Surfing the Wind and Waves at the 21st Neil Pryde Funboard Cup

Eighty-three participants, which included 36 kiteboarders and 47 windsurfers, from 14 countries flocked to the Bulabog Beach in Boracay last Jan. 22–27 to conquer the wind and the waves for the 21st Neil Pryde Boracay Funboard Cup. The tournament also featured the Boracay Big Air Challenge, presented by Cabrinha Kites.

Hosting the event were Green Yard Fun Board Center and the Hangin Kite Center, where competitors enjoyed 15–22 knot winds for five days of racing.

Keichii Kobayashi, a veteran windsurfer from Guam and who also won top honors in the previous year, bagged the first place trophy in four events, making him only the third man in 21 years to win multiple and back-to-back Neil Pryde Cups. Spirited competition provided Kobayashi a challenge, in the form of Turkey’s Salih Cakir and the Philippines’ own German Paz.

Top kitesurfing honors went to Cabrinha’s Ken Nacor of the Philippines for Freestyle Men, Mike Raper for Course Racing, and Carla del Castillo of Spain for Freestyle Women. The kitesurfers won the head-to-head with Boracay resident Angel Parzhuber taking the overall top spot and Salih Cakir of Turkey winning the crown for the windsurfers.]

The Neil Pryde Boracay International Funboard Cup was presented by Cushe Footwear and supported by ROX, Cabrinha, Green Yard Funboard Center, Hangin Kite Center, the Department of Tourism, and the Municipality of Malay in Aklan. The event’s official airline sponsors were SEAIR and ZestAir.

Media sponsors include The Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, Studio 23, the Lifestyle Network, The ABS-CBN News Channel, Balls, ClicktheCity.com, Action Asia, the Business Mirror, One Sport Magazine, and Garage.

2010 North Batangas Summit on Connections and Globalization

The North Batangas Summit is a biennial event which focuses on the developments affecting the emerging metropolitan area of Greater Lipa. In its fifth installment, the North Batangas Summit carried the theme “Connecting Batangas to the Global Village,” and was held at the Lima Park Hotel at Malvar Batangas last Jan. 29.

The 2010 North Batangas Summit featured discussions from Prof. Mario Antonio Lopez of the Asian Institute of Management (City Competitiveness and Benchmarking Against the World), Ms. Gigi Virata of the Business Process Association of the Philippines (Next Wave Cities), Mr. Richard Albert Osmond III, vice president of the Science Park of the Philippines Inc. (Infrastructure Updates for CALABARZON), and Col. Alex Escano, chairman of the Private Sector Disaster Management Network.

The First Asia Briefings was held in the afternoon, with the roundtable discussion entitled “Prospects and Challenges in Governance: Perspectives form Former Policymakers.” Members of the panel were Ms. Karina Davis, former chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, Dr. Milwida Guevarra, former undersecretary of the Department of Finance, and Dr. Cielito Habito, former director general of the National Economic and Development Authority. First Asia Briefings are also held biennially, back-to-back with the North Batangas Summit.

The Fifth North Batangas Summit was sponsored by the First Asia Institute, Lima Land Inc., Lima Park Hotel, and WalterMart Community Malls.

For more information and registration details, please contact Dr. Lalaine V. Manalo via telephone numbers (043) 778-0656/4136, fax number (043) 405-2326, or email at inquiries@firstasia.edu.ph.

PANA’s Hailed 2009 PANATA Awardees

Advertising is not all about creativity, it also show heart for good deeds. With this, the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) launched an annual recognition program for outstanding marketing communications materials or campaigns that promote positive Filipino Values—the PANA Truth in Advertising Awards (PANATA).

The 2009 PANATA Awards winners were announced and awarded during the Induction Ceremonies of the 2010 PANA Board of Directors and PANA Foundation Board of Trustees at Mandarin Oriental Manila last January 28, 2010.

PANATA is due to recognize the advertisers that uphold the value of Truth in Advertising and to give credits to the companies who made efforts in promoting ethics and principle to consumers. 

