Cobra Ironman 70.3 and Alaska Ironkids: A star-studded event of pros and celebrities

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[PRESS RELEASE] One of the country's biggest and most anticipated sports event is finally here! The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines and Alaska Ironkids Triathlon returns to Cebu for its fifth year on August 3-4, 2013. 

This year more big-name triathletes are expected to compete. For the professional division, there’s Pete Jacobs, a 3-time Ironman Philippines 1st placer and Chris McCormack a 2-time Ironman World Champion to watch out for. Both world champions will definitely deliver an exhilarating showdown during the race.

Amongst the ladies, there’s Caroline Steffen of Alaska Team TBB, the defending women’s champion and Belinda Granger, 12x Ironman Distance Triathlon Champion, a tough competitor for the title. The finisher’s medals and winner’s trophies to be awarded during the event are designed by world-renowned furniture designer and proud Cebuano, Kenneth Cobonpue. 

What makes this year’s event more thrilling are the big celebrities who will not just be gracing the event but also be participating in the competition such as Isabelle Daza, an Ironman 70.3 first timer who will be having her first big race. She will be doing a full triathlon, which consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run. Matteo Guidicelli who was first known for his racing career has gotten into triathlon with his dad as his biggest influence. There’s Erwan Heusaff, Drew Arellano and Kim Atienza who are all active triathletes. Piolo Pascual on the other hand will be joining the bike relay. Other celebrities who have signed up for the event are Solenn Heusaff, Pia Cayetano and Raffy Tima. 

On August 3, the Alaska Ironkids Triathlon will kick-start the event. Alaska Ironkids is an event open for kids aged 6 to 14 years old with the goal of promoting a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle to show them that being healthy can also be fun. 

For more information, check out the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines website, www.ironman703phil.com and www.ironkidsphil.com for Alaska IronKids.

Hello Kitty Kiddie Party at Jollibee :)

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[ PRESS RELEASE ]
Nothing says happy birthday like a fun-filled party with friends, delicious food, exciting games and surprises. Now, mommies and daddies can make their little princesses’ special day even more memorable with a Hello Kitty-themed Jollibee Kids Party.

Hello Kitty-Themed Party

The birthday girl and her guests will surely be tickled pink by the special Hello Kitty birthday cake, as well as the party hats, loot bags, invitations and other awesome party favors featuring the beloved cartoon character.  Parents can make the celebration even more festive with colorful balloons, decorations and game prizes, plus a special appearance by the lovable Jollibee.

Hello Kitty Birthday Party at Jollibee

What’s more, Jollibee makes it very convenient for parents to plan their children’s dream birthday party. They can choose from a variety of party food packages or go with the flexible Create-Your-Own Package, so they can pick the Jollibee treats they want served. Whether it’s a party for 30 or 80, everyone can feast on yummy Jollibee Spaghetti, Chickenjoy, Jolly Hotdog and other langhap-sarapfavorites.

Jollitown Party Cast

Aside from Hello Kitty, Jollibee Kids Party also offers other fun themes that children will surely love. They can enjoy a My Best Friend Jollibee bash, have a magical party at Jollitown, or channel their inner superhero with Batman.

Give your kids the happiest birthday celebration to remember and treat her to a Hello Kitty Jollibee Kids Party! Visit your nearest Jollibee store or log on to www.jollibeeparty.com.ph for more details.

Celebrate with Hello Kitty and book a Jollibee Kids Party for your kid now.

Nick Jr. Play Date with my nephew and niece

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Last weekend I had the pleasure of a Nick Jr. play date with my nephew and niece.

Got an invites from Stratworks to see an edutainment nickelodeon back-to-school event. It's a fun-filled event where kids play to learn and parents learn to play. :D

After our late lunch, we headed to Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia where the Nick Jr. Play Date will be held.

Surely these kiddos will have so much fun! My niece is a big Dora fan while Robin (my nephew) is a spongebob fanatic! Though I'm not really a fan, but I like Spongebob coz he's not afraid to cry ^^ and Dora! She's so young yet she travels everywhere! Oh, not to mention her cool spanish accent! Who wouldn't also get giddy anyway seeing those cute Nick Jr. friends like Diego, Max and Ruby, Mr. Grouper, Dora and Spongebob dancing on the stage?! I bet the young at heart will really enjoy it!



It is also heartwarming to see your 'lil angels really happy, I mean like, the glow on their eyes when they saw their favorite Nick Jr. characters as they come out of the stage and got a chance to play with them, it seems that it's their best day ever!!

