Philstar.com bares Christmas Celebrity Run 2009

Celebrating a more meaningful Christmas this year, philstar.com is calling online community members, lifestyle aficionados, sports enthusiasts and race buffs to join the Christmas Celebrity Run 2009 on December 20, 2009 at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“We invite everyone to celebrate the yuletide season with us and support our campaign to connect Philippine public high schools to the world by joining Christmas Celebrity Run 2009,” said philstar.com General Manager Katrina-Sandejas Mañosa.

The event was designed as a venue where philstar.com online community members can interact with celebrities, who share the same passion for running, healthy lifestyle, online literacy and charity work.

Heading the celebrity roster, according to Manosa, are Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Maricel Laxa, Anthony Pangilinan, Gary Valenciano, Rovilson Fernandez, Marc Nelson, Claudine Barreto, Raymart Santiago, KC Concepcion, Piolo Pascual and Drew Arellano. Business tycoons Jaime and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Fred Uytengsu and Lance Gokongwei are likewise expected to put on their running gear during the event.

Special prizes await the top three runners in the male and female divisions of the 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 10-kilometer races. In the 21-kilometer race, two winners will be chosen (one male and one female) in each of the five divisions: 18-25 years old, 26-30 years old, 31-29 years old, Male (40 and above) and Female (35 and above). More prizes await those who come in costumes looking like celebrities. Three participants will be named Best in costume (Celebrity Look-a-like).

“More than the social and healthy benefits of running, philstar.com’s Christmas Celebrity Run 2009 will also help fund the computerization program of GILAS (Gearing up Internet Literacy and Access for Students), a multi-sectoral initiative spearheaded by the Ayala Foundation program,” Ms. Mañosa explained “This is in line with our corporate social responsibility of nurturing not just the online community but helping spread online literacy as well.”

Initially scheduled Oct. 11, the race was postponed to give way to relief, clean-up and rehabilitation efforts in Taguig, one of the urban areas badly hit by tropical storm Ondoy last Sept. 26.

The philstar.com Christmas Celebrity Run 2009 is sponsored by Adidas, Yahoo! Philippines, E-Games, Brazilian Agaricus 8-in-1 Herbal Coffee, Crocs, Nutribar, SMART Communications, Inc., Coppertone, Aqua Blue, Sport Beans, Timex, Chris Sports, Vitwater, Mizuno, Paul Calvin's Deli, McKinley Hill, and One Tagaytay Place, Action and Fitness Magazine, Men’s Health Philippines, Women’s Health Philippines, Magic 89.9, AXN-Asia, Jack TV, Jobstreet, Chikka, People Asia, The Philippine STAR, NU 107, and takbo.ph.

For more information, contact project director Mr. Ian Alacar at (63929) 6496762 or philstar.com at (632) 527-6856, email marketing@philstar.com, or visit www.philstar.com.

Christmas Gifts Made Affordable at 2nd Manila Toys and Gifts Show

Hundreds of toys and gift items will be sold in affordable prices at the 2^nd Manila Toys and Gifts Show (MTGS) on December 16 – 22, 2009 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2 and 3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Organized by Megatrade Hall and MCT Events Management, The seven-day event will feature toys and collectibles, apparel and shoes, fashion, home, and kids’ accessories, food, and even novelty gift items, just in time for the Christmas Season.

Last year’s event drew over 80,000 guests of all ages. This year, the event expects an even bigger crowd with a wide array of products perfect for the last-minute Christmas shopping.

Within the MTGS flag is the highly-anticipated 4^th Annual Toys and Collectibles Christmas Fair, to be held on December 19 – 21. The event has already been dubbed the ultimate event for collectors and hobbyists with its extensive range of collectibles and rate toys offered both on direct sale and on auction. In addition, new and exciting activities have been lined up for the attendees, such as Holiday Cooing Demos, Meet and Greet Santa, Fashion Shows, Toy Auctions, Cosplay Competitions, Arts and Crafts, and other games and surprises.

More than a selling fair, MTGS also aims to share the Christmas cheer to the children of Bantay Bata 163 by raising funds for the “Light the Tree, Light a Hope” project. A portion of the show proceeds will be donated to Bantay Bata 163. The visitors will not only get to shop for toys and gifts, they will also be given the opportunity to share their blessings with less fortunate children.

For inquiries, contact Megatrade Hall at (632) 633-1697, 634-7617 or MCT Events Management at (632) 799-0230, 747-0529, 701-1759 or email mctevents@gmail.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/.

Pampanga on 1st Horse Fest ‘09

The City of Pampanga celebrated their Horse Fest 2009: 1st Annual Clark Freeport Horse Festival from November 28 to 30, 2009 at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

It was an event-filled weekend participated by serious horse enthusiasts, families and regular visitors that joined and watched the polo matches and equestrian competitions as well as tilbury races. Moreover, carriage rides, magic and puppet shows, family games and contests at the Trade & Food Fair, free lessons on feeding and grooming of horses, and free lessons on basic horse riding were enjoyed by the participating children.

The first day was started by Grand Parade from El Kabayo towards Clark Parade Grounds followed by the Trade and Food Fair and the Polo Competition at the Clark Parade Grounds. In the afternoon, the Clark Picnic Grounds showcased the Equestrian Competition, and the day was ended by a Grand Fireworks Display. The second and third day was the continuation of the Equestrian Competition and the Trade & Food Fair, also with the Tilbury Races at the Speedway Venue.

The event was hosted by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Greater Clark Visitors Bureau (GCVB) and the Clark Freeport Tourism Association (CFTA).

ARPI on its National Encounter

Arnis Philippines (ARPI) held the Annual Arnis National Encounter last November 27 to 29, 2009 in two different venues.

The eliminations in anyo (form) and full contact sizzle was held in the first two days at the Philsposrt Multi-Purpose Arena (formerly ULTRA), while the championships unfold on the last day at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Overall winners for all categories are as follows: Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (1st) with 8 gold, 7 silvers, and 2 bronze medals; Philippine Air Force Arnis Team (2nd) with 6 gold, 6 silvers, and 5 bronze medals; and Baguio Arnis Team (3rd) with 5 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.

ARPI President Raymond Velayo confirmed the participation of around 500 arnisadores from different areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Moreover, Velayo stated that the winners for this competition will represent the country in forthcoming Arnis International Encounter in Manila, and other international meets in 2010.

For more information about the event, email Arnis Philippines at info@arnisphilippines.com or visit their website http://www.arnisphilippines.com/.

TRAP 4th quarter program for year 2009 2009 Subic Bay ASTC Asian Duathlon Championship

Even at the close of the year 2009, Filipino triathletes faced a busy schedule. The last three months of 2009 was spiced up by 3 international competitions and 4 local races, with the Philippines’ hosting of the Asian Duathlon Championship (ADC) last November 15, 2009 as the culminating highlight of the season.

Asian Duathlon Championship

ADC 2009 featured a new run course at the Subic Bay Gateway Park and a new event venue at the Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center (SBECC).

Formerly the Philippine International Duathlon Open, the Asian Duathlon Championships crowned the best duathletes of the continent.

A total of 15 countries competed in the elite (10K run, 40K bike and 5K run), sprint (5K run, 23.5K bike and 2.5K run) and youth mini-sprint (2.5K run and 12.2K bike and 2.5K run) categories.

The competition also served as a try-out for the Philippine Duathlon Team. The top Filipino finishers in the Age Group and Junior competitions were considered for inclusion in the Philippine Team.

The race, which started at 6:00 am, awarded a total prize money of USD $ 5,000 to the winners at 10:00am of the same day.

