Tickets for Joe Jonas @ Ayala Center Cebu

Stop.Look.Listen.It's been a while since I blogged but why in heaven's name am I posting about Tickets for Joe Jonas @ Ayala Center Cebu? Well let me be frank, I'm not a fan BUT I have female friends, family members who are going crazy about Joe Jonas, and being in the know, I'm sharing this to you all!

Fall in love with the captivating charm of one of the Jonas Brothers who makes it happen as Ayala Malls not just bring in talents from beauty and fashion but also in music.

Ayala Malls Style Origin, together with Tiger 22 and The Philippine Star, bring you Joe Jonas at the Ayala Center Cebu on May 27, 3pm at the Activity Center. Hang out with the pop star for a candid, MTV-style interview as Joe Jonas talks about music and being a style icon. Get synced with the fast life and listen to the soundtrack of Joe Jonas as he performs his famous guitar riffs and solo hits such as “See No More," "FastLife," and, ”Just In Time”. His new album, and the videos for its first two singles, are a clear stab at breaking Joe from the teen-idol mold and out into the mainstream.

Joe Jonas’ first album's lead single, "See No More," was released in June 2011 and earned rave reviews from both Billboard and Entertainment Weekly.  People Magazine recently included the song in their Hot Singles list and was also just nominated for a Teen Choice award while the video for the song has racked up nearly 5 million views on YouTube and VEVO.  He made his U.S. television debut as a solo artist on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon."  Joe Jonas’ setting out on his own underscored the diversity of his talents and vocal ability.

Now 22, Joe Jonas was part of the multi-platinum selling award winning band the Jonas Brothers, sold over 8 million albums worldwide, performed to sold-out stadiums and arenas across three continents with artists such as Jay Sean and Britney Spears, and was on the cover of Details Magazine, Paper Magazine’s Summer Music Issue and featured in Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone. In addition to creating timeless hits and performing in front of sold-out audiences all over the world, Joe is actively involved with both the Special Olympics and his own charity, Change For The Children. For eager Jonas Brothers fans who are excited about Joe Jonas’ trek down the solo path, this singing sensation will definitely give inspiration to Ayala Malls Style Origins this month.

HOW TO GET Tickets for Joe Jonas @ Ayala Center Cebu?!
Fans can now watch Joe Jonas perform live at Ayala Malls Style Origins on May 27, 2012 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center free.

Details are as follows:
1) To get one (1) entry pass for the “Joe Jonas Live!” Event, present any of the following:

- minimum Php700 single purchase receipt (bill payment receipts are excluded) dated May 22 to May 27, 2012 from any Ayala Center Cebu outlets
- minimum Php2,000 single purchase receipt from the supermarket dated May 22 to May 27, 2012

2) There shall be 600 seats reserved for shoppers and only the first 300 shoppers to register will be given an entry pass.

3) Each entry pass entitles the bearer to bring one companion.

4) The first twenty-five (25) A-Card members and first twenty-five (25) VIPInoy Card Holders to present Membership cards/ID at the Privileges Desk get a free entry pass for free.

5) The first thirty (30) shoppers/A-Card/VIPinoy Members to register will get an extra pass to permit him/her to join the Meet & Greet session after the show. There will be an official photographer to take the pictures.

6) Registration period will be from May 22 to May 27, 2012or until the last pass is redeemed, whichever date comes first.

7) Registration will be at the Privileges Desk located at the First Level (between Naturalizer and Watchworks) and will be open from Mondays to Sundays, 11AM to 7PM only.

8) The promo personnel has the right to verify the authenticity of the receipt and shall, likewise, have  the authority to deny transactions deemed fraudulent or dubious (i.e. tampered/reprinted receipts).

9) During the Meet and Greet session, shoppers should present the Meet & Greet Pass prior to meeting the cast. Ayala Center Cebu shall have the right to validate the schedule and specimen signature indicated on the pass.

10) Reserved seats will be forfeited 5 minutes before the show starts and the gates will then be opened to the public until the last seat is filled up.

