiFi. Criminal elements will always be around. ;D

Miss Cebu 2012 Winners

2012-01-11T10:07:00.001+08:00

The winners of Miss Cebu 2012 was announced last January 11, 2012 at Waterfront Hotel Cebu. The winners of Miss Cebu 2012 together with the special awards are listed down below.

Here was the final question for all the Top 5 Finalists:

"The slogan is "What's new and old Cebu?" Well, globally eco-travel is the new concept. As Miss Cebu, how would you start or strengthen ecotourism in Cebu?"

And here are the Miss Cebu 2012 Winners:

Miss Cebu 2012 Grand Winner: Candidate No. 6 Pierre Anther G. Infante

Miss Cebu 2012 1st Runner-Up: Candidate No. 4 Rachel Chloe T. Palang

Miss Cebu 2012 2nd Runner-Up: Candidate No. 7 Ella Beverly P. Sarmago

Miss Cebu 2012 3rd Runner-Up: Candidate No. 10 Jonnie Rose Louise R. Wee

Miss Cebu 2012 4th Runner-Up: Candidate No. 8 Herlie Kim T. Artugue

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Miss Friendship by Waterfront: Candidate No. 7 Ella Beverly P. Sarmago

Miss Photogenic by NGenius: Candidate No. 1 Michelle Angelique A. Tan

Kapamilya Star of the Night: Candidate No. 7 Ella Beverly P. Sarmago

Best in Evening Gown and Ms. Glamour Girl of Cathay Pacific: Candidate No. 6 Pierre Anther G. Infante

Best Evening Gown Designer: Cary Santiago

Our congratulations to the Miss Cebu 2012 Winners, the lovely candidates, the organizers, the sponsors and the people who made the event possible!

Feel free to visit the blog posts below about Sinulog 2012:

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners, please click here.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners, please click here.

Cebu Marathon 2012 Winners

2012-01-08T16:11:00.001+08:00

The Cebu Marathon 2012 was held last January 8, 2012. Here are the winners of the Cebu Marathon 2012:

42K (MALE)

1. Richard Mutisya – 2:28:41
2. David Kipuang – 2:30:10
3. Fredrick Mathiu – 2:31:49
4. Philip Rono – 2:32:56
5. Josphat Kiptanui – 2:35:31
6. Abraham Misos – 2:41:51
7. Francis Kakui – 2:43:15
8. Noel Tillur – 2:49: 44
9. James Meibei – 2:56:14
10. Dandy Maturan – 2:56:34

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

42K (FEMALE)

1. Joan Jeruto – 3:13:28
2. Cynthia Jaro – 3:14:00
3. Susan Jemutai – 3:23:17
4. Christy Tutor – 3:24:42
5. Madelyn Carter – 3:33:16
6. Rhea Macaluso – 3:44:48
7. Peris Poywo – 4:13:34
8. Helen Palma – 4:18:47
9. Virginia Parajenog – 4:20:09
10. Janette Legaspi – 4:34:51

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners, please click here.

21K (MALE)

1. Samson Tuwei – 1:10:08
2. Willy Rotich – 1:10:59
3. Eliud Kipkering – 1:11:37
4. Stanly K. Ting – 1:11: 39
5. Mendel Lopez – 1:15:42
6. Willy Tanui – 1:16:42
7. Elmer Bartolo – 1:16: 54
8. John Philip Duenas – 1:17:07
9. Alvirg Busa – 1:17:16
10. Ramil Neri – 1:19:26

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

21K (FEMALE)

1. Mary Grace delos Santos – 1:24:38
2. Irine Kipchumba – 1:26:07
3. Stephanie Pumatong – 1:35:02
4. Lheslen Abella – 1:40:08
5. Aileen Breen – 1:42:26
6. Lezette Albarote – 1:45:38
7. Emily Rosas – 1:49:19
8. Jenefer Paloma – 1:52:22
9. Mary Ann Tan Benedic – 2:03:31
10. Marjorie Ellen Torre – 2:03:55

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners, please click here.

5K (MALE)

1. Jobert Carolino – 17:06:00
2. Aldrin Agang – 17:22:00
3. Adonis Singson – 17:29:00
4. Reprinel Banson – 17:30:00
5. Raymart Montecalvo – 18:28:00
6. Glenn Arellano – 19:02:00
7. Chobie Duenas – 20:09:00
8. Roi Rich Masong - 20:16:00
9. John Ray Doquiatan – 20:29:00
10. Ivan Santos – 21:02:00

5K (FEMALE)

1. Lovely Fe Andrin – 21:22:00
2. Jhean Andrin – 21:23:00
3. Aiza Suaybaguio – 22:48:00
4. Crizel Diongson – 22:49:00
5. Cherry Andrin – 22:50:00
6. Lenly Cardinas – 23:27:00
7. Sharon Thea Cabal – 29:17:00
8. Sara Ellenburg – 30:58:00
9. Maria Maida Apostol – 30:59:00
10. Joy Grimard – 31:01:00

Congratulations to all the Cebu Marathon 2012 Winners!

Sinulog 2012 Grand Parade Winners

2012-01-05T23:04:00.001+08:00

The winners of the Sinulog 2012 Grand Parade were announced last January 15, 2012 (SUNDAY). The list of Sinulog 2012 Grand Parade Winners are as follows:

FREE INTERPRETATION CATEGORY

* 1st Place Winner: Tribu Lingganay of Alang-alang, Leyte
* 2nd Place Winner: Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer, Masbate
* 3rd Place Winner: Karatong Festival of Dulag, Leyte
* 4th Place Winner: Lumad Basakanon
* 5th Place Winner: Toledo Vocational School

SINULOG BASED CATEGORY

* 1st Place Winner: Culturang Placereño of Placer, Masbate
* 2nd Place Winner: Tribu Sinanduloy of Tangub
* 3rd Place Winner: Carcar City
* 4th Place Winner: Santa Catalina of Negros Oriental
* 5th Place Winner: Abellana National High School

STREET DANCING CATEGORY

* 1st Place Winner: Carcar City
* 2nd Place Winner: Tribu Sinanduloy of Tangub
* 3rd Place Winner: Culturang Placereño

FLOAT CATEGORY

* 1st Place Winner: International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
* 2nd Place Winner: M. Lhullier
* 3rd Place Winner: Rose Pharmacy

PUPPETEER CATEGORY

* 1st Place Winner: Angelique Mar Aranas
* 2nd Place Winner: Giovanni Abos
* 3rd Place Winner: University of Cebu Main Animation

HIGANTE CATEGORY

* Winner: Arnulfo Enjambre

Congratulations to all the winners of the Sinulog 2012 Grand Parade!

Viva Pit Señor!

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners

2012-01-05T22:54:00.001+08:00

The winners of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 was announced last January 8, 2012 (SUNDAY). Below is the list of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners:

ELEMENTARY CATEGORY

Grand Champion - Bulacao Community School
2nd Place Winner - Punta Princesa Elementary School
3rd Place Winner - Zapatera Elementary School
4th Place Winner - Cebu City Central School
5th Place Winner - Mambaling Elementary School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Zapatera Elementary School
Best in Musicality - Labangon Bliss Elementary School

HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY

Grand Champion - Abellana National School
2nd Place Winner - Apas National High School
3rd Place Winner - Barrio Luz National High School
4th Place Winner - Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School
5th Place Winner - Ramon Duterte Memorial National High School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Abellana National School
Best in Musicality - Apas National High School

Please do take a look at the following resources about Sinulog 2012:

Viva Pit Señor!

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners

2012-01-05T22:53:00.003+08:00

The winners of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 was announced last January 7, 2012 (SATURDAY). Below is the list of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners:

ELEMENTARY CATEGORY

Grand Champion - Danao City East District, Danao City Central School
2nd Place Winner - Tuyan Central Elementary School
3rd Place Winner - San Roque Elementary School
4th Place Winner - Bogo City Division
5th Place Winner - Santa Filomena Elementary School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Danao City East District, Danao City Central School
Best in Musicality - Danao City East District, Danao City Central School

HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY

Grand Champion - Carcar City Division
2nd Place Winner - Toledo National Vocational School
3rd Place Winner - Lawaan National High School
4th Place Winner - Medellin National High School
5th Place Winner - Maslog National High School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Carcar City Division
Best in Musicality - Carcar City Division

Please do take a look at the following resources about Sinulog 2012:

Viva Pit Señor!

Sinulog 2012 Novena Mass Schedule

2012-01-05T22:07:00.000+08:00

The Novena Mass Schedule for the Santo Niño is one of the most important religious aspect of the Sinulog 2012. Cebuanos and devotees alike will be reciting nine consecutive days of prayers, also known as the Novena, in celebration and thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Below is the Novena Mass Schedule for the Sinulog 2012:

Regular Routine Novena/Masses Schedule

5:30 AM – City Parishes / Barangays
7:00 AM – Business Sectors
8:30 AM – Basic Education – Private Schools
10:00 AM – Parishes: District & Vicariate
11:30 AM – Business Sectors
1:00 PM – Government Offices: City & Provincial
2:30 PM – Basic Education – Public by Districts
4:00 PM – Colleges
5:30 PM – Universities
7:00 PM - Archdiocesan Organizations, Movement & Communities

FIRST DAY OF NOVENA - January 05, 2012 (THURSDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH JESUS
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – FOOT PENITENTIAL PROCESSION (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – FIRST MASS – INSTALLATION OF HERMANO and HERMANA MAYORES 2012

SECOND DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 6, 2012 (FRIDAY)
2:30 PM – Opening Salvo by the Sinulog Foundation

THIRD DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 7, 2012 (SATURDAY)
8:30 PM – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

FOURTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 8, 2012 (SUNDAY)
8:30 AM – Children’s Mass with Colegio del Sto. Niño

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners, please click here.

FIFTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 9, 2012 (MONDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

SIXTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 10, 2012 (TUESDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

SEVENTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 11, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
7:00 PM – Senior Citizens Night

EIGTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 12, 2012 (THURSDAY)
8:30 p.m. – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

NINTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 13, 2012 (FRIDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH MARY
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – Foot Penitential Procession (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – Holy Mass and Novena
7:00 AM – Misa de Translacion
(Motorcade proceeds to the National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue City)
1 – 2 PM – District Teachers Traditional Halad
8:30 PM – Re-enactment of the first Wedding.

VESPERAS - Jan. 14, 2012 (SATURDAY)
5:30 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM – Mass for the OFW Families
7:00 AM – FLUVIAL PROCESSION – Route: Ouano Wharf, Mactan Bridge, Lapu-Lapu, Pasil, Pier 1
9:30 AM – Re-enactment of the arrival of the image
10:00 AM – Re-enactment of the Mass and Baptism
1:00 PM – Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image
6:00 PM – Pontifical Mass

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners, please click here.

FIESTA SEÑOR DAY - Jan. 15, 2012 (SUNDAY)
4:00 AM – Mañanita Mass
6:00 AM - Pontifical Mass with His Grace Cebu Archbishop Jose B. Palma, D.D.
8:30 AM - Augustinian Recollect Communities
10:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
11:30 AM – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:20 PM - Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:30 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English mass

THANKSGIVING MASS - Jan. 16, 2012 (MONDAY)
5:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – Mass for the OFWs
10:00 AM – Thanksgiving Mass with the San Nicolas Parish
2:00 PM - Thanksgiving Mass by Sinulog Foundation
4:00 PM – Requiem Mass for the Deceased Devotees
5:30 PM – Healing Mass for the Sick and the Aged

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

HUBO - January 20, 2012 (FRIDAY)
4:00 AM – HUBO MASS
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – English Mass
9:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
10:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
11:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
12:00 NN – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:00 PM – English Mass
3:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:00 PM – English Mass
6:00 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English Mass

Viva Pit Señor!

Donate for Typhoon Sendong Victims

2011-12-21T00:44:00.001+08:00

As much as we would like to enjoy Christmas parties left and right, our friends in Dumaguete City, Cagayan De Oro City and Iligan City needs our help. With the death toll of Typhoon Sendong rising to 1,000, we can't help but be saddened by this tragedy. Here's how you can donate for Typhoon Sendong Victims especially for our friends here in Cebu:

NEEDED DONATIONS
* Ready to eat meals
* Potable water
* Clothes
* Rice
* Canned goods
* Cookware
* Footwear
* Blankets
* Toiletries
* Mats
* Underwear
* Sanitary napkins and toilet paper
* Medicines
* Detergents
* Children’s needs like diapers and milk
* Mosquito nets
* Flashlights with batteries
* Raincoats
* Latrines

DONATION CENTERS
NOTE: Please do email me at kevinraychua[at]gmail[dot]com if your organization is also accepting donations for Typhoon Sendong victims so that I can include it here.

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.
You can send your cash donations via PayPal thru cbsifinance@ymail.com.

After making a donation, please send a message to cbsifinance@ymail.com including the amount of your donation to verify the transactions.

Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc.
One For Iligan full donation form can be filled-up at http://bit.ly/unX71B.

List of Cash Donors via PayPal can be seen at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&key=0AufHi9Th0W7KdHhLVGNaY2VWaFdfUjBadVgxTXdOV1E&output=html.

ABS-CBN 3 Cebu
Drop-Off Point in WHITE TENT with ABS-CBN TARPS is located near the Fuente Police Station.

GMA 7 Cebu
You can donate in cash or in kind at the following GMA Drop-Off Points:

- Plaza Sugbu, in front of Cebu City Hall
- Manros Plaza, Mango Avenue
- Cebu Medical Society, beside ERUF, Banilad

SM City Cebu
Drop-Off Point is located at the Lower Ground Floor between Air Philippines and Country Crafts

iTees
Drop-Off Point is located at P. Del Rosario in front of Sto. Rosario Dormitory.

You can contact Adrian S. Balugo at +639228293732 for more info on how to donate at iTees.

PRWorks
Donations will be received at the PRWorks office right across the USC Main Gym along Sanciangko Street until Monday, Dec. 26.

Please coordinate with Doris (09167369463) or Mafe (09173829016) at 416-7159; or email dorismongaya@gmail.com or prworks2003@gmail.com.

Sun.Star Cebu
You can send your donations in cash or in check to J.P. Garcia Foundation, based in Sun.Star Cebu Main Office on P. Del Rosario Street, Cebu City.

For inquiries, please contact 254-6100 and look for Ms. Ana Chua.

The Freeman
You can send your donations at The Freeman Main Office on V. Gullas Street, Cebu City.

George & Peter Lines, Inc. (GP Lines)
For those who want to send aid to Dumaguete, George & Peter Lines Inc (GP Lines) will waive freight charges.

Please contact Mr. Jenuel Belarmino at 09329458953, Ed Lozada at 09186283143 or (032) 255 8692.

Negros Navigation-ATS
Drop-off point for your donations is located at Pier 4 in Cebu City.

Cebu Normal University Supreme Student Government
You can send your donations to their SSG Office located at the Multi-Purpose Bldg. Cebu Normal University, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City. The SSG Office is open from 8AM-5PM.

Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente
Please drop off your donations of canned goods, used clothes and mineral water at the Andorra Tiles Office at Gorordo Ave.(beside Jollibee/JY Square).

For cash donations, please deposit immediately to this account:

RCBC Savings Bank
Account Name: Celebrate Service Centennial Foundation
Account Number: 1067-029051

They also have (4) Drop-off points for in-kind donations:

- Vienna Cafe, Manros Plaza, Mango Avenue
- Cebu Medical Society Building, Banilad
- Rotary Center, MEPZ 1, Lapu-Lapu City, across Italkarat
- Norkis Park, Mandaue City across the Engineering Bldg. of Mandaue City.

JCI Zugbuana
In Partnership with JCI-Metro Cebu Uptown, they are accepting donations (cash or in kind) at Benedicto College, Mandaue and The Parkmall, North Reclamation Area.

Kukuk's Nest
You can send your donations at their place located at 124 Gorodo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City. You may contact them at 2315180/2361982.

Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu Alumni Association Office
Donations in kind may be brought to SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Canduman Campus c/o Information Office, (032) 345-4378.

If you wish to make a cash gift, you can also deposit your donation to Xavier University in Cagayan De Oro City using this details:

Bank of the Philippine Islands Cagayan de Oro – Divisoria Branch
Account Name: Xavier University
Account No.: 9331-0133-63

Those who wish to receive a receipt, please email finance@xu.edu.ph with details of their donation (donor’s name, amount, date, receiving bank branch).

Seawalk Trading Corporation
They are located at 888 A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City. You can look for Beth or Sandra. Their contact numbers are: (032) 3461324 / 4162311.

Cokaliong Shipping will be sponsoring the free shipment of all collected items donated from that area.

McDo
All McDonald's stores in Cebu will also accept donations IN KIND starting December 21.

LBC
All LBC branches are offering FREE Shipping of relief goods to these affected areas. Please visit your nearest LBC branch for more info about this.

iStorya.Net
You may drop your donations in iSTORYA.NET office located at Rm. 201 MIT Building, Gorordo Ave. Lahug Cebu City (Beside Jollibee J.Y. Square) starting Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 6 AM to 5 PM look for Melvin.

Alternatively, you may send your donations through Paypal under paypal@istorya.net. Please specify that it's for Operation Sendong.

You may drop off your donations at the following places:

1) iSTORYA.NET HQ - Unit 201, MIT Building (beside Jollibee-Lahug), Gorordo Ave., Cebu City (Tuesday-Saturday 7AM-4PM)
2) PRG Photoshop - Baseline Complex, Juana Osmeña St., Cebu City (Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM)
3) Alberto's Pizza - A.S. Fortuna (near Banilad Flyover), Mandaue City (Sunday-Saturday 9AM-2AM)
4) Insotec Computers - 2900 Osmeña Street, Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City (Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm)

Red Cross
Text RED(space)AMOUNT and send it to 2899 for GLOBE or 4143 for SMART.

Example:
RED 25 send to 2899 (GLOBE)
RED 25 sebd to 4143 (SMART)

You can donate the following denominations:
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Globe
You may donate using GCASH. Just text DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)MPIN(space)SLB and send it to 2882.

Smart
Donors to Typhoon Sendong victims may help through Smart Money Acct. No. 5577-5130-6822-1104 at any BDO, Hapinoy or Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.

Department of Social Welfare and Development

Land Bank Account
Account Name: DSWD-donation
Account Number FOR LOCAL DONATIONS: 3122-1011-84
Account Number FOR FOREIGN DONATIONS: 3124-0055-81

Globe GCash Donations FOR DSWD
To Register: Type REG(space)4-digit pin/mother’s maiden name/first name/last name/address and send to 2882.
Example: EG1234/perez/justine/cruz/199 Batasan Road Quezon City

To donate: Type DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)4-digit pin(space)DSWD and send to 2882.
Example: DONATE 1000 1234 DSWD

ABS-CBN

1. BDO Peso Account
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39301-14199
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

2. BDO Dollar Account
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39300-81622
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

3. PNB Peso Account
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

4. BPI Peso Account
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3051-1127-75
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

5. BPI Dollar Account
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3054-0270-35
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

GMA

1. Metrobank Peso Savings Account
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 3-098-51034-7

2. Metrobank Dollar Savings Account
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 2-098-00244-2
Code: MBTC PH MM

3. UCPB Peso Savings Account
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 115-184777-2 or 160-111277-7

4. UCPB Dollar Savings Account
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 01-115-301177-9 or 01-160-300427-6

TV5
1. BDO Savings Account
Account Name: TV5 Kapatid Foundation Inc.
Account Number: 005310-410164

2. BPI Savings Account
Account Name: TV5 Kapatid Foundation Inc.
Account Number: 1443-05333-2
Code: MBTC PH MM

Google has also made an online person finder for those affected by Typhoon Sendong. You can check it out at http://www.google.org/personfinder/sendong.

Together, let's make this Christmas a meaningful one. Let's donate for Typhoon Sendong Victims.

NetSuite announces key developments of their Philippine operations; plans to expand in Cebu in the future

2011-12-09T15:24:00.001+08:00

NetSuite, the world's No. 1 cloud ERP, in their annual media press conference held at Sharing-la Makati held last November 22, 2011, announced the key developments of their Philippine operations. One of which was a great news that Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) has adopted NetSuite OneWorld PH to manage 11 of its subsidiaries, including five companies held by its House of Investments subsidiary.

