Grand Family Association of the Philippines-Youth Group Mooncake Party 2010

The Grand Family Association of the Philippines-Youth Group (GFAPY) opens the Mooncake Party this Sept. 26 to all unmarried Chinese youths from 18 to 40 years old. As part of the Mooncake Festive Celebration, this annual tradition and major event will be held from 1-5 p.m. at 14th floor of Tytana Building, Binondo, Manila.

Ticket price is P350 per head. Snack buffet will be served by Aurea Sky all throughout the event. Only limited slots offered. Interested guests can register at the link found on their Faceboook page. Simply search for "Grand Family Association of the Philippines - (Youth) - Mooncake Party (2010)."

Non-members do not need to make an account to fill up the registration form. Just fill out the required field and click submit. For those who are already registered, you can claim your tickets at the Grand Family Association Office, 14th floor, Tytana Bldg. Binondo, Manila and look for Aaron Lim, Elaine Lim, or Corhiza Lagamayo.

For more information, contact Grand Family Association of the Philippines-Youth Group at (632) 241-0057, 241-0068 or email gfayphils@yahoo.com.

Philippine Orchid Society 64th Anniversary flourishes with its Mid-Year Orchid Garden Show

The Philippine Orchid Society (POS), country’s premier orchid club, held its Mid-Year Orchid and Garden Show in line with their 64th Anniversary at the Manila Seedling Bank compound in QC last August 13 to 23, 2010.

Dubbed with the theme “Protecting Our Orchids from Climate Change”, the show focused on the conservation and protection of our Philippine orchid species. It also featured the best orchid blooms of the season set in landscaped exhibits executed by the country’s top orchid collectors and landscapers.

Aside from exhibits, free lectures on orchid growing and gardening were also held for the visiting public. Topics discussed were “Annuals Ornamental Production” by East West Seed Company, “Growing Cattleya & Oncidium Orchids” by Atty. Hernando Perez, “Orchid Flower Arrangement” by Floral Designer’s Circle, “Miniature Tray Landscape-Penjing” by Mr. Vic de Roña, “Growing Vandaceous and Phalaenopsis Orchids” by CV Lazaro, “Noteworthy Philippine Orchid Species” by Mr. Wally Suarez, “Orchid Potting Techniques” by Mr. Andres Golamco Jr., “Fertilization & Urban Gardening” by Allied Botanical Corporation, “Marketing Trends in the Ornamental Plant Industry” by Ms. Vangie Go, “Indoor Gardening for a Healthy Lifestyle” by Mr. Serapion Metilla, and “Controlling Orchid Pest and Diseases” by Mr. Norberto Bautista.

The show was sponsored by Manila Bulletin, Agriculture: Manila Bulletin’s Monthly Magazine, and Peters Professional/Osmocote.

For inquiries on the event, contact POS show organizers at (632) 929-4425, 906-5036 or 0917-8485468.

AMEPA 5th Anniversary

The Association of Muslims Extended Program and Activities (AMEPA) and the Association of Middle East Placement Agencies (AMEPA), AMEPA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and AMEPA Mosque devoted their 5th Anniversary celebration held at the third floor, BDO Bldg., P. Faura St. Corner A. Mabini, Ermita, Manila last February 18, 2010 in benefitting the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

The theme of the event was “Strengthening the External Relations of AMEPA, for Job Opportunities Abroad” that was explicated by the event’s Guest Speaker Senator James Espaldon of Guam through his address about the $20-billion Guam military build-up projects that will benefit OFWs. Optimistically, the senator believed that the US project will help many Filipinos, who have plans of going abroad, stabilize their economic standing.

Diplomats and staff of the embassies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Venezuela, and the Republic of Indonesia.

Saleh K. Abdullah, President and CEO of AMEPA Development Foundation, Inc. even said that the anniversary brought connections between placement agencies and overseas job prospects.

One of the event’s highlight was also the awarding of the plaques of appreciation to the Top Ten Outstanding Placement Agencies. The awardees were the CDK International Manpower Corporation, Sara International Manpower Services, M.S. Brains International Manpower Services, Augustin Internatinal Center, Elbeitam Management Services, Al Mustaqbal International, Marcon International Manpower Agency, Pacific Mediterranean International Manpower Agency, Samie International Recruitment & General Services Ltd., Co. and Petra Personnel Employment & Technical Recruitment Agency.

