Philippine International Cartoons, Comics and Animation (PICCA) Festival 2010

The Philippine International Cartoons, Comics and Animation (PICCA) Festival is all set in inviting members and the public to join the PICCA main event on October 22 to 25, 2010 at the SM City North EDSA.

PICCA will have rundown of activities and showcases like cartoon and comics exhibits, comics drawing contests, animation creation contests, talks by local and foreign guests, book launches, workshops for children, caricature sessions, game demos and animation showing.

PICCA will also hold a trade exhibit and showcase at SM City North Annex. Participants will be comics publishers, content creators, animation studios, mainstream and indie comics artists, gaming producers and multi-media schools. Booths and displays will also be set up in the CyberZone floor.

The four-day event is open to the public except the talks and the showings where PICCA members will have the reserved seats. In addition, PICCA members will be have draw of raffle tickets, awards night party and discounts on special skills training.

The annual event is dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of creative content generation in the Philippines, particularly in the fields of comics, animation and also gaming.

Resource persons will come from the US, Canada, China, Japan, Israel, Singapore, Australia and Pakistan. PICCA members are expected to benefit from the talks.

PICCA is presented by Mango Comics and SM malls. Partners include Japan Foundation, CITEM, Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, Cosmopolitan International Institute of Technology, Seventoons, UP College of Fine Arts, Creative Media Professionals Guild of Asia and the Pacific, Holy Cow Animation and Design Plus Printers, Panda Travel Service and Derwent Art Supplies.

For details, contact PICCA Secretariat at (632) 403-8681 or log on to www.piccafest.com.

11th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2010

With over 12,000 trade visitors every year, the 11th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2010 will gather top companies, experts, practitioners, and industry professionals from the fitness, health, and beauty industries come October 15 to 17 to provide an exceptional venue for marketing, advertising, and promotion of health and beauty products and services.

To be held at the Megatrade Hall 3 in SM Megamall, the event's objective is to showcase the newest and innovative health and wellness programs in the market.

This three-day event will provide lectures, workshops, demonstrations, several activities, and perks like free medical consultations by beauty and medical experts and presentation of new herbal beauty products. Educational sessions about health, organic, beauty, cosmetics, natural food and drinks are also offered that could help generate new business ideas for health and wellness industry sector.

Some of the exhibitors in the event are as follows:

• Pharmaceutical Products
• BFAD/DOH Approved Medicine
• Alternative & Organic Products
• Natural/Herbal Food, Drinks and Supplements, Catering/Food Companies
• Health Services, Specialized Clinics
• Optical/Lenses, Medical Equipments
• Cosmetics, Perfumeries, Essential Oils, Soaps
• Beauty Products & Services, Beauty Institutes
• Wellness Centers, Salons, Skin Care/ Body Care, Hair Care
• Health Spa / Resort / Sport Club
• Herbal & Aromatherapy Products, Herbal Medicines and Remedies
• Herbal Food & Beverages, Fitness/ Slim Centers
• Fitness Equipments, Medical Insurance Companies
• Health Magazines/Journals/Publications
• Fashion Jewelries, Accessories, and Beauty Products
• Spiritual, Zen and Meditation Music.

For registration and inquiries, please contact the Fiera de Manila at (632) 896-0639, 896-0637, 899-6216 or e-mail at fiera@info.com.ph.

Job Fest Career Fair, Super Kids 2010, and Best of Anime 2010

Primetrade Asia Inc., showcased three events in four consecutive days at the SMX Convention Center last September 16-19.

The first event is the Job Fest Career Fair 2010 presented in cooperation with Jobsdb.com, Studio 23, and the Manila Bulletin. The Career Fair opened September 16 and concluded with hundreds of jobs provided on the second day.

Meanwhile, the second event is in partnership with Maximus Inventus and Promil Nurture Network which set foot from September 17 to 18. Super Kids 2010 aims to support creative learning and champion minds to excel in their chosen endeavor. The event was supported by Johnson’s Pure Essentials, Johnson’s Baby, Junior, and the Manila Bulletin.

