Philippine Kayaking Series

4-in-1 Cavite to Corregidor kayaking
2nd leg of the 2009 Philippine Kayaking series September 19 and 20

Following the initial leg held off the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan last April, the second leg of the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009 was the 4-in-1 Cavite to Corregidor kayaking event held last September 19 - 20, 2009.

The event was called a 4-in-1 event because it highlighted the sports attraction and eco-tourism attraction of the province, aside from its rich historical heritage. It also featured a coastal clean-up on the second day.

For advanced class kayakers, it was a grueling 42K two-leg marathon as they crossed from Ternate and circumnavigated Corregidor. Meanwhile, novice kayakers, who were given a free kayaking clinic on the first day, had a shorter 5K race in the calmer waters off Caballo Island.

Registration fee for the kayak marathon was P1,150 for advanced kayakers; novice kayakers paid P1,450. The package for novice kayakers was inclusive of a ferry boat crossing, aside from the meals, entrance fees, souvenir shirt, use of kayaks, overnight stay in Corregidor, and certificates of completion.

Nineteen-year old twin brothers Alex and Alvin Generalo captured the 42Kmarathon with plenty to spare when they logged in 5 hours, 26 minutes, and 43 seconds at the white-sandy beach of Camaya Coast in Ternate Cavite.

Second place went to the pair of Richard Lukoda and Saldy de la Cruz which reached the shores with the time of 5:31:36; trailed closely by the duo of Norvel Cajes and Elizabeth Segovia with 5:32:56 in third place.

The 5K champs included a romantic American-mainland Chinese couple, Amy Liu and Chris Spohr, from the Asian Development Bank, who booked second place among the 19 couples that labored to finish the arm-pain-filled distance. The winners received several prizes from sponsors.

The event was presented by the province of Cavite, headed by Gov. Ayong Maliksi, and was backed by the Department of Tourism. Jointly organized by JCI-Ternate Mardicas, Sun and Sea Sports, and the Philippine Kayaking Association, its sponsors included Cebu Pacific; Sun Cruises; Camaya Coast; Caylabne Bay Resort; Universal Robina Corp. (URC); David’s Salon; San Miguel Beer; Mojos; Conquer Sports; Board Water Marine; Corregidor Foundation; Philippine Navy; Philippine Marines; Philippine Coast Guard; Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.; Media Partners: Business Mirror and Inquirer.

The Philippine Kayaking Series, promoted by the Department of Tourism and organized by the Philippine Kayaking Association, aims to identify kayaking trails in the country. Aside from promoting kayaking as an adventure sport, the event also aims to establish sustainable eco-tourism programs in different provinces.

For inquiries or more information on Kayak Philippines and its events, call 4687091; 8725478; 0915-435-9321; email philkayaking@yahoo.com or visit http://www.kayakphilippines.com.

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/