Leggo fishing!

I remember this Daddy I saw, looks like the kids-at-heart in him just blown away! I was shocked when from my back, he rushed toward to the front, carrying her daughter, with a BIG smile, cause  the finale' dance of  Nick Jr. play mates where about to start! It's funny how this dad seems more excited than the kid! :D



My niece and nephew really had a blast! They enjoy the bubble show, they had fun with the exciting games and took home amazing prizes from Nickelodeon! Woo-hoo! There are also lots of cool freebies that kids truly enjoyed! Indeed, it's an all-out weekend adventure to remember. :D

Robin: Yehey! We won!!

Sony Lifestyle: A Glimpse to an Unbeatable Work of Art

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PRESS RELEASE: Sony has yet again launched not just one but three remarkable products that will definitely grab hold of our attention. Held at Dusit Thani, Manila last Friday, November 23, 2012 was the Sony LifeStyle: A Glimpse to Unbeatable Work of Art. The event was set off with an opening remark from Mr. Mike Bangayan, President of Banbros Commercial, Inc., the official distributor of Sony RME products immediately followed by Mr. Takayuki Takemura, Deputy Director of Sony South East Asia Recording Media and Energy.

The Sony South East Asia RME, introduced three of their newest product line, the Micro Vault™ TINY, HD-E1 Hard disk drive, and USB Stick Charger unveiling it through a fashion show showcasing these products as part of the clothing design or as an accessories embodying our society’s diverse genre and lifestyle.

Small doesn’t mean less
Sony RME makes sharing and storing data easy with the new Micro Vault TINY Series. Available at 4, 8, 16 and massive 32GB, this compact size storage device brings a twist of electrifying colors to choose from. Transfer large files with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 plus an illuminated flashing LED light.

Data Armor
Seamlessly crafted, Seamlessly Integrated. Sony HD-E1 USB 3.0 External Hard Drive combines great and strength in a perfect seamless form. At 500GB and 1TB storage capacity with Data Transfer Accelerator software securing high-speed transfer, Password Protection Manager provides greater data security and automatic backup with preloaded Back Up Manager software to guarantee that important files will certainly be well-stored and protected.

Empowered
Power up your smartphone anywhere, anytime with Sony’s CP-ELS USB Portable Power Supply. Stylish and handy, Sony CP-ELS with a battery capacity of 2,000 mAh, is compatible with most smartphones, provides an emergency back-up power to your smartphones. It’s Instant Power On-The-Go.

Dell Philippines Commits to Making a Difference in the Community

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PRESS RELEASE: MANILA, Philippines -- Dell Philippines has pledged support for four local charitable organisations promoting children’s welfare and education, further extending the company’s strategic global giving efforts to make a meaningful impact to communities around the world. The identified organizations are Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc., Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc., Children's Joy Foundation, Inc., and Haven for Children.

With an aim to address pressing social issues, Dell will work with these charities to provide assistance through technology, know-how and volunteer support. “We find that these four organizations have many needs, donations being just one of them,” Richard Teo, president for Dell Philippines said. “The activities that they need to roll out require volunteers and additional manpower, so I see our Make a Difference program as the best way to connect our team members and the communities that can benefit from our collective giving efforts.

“Our team members have always been passionate about wanting to help different communities, but in the past, they did not know how and where to go. By formalizing our strategic giving partners, we now encourage team members to devote their time to these worthy causes,” added Teo.

“We chose our current partners because they regularly need volunteers and team support. The programs may evolve, but the need for help is always there,” he said. “Dell Philippines will strive to sustain these charitable activities and lend our time year-on-year. The ultimate goal is to spread volunteerism among our people, and to see our efforts grow and benefit the community.”

Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.Dell has been supporting Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.—a rehabilitation and skills training center dedicated to helping people with disabilities become productive and self-sufficient members of society—through mentoring, donations and volunteering at the center. Tess Lloren, resource mobilization director of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc., said “Dell really has compassion towards marginalized sectors; not all companies will stay with you throughout the years. They have been very supportive with our outreach programs and services and have really helped us in every way.

Tahanang Walang Hagdan Computer 101

 “Dell also donated several laptops which we use in the offices making our work faster and more efficient and also use them during our community visits in places where we undertake the community-based rehabilitation program,” she added.

