Fernandez said she already met members of the executive committee to plan for this year’s festival which, she added, will just be similar to last year’s with the exception of just a few events.

Last year’s festival was believed to be the most pompous of its kind ever since the yearly feast began in 2003 as a big marketing and promotion strategy for Dagupan’s number one agricultural product, bangus.

Now on her third year in a row to chair the festival, she said the anchor event “Gilon-Gilon ed Dalan” or street dancing using and adopting the movement of people while they are harvesting milkfish, will return, so with the “Festival of the North” that will gather all street dancing champions in Northern and Central Luzon in one big competition that will decide the best among the best.

There will also be the Great Dagupan Sale, ‘Pigar-Pigar’ Festival to showcase Dagupan’s unique culinary art, 101 Ways to Cook Bangus, Bangus Rodeo, Halo-Halo sa Malamig, Tunog Bangus, Food Strip, Bangusan Streetparty and Pista’y Dayat.

Fernandez said officials of Milpitas City in California, USA, led by their mayor will be the official guests of Dagupan City in this year’s Bangus Festival.

Milpitas is a sister city of Dagupan since 2004. (PNA)

Anyways, yogurt is delicious healthy non-fat diary product and is rich in potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins. SO, to those health conscious out there you can treat yourself to a yummy yogurt without compromising your diet. There are lots of yogurt stores in the Philippines today but one of the pioneers in this business is the CaliforniaBerry.

You can have this scrumptious dessert for only Php 85 for small size, Php115 medium size and Php145 for large size. If you want to put an exciting twist to your yogurt you could add fruits, chips, and sprinkle some love to it. CaliforniaBerry’s also have its famous “CaliforniaBerry Special” which has mango, kiwi and strawberry. Or you could also try their signature creations such as: Blueberry morning, tropical slim, crunchy goo green apple, rocky road (my favorite) and rainbow overload.

Froyo is so Yummy!

CaliforniaBerry
Website: http://www.californiaberry.net
Branches: (checkout CB’s website for more store locations)
-Silver City Mall, Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas
-SM Megamal, Lower Ground Flr., Bldg. A
-Robinson’s Galleria – 4th Level, Near Cinema, Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas

*The last two photos grabbed from CaliforniaBerry

While Manila to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz and Zamboanga is for as low as Php 1,888.

What are you waiting for? Book now at Philippine Airlines website or you may also call PAL reservation at (02) 8558888, Cebu: (032) 340-0191; Davao (082) 222-0366 or purchase tickets at Pal ticket offices or travel agent.

Flowers Say “your special”,  Chocolates says “your sweet” but with new Red Ribbon special Valentine’s cake – Roses and Kisses Cakes, says it all.

Those going on vacations this summer can also avail of up to 50% discounts on selected Fun Tours packages available aat www.funtours.cebupacificair.com.

Hurry and get your fare share at Cebu Pacific Air. Have a happy trip!

You like the blog post? Check out Cebu Pacific Air Promo Fare for more Cebu Pacific news and promos.

The answer better be yes as world-famous fashion brand Havaianas kicks off its new Happy Soles campaign. This campaign celebrates the fact that Havaianas has been both a witness and a reminder of Filipinos’ happiest moments. A constant companion on everything from beach trips to food trips, Havaianas has trekked up mountains, walked down wedding aisles and danced under the pale moonlight. For many happy soles, Havaianas is a daily reminder of moments spent with friends and filled with laughter – moments that define who we are.

And in an effort to be present in even more unique life experiences, Havaianas kicks off the Happy Soles campaign with a creative competition titled “Happy Soles Will Travel to Brazil.” Answer the question “If anything was possible, what would you do to make the world happy for a day?” as creatively as possible and you could get the chance to win an all-expense-paid vacation for four to the land of sunshine, Brazil.

HOW TO JOIN?
1. Submit a viddeo entry answering the question “If anything was possible, what would you do to make the world happy for a day?”

• All entries should begin with the phrase “Hi, I’m <__name__> and I’m a Havaianas Happy Sole” as opening statement.
• All answer should begin with the phrase “To make the world happy for a day, I would…”
• All entries should end with the phrase “Make me happy, take me and my friends to Brazil! Please vote for me!” as closing statement.
  ***Note: Contestant should refrain from mentioning brand names other than havaianas.

