Last summer my brother’s EJ and RJ joined Amigo Summer Art Workshop by Brushwand Workshops and Amigo Plaza Mall. And this October they will be learning about street magic! The Philippine Brotherhood of Magicians will be supervising a Street Magic Workshop for Young Magicians for Five (5) Saturdays of October at Amigo Plaza Mall. So if you are 18 years or younger you are eligible to join this “magical” workshop.
Registration will start on September 15, 2010 at Amigo Mall Activity Center. The registration fee is P2500 and it’s inclusive of StreetMagic shirt, starter magic kit, StreetMagic certificate and instructional materials. So the Street Magic Workshops will be for Five (5) Saturdays of October, 3 hours per session (total of 15hrs). For more information please feel free to contact me and I will address your queries to the organizers. Or you can also contact them at 09183290195 or 033 3297477. Just ask for Mark the magician.
By the way below are samples of my little brothers’ works and they are products of the art workshop. I’m so proud of them.
Hey Ilonggo fitness enthusiasts and also to those who care for their health and well-being – the 1st Iloilo Night Run is for you! SM City Iloilo is sponsoring this first ever night run here in Iloilo on August 28th, 7PM. This is for the benefit of Emmanuel Foundation for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
Registration fee is only P100. Registration forms are available at SM City Iloilo, Iloilo Supermart and Iloilo Society Commercial. Registrants will get a chance to win One (1) Scooter or One (1) Globe “Pangkabuhayan” Showcase. If you are the super fit running enthusiast who wins, the prizes for the Male and Female categories are: 1st Place – P3, 000, 2nd Place – P2, 000 and 3rd Place – P1, 000.
You can also download the registration form through this link.
Joining SM City Iloilo’s First Night Run will not only be good for your health, you will also help Emmanuel Foundation for Children with Special Needs, Inc. So I hope to see you there on Saturday!
Here are some tips so you will enjoy and finish the night run:
Keep yourself hydrated so bring your own water bottle.
Check your shoes and make sure that they are in good condition.
Check your outfit, make sure that you’re comfortable running in them.
Relax the day before the race.
Don’t overload yourself with carbs.
Pace yourself correctly because winning isn’t everything.
Set your mind, free your mind of things other than the race so you won’t get easily exhausted.
Here’s another installment of our Boracay weekend getaway last July. On our second day we did one of the most enjoyable activities while in Boracay Island, Philippines – the Marine Walk. Marine Walk is a helmet diving system that has been designed for the ultimate underwater experience. We literally walked under the sea, surrounded by fascinating marine life, live corals, and colorful tropical fishes!
We inquired at White Blue Diving Services Inc., a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) 5 Star Diving Resort and accredited with PCSSD (Philippines Council for Sustainable Development). They are located at Boat Station 3. Since it’s the low-season, the marine walk which usually costs Php2000-3000/pax was offered to us for only Php500 each. That also includes 2 DVDs – one for the photos and the other for the video. What a great deal isn’t it?!
The diving site is located on the other side of the island, the Bulabog Beach, so to go there we rode a tricycle with our guide. Then we were fetched by White Blue’s speed boat to take us to the dive site. When we arrived there we were given a waiver which we signed. It stated that the company will not be liable for any damages or accidents that will happen to us. They also stressed to us not to destroy the corals.
We were provided diving shoes then had a short orientation regarding the signals underwater. The Basic Underwater Signals they taught us are: Thumbs Down = Go Down, Thumbs Up = Go Up, Sign language of the letter D = OK Sign and All fingers pointing forward then wave hand = Problem. We were also told that if we feel pressure clogging our ears, we should simply pinch our nose then blow hard. I did this actually when I was already underwater and the air pressure went outside my ear.
Then it’s time for the action to start. Tim went down first. When it was my turn I went down the ladder. While going down the ladder one of the operations staff puts the helmet on my head. The guy kept holding the helmet until my head (with the helmet) gets into the water. This is done because the helmet is very heavy and they are making sure that the oxygen gradually fills inside it by waiting for any signal from me. Then another diver guides me to the sea floor. I was then overwhelmed and amazed with all the colorful fishes that immediately surrounded us! They were not afraid of us. The diving guide who is also the cameraman took us around the beautifully preserved corals and colorful fishes. Another guide then gave us bread so we could feed the fishes. It was the most breathtaking and amazing experience. It was my first time to be so intimate with fishes and it was fascinating because they were not even remotely afraid of us!