This newly-launched award cater the categories of advertising, direct marketing, interactive/internet marketing, sales promotions, publicity/public relations/employee communications, and special events. Entries were used for the purpose of each of the categories and were aired / published in any mass media form within October 2008 to October 2009.

Here is the list of winners of the 2009 PANATA Awards:

GOLD AWARDEE

Advertising – Interactive/Internet Marketing

PLDT/SMART – AKO MISMO WEBSITE

SILVER AWARDEES

Campaign

PLDT/SMART – Ako Mismo Campaign

Single Medium - TV

1. Nestle Phils. – Nescafe Classic “Home” TVC

2. PLDT/Smart – Ako Mismo Launch TVC

Marketing Services - PR/Publicity/Employee Communications

Citibank – One Citi, One Spirit

Marketing Services - Special Events

1. Bank of the Philippine Islands - BPInoy Learning Program

2. Electrolux Phils. – A Thousand Kilos for Heavy Loads and Lighter Hearts

3. Johnson & Johnson’s Phils. – Johnson’s Baby Oil Aloe “Botelya-Love in a Bottle”

4. McDonald’s Philippines - McDonald’s Kiddie Crew 2009

5. PLDT/Smart – Ako Mismo Dog Tag Day

BRONZE AWARDEES

Campaign

1. Monde Nissin Corp. – Lucky Me! Instant Noodles “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga”

2. Smart Communications – Talk ‘N Text “Tipid-Sulit Pinas!”

Single Medium - TV

McDonald’s Philippines – How McDonald’s serves hope in every Happy Meal TVC

Single Medium - Print

1. McDonald’s Philippines - McDonald’s Kiddie Crew 2009

2. PLDT – You Make A Difference Campaign

3. PLDT – You Make A Difference: Carlos

4. PLDT – You Make A Difference: Noel

5. PLDT – You Make A Difference: Roselle

6. PLDT – You Make A Difference: Teacher

Marketing Services - Special Events

Citibank – One Citi, One Spirit

For more information, contact the PANA Secretatriat (632) 894-0012 to 13, 894-0474 to 75, or visit http://www.pana.com.ph/

Entrep Expo at SM Megamall

The Center for Small Entrepreneurs (CSE) launched its 3rd annual trade fair last January 29 to 31, 2010 at the SM Megamall’s Megatrade Exhibit Hall 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

With the theme, “Entreps Exposed: Finding the Real Filipino Entrepreneurs,” the event aims to shed light on the Filipino entrepreneur’s unique socio-cultural identity by taking an in-depth look at the historical roots of the country’s earliest business ventures. Moreover, the event also aimed to open new windows of opportunity for the victims of the recent typhoons, majority of whom are looking for a fresh start on livelihood prospects.

More than 100 unique locally-made products from different regions and participating non-governmental organizations were on display in various booths. 

Among the highlights of the three-day fest are livelihood skills demos and informative discussions facilitated by respected academicians/entrepreneurs. Guest Speakers from various businesses and companies include: Mrs. Ma. Victoria O. Magkalas from the Department of Trade and Industry, Ms. Shovy Paragas from Dream Incorporated, President of Lamoiyan Corporation Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Renowned Stage Actor and Actress Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer of Artwork Inc. Medin Villamiel, President of Gandang Kalikasan Inc. Anne Meloto, and President of Unleash International Vic Garcia.

Also included in the program are breakthrough performances from the Cordillera Dancers, Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila, and Spotlight Artist Centers.

The CSE trade fair aims to spread its gospel of entrepreneurship by giving new meaning and value to the discipline through an in-depth study of its historical evolution, providing a venue for micro entrepreneurs to promote their products and disseminating relevant information on current trends and business practices. 

Ms. Leng Baluyot of the CSE Marketing Unit (524.1879/523.9776 or 0919.3755850) is in charge of gathering the participants.

RP Nutritionist-Dietitians Gathered for NDAP 55th Annual Convention in Iloilo

The country’s nutritionist-dietitians, professionals in allied fields, and students who are aiming to become future nutritionists-dietitians gathered last January 28 – 30, 2010 at Sarabia Manor Hotel in Iloilo City for the 55th Annual Convention of the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines (NDAP).

