Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, Inc. (PEBA)

The 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Awards Night

2010-01-14T20:35:00.002-08:00

The 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Awards Night

by: Atty. Christine Muga-Abad

Trial Court Judge, Cebu City

For High resolution photos and complete entry, please click the link above. Thank you.

(Until now, the euphoria over the success of the 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards night has not yet receded from my system. Although it's quite late to blog about it, I am reposting [with permission] an account of the affair as posted by my wife, Judge Christine Muga-Abad in her December 30, 2009 FaceBook Notes)

The 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards Night held last Dec 27, 2009 at the PhilAm Life Theater in Manila was a very important and much-awaited affair for my family. We had our plane tickets booked as early as September 2009, to make sure that we will not miss out on this rare occassion. Jethro is the 2009 President of the Pinoy Expat/OFW Bloggers Association, Inc. (PEBA, Inc.) composed of Pinoy bloggers based all over the world, and we were throwing our all out-support for this event and for PEBA, Inc. as well.

So after many months of preparation, we flew off to Manila on the early morning of Dec. 26, a day earlier than the scheduled event as Jethro had to meet the rest of the officers of PEBA and the organizers. It was the first time for them to see each other in the physical world as previous conferences and plannings were done in the virtual world.

On the day of the event, we decided to rest the whole morning in our hotel and tried looking for a beauty salon to have our hair done before dressing up for the occasion. But no salon was opened at that time and thus, we were forced to fix our hair by ourselves. Gabrielle braided her younger sister's hair and placed a little hair gel/spray to tame the thick and wavy curls. The outcome was perfect and Chloe came out from the dressing room happy with her hair and very pretty in her little black dress, gold gladiator shoes with a matching gold sling bag. Gabrielle was ready with her ballerina skirt , black flat shoes and white top. Kevin was sporting a rugged look with a blazer. Jethro who was toying between a barong and a business suit, finally settled for the latter. As for me, my clothes were off-the- rack from Rustan's after a very hurried shopping.

Two hours before the scheduled start of the program, we were already at the venue. Jethro was adamant that we should be at the PhilAm Life Theater early. When we arrived at the theater: the place was abuzz with activities, the theater was ready, the ushers and usherettes were in their assigned areas, the red carpet already rolled out in the presscon area and the singers were busy vocalizing. I was introduced to a lot of Jethro's blogger-friends whom he has only meet face to face during that night. There was one from Afghanistan, from Riyadh, from Shanghai, from France, from the US... Faces of the bloggers were flushed with excitement as they came and met their fellow bloggers in the flesh for the very first time. Although I am not yet into blogging (only FB for now), I am quite familiar with the other bloggers as I also visit and read their blogs too. I enjoyed looking at the group and silently guessed each of their names based on the photos found in their blogs. There was also this tall, lovely and fashionably-dressed lady who passed by my seat and I was trying to put a name to the face. Later, I learned that she was Sundrenched, one of the four ladies of the "Pink Tarha" blog based in Riyadh. She went up the stage to get their award as they bagged the second place for the Top Ten Best Expats/OFW Blogs for 2009.

The program started past six in the evening and everybody was welcomed by PEBA, Inc. founder and Chairman Kenji Solis of Al Khobar. He came with his wife and their little girl. A keynote speech was made by former Secretary of DSWD Dinky Soliman, who extolled the OFWs for being the modern day heroes of the Philippine economy. She also shared her experience as an OFW in Cambodia after her stint in Malacanang. The daughter of the late Senator Blas Ople and senatorial candidate Susan 'Toots' Ople, was also there and challenged each one to join the bloggers and learn how to make use of the internet and send emails to foster ties between OFWs and their families left behind. She said that she will ask OWWA to include in the PDOS, the reading of the winning blogs and other OFW blogs to prepare the OFWs in their adjustment and integration in the foreign lands they will be working. Party-list Representative and Senatorial-bet Lisa Hontiveros also graced the event to show her support to the Pinoy bloggers and to PEBA. There were a lot of entertaining numbers during the program: the awesome rendition of an excerpt from 'Ako Si Ninoy' Musicale by the Aliw Awardee Philippine Stagers Foundation was a blast that opened the ceremony, a hilarious spoof by "Juana Change" about a domestic helper based in Italy who came home to help her son in his coming candidacy as "kagawad" in their town's elections brought the house giggling, Filipiniana dance numbers by Hiyas ng Rizal dance troupe, songs from some alternative/progressive band groups, etc.