Through Style Origin, join the festivities, be immersed in the experience, and walk away fulfilled and with a deeper appreciation for fashion, lifestyle and music. Catch Joe Jonas' Philippine Mall tour this May 27 as the singer will be signing off CDS and autographs after the show. Catch this exciting event and more only at Cebu’s premiere shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Ayala Center Cebu.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GOGOGOGO!

By Vernon Go with No comments

Bigger, Bolder Gabii sa Kabilin 2012

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Culture and Heritage Unit and its partners will hold the sixth run of Gabii sa Kabilin on May 25, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

This year the heritage event will feature 21 main attractions composed of museums and cultural sites in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue. These are Aboitizland Heritage Pocket, Ayala Center Cebu Cinema and The Terraces, Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Museum, College Assurance Plan (CAP) Theater, Cathedral Museum, Casa Gorordo Museum, Cebu City Museum, Cebu Normal University (CNU), Fort San Pedro, Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum, Mandaue City Plaza, Museo Parian sa Sugbo, Museo Sugbo Complex, Plaza Independencia, Sacred Heart Parish Church and Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio (ACAS), Basilica Minore del Santo Niño through the Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation (SNAF), University of San Carlos Museum, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Rizaliana Museum, and Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House.

Gabii saKabilin’s new participating sites this year are Ayala Center Cebu Cinema and The Terraces, Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple, BPI Museum, CAP Theater, JRG Halad Museum, and University of San Carlos Museum. The BPI Museum will be available for viewing to Gabii sa Kabilin guests from 8 a.m. t0 4 p.m. only.

Tourists are treated to cultural performances, exhibits, art fairs, food markets, and interactive demonstrations in the 20 main sites.

For this year's Gabii sa Kabilin, there are various suggested routes according to specific themes applicable to the museums and heritage sites, which guests can choose from. These themes include Museums; Art Galleries and Alternative Spaces; Heritage Structures; Educational; Churches, Temples, and Sacred Places; and Public Spaces. There'll also be a walking tour along heritage sites that are within walking distance from each other.

With one ticket worth PhP150.00, local and foreign tourists may go to as many participating museums and cultural heritage sites within the six hours of the heritage event. The ticket also allows them to take as many rides as they want in Gabii sa Kabilin-designated buses and one tartanilla (horse-drawn carriage) trip in Cebu City’s old district.

Tickets will be sold starting May 10 at the 22 participating museums and cultural sites, including the concierge at Ayala Center Cebu.

Detailed information about the participating sites and their presentations as well as tour routes of Gabii sa Kabilin will be available for download also on May 10 at  www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.

In previous Gabii sa Kabilin runs, places of historic and cultural significance within walking distance or along the tour routes are also earmarked. These have also grown in number this year. Some of them are the 1938 VECO Buiding, Asilo de la Milagrosa, Matilda Bradford Church, Cebu Provincial Capitol Building, Cebu Puericulture and Maternity House, Compania Maritima, early 1900s warehouses along M.C. Briones Street, Fuente Osmeña, Gotiaoco Building, Iglesia Filipina Independiente Cathedral, Malacañang sa Sugbo, Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Church, old Southern Islands Hospital, Plaza Hamabar, the old bridges of Sikatuna and Zulueta Streets, Oriente and Vision Theaters, Plaza Sugbo, Plaza Hamabar, University of the Philippines-Cebu College, and Yutivo Building.

An added attraction to Gabii sa Kabilin 2012 is a set of children’s activities that will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in six participating sites, namely, Ayala Center Cebu, Casa Gorordo Museum, Cathedral Museum, Cebu City Museum, Cebu Normal University, and Fort San Pedro.

Implementation of Gabii sa Kabilin is made possible through partnerships with the local government units of Cebu City and Mandaue, Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM), Philippine National Police–Cebu City (PNP), Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) of Cebu City, Province of Cebu, Department of Tourism–Region VII and Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation.

RAFI and its partners are also assisted by tanods, officials and residents of 26 barangays in Cebu City. Major sponsorship is provided by Smart Communications.

Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of RAFI-Culture and Heritage, said that the expansion of Gabii sa Kabilin in terms of participating museums and activities is a breakthrough as it means that more organizations and individuals are becoming aware of the beauty and importance of local heritage. She also said that this indicates a positive trend in efforts to promote and protect Cebuano-Filipino culture.