With the theme, “A Sustainable Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy: A Challenge to the Nutritionist-Dietitian”, the conference focuses on the broad spectrum of health and wellness and the important role we play in a sustainable healthy lifestyle advocacy.

The three-day event seeks to provide the participants with a better appreciation and understanding of the broad spectrum of health, wellness, food security, and other areas involved in promoting a sustainable healthy lifestyle. It aims to provide innovative ways of enriching the nutritionist-dieticians’ practice, update them on latest trends, developments, and best practices in the field, and create opportunities for expanding their sphere in the various areas of their profession such as medical nutrition, public health nutrition, food service, and academe.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas gave the Keynote Address and led the Symbolic opening of the Market Place – Exhibit. Esther T. Feliciano, RND, MHSA, Chairman of the Awards Committee, handed out the recipients of Outstanding Nutritionist-Dietitian, Outstanding Provincial Member, and Outstanding Chapter.

The much-awaited Clara Ruth Darby Memorial Lecture was presented by NCR Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Catherine Castañeda, RND, PhD. Dr. Castañeda discussed about “Trends in Nutrition-Dietetics Curriculum in the Philippines.”

The event was also highlighted with plenary sessions, symposiums, and forums where speakers and medical practitioners talked about trends in the dietary management of lifestyle diseases, management of mentally compromised obese children, food supplements and how effective they are, nutrient and drug interaction, health eating; food sustainability, nutrition entrepreneurship, power dressing, and the art of diet counseling.

For more information about the event, call the NDAP secretariat at (632) 845-1651, 845-1651, email secretariat@ndap.org.ph or visit www.ndap.org.ph.

Preventive Cardiology Highlighted at FLEHD 10th National Annual Convention

Cardiologist from all over the Philippines met up at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium RCBC Plaza, in Ayala Avenue , Makati City last January 28 – 30, 2010 to know the latest developments and studies about atherosclerosis and promote preventive cardiology during the 10th National Annual Convention on Preventive Cardiology of the Foundation For Lay Education on Heart Diseases (FLEHD)

The convention served as the annual gathering of cardiologist to keep abreast with newer knowledge, latest technology, and new approaches to cardiovascular problems, controversies, among others.

Topics discussed during the event include emerging and major risk factors for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease benchmarks, coronary artery disease management spectrum, international procedure in the management of coronary artery diseases, advancing the advocacy for preventive cardiology, pharmacological tools commonly used in Ischemic Heart Disease, acute myocardial infraction among special groups, basics of primary hypertension, treatment of hypertension, and drug therapy of hypertension in the adult population.

Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo, FLEHD President, gave the State of the Foundation Address. Mr. Jose Concepcion together with Dr. Ophelia Manlapit presented various award to its members. A special tribute to Mr. Concepcion, in the form of an opera, served as one of the major highlights of the convention. The opera, entitled “How to Remain Young at Heart” was written and directed by Dr. Bellosillo with Mr. Jeremiah Calisang handling the music and Mr. Ronillo Jaynario in charge of the choreography. The opera featured Ms. Jai Sabas Aracama, Mr. Ervin Lumauag, and the Philippine Ballet Theater.

For more information about the event, contact the FLEHD Secretariat at (632) 893-3724, 817-7393, email nobello@info.com.ph, or visit their website at http://www.flehd.org.ph/

High School Student Hailed as Sudoku Grandmaster

Ms. Sarah Jane Cua, a 15-year-old third year high school student from Pangasinan Universal Institute in Dagupan City bested 21 other contestants to crown herself again as the country’s Sudoku Grandmaster during the 4th Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge Grand Finals held last January 30, 2010 at the SM City North EDSA Annex.

Organized by the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG), 118 students and professionals joined this year’s Sudoku contest in three categories: Whiz Kid, Wizard and Grandmaster.

In the Grandmaster division, Ms. Cua garnered 1,601 points from five rounds to win the title and went home with P60, 000.00 in cash prize and a trophy. Mr. Matthew Chris Chan from Manila bagged first runner-up and took home P40, 000.00 while Ms. Mariel Alexis Dee from Metro Manila, was hailed second runner-up and won P30, 000.00. Other winners are Mr. Jayhan Regner from Cagayan de Oro City, third runner-up; and Mr. Frederick Ong from Bacolod City, fourth runner-up.