The two organizations have also teamed up for a sustainable recycling program, another indication of the deep partnership between the two entities. According to Lloren, recyclable materials from the Dell Philippines offices will be sent to the center to be re-purposed. Items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles can be reused by the foundation's staff, while newspapers are woven into other products, and non-recyclable items are sold to buyers of scrap materials. “The efforts of the volunteers and the proceeds really help us in sustaining our educational program for the young and with disabilities,” Lloren said.

Lenddo launches a Facebook game to educate filipinos about trusted communities

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Lenddo is the world's first online community that empowers members to use their online social networks to prove trustworthiness and access financial services. They recently launched a fun Facebook game to promote the awareness of how important trusted communities are and make people think about these connections.

Lenddo’s Friend-O-Meter asks players to rank their friends trustworthiness against a range of simple questions, such as “Who would you trust most to look after your pet whilst you go on vacation”.

For each question that someone votes on, the player is entered into a Raffle where they can win a Grand prizes of a MacBook Air, a 32-inch LCD TV and a digital camera and weekly prizes of iPod Shuffles.

According to Lenddo co-founder and CEO for Asia Pacific, Richard Eldridge,

 “We are trying to find new fun and engaging ways to educate Filipino’s about the importance of Creditworthiness. In the past, it was done face to face in the local barangays but now so many people are online, their online family, friends and co-workers are acting in the same way”

 Erika Aquino, community development director of Lenddo explains,

“Since we started in 2011, tens of thousands of Filipinos have vouched for their family and friends on lenddo.com.ph and allowed them access to life improving loans. We feel it is critical that all Filipinos understand how important these relationships can be for their future.”

Lenddo currently providing loans to members in Colombia and the Philippines. 


About Lenddo

Lenddo's is a little different from traditional credit provider, They're the world’s first online platform that empowers the emerging middle class to use their online social connections to build their creditworthiness and access local financial services.

What's cool about it is that Lenddo’s community members can use their reputation on social networks such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter to obtain life improving loans, to use for education to healthcare to home improvement. Basically, Lenddo issues loan for life improvement purposes only. They can also process loan in 1 business day if all requirements are met. 

Watch this video to learn more about Lenddo or visit their page at www.facebook.com/Lenddo.

Scrap your heart out!

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Hellooooooo!  Happy Sunday to all! Its been  while :) So what have I been up to? Well, in a nutshell been attending several blogger events. *thankful* And yesterday was one of those fun-filled events I have ever attended. (Thanks to All About Scrapbooking and Jeman of Orange magazine for the exclusive invites).

I never thought scrapbooking would be SO MUCH FUN and EXCITING! Well, I know that it is a fun hobby but for me, it also requires a lot of time and effort to create a quality one that is why it never became "my thing".

Hence, yesterday is different. Wow! I never thought I could (almost ^^) finish this entire scrapbook. Complicated much! Whew! (Thanks to my buddy, scrapbooking is fun with him *blush*).

It should look like the pic above ^^

I guess the secret is, it should be heartfelt. Just like blogging, you'll just have to enjoy what your doing :). Don't feel intimidated by others stunning layouts and design, just focus on your artwork and scrap your heart out! And remember, there is no such thing as "wrong move" in scrapbook. You'll just have to enjoy. :)

Here's some basic scrapbooking techniques I've learned from the event:

1. Cropping/ or trimming of unnecessary elements so that they look better or the photo only focuses on the most important part of the scene.


Can you guess how many images has been cropped? :D

2. Matting refers to putting a border around the photo, similar to a picture frame. This is usually done with paper, or matting materials. You can also use different types of scissors to cut your mats to make more designs.

Hallmark Mini Photo Frames

We've used two different designs of matte paper here. You can buy this mini photo frames at any Hallmark store.

3. Journaling. For me, journaling and scrapbooking works hand in hand. Write something down behind those pictures because without the stories, scrapbooking becomes, to me, just a cut-and-paste paper-art hobby.

If having some problem in writing stories, just remember the 5Ws. This stands for Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. Once you've figured out the 5Ws and H, begin to write brief sentences around each element. This techniques helps you break down your story into parts and ensures you don't miss the important details.

So that's it! I hope you've learn something :p  Indeed, "Scrapbooking is 'A Work Of Heart". Now, I somehow understand my 'scrapper friend' who's really a fan of this. Memories are so precious to us all and Scrapbooking is more than a way to secure family memories and photos -- it's an Art of preserving treasures. It is so much fun and you are creating something of value for future generation. :)

Scrappin' Mania Raffle Promo

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PRESS RELEASE: Get set for an awesome year ahead as All About Scrapbooking brings you the “Scrappin' Mania” raffle promo!