The last event, moreover, is an extravagant anime expo entitled The Best of Anime 2010, which was conducted in cooperation with Hero. The event showcased the best of anime movies, trends, and costumes on its one-day event last September 19. Tie-Up organizers of the said event include Japan Foundation, Cosplay.ph, Creativoices, and Society of Young Voice Artists of the Philippines (SYVAP). Sponsors of the successful expo were MSI-ECS, Suspended Animation Media, Yoshinoya, Netopia, GAME, ClicktheCity, Tempest Films, and the Manila Bulletin.

For more information, contact Primetrade Asia Inc., at (632) 896-0661, 896-0682 or visit http://www.primetradeasia.com/

Tattoo Artists Unite at Dutdutan X

Tribal Gear Philippines presents Dutdutan X, the country’s biggest and grandest annual tattoo exposition on Sept. 24 and 25 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The ultimate tattoo event will once again create history to celebrate 10 years of art and ink.

Tribal Gear sets the bar even higher at this year’s event where the finest tattoo artists, enthusiasts and supporters will huddle to meet, compete, get inked and marvel in skin artistry at its best. Once again, Tribal Gear gathers not only the country’s best tattoo artists, but also acclaimed inkers from all over the world. Participants from France, Guam, Singapore and Korea are flying in.

Guests from Tribal Gear San Diego, California, representing Tribal’s West Coast lifestyle, where tattoo is very much a part of one’s existence, are also coming. Bobby Ruiz, founder/owner of Tribal Gear, Wuv, drummer of POD and OG Abel, street/graffiti artist, Franco Vescovi, renowned inker and Willie T., multimedia artist, will be celebrating art and ink with local counterpart.

Tribal Gear, the lifestyle brand that represents the hardcore, underground and alternative street scenes, continues to live up to its roots with Dutdutan X.

Dutdutan X’s highlights include exhibition fights of professional URCC (Universal Reality Combat Championship) fighters, Tribal Gear’s sizzling Bikini Open contest, a music fest featuring many of our hottest local bands and crews, and a new addition to grab the spotlight is the Drum Duel — a search for the best amateur drummer in town.

Dutdutan X is presented by Tribal Gear; co-presented by Colt 45, Skinworkz, PHILTAG, and brought to you by Kenny Rogers, JB Music, Jack TV, Magic 89.9, NU 107, UR 105.9, U 92.r and Sidetrip Travel Magazine.

Tickets are on sale at Skinworkz and all Tribal boutiques. Trade in 12 Colt 45 crowns and get P100 off the ticket price.

For more information about the event, contact Tribal Gear at (63917)859-3759, email q@dutdutan.com.ph. For Tattoo Competition/Convention Inquiries, contact Skinworkz Body Piercing & Tattoo Shop at (632) 834-5001, (63927) 980-1009 or visit the official website at http://www.dutdutan.com.ph/

1st Philippine Digital Publishing Conference

With the rise of electronic books, e-readers, and the magnitude of information available on the Internet, fears have arisen that the old-fashioned book might go permanently out of style.

To address this, members of the local publishing industry came together on September 13 and 14 for the country’s first Philippine Digital Publishing Conference at the UP-Ayala Technohub. Entitled “the Future of the Book,” the two-day series of talks covered the changing landscape of publishing, the rise of e-books, and how Filipino readers, writers and publishers can make the best of these changes.

Sponsoring the conference were the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Filipinas Heritage Library, and Vibal Foundation, Inc.

An exhibit right outside the session hall also featured the evolution of e-readers through the years, from readers on the laptop, up until the recently-released Apple iPad.

Keynote speaker and BDAP president Lirio Sandoval said, “The public and private sector of the Philippine book industry are very much concerned about the future of the book industry in this digital generation, and it affects publishers, book sellers and readers alike.”

“This conference is the latest in many such conferences around the world, asking what the future might hold for [books and traditional publishing],” he said. “Some say the digital age will be the end of the book, others say it will be another chapter in the long and illustrious history of the book.”

For further information, contact Vibal Foundation at (632) 712-9156 to 59 loc 343 to 344, fax (632) 416-8460 or
visit their website at www.vibalfoundation.org.