AMEPA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation of Muslim and Christian members and is aimed to establish a foundation that unites the Muslims and Christians towards common goals, to extend grants or endowments to support its goals or generating funds to accomplish charitable, religious, educational, athletic, cultural, literary, scientific, social welfare or other similar objectives, to organize, undertake workshop seminars, forums, symposiums and technical and vocational trainings, to promote the welfare of the members by launching a livelihood programs that creates self-help, self-reliant and income generating by conducting livelihood skill training seminars, forums and symposiums, to forge a cordial relationships with both local and international entities, to purchase, repurchase and acquire real and personal properties, receive donation, endowment both local and abroad, in any form and dispose and distribute the same for the interest of the foundation, and to perform such other functions and activities in pursuit with the goals and objectives of the foundation.

For more information, call the telephone numbers (02) 393-8797, (02) 666-2592, fax at (02) 524-1767, or e-mail at amepa2006@yahoo.com.ph.

Celebrating 25 Years of Solidarity and Hope for the Travel Industry

Founded in Feb. 21 in 1985, the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) marked its 25th year with the induction of its 2010–2011 Board of Trustees at the New World Hotel.

Established in the precepts of forming an IATA travel agents association that would be responsive to the needs of its members and responsible to the public that it serves, PIATA is now the body that monitors and accredits travel agencies in the Philippines, ensuring that these agencies maintain and operate at the highest professional standards.

This year, PIATA’s thrust is centered on “Solidarity and Hope Amidst Challenges in the Industry,” stressing the importance of creating common goals for progress, even as the political, social, economical, and environmental landscapes change and affect the airline and travel industry.

Leading the PIATA Officers for 2010–2011 are (president) Ms. Helen Hao of Pan Pacific Travel Corp.; (vice president) Mr. Raymond Michael Tee of Horizon Travel and Tours, Inc.; (secretary) Ms. Marie Agatha Noel-Miguel of Morelia Tours and Travel, Inc.; (assistant secretary) Mr. Victor Carlo Romero of Elite Travel Center, Inc.; and (treasurer) Ms. Antonia Tee of Unipak International Travel and Tours.

The Board of Trustees, meanwhile, is composed of Ms. Aileen Clemente of Rajah Travel Corporation, Ms. Maria Benilda Cruz of First United Travel, Inc., Ms. Cynthia Limjap of Philippine World Travel Inc., and Mr. Marciano Ragaza of Travel Enterprises Corp.

AMEPA’s 5th Anniversary externalizes for OFW Benefits

The Association of Muslims Extended Program and Activities (AMEPA) and the Association of Middle East Placement Agencies (AMEPA), AMEPA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and AMEPA Mosque devoted their 5th Anniversary celebration held at the third floor, BDO Bldg., P. Faura St. Corner A. Mabini, Ermita, Manila last February 18, 2010 in benefitting the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

The theme of the event was “Strengthening the External Relations of AMEPA, for Job Opportunities Abroad” that was explicated by the event’s Guest Speaker Senator James Espaldon of Guam through his address about the $20-billion Guam military build-up projects that will benefit OFWs. Optimistically, the senator believed that the US project will help many Filipinos, who have plans of going abroad, stabilize their economic standing.

Diplomats and staff of the embassies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Venezuela, and the Republic of Indonesia.

Saleh K. Abdullah, President and CEO of AMEPA Development Foundation, Inc. even said that the anniversary brought connections between placement agencies and overseas job prospects.

One of the event’s highlight was also the awarding of the plaques of appreciation to the Top Ten Outstanding Placement Agencies. The awardees were the CDK International Manpower Corporation, Sara International Manpower Services, M.S. Brains International Manpower Services, Augustin Internatinal Center, Elbeitam Management Services, Al Mustaqbal International, Marcon International Manpower Agency, Pacific Mediterranean International Manpower Agency, Samie International Recruitment & General Services Ltd., Co. and Petra Personnel Employment & Technical Recruitment Agency.

AMEPA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation of Muslim and Christian members and is aimed to establish a foundation that unites the Muslims and Christians towards common goals, to extend grants or endowments to support its goals or generating funds to accomplish charitable, religious, educational, athletic, cultural, literary, scientific, social welfare or other similar objectives, to organize, undertake workshop seminars, forums, symposiums and technical and vocational trainings, to promote the welfare of the members by launching a livelihood programs that creates self-help, self-reliant and income generating by conducting livelihood skill training seminars, forums and symposiums, to forge a cordial relationships with both local and international entities, to purchase, repurchase and acquire real and personal properties, receive donation, endowment both local and abroad, in any form and dispose and distribute the same for the interest of the foundation, and to perform such other functions and activities in pursuit with the goals and objectives of the foundation.

For more information, call the telephone numbers (02) 393-8797, (02) 666-2592, fax at (02) 524-1767, or e-mail at amepa2006@yahoo.com.ph.