NetSuite OneWorld PH provides rapid deployment, integration with Oracle ERP at the corporate headquarters, agility and scalability according to YGC.

NetSuite OneWorld PH has been localized for the accounting rules, usage conventions, statutory and regulatory requirements of the Philippine market, including tax reporting requirements mandated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). This feature surely enables accountants to save time from those complicated computations which could further delay their tax computations.

NetSuite OneWorld PH is the perfect solution for Philippine businesses to manage their domestic and global businesses in the cloud, whether they are locally headquartered or a division of a larger, multinational enterprise.

NetSuite's CEO Zach Nelson also made a presentation to the media about the recent developments of NetSuite and announced their new partners. Presented also during the press conference were the companies' success stories on how they were able to improve their business with the use of NetSuite OneWorld PH.

Sixteen universities worldwide have already made the move to the cloud by adopting NetSuite as a key component of their accounting degree curricula. Purdue University; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Toronto; Mapúa Institute of Technology; De La Salle University and University of San Carlos in the Philippines are among some of the institutions that have embraced NetSuite, for many of the same reasons that thousands of companies worldwide have switched from on-premise software to the NetSuite cloud—to keep pace with 21st century business and computing trends, avoid integration hassles, and escape the vicious cycle of software upgrade and the high maintenance costs caused by on-premise software such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains and QuickBooks.

Here in Cebu, aside from University of San Carlos, NetSuite is also looking on partnering with other schools like Cebu Institute of Technology-University and University of San Jose-Recoletos in the months to come and integrate NetSuite in the school curriculum.

For more information about SuiteAcademy, please visit http://www.netsuite.com/suiteacademy.

Today, more than 10,000 companies and subsidiaries depend on NetSuite to run complex, mission-critical business processes globally in the cloud. Since its inception in 1998, NetSuite has established itself as the leading provider of enterprise-class cloud ERP suites for divisions of large enterprises and mid-sized organizations seeking to upgrade their antiquated client/server ERP systems. NetSuite excels at streamlining business operations, as demonstrated by the 2011 CODiE Award for Best Financial Management Solution, as well as a recent Gartner study naming NetSuite as the fastest growing financial management systems vendor in the world. NetSuite has continued its success in delivering the best cloud business suites to businesses around the world, enabling them to lower IT costs significantly while increasing productivity, as the global adoption of the cloud is accelerating.

To know more about Netsuite, follow NetSuite's Cloud blog, NetSuite's Facebook page and @NetSuite Twitter handle for real-time updates.

For more information about NetSuite, please visit www.netsuite.com.

Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities

2011-12-02T21:31:00.001+08:00

As if Christmas of 2011 is already over, Cebuanos are already preparing for the Sinulog 2012. Below is the schedule of activities for the upcoming celebration here in the Queen City of the South:

SINULOG 2012 Schedule of Activities

Dec. 1, 2011 – Jan. 31, 2011 - Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.

Dec. 11, 2011 - Sinulog Poster Making Contest at EMall

Dec. 15, 2011 - Sinulog Photo Exhibits at SM City Cebu

Jan. 5, 2012 (THURSDAY) - Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
* 4:00 AM - Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
* 4:30 AM - Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 5:30 AM - Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2012

Jan. 6, 2012 (FRIDAY) - Sinulog 2012 Kick Off
Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu and MCIAA

* 2:00PM - Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
* 3:00 PM - Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
* 7:00 PM - Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dance Sports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Street Party Bands

Jan. 7, 2012 (SATURDAY) - Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
* 1:00 PM - Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
* 2:00 PM - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
* 4:30 PM - Awarding of Winners
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

Jan. 8, 2012 (SUNDAY) - Sinulog sa Kabataan - Dakbayan
* 4:00 AM - Cebu City 2012 Marathon – Check www.cebumarathon.com for more info
* 1:00 PM - Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
* 2:00 PM - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
* 4:30 PM - Awarding of Winners
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 9, 2012 (MONDAY)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 10, 2012 (TUESDAY)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 11, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
* 9:00 AM - Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
* 7:00 PM - Ms. Cebu 2012 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners, please click here.

Jan. 12, 2012 (THURSDAY)
* 9:00 AM - Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
* 6:00 PM - Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 8:00 PM - Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners, please click here.

Jan. 13, 2012 (FRIDAY) - Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
* 4:00 AM - Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña to Sto. Niño
* 7:00 AM - Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)
* 9:00 AM - Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent / Floats / Higante / Puppteers) at Cebu City Sports Center Gym
* 6:30 PM - Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
* 7:30 P.M - Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
* 7:30 P.M - Sinulog Festival Queen 2012, Cebu City Sports Center
* 8:00 PM - Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
* 9:00 PM - Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

Jan. 14, 2012 (SATURDAY)
* 6:00 AM - Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
* 9:00 AM - Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 2:00 PM - Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
* 7:00 PM - Sinulog Fireworks Competition at SM City Cebu
* 7:00 PM - Street Party at Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
* 8:00 PM - Gala – Passionata a Cultural Heritage Celebration in Honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu at SM Cinema I
* 8:00 PM - Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
* 8:00 PM - Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2012 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

Jan. 15, 2012 (SUNDAY) - SINULOG GRAND PARADE
* 4:00 AM - Mañanita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Niño
* 6:00 AM - Pontifical mass with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma
* 9:00 AM - Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
* 7:00 PM - Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
* 7:30 PM - Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

Jan. 16, 2012 (MONDAY)
* 1:00 PM - Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

Jan. 20, 2012 (FRIDAY) - "HUBO"
* 4:00 AM - "HUBO Mass" Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Niño

Jan. 28, 2012 (SATURDAY)
* 1:00 P.M - Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
* 1:00 P.M - Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest / Sinulog Short Film Festival
* 6:00 P.M - 1st Sinulat Awards, Sinulog Literary Awards for Short Story Writing, Poetry, and Essay Writing at SM City Cebu

If you want to know more about the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 Winners, please click here.

Jan. 30 – Feb. 10, 2012 - Photo Exhibits "Winning Photos Sinulog 2012" at SM City Cebu

One Beat, One Dance, One Vision! Pit Senyor everyone! Don't forget to share the Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities to your friends! :D

SM Seaside City Cebu in SRP

2011-11-19T22:29:00.001+08:00

I'm definitely excited to see the rise of SM Seaside City Cebu. As a long-time resident of Cebu City South District, I grew up going to malls always in the North District of Cebu. Not that I hate it but probably I was used to it even if it's quite far. With SM Seaside City Cebu, I will not just be going to a mall near my place but an amazing beacon in the South Road Properties.

SM Seaside City Cebu will be the newest addition of SM Supermalls. The 4-level world-class retail mall, designed by Arquitectonica – an international architecture, interior design and planning corporation with headquarters in Miami, Florida, United States, will contain multiple anchors such as the department store, hypermarket, shops and restaurants. Leisure and entertainment activities will also be provided such as Skating Rink, Bowling Center, a Theatre and Imax Theatre. With this, I'd surely love spending my time at SM Seaside City Cebu.

It has a lot area of 93, 570 sq.m with a gross floor area of 291,043 sq.m.

A large church – a sleek, modern all-white structure nestled among lush foliage – will be the first to be built and completed in the SM SRP complex. Hotels, a conference and convention center, residential buildings and community facilities will follow, and will be designed to span out from the SM Seaside City Cebu mall, which will be located at the center of the entire development. The mall will be interconnected with these other structures through elevated walkways.

With a lot area of 93, 570 sq. m. and a gross floor area of 291,043 sq. m., SM Seaside City Cebu will be a 4-level, circular-shaped, world-class retail mall with multiple anchors, including a two-storey SM Department Store and SM Hypermart, a 5-theater Cineplex and IMAX Theatre, an 18-lane SM Bowling and Amusement Center, and a food court flanking an ice skating rink. In addition, the mall will have over 800 food and retail shops, including international brands.

Retail shops will occupy the outer arc of the mall on the ground floor. This area will include a furniture zone as well as a fashion boulevard to showcase the talent of Cebu’s many local designers. Numerous new wining and dining outlets will face an inner circular garden, increasing in number as shoppers proceed to the higher floors. On the third floor, these outlets will have verandas facing the garden below while the fourth floor will have restaurants and bars on the outer circuit of the circle with verandas on the north side of the mall looking out to the sea. The mall will also have a covered event area for concerts and shows at the fourth floor as well as a roof garden with ponds and trees, as well as restaurants to enjoy the beauty of the greens from.

Keeping with the nautilus-inspired theme, the mall’s car park will be incorporated into the structure, helping to define the semi-circular volume of the building. The mall’s layout induces traffic to flow inwards and upwards. The second-level garden has a drop-off area for private vehicles whereas public vehicles will have their own transport interchange at the ground level with different areas dedicated to taxis, public utilities and buses. The retail and food outlets at the ground level will be easily accessible to the riding public while service and delivery bays for tenants and SM anchors are set aside at strategic areas.

An Iconic Viewing Tower will be an attraction in itself, offering sensational panoramic views of the entire city of Cebu while serving as a new landmark for the city. SM Seaside City Cebu will be one of the first establishments to create an address in this district of metro Cebu, and will pave the way for development in the area.

UPDATE

SM Seaside City Cebu's FEATURES

HYPERMARKET

SM Hypermarket is a full-fledged business entity within the SM Group of Companies. For one, it has been successful in creating the convenience of having a first-rate indoor wet market as well as a food and general merchandise store in all of the Hypermarkets. The concept behind the creation of a new retail format – which is what is now known as a “hypermarket retail format” – is to combine the features of a supermarket with those of a department store. The principal aim of this venture is to provide the consumer with a one-stop shop where most shopping needs will be satisfied all in one go.

The Hypermarket in SM Seaside City Cebu will have 12,410 sq.m floor area.

DEPARTMENT STORE

The 20,389 sq.m 2-level SM Department Store in SM Seaside City Cebu will be the home of the latest trends in fashion and accessories – from Ladies, Men, Boys and Girls Teens, Children, Infants, Shoes & Bags, Accessories, and Beauty & Wellness.

RETAIL SHOPS/RESTAURANTS/JUNIOR ANCHORS

Over 800 food & non-food tenants including international brands.

5 CINEMAS

SM Cinema is proud to be the largest cinema exhibitor in the country today, currently operating over 200 cinemas in more than 36 SM Supermalls nationwide - and still growing! It offers these great facilities:

• 300 seats (with handicapped seats)

• Superb film projection

• State-of-the-art surround sound

• Spacious lobby area

• Comfortable upholstered seats

• Carpeted floors

IMAX THEATRE

With over 500-seating capacity, IMAX Theatre is equipped with the most advance digital theatre system. It is also equipped with the latest revolutionary IMAX digital projection system projects crystal clear, larger than life 2D & 3D images and delivers laser-aligned digital sound.

IMAX makes you feel the full emotional impact of the visionary creators’ dream and creates powerful experiences by enhancing every image, sound, and dimension.

BOWLING CENTRE

It will have an 18-lane SM Bowling Center.

ICE SKATING RINK

It can accommodate both recreational and competitive figure skating. The Ice Skating Rink will occupy 1,966 sq.m in floor area.

ROOF GARDEN

Similar to SM North Edsa, the roof garden is 23,443 sq.m elevated park with ponds, trees, and restaurants. The park provides the much needed greenery not only for the mall but for the city.

COVERED EVENT AREA

Will be situated at the 4th level, the Event Area is a perfect venue for performances, shows, and exhibits.

THEATER

1,020 seating capacity perfect for stage plays, concerts, and other performances.

COVERED PARKING

89, 366 sq.m with 2,234 slots and With 2nd floor, 2nd mezzanine, 3rd floor and 3rd floor mezzanine.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE

For taxis and jeepneys.

ICONIC VIEWING TOWER

100-meter viewing tower (this is still a proposal, no specific details available).

THE CUBE

It will be similar to the Globe in SM Mall of Asia (this is still a proposal, no specific details available) and will be made of LED.

Indeed, this would be another pride of Cebuanos as we see a new landmark, the SM Seaside City Cebu, to rise soon in SRP. How about you, are you also excited to see this one soon?

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. supports Visayas Blogging Summit 2011

2011-11-18T03:02:00.001+08:00

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) signed the Memorandum of Understanding and Support to the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 hosted by the Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. (CBSi).

In the photo, RAFI is represented by its Communications Officer Haidee Emmie Palapar (sitting, second from left) and Communications Assistant Nancy Cudis (far left). CBSi is represented by its president, Kevin Ray Chua (sitting, second from right); Wilhelmina Sarawi, treasurer (far right); (standing, L-R) Mark Razonable, member; Ruben Licera Jr., vice-president; and Clark Philip Alingasa, member.

RAFI’s vision, in its 44 years of existence in development work in the Visayas and Mindanao, has consistently been "Touching People, Shaping the Future." It has worked towards "elevating lives through a comprehensive approach that champions best practices in community development." For more information about RAFI, please visit www.rafi.org.ph.

Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 in Cebu: The biggest blogging and social media event of the year

2011-11-15T22:59:00.001+08:00

All roads will lead to Cebu this November 26, 2011 as bloggers (newbies and the veterans), student leaders, business people and students converge at SM City Cebu Trade Hall for the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011.

First hosted by the Iloilo Bloggers, it would Cebu's turn this year with Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. in the helm of organizing the event in its second run. The event will be starting around 7:30 AM for the registration and is estimated to end our 5:00 PM.

CBSi is one of the Philippine’s esteemed and premier blogging organization registered in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The organization has been instrumental in sharing the world with information about Cebu’s Lifestyle, Culture, News and Events. CBSi is also instrumental in staging creative approaches in integrating social media, specifically blogging, into a potent tool for social change by providing tangible results to the community.

This year's event will have different approaches compared to last year. Being one of the attendees of the 1st VBS, I was able to share to my Board of Trustees on what needs to stay, what needs to be improved and what needs to go. Topics that would be tackled on this event would be divided into 4 segments namely: Personal Bloggging, Professional Blogging, Social Media Marketing for Business and Social Media Responsibility. There will also be panel discussion and Q&As from the participants.

With the theme "Blogging and Beyond", CBSi wants to inculcate among bloggers that there should be more than blogging about oneself and instead, use the skill and influence to make a positive change in the society. Honestly, I'm not on that level yet and so is most of us bloggers but with that clarion call, this would let the society know that we bloggers can make good things too in our respective community and in our country as a whole.

Being there at the event, you will not go home without anything to bring! You will even have free lunch and a lot of freebies plus the learnings that would carry along after the summit!

I encourage you to register NOW at http://vbs2011.cebubloggers.com/participants.

See you mga SUMMITEROS and SUMMITERAS! :D

VirtualStaffFinder.Com Supports Visayas Blogging Summit 2011

2011-11-15T22:43:00.001+08:00

Live2Sell Group CEO and VirtualStaffFinder.com Founder Chris C. Ducker (second from the left) signs the Memorandum of Understanding and Support to Visayas Blogging Summit 2011.

In the picture is VirtualStaffFinder.com Manager Stephanie Tumulak, Cebu Bloggers Society vice president Ruben Licera Jr., and VSF Asst. Manager Lara Baculi.

VirtualStaffFinder.com is an online professional placement agency that matches local homebased online professionals to prospective clients abroad. For more information about the company, you can visit the site at VirtualStaffFinder.com.

Photo by BRENN ALMARIO.

Toblerone heralds the homecoming of heroes

2011-10-31T23:39:00.001+08:00

How do you say ‘thank you’ to a hero? Many would probably need some time to figure this one out–except for the distinguished personalities, musicians, and guests who flocked at Duty Free Philippines in Parañaque during the opening of nominations for the first Thank You Global Pinoy Awards.

The Thank You Global Pinoy Awards is an initiative that seeks to search for the most outstanding global Filipino workers, also known as the modern day heroes, who deserve the gratitude not only of their loved ones; but also of the nation as a whole. It is led by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Duty Free Philippines, Good News Pilipinas and Toblerone.

Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, the diplomatic community, Jaya Singh, Region Director, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Kraft Foods World Travel Retail and GeiserMaclang Managing Director Brad Geiser graced the groundbreaking event. Meanwhile, representatives from ‘Thank You Global Pinoy’ partner establishments Island Cove, Plantation Bay, WADE, Zoo Manity Group, Manila Ocean Park, and Abenson were also present in the event.

“We believe that the Thank You Global Pinoy Awards is a significant step in recognizing the valuable contribution of our Global Pinoys,” said Imelda Nicolas, CFO Chairperson.

The Thank You Chocolate

Inspired by the pasalubong homecoming tradition associated with Toblerone and in continuing its goal to build further on the Filipinos’ art of saying ‘thank you’, the brand took this opportunity to launch the Thank You Global Pinoy Awards.

A purely below-the-line initiative, it is open to outstanding overseas Filipino workers who deserve to be thanked. Participants will have to log on to www.thankyouglobalpinoy.com to register, nominate and vote for the ultimate Global Pinoy. The top 10 stories will be awarded in March 2012.

“We hope that this would become a global effort and that we could turn not only the Philippines into a grateful nation but the whole world as well,” ends Singh.

In cooperation with Duty Free Philippines, Toblerone is also launching the Special Rewards Passport – a collection of perks, with a value of at least P10,000, from 24 partner establishments including salons and spas, recreation and leisure zones, top-of-mind retail and dining destinations.

“Through this promo, Toblerone shows its appreciation to Global Pinoys by not only recognizing their efforts online, but also giving them a pasalubong that they can enjoy with their family,” said Jaya Singh, Region Director, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Kraft Foods World Travel Retail.

Be part of a grateful nation. Join the rest of the country as it honors the ultimate global Pinoy whom a grateful nation will say a resounding thank you to. For more information, visit www.thankyouglobalpinoy.com.

Cebu Business District turns into Harajuku District for Cosplay

2011-10-28T23:15:00.001+08:00

Tomorrow, October 29, is a big day here in Cebu for Cosplayers as Cebu Business District will be transformed into a Harajuku District!

Celebrating its 10th year of relevance in the community, Cebu Educational Development for Informational Technology (CEDf-IT), a foundation directly supporting the IT/BPO industry of Cebu has slated a series of activities that will highlight the key players of the industry, showcase Cebu Business Park (CBP) and I.T. Park locators and celebrate the success of the emerging IT/BPO industry.

CEDf-IT in partnership with Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Holdings Inc., in cooperation with iLuvCebu.com present CEDf-IT Cosplay HD (Harajuku District) on October 29, 2011 from 5PM – 12MN at the Linear Park (Between Cebu Holdings Center and City Sports Club of Cebu), Cebu Business Park. It will be a community event that will gather all members of the IT/BPO industry, its employees and their families and friends, Cosplay hobbyists, enthusiasts and the general public to unwind, establish camaraderie and build networks amongst CEDf-IT member-companies.

On this day, the Linear Park at CBP will be transformed into a Harajuku District, an area in Japan renowned for its unique street fashion that has inspired many prominent designers and has brought Japanese fashion and Costume Playing (CosPlay) throughout the world.

The Event will Highlight a Cosplay Competition with Four (4) Categories : Kiddo-Cosplay, Male-Cosplay, Female-Cosplay and Group Cosplay. Raffles through out the event will also be drawn, so hold on to those tickets to take home event memorabilia and other exciting prizes! A festive night with live bands, dance and musical performances to celebrate with! Food stalls, fashion and souvenir shops will surround the park to complete the feel of Harajuku District! And here’s more! See live ABS-CBN Star Magic’s Enrique Gil and get a chance to greet him personally!

In line with this event, we are also proud to present an exclusive Cosplay Workshop at Cebu City Sports Club on October 28,

2011 conducted by the TUXEDO TEAM from Manila headed by Jin Joson herself! There will also be a Cosplay Photo Exhibit by Cebu Digital Photographers (CDP) at Ayala Center Cebu starting October 24 – 30, 2011 featuring famed Cebuano Cosplayers!

Tickets are available at the Concierge in Ayala Center Cebu for only Php200 with Php100 cash coupon consumable during the event!

Krispy Kreme Celebrates 5th Anniversary and 1st Cebu Branch Opening

2011-10-17T21:00:00.000+08:00

Mark your calendars. This October 22, 2011, the country’s very first Krispy Kreme store south of the Philippines is going to turn on its Hotlight and it will be here in Cebu!