2010 FUTSAL Championships

A total of 24 teams from various colleges and clubs clashed for the 2010 Futsal Championships held around Club 650 in Eastwood, Pasig last August 14 to 15, 2010.

According to Farita Villanueva of Creative Lab Inc., the tournament organizer, the sport of futsal is slowly gaining popularity in the country, drawing a boost with the recently concluded FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.

Futsal is a variant of football that is played on a smaller playing surface. This indoor game is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football. The rules make room for improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

The two-day competition involved 12 teams each in the men's and women's divisions.

The tournament is sponsored by Club 650, Nivea, Molten, Garage Magazine, Rider, Beach Hut, Ideal Vision, Friendster, Enervon HP, Apricot Diner, Flexiserve Media, One Sport sports and fitness event guide, Scorecard Infinite Lifestyle Card and Immuvit. It is organized by Creative Lab, Inc. - events and design agency.

For further inquiry regarding the event, contact Creative Lab, Inc. (Creative Two) at (632) 772-2792, 772-3631, email mail@creativetwo.com or visit http://www.creativetwo.com

1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show

Business Meetings Tradeshows & Events Solutions, Inc in partnership with Pastry Alliance of the Philippines launched the 1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show in conjunction with Hotel-Hostel & Restaurant Expo Philippines last July 14-16 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

The sweetest show in the country is 3-day event that showcased a wide array of chocolate exhibits and presentations with competitions and prices at stake. Aside from those, Ms. Susana F. Edilo of Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation shared some of her expertise and insights on the Coffee Business Seminar on the first day of the event. The second day of the event highlighted a tasty competition of deserts tagged as Plated Dessert Wars. The third day marked the awarding of the winners of the competition.

Media partners of the successful event were: Business World http://www.bworldonline.com/, HerWord.com, and DZAR 102.6. Moreover, this very successful sweet show was sponsored and partnered with F&B World, Actron, Callebaut, Bakersfield, Corman Professional, PFESCORP, Magnolia, Great Food, Magnolia Gold Butter, San Miguel Mills, Delish, Tamayo’s Catering, King Sue, Max Ideas Marketing Corporation, Salem, Synergy, Sweetlink, ZenAsia, and International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management.

For more information, contact the Business Meetings Tradeshows & Events Solutions, Inc. (BMT) at (632) 328-8876 or 78, 307-8876 or 78, fax (632)328-8878, 307-8878, email bmt.events@gmail.com or visit http://philchocoshow.weebly.com/

4th Men’s Health All-Terrain Race

Trail runners and mountain bikers will surely have their work cut out for them as they take part in the 4th Men’s Health All-Terrain Race to be held on May 16, 2010 in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The Men’s Health All-Terrain Race is the most eagerly anticipated race in the country by both mountain bikers and trail runners. It’s is also the perfect springboard for new riders and runners to try something new and to push their limit.

Participants may choose to run the 6-kilometer, 10-kilometer or 16-kilometer trail course, or ride their bikes on the 20-kilometer or the 40-kilometer route. But for those up for the challenge, there is also the option to do both the 10-kilometer trail run and 20-kilometer bike ride. Racers will be running and/or riding on pavements, dirt roads and grass lands. They will also get the opportunity to admire the view from the top of a ravine, and get wet while crossing a river on their way to the finish line.

Registration is now ongoing at Akt!v Sports and Lifestyle Centers in Trinoma and Festival Super Mall, Recreational Outdoor Exchange (R.O.X.) in Bonifacio High Street and at the Summit Media Office at the 7th Floor of Robinsons Cybergate Tower 3, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong, City. Deadline of registration is on May 12, 2010.

Good food, cool music and, great company awaits all participants as the event coincided with Men’s Health Philippines’ Fifth Anniversary celebration.

The 4th Men’s Health All-Terrain Race is co-presented by Keen and sponsored by Cherifer Premium, Emperador Light with official venue partner, Nuvali; official timer, Timex; official outfitter, AllStar; registration partners, Akt!v Sports and Lifestyle Centers and ROX and official radio partner Magic 89.9.

