Friday, October 29, 2010

Goldilocks Pagbabago Contest Awarding

My much-awaited Goldilocks' "Pagbabago" Contest was held last week at the Goldilocks Shaw Blvd. It was a very memorable event for me because it was the first bloggers' event that I have attended. I was thinking not to attend at first because I was hesitant of other bloggers who are already famous in the scene. I felt shy to mingle with them. But there was something pushing me to go on and head my way at the venue. I was welcome warmly by Ms. Trixie and she gave me a DYC kit (Decorate-Your-Cake)while waiting for the other attendees and while the dinner is being prepared.
Tables were almost full but not the one in the middle where I met(Ooops! I forgot his name. I can only recall his blog http://taralakbaytayo.blogspot.com. Anyway, he was nice and talked about our blogs and of course we must admit, we were one of those hopefuls to win that Ipad or itouch.

After decorating the cake, they served us our dinner. It was my favorite laing and their best-seller lumpia, pancit and rice. Softdrinks and their Almond Lychee Popz were also served to quench our thirst.*DYC, Decorate-Your-Cake!;)

They start the awarding by showing us a glimpse of how Goldilocks humble beginning and how far it has become now. There were photo booth, fun games like best cake design and trivia games about Goldilocks. Our group were eliminated at the second question. Winners received some tokens from Goldilocks.





*raise your answer

*the question that declares the winner, ANSWER is B!

My heart was beating so fast as they were about to reveal the winners. But unfortunately I didn't win. But its OK, because I had fun and I met new friends. I even met personally some bloggers I only new online. Besides we didn't go home empty-handed because they gave us some Goldilocks goodies
Winners were awarded by cool peeps from Goldilocks and a TV personality, Mr. Edward Mendez.

by the way, here is my entry, "Pagbabago".

Category Winners are...

Most Eloquent Blog
Ehdison
http://www.yoshke.com/2010/09/pagbabago/

Most Creative
Ms. Vivian
http://divineviva.blogspot.com/2010/09/pagbabago.html

Biggest Change
Marian Jane (She wasn't able to attend the event)
http://marianjanealumbro.blogspot.com/2010/08/pagbabago.html

*Kcat, the grand prize winner during her acceptance speech

And of course the Grand winner who made us all emotional and teary-eyed, KCAT. The "lakwatsera and fashionistang pilay, chismosang bingi" as her mother described her. Her story is the most touching and inspiring among all the entries. I admire her courage and strength despite the trials that she is still fighting until now. Kcat, I have to thank you for sharing your amazing story and you really enlightened me!
http://underkcat.blogspot.com/2010/09/pagbabago_29.html

*Kcat's mom while telling her daughter's inspiring story

*Pagbabago winners, Goldilocks Team, and Edward Mendez

*Team Goldilocks-Shaw Blvd.










Goldilocks links
Official Website
Official Facebook Fanpage

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Search for the "Laging Handang Bayani"

Marami ng sakuna at kalamidad ang sumira at nagpahina ng ating loob, pero sa kabila noon, natuto tayong bumangon at magtiwala. Marami mang ari-arian at buhay ang sa ati'y kinuha, marami rin naman ang mga taong nagbuwis ng buwis para makatulong sa iba. Marahil ito na ang panahon upang ating silang kilalanin at parangalan sa kabayanihang kanilang ginawa.



In celebration of 110th Anniversary, Eveready Philippines invites you to join their online contest! If you know a friend, a colleague or simply someone who has the characteristics of a Laging handang Bayani in many ways, then Nominate and vote this person as the Eveready Laging Handang Bayani!

You can also win 10,000 pesos and Eveready giftpacks by simply sharing your most memorable Eveready Moments. Visit contest site for more details on how to join!

http://laginghandangbayani.eveready.com.ph/

Hurry Join now!

Eveready, Kasama sa pagbuo ng Isang Laging Handang Pilipinas!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I am a Winner



"We are winner in our own different way. We maybe failed so many times, but there are still reason to smile and shine."

When I was in grade school I dreamt of becoming an honor student. But how can I make itif my grades are playing in 75-77-76-75. I lost my hope and just ignored that dream. But came my intermediate year. I dreamt again and I got those good grades that I want but still wasn't good enough. I didn't make it until the graduation day.