One of the country’s most loved brands, Krispy Kreme is about to celebrate its 5th year in the country, and what better way to do it than to expand its reach all the way to Cebu. I'm very excited to taste the wonderful doughnuts that have been the favorite pasalubong of my friends who just visited in Manila. They will be opening their 1st Branch here in Cebu at Ayala Center Cebu Active Zone.

“We’ve heard a lot of clamor about Krispy Kreme going to Cebu and that’s why we decided to finally expand south of the Philippines, just in time for our fifth year anniversary,” explains Mark Gamboa, Marketing Manager for Krispy Kreme Philippines. “We’ve decided that the best way to celebrate the brand’s 5 years of success is to answer consumer demand for the brand,” he adds.

The opportunity to expand nationwide is dovetailed with the chance to celebrate several milestones for the brand--the opening of its 25th store and celebrating the brand's fifth year in the Philippines. What better way to highlight these achievements than by opening in one of the country's recognized regional hubs?

To complete the Krispy Kreme Cebu experience, the brand will also be opening a hotlight store after the debut of its first branch. Dubbed as the 'doughnut theatre,' expect the factory store to serve the brand's world famous, melt-in-your-mouth, Original Glazed doughnuts hot and fresh.

In true Krispy Kreme tradition, the very first person in line to pick up a box of doughnuts gets a year-long supply of the brand’s Original Glazed and Krispy Kreme's Signature Coffee. Additionally, the 2nd person to ring the cash register wins six months’ worth of the same treats while the third placer still has something to look forward to as he will be enjoying 3 months’ worth of Krispy Kreme’s famous creations. Moreover, the 4th to 100th buyers don’t have any reason to be sour as they will all be treated to a month’s worth of Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts.

Aksyon Bisaya starts this July 25

2011-07-25T14:24:00.001+08:00

Aside from GMA's Balitang Bisdak and ABS-CBN's TV Patrol Central Visayas, TV5 will be rolling out today their own regional newscast as part of their efforts to further expand their reach to all Filipinos.

Aksyon Bisaya will be hosted by season radio news anchor Atty. Ruphil Bañoc and Darlene Sino-Cruz, who was connected with GMA-7 Cebu. This will be TV5 Aksyon's first regional version.

Aksyon Bisaya's Darlene Sino-Cruz and Atty. Ruphil Bañoc. Photo courtesy of Luigene Yanoria

Atty. Bañoc writes a column for SunStar Cebu, a college professor and is the current station manager of DYHP. Sino-Cruz formerly worked as a reporter for Balitang Bisdak and will be now a news anchor for Aksyon Bisaya.

Atty. Bañoc and Sino-Cruz will join the ranks of Bobby Nalzaro and Atty. Rose Versoza of Balitang Bisdak and Leo Lastimosa and Atty. Haide Acuña of TV Patrol Central Visayas in delivering the news that matters to the Cebuanos and to Central Visayas.

Aksyon Bisaya will mark their first broadcast today, 5:45 PM in TV5.

Globe and Smart now offer unlimited text to all networks

2011-07-19T21:48:00.000+08:00

With the pressure from consumer groups for telecommunication companies to make their services affordable and accessible, Globe and Smart have announced that their customers will now be able to avail of unlimited text service to all networks.

This latest development lets both Globe and Smart release an inter-network unlimited SMS service.

For only Php 25.00, Globe and Smart subscribers will be able to text their friends no matter what network they're using. This service is a good news to us who are having a hard time in sending SMS to our "other network" friends.

To avail of this service, please follow the instructions:

For Smart subscribers, register to Smart Buddy LAHATxt UNLI. Text LTU25 and send to 2266.
For Globe users, register to Globe Prepaid SuperUnliAllTxt25. Text UALL25 and send to 8888.

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. and the traditional media

2011-07-17T21:00:00.001+08:00

A few years back, the issue between the bloggers and the traditional media here in Cebu blew up when I wasn't able to control myself from a news item of a certain local newspaper that branded us Cebu bloggers from a certain organization as a bunch of brats storming events and hoarding giveaways. In short, the new gate crashers of media. I can't blame myself for such outburst online as I have been dedicated in my blogging career since I started last 2004 as a 2nd Year High School student of Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School and as a co-founder of Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. (CBS).

Bloggers also meet well-known people the same as those in the traditional media. Here, CBS members meet radio anchor Bobby Nalzaro during an event.

To give an overview, CBS was created last February 14, 2008 by my blogger friend Mark Monta, Jerry Gervacio, and myself. We used Yahoo! Groups back then for our networking.

CBS was incorporated and is a registered organization under the Securities and Exchange Commission since February 26, 2010 as a Non-Profit Organization here in Cebu City.

CBS represents an ongoing lifelong commitment to promote Cebu’s overall beauty through blogging and social networking and at the same time be a productive group and productive individuals towards nation building.

Blogging back then when I was still in high school was not what we know now. Most of my blog posts then were purely text until Blogger made an innovation of allowing their users to post pictures using the Picasa software. What I post back then were about my thoughts in the current issues and news about the US 2004 election. It was something that my classmates and friends back then can't comprehend on why I am blogging. In our school, only 5 of us were bloggers. I taught 4 of them on how to blog but unfortunately, they were not able to continue it since they had other priorities. This made me realize that blogging is indeed a passion.

Now, bloggers have been considered as the new media but not everyone agrees. Everyone can be a blogger but not everyone can be in media. While there are bloggers who strive to be part of the media, it's still a challenge for us to emphasize that we should also practice ethics the same as being espoused by those in the traditional media.

CBS members gather to talk about the organization and meet their fellow members.

As a blogger, I must also admit that I don't have enough skills that would equal the learnings of a person who spent four years in a University to learn about journalism. Although, I have been part of the school paper during my elementary and high school days. I had a short stint as an editorial cartoonist in my elementary and as an editor-in-chief in my high school. I was having a hard time to write a news item since I can't help but always comment on a certain issue that's why I loved writing my thoughts. But these once again will never equal their learnings unless I also take the initiative to learn. Besides, life is a learning process and it continues to change.

Here are just some of the questions that were asked to me by a certain friend from the traditional media:

1. Why are there so many bloggers during events?
My Answer: We in CBS receive invites from different people and entities. Most of them come from their Marketing Department. They send us an email and invite us to cover their event. They set the number of bloggers they want and we disseminate it to our group on who can go or inform certain people that should go to that event.

We enforce rules within our own organization and we assure you that those bloggers in the event are officially sent by our organization. Our remiss might have been that our bloggers don't carry media IDs during events as you have but as of now, we are already creating media IDs for the bloggers for your guidance.

We have also informed our members not to tag along friends which are not invited to the event since it would go against our rules.

2. Why most of the bloggers are young people?
My Answer: The CBS is mostly composed of young bloggers within the 18-30 age range. Probably, you have been wondering what a young blogger can do without a journalism experience. Anyways, yes we can write and most of us love to share what we like and not about something. It's probably the difference between writing a news item and a personal blog post.

3. Are bloggers just after the freebies instead of the event?
My Answer: I must admit that there are some bloggers who have that kind of motivation instead of really attending the event but we in the organization is currently on the process of reiterating basic etiquette during events. We have been informing our members to arrive on time, wear proper attire, no wearing of slippers during events, not to expect freebies all the time, listen to the speakers, take down notes and etc. Rest assured that we are policing our own backyard to preserve the integrity of other bloggers who strive to do their best.

Bloggers documenting an event using their cameras, laptops, cellphones or the basic notepad.

Currently, CBS and Yahoo! Philippines entered into a partnership to report, feature and share things that we bloggers come along the way here in Cebu. This partnership is just one of the indication that big companies such as Yahoo! Philippines acknowledge the role of bloggers in the society especially when it is organized.

My outburst might have gave way for better understanding that both the new and traditional media should not compete but instead, complement. After all, we have a common goal of informing our readers about certain things that interest them.

How to add your LinkedIn contacts to Google Plus

2011-07-16T23:04:00.001+08:00

Google Plus has been surely gaining a lot of buzz for the past few weeks and users are finding ways to export theirs friends from other social networks. In the earlier post, I shared to you how to export your friends from Facebook to Google Plus. Here, I will be sharing to you on how to add your LinkedIn contacts to Google Plus.

LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 100 million members in over 200 countries and territories. It's a site of unlimited job opportunities for people on the site who prop up their online curriculum vitae for prospect employers. As of January 2011, LinkedIn counts executives from all 2010 Fortune 500 companies as members; its hiring solutions were used by 73 of the Fortune 100 companies as of March 22, 2011.

Here are the steps on how to add your LinkedIn contacts to Google Plus:

1. Go here http://www.linkedin.com/addressBookExport
2. Download .csv file
3. Upload to Gmail

To import contacts to Gmail:

1. Sign in to your Gmail.
2. Click Contacts (located above the Compose Mail button) on any Gmail page.
3. From the More actions dropdown menu, select Import
4. Click the Choose File button.
5. Select the .csv file you'd like to upload and click the Import button.

When it's done, Gmail will display the number of contacts imported. You can now invite your contacts and add them to your circles!

How to export your friends from Facebook to Google Plus

2011-07-16T14:52:00.003+08:00

Google Plus has been very successful so far in increasing its tribe for the past weeks and has now more than 10 million members since last July 12. With its new found popularity, many people asked me how to export your friends from Facebook to Google Plus.

According to Mashable, Facebook reportedly blocked a Facebook Friend Exporter to Google Plus which Facebook views as a blatant attempt to get people out Facebook and move them to Google Plus. But according to CNET, the tool violates the Facebook’s Terms of Service, which states: “you will not collect users’ content or information, or otherwise access Facebook, using automated means (such as harvesting bots, robots, spiders, or scrapers) without our permission.

With this, is it still possible to really export your friends from Facebook to Google Plus?

Well, it's a big YES!

Check out the video below on how you can use Facebook, Yahoo! Mail and Google Plus to export your friends from Facebook to Google Plus:

Video is courtesy of the Traveler. Visit his Youtube Page at http://www.youtube.com/user/HouseholdHacker.

Here's also a related link onhow to add your LinkedIn contacts to Google Plus.

RH Bill gets support from Cebu Bloggers Society

2011-07-14T23:12:00.001+08:00

Last July 2, 2011, the largest organized blogging community in the Philippines, Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., declared its full support for the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Bill (House Bill 4244) or RH Bill as we all know. It is probably the only blogging organization here in the Philippines that made a collective stand on such issue.

Below is the entire text of the manifesto posted in the CBSi Facebook Page:

We, the undersigned Board of Trustees, as official representatives of our organization Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., support the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Bill (House Bill 4244) and urge its immediate passage in Congress.

We see the need to fight for and uphold our sexual and reproductive rights – inalienable human rights which must be fulfilled by the State. Furthermore, we believe that the Reproductive Health Bill:

* Will provide us with an appropriate, non-discriminatory and participatory avenue to learn and understand our sexuality and rights through comprehensive age-appropriate sexuality and reproductive health education;

* Promotes gender equality and equity, with no discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS or any individual based on sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, and ethnicity;

* Can effectively reduce unplanned pregnancies which often result to induced abortions, maternal deaths, prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, and improve the quality of life of every child and youth through information and services on sexual and reproductive health; and

* Recognizes, respects and promotes the right of every Filipino, including the youth, to free and informed choice.

We call on President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III to continue supporting the passage of the RH Bill.

Ultimately, we encourage fellow bloggers and our fellow Filipino youth to actively promote and educate the youth and the public of the salience of the RH Bill. We also call for strengthened lobbying efforts to congressional legislators to support and participate in ongoing campaigns for the passage of the RH Bill.

PASS THE RH BILL NOW!

Unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees on the 2nd day of July 2011.

(SGD.) KEVIN RAY N. CHUA
President
Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.

It is ironic though that almost all of our Congressmen are against the RH Bill. Only Cebu City South District Congressman Tommy Osmeña support the RH Bill but he won't sign the bill for him not to strain his long-time relations with former Cebu City North District Congressman Raul Del Mar who is a staunch critic of the RH Bill. May our beloved Congressmen listen to the real clamor of their constituents.

I also encourage other blogging communities across the Philippines to do so by making a stand on this issue.

YES TO RH!

Only real names are allowed: Google Plus

2011-07-13T00:55:00.000+08:00

Google Plus accounts which carry a fake name or nick name are likely to be suspended by Google Plus this after a Second Life user tried to create an account with the name of his avatar from the game, Opensource Obscure as reported by the Business Insider.

Google Plus is following the suit of Facebook because it wants users to be able to find each other easily. Even if you have your real name though in Facebook, you can still opt for an alternate name.

For violating this unseen policy, the user's Google Plus account was suspended. What concerned me was when the user said that he was never informed by Google that his account will be suspended or gave him a chance to appeal his account suspension.

Privacy is an issue arising from this one whether we should have the freedom to use our preferred name instead of our real name. Although, using real names would prevent cases of fake accounts and posers. It would also be easy for someone to search for you in a social networking sites. I fear that Google Plus might also unknowingly suspend users who have real names that sound like a fake name or a nick name.

This incident is a -1 for Google Plus.

What do you think about this one? Do you agree that everyone should use their real name in Google Plus and ditch those alternate names?

One in three consumers in the Philippines now access the internet: Nielsen

2011-07-12T11:09:00.000+08:00

One in three consumers in the Philippines are now accessing the internet. This report from Nielsen Philippines is a pre-release of data from Nielsen's inaugural Southeast Asia Digital Consumer Report which will be available this September 30, 2011.

According to the report released today by global insights and measurement company, Nielsen, an increased number of younger Filipinos are accessing the Internet compared to the older generations.

Among the findings in the report are:

* 33% of Filipinos access the Internet, five percentage points below the Southeast Asian regional average of 38% (see Chart 1).

* Internet penetration amongst consumers aged 15 to 19 was close to two-thirds (65%) and nearly half of those in their 20‟s were online (48%).

* There is still much room for growth for those aged 30+ – less than one quarter of consumers aged in their 30s (24%) access the Internet, 13% of consumers in their 40s, and just 4% of consumers aged 50+.

* 52% of Filipinos have a computer with high speed Internet connection at home.

* Home is the most common Internet access point for those aged 30 years and above close to nine in ten Internet users aged 50 years and above (86%) cite "home" as their main point of access.

* 74% of 15-19 years identify Internet cafés as their main point of Internet access.

* Already close to one quarter of Filipinos Internet users (24%) access the Internet on a daily basis via a mobile phone and 56% intend to access the Internet via a mobile phone in the next 12 months.

* Over two thirds of Filipino digital consumers (67%) have visited social networking sites, compared to 40% who use email.

* The Philippines ranked second highest for the number of people who have ever "liked" or followed a brand, company or celebrity on a social networking site (75%).

* 61% of Filipino Internet users said they trusted consumer opinions posted online, higher than any other market in Southeast Asia and seven points above the regional average.

* Online product reviews and discussion forums are one of the most trusted sources of recommendations in purchase decision making, second only to recommendations from family and friends (see Chart 2).

* Close to two thirds of digital Filipinos (64%) use social media as a resource in purchase decision making.

"The rise of social media platforms has facilitated more ways for word of mouth communication to take place and this presents both opportunities and challenges for companies,” notes Jay Bautista, Managing Director of Nielsen's media business in the Philippines.

“Filipinos are increasingly looking to their fellow Internet users for opinions and information about products, services and brands, and engagement with online word of mouth communication is going to increase in coming years as social media plays an increasingly important role in consumer decision making.”

Social media continues to grow as an avenue for Filipinos to share and socialize. With the Philippines being named as the Social Networking Capital of the World, one can hardly doubt that technology and social media has continued to evolve and shape us as a nation. Indeed, times have changed.

You may also want to check out the infographic about the State of the Internet in 2015.

GMA-7's Mel and Joey to go off air

2011-07-11T22:12:00.002+08:00

GMA-7's Mel and Joey is set to go off air before the end of this month. This announcement from the management came a surprise especially to host Mel Tiangco, when they were informed that their taping last July 6 was their last. It brought tears to the staff of the show which has aired in GMA-7 for the past seven years.

Joey de Leon, the co-host of Mel Tiangco, became a part of the show last 2004 when Jay Sonza left to run for Senator. From Mel and Jay, it became Mel and Joey.

In fairness, the show has a high rating and it has wondered many why the show will be axed. GMA-7 has not yet issued a statement on this one.

Mel and Joey will still be on air this July 17 and 24 before it ends its seven years of being a part of our Sunday TV habit. GMA-7 is planning a talent show will replace Mel and Joey and to respond to ABS-CBN's "Pilipinas Got Talent" and TV5's "Talentadong Pinoy."

The State of the Internet in 2015

2011-07-11T11:46:00.001+08:00

The year 2015 is not that too far and the Internet as we know continues to evolve and grow rapidly. For the next four years, a CISCO report about the State of the Internet in 2015 shows a rapid internet growth especially here in Asia Pacific. Our region will be the leading area of the world when it comes to internet activity although North America will still be the TV/video download leader.

There report shows that the Asia Pacific region will be leading in file-sharing and internet gaming. Western Europe will be at the forefront of VoIP usage while North America will top the business traffic and internet TV consumption.

Below is an infographic from the CISCO Visual Networking Index for your perusal:

Mark Gil absolves Jake; Albie is father of Andi's baby

2011-07-10T22:47:00.004+08:00

The controversy involving the pregnancy of actress Andi Eigenmann took another twist today when her father Mark Gil talked about it on ABS-CBN's The Buzz and suddenly slipped his tongue on who's really the father of the child which led to the proof that indeed, Albie Casiño is the father of Andi Eigenmann's baby.

Albie Casiño and Andi Eigenmann during their happy days

Speculations then pointed to Albie Casiño, the actor who appeared as “Christian” in the hit remake of “Mara Clara” where he played as the young on-screen partner of Kathryn Bernardo (Mara) together with Julia Montes (Clara). But when Andi's mother Jaclyn Jose mentioned that it was Andi's first boyfriend who got Andi pregnant, the table turned and got Jake Ejercito exposed. Jake is the son of former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada from actress Laarni Enriquez.

Jake Ejercito, one of Andi Eigenmann's former boyfriend

On Sunday, Gil spoke about her daughter and the rumored father:

"Masakit sa kahit sinong babae na ginulpi at binuntis at tinalikuran, tapos papalabasin pa na si Andi ang maraming boyfriend. Sobra na ’yun. At may DNA test pa na hinihingi. Such a hypocrite and pathetic animal!"

Mark Gil, the father of Andi Eigenmann

On the other hand, Gil called Jake Ejercito as a "knight in shining armor" for Andi even with her situation, Jake didn't left Andi even if they are not already in a relationship. Gil also lamented Jake for being involved in this issue that has nothing to do with him

"Jake is a very refined kid. We like him a lot. Kawawa naman at nadadamay siya sa issue. Knight in shining armor nga siya ni Andi. He has never left Andi’s side in spite of her situation. And I’m grateful for that." he said.

Albie and Andi broke up bitterly last May and called her a cheater and even added that she had 10 other boys in order to dispute the tweet of Saab Magalona on her Twitter account talking to the anger she feels each time she remembers the moment when a young actor slapped her friend.

“I treated her so badly towards the end of our relationship. I just wanted her to leave me. All she ever did was love me and I took it for granted. I really never cared about it. Ask any of the people who knows us, everyone would agree to this," as what Albie said.

Albie Casiño together with his friends

It can also be remembered that Albie's mother, Rina Casiño sent a statement to showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz that said, "Walang problema kung anak ko ang nakabuntis ke Andi, blessing yan. And we welcome DNA test."

With Mark Gil slipping his tongue and with his statement leading to the prime suspect which is Albie, one would wonder on what will be Albie's reply to this indirect lash at him.

Duterte Finger and the Inday Sara Punch

2011-07-09T00:30:00.000+08:00

A lot has been said about the incident involving Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and Davao City Regional Trial Court Sheriff Abe Andres last July 1. If a punch of Manny Pacquiao unites a nation, Inday Sara's punch surely divided us whether it was just or unjust.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte confronts Davao City Regional Trial Court Sheriff Abe Andres

Inday Sara's three punches weren't able to bring down Sheriff Abe Andres but it surely gave him a black-eye.

There are those who say that what Inday Sara did was just right. After all, the people tasked to implement the demolition order were not considerate of the situation which struck Davao City. They also claimed that the police incited the unrest. Majority of the people in Davao City have aired their support for their mayor and wore green to show their support.

