always @ your SiRVis

No KIDding, This K is the Answer to KKK

2011-03-18T06:03:00.001+08:00

This Kid is kay gwapo!

What is K and why is it the Answer to KKK? K is short for Kambing (Kanding in Pangasinan) or Goat. Yes, it the same ruminant (an animal with four stomachs) that you love as pulutan or ulam. The kambing can be cooked in to a variety of K dishes: Kaldereta, Kappukan, Kaleskes, Kinigtot and Knorr (just to make it start with K) Sinampalukan/ One Set (Goat's head and feet in tamarind broth). It is the answer to KKK - Kagutuman, Kahirapan and Kalusugan.

SiRVis holding a Nubian kid

Days ago, I visited Urbiztondo Goat Farm which is owned by my brother-in-law Camilo Velasco, Jr. and his family. I enjoyed the experience as it was a gastronomical feast (an upgrade's meat was cooked as kaldereta and pinapaitan) and an educational tour in one. I admire how UGF has turned goat-raising as an answer to poverty, health and nutrition. It has provided work for farm hands, part-time forage gatherers and soon for goat milkers. UGF is now concentrating into Nubian breeding and milk production.

Kids kidding kids kidded kids with kids
(as described by John De Guzman)

The Nubians are beautiful but I learned that the ideal Nubian is one that is a good milk producer. The Beauty Queen should also be a Dairy Queen! This breed of goats are famous for its milk's high butterfat content.

These Nubian goats are big! Mature bucks grow as tall as calves and weigh as much as 200 pounds. Imagine how much the upgrades (cross breed of Nubian and local goats) would cost in the market. That's one big yummy Kaldereta!

Nubian Buck: UGF HUGU TLA

UGF BRVHRT MERCEDEZ

Goats practically eat everything green- grass and leaves of shrubs and trees. This was the initial reason why Camilo raised goats; to eradicate the weeds in the around the Mahogany trees he planted in Dalanguiring, Urbiztondo. But when he came across Anglo Nubians, it was love at first sight (quoted).

Serendipitous Mahogany Trees

Mulberries

Forage for the goats however differ in nutritional value. Mulberry leaves for example have high protein and low fibre content and high digestibility. It is planted in the UGF as source of forage.

Nubian Kid

Nubian kid

Upgraded Nubian Kids cost P10,000 and Purebred Nubian Kids are worth P25,000.

To learn more, visit the farm or UGF's Multiply and Webs.com site.

Kambing is the Answer to KKK. And I'm not KIDding (pun intended)!

Globe MY SUPER TXT ALL Promo

2011-03-10T17:09:00.000+08:00

This is Good News (at least for Postpaid Subscribers)! Globe Telecom brings another first: Unlimited Text Messaging to All Networks (Globe, Sun, Smart, Talk 'n Text, Red and TM)! Globe just launched it's newest promo My SUPER TXT ALL. It's P599 for 30 days of Unlimited text to any local network (that's just P20 per day!). Visit www.globe.com.ph or tweet @enjoyGLOBE for details.

Only if this is available for Prepaid subcribers then this would be Great News!

What makes March special?

2011-03-05T23:45:00.001+08:00

March is just one month among the 11 other months of the year. For some, March is special; for others it is just but an ordinary month. Read about March and what it means- as seen through my eyes. Here is my Philippine Online Chronicles article:

A March to remember

Saturday, 05 March 2011 05:00 PM Simon Francis Blaise R. Vistro

What’s so special about March? What makes the month of March different from the other months? Here’s a trivia: March which was named after the Roman god of war was once the first month of the year during the ancient times. This is because in the Northern hemisphere, spring season (which associated with rebirth, renewal and regrowth) begins in the month of March.

Philippine history is replete with events that happened in March. Magellan discovered (or rediscovered depending on one’s standpoint) the Philippines on March 16, 1521. Pinoy novelty singer Yoyoy Villame’s song however had it wrong as it is in the uninhabited Homonhon Island, Samar where the Portugese explorer actually first set foot in the Philippines:

On March 16, 1521

When Philippines was discovered by Magellan

They were sailing day and night across the big ocean

Until they saw a small Limasawa island

Magellan landed in Limasawa at noon

The people met him very welcome on the shore

They did not understand the speaking they have done

Because Kastila gid at Waray-Waray man.

It is the first mass in the Philippines that was held at Limasawa, Leyte on March 31, 1521. Several years later, on March 15, 1565, the Sandugo or a blood compact was made between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in Bohol as a sign of peace agreement.

The Tejeros Convention was held at Tejeros (now General Trias) in Cavite on 22 March 1897. This is considered as the first Presidential and Vice Presidential election in the history of the Philippines. In March 23, 1901, General Emilio Aguinaldo was captured in Palanan, Isabela. The American colonial government considered this the end of the Revolution. On March 24, 1903, Meralco was granted franchise by the government to supply Manila and its environs with electricity and the electric street-railway system. The Tydings-McDuffie Act, otherwise known as the Philippine Independence Act, was signed into law on March 24, 1934.