AMEPA’s 5th Anniversary externalizes for OFW Benefits

The Association of Muslims Extended Program and Activities (AMEPA) and the Association of Middle East Placement Agencies (AMEPA), AMEPA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and AMEPA Mosque devoted their 5th Anniversary celebration held at the third floor, BDO Bldg., P. Faura St. Corner A. Mabini, Ermita, Manila last February 18, 2010 in benefitting the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

The theme of the event was “Strengthening the External Relations of AMEPA, for Job Opportunities Abroad” that was explicated by the event’s Guest Speaker Senator James Espaldon of Guam through his address about the $20-billion Guam military build-up projects that will benefit OFWs. Optimistically, the senator believed that the US project will help many Filipinos, who have plans of going abroad, stabilize their economic standing.

Diplomats and staff of the embassies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Venezuela, and the Republic of Indonesia.

Saleh K. Abdullah, President and CEO of AMEPA Development Foundation, Inc. even said that the anniversary brought connections between placement agencies and overseas job prospects.

One of the event’s highlight was also the awarding of the plaques of appreciation to the Top Ten Outstanding Placement Agencies. The awardees were the CDK International Manpower Corporation, Sara International Manpower Services, M.S. Brains International Manpower Services, Augustin Internatinal Center, Elbeitam Management Services, Al Mustaqbal International, Marcon International Manpower Agency, Pacific Mediterranean International Manpower Agency, Samie International Recruitment & General Services Ltd., Co. and Petra Personnel Employment & Technical Recruitment Agency

AMEPA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation of Muslim and Christian members and is aimed to establish a foundation that unites the Muslims and Christians towards common goals, to extend grants or endowments to support its goals or generating funds to accomplish charitable, religious, educational, athletic, cultural, literary, scientific, social welfare or other similar objectives, to organize, undertake workshop seminars, forums, symposiums and technical and vocational trainings, to promote the welfare of the members by launching a livelihood programs that creates self-help, self-reliant and income generating by conducting livelihood skill training seminars, forums and symposiums, to forge a cordial relationships with both local and international entities, to purchase, repurchase and acquire real and personal properties, receive donation, endowment both local and abroad, in any form and dispose and distribute the same for the interest of the foundation, and to perform such other functions and activities in pursuit with the goals and objectives of the foundation.

For more information, call the telephone numbers (02) 393-8797, (02) 666-2592, fax at (02) 524-1767, or e-mail at amepa2006@yahoo.com.ph.

PAMET observes Sapphire National Convention at the Manila Hotel

Last November 25 to 27, 2009, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) held its 45th Annual National Convention which was also dated as the organization’s Sapphire Anniversary at The Manila Hotel.

The convention dwelt on the theme "Medical Technologists: On A Higher Leap amidst Global Challenges". This conveyed how the association optimistically would look forward to the future despite the country’s challenges brought by the natural disasters that inevitably destroyed million worth of properties and thousands of lives. The shifting trends on the profession both locally and globally were also pondered upon and focused on in the convention.

Medical Technologists’ high degree of commitment in addressing social concerns such as global warming, environmental protection, and climate change was also given a wider viewpoint on the convention.

The event started with the registrations of delegates, participants, and visitors, and scientific workshops where relevant topics on various areas of laboratory practice were thoroughly discussed. The traditional processional of PAMET National Board, Regional Directors, Chapter Presidents, Advisory Council and Keynote Speaker that followed the opening or pre-conference events was meaningfully done with the presence of representatives from various country- members of the Asia Association of Medical Laboratory Sciences (AAMLS).

The 4th Annual National Convention also had given awards to some of the promising members of the association. Ms. Jacinta B. Cruz as the Most Outstanding Medical Technologist of the Year; Ms. Vivian V. Tagama for the Distinguished Service Award of the Year; the Pangasinan Chapter for the Most Outstanding Chapter Award; and, Ms. Razel L. Kawano for the Crisanto G. Almario Memorial Award for Research.

For more information, do contact 09287990940 or e-mail at pametevc@yahoo.com.

Dancers Show Flair in DanceSport National Tilt

The DanceSport Council of the Philippines Inc. (DSCP) launched the DSCP National Championships in conjunction with its 13th anniversary celebration. The competition was held last Nov. 29, with almost 400 dancers competing for the top spot.