Happy Soles video sample

2. Answers to the contest question, excluding the opening and closing statements, should only be a maximum of one (1) minute.
3. Entries may be submitted in three(3) easy ways:

• In person by going to a roving video booth which will be set up in key malls around the Philippines. contestants must fill up the official entry form provided on location and answer the question by recording their own video in the Havaianas video booth.

• Via the internet by visiting Havaianas Happy Soles Official Website and attaching a properly filled-out downloadable official entry form.**E-mail entries need to attach a properly filled out application form (download here). The video must be attached as a video file (.3gp, .mpeg4, .wmv, .avi or .mov format only) and be less than 10 MB.

Roving Video Booth Schedule

Feb. 8 to 14 - SM City Lipa Batangas
Feb. 18 to 28 – Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City
Mar. 8 to 14 – Ayala Center Cebu
Mar. 22 to 28 – Limketkai Mall, Cagayan De Oro
Apr. 1 to 3 - Station 1, Boracay Island, Aklan*
Apr. 5 to 1 - Gaisano Mall of Davao
Apr. 19 to 25 – Robinson’s Place Bacolod
Apr. 30 to May 2 – Trinoma Mall, Quezon City
*Video booth will be replaced by roving crew
**Schedule may change without prior notice

4. Entries may be submitted from January 26, 2010 until 10PM of May 2, 2010 only.

Another video sample for the contest

WHO CAN JOIN?
1. The contest is open to all Filipino citizens who are:

• Of legal age, at least 18 years old
• Permanent residents of the Philippines
• Fit to travel

2. Contestants who enter MUST

• Possess a valid passport

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
A 12-day, all-expense-paid vacation for a group of four (4) to Brazil. A travel essentials kit for the winner and his/her friend containing the products from Havaianas, Sony (HandyCam camcorder, Vaio laptop and Walkman MP3), David and Goliath and Aloha Board Sports. And the remaining shortlisted shall receive consolation prizes from Havaianas.

Judging:
A panel of judges will shortlist ten (10) entries based on the followowing criteria:

• Presentation: 35%
• Ceativity of answer: 35%
• Possession of Havaianas Brand Personality: 30%

For more information and complete contest details on Happy Soles Will Travel to Brazil contest please visit Havaianas Happy Soles Official Website.

Roving Video Booth Schedule

Feb. 8 to 14

Feb. 18 to 28

Mar. 8 to 14

Mar. 22 to 28

Apr. 1 to 3

Apr. 5 to 1

Apr. 19 to 25

Apr. 30 to May 2

SM City Lipa Batangas

Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

Ayala Center Cebu

Limketkai Mall, Cagayan De Oro

Station 1, Boracay Island, Aklan*

Gaisano Mall of Davao

Robinson’s Place Bacolod

Trinoma Mall, Quezon City

*Video booth will be replaced by roving crew
**Schedule may change without prior notice

Anyways, below is the schedule of activities of the 2010 Panaad sa Negros Festival:

March 17 – Wednesday
- Lin-ay Press Presentation (SM Events Center)

March 20 – Saturday (Day 1)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Ching’s Group (Football Field)
8:00 a.m.     Panaad Thanksgiving Mass (2F Stadium)
9:00 a.m.     Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for:
-Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
2:00 p.m.     Panaad Derby (Covered Court)
3:00 p.m.     Motorcade & LGU Floats Competition (Provincial Capitol to Panaad Park)
4:00 p.m.     Opening Ceremony & Festival Dance Competition (Stadium)
Fireworks Display

March 21 – Sunday (Day 2)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (Balay Kalamay)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
2:00 p.m.     Panaad Derby (Covered Court)
4:00 p.m.     Panaad National Dog Agility Competition (Stadium Grounds)
6:00 p.m.     Lin-ay sang Negros Festival Costume Parade & Talent Night (Robinson’s Bacolod)
7:00 p.m.     NOPSSCEA Cultural Show (Park Stage)
8:00 p.m.     Pop Dance Showdown (Stadium)

March 22 – Monday (Day 3)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m.     Athletics (Panaad Field)
Volleyball (Softball Field)
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
1:00 p.m.     Drum & Bugle Competition, Secondary Level (Football Field)
2:00 p.m.     Championship, Panaad Derby (Covered Court)
8:00 p.m.     Negros Pop Idol (Stadium)