Former President FVR with the author

Speaking of beginnings, March is the birthday month of our three former Presidents: Miong, JPL, and mykaluyagan (provincemate and idol) Tabako. Sadly, it is also the month when “My Guy”, arguably the best President we ever had, died. March also marked the publication of two important revolutionary works, Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere in 1887 and KKK’s secret newspaper, Kalayaan in 1896.

Read the full article here.

Read my other articles at Philippine Online Chronicles here.

iPad 2 is Here!

2011-03-03T14:38:00.001+08:00

iPad 2 is Here! iPad 2 is Here!

After a much awaited launch of the new iPad, it's finally out. And it's probably worth the wait, hoopla and anticipation. The iPad 2 is thinner, lighter and faster and more...

According to the Apple website, the iPad 2 is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the 1st iPad. This makes one enjoy the experience with comfort- literally technology in your fingertips. I'm changing the lyrics of Laurie London's song to "You got the whole world (wide web) in your ~~hands~~ fingertips."

With the Dual-core A5 chip, the iPad 2 just became twice faster. The graphics is also super fast (up to 9x faster). Multi-taskers and gamers would surely drool! I can't wait to try and play my favorite online game Shaiya using the iPad 2!

iPad 2 has two cameras (front and back). You know what that means? FaceTime! This is one feature that I enjoy in my iPhone 4. And it's now in an iPad 2! Woohoo!

Then there's this thingy called iPad Smart Cover. It's not just for aesthetics but also for protection and function. iPad 2 + iPad Samrt Cover = MFEO!

Tech Specs? Click here. For more iPad 2 features, click here.

Mark your calendar. Apple iPad 2 is out in the market on March 11. Price starts at $499!

Love at Porsche Sight

2011-03-02T17:01:00.001+08:00

So much have been said about a man's love for a car- an expensive super car! It's love at Porsche sight! Who should I choose? Si Portia, si Betty, si Mercy, si Lexie o si Fe?

Read on and enjoy the article:

Toys for the big boys: love at Porsche sight

Wednesday, 02 March 2011 03:53 PM Simon Francis Blaise R. Vistro

Si Portia, si Betty, si Mercy, si Lexie o si Fe?

Naku hindi ito mga pangalan ng mga babaeng nasa “Black Book ko” o listahan ng mga ex-girlfriends. Eto ay mga pangalan ng mga kotseng inaasam-asam ko. Oo ganyan talaga. Karamihan ng mga lalake ay binibigyan ng pangalan ang mga kotse at inaalagaan na parang babaeng sinisinta. Ngunit yung mga binanggit ko ay hindi lang kotse kundi mga dream cars! Woot, woot!

It’s love at Porsche sight! Si Portia para sa akin ay isang Porsche Carrera GT. Hindi ito yung kay PNoy ha. Puting 2007 Type 997 Porsche 911 yung sa kanya. Hay, buti pa siya meron ng siyang kapiling na Portia. Ayaw nga lang sabihin kung kanino binili ng makaiscore din sana ako (hindi masama ang mangarap). Kung ako siguro ang bibili walang babatikos at makikialam. Sabi ni Angelli Sabillo, marami nang mapupuntahan yung pinambili nya ng Porsche – 12 taon pambuhay ng isang pamilya (tipid pa yun ha), sahod ng pangkaraniwang mangagawa sa loob ng 35 years o pambili ng 200 kompyuter para sa mga estudyante ng pampublikong paaralan. Baka yung matuwid na daan na sinasabi niya, dun dadaan ang Porsche nya. Wow! Sarap nung sa rekta mo patakbuhin yung tsikot ng 200 mph! Nakakainggit, Jake!

Anyway highway, mapunta naman tayo kay Betty Boo. Isa siya Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Pangalan pa lang seksing-seksi. Kasing tunog ng ‘curve’. Mura na to sa price tag na $70,000 kumpara sa Porsche na “3^rd hand” na nga 4.5 milyon pa. Si Mercy naman pang front page ng magasin. Hindi yung iniimpeach na Mercy ang sinasabi ko. Ang tinutukoy ko ay si Mercy na mas kilala sa palayaw na Chedeng. Yung type ko ay isang Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. $ 495,000 lang naman siya. Pero pag may ganito ako dapat may isang battalion akong bodyguards at sangkatutak na anjong pambayad sa BIR. Si Lexie naman ay isang Lexus LS 460. Bagay yung pangalan kasi L is for luxury and lifestyle. Technology queen itong Lexus. Ang dami nyang features and gadgets like radar cruise control that automatically keeps a set distance from the car in front, push-button starting, and even a self-parking feature. Sosyal ito. May extended-wheelbase model with optional reclining rear seats (complete with electric massage) and dual-screen video system siya.