Then came high school, I find even harder because there was a big competition. Honor students from different school are in the battle to be included in the honor roll. Some are valedictorians and salutatorians from famous school. I had more doubt that time. But because of perseverance and faith I made it. I ranked 4th. I was happy defeating those honor students. Second year, I didnt make it. I became just an achiever. Dahil daw sa barkada. But I didnt blame them, besides choice ko naman yun. I learned to drink and smoke. Gumala kung saan-saan. Pero hindi ko sila sinisi, sinikap kong bumalik at balansihin ang oras ko. Then I made it. During my junior year, I got the 6th spot. And during our graduation I was awarded with honors, having the 5th place in the whole graduating class. I even received other awards. Hindi ko pinagsisihan na napabarkada ko dahil sa kanila natutunan ko ang tunay na realidad ng buhay. Hindi sapat ang mga medalya para gamitin sandata sa kung ano mang pagsubok ang darating. Nadapa ako, pero bumangon. Hindi ko iniwan ang barkadang naging kasama ko sa saya at hirap. Ang mga barkadang naging dahilan "daw" ng aking pagbagsak. Pero sabi ko nga choice ko yun walang dapat sisihin kundi sarili ko. Ngayon proud ako dahil ang mga barkadang yun, sila pa rin ang mga kasama ko until now, matatag at napatunayan kong mga tunay na kaibigan. People change ika nga. Ngayon, kami ang iilan lang sa mga magkakaklase na naging successful sa buhay. Hindi ako likas na matalino, pero naniniwala ako na walang taong bobo. Sipag lang katapat ng pagkamit ng diploma natin.

After graduation, hindi ko alam kung saan ang tutungo. Mahirap lang pamilya ko. walang permanenteng trabaho mga parents ko. I came from a struggling family. Pero luckily I got a scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology. Opo! DOST Scholar ako.Isa ako sa mga nakapasa sa mga requirements and exams na binigay nila (hindi nakapasa yung ibang honor students). Winner na naman ako!Nung college, hindi sapat yung grant kaya rumaraket ako. Taga-gawa ng project and research ng mga classmate kong tamad. OK lang at least nakatulong ng malaki. Salamat sa pagiging tamad nila.

Ngayon, Im proud kasi ang isang below average student, may stable na trabaho. Ako lang naman ang pioneeer and longest in service na Digistar Planetarium Control Operator dito sa Pinas. At dalawa lang kaming nakakaalam ng technology ng DIGISTAR 3, a state of the art digital theater system dito sa buong Pilipinas at una sa Southeast Asia. Dahil sa pagtitiyaga ko, I was able to send my two younger sisters in school, One in college and the other one is in high school. As much as possible I'm providing all their needs, yung mga hindi ko na-experience, sinisikap kong makuha at ma-enjoy nila.

Pero hindi pa dyan natatapos...Life is not always like a blue sky with colorful rainbow in it. My father was diagnosed with liver cancer last year. And just last August, he ended his battle. My father passed away.

I never thought about the time I would have to step into my own father's shoes. He was always there to fill them. Then suddenly, he wasn't. And now I have had to step into them. I didn't feel prepared for the role, but I have to. Now I clearly understand how it is to be the father. What it takes to be the head of the family. It is all about self-sacrifice. Sacrifice for the people you value and love the most. As the eldest, I need to show my Mom and my siblings how strong I am, even deep in my heart, I am totally broken and grieving.

Now, I need to show them the days of mourning is finally over. I don't know where to start for I still remember how easy it was when my father is still around. There is still a little doubt in my part, but I have to face the coming days with enough courage . The sleepless nights of thinking ends when I just realized that even though my father is gone, he still left me with something great. His advise and love is the best legacy he'd given me. I was never left alone or empty-handed. It is my inspiration to seize the days with pride. I am grateful to have been raised by a man who is so kindly predisposed to the wacky and the unexpected. My father is a testament to the great values of kindness, hard work and taking care of us. I will never forget the image of him among the crowd as I go up the stage to receive my awards in school, my first day in high school where he accompanied me in my first classroom, the happy moments we've shared near the lake and fishing, those days that we need to go up the mountain to get some guavas which I will sell in the school to have "baon", the times he took care of me when I was suffering from broncho pneumonia and holding my dextrose patiently as I play around when I was a kid. Thank you for encouraging me without being cloying and as a result, I felt supported but never pushed. Thank you Tay, for taking me in a real life adventure, where I learned the greatest lessons and experienced a different kind of excitement and fun. I can say that I am again a winner in this because of the inspiration that my father gave me.

