Philippine Coffee Board Celebrated Coffee Month Festival

In celebration of Coffee Month, the Philippine Coffee Board’s annual coffee festival was held at the Greenbelt Malls last October 13-26, 2009. This year’s festival was dubbed “Coffee Origins, Discovering the Philippines’ Best.”

Exhibitors conducted seminars, coffee cupping, and primers on how to open your own coffee shop. Various contests and activities such as barista classes were also organized. All seminars were held at Le Bistro in Salcedo Village.

Seminar about basic coffee 101 (with hands-on barista), how to put up a coffee shop, coffee cupping, coffee farming, and professional coffee course (with Barista 101) were held during the event. Appreciation courses for office workers were held after office hours by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited Philippine Coffee and Barista Academy.

The festival ran from October 13-26 at the Greenbelt 5 Gallery, while it only lasted from October 13-21 at the Greenbelt 3 Lobby. Free samples from different roasters and processors, small towns and private farms were given away throughout the event.

The first 50 visitors on October 17 and 18 got a free taste of Kapeng Alamid, which is touted to be the world's most expensive coffee at P14, 000/kilo as compared to P150-300/kilo of usual Philippine coffees. The coffee beans are harvested by wild cats in the rainforest of Benguet and Mindanao. The free Kapeng Alamid was sponsored by CAFEX, Roasters of Batangas Harvest, Cafe Montealto and Continental Coffee and Cordillera Coffee of Frank and Grace Young.

Also in line with Coffee Month, the second National Coffee Summit was held last October 26 at the AIM Conference Center. The theme of the conference was “Creating Partnerships for Self-Sufficiency in Coffee.” Registration fee of Php 2,500 per person was inclusive of meals.

Coffee Origins was made possible in cooperation with Ayala Malls, Kape Isla, Nescafe, and Greenbelt.

Official sponsors were Gourmet’s, Equal, Cordillera Coffee, Sony Centre, Rancilio, Continental Coffee, and Aquabest. Media Partners were Inquirer.net, Business Mirror, Mellow 94.7, Business World, HerWord.com, HighLife, and 2nd Avenue.

For more details about Philippine Coffee Board and its events, call/text (63915) 576-7886, e-mail philcoffeeboard@gmail.com or visit http://www.coffeeboard.com.ph.

NCCCA+2 uproots its 1st Conference’s Schemes and Development on Climate Change Adaptation

Looking back from its first conference, the 2009 2nd National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation or NCCCA+2 dug up and shared to the delegates the 1st NCCCA’s efforts on how the national and local policies regarding climate change adaptation had been enacted to level with international developments.

Last October 26 to 28, NCCCA+2, with the presence of the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, gathered participants from national agencies, local governments, academe, NGOs and other interest groups at Diamond Hotel, Manila to relay information such as the developments in international policy discussions on climate change, particularly adaptation as it relates to disaster risk reduction and mitigation.

NCCCA+2’s theme was “Moving Forward on Albay Declaration 2007”. This was based from the first conference’s Albay Declaration on Climate Change Adaptation which is the embodiment of a convergence of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary efforts to arrest the imminent threats and dangers posed by radical ecological shifts occurring to the planet earth. Albay Declaration 2007 was recognized as the national framework for the mainstreaming of global warming leading to climate change adaptation.

The conference included plenary discussions structured specifically around the Philippine climate scenario and was about the advances made in national and local policies based from the National Strategic Framework on Climate Change Adaptation that covered specific objectives to derive broad consensus on the Philippine Strategic Framework on Climate Change Adaptation, to identify climate change adaptation needs and strategies across various sectors and themes, to provide a venue for knowledge sharing on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, to provide a thematic platform for RDC cooperation towards a common agenda in moving forward climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management initiatives, and to familiarize with the progress of international policy discussions on climate change with particular emphasis on adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management.

This NCCCA+2 was organized and made possible by the event’s Organizing Committee composed of the Provincial Government of Albay, Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Office of the Presidential Adviser on Climate Change (OPACC), Senate of the Philippines, House of Representatives with the support of the GTZ Adaptation to Climate Change and Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCBio) Project, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAFT), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

For more information on the conference, do contact Nong C. Rangasa, Executive Director, Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) through telefax: +6352 4803649, mobile no. +63906 3339400, e-mail at nongrangasa@yahoo.com, or at the website www.albaycirca.org.

PDI holds Annual Career Expo

The Philippine Daily Inquirer, a leading major national newspaper and its program Job Market together with the Inquirer Libre, held its Career Expo 2009 last October 26 and 27 at the Glorietta Activity Center. With its aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and HR practitioners for a decade now, the said career expo has been done annually.

Sponsored by many various media partners namely JOB Market Online, Informatics, Ayala Malls, 90.7 Love Radio, DZRH, YES! FM 101.1 and 103.5 MAX FM, the two-day job fair was well-attended. Some of the country’s most established companies accepted applications from walk-ins who personally handed their resumes. This also served as an opportunity for those others who have been meaning to advance their professional growth in the corporate or non-corporate realm.

Free on-site training workshops were also carried out conducted by American English Skills Development Center, Inc., Personi.fi, and People Straps. This event indeed helped jobseekers to find their dream jobs and land them.

For further inquiries, visit www.jobmarketonline.com or call +63 (02) 892-1828 to 29.

Singing the Songs in the Heart of a Child

The Loboc Children’s Choir sang the songs from their album “And a Child’s Heart Sings” to serenade the crowd gathered at the Onstage Cinema 1 at the Ayala Center Cebu last Oct. 24.

Held for the benefit of the San Nicolas Special Education (SPED) Center at Carlock, Cebu, and endorsed by the Philippine Pediatric Society, the concert was presented by Quota International of Metro Cebu, and in cooperation with Ayala Center Cebu, Smart, the Department of Tourism, Club Radio Cebu, Y 101 FM Cebu, and RCTV 36.

“And a Child’s Heart Sings” was sponsored by: Gold Sponsors: dyLA 909, Hotel Pier Cuatro, Ocean Fast Ferries Inc. (Ocean Jet), and the Freeman News; Silver Sponsors: Cebu Daily News, Island Souvenirs, Sun Star Cebu, and Sky Cable; Bronze Sponsors: City Graphics Cebu, Cebu Energy Development Corp., Frasec Ventures Corp., Bioderm, Casino Ethyl Alcohol, Saint Benedict Childhood Education Center, Efficascent Oil, and Little Angels Montessori School.’

Donors included AR Adlawan Construction, Biz Depot at SM, C6 General Merchandise, Café Laguna, Chinggoy and Baby Blanco, Coca Cola, FLC Builders and Developers, Geno and Frances Tritiletti, Homebakers, Jollibee, Mr. Adrian Artista, Paramount Property Ventures, Pink Flora, Postrio Cebu, and the Ravanses Family.

The concert was held at two different times – 3 pm (Matinee) at Php100 for the upper box and Php200 for the lower box and at 6 pm (Gala) at Php200 for the upper box and Php300 for the lower box.

The Loboc Children’s Choir is school-based choir composed of schoolchildren from the Loboc Central Elementary School, in Loboc, Bohol.

For more information, please visit www.lcconcert.tk.

Fashion Icons Took Over Runway at Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010

Models, artists, and bench-markers in the Fashion Industry took over the runway to showcase their various collections and ramping prowess on the catwalk at the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 that opened at SMX Convention Centre, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City last October 21 to 28, 2009.

The Fashion Week was officially started by the GRAND ALLURE COLLECTION by Ben Farrales, Bo Parcon, Boying Eustaquio, Christian Narvadez, Jaz Cerezo, Jontie Martinez, Marc Rancy, Martin Bautista, Melvin Lachca, Nicky Martinez, Philip Tampus, Popo Go, Richard Papa, Veejay Floresca. It was then followed by the Indigenous Collection from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) , the SM Department Store, and M BARRETO Bag Collections.