For more information about the event, contact Summit Media Publishing at (632) 451-8888 local 1070 or 1071, visit www.menshealth.com.ph or grab a copy of the current issue of Men’s Health, available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run

The Skyathon Bora Beach and Surf Run was held last April 24 at the Beach Front of Guilly’s Island in Station 1 in the island of Boracay. The competition gave freedom to runners if they prefer to go barefoot or run in aqua socks when they run in the said in the said island terrains.

Participants also joined the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and Kiwanis Club of Boracay in cleaning up the area after the said competition.

This very special event was organized by Sky Cable and officiated by Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP). Sponsors supporters were Bayan DSL, Gold’s Gym, Second Wind, SEAIR, ACCEL, Alta Vista Hotel, Boracay Regency Hotel, Club Paraw, Cyma Restaurant, Guilly’s Island, Paraiso Grill Lobster House, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary-Boracay, and Kiwanis Club of Boracay.

For more information, contact the Triathlon Association of the Philippines at (632) 710-8259, (63916) 504-6513, (63915) 639-4233, fax (632) 809-2713, 850-5254, email info@triathlon.org.ph, or visit http://www.triathlon.org.ph/

Nomination Open for Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence

The Manila Times, through the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence, seeks to recognize and honor outstanding Chinese-Filipinos who have excelled in various fields of discipline and made great contributions to the Filipino society.

It is for this reason that The Manila Times decided to institutionalize an annual system of recognition of distinguished Chinese-Filipinos. Now in its fifth year, the Tsinoy Awards continue to celebrate the best in the Tsinoy community which has become a pillar of the society.

Nomination for the Awards shall be open to all Filipino citizen of Chinese descent, have received Chinese education, at the minimum, should be able to understand Chinese language, and have observed/practiced or still observes or practices some Chinese tradition

The nominee must be engaged in the following fields of endeavor: Art, Literature and Culture, Business and Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Journalism, Management and Finance, Medicine, Public Service, Science and Technology, Sports and professionals. He or she shall have demonstrated outstanding leadership in his field of endeavor and made outstanding contribution to mainstream society.

Any individual, private or public entity or organization may submit nominations. Nomination forms may be obtained at www.manilatimes.net. Forms must be submitted or mailed to The Manila Times, 371 A. Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on April 16, 2010.

For more information, contact The Manila Times at (632) 524 5664 up to 67, fax (632) 301 9552 or visit their website at http://www.manilatimes.net.

Tarlac to Host Palarong Pambansa 2010

The provincial government of Tarlac will host the 53rd edition of the Palarong Pambansa to be held on April 11-17, 2010 at the Tarlac Recreational Park (TRP) in San Jose, Tarlac.

Prior to the event, a launching was held last February 18, 2010 simultaneously in four other towns -- Bamban, Concepcion, Camiling and San Manuel-- as a signal for the start of the Palaro 2010 countdown.

Tarlac province has started the counting from the 53rd day before the event as this is the 53rd Palarong Pambansa. The theme for this year is “Play for the Region, Win for the Nation”. The activity kicked off at 6:30 a.m. with all the 17 municipalities and one city in the province held a firecracker launch, simultaneous with the ringing of all church bells. This was followed by a province-wide cycling and motorcade.

The launching also introduced “Palaro” this year’s mascot. “As first time host, we mark this event with this mascot. We named “Palaro”, -- a multi-faceted yet roundly unified ball to symbolize the energy, the discipline and the verve that go with every jump, every kick and every bounce made during the games.” Gov. Yap said.

He also said that “much like Tarlac, dubbed as the melting pot of Central Luzon where diverse cultures meet and mix, mascot ‘Palaro” also represents convergence and oneness.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Tarlac government also conducted a press briefing at the TRP where mechanics, security, fraud, accommodation of athletes, transportation, traffic and other matters about the competition were tackled.

Governor Victor Yap said that he was excited with the staging of the Palarong Pambansa in the province. He said that although there are some facilities that have not yet been completed, he assured that it will be done before the event. The DepEd, for its part, said that accommodations, mechanics, safety measures and other concerns were already been set.