The diversity of presentations and activities that participating museums and cultural sites are offering this year, she added, shows the cosmopolitan character of Metro Cebu. It is fitting therefore, Gerra noted, that Gabii sa Kabilin is tagged as a highlight event in the year-long celebration of the selection of Cebu City as an ASEAN City of Culture.

On May 18, Gabii sa Kabilin  in Argao and Sibonga will be launched in partnership with RAFI and the local government units of the two towns.

Gabii sa Kabilin 2012 Main Participating Museums and Heritage Sites

  

Aboitizland Heritage Pocket

Tel. no. 411-1600 local 1479

Ayala Center Cebu

Tel. no.516-3092

Bank of the Philippine Islands Museum

Tel. no.412-1368

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Tel. no.255-6699

Cathedral Museum of Cebu

Tel. no.412-3455

Casa Gorordo

Tel. no.418-7234 local 703

Cebu City Museum

Tel. no.255-4997

Cebu Normal University

Tel. no.253-9611

College Assurance Plan Center

Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

Tel. no.253-8144

Fort San Pedro

Tel. no.416-7080

Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum

Tel. no.268-2579

Mandaue City Plaza

Tel. no.343-9092

Museo Parian sa Sugbo

Tel. no.255-5408 to 09

Museo Sugbo

Tel. no.516-2128

Plaza Independencia

Tel. no.416-7080

University of San Carlos Museum

Tel. no.253-1000

University of Southern Philippines Foundation – Rizaliana Museum

Tel. no.414-8773

Sacred Heart Parish Church and Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio

Tel. no.253-6479 local 114

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

Tel. no.515-9000

Click on the image to enlarge it - Gabii sa Kabilin Routes

Gabii sa Kabilin Fact Sheet

 Rationale

Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) is an annual program hosted by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Culture and Heritage Unit. It is executed in coordination with RAFI’s partner museums and heritage sites.

It is an adaptation of Germany’s Long Night of Museums that has been replicated in other cities all over the world such as Vienna, Budapest, Saint Petersburg, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Prague, Bogota, and Buenos Aires. In the Asia-Pacific Region, only Metro Cebu is currently holding such an event.

As it is a “night of heritage,” Gabii sa Kabilin does not only feature museums, but also sites of cultural and historic significance.

The first run of Gabii sa Kabilin was made in 2004 and included four museums in Cebu City. It is now on its sixth year and will feature 21 museums and heritage sites in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

Gabii sa Kabilin is held every last Friday of May in celebration of the Philippines’ National Heritage Month and International Museums Day (May 18).

This year, Gabii sa Kabilin will be held on May 25 from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight.

  

Tour Mechanics

            One ticket worth PhP150.00 gives participants the access to as many museums and heritage sites included in the Gabii sa Kabilin circuit as they want and enjoy cultural shows and exhibits from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. They also provide for unlimited rides in Gabii sa Kabilin buses and one tartanilla ride in Cebu City’s old district.

Participants get to join several activities, such as puso making, and savor local cuisine at affordable prices. They can also shop for souvenirs as they tour museums and heritage sites throughout the night.

Participating sites and their attractions

            This year, the Gabii sa Kabilin heritage event will include 21 participating sites that will have various presentations. These are:

 Aboitizland Heritage Pocket

Alfresco heritage hub in historic Parian

• Outdoor display of old Cebu photographs; Food market in Lopez-Jaena Street; Trivia contest; Cultural show

 Ayala Center Cebu

Popular shopping destination showcasing contemporary trends in Cebuano culture and arts

• Performances of contemporary dances and songs, album launch, food fair and interactive guitar-making demonstration for children at The Terraces; Free showing of Cebuano indie films at Ayala Cinema

Bank of the Philippine Islands Museum

Country’s first bank museum

• Exhibit of history of BPI and banking in the Philippines (available for viewing from

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. only)

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Colonial Baroque Church home to the iconic Santo Niño de Cebu