For the second day of the week-long celebration, the second batch that ramped on-stage were the LUXEWEAR COLLECTION by Alex Pigao, Anthony Cesar Ramirez, Dave Ocampo, Gil Macaibay, Herbert Custodio, Kat Corpus, Kat Sy, Kermit Tesoro, Manelle Chamian, Maricar Kobayashi, Pablo Kabahug, Raoul Ramirez, Ricky Abad, Roel Rosal, Ronaldo Arnaldo. This was together with the fashion shows of Lee Jeans, FREEGO, and PUEY QUIÑONES.

The third day started the batch of Premier Collection. PRIMIER A Collection by Arnel Zulueta, Catherine Cavilte, Dax Bayani, Ramon Favila, Yako Reyes together with CRISSA, PENSHOPPE, and the presentation of the FORD MODELS SUPERMODEL of the WORLD PHILIPPINES.

The fourth day was the previous day’s continuation of Primier Collections which was the PRIMIER B Collection by Delby Bragais, Edwin Uy, Jaki Penalosa, John Guarnes, Nolie Vineza. PROJECT RUNWAY Philippines took its spotlight this time together with EDGAR SAN DIEGO, Jerome Lorico, Eric Delos Santos, DICKIES, LYLE IBAÑEZ. HEAVEN by Nestle Ice Cream presented PREMIERE C Collection by Arnold Galang, Dita Sandico Ong, Enrico Carado, Happy Andrada, Tina Daniac, Raoul Ramirez for EsAc, Lyle Ibañez for EsAc plus the same day already.

PRIMIER D Collection by Anthony Nocom, Jun Jun Cambe, Marc Tana, Odelon Simpao, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Ziggy Savella, Joel Escober, Twinkle Ferraren, Jerom Salaya Ang, Jorge Palmos dressed up the catwalk for the fifth day. SM RESIDENCES also presented Chris Diaz and Michelle Lim. Bench, HUMAN, and Kashieca also followed together with WHISPER’s Sassa Jimenez, and lastly, MARLON RIVERA.

Cream Silk Treatment RUNWAY READY featuring READY TO WEAR - VISIONS and TRENDS Collection by Alodia Cecilia, Anna Lean Salvador, Ava Paguyo, Ciege Cagalawan, Dimple Lim, Don Protasio, Jian Lasala, Kristel Yulo, Lizanna Cua, Pier Lim, Reian Mata, Tippi Ocampo were presented for the sixth day of the Fashion Week.

For the second to the last day and finale, POND’S presents Red Dress Collection and f’g were presented respectively.

The Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 was sponsored by the Runaway Productions, EsAc, [Mode:]+L, Cal-carries , Creamsilk , POND’S, Nestle, Sense&Style , Garage, IMAGIN, MOD, View, SM Residences (SMDC), San Marino Corned Tuna, Whisper, Sofitel, ASAP ’09, SNN, The BUZZ, Entertainment Live, MAX, NU 107, X-FM 92.3, Jam 88.3, Weekend(Style), ABS-CBN, etc, F, SanMig Light, Runway2Reality, Islands, Creative Juice , ANC, and the official venue, SMX, SM Mall Of Asia.

Youth’s Voice for Change

Music is an avenue for expressing ourselves and to voice out our beliefs and desires. This is the inspiration of the biggest gathering of Filipino Youth and Music Artist for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds last October 23, 2010.

Titled “i-change: Voice for a Better Life Music Festival”, the concert is a movement that empowers young people to discuss their problems and find ways to solve them. It also helps the young and the young-at-heart to find their own voice amidst the changing landscape of today’s socio-political milieu.

On the other hand, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population Development (PLCPD) Director Rom Dongeto stressed that the festival is non-political and there will be no political speeches during the event

The festival, moreover, staged well-known and most favorite bands in the country starting with The Dawn, Sugarfree, Kenyo, Sandwich, The Jerks, Duster, Cambio, Radioactive Sago, Heber Bartolome, Moonstar 88, Imago, Color It Red, Jess Santiago, Paraluman, FMD, 6Cyclemind, Tropical Depression, Kjwan, Chilitees, Peryodiko, Tatsulok, Pedicab, Join the Club, Nico and Carlo, Camerawalls, and Aurora.

Before the jamming begins, the audiences enjoyed in participating booths and symposia. The event was aired on a two-hour TV special on TV5 last November 7.

TJ Besa of CommPulse noted that the festival offered the youth everything that they need from the arts, social service, entrepreneurship, sports and more. It also highlighted the achievements and aspirations of the youth through songs, exhibits, video presentations and other activities.

Foreign Chambers Expo 2009

The Foreign Chambers Local Employment Expo 2009 made job search easier last October 22 to 23, 2009 at the Market! Market! Activity Center , Taguig City.

The 2-day expo offered more than 3,000 jobs that offer competitive salaries to qualified personnel looking to find work among some of the country’s most dynamic companies.

Foreign Chambers Employment Expo Chairman and Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce http://www.anzcham.com/ Vice President Chris Ward said that the participating companies in the expo are looking for new hires that they can train and develop to become part of their long-term plans.

He also noted that they will be looking to invest a lot in the people they will potentially hire during the expo. These companies, moreover, understand that to get the right people, they will need to be competitive in what they will be offering.

The expo will have 50 companies participating from the business-process outsourcing, health-care, real-estate and telecommunication industries.

Organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (818-7911 to 13), Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Inc. (755-8840 to 42), British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (858-2255, 858-2372, 858-2373), Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (843-6457, 843-6466, 843-6471) and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (759-6680, 845-1324), the job expo is part of the Chambers’ advocacy for increased employment in the country to help boost its economy.

The latest edition of the expo offered a wide range of jobs from the technical all the way to executive positions with on-the-spot hiring a possibility when companies see a perfect match to their vacancies.

Defying the Trends and Raising the Bar for Badminton in the ’09 Badminton Open

Over the past five years, the Philippine National Open Badminton Championships has aimed to raise the standards and incorporate changes to change the playing field to cater to more age groups. Now in their sixth year, the annual event has produced several badminton icons, opened interest for badminton for first-timers and enthusiasts alike, and strengthened marketing efforts to continually promote the sport.

The event spanned across ten days (Oct. 16–25) at the Yonex Philippines Badminton Club, Liberty Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Individual participants competed via single elimination, while the doubles and team participants (corporate and collegiate) battled in a round robin competition. Players competed for cash prizes from Php1,500.00 for Juniors 8 and below to Php20,000.00 for the corporate and open categories.

The winners of the different categories and events are:

(Legend: GS – Girls Singles; BS – Boys Singles; GD – Girls Doubles; BD – Boys Doubles; XD – Mixed Doubles; MD – Men’s Doubles; WD – Women’s Doubles)