Gov. Yap also emphasized that Palaro is a dream come true to all Tarlaquenos. “This is our chance to showcase our warm hospitality, our ability to handle the big sports event and to show not only to our countrymen but to the whole world as well the beauty of our province,” he said.

The Palarong Pambansa 2010 hopes to boost the province’s economy, especially the tourism industry. Some 25,000 guests from the country’s 17 regions are expected to attend the annual sporting event.

The 53rd Palarong Pambansa is in cooperation with the DepEd Task Force on School Sports and sponsored by Smart Communications, Inc., and SM.

For more information about the event, contact the Palarong Pambansa - Tarlac Secretariat at (6345) 6114148, (63910) 387-3956, email palaro2010@gmail.com or visit the Palarong Pambansa 2010 blog at http://palarongpambansa2010satarlac.blogspot.com/ or Tarlac Government website at http://www.tarlac.gov.ph/

Neophyte Surfers to Ride the Waves at 2nd Baler Beginners' Surf Competition

The Baler Beginners' Surf Competition, the biggest beginners' surf competition in the country is back. It will be held from April 9 – 11, 2010 at Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora.

Now on its second year, the event encourages newbie surfers and those who’d like to try the sport to learn from veteran surfers and experience riding the waves this summer. The competition is open for all first timer surfers, even spectators. Get the chance to meet new friends, eat great food, take home freebies, and a chance to win really cool prizes. Special awards such as Best Rides, Worst Wipe Outs, Best in Surf Wear, and more, will be conferred during the event.

Registration fee is PhP. 3, 800.00 for competitors and PhP. 3, 300.00 for spectators. Package include two nights-3 days accommodation (group sharing), transportation (Private Bus), 5 free meals (3 breakfasts, 2 dinners), two (2) sets of one hour surf lesson and board rental, and official event t-shirt. Participants who will be joining will have to pay down payment of Php 1,500. Full payment will be collected on the day of the event.

The 2nd Baer Beginners’ Surf Competition is organized by Surfari Philippines and MAHDOX Surf School and Surf Shop together with Aloha Boardsports.

For inquiries call or text Mr. Jasper Enriquez at (63922) 852-7737 or Benjamin Uy at (63922) 844-3729.

Local Skimmers Head out to CamNorte for First Ultimate Regional Skim and Skate Challenge

Witness top regional skimmers battle it out for skim supremacy with ingenious moves guaranteed to be served fresh, hot and deliciously spicy during the 1st Ultimate Uragon Regional Skim and Skate Challenge and Luzon Skim Jam slated on April 3 – 4, 2010 at Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The event is when Bicolano and Luzon skimmers and skaters will gather to compete in one of the first ever regional skim and skate challenge held in one of Camarines Norte’s Skim havens. An almost two kilometer expanse of flat, fine grey sand conveniently located 10 minutes away from the bustling town of Daet awaits skim aficionados from all skill levels.

The skate event will be held in the Bagasbas Pavilion and an 8km, Mercedes-to-Bagasbas Push race will kick off after that. There will be different classes and division for amateur and expert skimmers and a longboarding competition during the event.

The 1st Ultimate Uragon Regional Skim and Skate Challenge and Luzon Skim Jam is supported by San Miguel Corporation, Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, Slick Surf Skimboards Pilipinas, Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Philippines, and Department of Tourism.

Registration fee is P300.00 inclusive of event shirt and 2 lunch stubs. For more information, contact Slick Surf Skimboards Pilipinas at (63908) 881-5075 or visit their website, http://slicksurf.multiply.com/.

All About Hair: The 11th Hair Olympics at the PICC

One hundred and twenty junior and senior hairstylists battled it out in the 11th Hair Olympics last March 10 at the Forum of the PICC. The participants competed for titles in the cut and blow dry, ladies commercial look, men’s commercial look, and evening hairstyling.

This annual battle of hairstylists is an annual project of David’s Salon and supported by major sponsors L’Oreal, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, Davines, Wella, and Great Image Photography.

The affair also featured dance performances, fashion shows, hair cutting/styling demos, and introductions of new hair products from sponsors L’Oreal, Matrix, Davines, Schwarzkopf, and Wella, which are also major suppliers of David’s Salon.