In the Sudoku Wizard, Mr. Timothy James Tan of Bacolod won first place and P50, 000. First runner-up went to Mr. Sed Anderson Holaysan of Cebu City and was awarded P30, 000.00. Second runner-up was Ms. Ma. Czarina Angela Lao of Metro Manila who won P20, 000. Mr. Ericson Ong of Olongapo City, and Kimberly Christine Decear of Zamboanga City completed the top five. A total of 75 high school students competed in the said division.

Mr. Ethan Riley Chan of Zamboanga City, on the other hand, emerged as champion in the Sudoku Whiz Kid and went home with P20, 000. He was followed by Mr. Magin Benedict Ferrer of Iloilo City who won P10, 000; Mr. Lorenzo Jose Baquiran of Iloilo City who won P5,000; Ms. Kate Ann Adlaon of Lucena City as third runner-up; and Ms. Candice Renee Beatric Solidarios of Calamba City, fourth runner-up.

The 4th Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge is supported by DDB, Europa Public Relations, Inc., Phoenix Publishing House, National Book Store, Sharp Calculators, with the following media partners: DWIZ, Home Radio 97dot9, and Philippine Graphic.

For more information about the event, contact the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines at (6362) 992-3045, email info@mtgphil.org or visit their website at http://www.mtgphil.org/

TEAM Phil teaches how to organize exhibits

The 2nd Grand Convention of Tourism Educators and Movers of the Philippines (TEAM Philippines) was held last January 23 at Letran Auditorium as 34 schools from Luzon, NCR (about 400 students and faculty members) signed up with a PHP500 fee and attended the said convention. 

Various topics were discussed such as how to organize conventions and exhibitions. Speakers Mr. Butch Garcia of PICC, Senator Richard Gordon, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, and Mr. Joel Pascual of Premier Events Plus also came in to give their speeches and raise the same advocacy as theirs.

TEAM Philippines is the only organization where academe, department of tourism and industry stakeholders e.g. hotels, airlines, convention & exhibition planners are working to make the academe and students globally competitive by sharing with them the best practices, values and attitudes and skills program. We would like to beat the deadline of ASEAN tourism agreement for tourism hospitality standardization by 2015.

For further inquiries, please contact TEAM secretariat at 8332551-55 and look for Mayette. You may also visit their website at http://www.team-phils.org or search them on facebook.

Flower and Garden Show in QC

Green is in. We have heard and witnessed different kinds and gimmicks in promoting care for the environment. We have participated and supported planting trees and voluntary waste management tours and lectures. But do you know that there are more than seeds and leaves that also cares for the environment?

Last January 30 to February 8, the Horti 2010 Flower and Garden Show parades and displays colorful and beautiful flower arrangements at the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation  in EDSA corner Quezon Avenue Q.C.

The show is composed of three sections: the exhibits of landscape and individual collection of plants that will make our world green; the lecture-demonstrations on how we can implement and maintain our environment beautiful through the green technologies; and the commercial section where one can shop for all the materials for the greening of our environment.

Some of the participants in the landscape design are King Louis Flowers and Plants, Jorge Mendoza, the Philippine Bonsai Society, Natural Stone Society, the Cactus and Succulent Society, Vic de Rona, Botchie Canicula, Constancio Basis, Lardy Abundo with Tess Baldonado, Rhea and Chito Luna, and the study groups on ferns, aroids and hoyas.

For more information about the show, you may call Buth Duque at 490-5239; Wendy Regalado at 0917-8417860; or Mett Metilla at 514-7223 or SMS 0917-8321352.

Green & White to CJA: Another History Published

With its legacy of recognizing Lasallians’ potentials in journalism, Green and White once more hosted, on its 86th year, the 21st Campus Journalism Awards last November 23, 2009.

The theme that was followed by the delegates was “Restoring the Pride Being a Filipino Through Journalism”. The delegates were composed of undergraduate Lasallian journalists that would continuously focus on the development of journalism grounded on accountable public service as guided by the Lasallian values of religio, mores, and cultura.