Also geared toward finding the best candidates for the national pool of competitive dancers, DSCP Becky Garcia said that this competition is a way to keep the Philippine dancers visible on the international scene and also to develop of the skills of the country’s representatives in future dance tilts. The event was originally scheduled to be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Oct. 10, but was rescheduled to the Nov. 29 launch because of Typhoon Ondoy. The dance competition was held at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Serving as adjudicators in the competition are Mr. Jeff Elworthy (Australia), Ms. Hermien Rachmat (Indonesia), Mr. Marcel Keijzer (Netherlands), Mr. Victor Buenavida (Spain), Mr. Paul Harris (United Kingdom), Mr. Michael Lim (Singapore), and Mr. Gheorghe Raducan (Romania), licensed adjudicators from the International Dance Sport Federation (IDSF).

The dance championships had a total of 27 divisions in the Standard and Latin categories. Among those competing are National DanceSport athletes Emmanuel Reyes and Maira Rosete (Standard), Brian Ocana and Karla Ocana (Standard), Ronnie Vergara and Charlea Lagaras (Latin), and John Melencio and Dearlie Gerodias (Latin).The winners in the different divisions are:

Grade A Latin: Ronnie Steve Vergara and Charlea Lagaras (Cebu)

Grade A Standard: Brian Ocana and Karla Ocana (Metro Manila)

Grade B Latin: Anselmo Estillore Jr. and Mae Lozada (Cebu)

Grace B Standard: Gil Satrain and Chiao-Mei Chu (Metro Manila)

Grade C Latin: Jungie Zamora and Sheena Richen Daminar (Mindanao)

Grade C Standard: Don Kristian Bolaños and Alona Dangcalan (Luzon)

Grade D Latin: Joseph Bautista and Luzviminda Atruz (Metro Manila)

Grade D Standard: Glenn Marvin Fabul and Richelle Cabigas (Luzon)

Junior A Latin: Nigelandes Legaspi and Rochelle Canoy (Metro Manila)

Junior A Standard: Tristan John Ducay and Willanne Rose Ducay (Metro Manila)

Junior C Latin: Nigelandes Legaspi and Rochelle Canoy (Metro Manila)

Juvenile C Latin: Joshua Orapa and Dannah Joyce Piol (Metro Manila)

Juvenile C Standard: Joshua Orapa and Dannah Joyce Piol (Metro Manila)

The event was sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, PCSO, PAGCOR, NU 107, Savannah Moon, Water Zone, Studio 116, and Ho. Andrea Domingo.

For more details of DSCP and the complete list of winners, visit their website at http://www.dancesportphils.com/.

PMWA at 6

The Philippine Medical Women’s Association (PMWA) celebrated its Diamond Anniversary and their 60th Annual Convention last November 6 to 7, 2009 at the Manila Hotel carrying the theme “PMWA at 6—‘Enriching Lives, Empowering People’ What Have we Done?”

PMWA is an organization of medical women to foster closer relationships and fellowship among all medical graduates to enrich, encourage, and empower one another in their chosen fields of practice or specialties and subspecialties so that they may be better equipped to serve the community and the underprivileged and take an active part in national affairs specially in problems that affect women, children, and the family. Since then, the association has grown to more than 4,000 members nationwide in 45 various chapters in Metro Manila and the provinces.

The said event was announced by the PMWA President Dr. Concordia M. Pascual. Moreover, Dr. Teresita L. Yiongson, past president, was the keynote speaker during the opening ceremonies of the convention.

Manila hosts the 10th Anniversary of Asia Pacific manning

The Asia Pacific Manning and Training Conference celebrated its 10th Anniversary last November 4 to 5, 2009. The said event was participated by more than 200 delegates representing over 40 of the biggest international maritime companies from different countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway.

Lloyd’s List Events, UK-based conference specialist, organized the conference that was held at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila.

Ms. Kathryn Barnard, Conference Producer from Lloyd’s List noted that there is an unprecedented number of international companies who have registered this year’s event.

With the theme, “Seeking Solutions in Partnership: An Industry Commitment to Future Manning and Training”, the event aims to bring the world’s largest maritime companies to Manila to discuss the issues and challenges affecting the crewing of commercial vessels worldwide.

Moreover, workshop were held after the main conference to enhance the knowledge of the participants which was conducted by IFSMA and DNV SeaSkills Asia, followed by a gala dinner to celebrate the 10th Anniversary at the grounds of Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Registration were held online at http://www.manningandtraining.com and through Mr. Alec Almazan at alecva@yahoo.com.ph.

8th Seaweed Festival honored Sitangkai

Tawi-Tawi Provincial Government hosted the 8th Seaweed Festival coincided with the celebration of the 36th Founding Anniversary of the province dubbed as “Kamahardikaan Tawi-Tawi” last September 24 to 27, 2009.

Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali noted that they have exerted more efforts in the preparations of this year’s event compared to what they have done in the previous years. Moreover, he confirmed that a larger number of local and foreign tourists witnessed this year’s festival together with the seaweed farmers from the municipality of Sitangkai and nearby Sibutu.

Seventy percent of the country’s seaweed production is in Sitangkai where at least 4,000 metric tons of dried seaweed produced monthly and seaweed farming in the town covers about 5,000 hectares with 60,000 more hectares awaits farmers to plant high-quality seaweed.

Gov. Sahali also shared that good farming methods and infusion of new technology helps them to produce good quality seaweed, and local farmers will have the power to dictate the market price and value of their dried seaweed product.

Global prices of seaweed still remains very volatile, as he admitted that seaweed farmers are still trapped in poverty despite the strong demand for their product in the global market.

To further develop the industry, Sahali said seaweed farmers were recently organized into cooperatives to overcome their fears that the industry may be overtaken by other major seaweed exporters’ countries, like Indonesia.

Genesis: A CCP 40th Anniversary Special with Cecile Licad and Alban Gerhardt

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in celebration of its 40th anniversary, presented Genesis – two nights of classical music with renowned Filipina pianist Cecile Licad and internationally acclaimed cellist Alban Gerhardt - last Sept. 15 and 16 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

The night of Sept. 15 saw to a repertoire of renditions of Fredric Chopin’s Scherzo No. 3, Gyorgy Ligeti’s Sonata for Cello, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in A, Op. 69, Leos Janacek’s Fairy Tales (1923 Version), and Sergei Prokofievs’s Sonata.

Ms. Licad and Mr. Gerhardt teamed up together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) Oscar C. Yatco as their Conductor for the second night’s performance, which included Dmitri Shostakotvitch’s Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra No. 1, Op. 107 and Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26.

The two-night concert was sponsored by the Manila Broadcasting Company, the Philippine Entertainment Portal, Business World, 92.3 X FM, NU 107, Delta Airlines, and Northwestern Airlines.

For more information regarding ticket prices and other details, please call 832-3704 or 832-1125 loc. 1409. You may also contact Ticket World www.ticketworld.com.ph at 891-9999.

Taters celebrates its 15th anniversary with Saludo XV

Taters has not wavered from its goal to innovate a wide variety of snacks to satisfy its customers’ discriminating tastes, and at the same time, raise the standards of movie snacks.

In celebration of their 15th anniversary, Taters Enterprises Inc. held an all-out celebration for its most loyal patrons last August 5, 2009. The night was painted camouflage as almost all 600 guests suited up for the military-themed event aptly called “Saludo XV.”

The event opened with a showcase of arms and rifle tricks, followed shortly by Taters’ 15-gun salute to 15 of its faithful allies in the industry over the years. Included in this esteemed group are: GCH International Mercantile Inc., Multi-M Food Corp., Ferna Corp., UKC Commercial Press, Metropolitan Foods, Philippine TQM Foundation, Goldilocks Bakeshop, LL & Lance Enterprises, Pepsi-Cola Products Inc., Vassar Industries Inc., 3 Saints Garments Manufacturing, Conceptoprint, Arce Foods Corp., Kitchen Link Enterprises, and Nestlé Philippines. Special Medals of Honor were given away by Taters Enterprises Inc. Chairman Isagani de Castro and founder Ms. Ana Marie Tanchanco to recognize them for their continuous support and contribution to Taters’ success.

Celebrity sightings during the event included Polo Ravales, racer Matteo Guidicelli, Maureen Larrazabal, Raine Larrazabal, Bangs Garcia, Michelle Murenec, rocker Gab Chee Kee of Parokya ni Edgar. Also gracing the event was Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, who gave his sincerest congratulations to Taters for a job well done. Guests enjoyed free-flowing cocktails, canapés and other Taters’ treats.

To top off the event, guests were treated to a free screening of G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra. They were also given bags of freshly popped special anniversary-edition new popcorn flavor: the Saludo Pollo, which is a garlic chicken flavor.

Taters also launched the Saludo XV Promo which ran for two months from August to September 2009.

With every Php 200 purchase, Taters enthusiasts got the chance to win prizes such as free upsize of drinks, gift certificates, movie tickets, assorted Taters products, and other premium gift items.

A portion of the proceeds of the promotion went to the Assisi Development Foundation’s Peacepaths Program. The program encourages peace and helps support certain areas in Luzon and Mindanao which have been ravaged by war.

Taters branches are located at Glorietta 4, Market! Market!, Trinoma Mall, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinsons Place Cebu, Robinsons Place Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Bacolod, Waltermart Makati, and Cash and Carry Mall.

For more information, please visit http://www.tatersgroup.com.