The winners were: Richard Conde, Alabang Town Center (evening hairstyling category); Wilson Rivera, SM Southmall (best in color under the evening hairstyling category); Mark Latoga, SM Lipa branch (cut and blowdry category); Jerrymie Pulongbarit, SM MOA branch (best in color under the cut and blowdry category); Irene Entusiasmo, Katipunan branch (ladies commercial and best in color under the same category); Jogie Minano, SM Marikina branch (cover look by Great Image category); Cenon Alegria, Sta. Lucia 2 branch (men’s commercial category); Joyce Bernasor, SM Megamall 1 branch (best in color under the men’s commercial category); and Bong Veresraiz, Greenbelt branch (cover look by Great Image under men’s commercial category).

David Charlton, together with L’Oreal general manager Ms. Charisse Hernandez and international platform artist Stephen Senz, Top Style Marketing president Ms. Cora del Rosario, Matrix business unit manager Ellen Malacs, and I-2 Beauty Philippines president Mr. Richard Chan awarded the winners.

11th Hair Olympics was also sponsored by Asia Pacific Cosmetics Corporation, Beauty Blends, Inc., Glaxo Smith Kline, Rising Star Printing, Ferr Trading, Sunkist Drinks, Royale Business Club, ABS CBN, QTV11’s Full Time Moms, NBN 4.

The event was hosted by Magic 89.9 DJs Andi 9 and Sam YG.

PhilCes’ 1st Interschool Economic Quiz

The Philippine Council of Economic Student (PhilCes) and the Philippine Stock Exchange together with the Business World, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, ClicktheCity.Com, and John Robert Powers presented the First Inter-High School Economics and Capital Markets Quiz Competition last March 6 at the PSE Trading Floor in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The Philippine Council of Economics Students (PhilCES), a national socio-academic conglomeration of college organizations from various universities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For nearly a decade now, the organization have been affixed upon representing and embodying the youth in its vital role in the country’s economy—providing innovative venues that allow one to merge economic theory and actual practice, achieving distinguished proficiency in enriching scholarly value in the aforementioned undergraduate course among academic institutions and, promoting general awareness and interest in the field of economics among the Filipino youth.

Moreover. PhilCes envisions competitive economics education in academic institutions all over the nation and also aims to achieve this by providing innovation and diversity in the study of economics.

Children Take on Marathon Challenge at Alaska Ironkids Philippines

Children from various age groups put on their rubber shoes and ran their way to a healthy and active lifestyle as they took part in Alaska Milk Ironkids Philippines Run Race 2010 held last February 28, 2010 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

Inspired by the IronMan Triathlon competition, the Alaska Milk IronKids Philippines is a series of swimming, biking and running events for the youth ranging in age from 6 to 14 years. The event allows children to participate in an enjoyable and healthy activity that provides positive feeling about them. In addition, Alaska Milk IronKids Philippines inspires and teaches children to improve themselves in all endeavors of life by working hard and persevering.

The Alaska Milk IronKids Philippines, organized by Sunrise Events Inc., follows the highly successful, excellently organized and world-class Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines held in Camarines Sur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur last August 28, 2009.

For the running competition, children 6 to 8 years ran a one kilometer race; 9 to 10 years, 1.5 kilometers; 11 to 12 years, two kilometers; and 13 to 14 years, three kilometers.

A total of 281 children took part in the first run race. Here are the winners for each category.

Category	Boys	Girls
3K	1st place - Marc Alexander Altura	1st place - Natasha Consuel Zobel de Ayala
	2nd place - Gabrielle Allen Santiago	2nd place - Aina Farid
	3rd place - Javier Ocampo	3rd place - Denise Faith Garcia
2K	1st place - Akira Michico Sam	1st place - Magali Echauz
	2nd place - Jose Julian Dayrit	2nd place - Andrea Marie Santos
	3rd place - Kurt Thomas Garcia	3rd place - Aisya Farid
1.5K	1st place - Ryan Santos	1st place - Jasmine Have
	2nd place - Adam Christophe Bambroffe	2nd place - Silvia Belen Zobel de Ayala
	3rd place - Virgilio Dulnuan, Jr.	3rd place - Alicia Preysler
1K	1st place - Reed Santos	1st place - Maria Gianina Manuel
	2nd place - Sijbren Kramer	2nd place - Sophia Carmody
	3rd place - Diego Ramon Dayrit	3rd place - Tara Borlain