CORPORATE TEAM: Philippine Star

Juniors 8U GS Aldreen Rae Concepcion

Juniors 8U BS John Bryan Bernardo

Juniors 10U GS Thea Marie Pomar

Juniors 10U BS Frell Keeyann Gabuelo

Juniors 12U GS Cassandra Lim

Juniors 12U BS Daniel Guda

Juniors 12U GD Paola Beatriz Bernardo and Alyssa Ysabel Leonardo

Juniors 12U BD Roberto Pineda and Ceyel Pajarillo

Juniors 12U XD Roberto Pineda and Jacqueline Keyser

Juniors 14U GS Ma. Bianca Ysabel Carlos

Juniors 14U BS Elijah Abdel Boac

Juniors 14U GD Janelle Glorianne De Vera and Elainne Vinluan

Juniors 14U BD Kenneth Monterubio and Gerald Sibayan

Juniors 14U XD Lance Erickson Bautista and Dia Nicole Magno

Juniors 16U GS Rochelle Andres

Juniors 16U BS Peter Gabriel Magnaye

Juniors 16U GD Krisnin Camille Yang and Anna Patricia Barredo

Juniors 16U BD Marco Bermejo and Voughn Ivan Angsico

Juniors 16U XD Rj Ubungen and Pauline Angelica Ramos

Juniors 18U GS Karyn Velez

Juniors 18U BS Philip Joper Escueta

Juniors 18U BS Philip Joper Escueta

Juniors 18U GD Danica Bolos and Descka Calimlim

Juniors 18U BD Peter Gabriel Magnaye and Patrique Magnaye

Juniors 18U XD Wilfredo Amoroso and Jamila Fatima Cruz

Open WS Gelita Castilo

Open MS Antonino Benjamin Gadi

Open WD Kennie Asuncion and Karyn Velez

Open MD Ian Gil Piencenaves and Marlon Villarin

Open XD Kennevic Asuncion and Kennie Asuncion

Seniors A MD Ruel Inciong and Eduard Namoco

Seniors A WD Rina Batuigas and Dalia Santiago

Seniors A XD Ginalee Daymiel and Ronald Daymiel

Seniors B MD Prospero Aguilar and JD De Jesus

Seniors B WD Junalee Magnaye and Noreen Go

Seniors B XD JD De Jesus and Marga Tan

Seniors C MD Manric Zalamea and Jofer Velez

Seniors C WD Elaine Lao and Rommie Tan

Seniors C XD Boy Mejica and Myrna Rosete

Seniors Singles MS Ronald Daymiel

Seniors Singles WS Annelyn Alba

The Philippine National Open Badminton Championships is presented by Yonex, Sunrise Sports, Juego, and Gatorade, and sponsored by Yonex, Badminton Hub, Sports Hub, Potraitme.net, Potato Corner, and Elarz Lechon, with media partners The Philippine Star, our official radio partner, Wave 89.1, and Solar Sports.

For a complete list of the tournament guidelines, please see http://www.worldkalakal.com/yonexsunrisetourney/images/stories/pdf/2009_yonex-technical-guidelines-1.3_aug-21.pdf. For more information, you may send an email to wkievents@workkalakal.com; or call telephone numbers (02) 5153399 or 0916-6772195.

OK Bikol Trade Fair with Gayon Bikol

The 13th Orgullo kan Bikol regional trade fair showcased anew Bicol’s best products last October 22-25 at the SM Mega Mall Megatrade Hall 2 in Mandaluyong City.

As said by DTI Bicol regional director Jocelyn L.B. Blanco, this year’s featured products included “wearables, home furnishings, gifts and holiday decors, and food with special setting on “bayong”, creative handicrafts, and OTOP.”

Supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol regional offices, “Gayon Bikol sa OK Bikol” also featured the best tourist destinations in the region, giving the event an appealing socio-cultural touch.

There were a total of 134 Bicolano entrepreneurs who showcased their products during the exhibit. Among the six provinces comprising Bicol, Albay had the biggest number of exhibitors with 33 MSMEs, followed by Camarines Sur with 24, Sorsogon with 14, Catanduanes 9, Camarines Norte 6, and Masbate 5. Aside from the regular MSMEs assisted by DTI, 43 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries/entrepreneurs were able to join OKB, also with the assistance of DTI.

The keynote address during the opening program was delivered by Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda (also the Bicol Regional Development Council chair) last October 22, 2009, 10:00 AM at SM Mega Mall.

The fair promoted market linkages with the players in the travel industry, trade buyers and investors to further boost Bicol’s tourism, trade and investment potentials.

OK Bikol is a project of the DTI-Region V, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region V, OK Bikol Association, PhilExport Bicol and local government units (LGUs). The official sponsors of OK Bikol Trade Fair with Gayon Bikol are: ABS-CBN, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines, PHILEXPORT, and Megatrade Hall.

Farming Merged with Robotics at 2009 National Robotics Competition

The 2009 National Robotics Competition (NRC) was held at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia last October 23-24, 2009.

The contest was open to all Filipino students between 9-18 years old (born before Nov 1, 1991). Any type or brand of Robot, or custom-built automaton, was allowed for the competition.

The tournament was divided into two categories: open, wherein students were tasked to create a presentation based on a theme; and regular, where students were tasked to build a robot designed to battle in a “sumobot” match.

With the theme “Agribots in the City,” this year’s open category revolved around the farming cycle and possible activities in Philippine setting where technology and robotics can be applied. Students were tasked to construct two robots that “will do tasks that represent harvesting, sorting of grains, storage, transporting to market, feeding of animals, and switching of irrigation and biogas.”

The mainstay “sumobot” competition, aptly described as the “wrestling of the robots,” had a simple premise: to push the opponent robot out of a makeshift dohyo (sumo ring). Robots battling in the sumobot match must not weigh more than 500 grams, and must not exceed dimensions of 15 cm by 15 cm.

Around 80 teams participated and competed for the prize award of representing the country in the 11th International Robot Olympiad (IRO 2009) held at Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea, last December 17-20, 2009. Students from Makati Science High School emerged as winners in the “open” category. All top-prize winners received cash, plaques and robot kits.

Pasay City Mayor Wencaslao “Peewee” Trinidad graced the opening of the competition.

Coinciding with the 2nd NRC were several seminars conducted by the organizers. PRGF conducted a free robotics workshop featuring robotics inventions and robotics competitions by the private and public high schools in the whole country, and student delegates from other Asian countries.

GCI arranged a Seminar Series for I.T. Educators and Robotics Workshop, which centered on various Science, Technology and ICT programs.

A wide range of participants joined in the seminars – from students to parents and I.T. teachers. The seminars were free of charge but pre-registration was required. Among the workshop topics were:

• Technology Tools for Schools
• Opening your school to Open Source Technology
• Fashion 101 for Teachers
• Robotics in Schools - patterned after the Singapore style
• Using Microcontrollers in Science Experiments
• English Teaching and Learning Technology
• Hotel System for HRM Schools
  

The 2nd National Robotics Competition was organized by the Genetic Computer Institute (GCI), INEX Singapore, Nido Science Discovery Center, SM Mall of Asia, Honda and the Pinoy Robot Games Foundation (PRGF) and sponsored by GENETIC Infoservices Corporation, Innovative Experiment (INEX), Nido, and the following media partners: Manila Bulletin, TV5, Yehey!.com, Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT , and 103.5 Max FM.

For more information about PRGF, email info@pinoyrobotgames.org or visit www.pinoyrobotgames.org.

Runners Worldwide Joined Subic International Marathon

Runners from all over the Philippines and other countries took part in ‘the most prestigious marathon in the Philippines’ – the Second Subic International Marathon 2009 held last October 24 – 25, 2009 at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Presented by Smart and managed by E-ventologist Co., the race aims to outnumber and outperform all marathons in the country with a targeted number of 10,000 runners who will vie for over Php1.6M in prizes.

But the event exceeded its target 10,000 runners participating in the 3k, 5k, 10k, 21k and full marathon 42-kilometer run. More than 100 foreign runners from Singapore, China, Korea, Malaysia, Australia, USA, Taiwan, Thailand, and Kenya.

700 participants joined the 42k run which started at the Floridablanca Exit of SCTEx in the late afternoon. More than a thousand runners joined in the 21k category billed as “Achievement Run for our Uniformed Men” . Another thousand for the 10km events, which also served as the Nike + Virtual Human Race, and over 2,000 runners took part in the 5k and 3k fun run.

