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.