Another run race will be held on April 11, 2010 at the Ateneo de Manila High School Grounds in Quezon City. Aquathlon competitions will be on May 23 and July 25 at the Manila Polo Club and Alabang Country Club, respectively, and triathlon races on August 21 and September 26 in Camarines Sur.

The Alaska Milk Ironkids Philippines 2010 is sponsored by Alaska Milk, Timex, Gatorade, McDonalds, Private Iris, Audi, and Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc.

For more information, contact the Ironkids Philippine Secretariat at secretariat@ironkidsphil.com or register online at http://www.ironkidsphil.com/

PhilCycling stages RP Open 2010 in Danao

Last February 19 and 20, 2010, PhilCycling, which is the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)-recognized federation, staged 2010 National Open for mountain bike in Danao City where most international competitions are held, few of those were 1998 Asian Open Championships and the 2005 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

“Danao City has maintained its MTB (mountain bike) courses that suits to UCI standards and we expect the competition to be tough and tight,” said Danao City Councilor Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez Jr., who is PhilCycling’s chairman and UCI international commissaries for mountain bike.

Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the PhilCycling president informed that road race events – massed start and time trials – for the open were conducted in Tagaytay City.

The track competitions, on the other hand, were held in the same week at Quezon City’s Amoranto Sports Complex where a 400-meter velodrome stands.

The PhilCycling would also be sending riders to the Asian Championships for road and track, the Asian Mountain Bike Championships and the Track Asia Cup later this year to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

For more information, visit the website http://philcycling.wordpress.com, or call 0916-641-9770 or 0920-456-2227.

CHED to Hold First Academic and Cultural Festival

To encourage students in promoting academic excellence, culture and arts in the country, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Dr. Emmanuel Angeles said the commission will hold its first ever Academic and Cultural Festival to be held from March 1 to 5, 2010 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Dr. Angeles said if the event will be successful, he plans to take it to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Education Council and make it an annual event for promoting culture and arts in the region.

“We will gather all the best performing students in each country that will represent their schools in the competition. It will be a chance for different educational institutions to market themselves as well as promote academic excellence in their country,” he said.

“We want to hone the students’ talents and competencies in a healthy, physically and intellectually-stimulating environment and developing the students’ discipline, hard work, and love for the country and his fellowmen," he added.

The first-time festival is an endeavor of CHED and the National Association of Higher Education Institutions (NAHEI), an umbrella organization of the Regional Association of Higher Education Institutions (RAHEI).

Dr. Angeles pointed that the would-be annual festival will provide public and private college students a chance to compete in various events in the areas of academics and culture.

For academic competitions, students will battle with their minds in the impromptu speech, oration, poetry interpretation, story telling, debate, science, math and computer quizzes.

On the other hand, cultural competitions will include awit saya (vocal solo and vocal duet), sayawitan (choir), tipa at tugtugan (solo instrument), likhawit (song writing), sayaw Pinoy (Philippine creative folk and ethnic dance), and ginoo at binibining pamantasan (pageant).

The CHED chairman said 17 regions in the country will participate in the event. Around 819 student representatives will compete for the cultural category while some 221 will compete for the academic events.

“We believe that this kind of competition brings out the best in every contestant. That is why we will strictly monitor the qualification of each contestant, including the grades. No one with failing grades would be allowed to join the competition even if they have the talent and skills,” he said.

For more information about the event, contact the Commission on Higher Education at (632) 687-13-17, 637-35-71, email info@ched.gov.ph or visit their website at http://www.ched.gov.ph/.

JFM Stages 2010 Nihongo Fiesta at Mall of Asia

Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of Japanese culture on February 27, 2010, as the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and SM Mall of Asia, hold the 2010 Nihongo Fiesta at the SM Mall of Asia Cinema and Main Mall Atrium.