In the end, Kenyan runner dominated the men’s and women’s category. Finishing first for the me’s category was Kenyan runner Vincent Kipchirchir Chepsiror clocked in at 2:27:54 and received $5,000.00. He was followed by 7 other Kenyans, finishing the race with places. At ninth place and the top Filipino finisher is Hernanie Sore, 25 years old and a former member of the Philippine steeplechase team. He timed in at 2:40:20. He was followed by another Filipino, Alquin Bolivar with 2:40:42.

Kenya’s Doreen Kitaka won the $5,000 top prize in the women’s event by clocking 3:01:12. Filipina Aileen Tolentino took home third place with 3:29:01.

The 2nd Subic International Marathon 2009 is co-presented by Philippine National Police, SCTEx, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Manila North Tollway Corporation, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Bases Conversion Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Nike, Christ Sports, Timex , Sam Miguel Beer, Burlington BioFresh, RUNNR, Subic Holiday Villas, Sports Armour, Toby’s Sports, Rotary International, Tsoko Nut Batirol, Pocari Sweat, Subic Bay, Second Wind, Dusit Thani Hotel, SportAde, Isuzu, Outback Steakhouse, Novellino Wines, NutriBar, Growers, TRX, Burger King, and Columbia Sportswear Company.

The media partners for this event are ABS-CBN, IBC13, Business World, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, MTV Philippines, NBN-4, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5RT, 103.5 MaxFM, Action and Fitness Magazine, and UNTV 37.

For more information about the event, contact E-ventologist the JAPA Bldg. at 2256 Chino Roces Ave. Makati City, or call 5839893, 0928-6009930, 0928-7602834 or 0918-9104565. Visit the event website at http://www.subicinternationalmarathon.com/

Philippine Yoga Asana Championship 2009

The 2nd Philippine Yoga Asana Championships (PYAC) was held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati last October 25, 2009.

The goal of the event was to bring yoga to the national consciousness by making more people aware of all the benefits — physical, mental, emotional — that can come from practicing yoga. At the same time, it also highlighted the possibility that “competition” can also take the form where all the competitors are cheering for one another and urging each other to reach their potential and go beyond.

Participants who joined the competition were required to complete 2 registration forms from the PYAC website, the Entry Form and the Waiver & Release of Liability Form.

Adhering to the rules and regulations set out by the organizing committee of the International Yoga Asana Championship, participants were also required to furnish a photo ID, proof of age and proof of residency together with the 2 forms. The duly completed and signed registration documents were then submitted to the Bikram Yoga Manila Office thru Tristan Choa, PYAC Chairman.

The Adult Division championship, which was divided into men and women categories, was open to all individuals 18 years and older. There was also a Youth Division category for younger participants. However, there were no separate categories for yoga teachers and students.

Foreigners using tourist visas were not eligible to compete. Other restrictions were: female contestants must not be pregnant, no contestant can participate as a judge at any regional championship and stimulating drugs or alcoholic beverages must not be used before or during the championship. The Committee reserved the full right to suspend a competitor at any time.

Participants were given 3 minutes to perform a set of required poses (“asana”), plus 2 more advanced poses. For this year, the five required asanas were:

1. Dandayamana Janusirasana (Standing-Head-to-Knee)
2. Dandayamana Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pulling Pose)
3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
4. Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
5. Pashcimottanasana (Stretching Pose)

Using standardized judging criteria, the competitors were given scores based on balance, strength, poise, stability, flexibility, gracefulness and appropriate use of the time to finish the pose as they performed their routine.

Optional postures were judged on the degree of difficulty and performance. Points were deducted for imbalance and/or instability. Postures in performances exceeding 3 minutes were considered incomplete and disqualified.

First and second place winners in the championship were eligible to compete at the Annual International Yoga Asana Championship Finals in Los Angeles, CA. The third place finisher was designated as an alternate competitor.

For the audience who watched the competition proper, tickets were sold for Php 300 at Bikram Yoga Manila and at the event entrance.

The event was for the benefit of A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Baguio City’s first pediatric rehabilitative center for special children. Children from Pampanga to Kalinga Apayao and Abra with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism or Down syndrome come to the place for treatment.

Presented by Bikram Yoga Manila and Pru Life UK, the 2nd PYAC was sponsored by the Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and The Philippine Star.

For more information, visit the official website at http://www.philippineyogachampionship.com or e-mail info@philippineyogachampionship.com.

Philippines Celebrated International Year of Natural Fibers with International Arts and Crafts Expo

In celebration of the United Nation’s Declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers, the Philippines hosted the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Handicraft Promotion and Development Associations (AHPADA) International Arts and Crafts Expo last October 26 - 28, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture, the event carried the theme, “Weaves of the World”, which aims to showcase the natural fibers of the world. Through this year’s theme, the event aims to focus more on the advancing interest in the fiber arts, its resources, services, and its crafts.

Eighteen countries showcased the arts and crafts of their country through creative displays in their respective pavilions. Participating countries include China, India, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Maldives, Mongolia., Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, India, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Aside from the exhibit of natural fiber products, the event was highlighted with a fashion show of ethnic designs and motifs, and presentations of traditional dances and music and arts. Special sessions were held during the event which dealt with the creation of a competitive business environment for the industry, market opportunities on natural fibers, global trends, and the revival of the ethnic Philippine textile industry.

The 2nd AHPADA International Arts and Crafts Expo is co-organized by the Philippine Tourism Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Foreign Affairs, Duty Free Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The event is sponsored by Ambiance by Pido (Official Event Stylist), XFM 92.3, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Cebu Pacific, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror and PLDT-SME Nation.

For more information about the event, contact the AHPADA Secretariat at (632) 392-7550, 832-0996, fax (632) 834-2994, email: aphadaexpo@yahoo.com, or visit the event website at http://www.ahpadaexpo.com/

Parking Business Operators Take Part in the Philippine International Parking Expo and Conference

Parking business operators in the country are invited to take part in the Philippine International Parking Expo and Conference slated on October 27 – 28, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center in of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The event serves as a grand gathering of parking business suppliers and professionals showcasing products and services of the industry. This event also aims to convene and organize an association for all parking business operators to professionalize as well as grow the industry in the Philippines.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando will keynote the Conference. Speakers for the event include Mr. Dennis Cunning from DLC Consultancy; Mr. Peter Guest, Honorary member of the Croatian Parking Association; Dr. Eduardo Fulgencio from the American Society for Industrial Security; Mr. Angus Stevenson – Hamilton, Corporate Security Director for Shangri-la Group of Hotels Resorts, and Mr. John Van Horn, Parking World Editor and Publisher.

The 2009 Philippine International Parking Expo and Conference is in partnership with Department of Tourism, Philippine Society for Industrial Security, Makati Parking Authority, Ortigas Community Association, Inc., Automotive Association of the Philippines, Philippine Convention Visitors Corp., Entrepreneurs Society of the Philippines, and the following media partners: Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT,103.5 Max FM, Asenso Pinoy (IBC 13), Parking World, Philstar.com, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Creative Voices, Travelife Magazine, Media G8way Corp., Entrepreneur Philippines, Cebuwebads.com, and BizLINQ.net.

For more information about the event, contact Ex-Link Management and Marketing Services Corp. at (632) 643-3887, 643-7760, 640-1280, email events@exlinkevents.com or visit the conference website at www.philparkingevents.com.

SK National Congress

Led by National Federation president Jane Censoria del Rosario-Cajes from Bohol, the 2009 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Congress was held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Zambales last October 27-30, 2009.

Dubbed “SK: Ako ang Pagbabago,” the congress tackled current youth issues and concerns of SK Federation and youth leaders. The SK National Congress is held yearly in compliance with the Katipunan ng Kabataan and Sangguniang Kabataan Constitution to promote the interests and welfare of the Filipino youth. More than 4,000 SK delegates from all over the country attended the Congress.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the event as keynote speaker. In her speech, the President said that it is the youth of this nation who have the energy to make their dreams come true. The Arroyo administration has always enlisted the participation of the youth in the Philippine Reform Agenda, which focuses on economy, education and environment.