From July 1 to September 15, every P200 single-receipt purchase of All About Scrapbooking products entitles you to a raffle coupon. Customers must fill out the coupon upon presentation of the receipt and drop them at designated dropboxes located at National Book Store branches and other participating stores nationwide.

Lucky winners get a chance to win a brand new Apple iPad 16GB or a fabulous Scrappin' Mania showcase inclusive of HP Mini Laptop, Canon Selphy photo printer, a Canon Powershot A3400 digital camera, plus other crafting and scrapbooking tools and materials.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to your nearest book store or supplies shop and join the Scrappin' Mania raffle promo!
   
See posters at National Book Store branches and other participating stores for more details. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 3451 Series of 2012.

Disney Art Attack Craze

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PRESS RELEASE: Love those fun and colorful art supplies from your favorite TV show, Disney's Art Attack?  Now you can take them all home and transform your room into an artist's heaven. Disney Art Attack products are now available in your favorite supplies shop.  Plus, you have front row access to the DISNEY ART ATTACK CRAZE event on July 14 at Robinsons Galleria Atrium.

Join the fun art fair and learn various Disney Art Attack projects:

• Popsicle Sticks Galore (kits at P150)
• Altered Paper Bags (kits at P200) and 
• D-I-Y Study Corner (kits at P200).  

 Purchase any of these kits and enjoy a free hands-on workshop, free picture taking and printing during the event and a VIP pass to pocket activities like coloring, clay molding and drawing activities!

For art enthusiasts who have P100 single-receipt purchase of Art Attack products from June 22 to July 14, 2012 at National Book Store branches inside Robinsons Malls in Metro Manila, you have a free pass to Art Attack pocket activities, too!

Disney Art Attack Craze mini-events are open to all.  Enjoy an amazing puppet show at 2:00PM, story telling session at 3:00PM and an exclusive Art Attack “How-To” talk at 5:00PM)for free! So you know what to do on July 14 – attack!  The fun fair starts at 10 AM.

Disney Art Attack Craze is brought to you by Filstar Distributors Corp, Robinsons Galleria, National Book Store and Bic Writing Instruments.  Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 5396 Series of 2012

iButterfly NOW at SM Megamall

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PRESS RELEASE: SM Supermalls released the SM iButterfly, an Augmented Reality Application on your IOS and Android mobile devices last May 5, 2012 at select SM Supermalls.  SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM Southmall, SM City Baguio, SM City Davao and SM City Cebu simultaneously launched the iButterflies.  Catching iButterflies at SM Supermalls is a fun and entertaining mobile information and couponing experience when you are at an SM Mall.

It uses 3 technologies:  Augmented Reality, for seeing the iButterflies in the real world, Motion Sensors for catching iButterflies using your phone and your phone’s Global Positioning System or GPS for finding where the iButterflies are.  It is definitely a unique way of enjoying promos from their tenant partners such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Forever 21, David’s Salon, Kenny Rogers, Jollibee, MangInasal, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Smart, BDO and McDonald’s!      

Catching an iButterfly is easy. 

1.  First, download the application by  connecting to the free SM WIFI or the SM_iButterfly SSIS at the participating malls you may also use your phone’s 3G connection. 
2. Using your gadget, simply download the App via Google Play and App Store’s, just search for the iButterfly Asia App.  
3. Once downloaded, open the App and start catching  iButterflies.  These turn into instant prizes.  Simply claim your prize at  participating mall stores.

As a sustaining effort, SM MEGAMALL launched its own iButterfly campaign offering instant prizes from concepts unique to Megamall, namely: Yabu, Akiba Café, J.CO Donuts & Coffee, Papa John’s, Cha Time, Marithe Francois Girbaud, and SM Megamall Cinema.

An iButterfly catch-up event was held at the SM Megamall Mega Atrium on June 8, with special guests like Tim Yap, Tessa-Prieto Valdez, Jenni Epperson, and more. Guests enjoyed an ibutterfly tutorial from YouTube sensations Petra Mahalimuyak and Bogart the Explorer and had a fun SM ibutterfly experience.