We remained underwater for 30 minutes. Let me just say that I am so proud of Tim because he was able to overcome his phobia of staying underwater for so long. We enjoyed the experience so much that we promised ourselves to do it every time we go to Boracay. If you would also like to experience this wonderful activity I have included the contact details of White Blue below. I promise you that with this adventure you will get a natural high!
The Department of Education teamed up with Kraft Cheez Whiz to celebrate the nation’s observance of Nutrition Month by launching the Palamantasan ng Sarap, Sustansya at Saya – the largest inter-school competition among grade school students in the Philippines. The goal of the Palamantasan is to fight malnutrition in a fun and interactive way by teaching kids proper nutrition and healthy snacking.
I attended the regional eliminations today, August 15th at the Department of Education – Division of Iloilo City Social Hall. Students from chosen schools in Region 6 converged to find out who exactly are the best among the best. I had the honor to be one of the judges for the Sabayang Pagbigkas and Cheering Competition. While I was watching all the talented students of Western Visayas, I couldn’t help but reminisce my own grade school days. I can’t believe that I am on the other side of the fence now, I used to join contests like this but now I’m one of the judges! LOL! But some things don’t change, students from this region are still very talented and I know that the judges for the National eliminations are going to have a hard time in choosing the winners.
The Cheez Whiz Palamantasan is composed of 5 competitions and the schools that joined have representatives for each contest. The On-The-Spot Essay Writing Contest, Jarchitecture Contest, Mom & Kid Sandwich Recipe Contest, Sabayang Bigkas and the Cheez Whiz Cheering Competition. According to Mr. Alex Dan Tacderas, the Category Manager for Cheez Whiz – Kraft Foods Philippines, this is the first time that a national competition has been instigated to explore the multi-level talents of our children outside the classroom. Kraft wanted to have a meaningful impact in the community instead of spending a lot of money just focusing on advertising. Believe it or not, 3 out of 10 children are actually underweight and malnourished so Kraft partnered with the Department of Education to focus on the nutrition and health needs of Filipino adolescents and children by having this project to help children become healthier in more ways than one, it is due time to reinforce proper nutrition so if you want to support this campaign in your own little way – make a pledge.
“The Palamantasan is not only reminding us to obtain proper nutrition but it is also a reminder of what the students should try to learn in school,” says Councilor Jason Gonzales. “The academic culture of today is teaching the students that grades are the whole point which is actually not true. Children should engage in profitable and worthwhile activities outside the classroom to become better human beings and for them to have the love for learning as well.” I couldn’t agree more.
Sabayang Bigkas Region 6 Winner - Rizal Elementary School.
Unfortunately, I was not able to take photos of the sandwich art competition because we were judging the Sabayang Bigkas and Cheering Competition. Below are photos of the winners.
The winner of the Essay Writing Contest is from Iloilo Central Elementary School. The topic is about nutrition. The winner’s piece was chosen from among 6 entries.
The winner of the Jarchitecture contest is from Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, Bacolod City. This work of art was chosen from among 4 entries.
The winner of the Sabayang Pagbigkas is from Rizal Elementary School. They were the best among the 5 groups. These kids have a big chance in winning in the National competition!
The winner of the Cheering Competition is from Pres. Manuel Roxas Memorial School, Roxas City. These kids were the best among the 4 groups that joined. They were awesome!
The winner of the Sandwich Art Competition is from Filamer Christian University, Roxas City. They are the Mom and Kid tandem who cooked up the best and most nutritious sandwich recipe among the 6 contestants.
Here’s a video of the announcement of the winner in the Cheering Competition. Feel the energy! I had so much fun today and I really appreciate Kraft Cheez Whiz for designing competitions that create awareness in nutrition issues. Keep up the good work!
I finally know how a ball feels after riding the Zorb in Boracay last July. The Zorb is a new extreme adrenaline rush activity in Boracay and all I can say is that I am definitely doing it again next time I’m there! It’s so much fun riding down a hill harnessed inside a giant plastic ball. If you are craving for a natural high this is one of the best ways to experience it.
I was able to convince Tim to do this with me – looking back now I can’t believe I didn’t have a hard time convincing him actually. I guess his adventurous side was triggered when he saw that huge plastic ball. LOL. The photo below was taken after we signed the waiver releasing the Zorb company “all liabilities and responsibilities for personal injury, etc.” We still looked “respectable” here. LOL!