The President led the awarding of the Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Awards and Recognition (OSKAR) with the assistance of Cajes. OSKAR is an award given to Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan members whose achievements and projects created an impact beneficial to their localities.

The importance of the Sangguniang Kabataan in achieving the government’s programs and projects, especially the Green Philippines campaign launched last year, was also emphasized. Sub-themed “Thinking Green,” the congress also focused on the youths’ participation in the protection and preservation of the environment.

Noting that people under 30 make up more than half of the population, Arroyo also said that the youth sector is indispensable in the fight against climate change and in the preservation and protection of the environment.

A national simultaneous SK Tree Planting Day, national coastal clean-up and awareness raising day and production and distribution of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) materials related to environment were given highlights for the whole year.

The youth council also signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Disaster Coordinating Council in relation to the youth’s participation and readiness trainings in time of disasters and calamities.

After her speech, the President turned over a check for P10 million to the SK national federation to serve as equity for the projects of the organization as approved by the SK council.

Aside from President Arroyo, other government officials who attended the event are Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Sergio Osmena-Valencia and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Ephraim Genuino. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza and presidential candidates Manuel Villar, Richard Gordon and Francis Escudero were also present.

Sangguniang Kabataan is the barangay’s youth legislature. It initiates policies, programs and projects for the youth. The SK National Congress was supported by the SK National Executive Board.

For more information about SK, you may visit their official website at http://www.skpilipinas.com.

Laguna Aspirant Won Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines

Ms. Charlene “Chat” Louise Alagon Almarvez showed off her winning form and bested nine supermodel aspirants during the 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines held last October 23, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Hosted by international model Christine Bayer, the much anticipated modeling competition was staged by Runway Productions and saw the presence of former Ford Models CEO Katie Ford, now a United Nations roving ambassador for the anti-human trafficking campaign, as one of the evening’s judges. The 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines served as one of the highlights of the Philippine Fashion Week held last October 21 – 28, 2009.

This year’s 10 finalists namely, Ms. Chat Almarvez, Ms. CJ Malabayabas, Ms. Chen Montero, Ms. Janina San Miguel, Ms. Melanie Angeles, Ms. Paw Cordero, Ms. Paula Bartolome, Ms. Reyn de Mesa, Ms. Tiffany Jones, and Ms. Tina Marasigan battled it out on the ramp with Ms. Almarvez, Ms. Angeles, and Ms. San Miguel making the Top Three.

In the end, it was 16-year-old, 5’9 Chat Almarvez who won the one-year modeling contract with CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines and a roundtrip ticket (with pocket money) to Sao Paolo, Brazil, to represent the country in the Ford Supermodel of the World 2010 finals in January for a shot at $250,000 worth of modeling contracts from Ford Models.

Established in 1980 by the iconic Eileen Ford of the longest-running model-management company Ford Models, the Ford Supermodel of the World competition covers over 50 countries to find fashion’s newest faces year after year. Brazilian Adriana Lima, American Chanel Iman, and Korean Kang Seung Hyun are some of the industry’s top fashion mannequins that became part of the competition.

The 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines is presented by Ford Models Inc., New York, Runway Productions, and CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines. Official hotel is Manila Hotel. Hair and Make up done by Essensuals Hairdressing (by Toni&Guy) and sponsored by Manila Bulletin (Style Weekend), Business Mirror, The View, The Manila Times, Sense and Style, MOD Magazine, Dream FM 106.7, NU 107, XFM 92.3, 99.5 RT, 97dot9 Home Radio, Jam 88.3, 103.5 Max FM, ClickTheCity.com, and UNO Pizzeria.

For more information, contact Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines Secretariat at (632) 753-3688.

CHIPI featured Natural Solutions for a World of Wellness

The Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines Inc. (CHIPI) showcased the 3rd Marpe’ Health Expo ‘09: Natural Solutions for a World of Wellness at the Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, last October 23 to 25, 2009.

The event is the herbal industry’s humble contribution to helping the Philippines push forward amidst the global crisis. It is a once a year opportunity for the local consumers to have access to world class natural and wellness products and services that offers special discounts and promotions while learning about developments in the industry. On the other hand, exhibitors had an opportunity to present new offerings to its loyal consumers intended to help them through these difficult times and expose their products and services to new markets.

For more information, contact Mr. Jonathan Roxas or Ms. Mika Cecilia-Templo of MCT Events Management, the marketing arm of the 3rd Marpe’ Health Expo ’09, through (632) 747-0529, 799-0230, 701-1759 to 60 or e-mail mct_events@yahoo.com.

ABA conference in Manila

The Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) hosted and organized the 26th General Meeting and Conference of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA) last October 29 to 30, 2009.

With the theme, What's Ahead for Asian Banking", the event featured prominent speakers from both the private and public sectors which include: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr,; Morgan Stanley Asia Chairman and author of The Next Asia (Wiley) Stephen Roach; Asianomics Ltd Founder and Managing Director Dr. Jim Walker; McKinsey & Co. Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Beshouri; Asian Development Bank Senior Advisor for Financial Sector Noritaka Akamatsu; Credit Suisse Vice Chairman for the Asia and the Pacific Jose Isidro Camacho; Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Bala Swaminathan; JP Morgan Managing Director Shun Pang; Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Asia Managing Director Charles Mak.

ABA Members in the country include Development Bank of the Philippines, East West Banking Corporation, the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Corporation, the Philippine National Bank, and the RCBC.

Aitken in Manila

The Philippine Flute Society and Banco De Oro featured Canada’s leading Flutist in a concert last October 29, 2009, at BDO’s Francisco Santiago Hall. Mezanine level. H.V. Dela Costa St. Makati City.

Cristine Coyiuto and her daughter, Flutist, Caitlin Alisa together with the leading premiere area Flutists, Enrique Barcelo, Francisco Candelaria, David Jerome Johnson, Antonio Maigue, Marie Poblete, Raymundo Sison and Santiago Yangco, participated in this fascinating concert.

Mr. Ringo Chan, Director of the Hong Kong Flute Centre conducted the Philippine Flute Society Flute Orchestra, a 30-member Flute Orchestra comprised of young talented Flutists from all the major Universities in the Metro Manila area.

The program includes works by Robert Aitken, Johann Sebastian Bach, Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach, Franz Doppler, Georges Adolphe Hüe, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Serge Prokofiev.

This delightfully varied and unique concert showcased the many facets of the Flute in Solo, in combinations for Flute and Piano, 2 Flutes and Piano and also several large works arranged for the Flute Orchestra with Flute Solo.

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble is the major sponsor of the said event in collaboration with BDO and The Philippine Flute Society.

Other major sponsors include: Vivere Suites, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc., ROS Music Centre and the Clarion Chamber Ensemble, and Radio Station DZFE 98.7 “the Master Touch”.

Surfs Up During La Union Surfing Break 4th Season

Amidst the aftermath of Typhoon Pepeng and threat of Typhoon Ramil, the fourth season La Union Surfing Break pushed through last October 30 to November 01, 2009 at Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union.

The La Union Surfing Break is one of the major tourism projects of the Provincial Government of La Union in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region I, Municipality of San Juan, La Union Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association, La Union Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau and the San Juan Beach Resorts Association.

The event was attended by an assemblage of government and private entities and people of all ages with mixed cultures, nationalities and interests looking for fun and rest by way of surfing and other beach activities such as night parties.

The past three seasons of the event made a remarkable impression in the Region. For this year, the number of reservations of interested parties increased before the event started and even at the start of day one notwithstanding weather forecast. Hotel and resort reservations extended from as far as Bauang and City of San Fernando.