Medal and Cash Prize for Top 5 Overall – Standard Distance, Open, Male & Female
Champion – USD$1,000; 2nd – USD$750; 3rd – USD$500; 4th – USD$300; 5th – USD$200

If there are less than 5 countries participating in a category:
Champion – USD$500; 2nd – USD$300; 3rd – USD$200

Medal and Cash Prize for Top 3 – Standard Distance, Under 23, Male & Female
Champion – P7,000; 2nd – P5,000;3rd – P3,000

Medal and Cash Prize for Top 3 – Junior Sprint, Male & Female
Champion – P5,000; 2nd – P3,000; 3rd – P2,000

For Male & Female Elite: Best Run 1 Split- P1,500; Best Bike Split- P1,500; Best Run 2 Split- P1,500
- Medal for Top 3 Asian Finishers in the Men & Women Elite
- Medal for all the Top 3 Finishers in the Age Group & Youth Competition
- Medal for Top 5 Finishers in the Adult Sprint race
- Medal for Eldest Male & Female Standard Distance Finisher
- Finishers T-shirt

Asian triathlon powerhouse Japan captured both the men’s and women’s elite championships.

Yuya Fukaura, Japan’s top ranked duathlete and No. 10 on the International Triathlon Union (ITU) ranking, emerged the men’s Asian champion despite finishing fourth behind the trio of top overall finishers but all non-Asians Damien Derobert from France, Australian Raohael Baugh, and world No. 1 Sergey Yakovlev from Russia. Fukaura clocked 1:51.35, a few minutes behind Derobert’s 1:49.24 and Baugh’s 1:49.36.

The best local finisher in the division was Cagayan de Oro’s Neil Catiil, last year’s Philippine International Duathlon champion in Clark, Pampanga, who wound up fifth overall in 1:53.03. However, it was enough to catapult Catiil to second place behind Fukaura in the Asian championship with another Filipino, August Benedicto, finishing third in 1:55.46 and sixth overall.

Airi Sawada completed Japan’s sweep of the event as she topped the distaff side. She finish second overall to Czech Radka Vodickova, who clocked 2:04.44 to Sawada’s 2:05.39.

National duathlon champion Monica Torres finished third overall in 2:08.10 and took second place in the Asian championship behind Sawada. Lea Coline Langit, the country’s top triathlete, clocked 2:09.22 to finish third in the Asian level.

Japan added the elite under-23 title to its collection with Masaaki Kurihara winning the category in 1:51.17 and matched by Hong Kong’s Joyce Cheung Ting Yan, clocking 2:13:47 to win in the distaff side.

Other Filipino athletes who participated in the event included Kim Mangrobang, Robeno Javier, Rowel Odonio and Mirasol Abad.

The race officials for ADC were David Hoong (Technical Delegate) and Daniel Sng (Race Referee).

The ADC was organized by TRAP and done in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Philippine Sports Commission. It was officiated by International Technical Officials under the supervision of ITU/ASTC.

ADC was sponsored by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Rudy Project, Fitness First, David’s Salon, Gatorade, Sunkist, Vitwater, Globe Telecom, Asian Center for Insulation Phils. and the Philippine Sports Commission. Official media partners were DZSR Sports Radio 918 Khz, Channel 4’s TeleDyaryo Program, Solar Sports, other television channels, all major newspapers, tabloids and sports magazines, The Radio Partners, Inc., JAM 88dot3, WAVE 89dot1, MAGIC 89dot9, 99dot5 RT, MAX FM 103dot5.

Asian Aquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon

Lea Coline Langit reaped the fruit of her hard work as she won a gold and a bronze medal in the 2009 Asian Aquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon held in Palembang, Indonesia last October 10-11, 2009.

Langit, who was sent by TRAP for training in Australia and Korea the past months, won her first international tournament this year as she emerged champion in the Asian Aquathlon. She negotiated the 1-kilometer swim and 2.5-k run in 25 minutes and 31 seconds on splits of 15:16 in the swim and 10:07 in the run leg. She defeated Australia's Regina Wright with 26:22 and Singapore's Li Ying with 26:31 for the Asian title.

Langit was supported by Philippine Sports Commission and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). She completed a fruitful stint in the tournament organized by the Indonesia Triathlon Association as she also bagged the bronze in the international triathlon event held Sunday.

She negotiated the 1.5-k swim, 40-k bike and 10-k run event in two hours, 16 minutes and 4 seconds which was two minutes behind the two Russian opponents for the first and second placings.

Other events

Aside from the ADC and Asian Aquathlon Championship-Invitational Triathlon, other completed local races during the quarter included the following, the results of which can be viewed at http://www.triathlon.org.ph/completedraces.htm:

29 November 2009 - 2nd Anvaya Cove Invitational Triathlon 2009
22 November 2009 - Davao Mayor's Cup
18 October 2009 - Speedo NAGT Series - 4th Leg

For more information about TRAP and its upcoming events, visit http://www.triathlon.org.ph/

North Tourism goes around the country

The provincial government of Pampanga again hosted the 2009 North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo as part of its effort to enhance the promotion and preservation of the country’s tourism and cultural heritage. The three-day annual event was held on November 13-15, 2009 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark at the Clark Freeport Zone.

Arwin Paul Lingat, officer-in-charge of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP) noted that the expo showcased the best of Philippines and Asia-Pacific tourism destinations, products and services.

With the theme “Go North, A Wellspring of Diversity”, the expo featured not only the significant dimensions of the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region but the entire Philippines and its neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Among the activities conducted were the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) Band exhibition, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Banda Kawayan and Blue Island Band performances, North Philippines Festivals parades featuring Halamang Dilaw of Marilao, Bulacan; Ylang-ylang of Anao, Tarlac; Malatarlak of Tarlac City; Sibuyasan of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; Caragan of Mabalacat, Pampanga and Ibon-Ebun of Candaba, Pampanga.

Other featured events are the longganisa showdown dubbed “Taste, Buy and Eat”, Sabutan fashion showdown by Aurora province and North Philippines fashion show.

The event was joined by exhibitors concerned with agri-tourism and leisure properties, airlines and air alliances, cruise lines, global distribution systems, golf course, hotels and resorts, medical tourism hospitals and clinics, national and local government agencies, retirement villages, spa resorts and destinations, theme parks and amusement centers, time share properties, tour operators and travel agencies, tourism boards, tourist transport operators, travel associations, books and publications and insurance.

Empowering Ilocos’ Culture

The Museo Ilocos Norte staged Ray-Aw: Christmas in Ilocos last December 4, 2009 at the Rockwell Tent in Makati City, and the 8th Annual Governor’s Gala, on the other hand, was held at Ilocos Norte Convention Center last November 14, 2009.

Ray-aw is the Ilocos word for “celebration” and through this festival, the Museo Ilocos Norte shared with the guests various customs and traditions that are uniquely Ilocano.

To bring home the experience, a bazaar featuring Ilocano crafts and delicacies were presented to the public. The bazaar featured the famous Abel Iloco (handwoven fabrics), Intricate Ilocano Baskets and delicacies such as Empanadang Iloko, Sukang Iloco, Cornick and Bagnet. The visitors also experienced Ilocano cuisine presented and prepared by Ms. Glenda Barretto of Via Mare and Claude Tayag.

The proceeds of Ray-Aw and the Bazaar will benefit outreach programs of the Museo Ilocos Norte. The museum was primarily designed to instill a sense of pride for the Ilocanos, Yapayaos, Itnegs and other citizens of the province. It aims to create a feeling of belonging for their ancient homeland.

The 8th Annual Governor's Gala, on the other hand, is one of the most anticipated events in the province. One of the event's highlights was the awarding of the Gameng Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to three ilocanos who have contributed their exceptional talent, creativity, and skill in the enrichment of the Ilocano culture and tradition.

Carla Diaz de Rivera (0917-9621414, 0922-8891142, rayaw.ilocosnorte@yahoo.com) was in charge of the overall event preparation.