Cathedral Museum of Cebu

Repository of the Archdiocese of Cebu’s sacred treasures

• Beato Pedro Calungsod exhibit; Cultural show; interactive demonstration of beadwork for children

Casa Gorordo Museum

Museum of 19th to early 20th century lifestyle of a Parian family and community

• Cultural presentation of dance and music by Marigondon Children’s String Orchestra, Badjao women and Izarzurri Vidal; Sugbuanong balak and balitaw; Tito Cuevas Retrospective Art Exhibit; Ateneo Art Awards Exhibit; Interactive carroza decoration for children

Cebu City Museum

Housed in the 1937 neo-classical building of the Rizal Library and Museum

• Presentations by Cebu City Children Performance Artists, Knapsack Dancers, Project Anakatira Members; Tito Cuevas Retrospective Art Exhibit; AVP of Cebu City history

Cebu Normal University

Historic American Era school campus home to memorabilia and artifacts related to history of public education and Word War II

• Exhibits on history of education in Cebu, local arts and artists, and Japanese occupation; Lukay Art Exhibit; interactive Puso-weaving demonstration for children and adult.

College Assurance Plan Center

Former residence of President Sergio Osmeña

• Sergio Osmeña memorabilia exhibit

Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple

Serene Buddhist temple complex in the heart of the city

• Presentation of excerpts from Siddharta, the Musical; Kuan Yin Boddhisatva Exhibit; History of Fo Guan Shan Philippines presentation; Bathing of the Buddha; Buddhist calligraphy demonstration

Fort San Pedro

Oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines marking the first Spanish settlement in the islands

• Cultural show; Video presentations about Cebu City as ASEAN City of Culture, Pasiyo sa Kabilin, and Gabii sa Kabilin; Exhibits on history of the fort and founding of the city; Bonsai collection of indigenous plants; Traditional games for children

Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum

A homage to musical heritage of Cebu and the Visayas

• Exhibits on Bisaya musical heritage of the 20th century, Jose Gullas memorabilia and traditional Filipino musical instruments; performances of Cebuano music and dances 

Mandaue City Plaza

Urban landscape of a Spanish-era pueblo-turned-industrial city

• Cultural presentations; Interactive demonstration and tasting of Mandue’s popular food heritage

Museo Parian sa Sugbo

1730 Parian residence-turned-Jesuit mission station

• Performances of old Cebuano songs; exhibits on history of parian, history of Jesuits in Cebu, artifacts unearthed during rehabilitation of the residence

Museo Sugbo

Cebu’s largest museum showcasing two millennia of the province’s heritage and history

• Thirteen galleries in three museums in a six-building complex; One Town, One Product Fair; Cultural Shows

Plaza Independencia

Iconic landmark in the country’s oldest city

• One-night-only fair of artworks by Cebu’s leading artists at popular prices

University of San Carlos (USC) Museum

USC’s museum in its historic main campus building

• Exhibits on archaeology and ethnography of the Visayas, Spanish period and USC’s history; Book launching; Trade fair by USC School of Business students; Ka Pamilya Negosyo booths

University of Southern Philippines Foundation – Rizaliana Museum

Largest Rizaliana Museum in the Visayas

• Reading of Rizal’s poetry in Spanish; Showing of documentaries on Rizal’s life and works; Display of Rizaliana memorabilia; Cultural presentations

Sacred Heart Parish Church and Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio (2 sites)

Cebu City’s first modern church and Gallery of contemporary Cebuano art

• Gabii sa Kabilin opening program; Tito Cuevas retrospective exhibit; Mark Salvatus art show; cultural presentations; interactive visual arts demonstration for children 

Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

One of Cebu’s oldest Balay nga Tisa built in the Spanish Period

• Display of family’s collection of antiques; Cultural presentation of Filipiniana dances by the famed Sandiego Dance Troupe

Children’s Activities

This year, Gabii sa Kabilin will include interactive demonstrations and activities where children can participate, learn and have fun from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in seven venues. They are the following:

Ayala Center Cebu

• Hat and basket weaving

Casa Gorordo

• Story-telling; Interactive bugsay-making demonstration; Decorating a carroza

Cathedral Museum

• Beadwork and Rosary stringing

Cebu City Museum

• Sugboanon children’s stories at the Library; Interactive Tai Chi demonstration

Cebu Normal University

• Lukay arts demonstration and puso weaving

Fort San Pedro

• Playing of sungka traditional game

Sacred Heart Parish Church and Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio

• Interactive visual arts demonstration

Other heritage sites that can be viewed during Gabii sa Kabilin

In past runs, this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin will give an opportunity to people to re-discover other significant heritage sites that are just walking distance or along the tour routes. These are:

 Asilo de la Milagrosa

Landmark neo-Gothic Church and pre-war orphanage

Calamba Cemetery

Old necropolis that houses rare Spanish-era structures

Carbon Market and Freedom Park

Historic landmark in Cebu City’s public life

Carreta Cemetery

Spanish-era necropolis and burial ground of many Cebuano revolutionaries

Cebu City Central School

1914 Gabaldon building symbolizing an important stage in the history of public education in Cebu

Cebu City Hall

Seat of the Cebu City Government fronting historic Plaza Sugbo

Cebu Heritage Monument

Three-dimensional overview of Cebu’s history in Plaza Parian

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu

Cebu Provincial Capitol

Seat of the Cebu Provincial Government and pre-war Capitol Hill-inspired edifice

Cebu Puericulture and Maternity House

Early 1900s women’s hospital

Colon Street

Considered the oldest street in the Philippines

Compania Maritima

Early 1900s neo-Classical building, once a picturesque sea-side hotel

Fuente Osmeña

Century-old focal point in the life of Cebu City

Gotiaoco Building

Grand reminder of Cebu’s turn-of-the-century business district that will soon become Cebu’s Chinese museum

Hipodromo

Sprawling horse racing arena that evolved into a thriving urban neighborhood

Iglesia Filipina Independiente Cathedral

Site that offers interesting glimpse into religious history of Cebu

Malacañang sa Sugbo

1910 Aduana building-turned-presidential residence

Matilda Bradford Church

Cebu City’s oldest Presbyterian church

Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Church

More commonly known as Redemptorist Church, a solid memento of work of American Catholic missionaries in Cebu

Oriente Theater

Art deco building in Cebu City’s downtown district

Old Southern Islands Hospital

Early 1900s forerunner of Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

Osmeña Boulevard

Historic axis that connects Cebu City’s downtown, midtown and uptown districts

Parian Fire Station

Site of once grandiose San Juan Bautista Parish Church and convent of Parian

Prudential Bank building

Beautiful remnant of early twentieth century Magallanes Street as Cebu City’s financial district

Plaza Sugbo

Spanish-era public space with Magellan’s Cross as its centerpiece

Plaza Hamabar

Small open space across Cathedral Museum of Cebu featuring a statue of Raja Humabon from whom the plaza was named after

Port warehouses along M.C. Briones Street

Surviving testament to early 1900s maritime commerce in Cebu

Santo Rosario Parish Church

Popular Cebu City religious landmark originating from the 1930s

Saint Joseph Patriarch Church of Mabolo

Neo-gothic church that was once the parish church of the pueblo of Talamban

Sikatuna Bridge

1920 bridge along Sikatuna Street

Smith Bell and Company Building

Early 1900s trading house and currently, a shopping center

University of the Philippines Cebu College

Sprawling university complex that was an important World War II site

University of San Jose Recoletos and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel

Post-war structure that was once the site of Spanish-era Recoletos church and convent

VECO building of 1938

Pre-war building that is a reminder of the history of modernity in Cebu City

Vision Theater

Magnificent neo-classical building reminiscent of Cebu’s Golden Age of Cinema

Yutivo Building

Early 1900s edifice across Cebu City Hall

Zulueta Bridge

Rare Spanish-era coral stone bridge in old Parian

It's going to be a more interesting year for Gabii sa Kabilin 2012!