Participants on the event could join three (3) events maximum. There were eight (8) categories – seven (7) on-the-spot categories and one (1) submitted entry. The following categories had English & Filipino divisions: Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, News Reporting, News Writing, and Sports Writing. Contestants should use Filipino when joining the Filipino division and English when joining the English division.

This 21st Campus Journalism Awards was made possible by Green & White, the Official Yearbook Publication of De LaSalle University.

For more information, please contact www.cja.g-n-w.org.

Migration Expo 2010: “Everything You Need to Go Abroad”

With the goal to help Filipinos who are interested in going to, working, or migrating abroad, JobStreet.com and Immigrant Visa Center organized the Migration Expo and Local Job Fair at Hall 4 of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City last Jan. 22 - 23, 2010.

Intent on preparing Filipinos for their overseas ventures, the Migration Expo is a free-for-all affair, with seminars and question-and-answer segments across the two-day-event. Several companies were also present in the expo and discussed topics including world-class education, employment opportunities, migration consultancies, loan and financing options, and mobile passporting.

Among the companies who participated are Figaro, Duty Free, PLDT, Globe Telecom, NEO Computers, AG Finance, and LBC.

Raffle draws were also included in the event proceedings, with the draws conducted in between the programs.

For a complete list of event participants, please see http://www.tucp.org.ph/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/jobsjobs.jpg.

Register through the Immigrant Visa Center Website, www.visacenter.org/ or call telephone numbers 634-8717 or 0906-4404777 for Manila and 254-5712 or 0917-7459406 for Cebu.

NTTCHP discusses Traditions, Trends, and Targets in Health Ed

Led by the National Teacher Training Center for Health Professions (NTTCHP) of the University of the Philippines, Manila (UP Manila), the Sixth National Conference in Health Professions Education opened on January 19 -20, 2010 with the theme “Traditions, Trends, and Targets in Health Professions Education” at the Traders Hotel, Manila.

In connection with the Center’s 35th Founding Anniversary on January 30, the scientific meeting featured symposiums on teaching critical thinking, curriculum development, teaching strategies, program evaluation, faculty development, and student evaluation. There was also a panel discussion with teachers and learners on addressing the hidden curriculum. Aside from that, significant breakthroughs and trends in HPEd in the Philippines were discussed in the conference, along with information on current trends and practices in curriculum development, teaching-learning strategies, and evaluation in various HPEd settings.

The scientific committee had also prepared a comprehensive and future-looking program for all health professionals who are engaged in teaching and training other professionals in all settings. The conference also revisited time-tested traditions, analyzed popular trends and explored targets in curriculum design, teaching strategies and evaluation to help enable the participants to set future directions in health professions education.

The NTTCHP was established by the UP Manila Board of Regents on January 30, 1975, in response to the need to enhance the instructional skills of teachers in the health professions to enable them to effectively assist their students acquire the needed professional competence.

For inquires, you may contact (63-2) 521-0899, Telefax: (63-2) 526-4259 or email: nttchp@gmail.com.

3rd Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference Set

Women entrepreneurs as well as those who would like to know how to start their own business are invited to join the 3rd Annual Women Entrepreneurs Conference on January 30, 2010 at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center in Makati City from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Hosted by the Network for Enterprising Women (NEW), the conference aims to give women and small and medium-business owners the tools to start or grow their businesses.

The conference will include topics on building business foundation, financial planning and funding, marketing/selling to get results, legal aspects of managing business, social entrepreneurship and finding the right networking group. Also, there will be business counseling and networking opportunities at the event.

Get inspired at this informative, fun half-day conference, with concurrent sessions for existing women entrepreneurs, business owners and those wanting to start a business. Guest speakers are Ms. Emily Abrera, Chairman Emeritus of McCann, Ms. Chit Juan of Echostore, Ms. Alice Guererro of Tesoro, and other prominent women entrepreneurs.

Participant fee is only Php 600. Register online at . For reservations or further inquiries, contact NEW at (632) 710-3711, 754-8058, (63917) 540-8697 or e-mail info@newomen.net.