The annual festival, which promotes international cultural and arts exchange between Japan and the Philippines, will include a highly-anticipated Nihongo speech contest, a fun and hip Japanese and Filipino Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest, and an exciting J-Rock (Japanese rock) Concert.

Filipino students and professionals who want to show off their linguistic skills in Nihongo are invited to join the 37th Nihongo Speech Contest and get a chance to win an all-expense paid week-long study tour in Japan. In line with JFM’s objective of promoting cultural exchange through Japanese Language Education, participants are required to deliver their own original compositions on a subject of their choice. High School Nihongo beginners, on the other hand, can participate in the 2nd Nihongo Quiz Bee for High School Students to showcase their knowledge in Japanese language and culture. Both contests will be held in Cinema 2 of Mall of Asia; from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Aside from showcasing the Japanese language, the Nihongo Fiesta will also put on display the stylish and edgy characters that descend the streets of Tokyo in the Japanese and Filipino Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest. The trendy Tokyoites are captured in a photo exhibition along with Manila’s very own interpretation of street fashion through the watchful eyes of Filipino fashion designer and style blogger Cecile Zamora Van Straten, and curated by Team Manila. Guests are invited to express their individuality, dress up in their street style best, and turn the hallways of Mall of Asia into urban center catwalks on February 27. Roving “style scouts” will choose the best dressed and the winner will take home a cash prize and Japanese fashion products. The Japanese and Filipino Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest will run from February 22 to 28 in the Main Mall Atrium of SM Mall of Asia.

Finally, cap off the Nihongo Fiesta festivities in the evening with fantastic music and dancing at the J-Rock Concert featuring the influential Japanese punk-pop-rock band Shonen Knife. Fresh from their US tour, the all-female group, which has gained a worldwide cult following, will rock out with the country’s all-male dunk (dance and punk) band, Pedicab in a one-night only free concert at Mall of Asia’s San Miguel by the Bay from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

The 2010 Nihongo Fiesta is supported by the following media partners: Manila Bulletin, NU 107 and ClicktheCity.com.

Admission is free to all 2010 Nihongo Fiesta events. For inquiries, contact the JFM at (632) 811-6155 or email email@jfmo.org.ph or visit their website at www.jfmo.org.ph.

PSC Celebrates 20th Anniversary with All in Sports Expo 2010

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Philippine Sports Commission, players, coaches, and sports enthusiasts are invited to take part in the country’s newest sports and fitness expo: the 1st Philippine Sporting Goods and Facilities, Fitness Equipment, Apparel and Footwear, Hobbies, Recreation and Health-Related Products and Services Exhibition (All in Sports Expo 2010) scheduled on February 25 – 28, 2010 at the newly-renovated Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.

Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission in partnership with Global-Link MP Events International, Inc., the event will be an exhibit of the latest in the sports and fitness industry, featuring products, services, and technology form top local as well as foreign companies.

All In Sports Expo 2010 will coincide with the Commission on Higher Education - Private Schools Athletic Association - State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (CHED-PRISAA-SCUAA) National Games - the biggest sports competition among private and state colleges and universities in the country. The games will showcase young athletes from 17 regions across the Philippine battle it out to become achieve high honors in their respective sports, including judo, badminton, tennis, swimming, athletics, and baseball.

Aside from display of sporting goods and items sold at discounted prices, other activities have been lined up for the four-day sports expo. There will be an inter-school tournament and exhibition on the country’s National Sport, Arnis. Philippine Taekwondo's best athletes will compete for the Metro Manila Open Championship. Philippine Grandmasters will face-off in a chess tournament. Other activities include bodybuilding exhibition, international dance competition for the youth in multiple subjects and styles including hip-hop, jazz, and ballroom, Tennis Exhibition Match between top athletes in men's and women's divisions, and a Sports photo exhibit featuring the greatest moments in Philippine sports from 1990 to present.

For more information about the event, contact Global-Link MP Events International Inc. at (632) 750-8588, 887-1304; fax (632) 750-8585; email: info@globallinkmp.com, or visit their website at www.globallinkph.com.