Pinakasikat sa lahat si Fe. Fe as in Ferrari. Controversial din siya parang si Portia. Napagusapan din si Willie Revillame dahil dito nung 2008. Hindi lang pala si Shalani ang common denominator ni Willie at PNoy, pati mamahaling kotse pala. Para sa akin there is no other color for Fe but red. Sarap tuloy kantahin yung kanta ni Chris De Burgh:

The lady in red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek,

There's nobody here, it's just you and me,

It's where I want to be,

But I hardly know this beauty by my side,

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

Read the full article here.

Read my other articles at Philippine Online Chronicles here.

Apple iPad 2 out on March 2

2011-02-24T03:23:00.000+08:00

2011 is indeed the Year of the Tablet! It can now be said that the Apple iPad 2 will be out on March 2 based on the invitation to selected members of the press:

Please join us for an invitation-only event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on March 2 at 10:00 a.m. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive early. RSVP to rsvp_media@apple.com.

This has been reported by Mashable and CNN.

I can't wait to have an Apple iPad 2! I'm also open for a review/demo test.

TNL ka ba? Sagutin at manalo ng iPhone 4!

2011-02-23T23:12:00.002+08:00

Bro, Tunay Na Lalake ka ba? Prove it and you can win an iPhone 4!

All you have to do is
LIKE the Belo Men Facebook fan page
Go to the Tunay Na Lalake Application tab
Fill in the status message with your entry:
Week 1: Ang TNL ay may confidence dahil...
Week 2: Ang TNL ay malakas ang dating kasi...
Week 3: Ang TNL ay matipuno dahil...
Week 4: Ang TNL ay parating good-looking kasi...
SHARE your TNL Statement

Here are the mechanics of the contest. Click here to join.

Here is my entry. Please LIKE and comment.

My Customized Toy in Art in the Park 2011

2011-02-20T16:20:00.002+08:00

Remember the customized toy that I created in the Toymaking Workshop with the Pilipinas Street Plan at the Lopez Museum last Ferbruary 12?

"How Film Lost its Innocence" by SiRVis

It was on display in the Lopez Museum's booth in the Art in the Park at the Jaime C. Velsaquez park in Salcedo Village last February 19! The Art in the Park is an annual project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. It is an affordable art fair for paintings, prints, photos, and sculpture at P20,000.00 and below

Proceeds of the customized toys that we made will go to Knowledge Channel Foundation’s programs for Filipino schoolchildren.

I wonder how much did my toy sell?

Thanks to Mark Cerbo for taking a photograph of my artwork. Read Mark's article Sights & Images of Art In The Park for more pictures and full story. Revisit my article on the Toymaking Workshop with Pilipinas Street Plan.

Ground Zero Paintball is Now Open!

2011-02-18T19:30:00.002+08:00

Pangasinenses no longer have to go to Camp John Hay, Baguio City just to enjoy a game of paintball. Ground Zero Paintball, the first paintball center in Pangasinan is now open! The opening day was a SPLAT (the sound of the paintball successfully hitting its target)! Fr. Anthony Layug officiated the mass and conducted the blessing of the playing area. He also played a round of 2 on 2 paintball game.

SiRVis at the target range

Gilmark Meneses in combat

Rex Lor and his son Argee testing the paintball marker

Angelo, Aries and the GZPB staff

Nice shot by Derrick Dulay

A Paintball player in action

Atty Joey Tamayo is enjoying the experience

DOJ Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III goes Splat!

The special guests who graced the paintball center's opening last February 18 were Rob Erfe-Mejia, the incoming President of Dagupan Practical Shooting Association (DPSA), Derrick Dulay of Terra and Footprints Spa and Massage, Gilmark Meneses and wife Lingayen Councilor Maan Verzosa-Meneses, former Dagupan City Councilor Joey Tamayo and Department of Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III. The two media networks, ABS-CBN and GMA covered the event. The event was also livestreamed online at http://livestream.com/whatsupdagupan.

The Ground Zero Paintball is a venture of paintball enthusiasts Manda Abratique, Angelo Cerezo, Rex Lor and Aries Layno. Ground Zero Paintball Center is a 3,000 square meters net-enclosed facility with obstacles and designed scenario located at Brgy. San Vicente-Banaoang Road (Back of Plato Wraps, De Venecia Highway) Calasiao, Pangasinan. This is perfect for school and company tournaments, team building sessions, barkada gimmicks, birthday parties, etc.

Print this coupon and present to the staff avail of your 10% discount.

Visit their website http://www.groundzeropb.com for more information or call 09228503569.