By Vernon Go with No comments

Witnessing+Eating in Nutri-Chef Challenge

The Nutri-Chef Challenge was initiated by the National Nutrition Council 7, Media Information Network for Nutrition and Development 7 with Cebu City Nutrition Committee which was held last 23 April 2012 at the Plaza Sugbu, Cebu City. During the launch last year, during the opening of Nutrition Month celebration organized by the National Nutrition Council in Central Visayas (NNC-7) at SM City Cebu, the nutri-chef challenge is implemented at the barangay level through the barangay nutrition scholars, said NNC-7 regional coordinator Dr. Letlet Mission.

“Most of the children don’t like vegetables. This is our way of promoting the nutritious food (vegetables) among the children who are easily attracted to commercials endorsing junk food and other non-nutritious food,” said Dr. Mission.

To be honest, I always wanted to watch a battle between chefs or cooks just like those seen on T.V. like IRON CHEF, MASTER CHEF, TOP CHEF and many more food reality contest shows; and this was the 1st one I have observed and even tasted in one! AWESOME! It's both my fantasy with a cause come true!

Criteria of Judging: 
palatibilty (25%), use of nutritious ingredients (25%), originality (20%), visual appeal (15%), and ease of preparation (15%). The board of judges was composed of Ms. Josie F. Elli, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST 7 who was also the chairperson, Ms. Trinidad R. Sumalinog, RND, Canteen Concessioner & food entrepreneur, and Mr. Marlou Almasco, Sous Chef from Golden Prince Hotel.

Nutri-Chef Challenge 2012 Sponsors:  Lactobiotics; Worldwide Corporation; Salinas Foods, Inc.; Meat magic; Miller hospital; Marc and mattheau’s catering and services; Department of Agriculture 7; Golden Prince Hotel.

About Nutri-Chef Challenge: 
“Nutri-Chef Challenge” is a cooking contest designed to promote vegetable recipes among the children. The challenge involves cooking contests with green, leafy vegetables as the main ingredients. A panel of judges that includes a local nutritionist will select the top three contestants during the contest.A group of children will taste the recipes of the top three contestants to determine the winner.

Nutri-Chef ChallengeWinners: 
Ms. Regina Mercedes Lingaolingao’s Mixed Vegetable Omelet got the judges’ nod and won the coveted first prize during the Regional Vegetable Recipe Development Contest cook-off. Her winning recipe with squash, carrots, chayote, malungay and egg as main ingredients bested all the other seven finalists. She took home with Php10,000.00 cash prize and gift packs. The judges gave her and her recipe a score of 91.67%.

Winning Recipe

Garnering second place was Ms. Teresita Flordeliz’s “Sautéed Vegetables with Fish” with a score of 86.33%. Winning third place was Ms. Teresa Carabuena-Dizon’s “Vegetable Bola-Bola Rolled in Biscuit Crumbs” with a score of 83.67%. Winners for the second and third place received Php8,000.00 and Php6,000.00 plus gift packs, respectively. Consolation prizes of Php2,000.00 and gift packs each were given to other contestants.

Vegetable Bola-bola! --I TASTED THIS ONE AND IT WAS LIKE FLAWESOME!!!

The organizers also gave out Nutri-Chef Special Awards, namely; the Super Saver’s Award and the Children’s Choice Award. The Super Saver’s Award, an award given to the recipe with the least total cost per serving was cornered by Ms. Roxanne Charity Lingaolingao for her Creamy Mix Vegetables with Dried Dilis. On the other hand, the Children’s Choice Award, based on the recipe garnering the highest smiley points given by the 5 children judges, was awarded to Ms. Florentina Bulgado with her recipe Tortang Kapayas.

The winning recipes will be compiled into a recipe book that will be printed for distribution to beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilya or the Conditional Cash Transfer program administered by the DSWD as a way for NNC to contribute to improved nutrition of poorest families. The recipe book will also be distributed to local nutrition workers as an IEC material for helping families improve their meals and develop healthy food intake.

For photos of the event, please do share and visit: http://www.facebook.com/NutritionAdvocatesPH

By Vernon Go with No comments

Nuffnang is Coming to Cebu!!

What will you do if you knew that Nuffnang is coming to Cebu? I'd say it's been a long time coming for them to arrive but the thought of meeting and engaging one of South East Asia's premier blogging institutions I am faced with a question: If you were Nuffnang’s tour guide in Cebu, where would you take us?

