Tarlac to Host Palarong Pambansa 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Book Lovers, Authors, and Publishers Celebrate 30th MIBF

Book lovers, authors, and publishers from all over the Philippines are invited to be part of the pearl anniversary of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) scheduled on September 16 – 20, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center , Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City.

The 30^th MIBF carries the theme, “Proud to be 30: Words Without Borders”. MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc., in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI), and Publishers’ Representatives Organization of the Philippines (PROP).

This annual fair, which began in 1981, has grown to reach out to a wide range of audiences, spanning different generations, interests and socio-economic backgrounds to share and celebrate their love of books. And now, thirty years from when it started, the MIBF continues to promote books and reading by giving the bookselling and publishing industry a venue to promote new titles and authors, dialogue with readers, and discuss ways to improve the quality of books. In its 30-year run, the MIBF has been instrumental in showcasing books in all their forms, encouraging people to read and find their inspiration. Thus, the MIBF serves as a platform for traditional and new media, presenting books and other published works in all their permutations to an ever-growing audience. Yet its vision remains the same: to be a platform for books and other published works, and to promote reading and literacy.

Numerous activities have been lined up during the event such as storytelling sessions, writing workshops, seminars and talks about the issues and concerns of authors and publishers, and more. The 30^th MIBF will be highlighted with the exhibition of Tomas Pinpin's “Librong Pag-aaralan nang manga Tagalog nang Uicang Castilla”, the first book authored and printed by a Filipino. The exhibition is in preparation for the book's 400th Anniversary in 2010.

Also co-located during the event is the Edu.Shop, a trade fair featuring school materials, supplies, equipment, and facilities.

The 30^th Manila International Book Fair is sponsored by Albergus Catering, The Brain Computer Corp., Oishi, ARMVET Printing Company, Immovation Printshoppe, Inc., and the following media partners: The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Veritas 846, 96.3 Easy Rock, A-Z Direct Marketing, Inc., Sambuhay (by Society of St. Paul), 99.5 RT , and NU 107.

For more information, call (632) 890-066, 896-0682, e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com or visit their website, www.manilabookfair.com/

Local and International F & B Firms All Set for WOFEX 2009

The finest food and beverage (F & B) industry players, as well as representatives of allied services from here and abroad will again showcase their latest products and services at the 9^th International Exposition on Worldwide Food and Beverage, Technology, and Machinery (WOFEX 2009) to be held on August 5 – 8, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Dubbed as “The Ultimate Food Show Experience”, WOFEX 2009, organized by Premier Events Plus Group, Inc., will showcase the newest technologies, trends, products, and services in food preparation, storage and packaging, presentation and more. The annual event continues to co-locate events that bring together all segments of the food and beverage industry and allied industries.

Baker's Fair showcases different baked products, confectionaries, ingredients, and bakery equipment. Baking demonstrations are lined-up to provide this growth market up-to-date know how of the latest technologies and techniques.

Foodmatch Expo, on the other hand, brings in the various process and manufacturing machinery, providing solutions to the needs of the food & beverage industry. At Foodmatch Expo, the latest technologies in manufacturing, processing, packaging, handling, kitchen equipment, and other food service equipment will be on display for both commercial and industrial applications.

Taste Expo will highlight the culinary skills of the Filipino chefs and big prizes are at stake plus the prestige of being adjudged as the best by some of the most prominent experts in the field.

And last, the World Food Summit is a series of seminars and workshops that serves as forum for the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies and industry trends. The summit offers well-conceptualized seminars on different sectors of the F & B industry such as restaurants, manufacturing, supermarket, bakery, catering, and others.

The four-day event will be filled with numerous activities such cooking and baking demos, cake decoration competition, product demonstration, barista competition, flare tending exhibition, and seminars to help restauranteurs, managers, and aspiring entrepreneurs know how to improve and expand their business.

WOFEX 2009 is sponsored by Petron Gasul, Sun Cellular, KLG International, Inc., Foodservice Division, Gomeco Metal Corporation, Multi-Mach International, Inc., Cosmic Chemical Corporation, Ajinomoto, Molina Sunbest, Vesmach, Minami Tsushow Co. Ltd., Tefal, JIMAC, Inc., Joe Kuan Food Corporation, The Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Cook Magazine, Flavors Magazine, Philippine Graphic, F & B World Magazine , Appetite Mgazine, and Q11 (The Sweet Life and Events Incorporated)

For more information about the World Food Expo 2009, contact Premier Events Plus Group, Inc., at (632) 9297963, 9297993, 4269603, 4364209, 4364898, email info@pepgroup.com, or visit their website, http://www.pepgroup.com

PAP and Siliman University Hosts Psychology Convention in Dumaguete City

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) and Siliman University invite all psychologists and Social Science researchers and practitioners in the Philippines to take part in the PAP 46th Annual Convention to be held on August 13 – 15, 2009 at Bethel Guest House and Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Guided by the theme, “Character Strengths of the Filipino: A Positive Response to Current Challenges”, the event aims to reiterate the importance and possible contribution of positive psychology in treating and preventing psychological disorders. Also, the convention will focus on the character strengths of the Filipino people, which should serve as the main source for coping and even thriving in these challenging times. Moreover, the event shall serve as a reminder to Philippine psychologists of their goal of removing distress and at the same time, promoting growth to one's full potential.

Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, Vice President for Programs of United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia , will give this year's Keynote Address. The convention will also feature several plenary lectures clustered into three areas: courage and justice, humanity and temperance, and wisdom and knowledge. Plenary speakers include:

• Ms. Ma. Carmen Alcuaz-Reyes (Ateneo De Manila University)
• Prof. Rosalea Araneta-De Leon (West Visayas State University)
• Dr. Allan Bernardo and Prof. Ma. Angeles Lapena(De La Salle University)
• Dr. Frederic Boholst (University of San Carlos)
• Dr. Mila Lagrosa (Asian Institute of Management)

There will be research paper presentations and symposia by psychologists from different universities and organizations in the country, organized in thematic sessions.

For more information, contact the Psychological Association of the Philippines at (02) 453-8257, email pap_1962_08@yahoo.com or visit http://www.pap.org.ph/.

PICE held Mid-year Confab at Bacolod City

Over 1,500 members from the construction, consulting, academic, and commercial sector took part in the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) 2009 National Midyear Convention held last June 25 – 27, 2009 at the Bacolod Pavilion Resort Hotel in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Hosted by PICE Negros Occidental Chapter, the convention carried the theme, “Civil Engineers Sustaining Infrastructure Development Amidst Global Economic Crisis”. According to PICE National President Venancio I. Besavilla Jr., the convention aims to tackle technical issues involving construction management and engineering, transportation engineering and structural engineering.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. graced the opening ceremony and served as keynote speaker. His keynote address was followed by the inspirational talk of Engr. Jose Mabanta, recipient of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) “2009 Most Outstanding Civil Engineer Award”.

Dr. Benito M. Pacheco, officer-in-charge director of the Institute of Civil Engineering in the University of the Philippines College of Engineering, gave an overview of the workshop on the PICE disaster mitigation and preparedness strategies and disaster quick response program.

Other speakers were:

• Dr. Danilo C. Terante, division head of hydraulics and water resources engineering division, Civil Engineering Department, De la Salle University;
• Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., director, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology; Mr. Medardo C. Batiller,Operations Manager, Emergency Response Unit Foundation;
• Dr. Masanori Hamada, professor, Department of Civil and Environment Engineering, Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan and former president of Japan Society of Civil Engineers.

The guest speakers discussed topics on engineering technologies related to the five division of PICE such as Construction and Management Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Water Resources, and Hydraulic Engineering.

The PICE 2009 National Midyear Convention also featured the PICE Construction Technologies Services and Building Materials, Exhibit, Sports Tournament, Plenary Session, Technical Tracks, Job Fair, and Fellowship. The event was capped with the PICE Building Project Grand Slam Raffle where they gave away laptop bags, traveling bags, DVD players, a fax machine, cell phones, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a laptop and a brand new Nissan Navarra.

For more information about the PICE 2009 National Midyear Convention, contact the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers at (632) 448-7488 to 90, 376-4215 or visit their website at www.pice.org.ph/

MAFBEX 2009 Set as RP's Largest Food Expo

Over 480 local booths and 60 international booths participated in the 3^rd Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) 2009 held last June 17 – 21, 2009 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Organized by Worldbex Services International, in cooperation with De la Salle – College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) - School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM), Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), and Department of Tourism, the event was the biggest and most comprehensive food show of the year. MAFBEX 2009 serves as an avenue of small-scale and large-scale food businesses to attract potential buyers and promote local and international food business.

Philippine food legend Chef Nora Guanzon Villanueva – Daza with son Sandy and popular television show World Cafe Asia host and chef Bobby Chinn graced MAFBEX 2009. Chef Chinn held a special cooking demo, serving lobster paella and a Vietnamese dish.

The 5^th ASEAN Bartending Championship served as one of the highlights of MAFBEX 2009, which was held last June 19. The international competition was jointly organized by HRAP and ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association. During the competition, young skilled professional bartenders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines presented unique concoctions while exhibiting their flairtending and bartending moves. The competition aims to promote and improve the standards of ASEAN bartending in the hotel and restaurant industry.

SHRIM also staged inter-school competitions on table setup, cake decoration, mocktail punch, and travel poster design during the four-day event.