Local, International Musicians Take Part in San Agustin International Music Festival

The finest musicians from here and abroad will once again grace the San Agustin International Music Festival, the premiere musical event in Intramuros, Manila, scheduled on November 25 to 27, 2009 at the San Agustin Church.

Now on its eleventh edition, guests will be treated to the majestic sound of the 18th-century pipe organ, the country’s biggest Filipino-Spanish baroque organ which was restored in 1998 and premiered in the inaugural San Agustin music fest in 1999.

Taking center stage in this year’s concert are Spanish lady organist Ana Aguado Rojo and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra principal clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana who will both perform in the three evening concerts.

According to San Agustin Museum director Fr. Pedro Galende, this year’s concert series is doubly special because it marks the festival’s 10^th anniversary and the first time to feature a lady organist.

The concert opens on November 25 with Ms. Rojo’s rendition of rare 16^th-century Spanish organ pieces, Mr. Sta. Ana’s Concerto No. 3 by Carl Stamitz, and the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers under choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio interpreting classical well-loved choral works.

Ms. Rojo and Mr. Sta. Ana return on November 26 with mostly Baroque organ and clarinet music, to be followed by the award-winning Kilyawan Boys Choir, singing under the baton of Mark Anthony Carpio.

The Festival draws to a close on November 27 with a powerhouse performance of Beethoven’s regal Ninth Symphony (Ode to Joy) by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Ruggero Barbieri. Featured soloists are soprano Rachelle Gerodias, New York-based Filipino baritone Andrew Fernando, Italian tenor Gian Luca Pasolini and Italian alto Simona Forni. Joining the Philippine Madrigal Singers, are other Madz et. al choirs - Coro de Sta. Cecilia, Coro Animo, College of the Immaculate Conception Chorale, and Maryknoll Sanctuary Choir.

The 11th San Agustin International Music Festival is sponsored by the Embassy of Spain, Agencia Española Cooperación Internaciónal para el Desarollo, Instituto Cervantes, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Embassy of the Republic of Italy in the Philippines, DZFE 98.7 The Master’s Touch, Traders Hotel Manila, Philippine Italian Association, L’Incontro Ristorante Italiano, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Department of Tourism, and the Friends of San Agustín Museum.

For more information about the event, contact San Agustin Museum at (632) 526-6793 to 94 or 527-4060 to 61, or email samuseum@zpdee.net.

Travel Market Exchange (Tramex)

The National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), which has 17 provincial and city chapters nationwide, held the first Travel Market Exchange (Tramex) in Clark, Pampanga last November 6, 2009.

The one-day event, which was dubbed Tramex North Philippines Edition 2009, succeeded to establish good working partnerships among local buyers, sellers and local travel agents and even foreign buyers from Malaysia, Singapore and India. Aside from doing business, NAITAS members had a chance to mingle with fellow members from Subic, Clark and Laoag.

The Tramex included seminars on Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions; Product Development; and Tour Destinations Marketing. Tramex paved the way to promote new products and packages from regional travel agencies, enabling them to expand their business by bringing allied partners closer to them.

A total of 300 buyers and sellers, 20 of whom came from Singapore and Malaysia, attended the event.

At the launch were Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) president and CEO Victor Luciano, Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Pampanga president Marco Nepomuceno, Clark Freeport Tourism Association president Philip Golding, Pamela Flores of the Angeles City Tourism Office (Acto); Acto senior tourism operations officer Edeline Angeles-Gozom, Naitas Bulacan chapter president Evangeline Buenaventura, Naitas Bosz (Bataan, Olongapo, Subic, Zambales) president Rosee Lee, CDC Tourism Office manager Noemi Garcia, and Greater Clark Visitors Bureau president Jun Cruz.

Tramex was supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Clark Development Corp., Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, CIAC, Pagcor and Holiday Inn Clark.

For more information on NAITAS, you may contact them at (632) 523-8375 or (632) 524-4768, e-mail at naitas_association@yahoo.com, or visit their website at http://www.naitas.org.ph.

Philippines Celebrated International Year of Natural Fibers with International Arts and Crafts Expo

In celebration of the United Nation’s Declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibers, the Philippines hosted the 2nd Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Handicraft Promotion and Development Associations (AHPADA) International Arts and Crafts Expo last October 26 - 28, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture, the event carried the theme, “Weaves of the World”, which aims to showcase the natural fibers of the world. Through this year’s theme, the event aims to focus more on the advancing interest in the fiber arts, its resources, services, and its crafts.

Eighteen countries showcased the arts and crafts of their country through creative displays in their respective pavilions. Participating countries include China, India, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Maldives, Mongolia., Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, India, France, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Aside from the exhibit of natural fiber products, the event was highlighted with a fashion show of ethnic designs and motifs, and presentations of traditional dances and music and arts. Special sessions were held during the event which dealt with the creation of a competitive business environment for the industry, market opportunities on natural fibers, global trends, and the revival of the ethnic Philippine textile industry.

The 2nd AHPADA International Arts and Crafts Expo is co-organized by the Philippine Tourism Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Foreign Affairs, Duty Free Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The event is sponsored by Ambiance by Pido (Official Event Stylist), XFM 92.3, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Cebu Pacific, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror and PLDT-SME Nation.

For more information about the event, contact the AHPADA Secretariat at (632) 392-7550, 832-0996, fax (632) 834-2994, email: aphadaexpo@yahoo.com, or visit the event website at http://www.ahpadaexpo.com/

Runners Worldwide Joined Subic International Marathon

Runners from all over the Philippines and other countries took part in ‘the most prestigious marathon in the Philippines’ – the Second Subic International Marathon 2009 held last October 24 – 25, 2009 at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Presented by Smart and managed by E-ventologist Co., the race aims to outnumber and outperform all marathons in the country with a targeted number of 10,000 runners who will vie for over Php1.6M in prizes.

But the event exceeded its target 10,000 runners participating in the 3k, 5k, 10k, 21k and full marathon 42-kilometer run. More than 100 foreign runners from Singapore, China, Korea, Malaysia, Australia, USA, Taiwan, Thailand, and Kenya.

700 participants joined the 42k run which started at the Floridablanca Exit of SCTEx in the late afternoon. More than a thousand runners joined in the 21k category billed as “Achievement Run for our Uniformed Men” . Another thousand for the 10km events, which also served as the Nike + Virtual Human Race, and over 2,000 runners took part in the 5k and 3k fun run.

In the end, Kenyan runner dominated the men’s and women’s category. Finishing first for the me’s category was Kenyan runner Vincent Kipchirchir Chepsiror clocked in at 2:27:54 and received $5,000.00. He was followed by 7 other Kenyans, finishing the race with places. At ninth place and the top Filipino finisher is Hernanie Sore, 25 years old and a former member of the Philippine steeplechase team. He timed in at 2:40:20. He was followed by another Filipino, Alquin Bolivar with 2:40:42.

Kenya’s Doreen Kitaka won the $5,000 top prize in the women’s event by clocking 3:01:12. Filipina Aileen Tolentino took home third place with 3:29:01.

The 2nd Subic International Marathon 2009 is co-presented by Philippine National Police, SCTEx, Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Manila North Tollway Corporation, The Lighthouse Marina Resort, Bases Conversion Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Nike, Christ Sports, Timex , Sam Miguel Beer, Burlington BioFresh, RUNNR, Subic Holiday Villas, Sports Armour, Toby’s Sports, Rotary International, Tsoko Nut Batirol, Pocari Sweat, Subic Bay, Second Wind, Dusit Thani Hotel, SportAde, Isuzu, Outback Steakhouse, Novellino Wines, NutriBar, Growers, TRX, Burger King, and Columbia Sportswear Company.

The media partners for this event are ABS-CBN, IBC13, Business World, Business Mirror, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, MTV Philippines, NBN-4, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5RT, 103.5 MaxFM, Action and Fitness Magazine, and UNTV 37.