March 23 – Tuesday (Day 4)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m.     Athletics (Panaad Field)
-Volleyball (Softball Field)
-Taekwondo (2 nd Level Stadium)
-Chess (Stadium VIP Room)
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (BK)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
1:00 p.m.     Drum & Bugle Competition, Elementary Level (Football Field)
-Boxing (Cabanas)
5:00 p.m.     Sponsored Show (Park Stage)
6:00 p.m.     Composo /Pop Song Writing Competition (Stadium)

March 24 – Wednesday (Day 5)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m.     Athletics (Panaad Field)
-Volleyball (Softball Field)
-Chess (Stadium VIP Room)
-TESDA Livelihood Skills Olympics (Covered Court)
9:00 a.m.     Latin Dance Sport – Elimination Round (NOMPAC Gym)
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions (daily)
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
2:00 p.m.     Boxing (Cabanas)
3:00 p.m.     Latin Dance Sport – Adult, Senior & Juvenile Categories (NOMPAC Gym)

March 25 – Thursday (Day 6)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m.     Mambukal – Panaad Team Relay
-Chess (Stadium VIP Room)
-Volleyball (Softball Field)
-Environmental Information Advocacy (Panaad Nursery)
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
2:00 p.m.     Boxing (Cabanas)
5:00 p.m.     Negrense/Ilonggo Folk Dance Competition (Stadium)
9:00 p.m.     Technical Rehearsal, Lin-ay sang Negros (Stadium)

March 26 – Friday (Day 7)
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
-Volleyball (Softball Field)
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
2:00 p.m.     Boxing (Cabanas)
8:00 p.m.     Lin-ay sang Negros 2009 Pageant (Stadium)

March 27 – Saturday (Day 8 )
6:00 a.m.     Hataw sa Panaad w/ Ching’s Group (Football Field)
-Murcia – Panaad Run
10:00 a.m.     Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions
-Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)
-Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)
-Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium North Wing Grounds)
-Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)
-Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (South area across Candoni Booth)
3:00 p.m.     Closing Ceremony w/ Awarding & Presentation of Winners (Stadium)
7:00 p.m.     Fireworks Display

“I take the romantic play at Burnham Park on February 14 as a very special feature of our city’s flower festival because it also accentuates Baguio being the honeymooners paradise,” he said.

The mayor is also inviting tourists to witness on Monday the grand opening of the flower festival which will preview “a bit of what they will see during the main events of streetdancing and float parade.”

Traffic re-routing in the city has already been devised to let the festivities unhampered by passing vehicles with hundreds of guests and visitors expected to swarm here beginning next week.

Baguio in anticipation of the “Love Month” observance is now spruced with decorations predominantly hearts, especially in hotels and other tourism-oriented establishments.

Agricultural products, especially vegetables and flowers, have also started to be sold here in bulk in anticipation of the special days ahead. (PNA)

Guys, I want you to meet the latest addition in my collection and the newest baby, Nikki. A Holga 120CFN lomo camera.

I bought it online at LomoShop last Jan. 26 and I picked it up after 2hours in GB. Lomo is love as in! I’ve been planning on buying one a few years ago but unfortunately it didn’t posh through, but I have one now so it’s  “HAPPINESS”.

Click! Click! Click!

City Tourism head Ben Jimena said the office would propose a concept which would make Kasadyahan a distinct festival.

Jimena said the cooperation extended by different municipalities in the province of Iloilo and the recent success of the festival was a positive indication that the plan would be doable.

The 2010 Kasadyahan Festival became a “festival of festivals” with the different towns showcasing their respective festivals. Nine festivals joined in the contest.

It will serve as jump off point in promoting the town’s festival to visitors, said Jimena.

In the Kasadyahan festival, Tribu Kasag of Banate was declared champion. Tribu tubong-Tubong got the first runner up; second runner up Tribu Patubas; third runner up Tribu Pantat and fourth runner up Tribu Mandurriaonon. Tribu Tinuom got the consolation prize.

Tribu Kasag also got five minor awards. They got the Best in Performance, Best in Choreography, Best in Music, Best in Costume and Best in Choreography. Tribu Patubas got the best in Street Dancing award.

Jimena said the City Tourism Office wanted Iloilo City to have an all-year round festival aside from the Dinagyang festival.

The office is eyeing to hold the Kasadyahan festival in the month of October. However, the plan will depend on the availability of the tourism budget for such purpose.

After the Dinagyang festival, Iloilo City will celebrate the Chinese New Year and hold the Paraw Regatta festival. Paraw Regatta, a sailboat race has carved a name in the tourism map. (PNA)