Winning an iPhone 4 through Facebook

2011-02-17T00:49:00.001+08:00

I just claimed the iPhone 4 which I won by joining the Nescafe Decaf Night Studio 2 Contest in Facebook. I went to the Nestle Office at Rockwell Center and got the iPhone 4 from Jose Martin Antunez of NuWorks Interactive, the digital agency that handles the online promotions/contests of Nestle Philippines.

I can now say that Facebook contests are legit (as long as the companies that run them are also legit). Thank you Nescafe Decaf. Thank you Nestle!

Splat! Let's play paintball at Ground Zero Paintball Center

2011-02-16T08:52:00.005+08:00

Splat! That's the sound of being hit by a round capsule with gelatin and food coloring (no worries because it's a non-toxic, biodegradable, water soluble mineral oil). One hit and you'd be tagged with colors- either red, blue, yellow, pink, orange etc. and you or your team would lose the game. This is a game called Paintball.

Paintball is said to be a combination of the childhood games "tag" and "hide & seek" but instead of tagging through physical contact, a paintball is fired from a painball marker (paintball gun). Paintball is played with potentially limitless variety of rules and variations, which are specified before the game begins. The most basic game rule is that players must attempt to accomplish a goal without being shot with paintballs. But what sets the game apart is the adrenalin rush, competitive edge, team work, and strategy brought by the gameplay.

Before, I had to Camp John Hay in Baguio just to play paintball. That is about 1 hour and 30 minutes travel time from Dagupan City. Now, I could play paintball anytime I want because the first Paintball Center in Pangasinan is up. Yey!

Ground Zero Paintball Center, a 3,000 square meters net-enclosed facility with obstacles and designed scenario field would be open starting February 18, 2011. It is also the FIRST Paintball Center in Pangasinan! It is located at Brgy. San Vicente-Banaoang Road (Back of Plato Wraps, De Venecia Highway) Calasiao, Pangasinan. This is perfect for school & company tournaments, team building sessions, barkada gimmicks, birthday parties, etc.

Let the games begin! Splat!

Visit their Facebook page and their website for more information.

Should you fear the BLACK MAMBA?

2011-02-15T23:13:00.002+08:00

The Black Mamba, staring Kobe Bryant, Kanye West, Bruce Willis, Danny Trejo, is a Nike Basketball production, directed by Robert Rodriguez. The film brings Kobe’s alter ego, the Black Mamba to life in a way that’s never been seen before.

The Black Mamba highlights Kobe’s everyday determination and "fight to the finish" spirit. The film also showcases Kobe as one of the best basketball players in the world, featuring him as a "protector" of basketball as he fights off those wishing to destroy and attack the game.

The film will be launched to consumers on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Ronac ART Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan. Gates open at 4:00 p.m.

With the launch of the film is the unveiling of the Nike Zoom Kobe VI. The Nike Zoom Kobe VI is a performance basketball shoe inspired by the black mamba. The design draws cues from this fearsome snake and incorporates key performance elements in a low-profile shoe that weighs just 10.6 ounces in a men’s US size 9.

Toy Making Workshop: From Painting, Customizing Toys to Helping Children

2011-02-14T21:57:00.004+08:00

I came all the way from Dagupan City just to see and experience what the Toy Making Workshop with Pilipinas Street Plan is all about. I reached Ortigas at around 7:00am and this gave me a chance to try the food at Banchetto. I was the first one to arrive at the Lopez Memorial Musuem.

Renz, a "mommy blogger" (who I met for the first time), came in next. Since we came early, we were able to have a quick tour of the museum thanks to Ms. Mary Ann Pernia, the museum's education consultant who ably assisted us and made us feel at home. As it was my first time in the museum, I was in awe when I discovered they had a lot of Luna's and Hidalgo's. I'll surely feature the Lopez Memorial Museum in a separate post.

The workshop participants

It was also my first time to meet Teacher Ria Tirazona and Mark Cerbo the Toy Photographer and his famous toy, Optimash Prime. Other participants include DigitalFilipino.com's founder Janette Toral, PR Professional Rosan Cruz, jewelry designer and gemologist Tara Soriano, Martin Vargas, Bettina Go 0f Cathay Drug Co., Eloisa San Juan and Karen Ang. Some of us tweeted via foursquare as soon as we had access to the museum's wifi:

SiRVis Simon Vistro

by Lopez_Muse

at the toy making workshop (@ Lopez Memorial Museum)http://4sq.com/dTCJMc

12 Feb

digitalfilipino Janette Toral

by Lopez_Muse

at toy making workshop (@ Lopez Memorial Museum)http://4sq.com/eiM3PV

renzalcantara Renz Alcantara

by Lopez_Muse

At toy workshop at lopez museum.