The main highlight of the program was the giving out of the blog awards. As expected under the circumstances, most of the winners were represented by their family members, as the awardees/OFWs themselves are still out of the country and were unable to come home for the awards night. It was a touching moment... seeing the bloggers happy for being recognized for their blogs. They feel proud, knowing that their true-to-life stories have been appreciated by other Pinoys. It was equally touching to see the proud faces of the family members of the OFWs/bloggers. Parents of one awardee came all the way from Bohol, there was one blogger who came with apparently the whole clan...another came with her/his group of friends.

As I gazed at the Pinoy/OFW bloggers, I knew that they have a personal drama, a funny anecdote, a happy milestone, a painful experience to share to all of us. As imparted by Jethro in his closing remarks, being able to blog and being able to express yourself in a medium where it can easily be accessed by a lot, is a therapy that helps one to overcome loneliness and struggles that an OFW experiences in a foreign land.

To the OFWs/Pinoy Expat Bloggers including my hubby Jethro...I salute you all for your success in working and carving a niche in foreign lands . I also highly admire you all for sharing your talent in writing thru your blogs. God bless you all.

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Photo Credits: Kevin Jethro Muga Abad

The Venue

Philamlife Theatre

UN Avenue, Malate, Metro Manila

Main Entrance to the Theatre

The well-lighted Theatre's Lobby

The Stage

The Theatre's Seating Arrangement
Another view of the stage

Pictorials before the Awarding Ceremony

Pictorial at the Red Carpet of the Presscon Area

Chloe Eunice, Gabrielle Khryss and Kevin Jethro

The two girls posing in front of the elegant Christmas tree.

Waiting for the Program to start...

PEBA Founder and Chairman Kenji Solis with Shiela and Heavyn posing with the Former DSWD Secretary Dinky Juliano Soliman & Party List Representative & Senatorial Candidate Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel

The Awarding Ceremony

The Philippine National Anthem
The Philippine Stagers Foundation (Aliw Awardee) in their awesome presentation

of an excerpt from"Ako Si Ninoy" Musicale

Kenji Solis giving the Opening and Welcome Address
A pop-alternative band giving a special number
PEBA logo flashed on the screen
Former DSWD Secretary Dinky J. Soliman giving her keynote speech
Former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman receiving her Plaque of Appreciation
Another band rocking the house...
Susan Ople receiving the Plaque of Appreciation for the Ople Center
as one of the sponsors for PEBA 2009
The MCs for the Night - Vince Colangco of When In Manila
& Rhon B of Ako Si Pinkoy
The beautiful ladies assisting in the awarding of trophies and plaques
Juana Change in her hilarious spoof of an OFW domestic helper based in Italy
Isla de Nebz' friend receiving the Special Award for Best Blog Entry and
Best Blog for the Middle East
Party-List Representative Riza Hontiveros giving her support to PEBA 2009
Friend of Jee of Wit's Expression receiving the Most Popular Blog Award

Mariz receiving her Special Award for Best Blog Element

Plaque of Appreciation given to a Media Partner of PEBA 2009

The House kept rocking with this alternative rock band

George Babiano's sister receiving the award for Palipasan as the No. 6 Best Blog for 2009

Phil Saraspe receiving his award as the No. 3 Best Blog for 2009

Sundrenched represented the 3 other Pink Tarha ladies to

receive their trophy as the No. 2 Best Blog for 2009

Isla de Nebz's friend receiving the trophy for the No. 1 Best Blog for 2009

Blas Ople Center President and Senatorial candidate Susan 'Toots' Ople

challenging the OFWs to continue to become a potent influence and

a catalyst of change in this fast emerging alternative media. Plaque of Appreciation awarded to Vince for his support to PEBA 2009
Plaque of Appreciation given to Ex-Link
The 2009 PEBA Team

The Hiyas ng Rizal Dance Troupe
NJ giving the Closing Remarks

After the awarding ceremonies and the giving out of

door prizes and packed dinner...

With Rio Fabe, a blogger-nominee from Alfghanistan

Preparing for the Press Con

Press Con with GMA 7 TV Crew

Pete's family and friends supported PEBA all the way!