Others say that it was a clear abuse of power and a violation of the separation of powers principle. Even Commission on Human Rights Chair Etta Rosales lamented the actions of the mayor for resorting to physical assault.

The defenders and critics continue to trade barbs on this one and I can't still see an end to it.

Another thing that has caught everyone's attention is the Duterte family's love of the "dirty finger." Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte defended her daughter Inday Sara from media people who continue to slice and dice her punches. Not contented with his anger, he flashed the "dirty finger" two times as if one can't still grasp it. Then came another "dirty finger" incident given by his son Davao City Councilor Paulo Duterte to the media.

Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

Davao City Councilor Paulo Duterte

With the popularly known "Duterte Finger", the punches and the "dirty finger" have placed the spotlight on the Dutertes. Whether it was right or not, each of us will always differ. For me, the "dirty finger" was an exercise of Vice Mayor Duterte's freedom of expression. There goes the censor anyway but at the end of the day, that "dirty finger" will always exist. It may be taboo but it's reality.

When Philippine Volcanoes Erupt

2011-07-08T22:13:00.000+08:00

People just can't get enough of the controversy hounding the "already removed" huge billboards of the Philippine Volcanoes, which is the team name of the Philippine Rugby Team, for endorsing a Bench underwear.

Rugby football is defined as a "style of football that originated from Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union, and has influenced the development of others such as American football, Canadian football and Australian rules football" per Wikipedia.

"Philippine Volcanoes" was a trending topic in Twitter for a day. A lot wondered, "what the hell is this topic?" It turned out to be the sentiments of the people whether to remove or not to remove the billboards along EDSA-Guadalupe in Mandaluyong City. Then came Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos' decision to remove it because of the complaints he received although he see nothing wrong with it.

I have been to the capital several times and passed through the "highblood highway" called EDSA. Compared to Cebu City, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of huge and eye-catching billboard along that highway. As if I passed through a road with along an unruly crowd. There's no shortage of such in the capital compared to us here in Cebu City.

Looking at the advertisement, there's nothing wrong exposing a man's body to advertise an underwear. Logically, you need to wear the underwear to advertise it, not hold it in your hands and tell the consumers that "Hey! Here's an underwear that you would surely love!" That's stupid!

The size of the billboards though was a valid reason for it to be removed. If not with the size, I don't see any reason for its removal.

Some say that the bulges are really distracting. Well, for those who see beyond what can be seen will really find it distracting. Some say that the bodies being exposed are just unbearable. So what? A man without a shirt is pornography? Think again. Some say it would cause traffic and accidents in the road. If that is to be accepted, the Philippine Volcanoes and other sexy billboards are not just to blame but also eye-catching and colorful advertisements which would surely get your attention not necessarily that it is sexy.

I pity the Philippine Volcanoes for being embroiled in this senseless controversy. Just because some people see it as porn and immoral, the billboards of the "Bakat Boys" have to be brought down.

Autobots and Decepticons of the Transformers

2011-07-06T22:24:00.000+08:00

For those addicted with the Transformers, here's a list of your favorite and not so favorite stars of the movie. Well, you have here the Autobots and the Decepticons.

The AUTOBOTS

Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots. While he retains his vehicle mode of a blue Peterbilt 379 truck with red flame decals, he has been added a trailer similar to his Generation 1 counterpart. The trailer contains enhanced weapons, a shield and flight gear.

Sentinel Prime

Sentinel Prime is Optimus Prime’s predecessor. He serves as the main antagonist of the film. Alternate mode is a Rosenbauer fire truck.

Bumblebee

Bumblebee is Sam Witwicky’s guardian. Alternate mode is a yellow fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. As in the last film, Bumblebee still expresses himself through his radio, his vocal processor having been damaged again in the time since the last film.

Ironhide

Ironhide is the weapons specialist and Optimus Prime’s right hand man. Alternate mode is a GMC Topkick C4500 pickup truck. He is killed by Sentinel Prime when he betrays the Autobots.

Ratchet

Ratchet is the medic. Alternate mode is a search and rescue Hummer H2.

Sideswipe

Sideswipe is an expert fighter with his swords. Alternate mode is a silver Chevrolet Corvette Centennial convertible.

Wheelie

Wheelie is a former Decepticon spy. Alternate mode is a remote-controlled toy truck.

Leadfoot

Leadfoot applies his knowledge of science to create bigger and louder weapons for the Autobots and their allies. Alternate mode is a Juan Pablo Montoya #42 Target car.

Roadbuster

Roadbuster specializes in traveling across the galaxy to hunt down Decepticons. Alternate mode is a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. #88 AMP Energy/National Guard car.

Topspin

Topspin likes hard jobs that leave him dented. He is very tough, but has below-average intelligence. Alternate mode is a Jimmie Johnson #48 Lowe’s/Kobalt car.

The DECEPTICONS

Megatron

Megatron is the leader of the Decepticons. He has changed his vehicle mode to an armored rusty Mack Titan 10-wheeler fuel tank truck equipped with heavy weaponry. Due to the events from the last film, Megatron sometimes hides half of his face by using a cowl.

Shockwave

Shockwave is purple, his head features a single eye, and has a gun in place of one of his hands, with a tube connecting it to his body. He commands a worm-like Cybertronian creature that is used for drilling purposes. Alternate mode is a Cybertronian self propelled cannon.

Starscream

Starscreamis the air commandeer. Alternate mode is an F-22 Raptor.

Multiply Commerce as the online shopping destination

2011-07-06T21:46:00.000+08:00

It began as a social networking site where millions of people including me went to share photos and videos to their friends. Now, Multiply has evolved into the largest online shopping site in the Philippines with the introduction of Multiply Commerce. Multiply Commerce features a network that connects virtual shoppers to the widest variety of on-line shops.

The Multiply Commerce Site

The Multiply Commerce team visited Cebu last June 16 to share the new features of the site and how it goes around the Facebook era especially on online shopping.

Multiply Commerce offers thousands of shops and millions of choices which is a unique platform in the Philippine shopping market. Now positioned as a vibrant shopping destination with an e-commerce platform, shoppers can browse at more than 83,000 shops from Filipino merchants alone, making Multiply.com the widest on-line shopping portal in the country. Aside from providing the most variety of on-line shops, Multiply’s strength as an on-line business platform remains unrivaled. With thousands of successful merchants, Multiply has evolved to become a viable business platform for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"Much like any other business, it is crucial to determine what your unique selling proposition is. The growth of Multiply as a digital shopping network was rather organic, with netizens first seeing its potential as a business platform,” said Multiply Philippines CEO, Jack Madrid, “We listened to the needs of the market and discovered the strength of Multiply, harnessed this opportunity and developed a fully-functioning e-commerce site with the introduction of Multiply Commerce" added Madrid.

Multiply Commerce has upgraded features for both shoppers and merchants. For shoppers, Multiply Commerce introduced the Marketplace that offers a listing of the variety of shops available so people can easily find what they’re looking for. For sellers, the Multiply Commerce program was developed to help them manage and grow their business.

Multiply representatives talked about the new Multiply Commerce last June 16 here in Cebu. Photo courtesy of Agnes Jimenez.

The new Multiply Commerce’s interface immediately shows the Marketplace. From fashion to gadgets to food to baby products, you name it, Multiply Marketplace has it. By joining the community, shoppers will not only be able to browse at products and services offered in the Philippines but will also be able to connect to virtual shops from different regions in just one click.

With the introduction of the Multiply Commerce program, sellers can now optimize their businesses with its new features that will help push their businesses forward:

1. Payment System
In the Philippines, Multiply has partnered with Banco de Oro virtual card, BPI, Paypal and Globe Gcash to ensure fast and safer payment systems since buyers will be paying Multiply.com directly rather than individual shops. In effect, Merchants don’t need to open separate accounts to offer different payment options. They just need a BDO or BPI account where Multiply.com will transfer earning to begin selling.

2. Product Listings
The product listings feature allows sellers to categorize their merchandise instead of just using the photo album function to share their wares.

3. Stock Room
The Stock Room feature offers merchants a dashboard of product listings for more efficiently managing their business. This is where they can manage inventory, monitor orders and update product listings and track their cashflow.

4. Buyer Protection
To ensure safe and seamless transactions, Multiply Commerce offers a Buyer Protection program for sellers who opt to become Trusted Sellers. In this arrangement, Multiply will be able to help the shoppers and merchants resolve transactional issues in case of any disputes.

5. Shopping Cart
Interested buyers can easily buy several items from a single shop or several items from different shops in one go. This feature fastens the purchasing procedure because they need not contact each shop for individual for multiply orders.

For existing sellers, Multiply Commerce provides a step by step instruction on how to migrate their merchandise from Photo Albums to the new selling platform. Once the seller migrates to the program, buyers who log into Multiply.com will be able to browse more easily and pay more securely using the new platform.

With the introduction of the new and improved Multiply Commerce that takes on an e-commerce platform, buyers and sellers can enjoy easy, safe and accessible shopping and selling.

To open a free shop on Multiply Commerce, email them at csph@multiply.com. To browse and shop at Multiply Commerce, log on to www.multiply.com

Airphil Express offers P1 Sale for flights to Manila

2011-06-26T19:45:00.001+08:00

Airphil Express offers P1 Christmas flights for Bacolod, Busuanga, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legaspi, Masbate, Naga, Puerto Princesa, San Jose, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran,Tuguegarao and Zamboanga to Manila.*

The selling period for this sale is on JUNE 27, 2011 (MONDAY). Travel period for this promo is from DECEMBER 20, 2011 to JANUARY 1, 2012.

So, if you're traveling to Manila this Christmas season to be with your friends, family and acquaintances, book your flight now and avail of this one-day sale from Airphil Express!

Don't forget to spread the word about this one-day sale!

*One way fare. Terms and conditions apply.

Coffee Dream Bloggers' Coffeeklatsch

2011-06-15T00:10:00.002+08:00

Certainly, when you talk about coffee shops, you can really name a lot nowadays. It has been evident that more people, especially Cebuanos are enjoying coffee in coffee shops. We got the chance to be invited by Coffee Dream which calls itself a homegrown specialty coffee shop.

It was my second time to be at Coffee Dream. My first was during a contract signing agreement for a certain company which was held in Coffee Dream’s Parkmall Branch. In their Benedicto College Branch which was previously the location of another coffee company, Coffee Dream was able to create a unique ambience of a coffee shop which sets apart from the coffee shops we know.

Together with fellow blogger Bjorn Bernales, we were the early birds for the Bloggers’ Coffeeklatsch. I first observed the different ambience of Coffee Dream and the casual courtesy of its employees. It feels like entering a very welcome place to have a coffee.

During the Coffee Dream Bloggers’ Coffeeklatsch at their Benedicto College Branch, bloggers were able to taste their different servings, not only of coffee but also of meals. Mine was a Fro-reo, a coffee-based chilled blend which I paired with their chocolate cake and the meat lasagna.

Coffee Dream President and Founder Glenn Anthony Soco together with the coffee shop designers. Photo courtesy of www.empressofdrac.com

Coffee Dream President and Founder Glenn Anthony Soco (which my friend and DYAB broadcaster Jun Tariman called as the Pending Vice Governor) then shared about the roots of the coffee company and its rebranding efforts costing Php 10M that started since 2009.

Soco told us that their products are locally made unlike other coffee companies. They will be featuring coffee treat for the month to their customers together with their tasty meals. He also noted that some parts in Cebu Province are already growing coffee which the company is also tapping. Not only they’re giving the best of local coffee taste but also the great help they’re doing to our local coffee growers.

Soco tapped the Cham Lopez, a student of Industrial Design from the University of the Philippine – Cebu for the company’s rebranding, from the design of the new logo to the new interior design of their outlets. Lopez is now working part-time as Coffee Dream’s creative director. She explained that the comfortable ambiance and use of pastel colors in their coffee shops have received a good response from their customers.

Together with fellow bloggers Jun Rey Pajares, Agnes Jimenez and Bjornson Bernales. www.empressofdrac.com

The company’s new logo was from a coffee mug but in a top view perspective. When I was looking it before they explained the new logo, never in my mind did it crossed that it was a top view perspective of a mug.

Coffee Dream also offers its customers free wireless fidelity (wifi) connection and encourages them to stay longer on their coffee shop. It’s definitely a perfect place for people to relax, take a cup of coffee, talk with your friends, surf the internet, discuss business deals or have a simple family get-together.

Soco brushed off concerns on why invest on a branch where only a few cars would be able to pass by. He is confident that Coffee Dream will be able to get the untapped market of coffee drinkers. He also noted that some of them would also go to coffee shops which are outside of the mall.

He also expressed his belief that the event would create more awareness of their coffee offerings given the significance of bloggers and the power of social media.

Coffee Dream has around 24 branches nationwide and most of them are here in Cebu. They opened their first franchised store in Cagayan De Oro City. If you want to taste their coffee servings, here’s a list of their Cebu branches:

• Ayala Center
• Kia – Gorordo
• SM City Cebu
o 2nd Level (near VECO)
o 2nd Level (near Gillamac’s)
o Traveller’s Lounge
• Parkmall
• CICC (Expresso)
• 138 Mall (Express)
• Cebu Doctors Hospital
• Mactan-Cebu International Airport
• Benedicto College
• Escario (soon to open)

As stated, they will be also opening a new branch in the Escario Building located along N. Escario Street, Cebu City which would be their biggest outlet.

If you're wondering how much does it cost to have the Coffee Dream experience, below is their menu:

Max's Restaurant launches Chicken-All-You-Can Promo in Cebu

2011-06-14T22:36:00.002+08:00

I used to pass by Max’s Restaurant in SM and also in some places before but never had the chance to dine their ever since. Just today, I already got the chance to do so for a bloggers’ event.

Together with fellow bloggers and people from the print media, Max’s executives who came from Manila treated us to games and gave us an opportunity to taste what Max’s is offering this year. During the event, Max's Restaurant launched their Chicken-All-You-Can Promo in Cebu for their customers.

Based on what I read, Max’s Restaurant is one of the country’s leading fast-casual dining restaurants. It traces its roots to a family’s generosity and passion for good food. Calling themselves “the house that chicken built,” they continue to innovate and expand worldwide. After more than six decades, Max’s Restaurant has established itself as a household name, an institution, and a proud Filipino tradition, zealously upholding the values passed on from its early beginnings in 1945 to the present –day generation of food aficionados.

With the return of their much-awaited Max's Restaurants Chicken-All-You-Can Promo this year, I have now an idea when to bring my friends next time. For the promo, an unlimited serving of the Max’s favorite fried chicken, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily will surely challenge your appetite. The chicken will be served in quarter for you to savor every moment of what you eat.

Their fried chicken was really different from the ordinary taste. Also, you won’t have a hard time in eating it since its tender and tasty. It was my first time to eat a friend chicken where I would not even ask a knife’s help. I easily held the fried chicken and ate it. It was definitely sarap-to-the-bones for me! I was able to finish 4 pieces in one sitting since I can’t help the taste.

Before

After

So, you might be thinking that this would cost you a lot. Think again. Unlimited serving of Max’s favorite fried chicken will only cost you Php 199! Yes, Php 199 and that includes an ice-cold glass of any Pepsi softdrink that can be upgraded to bottomless drink for only Php 28. Diners can also watch out for a show-stopping promo activation performance by Max’s employees every 6:00 PM daily to signal the start of the promo.

The awesomeness doesn’t stop there. Max’s is also giving away free Php 20 money coupons for every Php 200 spent during the Chicken-All-You-Can promotion. A maximum of three accumulated coupons per transaction may be used to "purchase" any Max’s products within a year after issuance. Eating has never been this rewarding.

"Chicken-All-You-Can fever has never really waned since its successful launch last year. We have received an overwhelming clamor for this unlimited chicken offering from our customers all over the Philippines. Now, Chicken-All-You-Can is definitely here – and it’s bigger and better," said Bobby Simborio, Corporate Communications Officer for Max’s Group of Companies.

The promo started last June 10 and will end on July 10 this year. To date, it holds the record for the biggest eat-all-you-can promotion ever launched by a single fast-casual dining restaurant in the Philippines.

You should grab this opportunity to go to Max’s and avail of Max's Chicken-All-You-Can Promo in Cebu. Bring your family, barkada, workmates, loved ones or you can go by yourself. For Cebu, you can visit their branches at Ayala Center and in SM City Cebu.

For more info, you can log on to www.maxschicken.com or visit wwww.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and be a member of their official Facebook fan page.

Win a Samsung ST700 in Samsung Camera's Bye Bye Bad Photo Contest

2011-06-14T11:10:00.002+08:00

Are you having problems with bad photos that destroy that precious moment? Yes, I have. I usually attend events and gatherings with a camera but when I get back and check out the shots I made, geez, it's blurry.

Good news is that Samsung Camera is launching a new and exciting promo in Facebook that would surely put an end to bad photos. Whether it be in a wrong angle, a jump shot fail or having a hard time taking a baby picture, Samsung Camera surely does have a camera that solves it all.

Join the Samsung Camera's Bye Bye Bad Photo Contest at http://www.facebook.com/samsungcamerasPH and they're giving away a Samsung ST700!

All you need to do is to send three entries (Wrong Angle, Jump Shot Fail, Baby Gets Bored) in one registration for more chances of winning one (1) out of three (3) Samsung ST700!

I joined the contest and had this entry:

Someone was trying to get a picture of me during our classes when I was still a 2nd year college student. I guess this one's a stolen shot but still, the picture is definitely on a bad angle and has a blurry effect. Hopefully, when I have a Samsung ST700, this would go away! :D

For your information, the Samsung ST700 is the latest model of Samsung’s 2View Camera Series, which I blogged about last month, that offers a dual screen feature found at the front side and back side of the camera. Truly, it revolutionizes the look and feel of a camera.

The feature enables you to easily preview self-portraits, making sure that you’re part of every frame you take.

Well, it's not just one features but there's still another two amazing features.

It also has a built in "Child Mode" feature where you can now download or create your own animation to keep your kids’ smiling and entertained when you take their photos.

The third feature that we'll surely love is the "Jump Shot" feature which offers a visual count down in its front LCD screen, before taking three fast shots of you and you friends jumping and smiling.

Below are the amazing specs of the Samsung ST700:

The Samsung 2View Camera Series would surely say goodbye to bad photos and say hello to happy photos with your family and friends! Definitely, another amazing innovation from Samsung Cameras!

Visit Samsung Cameras PH Fanpage and find out more about this promo!

Road Revolution in Cebu this June 12

2011-06-11T20:49:00.001+08:00

Road Revolution is a national campaign that urges our government to make concrete solutions on pressing transportation, fuel, traffic, safety and pollution problems in the country. Tomorrow, June 12 and also the Philippine Independence Day, roads from Capitol to Plaza Independecia will be closed for the event.

It aims to transform the mindset, policy, and the resulting infrastructure that encourages individualized transportation systems, i.e., cars and motor vehicles.

This problem could not be solved using the same kind of thinking that caused the problem in the first place. We need to shift our transportation mindset from individual transportation systems to favor collective and non-pollutive locomotion systems.

For a start, at least half of the roads must be dedicated for walkways and bike-lanes, and other non-motorized collective transport systems.

Pursuant to Sections 120-127 of the Local Government Code on the power of the sovereign people to launch an initiative for local legislation, the Road Revolution Campaign seeks to gather as many signatures as possible to submit a petition to local government units i.e. cities and municipalities to adopt the necessary ordinance to reform and restructure the entire locomotion system within its jurisdiction.

The Road Revolution Campaign suggests a locomotion system that applies the principle that "those who have less in wheels must have more in roads." It must be safe, convenient, inexpensive, collective, efficient, non-congestive, non-pollutive, and healthful. It must have wide sidewalks for people who prefer to walk, ample bicycle lanes for those who like to bike, and collective man-powered mini-trains. The transportation system must have a preferential bias for non-motorized transport systems that do not use fossil fuels, and maximizes the use of available manpower and uses resources to unleash native Filipino creativity and ingenuity.

Below is the activity route for tomorrow's event:

Saving our Coral Reefs and Seas Starts with Us

2011-05-30T12:59:00.001+08:00

What we treasure must be cherished. Unfortunately, some of opportunists wouldn't even dare to care about it. We are outraged by the brazen attack on our awesome and diverse marine resources which we treasure so much.