12 Feb

rosancruz rosan cruz

by Lopez_Muse

At the #ToyMaking workshop @ Lopez Museum w Pilipinas Street Plan's street artists Whooop,Wed, FJ. http://yfrog.com/h3mcszaj

dementia Karen Ang

by Lopez_Muse

Toymaking Workshop (@ Lopez Memorial Museum)http://4sq.com/fauglQ

It turned out that the original plan of having public school children as workshop participants didn't push through and the Gawa/Laro Toy Making Workshop became a toy customization workshop instead. The facilitators of the workshop were Wesley Valenzuela, Whooop (it should be with three O's according to him) and EpJey Pacheco, members of Pilipinas Street Plan.

Pilipinas Street Plan explained

Wes Valenzuela

Whooop and EpJey (partly hidden)

The participants

Wes explained what the group Pilipinas Street Plan (PSP) is about, the street wall art or graffiti movement, toy customization and it's historical connection to Philippine culture- the colorful jeepney! He also gave out instructions on toy customization. I found out that we are both alumni of UST. We graduated from college on the same year. You may check the youtube videos:

Whooop specifically explained further about the customized toy, where DIY toys can be seen and bought, and how the customization is made. He shared to me how PSP was formed. It all started individually in 2006. Artists who delved into stickers, graffiti and street art posted their works in the internet and soon they found common ground among themselves. A "conference" was done by gathering the artists until the whole concept was formed. There are about 10 active members of the group.

I livestreamed the workshop via the http://livestream.com/whatsupdagupan account which I use exclusively for What's Up Dagupan. The link was tweeted by @Lopez_muse, the official twitter of the Lopez Museum and @digitalfilipino:

Lopez_Muse Lopez Museum Manila

[Video Update] Watch the Toy Making Workshop at the Lopez Museum http://fb.me/LFQh1pDm

Lopez_Muse Lopez Museum Manila

Ongoing at Lopez Museum now! http://fb.me/MsTQSiK4

digitalfilipino Janette Toral

livestream of toy customization workshop by @sirvis http://bit.ly/eb22IS

12 Feb Favorite Retweet Reply

Sarah Meier - Albano dropped by the workshop she mused:

sarah_meier Sarah Meier-Albano

Love is wandering around a museum by yourself. Bliss is when there's a graffiti/street art installation when you go. #lopezmuseum

12 Feb Favorite Retweet Reply

And of course I had to take advantage of a photo opportunity. Starstrucked me!

@SiRVis and @sarah_meier Photo by: Mark Cerbo

MORE...

Bettina Go named her work of art "Bad Hair Day." Rosan Cruz thought of giving the name "Satisfied Clown" by dyosa but eventually settled for "L'amuse bouffan." Bettina praised the work of the PSP artist particularly Epjey's and likened it to Tim Burton's style. She used the words "very cute." Rosan is glad that the artworks will be included in the fund raising event for children.

Bettina Go and Rosan Cruz

L'amuse bouffon by Rosan

Janette Toral made a "Blogger Car" who likes to tweet, digg, like, meme interesting stuff. Love and kisses all around. Imperfect but real.

Blogger Car by Janette Toral

Renz's Wronged Mickey laments the way Mickey Mouse has been wronged many times on video created by individuals tainting Mickey's wholesome image.

Wronged Mickey by Renz Alcantara

I liked Tara's "Martin 10.0" which was most likely named after his friend Martin Vargas. The work was clean and had nice color combinations. She designs jewelry so she's practically an artist. The concept for her work was just "winged" and she had a lot of fun according to her. She'd be glad to attend another workshop like this.

Martin 10.0 (front view)by Tara Soriano

Martin 10.0 (rear view)by Tara Soriano

Tara, the real Martin, Martin 10.0 and Astroboy

Eloisa and Karen were so engrossed with the craft that they were the last ones to leave. The museum staff were also prodded by Ms. Pernia to try toy customization too.

Karen Ang

Eloisa San Juan

Teacher Ria's work

The toy I chose to customize was an orange "Titanic" view-master rip-off. I peered into the eyepiece and saw a nude Rose. For a kid's toy, this is offensive and inappropriate. With this in mind, I am naming my customized toy "how the film lost its innocence." It is reflective of what movies have become- politicized, corrupted, too much mumbo jumbo, and forgetful of its fundamental purpose.

A toy is chosen.
It is wiped with alcohol so latex paint will adhere to the surface

Painting materials are prepared

Toy is base paint, usually white.
Put on a thin layer at a time so it will easily dry.
You may now apply dominant paint color.

Add appropriate design.
Blue lines show the industry have forgotten their primary role-
to tell stories

Red lines represent the cancer called corruption and immorality

A look into the eyepiece reveal a worst situation as
colors clash and muddle the picture

Filmmakers and artists become unwitting accomplices
(Photo by: Mark Cerbo)

And the public consume the poison.
(Photo by: Mark Cerbo)

We all become monsters and slaves to the ills that plague movies.