PHP Developers Summit 2010 Set

Web programmers inclined in using hypertext pre-processor (PHP) are invited to take part in the PHP Developers Summit 2010, scheduled on January 30, 2010 at the Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City.

PHP Developers Summit 2010, organized by PHP-User Group Philippines, is this year’s biggest gathering of the best tech-talents, professionals, and web developers promoting the use of PHP and open source solutions in the enterprise and schools.

Among the invited experts for the event include Happy Mobile Inc CEO Dominick Nowell A. Danao, Brewed Concepts President and CEO Bing Bryan Tan, Friendster, Inc. Senior Developer Paolo Alexis Falcone, Microsoft Developer Evangelist Alezandra Nicholas, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Mr. Rodney Jao, and Computer Professionals’ Union Coordinator Rick Bahague, Jr.

PHP Developers Summit 2010 is in partnership with Microsoft Philippines and sponsored by Zend and Globe Labs.

Register online by sending your name, position, company and contact details to chean@phpugph.com. For more information, contact PHP User Group Philippines Inc. at (632) 975-6976, (63917) 865-2412, or visit their website at http://www.phpugph.com/.

PAID paves the way to Oral Implant Surgery through a Conference

Last January 14 to 15, 2010, the Philippine Academy of Implant Dentistry (PAID), a professional association of oral implantologists, held a conference that pave the way in imparting the knowledge on the dentists’ booming interest about oral implantology. This was the PAID Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial Implant Surgery and Prosthesis held together with the 22nd Induction Ceremony at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.

The event that carried the theme “Innovations the Gateway to Global Excellence” focused on the topic about the growth to the modern dental implant specialization which is the general interest of dentists and even dental patients of today.

PAID Conference led by Dr. Carlos C Buendia, PAID Organizing Committee Chairperson, had been attended by over 500 delegates world-wide from oral and maxillofacial implants specialist such as Dental Implantologist Surgeons, Ear Nose Throat Surgeons & Plastic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Head and Neck Surgeons, Cosmetics and other specialists from both medical and dental fields.

The event was also attended by well known European professors and lecturers from Europe headed by Prof. Dr. Dr. Emil W. Steinhauser from Germany, Prof. Dr. Dr. Friedrich Neukam from Erlangen, Prof. Dr. Dr. Rolf Ewers from Vienna Austria, Prof. Dr. Dr. J. Wiltfang Kiel from Germany, Prof. Dr. Dr. Richter from Würzburg Germany, Prof. Dr. Dr. Vitomir S. Konstantinovic from Serbia, Prof. Dr. Dr. Robert Sader from Frankfurt Germany, Prof. Dr. Dr. Florian Zeilhofer from Basel and other famous European and New York University graduates on implantology and other cranio-oral maxillofacial surgeons who imparted knowledge skills and expertise that provided further information to those who are under the medical and dental professions.

For more information, send queries through the fax number (632) 898-2198, visit the website at http://paidconference.brinkster.net , or e-mail at paidconference@yahoo.com, or calou_buendia@yahoo.com.

Top Local, Foreign Lensmen To Speak at Photo World Asia 2010

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to take the chance to hear and learn tips and techniques from master photographers in the educational series during the Photo World Asia 2010, which will be held from January 29 to February 1, 2009 at the SGV Halls of the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

Organized by the Federation of Philippine Photographer Foundation, Inc. (FPPF) the theme for this year’s PhotoWorld Asia 2010 is “Philippine Photography in Changing Times.”

The scheduled guest speakers include US master photographer Kevin Ames, who will reveal his secrets on photographing women and his masterful Photoshop tricks; Thailand-based photographers Manny and Jose Librodo, will share their portraiture techniques, and design elements, respectively; Mr. Hugo D. Yonzon III will discuss harnessing the creative energy; and Mr. John Silva on Philippine photography history. Other speakers include Mr. Jason Magbanua, Mr. John Tronco, Ms. Isa Lorenzo and Mr. Bernie Ledesma,

A special trade show will be open to the public from January 28 – February 2, 2009 at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. Visitors can view the latest cameras, gadgets and other photographic equipment at the various booths and stalls of the participating exhibitors. The trade show will also feature an exhibition of vintage cameras and a display of iconic images that chronicle various historical moments.