The event started with a Grand Motorcade from Bauang Town Plaza to Urbiztondo Surf Camp. Activities included were Surfing Clinics, Bike Race Competition, Surf Board Design Competition, S.I.L.I.P Photography Contest, Beach Volleyball Competition, Amazing Race Challenge, Local Surfing Competition, Sand Castle Fun Building Contest, Search For Surfing Bodies 2009, Touch Mobile Astig Fest Concert and Halloween Beach Party.

Participants of the different events automatically received souvenir shirts. Winners who were awarded with trophies, medals, cash incentives and certificates

Surfing, also known as the “The Sport of Kings” is now well-known in the Philippines. La Union, being one of the most accessible surf destinations takes pride in showcasing the waves in Urbiztondo, San Juan.

For more information about the event, contact the Provincial Government of La Union at (6372) 242-5550 or visit their website at www.launion.gov.ph

Top Philippine Entrepreneurs Graced JCI Entrep Summit ‘09

Eight entrepreneurs shared their inspiring and business success stories during the Entrep Summit 09 held at the SM Convention Center last October 24, 2009.

Entrep Summit is a project of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) or more popularly known as Manila Jaycees. The yearly event aims to inspire and fuel the entrepreneurial spirit of young Filipinos. Entrep Summit aims also to dispel fears about going into business, or staying in business.

With this year’s theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders,” invited speakers were Mr. Johnip Cua, the 1st Filipino General Manager of Procter and Gamble; Mr. Mark Ruiz of Hapinoy and Rags2riches; Mr. Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet; Mr. Edward Lee, Founder & Chairman of Citisec Online; Mr. Rudy Ang, Dean of Ateneo de Manila’s School of Management; Mr. York Vitangcol, CEO of St. Peter’s Group of Companies; Ms. Victoria Jardolin, Founder and President of Marikina Shoe Exchange; and Ms. Vicki Belo, Founder of the Belo Medical Group.

This project encapsulates the JCI-Manila’s tenet of providing "economic justice by free men through free enterprise" and cement JCI Manila as a leadership organization actively participating in the business concerns of young leaders and entrepreneurs. Being the lifeblood of the Philippine economy, the SMEs should consciously adapt and grow with market changes and take steps to attaining their business goals - thus coining the term "Entrep Summit".

Entrep Summit ’09 is sponsored by LBC; Del Monte Fit ‘n Right; The Philippine Stock Exchange; TV Partner ANC; Online Partners: Yehey; Entrepreneur Magazine; 88DB dot com; Our Awesome Planet; Print partners: BusinessWorld; Philippine Daily Inquirer; The Manila Times; Manila Bulletin; Radio partners: Jam 88dot3, Wave 89dot1, Magic 89dot9, 103dot5 Max FM; Online solutions provider: PLDT SME Nation

For more information, contact Manila Jaycees at (632) 525-6792, (632) 5252631, or visit their website http://www.jcimanila.org/ or the event website at www.entrepsummit.yehey.com.

LSP Hosted International Confab of Linguists

The Linguistic Society of the Philippines hosted the 15th Conference of the International Association for World Englishes (IAWE) held last October 22-24, 2009 at Parklane International Hotel in Cebu City.

The annual conference is a forum that promotes the exchange of ideas among linguists, applied linguists, sociolinguists, writers, scholars, and educators on the philosophy of World Englishes and issues of convergence and diversity specifically in language.

This year’s theme: “Connecting Cultures through World Englishes: Convergence and Diversity in Language, Literature, and Pedagogy,” covered a wide range of topics in the domains of education, government, industry, and media.

Delegates discussed the following topics: 1.) Literary creativity in South, Southeast, and East Asia; 2.) Philippine English, Philippine Englishes in the World Englishes paradigm; 3.) World Englishes, Asian Englishes, and competing norms; 4.) World Englishes and the ASEAN lingua franca; 5.) World Englishes and language use in media; 6.) World Englishes and the ASEAN workplace; 7.) World Englishes vs English as a Lingua Franca.

The event was keynoted by known experts in the field such as Dr. Danilo Tayag, Full Professor and Chairperson, Department of English and Applied Linguistics at the Dela Salle University and President of Linguistic Society of the Philippines; Dr. Eyamba G. Bokamba, Professor of Linguistics and African Languages at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign; and Dr. Yasukata Yano, Professor Emeritus of Linguistics at the Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan .

The 15th Conference of the International Association for World Englishes was organized in partnership with Dela Salle University Manila, SIL Philippines; and the Philippine Social Science Center.

For more information, contact the Linguistic Society of the Philippines at (632) 524-4611 or through their website http://www.lsphil.org.

UN Official graced Asia Pacific NGO Forum

Dr. Noeleen Heyzer , the United Nations Undersecretary General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the recently concluded Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing + 15 held on October 22-24, 2009 at Miriam College in Quezon City.

Nearly 15 years after the Beijing Conference, the APNGO Forum brought together more than 500 international delegates who reaffirmed the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA), a strategic document to ensure that the rights of women are protected, promoted, and fulfilled. During the forum, the delegates also made a Final Declaration on Beijing + 15 entitled Weaving Wisdom, Confronting Crises, Forging the Future.

Dr. Heyzer is the first woman to hold the highest UN post in Asia. Prior to her appointment as Undersecretary General, she was the Executive Director of United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in New York.

The Forum was convened by Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, chair of the Southeast Asia Women’s Watch and President of Miriam College.

The Forum was organized by the Asia Pacific Women’s Watch

Resolving Problems in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

The Philippines Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Inc. (PSREI) held its 15th Annual Convention at the Manila Diamond Hotel last Oct. 21–23 with the theme “Dilemmas in REI: A Problem-Based Approach.”

The three-day convention featured several lectures regarding uterine bleeding, fertility desire in the early 40’s, pelvic endomerosis, and ovarian cryopreservation among others, plus a reproductive endoscopy workshop on the third day. Four foreign guest lecturers also graced the convention, including Dr. Charles Koh and Dr. Cheng Li Chang. Dr. Koh was among the four specialists who conducted the reproductive endoscopy workshop.

A video of Dr. Koh was also shown, featuring hands-on training on laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and advanced laparoscopy (laparoscopic suturing).

PBA’s 41st Conferment

The Philippine Board of Anesthesiology Foundation Inc. (PBA) held their 41st Conferment Ceremonies at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong last October 28, 2009.

Merle F. dela Cruz-Odi, Chair Board of Trustees for 2007-2009, shared in her inspirational message for the delegates her lesson learned in the recent onslaught brought by Ondoy. “This (the Ondoy) has brought to the fore a certain reflection: SIMPLIFY.”

This idea, according to her, came from a long time colleague and friend who did not have qualms about unburdening herself with what was important which did not seem necessary at the bottom lines. She also stressed that safety is what they want to achieve in Anethesia  and encouraged other members to not allow themselves to be carried away by wants and focus on what is more important.

On the other hand, Fidel C. Payawal, Chair PBA Board of Examiners 2007-2009, inspire conferees to continue reaching their goals and do what is best for the patients. “This conferment is only a prelude to another episode. Let the triumph you reaped inspire you strive more. Keep on pressing forward. Make our profession nobler by your exemplary performance in every feat, keeping the good of the patient your highest priority,” he noted.

For more information about the event, contact PBA at (632) 455-8263, 455-8264, fax (632) 929-5852, (63917) 832-9069, (63927)445-0861, (63920)952-2120 or visit their website at www.psa-ph.org

History in Sync: Connecting the Philippines through History

The Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS) held its 30th National Conference on Local and National History at the Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last Oct. 22–24, aiming to encourage systematic studies on local and national histories.

Carried by its theme “Towards a National History: Local History in the Context of National History,” the three-day gathering of historians was also geared toward looking at research and writings on the various regions of the country, locate these works in the context of Philippine history as a whole, and single out gaps that may be addressed through further research. Papers on certain topics of social sciences and humanities were also presented in the conference.