For more information about the event, contact E-ventologist the JAPA Bldg. at 2256 Chino Roces Ave. Makati City, or call 5839893, 0928-6009930, 0928-7602834 or 0918-9104565. Visit the event website at http://www.subicinternationalmarathon.com/

Philippine Yoga Asana Championship 2009

The 2nd Philippine Yoga Asana Championships (PYAC) was held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati last October 25, 2009.

The goal of the event was to bring yoga to the national consciousness by making more people aware of all the benefits — physical, mental, emotional — that can come from practicing yoga. At the same time, it also highlighted the possibility that “competition” can also take the form where all the competitors are cheering for one another and urging each other to reach their potential and go beyond.

Participants who joined the competition were required to complete 2 registration forms from the PYAC website, the Entry Form and the Waiver & Release of Liability Form.

Adhering to the rules and regulations set out by the organizing committee of the International Yoga Asana Championship, participants were also required to furnish a photo ID, proof of age and proof of residency together with the 2 forms. The duly completed and signed registration documents were then submitted to the Bikram Yoga Manila Office thru Tristan Choa, PYAC Chairman.

The Adult Division championship, which was divided into men and women categories, was open to all individuals 18 years and older. There was also a Youth Division category for younger participants. However, there were no separate categories for yoga teachers and students.

Foreigners using tourist visas were not eligible to compete. Other restrictions were: female contestants must not be pregnant, no contestant can participate as a judge at any regional championship and stimulating drugs or alcoholic beverages must not be used before or during the championship. The Committee reserved the full right to suspend a competitor at any time.

Participants were given 3 minutes to perform a set of required poses (“asana”), plus 2 more advanced poses. For this year, the five required asanas were:

1. Dandayamana Janusirasana (Standing-Head-to-Knee)
2. Dandayamana Dhanurasana (Standing Bow Pulling Pose)
3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
4. Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)
5. Pashcimottanasana (Stretching Pose)

Using standardized judging criteria, the competitors were given scores based on balance, strength, poise, stability, flexibility, gracefulness and appropriate use of the time to finish the pose as they performed their routine.

Optional postures were judged on the degree of difficulty and performance. Points were deducted for imbalance and/or instability. Postures in performances exceeding 3 minutes were considered incomplete and disqualified.

First and second place winners in the championship were eligible to compete at the Annual International Yoga Asana Championship Finals in Los Angeles, CA. The third place finisher was designated as an alternate competitor.

For the audience who watched the competition proper, tickets were sold for Php 300 at Bikram Yoga Manila and at the event entrance.

The event was for the benefit of A Child’s DREAM Foundation, Baguio City’s first pediatric rehabilitative center for special children. Children from Pampanga to Kalinga Apayao and Abra with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism or Down syndrome come to the place for treatment.

Presented by Bikram Yoga Manila and Pru Life UK, the 2nd PYAC was sponsored by the Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and The Philippine Star.

For more information, visit the official website at http://www.philippineyogachampionship.com or e-mail info@philippineyogachampionship.com.

International Marathon To Benefit Pasig River Rehabilitation

The historic Pasig River will be the main beneficiary of the staging of the Philippine International Marathon: A Run for the Pasig River scheduled on November 8, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila.

Co-presented by ABS-CBN Foundation, and IZOD, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in cooperation with Rexona, and the Department of Tourism, the event aims to promote awareness regarding the degrading state of the river and gather funds to aid in its rehabilitation. The said rehabilitation includes the relocation of the remaining 800 families living along the riverbanks.

The marathon is open to all runners six years old and above, amateur or professional. The race will begin at Quirino Grandstand and cover the major streets of Metro Manila, passing through eight bridges, including Del Pan, Jones, MacArthur, Ayala and Makati-Mandaluyong. Participants may choose to take part in the 3K, 5K, 10K, or the 42K individual or relay category. Cash prizes are in store for the top 10 finishers in the full marathon.

Participation fee is P250.00. Registration forms are available at kapitbisigilogpasig.multiply.com and to be submitted at the following registration outlets:

REGISTRATION OUTLETS	ADDRESS
Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig	3/F ELJ Building, Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Head Office	Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City (Guard House)
IZOD Boutiques	SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, Trinoma, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinson’s Place – Manila, Gateway Mall
Van Heusen Boutiques	SM Megamall, SM Southmall, Gateway Mall, Greenhills, The Shop, Shangri-La Mall, Market! Market!
Gold’s Gym	Glorietta, Makati, Alabang, Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas, Wilsons Greenhills
R.O.X Running Store	Bonifacio High Street, The Fort, Taguig City
Second Wind	88 Maginhawa St., Teacher’s Village, Quezon City
Race Inc.,	Vasquez Madrigal Bldg. No. 55 Annapolis St., San Juan , Metro Manila

The Philippine International Marathon: A Run for the Pasig River is sponsored by Van Heusen, Gold's Gym, Gatorade, and Goldilocks Bakeshop, and the following media partners: ABS-CBN, ASAP '09, National Parks Development Committee, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business World, People's Tonight, and People's Journal.

For more information, contact the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig at (632) 416-1911, 410-2753 to 55, 415-2272 local 3797 or email ilogpasig@asb-cbn.com, kapitbisigparasailogpasig@gmail.com.

Surfs Up During La Union Surfing Break 4th Season

Amidst the aftermath of Typhoon Pepeng and threat of Typhoon Ramil, the fourth season La Union Surfing Break pushed through last October 30 to November 01, 2009 at Urbiztondo Beach, in San Juan, La Union.

The La Union Surfing Break is one of the major tourism projects of the Provincial Government of La Union in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region I, Municipality of San Juan, La Union Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association, La Union Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau and the San Juan Beach Resorts Association.

The event was attended by an assemblage of government and private entities and people of all ages with mixed cultures, nationalities and interests looking for fun and rest by way of surfing and other beach activities such as night parties.

The past three seasons of the event made a remarkable impression in the Region. For this year, the number of reservations of interested parties increased before the event started and even at the start of day one notwithstanding weather forecast. Hotel and resort reservations extended from as far as Bauang and City of San Fernando.

The event started with a Grand Motorcade from Bauang Town Plaza to Urbiztondo Surf Camp. Activities included were Surfing Clinics, Bike Race Competition, Surf Board Design Competition, S.I.L.I.P Photography Contest, Beach Volleyball Competition, Amazing Race Challenge, Local Surfing Competition, Sand Castle Fun Building Contest, Search For Surfing Bodies 2009, Touch Mobile Astig Fest Concert and Halloween Beach Party.

Participants of the different events automatically received souvenir shirts. Winners who were awarded with trophies, medals, cash incentives and certificates

Surfing, also known as the “The Sport of Kings” is now well-known in the Philippines. La Union, being one of the most accessible surf destinations takes pride in showcasing the waves in Urbiztondo, San Juan.

For more information about the event, contact the Provincial Government of La Union at (6372) 242-5550 or visit their website at www.launion.gov.ph

Aitken in Manila

The Philippine Flute Society and Banco De Oro featured Canada’s leading Flutist in a concert last October 29, 2009, at BDO’s Francisco Santiago Hall. Mezanine level. H.V. Dela Costa St. Makati City.

Cristine Coyiuto and her daughter, Flutist, Caitlin Alisa together with the leading premiere area Flutists, Enrique Barcelo, Francisco Candelaria, David Jerome Johnson, Antonio Maigue, Marie Poblete, Raymundo Sison and Santiago Yangco, participated in this fascinating concert.

Mr. Ringo Chan, Director of the Hong Kong Flute Centre conducted the Philippine Flute Society Flute Orchestra, a 30-member Flute Orchestra comprised of young talented Flutists from all the major Universities in the Metro Manila area.

The program includes works by Robert Aitken, Johann Sebastian Bach, Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach, Franz Doppler, Georges Adolphe Hüe, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Serge Prokofiev.