I was alarmed, when I was talking with fellow blogger Tonyo Cruz during the Cebu Blog Camp 2011 last Saturday, that Cebu is one of the places being exploited by these no-mercy foreign firms specifically by Shell Horizons.

Coral reefs are called the rainforests of the sea which houses diverse marine species, provide habitat and breeding ground for commercially important species, provide natural buffers to the coastlines from erosions, and contain the highest biodiversity of any marine ecosystem.

In their website (which I think has a site template circa 1990), Shell Horizons claims to have been viewed more than 10 million times since 1998 and describes itself as the "US Largest Wholesaler of Seashells and Seashell Products, Finest Quality Seashells and Souvenirs Since – 1976." They have touted the variety of marine resources that they have exploited in our own seas!

Surprised? Me too! The existence of this firm at the first place is plainly stupid. Their making business out of our precious marine resources that gives life to our seas. This is marine life plunder to its maximum level!

Another incident that I was also appalled was the rape of the ocean in the Moro Gulf and in the Sulu Sea where poachers decimated an entire "reef complex" - almost twice as big as Metro Manila - when they harvested more than 21,000 pieces of black coral and killed 161 endangered turtles and other marine life. One of the turtles killed was a male aged 80 to 100 years old. In the latest update, it's already 5 times the size of Metro Manila!

A Cluster Coral which the US Firm Shell Horizon is very proud of after exploiting our seas

Deep Bowl Corals placed in a boat after US Firm Shell Horizon raped our seas

Cats Paw Coral dumped in a beach sand by US Firm Shell Horizon ready for pick-up

Now, do you have the same thinking as of Shell Horizons?

Together, we vehemently disapprove this exploitation of our seas. The only way this would stop is in our hands. As we know, change starts with us and it must be unrelenting for the marine resource that we treasure so much. What we do now would be very much important for the generations to come. We don't want to tell our grandchildren in the future that coral reefs are already a thing of the past and seeing it is already impossible. We don't want to be blamed by our grandchildren in the future for not taking an action that would make or brake our beloved Earth.

We call on all Filipino bloggers, Tumblr and Posterous users, Tweeps, Plurkers and all netizens to join the June 8 International Blog Action Day to save our seas and coral reefs. Your voices, our actions are that important.

WHAT WE CAN DO?

* Tweet, Plurk, or post to spread the word about this event: Share or repost this announcement.
* Use the Twitter hashtag #reefwatchPH when you talk about this issue or promote an article in relation to this.
* Spread the savephilippineseas.com URL to your friends.
* Repost and share the official campaign badge which will be posted soon on at savephilippineseas.com.
* Most importantly, on JUNE 8, 2011, let us join the Blog Action Day from your favorite social media channels (Blog, Tumblr, Posterous, Twitter, Plurk, Facebook, etc.)

SOME IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS

While the issue is serious, there are a lot of creative ways to send our message across on or before June 8:

* An open letter to officials and companies.
* A photo essay about your favorite beaches or dive spots.
* Design and share mini-posters, posters and drawings.
* If you grew up near a beach, tell us about your fond memories.
* Post about why your (future) kids and future grandkids ought to have the chance to see and enjoy our coral reefs and seas.
* Why harvesting and peddling corals is bad for the environment and is bad business.
* Proposals on how to protect or clean up our seas.
* If you belong to a clan, group, or organization, invite them to join the event.

Taking an extra step or two won’t harm too. You may email your senator, congressman, the Environment secretary, and even the President to demand action.

Let us harness the power of social media to stir awareness, inspire people, demand action and reject the exploitation of our pristine marine resources.

Here comes Samsung 2View Camera

2011-05-29T21:39:00.001+08:00

There goes a saying the two is always better than one and Samsung just made it awesome with the new Samsung 2View Camera that will surely change the way we take pictures.

Now, get a chance to win two (2) Samsung 2View Camera series up to May 30, 2011 by visiting the Samsung Camera PH Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/samsungcamerasPH.

It gives you twice the fun taking pictures, by making sure that you take the perfect photo you can see for yourself! Definitely, it's not your ordinary digicam.

It is comprised of the ST700, PL170, PL120 offers the latest in Samsung’s point-and-shoot innovation, which is the dual LCD screen feature found at the front side and back side of the camera.

With this, you can easily preview self-portraits, making sure that you’re part of every frame you take. This goes to us vain people or shall I say, people deprived of being pictured. Say goodbye to wrong angles!

What's great is that Samsung maximized this innovation by adding two useful features to the front LCD.

There's a built in "Child Mode" feature, where you can download or create your own animation to keep the kids’ smiling and entertained as you take interesting photos of them. Say goodbye to bored baby pictures!

Another exciting feature that we would surely love is the "Jump Shot" feature, which offers a visual count down in its front screen that tells you exactly when to jump before taking three fast shots of you and your friends. Say goodbye to failed jumps!

To join the contect, like the Samsung Cameras PH Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/samsungcamerasPH) and find out how you can win one of the many 2View Cameras, Samsung will give away! Here's the mechanics for you to win this amazing technology:

1. Like and Share the Samsung Camera fan page to your friends.

2. Type "Win Samsung 2View Cameras by liking and sharing @Samsung Cameras PH" in your status message box. Don’t forget to tag the Samsung Camera fan page!

3. All tagged entries will be raffled off, where two (2) lucky fans get a chance to win a Samsung 2View Camera - (ST500)!

Promo Period: May 15, 2011 – May 30, 2011

Out of frame photos are a thing of the past with the Samsung 2View Camera Series. No more epic fail photos, just perfect photos capturing happy moments of your loved ones.

Check out the video below and see how amazing the Samsung 2View Camera is and don't forget to share this blog post!

May 28 is Cebu Blog Camp 2011!

2011-05-22T20:45:00.001+08:00

The Cebu Blog Camp is an event organized annually by the Cebu Bloggers of the Blog and Soul Movement which is the educating leg of the Philippine Blog Awards Inc. which has been running for already four years. This is the largest gathering of bloggers in Cebu.

The event, slated on May 28, 2011 starting from 9:00 AM, will be held at Sacred Heart Center – St. Joseph’s Hall along Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.

Now why I am attending this event again, for the second time, since it started last year? Well, here are 5 reasons why:

1. Get to know my fellow bloggers - The Blog Camp gives me an opportunity to meet new and familiar faces in the Cebuano blogosphere. I can learn from their insights, experiences and form friendships from fellow campers.

2. Learn from the experts - Listening to the talks of different speakers of different topics gives me interest in learning from new things and techniques that would grow me as a blogger.

3. See the other side - With the games and fun in store of the Blog Camp, I see the fun side of everyone that some of us can't. It further creates camaraderie to fellow campers.

4. Bond with friends - It would also be a great experience for me to bond with my fellow bloggers in this Blog Camp and also learn from them.

5. The organizers are just awesome - Who would disagree? The event, now on its second year, continues to grow and be a hub of bloggers to converge in the Queen City of the South and celebrate the essence of our online life as bloggers.

Together will fellow bloggers Bon Go, Tita Janette Toral, Andrew Dela Serna and Micaela Rodriguez during the Cebu Blog Camp 2010

Together with fellow bloggers Coy Caballes and Juned Sonido during the Cebu Blog Camp 2010

The Cebu Blog Camp 2010 attended by bloggers and me

I wasn't able to fully attend the event last year since I and some political bloggers attended as Political Bloggers Focus Group Discussion on that afternoon at City Sports Club and then we returned to the Blog Camp.

Click here to view the programme for the Blog Camp.

Kitakits! :D

THE CEBU BLOG CAMP 2011

is co-presented by

Bronze Sponsors

Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.

Media and Institution Partners

Official Web Browser

Official TV Media Partner

Official Online Print Media

Official Photo-Social Media Partner

DONOR

Academy for International Culinary Arts

RAFI's Educational Advocacy Level-Up

2011-05-20T21:14:00.001+08:00

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) launched its comprehensive program for Education during the RAFI Brand Launch for Education last May 3, 2011 at Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.

The event was participated by DepEd Officials, local government units, academe, corporate individuals, business sectors and other non-governmental organizations. It was intended to present to the public the refreshed brand of RAFI, especially to key education partners and stakeholders. It also highlighted RAFI's new Education plans and directions.

During the launch, RAFI presented their new campaign for the rehabilitation of dilapidated public school buildings in Cebu under RAFI's School Rehabilitation Program.

The program aims to address the pressing gap in physical facilities of mass-based Philippine public education. It covers public elementary schools all over the Province of Cebu. As of this date, the project has repaired and rehabilitated a total of 458 classrooms in 136 schools in 34 town all over the Province of Cebu benefiting over 18,000 learners.

DepEd Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Francisco M. Varela was the keynote speaker during the event. He stressed the importance of the project and also the need to reform the Philippine educational system.

He also discussed the importance of the implementation of the K-12 program to "reform the curriculum to make sure that our youth are given the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience that will make them more productive members of the workforce and superior professionals in their chosen fields."

He also cited the resource requirements of our education system by constructing 100,000 classrooms, hiring of 130,000 teachers, providing 2.7 million school seats, and installing 150,000 water and sanitation facilities.

It was also a great opportunity for me to meet and personally talk with RAFI President Roberto E. Aboitiz. I expressed my willingness to him if ever the organization would need some support in their advocacies. We also talked about how our educational system should move forward to make the teachers not just the owner of information but also the facilitator of content.

With a firm handshake, his words really struck deep within me and saw his visionary attitude that makes him an inspiring person.

To further spread the information on the web and gather online donations, RAFI's School Rehabilitation Program's official website can be visited at www.schoolrehab.rafi.org.ph. You can also donate any amount that would help the organization in this noble advocacy via Paypal, Credit Cards, ATM-Megabank or Online Banking.

I was just happy to know that they accept donations via Paypal since most bloggers have PayPal accounts and some earn from their online activities. It would also be good if our fellow bloggers would donate to this advocacy.

Education is one of the five focus areas of RAFI, which creates a better environment to nurture the love of learning. Other focus areas include Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage and Leadership & Citizenship.

It's #PhilippineFridays

2011-05-20T13:29:00.001+08:00

Team Manila, a Graphic Design Studio, Clothing Brand, Educator and Design Advocate, is cooking up a great idea to promote Philippine tourism on Twitter by using the hashtag #PhilippineFridays to be an online trending topic once a week.

Designs courtesy of Team Manila Flickr Album

A topic will be given every Friday for Tweeps and even netizens to discuss online using the hashtag #PhilippineFridays.

For MAY 20, 2011, the topic (which is also the 1st) is:

What's your favorite Philippine destination? Why?

Share to the world via your Twitter, Facebook and Blogs on what's your favorite destination in the Philippines or promote your locality. Spread the word about this in the name of Philippine Tourism.

Together, we can do our part in promoting our beautiful country by making #PhilippineFridays a trending topic in Twitter.

Cebuano Pride in Gawad Urian and United Nations

2011-05-19T21:27:00.002+08:00

There are a lot of reasons to be proud as a Cebuano and just this week, those reasons are just adding up.

The award-winning Cebuano Indie Film

Last May 13, "Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria", a Cebu-based indie film about an island girl named Terya who left her hometown to marry a foreigner, was the talk of the town for garnering four awards in the Gawad Urian.

The film won the "Best Picture", "Best Music" by Jerrold Tarog, "Best Director" by Remton Siega Zuasola and "Best Cinematography" by Christian Linaban.

It also won the "Jury Prize" and "Best Musical Score" in the 2010 Cinema One Originals and "Best Picture" in the Southeast Asian Category in Cinemanila last year.

With these recognitions, the indie film makes us proud that what we thought was impossible can be achieved with hardwork.

The indie film's victory is not only of Director Zuasola but also of us Cebuanos. Indeed, there are a lot of stories here in Cebu that can inspire budding film makers to do and all they need is support.

Youth delegates Tricia and Andre together with a fellow delegate shared their thoughts in The United Nations Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction Conference held at Geneva, Switzerland. Photo courtesy of UNICEF UK Blog.

Another reason to be proud is that 2 Cebuano youth delegates attended The United Nations Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction Conference in Geneva, Switzerland to represent the Philippines.

Andre Son and Tricia Mae Plenos, both 16 years of age and from Camotes National High School in Cebu, joined the panel of youth delegates discussing on disaster risk and reduction on a global level.

The conference was an opportunity for the youth delegates to interact and discuss concerns on disaster risk and reduction affecting their respective countries and how the youth can step up on addressing these concerns.

With these, Andre and Tricia from Cebu were able to bring honor not only to Cebu but also to our country. It showed how our youth are starting to act on the global challenges that we are facing.

I hope these would not be the last for Cebu. Together, we can show to the world what Cebuanos are made of.

Samsung Notebook Series 9: PC just got Sexy

2011-05-17T14:34:00.002+08:00

What gets in your mind with the word "sexy" huh? Hot, sizzling, eye-catching, head-turning? You must be thinking of something but here's how Samsung is redefining the word "sexy" with the new Samsung Notebook Series 9.

Samsung just launched the Samsung Notebook Series 9: Sexy Street Style Promo last April 28, 2011 in Facebook. With the Samsung Notebook Series 9’s Sexy Street Style, you'll surely get a glimpse of the new sexy thing.

Joining this amazing contest will give you a chance to win a Samsung Notebook Series 9 which is worth around Php 79K+ and designer dresses from the Philippines' well-known fashion designers namely Rajo Laurel, Rhette Eala and Randy Ortiz.

I'm sure everyone's up to this sexy thing but how do you join this contest to win it? Here's how:

1. Register on Samsung Notebook Series 9: Sexy Street Style Facebook fanpage.
2. Upload a stylish photo in of yourself that defines what sexy for you is.
3. Write about your personal definition of sexy.
4. Ask your friends to vote for your sexy photo entry.
5. Make it your profile picture in Facebook.
6. Sexiest photos get a chance to win either a Samsung Notebook Series 9 or a Rajo Laurel, Rhette Eala, or Randy Ortiz designer wear.

And because I want to win this one too, I have my own contest entry. Please like it at http://apps.facebook.com/samsunggal/index.php?id=389. As what I said in my contest entry, "Sexy is not just outside. It's the inner you that makes one sexy."

And, here's the specs of the Samsung Notebook Series 9 Product:
Ultra Slim Profile at 0.64”
Lightweight Body at 2.86lbs.
Stunning display at 400NIT
Intel Core i5-2537M Processor
(1.40GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 3MB cache memory)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
4GB DDR3 Memory
128GB Solid State Drive
13.3-inch LED Hi-Definition (400NIT, Non-Gloss) Screen with SuperBrightPlus Technology
Built-in 1.3 Megapixel Hi-Definition Webcam
Built-in Bluetooth Version 3.0 Hi-Speed
Chargeable 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, MicroSD Card Slot
Surround Sound 3D Sound Effect
Arch Flow Design, Black Chassis, Made from Duralumin (2x Stronger than Aluminum)
3 Years Warranty (1 Year International, 2 Years Local)

It's Samsung's THINNEST measuring only 0.64 inches depth and with screen size of 13 inches.

It's Samsung's LIGHTEST weighing only 1.31kg.

It's Samsung's BRIGHTEST using Samsung's LED Technology: 'SuperBright Plus" display (400 nit) with 16 million color reproduction, 80% brighter than other notebooks.

All encased in the most advanced duralumin metal alloy only used in specialized aircrafts, making it durable yet stylish and ultra light.

SRP for Samsung Notebook Series 9 SRP is Php 79,900.00. Available in retail outlets nationwide.

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. spearheads World Bloggers' Day 2011

2011-05-10T17:21:00.002+08:00

Indeed, the global celebration starts in Cebu. Last May 2, 2011, we celebrated World Bloggers' Day 2011 here in Cebu at the Bryant George Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center.

Founded and organized by the Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., the event was one of the biggest challenge that the organization has took so far. An event that was first conceived last May 2010 is now one of the dates that every blogger and a citizen to remember.

May 2 of every year will commemorate the importance of bloggers around the world and how bloggers are changing the public discourse.

It was also my first event as the newly-elected CBSi President. Thanks to Agnes Jimenez, CBSi Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Bjornson Bernales, CBSi Vice President for Content Management in spearheading to make this global event possible.

Speakers during the event were Wilson Ng, President and CEO of Ng Khai Development Corporation and one of the successful businessmen here in Cebu, talked about building a brand name and being different. His talk gave me insights on how important trust is and how being different makes someone successful, for as long as you don't overdo it.

Sam Jacoba, Yahoo! Philippines Head of Audience, was also there to share about the latest statistics in the Philippine Internet landscape which was still to be released. We were lucky enough to have seen such statistics. But as what Mr. Jacoba said, it's still a private thing until it would be released officially.

Then came Marlon Guzman of SolidHosting.Ph who talked about how to protect our blogs and the use of a self-hosting software instead of a free-hosting service. Hmmmm... That made me think.

Lastly, I was up on the podium to discuss to the participants about Political Blogging, Libel and Social Media. I shared the situation of countries where bloggers have become Government Enemy No. 1, the implications of libel on blog posts and the social media statistics in the Philippines.

Overall, even if the event started late, it was very successful. I also asked Dr. Buboy Tapia, CBSi Head of Audit to gather data through an evaluation form to measure the success of the event and gather insights from the participants on what to improve for the next year's celebration.

I would also like to the the event sponsors namely Bo's Coffee, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., SolidHosting.Ph and RLComm International. With your support, the event was made possible.

The participants, in a group picture, of the successful World Bloggers Day 2011 Celebration here in Cebu organized by the Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. and participated also by the Manila Bloggers Network, Iligan Bloggers Society, bloggers in South Africa, Lebanon, USA, UAE, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Pakistan in their respective areas. AIM HIGH CBSi!

Photo courtesy of the Photoblogger Evanjohnn Mendoza for this picture! :D

RAFI breaks ground the Kool Adventure Camp

2011-04-08T12:08:00.002+08:00

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. announced the breaking ground of the Philippines' pioneer outdoor experiential education center.

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) President Roberto Aboitiz (second from right) led the groundbreaking of the new Kool Adventure Camp of RAFI in Barangay Consumoroy, Balamban, Cebu. With him are (L-R) Cebu Provincial Board Member Alex Binghay, Balamban Mayor Ace Binghay, and Ben Azel Ponio, president of BSP & Company Inc., the main contractor for the construction of the KAC site. (Inset) RAFI Chief Operating Officer Dominica B. Chua (with microphone) explained to partners, campers, and RAFI employees the different features of the camp through its scaled model.

After more than a decade of running camps with the youth and other sectors, the RAFI saw the importance of taking adventure to greater heights through the creation of the Philippines’ pioneer outdoor education center.

RAFI officially broke ground on its Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) site at Barangay Cansumoroy, Balamban, Cebu last March 26.

The 10-hectare campsite is seen as the first outdoor experiential center in the Philippines. It will house outdoor high and low challenge courses, indoor challenge courses, corporate conference halls, training halls, trekking trails, dining & kitchen facilities, tent areas, youth bunks and corporate cabins.

KAC will also feature the High Element Challenge Cluster, a challenge course that combines both low initiatives and high ropes courses in one. The campsite also includes an Iconic Structure, a multi-face, multi-element high challenge ropes course.

"This is where we will grow and multiply the program," RAFI President Roberto E. Aboitiz said during the groundbreaking ceremony, referring to the ongoing KAC program of RAFI.

The construction of the campsite started on June 2010 under the supervision of the Aboitiz Construction Group Inc.-Metaphil Division. Construction is carried out by BSP Construction, Inc.

The design of the entire camp site was completed through the collaborative ideas of architect Estela G.D. Lopez of EGD Lopez and Partners for the site development design, architect Socorro Atega for the landscape design, and architect Ed Gallego of Gallego Architects for the architectural design.

KAC, launched in 1999, is an adventure-based education program that provides youth and adults with learning and development opportunities through experiential education. Its program offerings, which seek to build character, develop competence, and inspire active citizenship among its participants, include youth adventure camps, adventure training and consulting, corporate adventure workshops, land and sea leadership expeditions, urban backpacking, games and initiatives, and trainer’s training, among others.

"We have a 10-year-old program that deals with the hearts and minds of the youth in the Philippines. We have graduated close to 8,000 campers. What we promise is that those who will attend our program will never be the same again. You may come into the program with different backgrounds but when you graduate from our program, you will be enthusiastic, you will engage in various activities, and you will become leaders of tomorrow," Aboitiz said.