For more information, you can visit their dedicated iButterfly website at: www.smibutterfly.com or visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/smmegamall

Inside Dell: Now number one Healthcare Service IT provider

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It's been 6 years since I finished College. Right after graduation, I grabbed the first job opportunity that came my way. Out of so many job interviews and job hunts I had, I landed in a small publishing company with a position of a Layout Artist.  Although I’m happy with my job and my colleagues, I have to leave after a year and found myself trying my luck in a call center industry. The pay was promising in my second job but my health suffered due to late night working. I have to leave it all behind because my body cant cope up with the grave yard shift. God has been kind, He immediately provided my next source of living – a BPO company and a subsidiary of one of the top resellers of electronic products in the US.

I believed I’ve found a job that gives me the best of both worlds – a high-paying salary and a career growth that nurtures my system with new knowledge and experience I never imagine I will ever have. I’ve enjoyed my 3 years of working in a BPO company until a sudden misunderstanding with a former superior have to take it all to end.  Now, I’m at peace with my current job and company.

Speaking of a BPO company again, last Wednesday, May 16, I was invited in a small event in Dell’s head office in Eastwood, Libis. Dell opened its  door for the first time to non-job-seekers and provided us information about them as a company and their business’ program. I knew about the company since college and having friends taking up IT courses then, Dell is a company I would often hear from them that they dream to work for after graduation. It is also one of the most preferred brands for notebook PC, one of the most expensive too. :)

Richard Teo,  President, Dell Philippines

Learning that they also tapped the healthcare business is quite a new information to me. Good thing that Mr. Richard Teo, Dell’s Philippines President, introduced us to their business and even walked us through their office. The company is situated in one of the modern and high-rised buildings inside the Eastwood business Center. Their HQ houses its 1,600 employees equipped with single-use computers, high-speed internet and modern facilities providing customer and technical services to their clients in different part of the globe.

Care Consumer, Serving UK & Irelend

The tour made me missed my old office although their office is a lot bigger and more complete. The operations’ floor is impressive and very professional-looking.  Despite a few people touring the area, the employees are not disturbed because every cube has tall divisions, which also gives me an impression that everyone is minding their own business.  I actually like to achieve the same thing because I feel more productive if I have a little privacy in my work space. The fully-air conditioned and carpeted space speaks of complete comfort for employees currently on the floor.

The major turn-on for me about this company, is the employment opportunity they give to physically-challenged individuals because I personally saw one.  The employee greeted us  with a big smile in his face and even shared to us his awesome experience at Dell.

I also met a married couple who also shared their gratefulness to their employer that gave them opportunity to learn new things and grow together. That was sweet indeed. :)

After a few more chit chat with some of their employees, Mr. Teo ushered us to areas outside the business premises.  We went to their pantry area, I guess three times the size in my previous company. The pantry area is well-ventilated and there are quite a few canteen concessionaires.

Dell's Pantry

Not far from the pantry is a space like an internet-café where employees taking their breaks can have the chance to check on their personal emails, social media sites, online games or plainly just do internet browsing.

Café (Sorry for the shaky shot)

The company also cares for their employees’ health and wellness thus providing a gym with complete exercise and fitness equipment. These add-ons are not very much accommodated in other BPOs, I’m glad that they had these considerations for their employees.

We do take care of our employees and treat them as family. ~ Richard Teo, President Dell Philippines

Gym

 With the rise of demand for BPO workers, the challenge for BPO companies remain to be a competitive pursuit from factors of which provides the higher salary and which has wider scope of benefits for employees and more unique offers.  As an employee, it is important that we know our worth and that the company must recognize our worth too. It is only then we can feel fulfillment in our career.   :)

To know more about Dell - their people, products and services watch this video:

Selecta Cornettoholic Grand Eyeball V: The White Party

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Selecta Cornetto has partnered with ETC and Jack TV to stage one of the biggest teen parties yet! "Selecta Cornetto Tugs Tugs Grand Eyeball V: The White Party", is the hip event that bring together Online Cornetto fans in their best white outfits to celebrate the New Selecta Cornetto White Chocolate! Mega Trade Hall 1 of SM Megamall transforms into the ultimate hotspot for every teen as it gets livened up with backlights, hip hop beats by the famed DJ Nina and the first of its kind neon freedom wall.

Kicking off the party is a dance number by Cornetto boy himself – Sef Cadayona, with the UP Streetdance Club. Then, an exclusive collaboration of MYX's chart-trooper Somedaydream and Picoy Cruz of Beatbox Philippines takes the audience to a one of a kind music experience. Finally, a stunning world-class performance by the 2008 World Hip Hop Dance champion, The Philippine All Stars, caps off this grand event. Cornetto boy - Sef Cadayona, and Radio DJ Personality - Cleo Caliente of 99.5RT FM host this grand event.