Because of your blog Mr. Jayson Biadog, Winners Place , I was able to join contests and fortunately, I won gadgets like mobile phone, DVD player and most memorable sa lahat yung makuha ako ang isang spot sa Boracay Bloggers' Tour courtesy ng isang local airline company. Oh di ba WINNER na WINNER.

Bloggers in Caticlan
Presentation of winners in Microtel together with the SEAIR and Microtel's Executives

Hindi ko na isasama ang iba pang competition na sinalihan ko, baka kasi magtunog na mayabang na ako. Wala pati picture kasi lahat yun natangay ng baha, walang natira. Pero I'll try to look for some and update this para may proof..hehehe

Marami na rin ako mga contest na sinalihan, minsan natatalo, minsan nananalo. Pero para sakin hindi sapat na nakakuha ka ng mataas na marka, na cum laude ka or suma cum laude pa, na marami kang certificates, trophies and medals. Dahil sa totoong hamon ng buhay, sipag, tiyaga at paniniwala sa sariling kakayahan ang magdadala sa yo sa tagumpay na inaasam mo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAYSON!!!

I wish you all the happiness in life and good health. More contests to win!!!Hope to see you soon...

MUZIKADEMY by Janice Hung





I once dreamt of becoming famous in the music scene but unfortunately I don't have the voice like Josh Groban, Usher or Christian Bautista. I cant play any music instrument. I failed to learn the guitar. So I focus by composing poems and songs but the big problem is that I don't know who will put a melody into it. tsk! tsk! tsk!

Here's the example of my composition..

Am I Waiting in Vain?

Its not easy to pretend
how much i love you
sometimes i wish to end
the feeling that i have for you

I’m always here waiting
for the perfect time
for your way of caring
which i thought forever mine

Will your heart trust me
or just hide and leave me
Is your love forever a reality
or just a huge fantasy?


This is just one of the shortest composition I have. So when I heard of MUZIKADEMY by Janice Hung, I kind of think that this is now my chance. Want to know more about MUZIKADEMY? Click MUZIKADEMY

MUZIKADEMY- is a gathering of innovative souls from the music industry with the prime objective of discovering future music magnets and ingenious composers. The event will certainly generate and enhance musical awareness and better appreciation of Philippine Music among the younger generation by developing out-of-school youth and college students to become total performers through a dynamic training that will prepare them to the alluring world of music.

This event is organized and pioneered by Ms. Janice Hung, a wushu champion, actress, model and acoustic singer, co-presented by FONTANA HOT SPRING and LEISURE PARKS in cooperation with the SUMMA-HANA Arts and Language Foundation Inc. and JHAS Foundation, Inc, both non-stock and non-profit organizations devoted to the promotion, development and support of the arts.

In line with this, MUZIKADEMY will search the Philippines for out of school youth and college students with musical talents to be our SCHOLARS in our 2-day music camp which will be held on November 26-27 at FONTANA Hot Spring and Leisure Parks, Freeport zone, Pampanga. This 2-day music camp will include various activities designed to enhance the participants’ realization of their limitless possibilities to become world class performers such as by enhancing their musical ability and teaching them how to package themselves to become marketable not only in the Philippines, but globally. The workshop will culminate with a concert where our scholars would be performing with our very own world-recognized local celebrities.

The MUZIKADEMY offers an opportunity for self-discovery and learning. Music educators, artists, and the youth will interact and exchange views through the magic of lyrics, rhythm and symphonies. Through our concerted efforts, we can transform this vision into reality. Through the MUZIKADEMY the participants, through their music, will also hopefully be able to express themselves and their advocacies for a better future.

JOIN THE CONTEST NOW and WIN Php 100,000.00 worth of cash and prizes

Send your demo cd.

For more details :

log on to http://janicehung.com or call 4194443 or text 09275900739.