This delightfully varied and unique concert showcased the many facets of the Flute in Solo, in combinations for Flute and Piano, 2 Flutes and Piano and also several large works arranged for the Flute Orchestra with Flute Solo.

The Clarion Chamber Ensemble is the major sponsor of the said event in collaboration with BDO and The Philippine Flute Society.

Other major sponsors include: Vivere Suites, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc., ROS Music Centre and the Clarion Chamber Ensemble, and Radio Station DZFE 98.7 “the Master Touch”.

Top Surfers Rode Siargao Waves at Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Championship 2009

Thirty-six of the world’s top surfers gathered in Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte last October 21 to 27, 2009 to participate in the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Cup 2009.

Among the leading surfers invited to the event were former world tour surfer Bruce Irons (Hawaii), Pipeline Master Jamie O’Brien (Hawaii) and World Qualifying Series shredder Owen Wright (Australia). Hawaiian Dusty Payne, Hawaiian surfing royalty Makua Rothman, Brazilian ace Jadson Andre, and Australians Laurie Towner, Julian Wilson, Ryan Hipwood, Jay Quinn, and Nick Vasicek also received invitations.

Filipinos who made it to the top 12 competed with the world-class surfers. All-in-all, a total of 48 competitors surfed, vying for the prize pool of USD $20,000.

According to contest director and Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark, Siargao’s Cloud 9 is “arguably the world’s most perfect right hand tube,” he said in a statement. The contest site is a “powerful, hollow right-hander that has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia.”

The competition was held for two days across a seven-day window. Stoked Inc. president JV Borromeo, one of the event’s organizers, said on “Mornings@ANC” that they have to allocate for the window because surfers “need the quality of waves.”

Fortunately, then typhoon Lupit delivered the goods in the Philippines for most of the duration of the event, with big, perfect barrels on call for the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational. Despite having to put on hold several days due to epic conditions then expected to hit the region, Cloud 9 still provided the ideal forum for a world-class field of surfers with multiple 10 point rides going down in rising 2-2.5 metre (6-8ft) waves.

In the end, Australian surfer Garrett Parkes has taken out the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational, beating Hawaiian Makua Rothman in a man-on-man final.

Parkes, who stitched up the Gold Coast’s Joel Nantes (Coolangatta) in the quarters before taking down local Carlito Nogalo in the semis, made the most of the smaller conditions to bag two mid-range scores – a 5.50 and a 4.67- in the extended 35 minute final. Parkes collected USD $7,500 for the win while Rothman was able to get USD $ 4,500 for his efforts.

The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Championship 2009 was proudly supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc., Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster, and Sagana Resort.

13th APHCA Hair Olympics Returned To Manila

The Asia Pacific Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (APHCA) took full circle as its annual competition, the APHCA Hair Olympics, returned to where it all started: Manila.

The 13th APHCA Hair Olympics was hosted by the Filipino hairdressers’ association, Fil-Hair Coop, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, last October 21, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

Established by Ricky Reyes in 1997, APHCA has now built a prestigious membership that includes Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

Featuring the best and the brightest hair and beauty professionals in the region, the APHCA Hair Olympics showcased the latest trends in hair and makeup and other new discoveries on beauty and wellness.

Representatives from member countries competed in various categories, including Men’s Cut and Blow, Ladies’ Cut and Blow, Bridal Makeup, and Commercial Makeup. Winners of the regional competitions held all over the country competed with participants from 12 APHCA member-countries. Categories are Men’s Cut, Ladies’ Cut, Bridal Makeup, Fantasy Makeup and Evening Makeup. The judging was done by foreign delegates from participating countries.

In the end, Jackie Rivera of the Philippines was hailed as the over-all champion. Rivera was also second runner-up in the Commercial Makeup category, first place in the Men’s Cut and Blow Dry Category and third runner-up in the Bridal Makeup Category. He went home with the champ’s crown, trophy, various salon equipment and supplies and the Php 50,000 prize courtesy of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Aside from the competition, beauty practitioners and salon owners were also invited to participate in seminars and demonstrations conducted by top professional hairdressers and cosmetologists from various beauty companies. There was also an exhibition of beauty and wellness products, cosmetics, food supplements, natural herbs and aromatherapy, as well as fashion and cosmetology schools.

For more information about the events, call 7268218, e-mail gandangrrpdm@yahoo.com and aphcaasssociation@yahoo.com.ph or visit their website at http://www.aphcaonline.com.

New Health and Beauty Products Introduced at 10th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2009

Numerous health enthusiasts were introduced to the latest health and beauty products and services during the 10th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2009 held last October 16 – 18, 2009 at the SM Megatrade Hall 3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Carrying the theme, “Your Health, Your Wealth”, the event aims to address the health, wellness and beauty concerns of the public and introduce new remedies, services, tools, equipment, and organic products that would help rejuvenate both mind and body. Furthermore, it seeks to increase the awareness and consciousness of healthy living and provide various options for the Filipinos to stay fit, healthy and beautiful.

The trade show, organized by Fiera de Manila, Inc., introduced the latest information and awareness campaign on health and wellness. The event also featured interesting lectures and workshops on fitness and beauty as well as free consultations and medical clinics by health practitioners and beauty experts. New health, organic, beauty and cosmetics products, natural food and drinks were also featured and sold during the event.

The 10th Health, Wellness, and Beauty Show 2009 is sponsored by Aspendos International Corporation, Philippine Graphic, Business Mirror, and The Radio Partners, Inc., (Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM).

For more information about the event, contact Fiera de Manila, Inc., at (632) 896-0639, 896-0637, 899-6216, 899-2952; fax (632) 896-0637; 890-2101; email fiera@info.com.ph or visit their website at www.fmi.com.ph.

11th Cinemanila International Film Festival Showcases Local and International Film Masterpieces

Local and international films enthusiasts took part in celebrating the best of Philippine and world cinema at the 11^th Cinemanila International Film Festival which began last October 15 and will run until October 25, 2009 at Bonifacio Global City and Market! Market! Cinemas in Taguig City.

Around 100 international and local films will be screened in a span of 10 days – from the current toasts of the local indie scene to the award-winners and favorites at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance, and Pusan. The festival will also feature workshops, seminars and master classes.

For its opening film, Cinemanila 2009 showcased Director Brillante Mendoza’s latest work, Lola (Grandmother). Director Mendoza’s latest work, Lola, was preceded by his film Kinatay (The Execution of P), which earned him the prestigious Best Director Award at the 62^nd Cannes Film Festival last May 2009. Lola is slated as the Philippine surprise entry in the 66^th Venice Film Festival, (Main Competition) which counts acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee as Chairman of this year’ jury.

Closing the curtain for this year’s festival is the much-anticipated Himpapawid (Manila Skies) from award-winning independent filmmaker Director Raymond Red.

For this year, Cinemanila introduced a brand new component that will give credit to Philippine Machinima or “machine-animation” or “machine-cinema. The 2009 Cinemanila Machinima Film Festival aims to unearth machinimators and machinima talents in the region and to recognize this growing film making movement. The Machinima Film Festival will be held on October 20, 2009

The 2009 Cinemanila is presented by the City of Taguig, Cinemanila International Film Festival Foundation, Bonifacio Global City, and sponsored by Business World, Manila Bulletin, Solid Video Corporation, TWBA\Santiago Mangada Puno, Chana, Microdata Systems and Mangement, Inc., ClicktheCity.com, Philippine Entertainment Portal, Web Philippines, Inc., The Philippine Star, Spot.ph, UR105.9 Underground Radio, 99.5RT, Mellow 947, and World Cinema Fund.

For more info, contact Cinemanila Secretariat at (632) 392-7935, email cinemanila@gmail.com or visit their website at www.cinemanila.org.