Here are sample works of art by the Pilipinas Street Plan:

The Gawa/Laro Toy ~~Making~~ Customization Workshop was organized by Lopez Memorial Museum with the art collective Pilipinas Street Plan (PSP), Knowledge Channel Foundation and Boysen Paints. Some of Toys here will be sold on February 19, 2011 in Art in the Park in Makati. Proceeds will go to Knowledge Channel Foundation’s programs for Filipino schoolchildren.

A love letter from me to Love on Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T10:22:00.000+08:00

It's Valentine's Day and I decided to write a letter to Love. Love who drives us crrrazy and who makes us do a lot of things. It is the same Love who U2 sang In the name of, Michael Buble won a 2011 Grammy for and Madonna went Crazy for. It is the same love that launched a thousand wars and made a million peace, moved in mysterious ways, kept us alive, broke our hearts, healed and mended it, fall for once and all over again.

Read on and Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

What (crazy things) I did for love

Monday, 14 February 2011 08:30 AM Simon Francis Blaise R. Vistro

Happy Singleton's Day

2011-02-13T22:39:00.001+08:00

People who are "single" should not be lonely and can also celebrate this Valentine's. Valentine's can be fun for singles. You can celebrate the day of hearts and call it Singleton's Day instead of Valentine's Day. Love begins at home and love yourself before you can love others, right? So go ahead give yourself a treat. Go to the spa, shop, eat at your favorite resto, watch a movie and hang out with friends.

Have a Happy Singleton's Day!

Mubarak resigns. Egypt is free!

2011-02-12T00:42:00.002+08:00

Egypt is free! Egypt is free! Crowds in Tahir square and everywhere in Egypt shout as Mubarak stepped down.

Finally. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down after 30 years of rule and after 18 days or so of protests in Egypt. VP Omar Suleiman announced that the higher council of armed forces will run the country.

Here are some insights from twitter:

CNN Breaking News

#Mubarak has decided to step down from presidency of #Egypt, Vice President Suleiman says.http://on.cnn.com/ekI4HK

myepinoy

Hosni Mubarak left. Congratulations to the people of Egypt!

SiRVis

Savor your new found democracy. Hope you don't make a boo boo after 25 years by electing incompetent leaders. like us

Carlos Maningat

Again, it is one thing to end a dictatorship, and it is another thing to end the puppetry. This is what#Egypt must learn from the #PH

CNN Breaking News

Mubarak goes to #Egypt city of Sharm el-Sheikh, well-placed source tells CNN.http://on.cnn.com/ekI4HK

Philippine Azkals vs Mongolia Blue Wolves February 9 Game Recap

2011-02-10T04:18:00.002+08:00

The Philippine Azkals won the game against the Mongolia Blue Wolves with 2-0 as the score. #13 midfielder Emelio "Chieffy" Caligdong scored the 1st goal and #10 forward Phil Younghusband made the 2nd goal. This game is the 1st leg of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification playoffs. The 2nd leg will be played at the National Sports Stadium, Ulan Bator, Mongolia on March 15, 2011.

Here are tweets about the winning goals:

SiRVis Simon Vistro

Goal! #Azkals

7 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

FireQuinito Fire Quinito

Chieffy Caligdong! #azkals

8 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

tjmanotoc TJ Manotoc

Goooaal! Goal by Caligdong on an magical get-away frm 2 defenders off a rebound. caligdong is fr Negros! Crowd went bananas!!! Halftime now

cedelfpt cedelf tupas

GOAL. Caligdong wd that lovely piece of skill. 44th min

8 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

FireQuinito Fire Quinito

Phil Younghusband scores a goal in the 93rd minute as panties drop all over the country #azkals

7 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

tjmanotoc TJ Manotoc

And just as I mentioned he is scoreless, Phil Younghusband scores a few seconds before the final whistle! It's all over! AZKALS win 2-0!

7 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

cedelfpt cedelf tupas

FULLTIME. Philippines 2, Mongolia 0

7 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

abscbnsports ABS-CBN Sports

by tjmanotoc

fulltime: philippines 2:0 mongolia. caligdong 43", p. younghusband 93" replays of match on balls tom at 6pm and st 23 sat, feb 13 6pm

6 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

chris_tiu Christopher Tiu

by micohalili

Congrats to Azkals! Amazing how they're able to foster a sense of national pride and unity. How I wish we can do d same thru basketball!

6 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Here is the video of the two goals:

Mabuhay ang Azkals! Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

Julien Drolon: French Musician, Filipino by Heart

2011-02-09T14:20:00.004+08:00

Who is Julien Drolon? According to his biography, Julien Drolon is a singer, songwriter, and former International reporter who is on a mission for peace, and he is using music to promote a cause that is close to his heart. Drolon music style combines pop, reggae, funk, rock and he performs on stage with his talented Filipino band composed by Enzo Queyquep on the guitar, Joseph Duenas on the bass, Leal Nanca on the keyboard and Joven Palencia on the Drums.