Understanding Choices Forum on Urban Development

2011-04-05T12:38:00.001+08:00

March 30, 2011 was my 2nd time to be at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) and 1st time to be at the Bryant George Hall. I attended a forum upon invitation of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.

Entitled "Urban Development and Governance: Risks and Opportunities, Learning from Other Cities", was organized by the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. in collaboration with the University of Cologne in Germany, Southeast Asian-German Forum for Urban Futures (ForUm-Network) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VII.

Also attending in the event was Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. President Vernon Joseph Go.

The forum facilitated and broadened understanding on the impacts, risks, and opportunities of programs and policies on urban development and governance in other cities. These programs have been established to combat the urban sprawl or to stimulate urban dynamics happening in major cities in Asia.

The forum will highlighted inputs from four international experts and professionals from the ForUm-Network, a network of global experts in the field of urban planning and development.

PROF. DR. FRAUKE KRAAS
Department of Geography
University of Cologne
(Germany)

Prof. Dr. Frauke Kraas from the University of Cologne in Germany talked about the rationale about the forum and its importance. She also emphasized its importance as cities around the world are focusing on urban development and how it affects our environment. Her keyword: Leadership and Citizenship.

MR. PRAK ANGKEARA
Deputy Director General
Department of Land Management and Urban Planning
(Cambodia)

Mr. Prak Angkeara discussed about the urban networking by participatory community land use planning in Cambodia where their communes have a role in determining land use.

PROF. DR. SEKSON YONGVANIT
Khon Kaen University
(Thailand)

Prof. Dr. Sekson Yongvanit discussed on how Khon Kaen City in Thailand improved itself from green and clean city to low carbon city. He was with Virunpob Supab from the Ministry of Natural Resources in Thailand during the talk. Khon Kaen City is also aiming to be a Green City in Thailand and launched a program to plant 840,000 trees in honor of their King who is now 84 years old.

PROF. LE THU HOA
Associate Professor
Dean, Faculty of Urbanization and Environment
National Economics University, Hanoi
(Vietnam)

Prof. Le Thu Hoa talked about how Hanoi is doing on urban planning and how the city is coping with the environmental challenges. She also presented several planning methods that are in use although not all of them were compulsorily used.

DR. GOH HONG CHING
Department of Geography
Universiti Malaya
(Malaysia)

Dr. Goh Hong Ching spoke about the risks being faced now by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and expressed her discontent of the SMART project of Malaysia. She also showed to the forum participants on how Kuala Lumpur is flooded during minor rains and how basement parking spaces are coping with this.

Earth Hour at SM City Cebu

2011-04-05T11:43:00.002+08:00

The night of my graduation day was truly a significant one as it was about making a statement on doing something to save our Mother Earth since March 26, 2011 was Earth Hour 60+.

I attended the event together with my Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. gang upon the invitation of SM City Cebu. Also present in the event were people from SM City Cebu, the Cebu City Government headed by City Mayor Michael L. Rama and Cebu City Councilors and the people from CIT University Supreme Student Government SY 2011-2012 with their President Ronnell Padillo, Vice President Guian Paulo Godofredo and the SSG Officers.

Earth Hour celebration at SM City Cebu together with the Cebu City Government

This year's event was quite different since it was about going beyond the usual 1 hour lights switch off. It was a statement that saving Mother Earth should go beyond the Earth Hour.

Mayor Rama expressed the City's commitment in doing so and acknowledged that our climate has been changing. He also called on Cebuanos to cooperate in making a sustainable and good environment.

Candle lights were lit when it was time for lights off

Former City Councilor and environmentalist Nestor Archival was also present in the event. He called on the audience to give a round of applause to all those who made the event possible and emphasized the importance of saving our environment.

Together with the new batch of CIT University SSG Officers (from L to R): Alejandre Lim, Mark Razonable, Geraldine Lisondra, Cheradee Ann Cabanlit, President Ronnell Padillo, Almer Gail Morga and Janella Oralde.

It was also a surprise for me to see the new batch of CIT University Supreme Student Government Officers of SY 2011-2012 at the event since they previously committed to another Earth Hour event. It sent to me a strong signal that student leaders should be involved in this cause as it is not only for a specific group of people but for everyone since climate change is not society class-specific.

Together with the two dynamic Cebu City Councilors Maria Nida Cabrera and Alvin Dizon

I also got the chance to meet the dynamic and ever active City Councilors Maria Nida Cabrera and Alvin Dizon who are are known to be helping in the City's environmental policies. Councilor Cabrera who was a former Barangay Captain of Barangay Luz which was awarded with the Galing Pook Award for their "environment-responsive governance management". Councilor Dizon has also been known as an urban poor defender and has continued to fight for them at the City Council.

Let Earth Hour not only be a "cause as of this moment" but a cause forever. It is just a symbolic act to remind us that we only have one Earth and putting it to waste is not an excuse.

The Filipino Blogosphere: Political Expression, Communication and Participation Forum

2011-03-05T17:49:00.002+08:00

I had a nice time sharing my thoughts about blogging and its impact during the 2010 elections during a dissemination forum organized by Strengthening ICTD Research Capacity in Asia (SIRCA) and Center for Research and Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific.

The forum entitled "The Filipino Blogosphere: Political Expression, Communication and Participation Forum" was held at Don Merto's Restaurant, 94 Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City, it was attended by fellow bloggers from Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. and members of the mainstream media. I was invited my Ms. Mary Grace P. Mirandilla-Santos who is a grantee of SIRCA to do a study about the Filipino political blogosphere.

Below is the PowerPoint presentation that I presented during that event. Feel free to read through the slides:

Blogging and the May 2010 Election Campaign

View more presentations from Kevin Ray Chua

Fellow bloggers Vernon Go and Atty. Ethelbert Ouano were also among the speakers.

CBSi was made out of love

2011-03-05T16:36:00.002+08:00

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc. celebrated its 3rd Year Anniversary last February 19, 2011 at PAGCOR, Casino Filipino Cebu in Parkmall. Old and new faces were at the event though I came late because of some problems.

The CBSi family photo

CBSi was established last February 14, 2008 by Mark Monta and me and Jerry Gervacio as co-founders. Yes, it was made out of love. Made out of love that encompasses all aspects of society.

Love for blogging camaraderie. We envisioned a group that would unite Cebu-based bloggers under one spectrum. Bloggers who discuss about a range of topics and niches was an impossible thing to imagine but with CBSi, despite our differences, it proved to be possible.

Love for Cebu. We want to show to the Philippines and to the world that Cebu has a vibrant blogging community. Cebu is a province rich in diversity and with blogging, I'm definite that a lot of topics are worth blogging about.

Love for blogging. We bloggers, whether it be hobby or career, are passionate of how our blogs can impact our readers. In CBSi, different colors unite under one rainbow. Yes, we might have different stand on different topics but we are united when it comes to blogging.

3 years have past and CBSi is going stronger and moving forward. The group that started with 3 persons is now 3 years. Yes, the group is still young but it has already achieved one of its mission: to be the premiere blogging group in Cebu. As it continues to grow, I just can imagine the future members of this group. With veteran members bringing already their children and hone them to be future blogger, new members that would spice up the group and members that might fall in and/or fall out of love. :P

Let love continue to reign in CBSi! Looking forward for more years to grow and to love, love, love.

Thank you to PAGCOR, Casino Filipino Parkmall Satellite Branch for the venue, to Mr. Renato Z. Osmeña, Jr., Manager of Casino Filipino Parkmall Satellite Branch and to Holister, Inc. for the overall set-up of the venue.

Introducing myself to fellow CBSi members during the event

Blog Talk at Southwestern University

2011-02-16T10:07:00.001+08:00

I was geared up to have my 1st Blog Talk outside of CIT University entitled "Promoting Advocacy through Online Media" last February 12, 2011. I delivered the same presentation to my fellow CIT University students last February 2, 2011 at the CIT University Auditorium for the Special Topics subject.

Receiving a certificate from Ms. Christine Joy Alcain of SWU CCS

Upon invitation of Ms. Christin Joy Alcain from Southwestern University College of Computer Studies and fellow blogger Mark Monta, I didn't hesitate to share what I have learned in blogging for the past 7 years of my life. The blog talk was part of their 25th year celebration of their college. The attendees were from 1st year to 4th years Computer Studies students of Southwestern University.

The SWU CCS students listening to an overview on my talk

It was good to note that most of them are aware what social media is and are now willing to use it to promote their advocacy whether it be environmental protection or good governance or anything else. I also imparted to them on how to use Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Blogger as tools in promoting their advocacy but always remember, social media alone is not enough. It's role is to complement that traditional way as of now.

Opening my 1st Blog Talk outside of CIT University

I would also like to thank the Southwestern University College of Computer Studies for the invitation (where excellence is a virtue). It was an honor for me to share my knowledge to the students and to meet them personally. This one's for the good start! :D

Together with CBSi Founder Mark Monta

Photos courtesy of Mark Monta.

Globe Super Surf and Globe Power Surf

2011-02-14T00:32:00.002+08:00

Globe Super Surf and Globe Power Surf makes your mobile browsing hobby worth with what you pay. Surf the internet on your mobile phone whenever, wherever, worry-free with Globe!

I have been hooked lately on using my mobile internet to update my Facebook everyday on anything that I see, share what I feel and update my friends about the latest buzz. I can't be on the computer all the time and with Globe's new offer, it would surely make possible for me to do it.

Globe has a variety of plans that would fit to your demands and budget — the most affordable today. So, whether you're on Postpaid or Prepaid, you simply have to choose what works best for you. With Globe, your mobile surfing will surely be accessible.

The Globe Super Surf is now at Php 999 for 30 days. Now that's only Php 33.33 to splurge in your mobile internet hobby. So, if you want uninterrupted mobile internet service for 30 days, I'd suggest you'd get this plan.

For Globe Power Surf which is a consumable mobile internet offer, now comes in a daily variant of Php 15 for 60 minutes. This one's the most affordable prepaid data plan especially for us students who are saving money and want to have mobile internet access at the same time. It's just at the equivalent of Php 0.25 per minute! Now that's a great deal!

Mobile internet usage in the Philippines has been predicted to grow dramatically over the next five year according to the business research and consulting firm Frost and Sullivan. The Philippines has the highest data usage figures in the region with 54% of the total data usage compared to its Asian neighbors.

For me, when it comes to mobile internet service, I recommend you to avail of Globe's new offers. Whether it be Globe Super Surf or Globe Power Surf, mobile internet would never be the same.

Globe Tattoo Superstick

2011-01-27T14:44:00.001+08:00

My New Year's Resolution was to share something that I know would greatly benefit for others. After all, I can't have it forever. How can I share in this digital era?

If I have to share, it must be more online. But how? Then came a solution I never expected! I just found out that there's Globe Tattoo SuperStick, Globe Tattoo's newest and most powerful mobile broadband stick. You can have it for free when you avail of the Tattoo Postpaid Plan 1299.

SuperStick is also an all-in-one wireless router that allows you to share your Globe-powered WiFi connection up to four people from as far as 100 meters away. Sharing what you have is the main characteristic that the SuperStick has and it shares my New Year’s resolution: sharing.

After reading this blog post, you know what to do: SHARE!

You can call (02) 730-1000 or visit http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/product/index/view/url/super-stick for more details.

Bruno Mars Concert in Cebu this April 7, 2011

2011-01-27T12:17:00.014+08:00

The most anticipated Bruno Mars Concert in Cebu this April 7, 2011 is something that I really must watch. Yes, I'm a Bruno Mars fan and knowing that he's coming to Cebu this April 7, 2011 is really awesome. BTW, concert tickets are now up!

Bruno Mars, whose real name is Peter Gene Hernandez and is a half-Puerto Rican, half-Filipino born in Hawaii, will be in the Philippines for two shows. On April 7, 2011 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and April 8, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum which will be from 7 to 10 PM.

The Bruno Mars Live: The Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour will launch Futuretainment, Inc., a new company put up by actor-entrepreneur Marvin Agustin which is co-producing the Bruno Mars concert with ABS-CBN.

UPDATE: Ticket prices for the CEBU are as follows:

Php 4,999.88 for VIP
hp 2,599.88 for GOLD
Php 1,299.88 for SILVER
Php 888.88 for BRONZE

For Tickets please call Waterfront Cebu at 282-6888 Local BRUNOMARS or at their cellphone hotline +639228731043. You can also buy them at the Ayala Center Cebu Customer Service. As of this update, only SILVER tickets are available and are close to being sold-out.

Please keep posted here for more updates about the Bruno Mars Concert in Cebu this April 7, 2011.

Below are some of Bruno Mar's hit songs, Grenade, Just the Way You Are:

President Barack Obama's 2011 State of the Union Address

2011-01-26T10:16:00.002+08:00

Below is the full text of President Barack Obama's 2011 State of the Union address that he will deliver today.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Tonight I want to begin by congratulating the men and women of the 112th Congress, as well as your new Speaker, John Boehner. And as we mark this occasion, we are also mindful of the empty chair in this Chamber, and pray for the health of our colleague – and our friend – Gabby Giffords.

It's no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that's a good thing. That's what a robust democracy demands. That's what helps set us apart as a nation.

But there's a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause. Amid all the noise and passions and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater – something more consequential than party or political preference.

We are part of the American family. We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfilled.

That, too, is what sets us apart as a nation.

Now, by itself, this simple recognition won't usher in a new era of cooperation. What comes of this moment is up to us. What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow.

I believe we can. I believe we must. That's what the people who sent us here expect of us. With their votes, they've determined that governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties. New laws will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans. We will move forward together, or not at all – for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics.

At stake right now is not who wins the next election – after all, we just had an election. At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country, or somewhere else. It's whether the hard work and industry of our people is rewarded. It's whether we sustain the leadership that has made America not just a place on a map, but a light to the world.

We are poised for progress. Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back. Corporate profits are up. The economy is growing again.

But we have never measured progress by these yardsticks alone. We measure progress by the success of our people. By the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs offer. By the prospects of a small business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving enterprise. By the opportunities for a better life that we pass on to our children.

That's the project the American people want us to work on. Together.

We did that in December. Thanks to the tax cuts we passed, Americans' paychecks are a little bigger today. Every business can write off the full cost of the new investments they make this year. These steps, taken by Democrats and Republicans, will grow the economy and add to the more than one million private sector jobs created last year.

But we have more work to do. The steps we've taken over the last two years may have broken the back of this recession – but to win the future, we'll need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making.

Many people watching tonight can probably remember a time when finding a good job meant showing up at a nearby factory or a business downtown. You didn't always need a degree, and your competition was pretty much limited to your neighbors. If you worked hard, chances are you'd have a job for life, with a decent paycheck, good benefits, and the occasional promotion. Maybe you'd even have the pride of seeing your kids work at the same company.

That world has changed. And for many, the change has been painful. I've seen it in the shuttered windows of once booming factories, and the vacant storefronts of once busy Main Streets. I've heard it in the frustrations of Americans who've seen their paychecks dwindle or their jobs disappear – proud men and women who feel like the rules have been changed in the middle of the game.

They're right. The rules have changed. In a single generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work and do business. Steel mills that once needed 1,000 workers can now do the same work with 100. Today, just about any company can set up shop, hire workers, and sell their products wherever there's an internet connection.

Meanwhile, nations like China and India realized that with some changes of their own, they could compete in this new world. And so they started educating their children earlier and longer, with greater emphasis on math and science. They're investing in research and new technologies. Just recently, China became home to the world's largest private solar research facility, and the world's fastest computer.

So yes, the world has changed. The competition for jobs is real. But this shouldn't discourage us. It should challenge us. Remember – for all the hits we've taken these last few years, for all the naysayers predicting our decline, America still has the largest, most prosperous economy in the world. No workers are more productive than ours. No country has more successful companies, or grants more patents to inventors and entrepreneurs. We are home to the world's best colleges and universities, where more students come to study than any other place on Earth.

What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea – the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. That is why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here. It's why our students don't just memorize equations, but answer questions like "What do you think of that idea? What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you grow up?"

The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can't just stand still. As Robert Kennedy told us, "The future is not a gift. It is an achievement." Sustaining the American Dream has never been about standing pat. It has required each generation to sacrifice, and struggle, and meet the demands of a new age.

Now it's our turn. We know what it takes to compete for the jobs and industries of our time. We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. We have to make America the best place on Earth to do business. We need to take responsibility for our deficit, and reform our government. That's how our people will prosper. That's how we'll win the future. And tonight, I'd like to talk about how we get there.

The first step in winning the future is encouraging American innovation.

None of us can predict with certainty what the next big industry will be, or where the new jobs will come from. Thirty years ago, we couldn't know that something called the Internet would lead to an economic revolution. What we can do – what America does better than anyone – is spark the creativity and imagination of our people. We are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook. In America, innovation doesn't just change our lives. It's how we make a living.

Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation. But because it's not always profitable for companies to invest in basic research, throughout history our government has provided cutting-edge scientists and inventors with the support that they need. That's what planted the seeds for the Internet. That's what helped make possible things like computer chips and GPS.

Just think of all the good jobs – from manufacturing to retail – that have come from those breakthroughs.

Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik¸ we had no idea how we'd beat them to the moon. The science wasn't there yet. NASA didn't even exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didn't just surpass the Soviets; we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs.

This is our generation's Sputnik moment. Two years ago, I said that we needed to reach a level of research and development we haven't seen since the height of the Space Race. In a few weeks, I will be sending a budget to Congress that helps us meet that goal. We'll invest in biomedical research, information technology, and especially clean energy technology – an investment that will strengthen our security, protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people.

Already, we are seeing the promise of renewable energy. Robert and Gary Allen are brothers who run a small Michigan roofing company. After September 11th, they volunteered their best roofers to help repair the Pentagon. But half of their factory went unused, and the recession hit them hard.

Today, with the help of a government loan, that empty space is being used to manufacture solar shingles that are being sold all across the country. In Robert's words, "We reinvented ourselves."

That's what Americans have done for over two hundred years: reinvented ourselves. And to spur on more success stories like the Allen Brothers, we've begun to reinvent our energy policy. We're not just handing out money. We're issuing a challenge. We're telling America's scientists and engineers that if they assemble teams of the best minds in their fields, and focus on the hardest problems in clean energy, we'll fund the Apollo Projects of our time.

At the California Institute of Technology, they're developing a way to turn sunlight and water into fuel for our cars. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, they're using supercomputers to get a lot more power out of our nuclear facilities. With more research and incentives, we can break our dependence on oil with biofuels, and become the first country to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.

We need to get behind this innovation. And to help pay for it, I'm asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies. I don't know if you've noticed, but they're doing just fine on their own. So instead of subsidizing yesterday's energy, let's invest in tomorrow's.

Now, clean energy breakthroughs will only translate into clean energy jobs if businesses know there will be a market for what they're selling. So tonight, I challenge you to join me in setting a new goal: by 2035, 80% of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources. Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal, and natural gas. To meet this goal, we will need them all – and I urge Democrats and Republicans to work together to make it happen.

Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America's success. But if we want to win the future – if we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas – then we also have to win the race to educate our kids.

Think about it. Over the next ten years, nearly half of all new jobs will require education that goes beyond a high school degree. And yet, as many as a quarter of our students aren't even finishing high school. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many other nations. America has fallen to 9th in the proportion of young people with a college degree. And so the question is whether all of us – as citizens, and as parents – are willing to do what's necessary to give every child a chance to succeed.

That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities. It's family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair; that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline.

Our schools share this responsibility. When a child walks into a classroom, it should be a place of high expectations and high performance. But too many schools don't meet this test. That's why instead of just pouring money into a system that's not working, we launched a competition called Race to the Top. To all fifty states, we said, "If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher quality and student achievement, we'll show you the money."

Race to the Top is the most meaningful reform of our public schools in a generation. For less than one percent of what we spend on education each year, it has led over 40 states to raise their standards for teaching and learning. These standards were developed, not by Washington, but by Republican and Democratic governors throughout the country. And Race to the Top should be the approach we follow this year as we replace No Child Left Behind with a law that is more flexible and focused on what's best for our kids.

You see, we know what's possible for our children when reform isn't just a top-down mandate, but the work of local teachers and principals; school boards and communities.