Manansala To Represent RP in Mister International 2009

Mister International Philippines 2009 winner Michael Manansala will represent the country in the upcoming Mister International 2009 to be held tomorrow, December 19, 2009 at the Plaza International Hotel in Taichung, Taiwan ROC (Republic of China).

Mr. Manansala, a 23-year-old freelanced model from Quezon City, was crowned Mister International Philippines 2009 last October 14, 2009 at the A. Venue Events Mall in Makati City. He bested 16 other contenders who competed for the chance to represent the country in the upcoming Mister International 2009 and Php. 50,000.00 and a round-trip ticket to Taiwan.

Other winners in the contest were Mr. Thomas Anthony Malko (1st runner up), Mr. Farzam Nasirian (2nd runner up) and Mr. Abdul Wallace (3rd runner up). Special awards were also handed out during the event. People’s Choice Award went to Mr. Alvin de Joya while Mr. Personality was given to Mr. Manansala.

Mr. Manansala was actually a last-minute substitute to another contestant, Mr. Francis Soo, who had to withdraw from the competition due to a personal family emergency.

The event doubled as a menswear fashion show featuring the collection of M (Manuel Soler) Barretto, Mr. Jerome Lorico and Mr. Jeffrey Rogador The contestants showed off their physique in swimwear made by off their physique in swimwear by Mr. Ricky Abad. The contestants wore intricately designed Barong Tagalogs made by Mr. Barge Ramos during the question and answer portion.

Part of the proceeds of the pageant was donated to the Philippine National Red Cross Makati City Branch.

Mister International Philippines 2009 is presented by The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa and sponsored by Three Sixty Resto Bar, Freego Jeans, Uno Pizzeria, Graffi TEE, Maxcore Technologies, and Philosophy For Men.

For more information about the event, contact Mr. Mike Lim at (63917) 828-2588, email mikesylim@yahoo.com or visit the event website at http://www.misterphilippines.net.

Rivera Spoils Mendiola’s RMSC National Slalom Grand Prix Victory

Racer Milo Rivera spoiled the bid of Dr. Peewee Mediola for a sweep of the Race Motorsports Club (RMSC) National Slalom Grand Prix last October 11, 2009 at the Robinson’s Nova Market parking lot in Novaliches, Quezon City.

Mr. Rivera’s 51.60 seconds time in the 10th leg, however, was only the second best overall after Dr. Mendiola, winner of the Overall and Production Series Class in the first nine legs of the prix, submitted a 51.40 clocking. Completing the top five overall best times were Mr. Nino Sarte (51.94), Mr. Ted Musngi (52.10) and Mr. JR Gerochi (52.22).

Mr. Rivera also topped the Novice class while Mr. Sarte ruled the Front Wheel Drive category of the event. Dr. Mediola dominated the Pro Stock category for the tenth leg.

The National Slalom Grand Prix started last March 8. The two remaining legs of the series were on November 22 and December 6 at the Robinsons Nova Market parking lot. The Slalom Invitational Challenge was held on November 29 in front of the San Fernando City Hall in La Union.

The RMSC National Slalom Grand Prix is sponsored by Federal Tyres, Shell Helix Motor Oils, Fuji Film, Silver Wind Magwheels, Outlast Battery, Starbright Bodykits, Petit Four Bakeshop, Wave 89.1, Eibach Springs, Tripnotic Lab Creative Media Experiments, Forsc Ink, Inc., StopLight TV, C! Magazine, Auto Transporter Race Car and Show Carriers, and Robinson’s Nova Market.

For more details about the event, contact Race Motorsports Club at
(632) 928-6951, (63917) 811-9337 (63920) 905-6932, e-mail racemotorsportsclub@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.racemotorsports.com

Ring of Fire: The First Southeast Asian Ceramics Festival

As part of the Zero in Periphery Series 2009, 16 Filipino potters and 10 other Southeast Asian ceramic artists showcased their works in the international exhibit entitled Ring of Fire at the Ayala Museum last September 21 to October 4, 2009. The said convergence of ASEAN potters in Makati was the first of its kind in the Philippines.

The 64-works display by the master potters in the region testified to the intensity, passion, and peculiar identity of ASEAN ceramic artists. Influenced by ceramic artists from China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, they are now drawing fire from each other.

Among the renowned ASEAN potters who participated in the event were Ahadiat Joedawinata of Indonesia; Peter Low, James Seet, Lileng Wong, and Yeow Seng Cheah of Malaysia; Teck Heng Tan and Thomas Cheong of Singapore; Bathma Kaew-Ngok of Thailand; and Bao Toan Nguyen of Vietnam.

Participating Filipino potters included Jon and wife Tessie Pettyjohn of Pansol; Hadrian and wife Camille Mendoza of Makiling; Jaime de Guzman of Candelaria, Quezon; Colorado-based Nelfa Querubin of Iloilo; Manila-based sculptress Julie Lluch of Iligan; Pete Cortes of Bulacan; Pablo Capati of Batangas; Joe Geraldo of Bacolod; Mark Valenzuela of Dumaguete; Winnie Go and Joey de Castro of Makati; Siegrid Bangyay and Lope Bosaing of Sagada.

The participants of the ASEAN show also interacted in a two-day ceramics workshop, which was a great venue for them to exchange information and discuss individual techniques and the creative process of their works. It was also held at the Ayala Museum, particularly at the Luna and Amorsolo rooms, last September 22 and 23.

Ceramic artist Hadrian Mendoza, recipient of a Toyota Foundation networking grant in November 2007, convened and organized this event with the primary goal of “fostering a community among Southeast Asian peoples that celebrates both the diversity and unity of the region through the art and craft of pottery.”

Mendoza hopes for the continuity and expansion of the communications that he has established among fellow ASEAN potters. He has touched base with contemporary potters in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and is searching for more modern practitioners of the ancient art of pottery in Brunei and Myanmar. He has also connected with various communities of potters in the Philippines. A website for the project has been created: http://www.seapots.com, which aims to increase active exchanges among the region’s potters.

Ring of Fire was sponsored by Toyota Foundation Japan, Philippine High School for the Arts, Filipino Web Services, and Crown Plastic Products, Inc.

Ring of Fire was Ayala Museum’s choice for 2009’s Zero-In consortium project of the Philippine’s leading private museums. Aside from the Ring of Fire, other scheduled exhibits by participating museums were as follows:

• “Beyond Frame: Philippine Photomedia”
Ateneo Art Gallery
Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
October 1, 2009 - December 15, 2009
http://gallery.ateneo.edu/

• “Deleted Scenes”
Lopez Memorial Museum
Ground Floor of Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
November 12, 2009 - January 9, 2010
http://www.lopezmuseum.org.ph/

• “Remembering the Atrocities of War”
Bahay Tsinoy
Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center, 32 Anda corner Cabildo Streets, Intramuros
November 12, 2009 - January 9, 2010
http://www.bahaytsinoy.org/

• “Invisible Children”
Museo Pambata
Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, City of Manila
November 26, 2009 - January 5, 2010
http://www.museopambata.org/

Now on its eighth year, Zero-In has focused attention on the strengths of the member museum’s professional expertise, collections, and programming, proposing dynamic alternatives for institutional support and cooperation. Zero-In is a celebration of different art niches in different locations aiming to instill not just the love for our culture but the appreciation of the past and its impact on how we are today as a people. For more info, visit www.zeroinmuseums.org.

Ayala Museum is located at De la Rosa St. corner Makati Ave., Greenbelt Park, Makati City. For more information, you may reach them at (632) 757 7117 to 21, email at museuminquiry@ayalamuseum.org, or visit www.ayalamuseum.org.

2009 Visayas Island Invention Exhibit Festival Winners Announced

The Department of Science and Technology together with the Technology Application and Promotion and Institute (TAPI) and the Visayas Inventors Association (VIA) formally announced the winners of the 2009 Visayas Island Invention Exhibit Festival last October 4, 2009 at the Ayala Activity Center in Cebu City.