For particulars about the event, interested parties may send inquiries could to Dr. Marianito Jose Luspo, Co-Convener, at Holy Name University, Gallares corner Lesage Streets, 6300 Tagbilaran City, through email address: mjlocad@yahoo.com.ph or to Dr. Erlinda K. Alburo, Co-Convener, at Cebuano Studies Center, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, with email address: bisayangdaku@yahoo.com.

UP Manila Calls for Efforts against Climate Change

While many of us have accepted the fact of the destructive effects of global warming and climate change, the social impact of these phenomena, especially on natural resources, have yet to be discussed in detail.

With the aim to effectively address the consequences of global climate change to the most vulnerable sectors of the society, the University of the Philippines Manila College of Arts and Sciences organized a two-day conference entitled “The Science and Social Impact of Global Climate Change – A Philippine Setting” last Oct. 22–23 at the Pearl Garden Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

The conference discussed, in particular, the effect of the global phenomenon in the local setting and what measures have already been done to curb the massive effect of global warming, as well as to identify how to make agriculture, fisheries, and energy could made sustainable in the midst of climate change.

Eight different plenary sessions were spanned across the two-day event.

Dr. Josefina Argete and Dr. Tolentino Moya discussed the science of climate change in a two-part session, while Prof. Natividad Lacdan went into detail about the social impact of climate change. Dr. Francis Ross de Guzman and Dr. Tonie Balangue were the speakers for local and international policies (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994 and The Kyoto Protocol in 2003) regarding climate change and “green accounting,” respectively. Other speakers included Drs. Raymond Tan, Lydia Leonardo, and Helen Mendoza, and Atty. Fermin Nestor Gardinab, who tackled sustainable production and consumption, impacts of climate change on health, advocacies, and “green courts.”

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) participated in the conference as a partner and sponsor. Pilipinas Shell and Medialdea, Ata, Bello, Guevarra, Suarez are also among the sponsors for the event.

For more information, relevant links, sponsors, and further details, you may visit the following websites: http://sites.google.com/site/upmgcc/ and http://upmclimatechange.ning.com/.

Breaking the Language Barrier: DepEd Slates National Language Teaching Seminar-Workshop

The Department of Education (DepEd) slated a national seminar-workshop, entitled Language Teaching Across Cultures. Originally scheduled for Oct. 21–23 at the Teacher’s Village in Baguio City, the event finally pushed through last Dec. 7–9 at the Monte Vista Resort, Calamba City.

According to Dr. Paraluman R. Giron, Southern Tagalog-A (CALABARZON) host regional director, the seminar-workshop is geared toward gaining an understanding on multicultural education and language teaching across continents. The seminar-workshop was conducted by the Regional Language Center Alumni Association of the Philippines (RELCAAP).

The seminar included in-depth discussions in new developments in teaching language, literature, and culture; responses to cultural and language diversity and gender; electronic collaboration for English instruction across cultures; sharing of new techniques and developments on teaching different languages; teaching strategies; and designing a language program, responsive to cultural diversity and ethnicity and gender.

The event participants included DepEd regional directors, schools division superintendents, RELC grantees, English and Filipino regional and division education supervisors in 17 DepEd regions, and department heads.

For more information on the seminar-workshop, please contact Ms. Liezel Selda, DepEd Region IV-CALABARZON at (02) 682-1054 or (02) 666-5820 or send an email to drparahgiron@gmail.com or liela_zel@yahoo.com

UP Manila Calls for Efforts against Climate Change

While many of us have accepted the fact of the destructive effects of global warming and climate change, the social impact of these phenomena, especially on natural resources, have yet to be discussed in detail.

With the aim to effectively address the consequences of global climate change to the most vulnerable sectors of the society, the University of the Philippines Manila College of Arts and Sciences organized a two-day conference entitled “The Science and Social Impact of Global Climate Change – A Philippine Setting” (http://sites.google.com/site/upmgcc/ and http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/submitted-news/1-press-releases/318-global-climate-change-conference-set-on-october-22-23.html) last Oct. 22–23 at the Pearl Garden Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

The conference discussed, in particular, the effect of the global phenomenon in the local setting and what measures have already been done to curb the massive effect of global warming, as well as to identify how to make agriculture, fisheries, and energy could made sustainable in the midst of climate change.

Eight different plenary sessions were spanned across the two-day event.

Dr. Josefina Argete and Dr. Tolentino Moya discussed the science of climate change in a two-part session, while Prof. Natividad Lacdan went into detail about the social impact of climate change. Dr. Francis Ross de Guzman and Dr. Tonie Balangue were the speakers for local and international policies (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994 and The Kyoto Protocol in 2003) regarding climate change and “green accounting,” respectively. Other speakers included Drs. Raymond Tan, Lydia Leonardo, and Helen Mendoza, and Atty. Fermin Nestor Gardinab, who tackled sustainable production and consumption, impacts of climate change on health, advocacies, and “green courts.”

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) participated in the conference as a partner and sponsor. Pilipinas Shell and Medialdea, Ata, Bello, Guevarra, Suarez are also among the sponsors for the event.

For more information, relevant links, sponsors, and further details, you may visit the following websites: http://sites.google.com/site/upmgcc/ and http://upmclimatechange.ning.com/.

Nacionalista Party Awarded 60 Promising Entrepreneurs

The Nacionalista Party (NP) led by presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar chose 60 promising entrepreneurs out of thousands as this year’s awardees of “Pondo sa Sipag, Puhunan sa Tiyaga” in an event at the NBC Tent at The Fort, Global City in Taguig last October 23, 2009.

The awards, launched in November 2007 during the party’s centennial commemoration, aims to promote entrepreneurship as a way of combating poverty. The 2009 national winners receiving a capital grant of P100, 000.00 each were Rufo dela Cruz of Calasiao, Pangasinan, who make and sell “Bella’s Puto Calasiao,” and Elisa Tomas of Quirino for her “Melizabeth food products” business.

Other awardees from Northern Luzon receiving P20,000 seed capital were Carlo Balneg of Abra, Dominador Codio of Benguet, Sr. Gabriela Dargiwan of Kalinga, Valentino Vicerra of Apayao, Angelina Tagay of Ilocos Norte, Elisa Abaya of Ilocos Sur, Romy Urbano of La Union, Armando Macatuggal of Quirino, Marvin Mapote of Isabela, Perlita Tiburcio of Nueva Vizcaya, Lucila Eugenio of Nueva Ecija, Conchita Hernandez of Aurora, Rodolfo Molina of Tarlac, Pamela Santos of Bataan, Remedios Udad of Pampanga, and Prisco del Moro of Bulacan.

Winners from Southern Luzon were Ramelito Barte of Quezon, Liza Perez of Laguna, Josephine Tacasa of Oriental Mindoro, Francisco Aranda of Sorsogon, Gregorio Basallote of Camarines Sur, Andres Canada of Camarines Norte, Asah Conde of Masbate, Imelda Dado Moratillo of Albay, and Floro Teano of Catanduanes.

Lone awardee from the National Capital Region was Susana Santiago of Valenzuela City.

Visayan winners were Meraluna Pascadero of Negros Oriental, Marybeth and Gabriel Sanoria of Cebu, Amy Alico and Joel Marquez of Leyte, Lorna Celespara, and Delita Montes of Samar.

Awardees from Mindanao were Eric Philip Macaso and Edgardo Tagalogon of Zamboanga, Jubella Acera of Camiguin, and Lilia Caga-anan of Misamis Oriental, Dionesia dela Pena of Misamis Occidental, Ofelia Gamao of Bukidnon, Rufina Anunciado of Davao del Norte, Reynaldo Deodor of Davao City, Florita Duag of Compostella Valley, Fe Sarabillo of Davao del Sur, Camilo Falcis of South Cotabato, Margarita Abaquita of Agusan del Norte, Jonathan Abayon of Agusan del Sur, Romeo Amahan of Surigao del Norte, Henry Capangpangan of Dinagat Island, and Leah Labordo of Surigao del Sur.