Blog-O-Rama Manila Bulletin Article about PEBA and 2010 Winners

2010-01-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

Blog-O-Rama

Blogging and the overseas Filipino

By ANNALYN S. JUSAY

January 11, 2010, 1:50pm

It goes without saying that homesickness is the number one problem of the Overseas Filipino Worker. I should know because I was an OFW myself. Back in the mid-90s when I was still toiling in Europe, technology - unfortunately - wasn't yet at its peak. The email may already have had its beginnings then, but we still resorted to snail mail where letters took weeks to arrive. Definitely no webcam, instant messenger and internet.

So I guess present OFWs are lucky. The wonders of technology bridge people into a case of "so near, and yet so far." There's 3G, VOIP, Skype and the whole works. Everything helps to ease the pain of separation and loneliness. The only thing missing is the warm body of the loved one.

Thankfully too, there is blogging. The fact that blogging demands so much from an individual in terms of time, energy and commitment makes it ideal for someone who has to kill the hours just to fight off the bitterness of being away from one's friends and family. Now I wish blogging was present during my days as an OFW. Am sure I'd have a grand time writing about the places I've seen and the different cultures I absorbed.

This article about blogging and the OFW wouldn't have been made possible if I wasn't chosen as a judge of the recent 2009 2nd International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards by PEBA Inc. Aside from bloggers and their families, also present were such personalities as senatoriable Toots Ople, Rep. Risa Hontiveros and Dinky Soliman. I wasn't able to attend the event due to an out-of-town engagement but I join everyone in congratulating the winners for a job well-done. Thank you as well to PEBA for giving me the privilege of representing MB Technews. The bloggers represented a diversity of countries scattered as far wide as the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Reading them has opened my eyes to the wide range of OFW experiences, and there's a lesson to be learned from all of them.

Here's the Top 3 winners and the special awardees. Congratulations again!

1. ISLA DE NEBZ (Al Khobar, SAUDI ARABIA)

http://isladenebz.blogspot.com/2009/07/peba-entry-where-my-ofw-dollars-g...

2. PINK TARHA GIRLS (Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA)

http://thepinktarha.blogspot.com/2009/08/ang-tunay-na-katas-ng-saudi.html

3. WITS AND SPIRITS (Bangkok, THAILAND)

http://josephilsaraspe.blogspot.com/2009/08/going-abroad-is-dream-of-alm...

Special awards:

1. Smart Blog Award – The Chook-Minders Quill, Port Wakefield, South Australia

2. Nokia Best Blog Entry Awards – Isla de Nebz, Al Khobar Saudi Arabia

3. Nokia Best Photo Entry Award – Floyd Amor, Singapore

4. Blas Ople Policy Center Best Video Award – Utak ni Drake, Riyadh Saudi Arabia

5. Friendster Award, Best Blog Theme: The Desert Dude, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

6. Western Union Award, Best Blog Lay-out: Kablogie, Doha, Qatar

7. Sen. Manny Villar Award, Most Popular Blog – Wits Expression , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Best Blog by Region:

Middle East and Africa – Isla de Nebz, Al Khobar Saudi Arabia

North America and Canada- Top Express, Nova Scotia, Canada

Europe – Francesca in France, Nice,France

Asia and the Pacific - Wits and Spirits, Bangkok, Thailand

The Video of the Announcement of the Top 1

2010-01-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

Watch more PEBA Awarding videos here

Thank you!

These Are Your Scholars

2010-01-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

As part of my Opening Remarks, I said that PEBA is not just an award giving body, it will not only recognize and honor the blogging heroes, the OFW's who sacrifice all, yes, believe me, all, for the sake of their love ones, their dreams, and their country. The Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards through a fraction of the monetary support of

NOKIA Philippines, and

Smart Communications, Inc.,

Blas Ople Policy Center,

Sen. Manny Villar,

Western Union

and through the monetary donation from the following individuals

is also giving scholarships or adopting out of school but deserving kids and sending them to school.

(Donations from OFW's whom after finding out that they won, I emailed and asked for donations, for only 500 pesos, but even doubled and tripled their donations. They don't want to be mentioned here, but I have to, God Bless you dear friends!)

Amy of Francesca in France

Nebz of Isla de Nebz

Doc RJ of the Chook-minder's Quill

George of the Palipasan

and a blogger from Singapore

and the following PEBA personnel

Pres. NJ Abad

Miss Noemi Dado

and several other donors during the event.