With the theme “Inventions: Responding to Global Challenges”, the event aims to promote the innovativeness and creativity of Visayan inventors.

Four entries won among the seventeen (17) official entries coming from the different parts of the Visayas regions. First and second prize was awarded to Engr. Noro S. Camomot for “Joyski-The Motorcycle Driven Jet Ski” and “NJ8-The Noro Wave Power Barge” while Mr. Jesselito V. Baring’s “Cyclonic Grease Stripping Column” got the third place for the Creative Research Category (Likha Award).

For the Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award), first prize was given to Mr. Mark Jay Rivas from the University of San Carlos for “Sagassum as a Ceramic Flux in Conserving Energy”.

Prizes include P15000, P10000, and P5000 for the first, second, and third with certificates of recognition plus the chance to qualify for the upcoming 2009 National Invention Contest in November 16-20, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Other qualifying entries for the 2009 National Invention Contest include: Cyclone 5-The Multi Stage Package Type Smokestack, NJ6-The Floating Cottage with Wave Power Generator, Modular Furniture Segment, and Plastic Biodiesel Home Brewer.

For more information contact the DOST Region 7 office at (6332) 232-86-32 or visit their website at www.ro7.dost.gov.ph

Three New Shows Co-locate at 50th Manila F.A.M.E. International

On its 50th edition, Asia’s Best Design Destination, the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange International (Manila F.A.M.E.) will be held October 15-18, 2009 in two venues— SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center— offering three new shows that put the spotlight on Filipino creativity with its design and quality-driven products that meet global standards.

Ever growing and ever expanding, the bi-annual trade show for home and lifestyle products has always been at the forefront of innovation. Attuned to the international market trends as well as consumer demands, the show continues to evolve in order to meet these demands and open doors to more local manufacturers further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a source of high-quality products and services.

“This Golden Edition of Manila F.A.M.E. International is extra special. It opens in two venues to accommodate [our growing number of] exhibitors and to answer the clamor of our buyers asking for more of the unique and new products from the Philippines,” said Ms. Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, Over-all Project Director of Manila F.A.M.E. and Deputy Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Aside from holding the 50th Manila F.A.M.E. in two separate venues, three new shows have been created within the said event.

Fashion revolution at FashioNation
Philippine fashion has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade with young designers armed with fresh ideas and diverse design aesthetic leading the revolution.

Manila F.A.M.E., in its bid to invigorate and fortify the fashion industry, is launching a new show. Dubbed FashioNation, the show will house manufacturers of garments, textile, footwear, and fashion complements such as accessories and bags all export products with exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Also among the highlights of FashioNation include the daily fashion shows that will feature, among others, designer collections and eco-chic apparel. See new collections of established as well as up-and-coming local fashion designers that have wowed international design communities worldwide in the show’s Designer Lane.

Students of fashion schools and colleges will have a chance to show off their talents as well in a design competition with a theme, “The Green Scene: Eco-Pinoy Fashion.” The contest requires a modern yet timeless interpretation of the Philippines— it’s culture, heritage, and people— using recycled, natural, and indigenous materials.

Art and Soul at ART:MNL
ART:MNL is the first-ever venue to internationally showcase the artworks of Filipino contemporary artists. Leading art galleries as well as renowned and emerging artists come together to make available masterful pieces to interested local and foreign buyers.

Aside from this stimulating visual display, the show will also hold seminars and workshops that aim to expand participants’ knowledge on the arts, cultivate an eye for beauty, gather information on art conservation, and serve as a venue to meet the masters. Chosen artists will also get the chance to participate in a close door nude sketching session; their masterpieces put up for sale afterwards.

ART:MNL is a preview to the Philippine International Art Fair 2010. The show is done in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines, National Museum, Intellectual Property Office, Bonafide Art Galleries Association, Contemporary Art Philippines, and Art Association of the Philippines.

Go Natural at the Philippine Health and Wellness Show
Wellness has been among almost everyone’s priority list, and Manila F.A.M.E. answers this demand for the body’s well being with the Philippine Health and Wellness Show which offers natural, herbal, and organic personal care products. Lemon grass essences and massage oils, VCO-based soaps and balms, and soy-based aromatherapy candles are only some of the all-natural, eco-lifestyle products offered in the show. Also featured are spa services, alternative healing modalities, centers for specialized healthcare, and retirement destinations.

For more information on Manila F.A.M.E. International, visit www.manilafame.com, or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-1265 or email manilafame@citem.com.ph.

Environmental Films Showcased at First Green Film Festival

Four (4) films touching on planet-related issues were featured at The 1^st Green Film Festival held at SM North EDSA on September 23, 2009. The movies shown at Cinema 4 of SM The Block were a combination of American and Filipino films aimed at creating awareness about the serious problems our planet Earth is currently facing and what can people do about it.

Spearheaded by the SM Cares' SM Environment Committee, in partnership with Unico Home Entertainment, Solar Entertainment Corporation (official United International Pictures distributor in the Philippines), Warner Bros. Pictures, Magnavision and SM Cinema, the Green Film Festival highlighted environmental issues, such as climate change, scarcity of water, environmental decay, and the need for people and nations to work together for a sustainable future.

Joining the SM Environment Committee for the Green Film Festival are the embassies of France, Japan and The Netherlands which contributed films shown during the event.

Some of the films shown during the festival were:

• The 11^th Hour, which was released in 2007 and narrated by Leonardo di Caprio. The movie presented visionary and practical solutions to restore the planet’s ecosystems;
• Home, a depiction of how the Earth's problems are all interlinked;
• Penguin, Penguin Paano Ka Ginawa is the Filipino version of the French documentary March of the Penguins, narrated by Sharon Cuneta. It followed the journey of a penguin to its breeding spot in Antarctica; and
• Abong (Small Home), which is a Filipino-Japanese art and cultural film about the Igorots of Mt. Province.

The movies Home and The 11th Hour were also shown at SM Megamall last September 30 along with Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, and British Broadcasting Corporation’s Planet Earth. Screenings were also held at SM Mall of Asia last October 7, 2009.

The 1^st Green Film Festival is a project of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. For more information, call (632) 292-0023 or (632) 294-4367.

First Shellfish Summit Aims at Increasing Fisher Folk’s Lives

The Asian Fisheries Academy (AFA) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-BFAR-NFRDI), together with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research (DOST-PCAMRD) conducted the first ever National Shellfish Summit at Dagupan City in Pangasinan last Sept. 23–24.

According to PCAMRD director Cesario Pagdilao, this summit is particularly geared to gather information on available shellfish technologies, markets, culture and processing. Mr. Pagdilao also said that the summit is concentrated in the study of the molluscan species of the shellfish kingdom.

Meanwhile, Dr. Westly Rosario, interim executive director of the NFRDI, said that a five-year road map for the industry shall have been drawn after the two-day event. A resolution for the promotion of shellfish as a valuable resource was also included in the output of the conference.

The two-day event saw to several discussions and presentations regarding the local and international shellfish industry, as well as workshops based on specific lines of expertise including biology, ecology, and assessment; broodstock development and seed production; culture; and processing, marketing trade, and promotion.

More than 300 participant from all over the country participated in the event, representing various sectors of the agriculture and aquaculture communities.

For interested parties, please contact the PCAMRD Los Baños Secretariat at (049) 536-55 or the AFA/NFRDI at Bonuan Binlec, Dagupan at (075) 653-0305.

International Athletes Joined World Dance Sport Open

Dance sport athletes from 14 countries joined the 4th DancsSport sa Sugbu and 3rd Cebu IDSF (International DanceSport Federation World DanceSport Open Latin and Standard 2009 last September 26, 2009 at the Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

The dance athletes from here and abroad grooved to the Latin dances of cha-cha, samba, rumba, pasa doble, jive, and the standard dances of slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep.

