Local Skimmers Head out to CamNorte for First Ultimate Regional Skim and Skate Challenge

Witness top regional skimmers battle it out for skim supremacy with ingenious moves guaranteed to be served fresh, hot and deliciously spicy during the 1st Ultimate Uragon Regional Skim and Skate Challenge and Luzon Skim Jam slated on April 3 – 4, 2010 at Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The event is when Bicolano and Luzon skimmers and skaters will gather to compete in one of the first ever regional skim and skate challenge held in one of Camarines Norte’s Skim havens. An almost two kilometer expanse of flat, fine grey sand conveniently located 10 minutes away from the bustling town of Daet awaits skim aficionados from all skill levels.

The skate event will be held in the Bagasbas Pavilion and an 8km, Mercedes-to-Bagasbas Push race will kick off after that. There will be different classes and division for amateur and expert skimmers and a longboarding competition during the event.

The 1st Ultimate Uragon Regional Skim and Skate Challenge and Luzon Skim Jam is supported by San Miguel Corporation, Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, Slick Surf Skimboards Pilipinas, Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Philippines, and Department of Tourism.

Registration fee is P300.00 inclusive of event shirt and 2 lunch stubs. For more information, contact Slick Surf Skimboards Pilipinas at (63908) 881-5075 or visit their website, http://slicksurf.multiply.com/.

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.

Philippine Horticultural Society Staged Horticulture 2009

Horticulturist and plant enthusiasts took part in the 33rd Annual Horticultural Show (Horticulture 2009) held last July 16 – 25, 2009 at the Commonwealth Avenue part of the Quezon City Memorial Cirle in Quezon City.

Organized by the Philippine Horticultural Society in cooperation with Quezon City Government and Parks Development, the event carried the theme, “A Walk in the Park”, which aims to educate people on the uses of plants in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The theme was also chosen to reiterate the need to have public nature parks within a congested city.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano 'Sonny' Belmonte and National Committee on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Chairperson Rosie Lovely Romulo graced the opening ceremony. During the event, numerous seminar were conducted that tackled various topics such as bonsai culture, probiotics, monopodial orchids, growing ferns, aquatic gardening, gamma irradiation, tray and garden landscaping, flower arrangement, among others. The Memorial Circle also served as an exhibit area where plant groups and individuals showcased their ornamental plants.

For more information about Horticulture 2009, contact the Philippine Horticultural Society at (632) 426-7581

Philippines Became First Host of World Health Tourism Congress in Asia

In the effort to place the country as the premier health and wellness tourism destination in Asia, the Philippines was the first country in Asia Pacific to host the World Health Tourism Congress held last March 26 – 28, 2009 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Organized by Aura International, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the World Health Tourism Congress is an exclusive congress where buyers and vendors of medical and wellbeing services have the opportunity to interact in a one-to-one meeting format as well as during workshops and informal gatherings.

During the event, corporate buyers, or those who decide when and where to send their citizens, client, and employees for medical travel, had the chance to meet up with solution providers, which consists of spas, hotel, medical center, and clinics, and forged partnerships in order to find cost effective institutions which can deliver the needs of their clients seeking medical attention. Also, participants were introduced to the latest news and updates about the health and tourism industry.

The first annual was hosted in Germany last May 25 – 27, 2006, the Second annual was hosted in Cyprus last March 23 – 25, 2007 and the Third annual was hosted in Spain last April 4 - 6, 2008.

The 4th World Health Tourism Congress is sponsored by the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (Asian Hospital and Medical Center, The Medical City, Health and Leisure - Medical Tourism Integrator, Makati Medical Center, Asian Eye Institute, Philippine Retirement Authority, Manila Doctors Hospital, Capitol Medical Center, Tagaytay Hospital and Medical Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, and St. Francis Cabrini M.Cat), Prince Court Medical Centre, Cyprus Tourism Organization, Cebu Health and Wellness Council Inc., Jayan International, Parkway Holdings, Singapore Medicine, Take Care, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Bellevue Medical Center, ARDI Health Services Inc., Kliniken des Bezirks Oberbayern, Zulu Kingdom, and Discovery Suites.

Traditional and Alternative Medicine as Main Focus in Health Care Month Convention

With the country’s vast natural resources and rich history in alternative medicine, specialists in various fields of traditional and alternative health care discussed new developments in their respective field during the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) 5th Annual Convention held last November 19 – 21, 2008 at the Pan Pacific Manila in Malate, Manila City.

Carrying the theme "Harmonizing Traditional, Alternative and Modern Medicine for Today's Health Care”, the event, which coincided with the celebration of the Traditional and Alternative Health Month, aims to provide new insights in herbal medicine practice, increase awareness and advocate the use of effective alternative and traditional medicines that are available in the market.

During the convention, medical experts and government officials shared new information on known areas of traditional and alternative health care. Some notable personalities include Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia L. Carrion who discussed on how the Philippines can become the new hub of wellness and medical care in Asia. Award-winning chef Felix Schoener shared his mouthwatering recipes for raw food diet. Radio broadcaster and health guru Ms. Cory Quirino talked about popular natural beauty regiments. De La Salle Health Sciences Institute - Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine chair Dr. Dante Simbulan, Jr. explained about preventive medication through Hatha Yoga. Philippine Center for Traditional and Asian Medicine chairman Dr. Tan Cho-Choing introduced the use of acupuncture for neurological disorder. University of the Philippines – Diliman Medical Anthropology Professor Dr. Michael L. Tan gave an overview on the anthroposophical concept of Filipino Traditional Healing. And Filipino healing priest Rev. Fr. Efren Borromeo of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity disclosed the principle of spiritual healing.

An exhibit of the latest traditional and medical products and methods of health care was opened last November 21, 2008. Present in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were former senator and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Juan M. Flavier, current DOH Sec. Francisco T. Duque III, DOH Usec. Jade F. del Mundo, Ms. Cory Quirino and PITAHC Director General Dr. Juvencio F. Ordoña.

Republic Act 8423, otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 gave rise to the creation of the PITAHC, a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) attached to the Department of Health. The institute was created to answer the present needs of the people on health care through the provision and delivery of traditional and alternative health care products, services and technologies that have been proven safe, effective and affordable.