We were able to gather the amount to provide the support in adopting a poor but deserving kids to school. Shania and Ernesto will be paid for their whole year tuition and school supplies. And if we are lucky, we can have more scholars next year. PEBA will continue its free service to the OFW's at the same time will continue to support and prepare the future for the Filipino kids.

Behold, your scholars, courtesy from www.believeinternational.org

whose founder is a very good friend of mine.

If you are willing to share and make a difference and donate, please email us at pebawards@gmail.com

We are laying the foundation for this small kids. We are making a difference in our small and simple ways. Thank you for your support!

They're talking about PEBA Awards!

2010-01-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

http://isladenebz.blogspot.com/2009/12/shukranshukran.html

http://www.thepinktarha.com/2009/12/peba-2009-experience.html

http://josephilsaraspe.blogspot.com/2010/01/pinoy-expats-blog-awards-2009.html

http://aboutmyrecovery.com/2009/12/29/the-2009-pinoy-expatsofw-blog-awards/

http://chook-mindersquill.blogspot.com/2009/12/standing-small-yet-smart.html

http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=8968

http://palipasan.blogspot.com/2009/12/thank-you-lord.html

http://www.francescainfrance.com/2009/12/im-still-in-london.html

http://blogusvox.blogspot.com/2009/12/congratulation.html

http://myyellowbells.blogspot.com/2009/12/peba-winnerscongratulations.html

http://bhing-juandelacruz.blogspot.com/2009/12/congratulations.html

http://www.kablogie.com/2009/12/congrats.html

http://digitalmanila.blogspot.com/2009/12/peba-2009-results.html

http://lordcm.blogspot.com/2009/12/peba-2009-list-of-winners.html

I'll update this post and add more entries later. Azel will help me.

If you guys know more of sites that mentioned the PEBA 2009 winners, please notify us or leave the link in the comment below.

Salamat!

PEBA SPEAKERS VIDEOS

2009-12-30T01:25:00.000-08:00

250 attendance, plus around 100 unpaid performers, according to a raw estimates.

Susan Ople Speech

2009-12-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

from the videos of http://www.youtube.com/user/newmediapublisher

Dinky Soliman Keynote Speech

2009-12-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

(from the videos of http://www.youtube.com/user/newmediapublisher )

PEBA Founder Kenji Solis Opening Remarks

2009-12-28T19:26:00.001-08:00

(from the you tube Channel of Ms. Noemi Dad - newmediapublisher)

The 2009 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards!!!

2009-12-27T09:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, here are the lists of winners.

But first, I would like to thank Former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, Congresswoman Risa Hontiveros Baraquel, Susan Ople and Carlo Ople, Janette Toral, Noemi Dado, Tonyo Cruz, Juana Change aka Mae Paner, and the families and representatives of the PEBA finalists. Lots of raffles winners, and lots of gifts and goodies after the event! Everybody's happy, I guess. Wish more sponsors next year so we can have more raffles and freebies.

The Pink Tarha Girl was there, dashing and goodlooking as she is, and ever Kikay Sundrenced. Also Phil and his parents was there, from Wits and Spirits as well as the lovely Shanghai based, Style Shanghai who won a raffle also.

Who won the Nokia Mobile Phones and Gift Certificates? Oh lots of freebies!

We can post the videos later since it will take time to upload. But for now, presenting the winners!

Special Awards:

Nokia Best Photo Entry Award – Floyd Amor, Singapore

Citations:

Best Blog Element: Style Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Sen. Manny Villar Award, Most Popular Blog - Wits Expression , Dubai, UAE

Blas Ople Policy Center Best Video Award – Utak ni Drake, Riyadh, KSA

Smart Blog Award – The Chook-Minders Quill, Port Wakefield, Australia

Western Union Award, Best Blog Lay-out: Kablogie, Doha, Qatar

Best Entry in a Video Format – Poging (Ilo)cano, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Friendster Award, Best Blog Theme: The Desert Dude, Dubai, UAE

Mapagkawanggawa OFW Blogger Award -The Dungeon Lord, Koror, Palau

Nokia Best Blog Entry Awards – Isla de Nebz, Al Khobar Saudi Arabia

Best Blog by Region:

Middle East and Africa – Isla de Nebz

North America and Canada- Top Express

Europe – Francesca in France

Asia and the Pacific – Wits and Spirits

And the 2009 Top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

1. ISLA DE NEBZ (Al Khobar, SAUDI ARABIA)

No. 1 in Blog Element, No. 1 in Blog Entry, No. 1 in Blog Content, and voted by the judges twice as No. 1, and twice as No. 2 in the over-all rank

"Isla de Nebz blog stood out than the other blogs for me. Although there were a lot of good blogs and a lot of good entries, I enjoyed the way he presented the entry for PEBA - not just because of the graphics he showed with his entry but also because he had a unique entry per se. We all know about an OFW's hardship, the sacrifices, etc. And most of the entries just did that.But Isla de Nebz entry was a different perspective on a big aspect of an OFW's life - his income and where it goes. I enjoyed that part (even without his original graphics) His other entries were also fun to read - very light, very candid, but at the same time, he was giving us the other side of an OFW's life. He doesn't take himself seriously and I admire that." - PEBA judge

2. PINK TARHA GIRLS (Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA)

No. 3 in the Blog Entry and Blog Content, and voted twice as No.1 and twice as No. 2, twice as No. 4 by the judges in the over-all rank.

"Excellent blog and Informative in their own "kikay" way.

Because they were able to tell their story in a simple and sincere manner that is not boring but is actually compelling."

"Raised In the Republic, Raised in the Kingdom. Nice one!"

- PEBA Judges

3. WITS AND SPIRITS (Bangkok, THAILAND)
4. FRANCESCA IN FRANCE (Nice, FRANCE)
5. A PIECE OF CAKE (Yishun, SINGAPORE)
6. PALIPASAN (Doha, QATAR)
7. TOP EXPRESS (Nova Scotia, CANADA)
8. BONI STATION (Dammam, SAUDI ARABIA)
9. BA BE BI BEBING (Georgia, USA)
10. HULASCOOP, atbp. (Misawa, JAPAN)

------------------------

and for the other rankings...

11. STYLE SHANGHAI (Shanghai, CHINA)

12. THE DESERT DUDE (Dubai, UAE)

13. WITS EXPRESSION (Dubai, UAE)

14. CLASSIC MUSINGS & ECCENTRICITY (Dubai, UAE)

15. CHOOK-MINDER'S QUILL (Port Wakefield, AUSTRALIA)

16. KABLOGIE (Doha, QATAR)

17. MY ORANGE VEST (California, USA)

18. CARLO BUTALID'S BLOG (Tilburg, The Netherlands)

19. POGING ILOCANO (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

20. UTAK NI DRAKE (Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA)

Maraming salamat po

2009-12-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

Bagama't marami pong pagkukulang at kakulangan,

Lubos, lubos po ang pagpuno ninyo ng napakahalagang suporta

para makilala at mabigyang pansin ang mga bloggers nating mga Pinoy Expats at OFW..

Maraming pasasalamat po ang ipinaabot namin sa maraming tulong at kawanggawa

na ibinigay ninyo sa amin, hindi man po namin mabanggit lahat ang mga pangalan ng

mga sponsors, mga kaibigan, kapamilya, mga performers, mga VIPs, awardees at guests

muli po ang taos pusong pasasalamat...

Sana karinggan namin kayo na mga bloggers ng mga kuwento, sa mga hindi po nanalo subalit nagbigay

ng kanilang panahon ang amin pong pagpupugay sa inyo - may darating na taon pa

para naman kayo ay makilala.

muli po, daghang salamat, agyaman kami, Shokran, Kamsahamnida, merci, thank you...

Random Photos and Videos of PEBA Event

2009-12-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Some photos from Maris, Style Shanghai, Shanghai, China.

A very powerful opening number from the Philippine Stagers Foundation, an excerpt from I am Ninoy. Anyone who attended must have been moved!

Noemi Lardizabal-Dado After working with OFW bloggers & organizers for the last 6 months, the event is finally happening. Today is the 2nd International Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards @ Philamlife Theater, UN Avenue, Manila at 6pm

Janette Toral at PhilamLife Theatre for PEBA event. Great to see Tonyo Cruz and Noemi Dado. Glad to meet in person Kenji Solis.

Janette Toral amazed on PEBA event with bands and entertainment performances. Two thumbs up to Kenji, Pete, and PEBA team. Love WheninManila.com video on ten ways to identify a Pinoy. Riot! Great to see Hannah Villasis, Susan and Carlo Ople in the audience.