Take a school like Bruce Randolph in Denver. Three years ago, it was rated one of the worst schools in Colorado; located on turf between two rival gangs. But last May, 97% of the seniors received their diploma. Most will be the first in their family to go to college. And after the first year of the school's transformation, the principal who made it possible wiped away tears when a student said "Thank you, Mrs. Waters, for showing… that we are smart and we can make it."

Let's also remember that after parents, the biggest impact on a child's success comes from the man or woman at the front of the classroom. In South Korea, teachers are known as "nation builders." Here in America, it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same level of respect. We want to reward good teachers and stop making excuses for bad ones. And over the next ten years, with so many Baby Boomers retiring from our classrooms, we want to prepare 100,000 new teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child – become a teacher. Your country needs you.

Of course, the education race doesn't end with a high school diploma. To compete, higher education must be within reach of every American. That's why we've ended the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that went to banks, and used the savings to make college affordable for millions of students. And this year, I ask Congress to go further, and make permanent our tuition tax credit – worth $10,000 for four years of college.

Because people need to be able to train for new jobs and careers in today's fast-changing economy, we are also revitalizing America's community colleges. Last month, I saw the promise of these schools at Forsyth Tech in North Carolina. Many of the students there used to work in the surrounding factories that have since left town. One mother of two, a woman named Kathy Proctor, had worked in the furniture industry since she was 18 years old. And she told me she's earning her degree in biotechnology now, at 55 years old, not just because the furniture jobs are gone, but because she wants to inspire her children to pursue their dreams too. As Kathy said, "I hope it tells them to never give up."

If we take these steps – if we raise expectations for every child, and give them the best possible chance at an education, from the day they're born until the last job they take – we will reach the goal I set two years ago: by the end of the decade, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

One last point about education. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet live every day with the threat of deportation. Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense.

Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows. I know that debate will be difficult and take time. But tonight, let's agree to make that effort. And let's stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation.

The third step in winning the future is rebuilding America. To attract new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways to move people, goods, and information – from high-speed rail to high-speed internet.

Our infrastructure used to be the best – but our lead has slipped. South Korean homes now have greater internet access than we do. Countries in Europe and Russia invest more in their roads and railways than we do. China is building faster trains and newer airports. Meanwhile, when our own engineers graded our nation's infrastructure, they gave us a "D."

We have to do better. America is the nation that built the transcontinental railroad, brought electricity to rural communities, and constructed the interstate highway system. The jobs created by these projects didn't just come from laying down tracks or pavement. They came from businesses that opened near a town's new train station or the new off-ramp.

Over the last two years, we have begun rebuilding for the 21st century, a project that has meant thousands of good jobs for the hard-hit construction industry. Tonight, I'm proposing that we redouble these efforts.

We will put more Americans to work repairing crumbling roads and bridges. We will make sure this is fully paid for, attract private investment, and pick projects based on what's best for the economy, not politicians.

Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail, which could allow you go places in half the time it takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying – without the pat-down. As we speak, routes in California and the Midwest are already underway.

Within the next five years, we will make it possible for business to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98% of all Americans. This isn't just about a faster internet and fewer dropped calls. It's about connecting every part of America to the digital age. It's about a rural community in Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small business owners will be able to sell their products all over the world. It's about a firefighter who can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device; a student who can take classes with a digital textbook; or a patient who can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor.

All these investments – in innovation, education, and infrastructure – will make America a better place to do business and create jobs. But to help our companies compete, we also have to knock down barriers that stand in the way of their success.

Over the years, a parade of lobbyists has rigged the tax code to benefit particular companies and industries. Those with accountants or lawyers to work the system can end up paying no taxes at all. But all the rest are hit with one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, and it has to change.

So tonight, I'm asking Democrats and Republicans to simplify the system. Get rid of the loopholes. Level the playing field. And use the savings to lower the corporate tax rate for the first time in 25 years – without adding to our deficit.

To help businesses sell more products abroad, we set a goal of doubling our exports by 2014 – because the more we export, the more jobs we create at home. Already, our exports are up. Recently, we signed agreements with India and China that will support more than 250,000 jobs in the United States. And last month, we finalized a trade agreement with South Korea that will support at least 70,000 American jobs. This agreement has unprecedented support from business and labor; Democrats and Republicans, and I ask this Congress to pass it as soon as possible.

Before I took office, I made it clear that we would enforce our trade agreements, and that I would only sign deals that keep faith with American workers, and promote American jobs. That's what we did with Korea, and that's what I intend to do as we pursue agreements with Panama and Colombia, and continue our Asia Pacific and global trade talks.

To reduce barriers to growth and investment, I've ordered a review of government regulations. When we find rules that put an unnecessary burden on businesses, we will fix them. But I will not hesitate to create or enforce commonsense safeguards to protect the American people. That's what we've done in this country for more than a century. It's why our food is safe to eat, our water is safe to drink, and our air is safe to breathe. It's why we have speed limits and child labor laws. It's why last year, we put in place consumer protections against hidden fees and penalties by credit card companies, and new rules to prevent another financial crisis. And it's why we passed reform that finally prevents the health insurance industry from exploiting patients.

Now, I've heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law. So let me be the first to say that anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses.

What I'm not willing to do is go back to the days when insurance companies could deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition. I'm not willing to tell James Howard, a brain cancer patient from Texas, that his treatment might not be covered. I'm not willing to tell Jim Houser, a small business owner from Oregon, that he has to go back to paying $5,000 more to cover his employees. As we speak, this law is making prescription drugs cheaper for seniors and giving uninsured students a chance to stay on their parents' coverage. So instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years, let's fix what needs fixing and move forward.

Now, the final step – a critical step – in winning the future is to make sure we aren't buried under a mountain of debt.

We are living with a legacy of deficit-spending that began almost a decade ago. And in the wake of the financial crisis, some of that was necessary to keep credit flowing, save jobs, and put money in people's pockets.

But now that the worst of the recession is over, we have to confront the fact that our government spends more than it takes in. That is not sustainable. Every day, families sacrifice to live within their means. They deserve a government that does the same.

So tonight, I am proposing that starting this year, we freeze annual domestic spending for the next five years. This would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade, and will bring discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight Eisenhower was president.

This freeze will require painful cuts. Already, we have frozen the salaries of hardworking federal employees for the next two years. I've proposed cuts to things I care deeply about, like community action programs. The Secretary of Defense has also agreed to cut tens of billions of dollars in spending that he and his generals believe our military can do without.

I recognize that some in this Chamber have already proposed deeper cuts, and I'm willing to eliminate whatever we can honestly afford to do without. But let's make sure that we're not doing it on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens. And let's make sure what we're cutting is really excess weight. Cutting the deficit by gutting our investments in innovation and education is like lightening an overloaded airplane by removing its engine. It may feel like you're flying high at first, but it won't take long before you'll feel the impact.

Now, most of the cuts and savings I've proposed only address annual domestic spending, which represents a little more than 12% of our budget. To make further progress, we have to stop pretending that cutting this kind of spending alone will be enough. It won't.

The bipartisan Fiscal Commission I created last year made this crystal clear. I don't agree with all their proposals, but they made important progress. And their conclusion is that the only way to tackle our deficit is to cut excessive spending wherever we find it – in domestic spending, defense spending, health care spending, and spending through tax breaks and loopholes.

This means further reducing health care costs, including programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which are the single biggest contributor to our long-term deficit. Health insurance reform will slow these rising costs, which is part of why nonpartisan economists have said that repealing the health care law would add a quarter of a trillion dollars to our deficit. Still, I'm willing to look at other ideas to bring down costs, including one that Republicans suggested last year: medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits.

To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for future generations. And we must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for future generations; and without subjecting Americans' guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market.

And if we truly care about our deficit, we simply cannot afford a permanent extension of the tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans. Before we take money away from our schools, or scholarships away from our students, we should ask millionaires to give up their tax break.

It's not a matter of punishing their success. It's about promoting America's success.

In fact, the best thing we could do on taxes for all Americans is to simplify the individual tax code. This will be a tough job, but members of both parties have expressed interest in doing this, and I am prepared to join them.

So now is the time to act. Now is the time for both sides and both houses of Congress – Democrats and Republicans – to forge a principled compromise that gets the job done. If we make the hard choices now to rein in our deficits, we can make the investments we need to win the future.

Let me take this one step further. We shouldn't just give our people a government that's more affordable. We should give them a government that's more competent and efficient. We cannot win the future with a government of the past.

We live and do business in the information age, but the last major reorganization of the government happened in the age of black and white TV. There are twelve different agencies that deal with exports. There are at least five different entities that deal with housing policy. Then there's my favorite example: the Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they're in fresh water, but the Commerce Department handles them in when they're in saltwater. And I hear it gets even more complicated once they're smoked.

Now, we have made great strides over the last two years in using technology and getting rid of waste. Veterans can now download their electronic medical records with a click of the mouse. We're selling acres of federal office space that hasn't been used in years, and we will cut through red tape to get rid of more. But we need to think bigger. In the coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, consolidate, and reorganize the federal government in a way that best serves the goal of a more competitive America. I will submit that proposal to Congress for a vote – and we will push to get it passed.

In the coming year, we will also work to rebuild people's faith in the institution of government. Because you deserve to know exactly how and where your tax dollars are being spent, you will be able to go to a website and get that information for the very first time in history. Because you deserve to know when your elected officials are meeting with lobbyists, I ask Congress to do what the White House has already done: put that information online. And because the American people deserve to know that special interests aren't larding up legislation with pet projects, both parties in Congress should know this: if a bill comes to my desk with earmarks inside, I will veto it.

A 21st century government that's open and competent. A government that lives within its means. An economy that's driven by new skills and ideas. Our success in this new and changing world will require reform, responsibility, and innovation. It will also require us to approach that world with a new level of engagement in our foreign affairs.

Just as jobs and businesses can now race across borders, so can new threats and new challenges. No single wall separates East and West; no one rival superpower is aligned against us.

And so we must defeat determined enemies wherever they are, and build coalitions that cut across lines of region and race and religion. America's moral example must always shine for all who yearn for freedom, justice, and dignity. And because we have begun this work, tonight we can say that American leadership has been renewed and America's standing has been restored.

Look to Iraq, where nearly 100,000 of our brave men and women have left with their heads held high; where American combat patrols have ended; violence has come down; and a new government has been formed. This year, our civilians will forge a lasting partnership with the Iraqi people, while we finish the job of bringing our troops out of Iraq. America's commitment has been kept; the Iraq War is coming to an end.

Of course, as we speak, al Qaeda and their affiliates continue to plan attacks against us. Thanks to our intelligence and law enforcement professionals, we are disrupting plots and securing our cities and skies. And as extremists try to inspire acts of violence within our borders, we are responding with the strength of our communities, with respect for the rule of law, and with the conviction that American Muslims are a part of our American family.

We have also taken the fight to al Qaeda and their allies abroad. In Afghanistan, our troops have taken Taliban strongholds and trained Afghan Security Forces. Our purpose is clear – by preventing the Taliban from re-establishing a stranglehold over the Afghan people, we will deny al Qaeda the safe-haven that served as a launching pad for 9/11.

Thanks to our heroic troops and civilians, fewer Afghans are under the control of the insurgency. There will be tough fighting ahead, and the Afghan government will need to deliver better governance. But we are strengthening the capacity of the Afghan people and building an enduring partnership with them. This year, we will work with nearly 50 countries to begin a transition to an Afghan lead. And this July, we will begin to bring our troops home.

In Pakistan, al Qaeda's leadership is under more pressure than at any point since 2001. Their leaders and operatives are being removed from the battlefield. Their safe-havens are shrinking. And we have sent a message from the Afghan border to the Arabian Peninsula to all parts of the globe: we will not relent, we will not waver, and we will defeat you.

American leadership can also be seen in the effort to secure the worst weapons of war. Because Republicans and Democrats approved the New START Treaty, far fewer nuclear weapons and launchers will be deployed. Because we rallied the world, nuclear materials are being locked down on every continent so they never fall into the hands of terrorists.

Because of a diplomatic effort to insist that Iran meet its obligations, the Iranian government now faces tougher and tighter sanctions than ever before. And on the Korean peninsula, we stand with our ally South Korea, and insist that North Korea keeps its commitment to abandon nuclear weapons.

This is just a part of how we are shaping a world that favors peace and prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO, and increased our cooperation on everything from counter-terrorism to missile defense. We have reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, and built new partnerships with nations like India. This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge new alliances for progress in the Americas. Around the globe, we are standing with those who take responsibility – helping farmers grow more food; supporting doctors who care for the sick; and combating the corruption that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity.

Recent events have shown us that what sets us apart must not just be our power – it must be the purpose behind it. In South Sudan – with our assistance – the people were finally able to vote for independence after years of war. Thousands lined up before dawn. People danced in the streets. One man who lost four of his brothers at war summed up the scene around him: "This was a battlefield for most of my life. Now we want to be free."

We saw that same desire to be free in Tunisia, where the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator. And tonight, let us be clear: the United States of America stands with the people of Tunisia, and supports the democratic aspirations of all people.

We must never forget that the things we've struggled for, and fought for, live in the hearts of people everywhere. And we must always remember that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle are the men and women who serve our country.

Tonight, let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our nation is united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them as well as they have served us – by giving them the equipment they need; by providing them with the care and benefits they have earned; and by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own nation.

Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one nation.

We should have no illusions about the work ahead of us. Reforming our schools; changing the way we use energy; reducing our deficit – none of this is easy. All of it will take time. And it will be harder because we will argue about everything. The cost. The details. The letter of every law.

Of course, some countries don't have this problem. If the central government wants a railroad, they get a railroad – no matter how many homes are bulldozed. If they don't want a bad story in the newspaper, it doesn't get written.

And yet, as contentious and frustrating and messy as our democracy can sometimes be, I know there isn't a person here who would trade places with any other nation on Earth.

We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything's possible. No matter who you are. No matter where you come from.

That dream is why I can stand here before you tonight. That dream is why a working class kid from Scranton can stand behind me. That dream is why someone who began by sweeping the floors of his father's Cincinnati bar can preside as Speaker of the House in the greatest nation on Earth.

That dream – that American Dream – is what drove the Allen Brothers to reinvent their roofing company for a new era. It's what drove those students at Forsyth Tech to learn a new skill and work towards the future. And that dream is the story of a small business owner named Brandon Fisher.

Brandon started a company in Berlin, Pennsylvania that specializes in a new kind of drilling technology. One day last summer, he saw the news that halfway across the world, 33 men were trapped in a Chilean mine, and no one knew how to save them.

But Brandon thought his company could help. And so he designed a rescue that would come to be known as Plan B. His employees worked around the clock to manufacture the necessary drilling equipment. And Brandon left for Chile.

Along with others, he began drilling a 2,000 foot hole into the ground, working three or four days at a time with no sleep. Thirty-seven days later, Plan B succeeded, and the miners were rescued. But because he didn't want all of the attention, Brandon wasn't there when the miners emerged. He had already gone home, back to work on his next project.

Later, one of his employees said of the rescue, "We proved that Center Rock is a little company, but we do big things."

We do big things.

From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream. That's how we win the future.

We are a nation that says, "I might not have a lot of money, but I have this great idea for a new company. I might not come from a family of college graduates, but I will be the first to get my degree. I might not know those people in trouble, but I think I can help them, and I need to try. I'm not sure how we'll reach that better place beyond the horizon, but I know we'll get there. I know we will."

We do big things.

The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And tonight, more than two centuries later, it is because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong.

Thank you, God Bless You, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Sinulog 2011 Grand Mardi Gras Winners

2011-01-16T19:08:00.007+08:00

Sinulog 2011 Grand Mardi Gras Winners are posted below and will be awarded at Cebu City Sports Complex on January 17, 2011. There would be also a repeat performance of the winners and it would be for free public viewing.

And the Sinulog 2011 Grand Mardi Gras Winners are:

FREE INTERPRETATION CATEGORY

1st Place - Tribu Himug-ulaw (FI-07) from Placer, Masbate
2nd Place - Tribu Buyoganon (FI-12) from Abuyog, Leyte
3rd Place - Mabolo Elementary School – Tribu Mabolokon (FI-21) from Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City
4th Place - Tribu Kandaya (FI-10) from Daanbantayan, Cebu
5th Place - Talamban Elementary School (FI-29) from Barangay Talamban, Cebu City
Best in Costume - Tribu Buyoganon (FI-12) from Abuyog, Leyte
Best in Musicality - Tribu Himug-ulaw (FI-07) from Placer, Masbate

SINULOG-BASED CATEGORY

1st Place - Tangub City – Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe (SB-02) from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
2nd Place - Abellana National School (Tribu Hanazen) (SB-07) from Cebu City
3rd Place - City of Carcar (SB-06) from Carcar City, Cebu
4th Place - Bayawan City – Tawo-Tawo Festival (SB-01) from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental
5th Place - Cebu City Central School (SB-10) from Cebu City
Best in Costume - City of Carcar (SB-06) from Carcar City, Cebu
Best in Musicality - Tangub City – Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe (SB-02) from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental

STREET DANCING CATEGORY

1st Place - Tangub City – Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe (SB-02) from Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
2nd Place - Province of Lanao del Norte, the Land of Beauty and Bounty (FI-09) from Lanao del Norte
3rd Place - Lumad Basakanon (FI-08) from Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

ON-SIGHT DECOR CATEGORY

1st Place - Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
2nd Place - PLDT Corporation
3rd Place - Abellana National School

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

VISUAL MERCHANDISING CATEGORY

1st Place - Elizabeth Mall
2nd Place - Gaisano Main
3rd Place - Gaisano Country Mall

HIGANTE CATEGORY

1st Place - Christopher J. Buligan (H-01) from Sto. Niño, Looc, Danao City, Cebu
2nd Place - Esteria Pañares (Father and Son) (H-23) from Sitio Magtalisay, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City
3rd Place - Juanito Awa Jr. (H-21) from Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City

FLOAT CATEGORY

1st Place - International Pharmaceutical Inc. (F-26) from Juan Luna Ave., Barangay Mabolo
2nd Place - LGU – Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte (F-22) from LGY – Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte
3rd Place - LBC (F-12) from Manila

PUPPETEERS CATEGORY

1st Place - Fernando Coronado (Naruto) (P-17) from Opra, Cebu City
2nd Place - Angelique Fuentes (P-11) from Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City
3rd Place - Lizailyn Pael (Woody’s Sinulog Adventure) (P-16) from Barangay Busay, Cebu City

Congratulations to the Sinulog 2011 Grand Mardi Gras Winners!

Sinulog 2011 Festival Queen Winners

2011-01-16T18:51:00.003+08:00

The search for the Sinulog 2011 Festival Queen is one of the highlights of Sinulog 2011 which pits the female lead dancers of the participating contingents to be worthy of the title. The Sinulog 2011 Festival Queen Winners were announced last January 14, 2011 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Photo courtesy of Enrico Dee

And the Sinulog 2011 Festival Queen Winners are:

Festival Queen - STEFFI ROSE PEARSON ABERASTURI of Lumad Basakanon (Brgy. Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City)
1st Runner-Up - JEY ANN AVENIDO of Tribu Kandaya (Daanbantayan, Cebu)
2nd Runner-Up - BARBETTE JOANNE M. BADAOCDOC of Pintados Festival (Tacloban City, Leyte)
3rd Runner-Up - PHOEBE CARINNE R. PATAYTAY of Lahug Elementary School (Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City)
4th Runner-Up - DENICE MARIE CAMINADE of Talamban Elementary School (Brgy. Talamban, Cebu City)

Congrats to the Sinulog 2011 Festival Queen Winners!

CIT University Peer Learning Center Soft Launching

2011-01-15T22:31:00.002+08:00

It was such an honor to be part of the soft launching of the CIT University Peer Learning Center last January 14, 2011.

Together with CIT University MIS/SPS Director Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, CIT University College of Engineering & Architecture Assistant to the Dean Engr. Amis A. Pacamalan and CIT University Supreme Student Government House Speaker Ronnell L. Padillo

Gracing the event were no less than CIT University Vice President for Administration John Gregory L. Escario, MIS/SPS Director Engr. Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor, Office of Scholarships and Admissions Engr. Roberto Base, school officials, faculty members, students leaders of student organizations and some students.