Since thinking is too troublesome, I'll just switch my inner TOUR GUIDE on!

Since I fancy myself as a blogger who explores and shares not only advocacies but also Cebu's Rich Heritage I now have something in mind, a tour to give to our Nuffnang Friends! Alright let's keep it simple! YEHEY!

First, they will arrive in the city area which would be the place to start. I will probably bring them to two spots, first one of the pre-world war institutions and structures in the country that remains, the CNU - Cebu Normal University and then on towards the oldest street in the Philippines, CALLE COLON (Colon Street)!

Aside from the school grounds, CNU also has a Museum of it's own :)

Next stop is Colon Street with all it's 22 heritage markers that shows it's rich history from preWW2 structures to iconic architectural visual treat through the years!

Near colon will be a series of smaller older houses which includes the Casa Gorordo (above-spanish house), the Yap-Sandiego ancestral home and the the 1700's jesuit house which are all walking distance from each other!

Now it's also good to take a break and have our trip and tour blessed, so we can visit one of the oldest structures in Cebu, which is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño which houses the really2 old Image of the child jesus and also a museum!

After having all that nosebleed historical mind-feeding, we need to eat, so we can go to various places like Larsian, or to Barangay Tisa to enjoy not only 'Siomai sa Tisa' but also some Lechon Manok and Baboy!

People tend to get carried away from eating so we need to burn them to have a healthy life, so we go upland, to busay and visit various farms, or perhaps a sneak peak at Cebu's only remaining natural patch of forest, the Tabunan Forest!

Now, the afternoon will be unusually hot, so we also need to cool off somewhere, this leaves us with two options basically, to the north or south?

To north is the Island of Bantayan, we can chill at their pristine beaches

We also have the option to go to Badian, either to their waterfalls or to their often  hidden beaches to relax!

Well, all good things come to an end so we need to end the tour now. But do come back since there are definitely more places to visit here in Cebu!

About Nuffnang:
Nuffnang is a blog advertising community based in Asia-Pacific region, with offices in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Australia, China, Hongkong, Thailand. The online platform allows advertisers to place graphic or video-based advertisements onto registered member’s blogs hosted on various platforms.

It would be a great pleasure and honor to meet the people behind Nuffnang Philippines. Thank you2 to the sponsors for making it possible for nuffnang to invade Cebu!!! I'm definitely excited!!

By Vernon Go with No comments

How travel photographers travel light with the Intel Ultrabook

Ultrabook [photo from the Intel Newsroom]

There’s always a certain allure to seeing the world through a camera lens. There’s just something about being able to capture a fleeting occurrence as it comes and goes – an ecstatic crowd singing along to a new band’s song on their first concert performance, the flash of neon lights as it hits lovers embracing on the dance floor, a skate enthusiast catching three seconds of airtime at an old abandoned skate park. A photographer’s unique ability to freeze a moment in time, to immortalize it and to express it in such a way that one image tells a myriad of stories is truly amazing.

Photo courtesy of Wowie Wong

Travel photography is, in essence, captivating, exhilarating and inspirational. Every trip is an adventure, and every photographer is a pioneer. Travel opens up a wide scope of genres for the avid photographer to explore, and for those who are in constant pursuit of the perfect shot, packing for the experience is a daunting task in itself.

When a photographer is constantly on the road, choosing which items to bring will ultimately help or hinder him in the field. Although it would be fantastic to take one’s entire kit abroad, experience with basic travel regulations will tell any traveler to think twice before hitting the road. Ah, the baggage that comes with baggage these days – peeving limitations like baggage allowance and insurance costs, the fight for the overhead bins and space for leg room, and not to mention, the sheer mental, physical (and financial!) weight of lugging around six pieces of luggage and the kitchen sink for a few days.

Less is definitely more when it comes to packing for a trip around the globe, as convenience and practicality are luxuries one rarely enjoys when travelling with heavy professional gear these days. Although there may be little one can do about the weight of high-end cameras and lenses, much can be done when it comes to choosing a light and powerful computing device to bring with one at all times.