Dinky Soliman gave talk at PEBA. Encourages bloggers - write about first time voter registration process, track record and integrity of candidates, campaign for candidates we support, organize volunteer groups to protect votes. Do not agonize, organize. Use power with grace so it cascades to others. Economic power of ofw can be converted to political power. Push for honest, ethical leadership in 2010.

Janette Toral congratulations to all PEBA winners and organizers.

Noemi Lardizabal-Dado Juana Change is in the intermission number here in the Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog awards. Juana Change sketch depicts realities within the Philippines's crooked system, voting for real change...

Talked to Risa Hontiveros & Dinky Soliman here at 2nd International Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards. They will make sure Noynoy will have a one on one w/ blogwatch.ph. The awards program started

It was a great success! Thank you very much to all those who came, and witness the event.

I will update shortly the winners of the 2009 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards!

The Opening Video from the www.WheninManila.com

Maris Manalili Hi everyone, today I went with my family and my bf Jessie to the Pinoy Expat Blog Awards 2009. It's an award for Filipinos working abroad and have a blog entry for that contest.

My blog, Style Shanghai, was one of the nominees this year.

I didn't win any major award but I won the Special Award, Best Blog Element. :)

There was a poll that run a couple of months and I'd also like to thank my friends and family and also my parents' gazillion of friends hahaha who voted for me. Thank you!

Cheers! It was a good night. We even won the raffle, a basket of fruits and wine.

I had a great time, I hope more bloggers join next year and more sponsors. :)

PEBA 2009 - http://pinoyblogawards.blogspot.com

Style Shanghai
http://styleshanghai.blogspot.com

THANK YOU!!!

OUR APOLOGY

2009-12-27T03:10:00.000-08:00

Due to some technical problems, we regret to inform you that LIVE STREAMING of PEBA Awards Night will not be possible. However, we will share with all of you the VIDEO OF THE EVENT as soon as available.

We are hoping for your understanding in this regard.

Again, our sincerest apology especially to the bloggers waiting overseas.

The PEBA TEAM

RAFFLE PRIZES

2009-12-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

DON'T MISS THESE STUFFS!

RAFFLE PRIZES:

25 Thousand Gift Certificates from Hotels
Mobile Phones from NOKIA
MP6 & other gadgets
Appliances such as electric fans, oven toasters, rice cookers, etc.
T-shirts, mugs & other souvenir items

And of course....

Foods & New year Baskets!

Come & Join Us!
Ilang oras na lang!
Be There!

(nakakainggit na! lolz!)

Azel Venerable
PEBA Volunteer

OFW Bloggers to gather in this year’s biggest Blog Awards

2009-12-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 26 December 2009

OFW Bloggers to gather in this year’s biggest Blog Awards

MANILA, 27 DECEMBER 2009 – Over 37 OFW Bloggers from 21 countries are vying for the most coveted 2009 Best Expats/OFW Blog Awards. The Pinoy Expats/Overseas Filipino Workers Blog Awards or PEBA, together with Friendster, Nokia Philippines in cooperation with Smart Communications, Blas Ople Policy Center, School of Labor and Industrial Relations, University of the Philippines and Western Union; the award giving body aims to recognize and honor the exemplary work of blogging Pinoy Expats/OFW. The 2^nd Annual International PEBA Awards will be held on the 27^th December 2009, 6:00PM Philamlife Theater, United Nations Ave., Malate, Manila. Red Carpet Ceremony and Press Presentation will be conducted prior to the awarding. This year’s theme is “Filipinos Abroad, Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World”.

The primary advocacy of the organization is to present the blogs of our modern-day heroes and bring their creative talents to light, helping other Filipinos to understand and appreciate their plight, sufferings, thoughts, ideologies and stories that made the “Filipino worth dying for”. PEBA advocates the welfare of migrant workers through blogging, strengthening the freedom of speech and the right to information. OFWs are uniting to educate and inform the Filipino people while protecting their rights and safeguarding the democracy of the Philippine nation.

This event would coincide with the International Pinoy Expats/OFW Photo Exhibits to foster further awareness of the heroism of our OFWs. The awards night would be attended by several 2010 electoral candidates and other government officials.

NOTE: All media representatives are invited to attend/cover the press presentation which would start at 5pm.