The 3^rd Manila Food and Beverage Expo is supported by the Association of Food Cart Owners and Suppliers Philippines, Inc., (AFO) Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP), Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA), United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP), Flaming Olives Mobile Bar, and Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc.,(PAGASA), and the following media partners: DWRR 101.9 For Life, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Apetite Magazine, Business Mirror, Business World, Buy and Sell Philippines, Celebrity Recipes Plus Home and Gardens Magazine, China Business Philippines, Cook Magazine, DZMM Radyo Patrol 630kHz, DZMM Teleradyo, Filbars, Food Magazine, Franchise Today , Manila Bulletin, Philippine Graphic, The Philippine Star, Seniors Magazine, Jam 88.3, Killer Bee FM, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, and 103.5 Max FM. MAFBEX 2009 is for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.,

For more information about the event, contact Worldbex Services International at (632) 531-6374; 531-6350; 531-5044; 533-6988, fax (632) 533 2026, email info@worldbex.com or visit their website at www.worldbex.com

UP Centennial Artists Held “Festival” Exhibit

The distinguished University of the Philippines (UP) Centennial Artists group held a painting exhibition at the Trade Hall of the Gateway Mall at the Araneta Center in Quezon City last April 23 to June 5, 2009.

Entitled “Festival”, the exhibit had for its theme the various festivities all over the country, given the Filipinos’ innate love for celebrations, and showcased the works of several outstanding UP alumni painters.

“Festival” is their first exhibition 2009 and fourth in a series since the UP Centennial Artists were formed as a group in June 2008, during the year-long celebration of the University of the Philippines’ one hundredth year anniversary. The series began with highly successful “100 Years/100 Nudes” in August, followed by a multi-themed exhibit in November, and climaxed with a “Mother and Child” exhibition last December 18, 2008 at the Trade Hall of the Gateway Mall.

The continuing series is organized by UP Centennial Artist Romy Carlos as a project of the UP Alumni Association in cooperation with fellow-UP alumnus, Mr. Jorge Araneta, proprietor of the Araneta Center in Quezon City.

Participating artists were: National Artist Jose Joya, Jess Abrera, Mar Bongalon, Angel Cacnio, Ferdie Cacnio, Michael Cacnio, Alfred Capiral, Romy Carlos, Carlos Castro, Cris Cruz, Denis Dasco, Raul Dayao, Neil Doloricon, Bert Duldulao, Tessie Duldulao, Nonoy Gamboa, Ding Hidalgo, Pete Jimenez, Aileen Lanuza, Herman Lazo, Bing Changco-Libatique, Manolo Lozada, Romi Mananquil, Norlito Miemban, Gig De Pio, Symkin De Pio, Vincent De Pio, Myrna Reyes, Tito Roy, Jonahmar Salvosa, Pyt Santos, Lenore Raquel-Santos, Nanding Sena, Randy Solon, Boy Valino, Ana Vergel and Rick De Villa.

For more information about the event, contact the UP Alumni Association at (632) 929-8327, 920-6868, 920-6871, email upalum@yahoo.com.ph, info@upalumni.ph or visit their website at http://www.upalumni.ph/.

Integrative Medicine Highlighted at UP Conference

Local and international doctors highlighted the benefits and effects of integrative medicine during the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students held last March 14-15, 2009 at Basic Science Lecture Room-East, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine in UP Manila.

The event, carrying the theme, “Integrative Medicine: Collaborating to Address Changing Illness Patterns” was organized by the UP College of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and UP Medicine Class '80 in collaboration with Clinica Blumea and the Invitation to Health Medical Center in Australia and France. The conference was created to serve as an avenue for Philippine doctors to learn from the experiences of doctors and practitioners working in two integrative medical centers located in Australia and France and encourage medical practitioners in the Philippines to work in an integrative manner together.

During the event, local and foreign medical practitioners shared their expertise with the conference participants. Dr. Jaime Galves Tan guided the audience back to their roots and grounding to identify the “Filipino Medicine Concept”. Dr. Isidro Sia talked on the “Evidence-based Guide to the Use of Medicinal Plants”. Dr. Penelope Caldicott from Australia presented about "Biochemistry of Mental Illness and Other Disorders". Dr. Nicole Avard from Australia discussed "Treating the Current Childhood Epidemics-Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asthma and Allergies". Dr. Richard Plet presented his experience treating autistic children through bone alignment therapies.

On the second day, Dr. Susan Ballinger, PhD of Australia, presented the first published, peer-reviewed study on “Harmonization”, showing its effects on heart rate variability, respiratory rate and brain waves (electroencephalograph). Dr. Paulita V. Baclig discussed about Chronobiology and Chronomedicine. Dr. Beatrice Milbert from France enlightened the participants on “Quantum Medicine'. Lastly, Dr. Catherine De Bartha, a Neurological Rehabilitation Medicine specialist from France, shared her experiences in providing holistic care of patients with degenerative neurological disorders.

Later, eleven workshops were conducted for the delegates for practical applications of the lectures presented during the two-day event. Aside from practical applications, additional workshop provided learning experiences to serve as reinforcement. Workshop topics include nursing home remedies, art therapy, speech and breath therapy for asthmatics, preparing healthy meals, stress management in a holistic way, and new clinic models of management in integrative medicine.

For more information about the Conference on Integrative Medicine for Physicians and Medical Students, contact Clinica Blumea at (632) 474-8208 or 396-5386.