Drolon recently played in Hong Kong and mainland China, at Asian music conference, Music Matters Festival, which was held in Hong Kong May 26-29, 2010. He also performed for the opening of the China Music Industry Park – Shanghai on July, 2010.

Addressing the issue of why he started his career in the Philippines, he responded, “It’s a place that is blessed with amazing musicians that want to collaborate on the making of my album and Filipinos are music lovers”. For his first album, Drolon is working with producers Jack Rufo and Angee Rozul. Drolon's debut album is due to release in April 2011, followed by a SM Tour in Metro Manila.

I received an email from him politely asking for help in promoting their visit in Dagupan City through a gig at the Music Warehouse Dagupan on Saturday, February 12, 2011. According to him, Dagupan is the first city that we will visit this year for his band's Philippines tour.

To know more about him, I searched for more information through the old reliable Google. I found a Philippine Daily Inquirer feature and a couple of youtube videos (No More Divisions and Peace Through Music). The song and music video No More Divisions was arranged, produced. mixed and directed by Jimmy Antiporda of the defunct 80's and early 90's band Neocolors.

You may add him through his twitter @juliendrolon12 and facebook page http://www.facebook.com/jdrolon.

Julien Drolon on youtube:

Julien Drolon's Philippine Daily Inquirer feature:

French musician says he’s really Filipino

Stars for others

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 19:18:00 02/08/2011

Filed Under: Music, Entertainment (general)

Panaad Stadium is ready for the Azkals vs Blue Wolves game

2011-02-09T04:07:00.000+08:00

The Panaad Stadium is ready for the Azkals vs Blue Wolves game. It has been renovated and spruced up specially for the 1st leg of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification playoffs featuring the Philippine Azkals Team and Mongolia Blue Wolves Team.

Photos by Graeme Mackinnon via Facebook

The Phillipine Azkals Team Bus by Manila Beer

2011-02-09T04:00:00.000+08:00

The Phillipine Azkals Team Bus sponsored by Manila Beer:

The Azkals will be playing tomorrow against the Mongolia Blue Wolves at the Panaad Stadium.

Photos by Graeme Mackinnon via Facebook

Philippine Azkals vs Mongolia Blue Wolves at Panaad Stadium

2011-02-09T03:38:00.003+08:00

The Philippine National Football Team Azkals will be up against the Mongolia Blue Wolves tonight, February 9, 2011 at the Panaad Stadium, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The football match will kick off at 7:00 pm but the live TV coverage of the game starts at 6:30 pm Philippine Time at Studio 23. It will also be aired at the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Channel in the U.S. at 2:30-5 pm (10pm-12am Replay), Middle East at 1:30 -4:00 pm (9-11pm Replay), Australia at 7:30-10 pm and Milan at 11:30 am-2 pm (7-9pm Replay).

The match is the 1st leg of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualification playoffs and is the pre-qualifying stage of the tournament. The 2nd leg will be played at the National Sports Stadium, Ulan Bator, Mongolia on March 15, 2011.

In the write-up from the Fifa.com website:

Philippines will be aiming to build on their recent unprecedented success at the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup when they commence qualifying for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup on Wednesday. The Suzuki Cup semi-finalists will match-up against Mongolia for the first time in a preliminary round first-leg tie at Bacolod's Panaad Stadium.

For the hosts, an opening win will underline their incremental improvement showcased during December's 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, where the south-east Asians stormed into the last four for the first time in their history. The Filipinos will be searching for a hefty first-leg winning margin ahead of a challenging trip to Ulan Bator on 15 March as they seek to book passage to the group stage qualifiers for Asia’s second tier tournament.

The Azkals team is composed of Aly Borromeo, Eduard Sacapano, Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Jerry Barbaso, Kim Relucio, Joebel Bermejo, Rob Gier, Ray Jonnson, Nestorio Margarse, Emilio Caligdong, Simon Greatwich, Peter Jaugan, Mark Ferrer, James and Phil Younghusband, Reymark Palmes, Jason de Jong, Patrick Hinrichsen, Jason Sabio, and Ian Araneta. Their coach is Michael Weiss, a German.

Leidenschaft, Geschick, Freude (Passion, Skill and Joy)! Go Azkals! Go Philippines!

Chefs on Parade 2011: Ultimate Asian Showdown

2011-02-09T01:38:00.000+08:00

Here's an event that all culinary professionals, students and enthusiasts in the Philippines are waiting for. Culinary Professionals and students are ecstatic that CHEFS ON PARADE is back. The Chefs on Parade event this year will take on the theme: ULTIMATE ASIAN SHOWDOWN. It is evident that the culinary industry is constantly evolving and the Chefs in the Philippines will not be left behind. It is aimed towards showcasing skills and talents of globally competitive culinary experts as well as to showcase equally global products and services of the Hotel and Restaurant Industry in the Philippines.