Photo courtesy of Wowie Wong

According to travel photographer Ben Rayner, his Intel-powered Ultrabook plays a pivotal role in his creativity and business process. “All you need is one global device to make everything come together,” he says. True to form, the Ultrabook puts sleek style, intense performance and an amazing experience in the hands of users around the world. It is a global office in one compact, lightweight and powerful device that offers the performance of multiple gadgets in a 4lbs. computer one can easily store inside one’s bag.

Because of its lightweight design, superior battery life and ability to quickly complete the task at hand, the Ultrabook becomes an extension of one’s unique form of self-expression. With inspiration coming from every aspect of life, artists are constantly inspired and driven by each moment they encounter.

With every travel photographer’s desire to capture the world through his lens also comes the need to interact and connect with the people he meets on his journey. People always want to express themselves and create content they can share with others whenever they can, whether it’s posting a simple black-and-white picture online or writing a groundbreaking photo essay on the mountains of Brazil. After all, taking the photo is but half of the adventure. Sharing the story completes the experience.

By Vernon Go with No comments

Gerry's Grill Carbo-loading?

Prior to the day of the Globe Run for Home, I told you that I joined a Running Clinic/seminar-workshop and after that we headed and filled our hungry stomachs with some food at Gerry's Grill in Ayala Center Cebu - The Terraces; it was not just to satisfy the hunger but also to have some left over energy to wake up 7 hours later for the RUN!

The interiors

Gerry's Grill  food specialty which they love to serve anyone who loves to eat with fresh food that is cooked, grilled, or prepared to satisfy the most distinguishing of palates. If your eating alone, with your family or a small to big group, Gerry's Grill offers the perfect place with the perfect menu to fit any occasion at any budget.

One does not simply avoid rice

Palabok Fiesta!!!!

It's their take on Sizzling Chicken!!

Here is a steamed fish wrapped in banana leaf.

sissssiiiiig!

Gerry's Grill has indeed continued to reach out to anyone anywhere. From its first restaurant located along Tomas Morato corner Eugenio Lopez Avenue in Quezon City, Gerry's Grill now has 47 branches nationwide with 2 branches in Singapore and 2 branches in United States. Newly opened branches are: Greenbelt, Laoag, Robinsons Manila, Cagayan de Oro and Nuvali. Soon to open Gerry's Grill Doha, Qatar.

mmm, burp!

Perhaps next time, I'll drop by and eat slowly, yes?

By Vernon Go with No comments

Running around all March

I basically prepared all march for the Globe Run 4 Home 2012 which was held here in Cebu for the first time! All that running paid off in terms of health, stamina, and shedding some fats which I can see in my slowly but surely changing body figure. LOL.

I even joined in a Running Essentials Seminar by Skechers a day before the RUN

Joined in the Run4Home PressCon with Globe

paid for my singlet~woohoo

First time to see Fireworks used as a signal for runners to assemble about 3 min. before gun fire

My chosen beneficiary - Gawad Kalinga ~ Walang Iwanan!

We're ready to run!

This was my 3rd Running event that I participated in and this was the 1st one in which I took some preparation for. Here are my hard earned results: I placed 110 out of the 363 runners in the 5K category; I had an elapsed time of 00:34:15. Run Results can be found HERE.

Run Fat Boy RUN! zeh zeh zehh~!

Bumped into and Ran with TeamGK Cebu Volunteers

Cebu Bloggers Running

and some Running Bloggers from Manila

155K for Gawad Kalinga! WOhoooo!

About Globe Run for Home:
Globe Run for Home is the annual charity fun run organized by Globe Telecom which aims to raise funds for a group of beneficiaries whose causes are geared towards building sustainable shelter for the less fortunate. Now on its fourth year, Globe Run for Home has not just been a way to bond with friends, or as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but more importantly, it has provided an opportunity for the Filipino running community to make a difference in other people’s lives.

The True Winners of the Event! Thanks to Globe and the rest of the Sponsors & Runners!

Race beneficiaries:

• Gawad Kalinga
• Habitat for Humanity Philippines
• Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation
• Philippine Tarsier Foundation

By Vernon Go with No comments