I had the privilege of talking with Engr. Villamor after the launching. During our conversation, the CIT University Peer Learning Center, with pioneering peer mentors from the CIT University Honors' Society, aims to provide the students, especially the freshmen, an avenue where they can be able to learn in a manner of doing it together with their peer mentor. It has been observed that students attending Learning Enhancement Programs (LEP) hesitate to ask questions and are mostly composed of those who already know it. Other students would rather do their own LEP than attending an LEP wherein they feel uncomfortable. Then there are those consultation hours which are allotted by faculty members to students who want to ask questions about their previous lessons but it seems that almost no one is buying it.

Engr. Villamor expressed his optimism that the CIT University Peer Learning Center would be expanded in the future with the help of some Technologian alumni. The success of the Math-related subjects that are being piloted would be a good sign for the Peer Learning Center to further offer more subjects especially on Engineering.

The CIT University Peer Learning Center has a mini-library and two (2) computer units which has an E-Learning System powered by Moodle, a course management system designed to help educators who want to create quality online courses. It currently employs Math-related subjects as new modules would be added in the following months.

I laud the aggressive efforts of Engr. Villamor in alleviating and even vanishing the fear of students from Mathematics, which is also my Achilles' Heel, by conducting seminars on it and making sure that we learn Mathematics in a fun, exciting and inspiring way. Soon, these efforts would bear fruit. It would take time but starting it is worthy of emulation.

The CIT University Peer Learning Center, "a place where learning is fun, exciting and inspiring", is located at Room 327 of the CIT University Main Building which is beside the Mathematics Department. It's open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Mondays to Fridays and 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturdays.

From Cardinal Vidal to Archbishop Palma

2011-01-11T13:42:00.002+08:00

Come Sinulog 2011, the Archdiocese of Cebu will have a new Archbishop in the name of the outgoing Archbishop of Palo, His Grace the Most Reverend Jose S. Palma, D.D. Outgoing Archbishop of Cebu, His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, D.D. will surely be missed by us Cebuanos who were under his flock for the past three decades.

His Grace The Most Reverend Jose S. Palma, D.D.

His Eminence Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, D.D.

Tomorrow will be the start of a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church here in Cebu as a great event will unfold.

This will be the itinerary for tomorrow's changing of guards in the Archdiocese of Cebu after Cardinal Vidal's three decades of service:

January 12 (WEDNESDAY)

3:00 PM - Bishop Palma's arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and a motorcade to the Archbishop's Residence
4:30 PM - Liturgical Reception at the Chapel of St. Joseph
7:00 PM - Dinner Reception at the Sacred Heart Center, D. Jakosalem Street

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

January 13 (THURSDAY)

9:00 AM - Pontifical Mass, Rite of Canonical Installation at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
12:00 NN - Luncheon at the Cebu International Convention Center
3:00 PM - Press Conference at the Archbishop's Residence

Archdiocese of Cebu

Upon assumption of his new job after he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI last October 15, 2010, Palma will be called as His Grace instead of His Eminence, which Cebuanos used to call Cardinal Vidal.

The Archdiocese of Cebu is the Philippines' number one when it comes to the size and number of priests and number of lay faithful with 365 diocesan priests, 382 religious men, around 1,100 religious women and 465 seminarians. Cebu has around 3,818,027 Catholics.

The Miss Cebu 2011 Winners

2011-01-10T14:19:00.016+08:00

Miss Cebu 2011 Winners are now in after the Coronation Night at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel just this evening.

The pageant question for the Top 5 was:

In what way, as a Cebuana, can you help in the aspect of nation-building?

And the Miss Cebu 2011 Winners are:

Miss Cebu 2011 Grand Winner - MIA ZEEBA FARIDON (Candidate No. 8)

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Miss Cebu 2011 1st Runner-up - Tiffanie Lene Llamada (Candidate No. 6)

Miss Cebu 2011 2nd Runner-up - VANNESSA CLAUDINE AMMANN (Candidate No. 11)

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

Miss Cebu 2011 3rd Runner-up - ROSEMARY GORE (Candidate No. 3)

Miss Cebu 2011 4th Runner-up - AIKO LYANNE SERRANO (Candidate No. 12)

MINOR AWARDS

* KAPAMILYA STAR OF THE NIGHT - Mia Zeeba Faridon (Candidate No. 8)

* MISS FRIENDSHIP WATERFRONT - Vannessa Claudine Ammann (Candidate No. 11)

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Procession and Street Dance Routes, please click here.

* BEST IN EVENING GOWN AND MISS GLAMOR GIRL CATHAY PACIFIC - Tiffanie Lene Llamada (Candidate No. 6)

* MISS PHOTOGENIC NGENIUS - Katrina Raye C. Yuson (Candidate No. 1)

Our congratulations to the Miss Cebu 2011 Winners, the lovely candidates, the organizers, the sponsors and the people who made the event possible!

Get to know the lovely candidates of Miss Cebu 2011 at http://www.kevinraychua.com/2010/11/miss-cebu-2011.html.

Sinulog 2011 Weekend at Red Box Karaoke Cebu

2011-01-10T13:33:00.004+08:00

It's Sinulog 2011 and things are starting to heat up! Have you already planned on what to do during the Sinulog 2011 weekend? If not, then grab this great offer for you, your friends and your family and spend your Sinulog 2011 Weekend at Red Box Karaoke Cebu.

I also had my Red Box Karaoke experience in Cebu when they gave us a private preview a day before their branch opened here last year. Now, grab this opportunity to have a Sinulog 2011 Weekend at Red Box Karaoke Cebu!

For the whole month of January 2011, great value twists to your hard-earned peso are there for the taking with Sunday and Monday 'Dinner On Us', a free dinner buffet for all guests who avail of the primetime package.

Ladies, come out on Tuesday for 'Ladies' Night' where you can enter free of charge during primetime hours. Another primetime treat is 'Beer All You Can' on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For an additional Php 99 per head, guests can have unlimited local beers. That means you won’t get thirsty while you sing your hearts out!

And on Sinulog 2011 weekend, January 14, 15 and 16, from Friday to Sunday, primetime hours will be at P399 per head inclusive of a free dinner buffet and one (1) free drink—a choice of soft drinks, iced tea, bottled water, local beers, hot coffee or hot tea. With Red Box Karaoke Sinulog 2011 treats, Red Box is never out of your way or out of your budget!

Red Box Karaoke Cebu has twenty-one (21) generously-sized rooms including two party rooms with additional entertainment options available. Each is uniquely designed to look like no other KTV place in town. Contemporary, modern interiors contribute to a sonically engineered environment and the best song delivery system in the market today to make for an unforgettably happy experience.

Red Box Karaoke Cebu is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 12:00 Noon to 4:00 AM and Sunday & Monday 12:00 Noon to 12:00 Midnight, and is located at G101, Garden Level of The Terraces (below the Active Zone, across the fountain) at the Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park.

For inquiries on these red hot treats, please contact (032) 417 1675 or (0917) 6233397. Visit www.redbox.com.ph for more information.

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange: The Real Pulpy Deal

2011-01-10T00:01:00.009+08:00

Choosing the right and healthy drink is quite a challenge for those like me who are now prioritizing health over pleasure. Many in the market have been promising this and that to the consumers. Now is the time to find out which among them is the real one. Then here comes Minute Maid Pulpy Orange.

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange

I found out from Janette Toral about this blog contest and I also wanted to share about this healthy drink that's making a buzz to the health-conscious people out there.

Minute Maid Pulpy Orange is the Real Pulpy Deal with NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED! Yes, you heard it right. The healthy drink that really assures you good health. Made from the real orange, once you drink it,the orange pulp is evident on this healthy drink. No doubt, Minute Maid Pulpy Orange is the right choice for everyone.

From taking a break to your daily exercise, always have the Minute Maid Pulpy Orange drink on your side. It's your health partner for a healthy living!

Join the "Pulp up your blog" contest now by using the Pulpy Blog Generator! I will have a chance to choose one person who would comment on this blog post to win prizes from Minute Maid if my blog post will win in the blog contest.

To know more about this healthy drink, LIKE them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MinuteMaid.ph

Sinulog 2011: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan Winners

2011-01-09T18:23:00.004+08:00

18 contingents participated the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2011 today which started through a parade and ended at the Cebu City Sports Complex. The Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan winners were declared just this afternoon and the Top 5 will be joining the Sinulog 2011 Grand Parade this January 16, 2011.

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2011

The competition, in honor of Señor Santo Niño, is dedicated for the schools under the supervision of the City of Cebu. Present during the event was Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Below is the list of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2011 winners divided in two (2) divisions namely Elementary Division and High School Division:

ELEMENTARY DIVISION

Grand Champion: Talamban Elementary School
2nd Place Winner: Mabolo Elementary School "Tribu Mabolokon"
3rd Place Winner: Tejero Elementary School
4th Place Winner: Pardo Elementary School
5th Place Winner: City Central Elementary School

Special Awards

Best in Costume: Talamban Elementary School
Best in Musicality: Talamban Elementary School

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

SECONDARY DIVISION

Grand Champion: Abellana National High School
2nd Place Winner: Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School
3rd Place Winner: Apas National High School
4th Place Winner: Tisa Night High School
5th Place Winner: Basak Pardo Night High School

Special Awards

Best in Costume: Abellana National School
Best in Musicality: Abellana National School

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Procession and Street Dance Routes, please click here.

Sinulog 2011: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Winners

2011-01-09T15:26:00.003+08:00

17 contingents participated the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2011 yesterday which started through a parade and ended at the Cebu City Sports Complex. The Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan winners were also declared yesterday and the Top 5 will be joining the Sinulog 2011 Grand Parade this January 16, 2011.

Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2011

The competition, in honor of Señor Santo Niño, is dedicated for the schools under the supervision of the Province of Cebu. Present during the event was also Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Below is the list of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2011 winners divided in two (2) divisions namely Elementary Division and High School Division:

ELEMENTARY DIVISION

Grand Champion: San Roque Elementary School from Talisay City
2nd Place Winner: Pajo Elementary School from Lapu-Lapu City
3rd Place Winner: Cambanay Elementary School "Karansang Danawanon" from Danao City
4th Place Winner: DepEd Cordova District from Cordova
5th Place Winner: Basak Elementary School from Mandaue City

Special Awards

Best in Costume: Pajo Elementary School
Best in Musicality: San Roque Elementary School

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

SECONDARY DIVISION

Grand Champion: DepEd Carcar Division from Carcar
2nd Place Winner: Sabang National High School from Danao City
3rd Place Winner: Pooc National High School from Talisay City
4th Place Winner: Tipolo National High School "Mandawehanong Kaliwat" from Mandaue City
5th Place Winner: Toledo National Vocational School from Toledo City

Special Awards

Best in Costume: Sabang National High School
Best in Musicality: Tipolo National High School "Mandawehanong Kaliwat"

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Procession and Street Dance Routes, please click here.

Sinulog 2011 Procession and Street Dance Routes

2011-01-05T15:39:00.003+08:00

As Sinulog 2011 is fast approaching, I'm sharing to you the routes for the procession of the Señor Santo Niño and for the street dance of Sinulog 2011.

Below are the maps of the Sinulog 2011 Procession and Street Dance Routes (please click on the images to enlarge):

Sinulog 2011 Procession Route

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Novena Mass Schedule, please click here.

Sinulog 2011 Street Dance Route

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Sinulog 2011 Novena Mass Schedule

2011-01-05T10:05:00.005+08:00

UPDATE: If you are looking for the Sinulog 2012 Novena Mass Schedule, please visit http://www.kevinraychua.com/2012/01/sinulog-2012-novena-mass-schedule.html.

Aside from the festival aspect of Sinulog 2011, Cebuanos and devotees alike will be reciting nine consecutive days of prayers, also known as the Novena, in celebration and thanksgiving to Señor Santo Niño.

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities, please click here.

Below is the Novena Mass Schedule for the Sinulog 2011:

Regular Routine Novena/Masses Schedule

5:30 AM – City Parishes / Barangays
7:00 AM – Business Sectors
8:30 AM – Basic Education – Private Schools
10:00 AM – Parishes: District & Vicariate
11:30 AM – Business Sectors
1:00 PM – Government Offices: City & Provincial
2:30 PM – Basic Education – Public by Districts
4:00 PM – Colleges
5:30 PM – Universities
7:00 PM - Archdiocesan Organizations, Movement & Communities

FIRST DAY OF NOVENA - January 06, 2010 (Thursday)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH JESUS
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – FOOT PENITENTIAL PROCESSION (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – FIRST MASS – INSTALLATION OF HERMANO and HERMANA MAYORES 2010

SECOND DAY OF NOVENA - January 07, 2010 (Friday)
2:30 PM – Opening Salvo by the Sinulog Foundation
8:30 PM – Senior Citizen’s Night

THIRD DAY OF NOVENA - January 08, 2010 (SATURDAY)
8:30 PM – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

FOURTH DAY OF NOVENA - January 09, 2010 (SUNDAY)
8:30 AM – Children’s Mass with Colegio del Sto. Niño

FIFTH DAY OF NOVENA - January 10, 2010 (MONDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

If you want to know more about the Sinulog 2011 Procession and Street Dance Routes, please click here.

NINTH DAY OF NOVENA - January 14, 2010 (FRIDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH MARY
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – Foot Penitential Procession (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – Holy Mass and Novena
7:00 AM – Misa de Translacion
(Motorcade proceeds to the National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue City)
1 – 2 PM – District Teachers Traditional Halad
8:30 PM – Re-enactment of the first Wedding.

VESPERAS - January 15, 2010 (SATURDAY)
5:30 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM – Mass for the OFW Families
7:00 AM – FLUVIAL PROCESSION – Route: Ouano Wharf, Mactan Bridge, Lapu-Lapu, Pasil, Pier 1
9:30 AM – Re-enactment of the arrival of the image
10:00 AM – Re-enactment of the Mass and Baptism
1:00 PM – Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image
6:00 PM – Pontifical Mass

FIESTA SEÑOR DAY - January 16, 2010 (SUNDAY)
4:00 AM – Mañanita Mass
6:00 AM - Pontifical Mass with his Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, D.D
8:30 AM - Augustinian Recollect Communities
10:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
11:30 AM – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:20 PM - Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:30 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English mass

THANKSGIVING MASS - January 17, 2010 (MONDAY)
5:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – Mass for the OFWs
10:00 AM – Thanksgiving Mass with the San Nicolas Parish
2:00 PM - Thanksgiving Mass by Sinulog Foundation
4:00 PM – Requiem Mass for the Deceased Devotees
5:30 PM – Healing Mass for the Sick and the Aged

HUBO - January 21, 2010 (FRIDAY)
4:00 AM – HUBO MASS
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – English Mass
9:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
10:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
11:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
12:00 NN – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:00 PM – English Mass
3:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:00 PM – English Mass
6:00 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English Mass

Viva Pit Señor!

Bo's Coffee, a proud Cebuano and Filipino product

2011-01-04T00:48:00.001+08:00

I am never used to staying at coffee shops but certainly, it was a great thing to be part of a bloggers event of Bo's Coffee. The coffee shop started in June 1996 when Steve Benitez opened the first Bo's Coffee in Ayala Center Cebu.

Invited bloggers were divided into two timeslots. I, along with fellow bloggers Vernon Joseph Go, Bjornson Bernales and Debbie Rojonan were placed on the 3 PM timeslot. We were at the Capitol Branch of Bo's Coffee.

Quick fact was that at the same branch, Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) was formed through the help of Winston Almendras. It was surely a place for me to reminisce the time when CBS was still on its early stage.

During the event, I was able to met quickly Bo's Coffee President and CEO Steve Benitez, who is also a proud Cebuano. I didn't knew that there was a meeting room in the Capitol Branch. Mr. Benitez was there along with other officials of Bo's Coffee for a meeting.

We were able to taste their new offerings and will surely be available this year.

Food for the Gods

I never knew this one but once you taste it, the Food for the Gods will surely be on your list when you relax at Bo's Coffee. It's a muffin-like stuff but with the sweet taste. Every bits and pieces are really worth munching.

Cookie for the Gods

Now this one is really for the Gods. Here's a cookie version of the Food for the Gods and still with the same taste and sweetness. It comes in a plastic sheet that covers the cookie. The crisp of the cookie really tells you to take time on eating it and savoring one bite at a time.

Super Moist Chocolate Cake

This one really got hooked on my taste buds. The Super Moist Chocolate Cake has that taste that would really make you eat more. It's black chocolate cover really entices you to have one. Yum yum!

Don't forget to visit Bo's Coffee's official (and revamped) website at http://www.boscoffee.com and their official blog at http://blog.boscoffee.com.

Yahoo! Philippines Executives at Cebu

2011-01-04T00:02:00.001+08:00

It was a Thursday night meet-up. I was in school and still wearing my school uniform. The rainy night prompted me to take a taxi to TGI Fridays located at the Ayala Terraces. It was my first time to be at TGI Fridays so I wondered what food they have.

Cebu bloggers with the Yahoo! Philippines Executives. Credits to Jerome Locson.

Most of the bloggers were already inside TGI Fridays and upon entering, I saw my fellow bloggers with the Yahoo! Philippines executives. I had the privilege to meet the Yahoo! Philippines Country Manager Jack Madrid and Yahoo! Philippines Country Editor Erwin Oliva, whom I know as Cyberbaguioboy.

Bloggers who were there were Jerome Locson, Mark Monta, Agnes Jimenez, Kriztian Etulle, Bjornson Bernales, Wilhelmina Sarawi, Jaysee Pingkian, Zyza Esmeña, Guada Esmeña, Rabsin dela Cruz and radio broadcaster Jun Tariman.

Mr. Madrid was really an outgoing person and he got to know each and everyone of us. I didn't even realized that Mr. Madrid and Mr. Oliva knew a lot about me. Now I was really amazed with that. :O

During the meet-up, Mr. Madrid admitted that it's really hard to beat Google but Yahoo! is taking a different track. Instead on focusing more on search, Yahoo! is now taking its track on socializing the web. As far as I am concerned, I read more at Yahoo! for new than on Google.

2011 is a bright year for Yahoo! and with Yahoo! Philippines, it has succeeded in localizing their site for Filipinos. Some bloggers have also been contributing to Yahoo! Philippines' Fit to Post. I wonder if I can contribute there also.

You should remember that the official portal page of Yahoo! Philippines is ph.yahoo.com.

Visayas Blogging Summit 2010 at Iloilo City

2011-01-03T23:29:00.001+08:00

I, Ronnell Padillo, Alvin Dalion and Mark Anthony Razonable left Cebu City around the 5:55 PM for Iloilo City last November 26, 2010, a day before the much anticipated Visayas Blogging Summit 2010.

Visayas Blogging Summit 2010 and Philippine Blog Awards 2010 - Visayas Leg

It was a first of a kind for Visayas and most of the bloggers from Cebu were really at Iloilo City for the said gathering. Organized by the Iloilo Bloggers and held at SM Cinema 2 of SM City Iloilo, I never thought if I could attend the event due to financial constraints. Thanks to some of our college's high-ranking officials and my high school alma mater, Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School, I was able to make my attendance from a dream into a reality.

The summit had a lot of speakers and were of full caliber. Though it started late, we were really there to listen to them until the end of the summit. There were a lot of giveaways and information that I got.

Later that evening, the Visayas leg of the Philippine Blog Awards 2010 was held at The Avenue. Rio told me that the area where The Avenue was located was quite like the IT Park of Cebu City but of a different style. I have observed also that more young people are roaming there.

The sumptuous dinner, the bloggers from different places and the victors of the blog awards really completed the night. I also had the honor to talk alongside the event one of my online blogging friends, the youngest Councilor of Iloilo, JP Peñol. We earlier met at the summit. It was really a fruitful conversation which was centered mostly on politics.

This year, Cebu City is poised to hold the 2nd Visayas Blogging Summit and hopefully, more speakers would be sharing their insights to their colleagues. I'm excited for this one! :D

Flight take-off from Cebu to Iloilo with Alvin Dalion

Fellow bloggers Mark Anthony Razonable and Ronnell Padillo

If there's a UP in Cebu, well, there's also at Iloilo

Taking my picture at the famous La Paz Public Market, the home of the Original La Paz Batchoy

Me with Alvin Dalion taking an order for our breakfast

With bloggers Jayvee, Blogie, Rio, Mark, Alvin, Ronnell, Rio and Fitz at The Avenue

Me at the Philippine Blog Awards 2010 - Visayas Leg

With Tita Janette Toral

Click here to see more of my Facebook photos during my Iloilo trip.