Foreigners from Russia, Germany, Bulgaria, Slovenia, the Untied Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, and China joined the event. The Philippines was well represented, with dancers from Metro Manila, Tacurong City, General Santos City, Dumaguete City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga City, Samar, and Leyte.

In the Latin discipline, Cebuana dancer Ms. Charlea Lagaras and her long time-partner Mr. Steve Vergara emerged the biggest winners as champions of the Adult-A Closed Asia and IDSF Open categories.

Another Cebauana, Ms. Dearlie Gerodias, and her partner Mr. John Errole Melencio finished second, while Ms. Joana Nina Marciano and Mr. Norwille Damasin won third place honors in the Adult-A Closed category. Bulgaria’s Ms. Ilieva Vanina and Mr. Petrov Genadi won second, while Ms. Gerodias and Mr. Melencio finished third for the IDSF Open.

In the Modern Standard IDSF Open category, Hong Kong representatives Ms. Faye Hung and Mr. Pietro del Bello claimed the gold, with Bulgarian dancers Ms. Stella Kukonova and Mr. German Tepavicharov taking home the silver. China’s Yuan Cheng Jun and Sun Na won the bronze for the said category.

In the Closed Asia category, Filipino dancers Ms. Maria Cristina Nguyen and Mr. Jaime Sarmiento won the gold. Brother-sister tandem Brian Joseph and Karla Stephanie Joy Ocana took home the silver, and real-life couple Ana and Joel Madera got the bronze.

The 4th DancsSport sa Sugbu and 3rd Cebu IDSF Open DanceSport Championship 2009 is sponsored by the Cebu City Government, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, M. Lhuiller Kwarta Padala, Department of Tourism, Philippine Sports Commission, Port Seafood Restaurant, Panasonic, Living Asia Channel, Wealth Channel.tv, Y101 FM, Business Mirror, Alegre Beach Resort and Spa, The French Baker, Shanghai Bay and the International Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alcordo Advertising, Alpa City Suites, Large Form Graphics, Sun Star Daily, Cebu Daily News, and The Freeman.

For more information about the event, contact DanceSport Team Cebu at (032) 415-5844 or visit www.dancesportcebu.org

Tourism Students Gathered for LTSP National Convention

At least 450 students enrolled in tourism and hospitality management courses in various universities, colleges, and schools from around the country gathered for the 2nd League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP) National Convention held last September 26 – 28, 2009 at the Cebu Grand Convention Center in Cebu City.

Organized by the Tourism Educators and Movers Philippines (Team Philippines), the three-day event aims to update students with the latest trends in the global tourism industry, integrate to them the culture of tourism, and involve and empower the tourism academic sector towards development.

In her welcome remarks, Department of Tourism (DoT) 7 Director Dawnie Roa challenged the tourism students to strive for excellence despite the current global financial crisis once they get employment in the industry. Dir. Roa added, ''The tourism industry will continue to soar despite the crisis and negative stories churned out by the media. Don't be distracted, just do your best and prepare yourself as you embark on the tourism industry in the future,''

Topics discussed during the convention included Basic Exhibition Planning, ASEAN 2015 and Mutual Recognition of Tourism Professionals, Bidding for an International Event, and Organizing an Exhibition. Speakers during the convention were LTSP President Xander Xim Sigua, National Association for Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) Chairman Emeritus Robert Lim Joseph, Premiere Events Plus Group, Inc., President Mr. Joel Pascual, and several others, who shared their experiences with the students.

''There are things that can be learned in schools and there are things that can be learned based on experiences of industry movers,'' he stressed. ''The convention, hopefully, will give the students a glimpse of the industry in reality,” said Mr. Joseph.

The 2nd LTSP National Convention is supported by the Department of Tourism, Cebu Provincial Government, Philippine Tourism Authority, and Philippine Airlines.

For more information about the event, contact the League of Tourism Students of the Philippines, Inc. Secretary General at (632) 510-5129 or (63921) 686-8944. Visit their website at http://www.ltsp.org.ph/

“Ring of Fire” at Ayala Museum

The Ayala Museum featured sixteen Filipino potters and 10 other Southeast Asian ceramics artists on the exhibit of their wares in an international show called "Ring of Fire" last September 21 to October 4, 2009.

A two-day workshop was also part of the program for the interested participants of the exhibit. They exchanged information and discussed individual techniques and the creative process of their works at the Luna and Amorsolo Room of the Museum on the second and third day of the event.

Renowned potters participated in the event include Ahadiat Joedawinata of Indonesia; Peter Low, James Seet, Linleng Wong, and Yeow Seng Cheah of Malaysia; Tech Hen Tan and Thomas Cheong of Singapore; Bathma Kaew-Ngok of Thailand; and Bao Toan Nguyen of Vietnam.

Filipino potters, on the other hand, include Jon and wife Tessy Pettyjohn of Pansol; Hadrian and wife Camille Mendoza of Makiling; Jaime de Guzman of Candelaria, Quezon; Colorado-based Nelfa Querubin of Iloilo; Manila-based sculptress Julie Lluch of Iligan; Pete Cortes of Bulacan; Pablo Capati of Batangas; Joe Geraldo of Bacolod; Mank Valenzuela of Dumaguete; Winnie Go and Joey de Castro of Makati; Siegried Bangyay and Lope Bosaing of Sagada.

Sponsors of the show are Toyota Foundation, Ayala Museum, and Filipino Web Services.

Back-to-Back Food Expo at the WTC

The Asia Food Expo (AFEX) marked another sign of its commitment to enhance the standards of the food and beverage industry in the country. This year, AFEX 2009 was launched simultaneously with Food Serve Asia 2009 at the World Trade Center, last September 23 to September 26, 2009. 

Senator Francis Pangilinan officially opened the back-to-back expos which cater exhibits of technologies and business solutions that uplift the level of Filipino F&B entrepreneurs and food service professionals in the country.

Elmer C. Hernandez, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary, noted that Asia Food Expo has remained an undisputed venue to showcase the Philippine competitiveness in the food sector as well as bring into the country the latest innovations and developments in the food packaging and processing sectors.

AFEX 2009 is the best source of new technology in food processing, packaging and handling machinery and other equipment, as showcased by superior exhibitors. The expo also features strong foreign participation from the US Department of Agriculture, Le Club French Chamber of Commerce, Taiwan Pavilion, Indonesian Embassy, and Austrian Embassy—representing a number of company suppliers from their respective countries.

FoodServe Asia 2009, on the other hand, is the international exposition for the food service industry. Visitors from the catering and food service industry who are looking to improve and upgrade their businesses can benefit from the wide range of new solutions and equipment launched in this event. Seminars and demonstrations are also held during the expo to further increase the food service knowledge of participants.

AFEX is organized by Trade Information Marketing and Exhibitions, Inc..

Team Philippines Dominated Asian Supercross round 3

Kenneth San Andres and JC Rellosa led the Team Philippines as they cracked against other international riders in the 2009 FIM Asian Supercross Championships held last September 26 to 27, 2009 at Speedworld Circuit, located in SM City Bicutan.

Representatives from Australia, Russia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Iran compete in 65cc level, 9 to 12 years old; 85cc Junior, 12 to 15 years old; and MX 2 Pro categories while other national divisions were also contested. Moreover, the trophies for top three places and cash prizes were awarded during the said event.

Calendar of Events for the 2009 FIM Asian Supercross Championships are as follows: March 1, 2009— Puerto Princesa, PHILIPPINES; July 19, 2009—Ulan Bator, MONGOLIA; August 10, 2009—INDONESIA; and November 15, 2009—Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

For more information, contact Namssa, organizer of the event, at (63917) 847-9785, email namssa01@hotmail.com, or log on to http://www.namssa.org.