Registration is required for the educational series. For inquiries, contact FPPF at (632) 524-7576, 528-0371, email fotoatwork@gmail.com or visit their website at http://photoworldmanila.com/

CCP Sets Stage for First Philippine Guitar Fest

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and The Guitar Friends will hold the First Philippine International Guitar Festival 2010 from January 28 to 31 at the CCP in Pasay City. With the objective of promoting the Classical Guitar, the festival offers exciting musical performances by outstanding guitarists from the Philippines and abroad.

Maestro Jose Valdez, who is considered to be one of the best guitar teachers in the country, is the director of the Festival. Maestro Valdez, who has 35 years of teaching experience, is a lecturer and professor at the University of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s University, St. Scholastica’s College, Philippine National University, La Concordia College and St. Paul University. He is a pioneer of all major guitar courses in most schools in the Philippines. The CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts ranks him as one of the pioneers of classical guitar in the country.

Among those performing in the Festival are Mr. Steve Lin, Mr. Michael Dadap, Mr. Jose Valdez, Mr. Perfecto de Castro, Mr. Sixto Roxas, Mr. Kasilag Guitar Trio, Tabs, UP Guitar Orchestra, Fundacion Centro Flamenco and the winners of the National Music Competitions for Young Artists 2009 Guitar Category. More artists and groups, including the Manila Symphony Orchestra, are expected to be added to the list of performers in the Festival. One of the highlights of the Festival will be the concert by a Spanish guitar soloist to be brought in by Instituto Cervantes.

Mr. Steve Lin is a renowned international artist who has concertized throughout the US, Italy, the Philippines and Taiwan. An award winning guitarist and a recording artist, Mr. Lin teaches guitar at the San Jose State University and Northern California School of Music. He has a master’s degree from Yale School of Music and is completing his doctorate at the New England Conservatory under Eliot Fiske.

Mr. Michael Dadap has been artistic/music director and conductor of The Children’s Orchestra Society since 1984. He studied at UP, the Mannes College of Music and the Juilliard School. As a conductor, he has conducted and collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned concert artists. As an accomplished classical guitarist, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1974 and has since performed in numerous concerts internationally.

Mr. Sixto “Butch” Roxas is a highly respected guitarist currently helping reestablish as well as playing for the UST Jazz Orchestra together with conductor/saxophonist Mr. Tots Tolentino. He studied at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston and took guitar courses in various institutions abroad such as the Schola Cantorum in Paris and in Barcelona, Spain with Maestro Josep Henriquez under a grant from the Agencia Española. He is a faculty member of the UST Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Perfecto de Castro is hailed as one of the best Filipino guitarists. A graduate of PWU School of Music, he studied with Maestro Jose Valdez. The Laudarra, or the Ten String Classical Guitar, is Castro’s instrument of choice. He has collaborated with composers all over the world to add to the repertoire of the Ten String Guitar. He is a founding member of the Kasilag Guitar Quartet.

Fundacion Centro Flamenco is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the art of flamenco music and dance.

The Guitar Friends, which is spearheading the Festival, is composed of guitar aficionados of varying levels of expertise in guitar performance brought together by their love for guitar and their association with Maestro Jose Valdez, the Festival director. The Guitar Friends support the Guitar Immersion Program of Maestro Valdez and conducts activities such as campus concerts and master classes.

The 1st Philippine International Guitar Festival 2010 will offer master classes and lectures on topics such as “Building a Performing Career,” “Flamenco,” “A Guitarist’s Pain,” “Jazz Improvisation,” “Ensemble Playing” and “Musicality, Intelligence and Technique.” The Festival will also feature booths and displays by guitar makers and manufacturers.

The 1st Philippine International Guitar Festival 2010 is sponsored by CCP, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), SMART Communications, Inc., and Rudolf Lietz, Inc.

For details, call (63917) 526-6377, (63920) 498-2720, (63915) 921-3440, e-mail philguitarfest@gmail.com or visit http://philguitarfest.blogspot.com.