After rolling down the hill inside the ball, Patan our guide asked us if we want to lie down on the grass and let the ball “massage” our backs! Now this time I was the one who hesitated and Tim was the one who was convincing me to do it – imagine that! So of course I did do it. We waited for the Italian family to finish setting-up inside the ball, they tried the Hydro ride which is they add water inside the ball and ride down the hill too. But this is less fun according to Patan because unlike the Harness ride you are not strapped in and not rolling head over your heels.
The Zorb Park is located in Ilig-Iligan, Yapak but since we inquired at the Beach Office which is at Mango Ray Resort Station 2 (near D’Mall), we were transported back and forth to Yapak via their shuttle bus. The park is open every day from 9AM to 6PM. Prices range from P300-580 Philippine Pesos per person. If you want to ride the Zorb when you’re in Boracay, just text or call the park on +639279085191, +639086148088 or +639392062220. You can also call their telephone number (036)288-1912.
I assure you that you and your friends and family are definitely going to have an awesome time! Now don’t laugh okay?
I have so many things to be thankful for and one of them is that I am living near the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines.” I love seafood! So last June, Tim and I were craving for them a lot so we decided to go to Roxas City, Capiz and just eat our hearts out with seafood.
The Cathedral
Roxas City is environment-friendly and home to one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. Roxas City’s Baybay Beach is 16 miles long, one mile wide and is the 15th largest natural bay in the world.All the best restaurants can also be found here. The tallest sea cliffs in Western Visayas can also be found on the city’s north side. Roxas City has been a three-time recipient of the Regional Cleanest and Greenest Component City in Western Visayas Award of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Program of the national government.
Aside from the seafood, what I like most about Roxas is its laid-back ambiance. People here don’t seem to be in a hurry. And I also love the old buildings in the city. They look haunted but they’re not so creepy. In fact I lived in one of these buildings once for a week back in the old days and you don’t want to know why. LOL!
And the seafood, we ate at RML Manokan Haus and Seafoods Restaurant. Check out the photos below because they speak for themselves.
Do you guys still remember the heat last summer? How unbearable it was and all you can think about was to go to the beach and just stay in the water for hours just so you could escape the unbelievable heat? I’m so thankful all that is over! But before it ended the Iloilo Bloggers were invited to attend a party on May 29th at Bourbon St. which is located at Smallville Complex here in Iloilo City. It was the Havaianas Beach Bar Party with house music mixes by DJ Pav Parrotte and party goers were entertained by Brazilian models (yes the authentic ones), fire dance exhibitions and were also given Havaianas freebies. Free mixed drinks were also given to everyone at the party. Havaianas and SPYCO Marketing Productions Manila organized the event.
Iloilo Bloggers with Camille Labayen - Havaianas Operations Manager (photo by Manuel Yulo Barandiaran)
So do you own a pair of Havaianas flip-flops too? If you don’t well I guess you know someone who does right? These particular brand of flip-flops originated in Brazil and gained world recognition in 1998 after the company developed a style of the sandals that featured the Brazilian flag for the World Cup. The brand has actually been around since 1962 but it only became very popular in the last five years when many celebrities were seen wearing them in the United States. Havaianas footwears are well-known for their comfortable soles and straps. And did you know that the name Havaianas actually means Hawaiians in Portuguese?
I know I should have announced the winner last month and I’m so sorry I was not able to. But nevertheless, the winners will be announced today and I will inform them via email as well.
But first let me thank everyone who submitted their entries. They are:
The voting doesn’t stop here though. I have provided the links for their entries as well so please continue to support them by voting for them. It would be really awesome if the winners will come from my blog contest participants. Voting will be until August 25th so you guys still have a lot of time.
The winners will win tough job t-shirts, cellphone cleaners and Alaxan FR’s sample packs. Please stay tuned here on my blog so I can tell you –my blog contest winners – how you can claim your prizes. And finally, the winners for this blog hosted Alaxan FR promo are:
Maal Petinglay – Caregiver
Jeff Torda – Call Center Agent
Agustin Ganancial – Carpenter
Congratulations guys! You deserve to win because you do have some of the toughest jobs. Alaxan FR, DOLE and I are very proud of you!