CHEFS ON PARADE is an event organized by the 58 year old HOTEL AND RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES. It has been organized by the association since the early 1970’s. Now on its 27th run, it is Asia’s longest running culinary competition which gathers thousands of culinary professionals and students from the Philippines and the rest of Asia for an exciting gastronomic event that has become a wellspring of talented and creative culinary experts.

COP 2011 is a uniquely focused 3-day festival of competitions, tastings and celebrity chef appearances. It will be held on February 10, 11 and 12, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines.

Click the links for the Event Program:

Larry J. Cruz Award

COP 2011 Exhibit - TRADENET

Monde Nissin's Lucky Me wins lone 2nd PANATA Gold Award

2011-02-07T01:56:00.002+08:00

Monde Nissin, makers of what I consider "my all-time reliable merienda, emergency pulutan, midnight snack partner, and staple food" Lucky Me! won the the only Gold award at the 2nd PANATA Awards held at Shangri-la Makati last January 28, 2011.

“Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga 3” stood above the rest in the Brand Marketing, IMC Category. The campaign also won Silver for “Pregnant Pause” in Cause Marketing, TV Category, as well as Bronze for “Magnifico” in Brand Marketing, TV Category. Agency Publicis JimenezBasic shared the honors.

In the PANATA Awards, advertiser and agency share the glory in achievement. An award that drives values-awareness, the PANATA was launched in 2009 to reward integrated marketing communication materials, products and events that revive the ideals of Filipino values such as love of family, respect for elders, prayerful, philanthropy or generosity, volunteerism, hardworking or industriousness, prudence, love of country or heroism, adaptability, flexibility or resilience, humility, obedience, loyalty, and reliability. The PANATA Awards is exclusive to members of the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA).

The 1st PANATA Awards were held in 2010 where PLDT-SMART won the only Gold with its campaign of nationalistic pride, “Ako Mismo”.

Here is a video of Lucky Me "Pregnant Pause” which is a part of the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga 3 Ad campaign:

Congratulations Monde Nissin Corporation and Lucky Me! Instant Noodles.

Full story and list of other 2nd PANATA Awards winners here.

Lucky Me Pancit Canton

2011-02-07T01:29:00.000+08:00

I have been consuming Lucky Me products since the 90's (during my college days). Among the Lucky Me instant noodles, my all time favorite has been the Lucky Me ChiliMansi Pancit Canton which was launched in 2001. Having stayed in a boarding house/ dormitory myself, I could attest that Lucky Me is a favorite among students. For me it is not just an all-time reliable merienda, emergency pulutan, midnight snack partner, but a staple food. I could finish at least four packs in one sitting. Eating Lucky Me also brings back a lot of memories. But what I admire about Lucky Me the most is their Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga advocacy campaign. It is a reminder on the importance of having a "family meal" at least during dinner. It becomes a time for family conversations in which parents can guide their children and an opportunity for open communication with the children.

How about you, what do you love about Lucky Me?

Inquirer Libre Sagot namin date n'yo

2011-02-05T09:15:00.003+08:00

Valentines is just a few days away. I have not finalized my plans as to where to take my most beloved wife for a date on the day of hearts. A dinner perhaps at Tsoko.Nut Batirol or an overnight stay at Seven Suites Hotel Observatory (the first and only hotel observatory in the Philippines and equipped with the 4th largest telescope in the country!)?

I could hit two birds with ~~one stone~~ my sweetness- greet my wife with my mushiest Valentine's message and date her for (hopefully) free! Joining Inquirer Libre's online contest at Facebook dubbed "Sagot namin date n'yo" can make this possible. You can join the contest by following these instructions:

 Like the Official Facebook Page of Inquirer Libre

 Add Seven Suites as a “Friend”

 Add Tsoko.Nut Batirol as a “Friend”

 Like the Official Facebook Page of The Orange Place Hotel

 Post your sweetest Valentine’s greeting at the Official Facebook Page of Inquirer Libre

Everyday, from February 4-8; two wall posters can win a free dinner for two at Tsoko.Nut Batirol on Valentine's Day. The post with the most number of likes will be the winner. The "pinakakilig" and "sweetest" post among the 10 chosen entries will be the winner of an overnight stay at Seven Suites.

Here is my entry:

As one walks along life’s journey, there will always be one who is said to be the one written in the stars…

That one person who I have met along this journey is not just the one written in the stars, not just "The One", not just a part of the journey (relatively the best part), but the woman who to me is undeniably my Love and my Life… You!

Happy Valentine's!

If you find this "nakakakilig" click here and like it.