Contact Information:

Felix Jigs G. Segre

Program Director, Public Relations and Media Affairs

Mobile: +63915.393.4770

Landline: +632.219.1018

Fax: +632.559.4112

E-mail: jigs_segre@yahoo.com

Visit www.pinoyexpatsblogawards.com for more media resources.

Tonyo Cruz article about 2009 PEBA

2009-12-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

Please check out this nice article written by Mr. Tonyo Cruz, one of the judges of the 2009 PEBA.

Due recognition for best overseas Filipino blogs
Now’s the turn of expat and overseas Filipino bloggers to take a bow.

Through the Philippine Expat/Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Blog Awards (PEBA), the best and brightest bloggers from millions of Filipinos abroad get the peer recognition they deserve.

Winners for this year will be named in ceremonies on December 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Philamlife Theater in Manila. The choice of venue is apt: it is located along United Nations Avenue – Filipinos are said to be in more countries and places than the total number of UN member-states.

PEBA’s 2009 theme “Filipinos abroad: hope of the nation, gift to the world” captures an uncommon perception of our expats and OFWs – they are heroes for both the Philippines and the countries that receive them as workers or migrants.

Initial PEBA Awards Program (Subject to Change)

2009-12-26T03:43:00.000-08:00

Program

2^nd Annual International Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards

27 December 2009, 6PM -8PM,Philam Life Theater, UN Ave., Malate, Manila

1:00-3:00 PM - Setting up

3:00 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Opening of the Exhibit

Guest:

5:00 Red Carpet Ceremony, arrival of Guests

PRESS Presentation

PHOTO OP

6:00-6:15 Program Start – Host Introduce the event

National Anthem

6:15-6:30 Opening Number – Philippine Stagers Foundation – excerpt from the Ako si Ninoy Musical

6:30-6:45 Welcome Remarks – Mr. Kenji JB Solis – Founding Chairman of PEBA, Inc.

6:45-7:00 Keynote Speech – “Challenge to Pinoy Expats/OFW Bloggers” Former DSWD Secretary Corazon Dinky Juliano-Soliman

7:00-7:15 Video: PEBA NOMINEES

Stage Set-up

Intermission Number – Cuaderno Diyes

7:15-7:30 Awarding:

Citations:

1.

2.

3.

- Blas F. Ople Blog Award - Best Blog Theme

- Smart Communication Blog Award - Best Blog/Lay out Design

- Nokia Philippines Blog Award - Best Blog Entry

- Friendster Blog Award – Best Blog for Asia and the Pacific

- Exlink Blog Award - Best Blog Canada and USA

- Western Union Blog Award -Best Blog Europe

- Lepiten&Bojos Law Office - Best Blog Middle East and Africa

- Manny Villar Award, Most Popular Blog

7:30-7:45 Intermission Number: Juana Change

7:45-8:00 Guest Speaker: Dean Jorge Sibal, UP-SOLAIR: Bringing Positive Filipino Work Culture to Global Workplace

8:00-8:20 Top 10 2009 Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Award Winner

8:20-8:30 Tribute to the Family of the Nominees

8:30-8:40 Closing Remarks – Mr. Nereus Jethro Abad, PEBA 2009 President

8:40-9:00 Raffle Draw

AMT Band/ Mithi Band

THIS IS IT!!!

2009-12-22T04:44:00.000-08:00

photo op by Ex-link

We are sure you don't want to miss this opportunity...
The event will not just be an awards night.
It is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
It is grand.

Be there.
Bring your family.
Bring your relatives.
Bring your friends.
Bring other bloggers with you.

Don't miss it!!!
(That wall is ready for all of you)

The 2nd Annual International
Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

See you there!

Azel Venerable
PEBA Volunteer

PEBA Poster

2009-12-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

From PEBA

We are One OFW Family!

2009-12-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

Email, Call or SMS Me

2009-12-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Finalists and Attendees,

We are expecting 700 or more people to come during the event. It will be grace with an opening number from a very prestigious group, the Philippine Stagers Foundation rendering Bayani from I am Ninoy.

Newspapers and TV media will be there, along with dignitaries and leaders, celebrities and OFW families and supporters. OFW Bloggers will also be there.

It is very important that you send your name to this email address for VIP pass and reserve seats.

pebawards@gmail.com

I need volunteers. 27th of December 2009 at the Philamlife Theater, exactly 6pm at a formal gathering.