E-mail us at muzikademy@yahoo.com



You may find this link useful..
http://www.fontanaleisureparks.com
http://www.summahana.com/index_002.htm

More of Janice Hung and contest mechanics?
http://www.janicehung.com

For Blog Contest?
http://janicehung2002.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/muzikademy-blog-contest/

Did I forget to mention the prize for the MUZIKADEMY BLOG CONTEST?Its after a jump..

PRIZES:

1ST Prize- Php 2,000.00 cash

- 2 night accommodation good for 4 persons at Fontana on Nov.26-27

- 10 MUZIKADEMY concert tickets

- 3,000 worth of Gift Certificate from DENTAL FIRST

- 1 Accel Bag

2nd Prize

- 2 night accommodation good for 2 persons at Fontana on Nov.26-27

- 5 MUZIKADEMY concert tickets

- 2,000 worth of Gift Certificates from DENTAL FIRST

3rd Prize

- 2 night accommodation good for 2 persons at Fontana on Nov.26-27

- 2 MUZIKADEMY concert tickets

- 1,000 worth of Gift Certificates from DENTAL FIRST


Go start your way to STARDOM...

Monday, October 4, 2010

Boracay Bloggers' Tour (Day 1)

They say that what happens in Boracay stays in Boracay. But in my case I am so eager to share you all perhaps the best experience I have ever had so far, the Boracay Blogger's Tour 2010. (right Mica!?),

Honestly, it all started with a dream. And that dream came into reality. I never thought of this experience to happen until SEAIR and Microtel presented the Boracay Bloggers' Tour 2010. And out of 63 hopefuls, I made it to become one of the 8 lucky winners. I cant remember exactly how I came across this contest. I was browsing some online contests and after so many clicks, there was a link that brought me to the SEAIR Fan page. I was hesitant at first because I've already seen so many entries. In fact, I was the 43rd who submitted my piece. And even some who submitted theirs are famous in the "blogosphere".

First Day. First time.
September 11. As people all over the world commemorates the ninth year anniversary of 2001's World Trade Center bombing in New York, it's the day of my first ever flight. Woooh! I was worried, what if someone hijacks the plane? Is there a chance that what I have posted in my blog is getting so real?(Ugh!erase.erase.erase) I was a little bit nervous in the airport. I dont know what to do. But I was able to manage myself well (baka kasi may makahalata na first time ko!hahaha). I arrived at around 11am (excited!) because I dont want to be tagged as "The "Late" Darwin" toink!. I think I was the first among the participants. I was looking at the printed e-ticket of every passengers in the counter, because thats the only way to find out if they are the other bloggers. Lucky me, I saw Van, Gracee and Gervic. (Picture! Picture!). Then we saw Brenna, the queenbiyachessa (now admin of philippinetravelogue). I quickly knew that she was one of the us simply because of again, the printed e-ticket that she was holding that time. Picture! Picture! again. And we were then 5. Last 3 persons. Some "important" people approached us and introduce themselves like Sir Albert, Sir Ivan and Sir Leo together with Ms. Norsan, Ms. Lualhati and Sir Fernan. Then came Gael, thepinaysolobackpacker. I was really waiting for here because I want to meet her personally. We both only knew each other by exchanging comments in our blogs and both hoping before the announcement of the winners. Last one. Where is micamyx?[ Next flight na daw=( aaayyyy!]. Edcel, the soloflighted, indeed was solo, taking the flight via Cebu.
"Unang Pagkikita" photo courtesy of Brenna Bustamante
"Goin up the plane for the first time" by Gervic Estella
"Calling the passengers of flight DG 119...."wootwoo! It was a day worth-remembering simply because It was my first time to go in the airport, ride a plane and experience how it feels when you are up in the sky. Sir Leo was so kind for letting me sit near the window. Of course its my time to take some aerial shots. (watch out for some funny stories, I'll make another entry for that. hahah!) I also got the chance to talk to Sir Leo. It's a Dornier 328, a new generation aircraft that brought us to Caticlan. I was little bit nervous but excitement conquered all the fears in my brain. It was a safe flight then.