Philippine Feng Shui Convention Reveal s Secret To Success for 2010

Secrets to success and good fortune will be revealed during the staging of 5th Philippine Feng Shui Convention on January 23, 2010 at the Center Stage of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Organize by World of Feng Shui (WOFS) Philippines, the event carries the theme, “Feng Shui Spectacular 2010: Riding the Golden Tiger”. WOFS Philippines President Marites Allen will grace the convention and reveal the challenges and opportunities in the Year of the Tiger. With well-known TV personality Boy Abunda as co-host and Club Mwah performers providing spectacular numbers, the event promises to be another insightful and entertaining experience for the entire family.

The convention will reveal both the positive and negative outlook for everyone in 2010 and specific forecast for each animal sign in the areas of wealth, career, romance, health, and other personal aspirations.

For more details call any WOFS Boutiques at (632) 571-6898 (The Podium), 909-7088 (Serendra), 818-8858 (Glorietta 556-0616 (Mall of Asia), 442-0113 (The Block North EDSA), and (6332) 231-4088 (Metro Cebu), email wofsphilippines@gmail.com, or visit www.maritesallen.com

RPDEV Launches Eco-Mismo Conference Roadshow

In a timely initiative to raise environmental awareness, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV) launched “Eco-Mismo”, a series of conferences on new and productive ways of protecting the environment through sustainable tourism development across the country.

A landmark road show project by RPDEV Chairman and former president Fidel V. Ramos, Eco-Mismo comes in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy, which triggered the most devastating flood in the capital over the past 40 years. According to experts, the Ondoy phenomenon ran in line with an observed abnormal pattern of unusually extreme weather conditions likely to prevail should climate change remain unaddressed.

With the theme “Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity: Best Practices and Challenges”, Eco-Mismo aims to help the country position itself as one of the top destinations for eco-tourism and the pioneer in eco-productivity. It is expected to bring together key players and stakeholders in the environment and tourism industry. The initiative is expected to gather more than a thousand individuals from the government, tourism industry, academe, media, church, business, and youth sectors.

Eco-Mismo paves the way for a cross-section of industry players and multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss problems and map out solutions on matters concerning eco-tourism, eco-productivity, and sustainable development.

The first leg of Eco-Mismo was held in Manila last October 8, 2009 at the Carlos Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati City. World Wildlife Fund Philippines Vice Chairman Lorenzo Tan delivered a presentation on the dire effects of changes to global temperatures and precipitation, entitled “The Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism”.

The road show is slated to make major stops across key cities in the country: January 22, 2010 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City in Cebu; January 23, 2010 at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island, Bohol; February 19, 2010 in General Santos City, South Cotabato Province; and February 20 at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel, Sarangani.

The conferences will tackle specific areas that will facilitate public and private sector cooperation in streamlining eco-tourism’s strategic directions as a key contributor to the local and national economy. It seeks to promote green travel through eco-productivity -- a practical solution that pushes efficient and productive use of resources, environmental protection, and poverty eradication.

Aside from Tan, conference speakers will include former President Ramos, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, as well as Asia Pacific Projects President Narzalina Lim; Cleanway Technology Corporation Chairman Herminio Esguerra; Ten Knots Development Corporation CEO Leigh Perez; and ABS-CBN Foundation’s Batay Kalikasan President Regina Paz Lopez.

Each of the provincial legs of Eco-Mismo conferences will concurrently feature a One Town, One Product (OTOP) exhibit under the DTI. The OTOP is a government program to promote entrepreneurship and spur job creation. Under the program, each city and municipality across the nation is to develop and promote a specific product or service that gives a competitive economic advantage to its locale.

Ultimately, Eco-Mismo hopes to provide a blueprint for tourism industry stakeholders in such areas as supply management, water resource management, energy efficiency, clean development mechanism, and solid waste management and community participation in sustainable development practices.

Eco-Mismo is in partnership with DOT and supported by DTI, DENR, Asia Productivity Organization – Development Academy of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Projects, Inc, in cooperation with Herma Group of Companies.

For more information about the event, contact the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation at (632) 8878964, fax (632) 8878966, email inquiry@rpdev.org or visit their website, http://www.rpdev.org.