The Book Latte is a new coffee shop that is creating quite a buzz here in Iloilo. It’s not the usual coffee shop – they would like to be known as a “revolutionary coffee shop” because it is the first of its kind in the nation to be perfectly complemented by a library! Not only that, they are also the first ones to serve the Ilonggos Krispy Kreme donuts (original glaze or assorted).
Krispy Kreme and cakes!
The Book Latte has an impressive collection of books. Some coffee shops have books but they don’t allow their customers to take them home. But in Book Latte, simply become a member and borrow a book to take home or curl up with your book of choice on one of their comfortable lounges while enjoying coffee made from the richest, organic beans. They have over 1,000 books, magazines, learning materials and periodicals to choose from in a wide range of categories like classics, popular fiction, motivational, romance, business, reference, young adult books and more.
The Library (photo from Book Latte's Facebook account).
Now let’s talk about their coffee. Book Latte provides premium coffee and drinks with more than 30 flavors to choose from. And they say that all their beans are ‘organic which means that they have no flavor enhancers or fertilizers.’ They like to think of themselves as an “eco-café” because they do not use plastic utensils or cutlery and they don’t like Styrofoam products; all of their appliances are energy savers and their taps are equipped with low flow water heads. Aside from the organic coffee they also offer healthy juices and shakes, coffee laced with liquor and alcoholic cakes! They also serve affordable daily breakfasts. And another great thing about this café is that everything on their menu is less than Php100!
My White Chocolate Latte & Pure Chocolate Cake
So here’s how to become a member at Book Latte. You need to fill out a membership form and show a valid student ID (if you’re a student) or employee’s ID (if you’re employed) or a passport/driver’s license for those who are not employed. If you’re less than 12 years old then your parent’s signature is needed to become a member. Only residents of Iloilo and Filipino citizens are allowed to become members. Annual membership rates for students is Php180 per annum while for non-students is Php220 per annum. Membership entitles you to a lot of perks!
The day's specials!
The perks for members are:
A 10% discount on everything on the menu (you must be over 18 to order cocktails or alcoholic cakes).
The chance to borrow books and magazines at the library.
Access to diverse range of learning materials perfect for research and school work.
Access to the lounge and study area.
Plus other exciting perks offered exclusively to members!
Free WIFI for 2 hours.
Book Latte's menu - well half of it actually. LOL!
Book Latte opens at 8am to 8pm on Monday to Saturday and 8am to 5pm on Sundays. You can contact them for inquiries – 333-2574. Located at Quezon Street, (from Robinsons Place Iloilo National Bookstore Exit, turn right and walk roughly 2 minutes until you see Condura Golden Appliance). So apply for membership at Book Latte now and I assure you that you will not regret it because I applied for membership myself the first time I went there! This is the place for us coffee lovers and bookworms!
Bluejay Coffee and Deli is offering three “Must Try Meals” this July that are big on taste and easy on the pocket. Bluejay’s delicious and budget conscious meals will surely be a hit to foodies, students as well as to the Bluejay loyalistas.
Chef Burger (only P49 and comes with iced tea)
This one is for the burger lovers. Thick and juicy meat patty made from local meat sandwiched in delicious burger buns then slathered with Bluejay’s special dressing and garnished with tomato sauce and fresh lettuce. This burger is really good up to the last bite and will surely fit the belly leaving you full but will not empty your wallet.
Checkered Toast (only P30 without coffee, P80 with coffee)
This is definitely not the usual toast. Covered with their homemade chocolate and caramel, it is perfect with a cup of Bluejay’s Café Americano or Capuccino. I especially loved the bittersweet taste of the chocolate and its unconventional presentation. What’s great also is that no preservative has been added to it. And it smells really good!
Baked Penne (only P88)
Pasta lovers will love the Baked Penne – perfectly baked pasta that’s so easy on the pocket. Penne pasta that is firm to the bite and baked in rich Bechamel sauce and topped with yummy creamy cheese sauce. Very generous serving that will satisfy your growling stomach. Enjoy the sweet and spicy sauce that will suit the Filipino taste.
So if you are looking for a chic café in Iloilo that offers your favorite comfort food and goes with a very relaxing ambiance then Bluejay’s Coffee and Deli is the place you should check out. Oh and as a blogger, I enjoy their wifi internet access! All these “Must Try Meals” are now available at Bluejay Coffee and Deli branches at Amigo Plaza Mall and along Gen. Luna Street.