0915-4825953

0928-1964175

PHOTO CONTEST IS STILL GOING ON!

2009-12-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

The photo contest is still going on. Submit your entries now!!!

Entrants

Open to all amateur Filipino photographers (above 18 years old) who are working as OFW in any part of the world. Participants can submit 3 entries but not more than 5 photos.

Entries

Photographs must be original images taken by the entrant and may not have been previously published.

Content

The photos shall be color or b/w photographs that represent or typifyheroism, love, labor and courage of OFWs abroad (using the host country as part of their subject/s).

Digital image submissions

Image quality must be at least 8" x 10" at 300 DPI or a photo taken with a minimum of 3.2 megapixel camera at the largest image setting submitted through email using JPEG format.

Images that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Photographs should be submitted without any borders or frames.

Each photo entry should have a filename of the photographer/owner, plus information, location, profession/work and small interpretation comes along in the email.

Example: Fred_santos1.jpg

Location: California, USA

Profession/Job: Computer Engineer

Interpretations/Short explanation: Filipinos love beaches, California has great beaches.

Other Uses

All entries will become part of PEBA. Photographs submitted to PEBA Photo Contest but any photos not selected to be included in the Photo Exhibit may be chosen for use elsewhere in PEBA related publication with full credit given to the photographer.

SUBMIT

Email to pebainc@gmail.com

Winners will receive a trophy and gift packs from PEBA and 'Best Photo Entry'.

PEBA to give tribute to the families of the 37 OFW Finalists

2009-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

To all 37 Finalists for 2009 2nd Annual International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards:

Please send your whole family to the awards night (6 in the vening, 27th of December, 2009, Philam Life Theater, UN Ave., Malate, Manila). Part of the program would be a tribute to all the finalists and we require that your family and friends would be there to receive the recognition, they will also play a vital role in one of the biggest tribute the OFWs would witness this year. Also, please assign one of your families or friends to represent you and receive the recognition in case you will be honored to win this year's competition.

The Public Relation & Media Relation team is now working hard to invite international figures to grace this event, while stalwarts, significant political players and government officials would be invited to attend this biggest OFW event of the year.

Please email peba09@gmail.com for the confirmed number of family members and friends (with complete name and relationship, including your name if you are here in the Philippines) who would be attending the awards night in order for them to receive the VIP ID during the awarding ceremony. Instruct them too that they will pass the red carpet in honor of their sacrifices.

The event would be strictly formal. Evening attire is encouraged.

Thank you very much.

Yours truly,

F. Jigs G. Segre, Program Director, PR& Media Affairs

A view of the venue: Philam Life Theater, UN Ave., Malate, Manila

2009-11-26T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Philamlife Theater and Lobby

Since its inauguration in 1961, the Philamlife Theater has been the premier venue for many artistic performances. With a seating capacity of 737, the theater is most admired for its near-perfect acoustics making it an ideal venue for classical concertos, recitals and musical productions.

The state-f-the-art acoustics is made by Bolt, Beranek & Newman, the same group who built the acoustics for the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Through the years, the theater has also become a popular venue for important conferences, graduation rites and warding ceremonies like the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.

World-renowned artists like Cecile Licad, Gilopez Kabayao, Andion Fernandez, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, among others have also rendered many memorable performances in the theatre.

With deep regard for history and talent of the Filipino artist, Philamlife also houses some of the country’s significant Filipino artworks. Lining the theater walls are wooden mural carvings depicting various scenes from the Philippine history. It is created by artist Jose Alcantara and carved by artisans from Paete, Laguna.

Displayed at the lobby are huge oil paintings by the late bational Artist Vicente Manansala and a sixteen-foot stained mosaic of the Sarimanok by National Artist Galo B. Ocampo. The northeast lobby provides an exhibit area for both established and aspiring artist.

With regular performances and exhibits, Philamlife continues its tradition of developing and promoting various activities of artistic and cultural significance.

Awards Night to be held in Philam Life Theater on 27th of December 2009

2009-11-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!!!!

The 2nd Annual International Pinoy Expats/OFW Awards will be held in Philam Life Theater, UN Ave., Malate, Manila on 27th of December, 2009 at 6 in the evening.

The theater has 750 seating capacity, invite your family, relatives and friends.

Live Bands, special guests and performers will entertain us!

Special Prizes await the lucky attendees, the more, the merrier!