Winners in the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) category were: Gemma Victoria of La Union, Elisa Tomas of Quirino, Trinidad and Mario Yabes of Nueva Ecija, Romero Escio of Camarines Norte, Gregorio Palermo of Iloilo, Rosario Bation of Misamis Occidental, Rokaiya Kasan of South Cotabato, Zenaida Acaso of Basilan, Julia Buteng of Benguet, Leonardo Beniga of Agusan del Norte, and Nimfa Sagaral of Surigao del Norte.

Villar said, “We want to encourage our countrymen to come up with feasible business ideas that will not only uplift their lives but also the country’s economy. By honoring our model citizens, we seek to increase their tribe.”

The products of the winners, which included pottery, abaca handicrafts, mango preserves, wine, special lomi and pansit cogon, pastries, and native delicacies, were showcased in an exhibit also at the NBC Tent.

Likewise, NP also promoted its youth entrepreneurship program dubbed “BDABoss,” which seeks to harness entrepreneurial skills among the country’s youth.

Campus Journalism Strengthen at Inkblots 2009

Campus journalists, editors, advisers, and journalism educators from all over the country took part in Inkblots 2009: the 11th University of Sto. Tomas (UST) National Campus Journalism Fellowship held last October 21 to 23 at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex in España, Manila.

Organized by The Varsitarian, the 81-year-old official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, the event aims to promote press excellence and foster camaraderie among campus journalists all over the country. Since its conception in 1998, it has gathered several respected journalists in the country to talk about compelling issues faced by journalists today

Invited resource speakers for this year included GMA-7 News Reporter Cesar Apolinario, Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros, Tempo entertainment editor Nestor Cuartero, and University of the Philippines-Diliman Vice-President for Public Affairs Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, among others.

Like the previous Inkblots, this year’s fellowship consisted of seminars on news writing, sports writing, investigative reporting, features writing, culture and lifestyle writing, opinion or column writing, and parallel sessions on writing for broadcast, and cartooning and lay-outing.

For more information about the event, call The Varsitarian at (632) 406-1611 loc. 8235, (63916) 550-4395 (Mr. Alphonsus Luigi Alfonso), (63905) 243-4808 (Mr. Mark Andrew Francisco) or visit their website, http://varsitarian.net/

Election Fever Felt at Campaigns 2010

With the country’s national elections only 5 months away, the election fever was highly felt during Campaigns 2010 held last October 21-22, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Dubbed as the “Ultimate Suppliers Exhibition and Forum for the 2010 National Elections”, the event was organized by Publicus Asia, Inc., and managed by Ideas, Concepts and Events Inc., (ICE, Inc.,) www.ice.com.ph. The 2-day event gave visitors a chance to try the Commission on Elections’ new automated machines. Visitors tested the actual print count optical scans that will be used during the presidential elections. A representative from Smartmatic-Total Information Management answered all the questions regarding the reliability of the counting machines.

Various suppliers of election-related materials, services, and other paraphernalia showcased their products and services during the exhibit. The Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas displayed numerous political sketches and artworks. Seminars about pre-campaign activates, voters’ education, political campaigning, new media campaign strategies, automated elections, and election laws and regulations were conducted throughout the event.

Highlighting the event was the presidential forum hosted by Studio 23’s Y Speak. Presidential candidates where represented by their youth spokesperson during the forum. Mr. Robin Garcia represented Sen. Francis Chiz Escudero, Ms. Kariz Espena for Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Ms. Shills Andres for Sen. Richard Gordon, Mr. Luis Abad for Sen. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, Mr. Ginno Jaralve for former President Joseph Estrada, and Mr. Aaron Benedict de Leon for Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro. Sen. Jamby Madrigal graced the event and answered politically relevant questions from the hosts and audience.

Campaigns 2010 is sponsored by the Commission on Election, Manila Bulletin, Studio 23, Y! Speak, and Publicus Asia, Inc.

For more information about the event, contact ICE, Inc. at (632) 584-5321, (632) 584-5316, (632) 727-2151, email ice.incorporated@yahoo.com, info@ice.com.ph or visit their website at www.ice.com.ph.

Local and Foreign Business Leaders Gathered for Philippine Business Conference Expo

Local and foreign business leaders as well as policy makers gathered at the 35th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel last October 20-22, 2009.

With this year’s theme: “One. Global. Filipino. Regional Economic Development: Frontline to Sustainability,” the conference, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), underscored the important role of local and regional development in the overall agenda of national economic development and competitiveness in light of the global financial crisis, says PCCI President Edgardo Lacson.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo serve as keynote speaker during the event. Mr. Bert Hoffman, Country Director of World Bank – Philippines; and Mr. Kingson U. Sian, President, Alliance Global Inc. also addressed the participants comprised of members of various Chamber of Commerce and Industries here in the Philippines.

Speakers include Hon. Marianito Roque, Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment; Hon. Arthur Yap, Secretary, Department of Agriculture; Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman, First Pacific Holdings Inc.; Hon. Vincent Perez, Chairman, National Renewable Energy Board; Hon. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, Chairman, Commission on Higher Education, and representatives from various local government units and different business sector.

Topics discussed include “Responding to the Job Crisis: Promoting a Decent Work Agenda,”, “Food Security: Sustaining the Food Basket for Tomorrow,” “Infrastructure Development: Stimulating the Local Economy, Enhancing Global Competitiveness,” and “Energy Security: Striking a Balance between Profitability and Enviromental Sustainability.”

35th Philippine Business Conference and Expo is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Holcim Cement; PLDT SME Nation; Banco de Oro; Megaworld; SM Investments Corporation; International Container Terminal Services; Philexport; PAGCOR; Department of Agriculture; Zest-O; ZestAir; Philippine Business Bank; Mercedes-Benz; Meralco; Metrobank; Quali Plus International; Gluta-C. and the following media partners: BusinessWorld; Manila Bulletin; GMA 7; QTV11; 97.1 Barangay LS FM; Focusmedia; eCopy; and TraveLife Magazine.

For more information, contact the PCCI at (632) 896-4549 or through the event website at http://pbc.philippinechamber.com/

1st English Language Academies National Conference CIE The School for Leaders

The Centre for International Education (CIE), The School for Leaders, spearheaded the first English Language Academies National Conference held last Oct. 28, 2009, 1 p.m. at the Malcolm Hall, College of Law, University of the Philippines, in Diliman, Quezon City.

Speakers in the conference included Andrew King, country director of IDP Education Pty. Australia; Joel Laughren, regional team leader of the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); and Prof. Nelia Cruz Sarcol, founder and president of the Centre for International Education.

The invited speakers discussed how education providers can equip their clients with excellent English language skills, as well as enable them to earn qualifications that are useful when they travel, pursue further studies, and vie for employment and business opportunities all over the world.

Speaker Andrew King pointed out that employers in countries where many Filipinos seek to enter to earn higher wages are now seeking quality English skills. “The demand in English is going higher and higher,” King noted. “How good you are in English is becoming more important.”

For an affordable fee of P300 per participant, owners and administrators of English language training centers, administrators of both public and private schools, English language teachers/instructors/trainers, as well as college level and graduate students were able to benefit from the conference. Public school students and teachers, as well as DepEd and ChED personnel, were entitled to a 50 percent discount upon presentation of a valid ID.

For more information about CIE, call +63322332566 (CIE Main Campus, Cebu City) or +6328880909, +6329298226 (CIE Makati, CIE Quezon City), or visit http://www.cie.edu/