"A Safe Landing @ Caticlan" by Fernan Nevrez
Upon arriving to Caticlan, we headed up to SEAIR Caticlan Lounge and had our late lunch. We filled our stomach with some most liked Filipino food such as adobo, kilawin, sinigang and "isang malaking inihaw na isda"and a cold "open-up-some-happiness" softdrinks to quench our thirst. (Burp!) Then we went to Denby's Butterfly Garden beside the lounge. There was a little monkey playing around the bamboo. I enjoyed taking pictures of different flowers (as if I'm a professional photographer). I was having a hard time to catch some pictures of that winged-insects, they quickly fly away every time I point my camera. I therefore conclude that butterflies are camera shy. ammp! so I took pictures of other subjects instead.








A coaster picked us up and brought us to Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal. Wow! There are lots of tourist! Most of them are Koreans. At exactly 3:44 in the afternoon, I set my first step in the Island of Boracay with a very big smile. Picture! Picture ulet! Then a shuttle service send us to Microtel. We were warmly-welcomed by the staffs with a smile and they even wore us a Microtel necklace, gave them wet towel (ako wala!) and offered us a complimentary drink. I was starting to feel like a celebrity that moment.lol




We were given an electronic keycard for our rooms. I was checked-in at Rm. 110, and I was alone, because Gervic was mistaken for as a guy because of his name. I fixed my stuffs and felt the Microtel's famous chiropractic bed. I felt like a real celebrity because my air-conditioned room is big. I have two beds, a colored TV with cable channels, radio clock, an internet-ready data port (unfortunately, I dont have a laptop, Im the blogger without computer, remember?) vanity mirror, a spacious cabinet, a telephone, a nice window seat and a clean bathroom (What else can you ask for!?). I turned on the TV and was trying to find an interesting show. But hey Darwin, you're not supposed to lie down in that bed, Go get up and see the purpose why you're here! (my conscience shouted me!)Scratched my head. The "Boracay virgins" Gracee, Van, Brenna, Gervic and me together with Mica and Gael (how am i supposed to call these 2 since they've been here before?the not-so-virgins?lol) went to the shore, wrote our names in the sand and took some shots.







By 7PM, We gathered at the hotel's lounge for the presentation of SEAIR and Microtel Group Dynamics headed by Mr. Ivan. We presented ourselves with our winning blog. We were formally introduced to the executives like Mr. Patrick Tan and Sir Leo Gimena of SEAIR, Ms. Norsan Barilea of Microtel and people from the print media (Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer) namely Mr. Fernan, Ms. Lualhati, Sir Lester and Sir Ken. Picture! Picture!




Then dinner time. On our way to the beach, the heavy rain fell and ruined the set up along the shore. So they decided to have the dinner at Mama's Fish House instead. As what Mica said, kakain ba or magpipicture? Because every food that they served has to be taken some shots before we eat it. Define SARAP!hmmm. Then Mr. Fernan was surprised for the birthday treat they have organized.






Ooops! the night wasnt over yet. They prepared some fun games for us. Its Team DARWIN vs. Team EDCEL (who will emerged victorious? See it on the 2nd day) First game "filling the pail with wet sand". Team Darwin lost! punishment? Vodka Shots. Second game: Sack Race. We were almost there, but Edcel was so fast! Team Edcel won for the second time. They took the shots of vodka. Oh its Game 3: Tug-of-war. Team Darwin C'mon! Push! Push! Push! and one final push made us win the game. wootwoo! I just realized these three girls (Mica, Gael and Gracee) are barbarians?lol




Before we end the night, they gave us the chance to see a glimpse of Boracay's nightlife. A shuttle from Microtel send us to D'Mall. There, I have seen so many stalls, bars, hotels, foreigners and casinos (JOKE! I havent seen any casinos, Im not sure if there is one). There's a ferris wheel also inside D'Mall. I saw some sand castles with a "tip box" saying "any amount, except coins"!lol. I just had my picture taken beside it instead. Firedancers in the Sand Bar caught our attention too, we took some pictures of them outside the bar (sumilip lang kami sa butas!lol). I cant stop myself from grooving everytime I heard the "tgsh tgsh tgsh" as how my fellow bloggers described word "party". I saw how crazy and colorful the nightlife is in the island. I said to myself "Bukas ka!"






Oh what a great way to end the day...

See you on our second day trip...COMING SOON!

Thanks again SEAIR, Microtel and Mama's Fish House. I'll make a detailed post for y'all.

NOTE: Special thanks to Mr. Lester Hallig for some photos used in this blog.