The Grand Eyeball is part of the Selecta Cornetto tradition as a semi-annual even to gather the online fans of Cornetto to celebrate being a teen and a Cornettoholic. Grand Eyeball started out as a small affair for less than a hundred teens since its initial launch two years ago. Now grander than ever, Selecta Cornetto GEB V is dubbed as the ultimate teen party! Aside from the sequence of dynamic performances, there is also a series of fun, exciting activities with prizes to win. Of course it would not be the ultimate Selecta Cornetto party without the unlimited Selecta Cornetto for everyone.

The new Selecta Cornetto White Chocolate completes the five indulgent flavors of the ice cream cone that everybody loves. It is made with real cocoa butter, a special ingredient extracted from cacao beans. This key ingredient ensures the natural velvety texture and the unique pleasant fragrance of the ice cream. A creamy milk sauce coats this heavenly treat and is crowned with a white chocolate topping. Completing the ice cream experience is its milky white tip. "Sarap ng 20!"

Selecta Cornetto is also available in Chocolate, Choco Hazelnut, Choco Java and Vanilla. 

Have you missed the hilarious Pick-Up Battle? Watch here. :D Dame ko tawa sa third contestant! 

 


View more pictures of the event

How iButterfly Apps Works?

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I've always had a fascination with butterflies. I remember, when I was a child, butterflies used to fly so slowly outside of our house, been wanting to catch them with my bare hands but I'm afraid to do so as the old saying goes that "when you touch a butterfly and accidentally touch your eyes you'll get blind". Lolz. Apparently the excitement from seeing so many butterflies never left me over the years. So when SM Cyberzone invited bloggers for the launching of iButterfly I immediately registered and luckily got an exclusive invite from them which was held at SM North EDSA last Saturday, May 5. 

Later, I found out that iButterfly is an application for iOS and Android OS enabled phones, you can catch the iButterfly using your smartphone via Augmented Reality. Amazing, eh? When I received the email I right away install the iButterfly Apps from my iPhone 3Gs via iTunes Store in the hope of winning freebies & prizes which is tagged along with the butterflies during the launch.

How it Works? 

iButterfly was previously created by Japan's Mobile Art Lab and has been successfully launched in Hongkong, Indonesia and Singapore. The iButterfly uses GPS for the location and number of their virtual butterflies, it also uses motion sensors for the smartphone users to catch the iButterfly and store it inside their phones, and it is an augmented reality were iButterflies exist only in the augmented reality world and can be viewed using your smartphones. 

When "Catch!" is displayed, shake lightly to catch the butterfly!

Basically, these iButterflies serve as coupons & discounts.  If you have Internet access via your smartphone you can catch them at the following SM Supermalls.

• SM North Edsa
• SM Megamall
• SM Mall of Asia
• SM Cebu
• SM Davao
• SM Southmall
• SM Fairview
• SM Baguio. 

Once you catch a butterfly it'll be saved on your "collection". You can redeem your prize by presenting iButterflies at the following participating stores.

• SM Dept Store
• Forever21
• Mcdonalds
• Jollibee
• SM Cinema
• Baby Company
• Timex
• Krispy Kreme
• Yellow Cab
• SM Food Court
• Starbucks
• Quantum
• Promod
• Our Home
• Smart 

 Here's some video to show you more how it works:

Visit the mall and try your iButterfly hunt and adventure!

UPDATES: iButterfly website is NOW updated and it listed the freebies and giveaways that are available in selected mall. Check out the list here.

Happy Catching!  :)

The Sky Garden's Sky Dome: Experience the wonders of life under the sea

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The Sky Garden's Sky Dome has become a premiere entertainment destination in the North Metro area. Last December when they had this Snowy Village where mall-goers experience the Northpole Christmas from which kids and even  young at heart truly enjoy. Now, another big and exciting sea adventures come your way as SM City North Edsa takes you to Sea Explorers World at the Sky Garden

Featuring replicas of nine  of the most famous sea creatures in the world - dolphins, walrus, sea lions, killer whales, emperor penguins, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, pelicans and great white shark in their natural habitat in the different areas of Sky Garden from April 27 until may 31, 2012.

Dolphin Lagoon
Dolphins are marine mammals closely related to whales and porpoises. Half of their brain can sleep at a time, leaving the other part fully awake to keep them afloat and aware of dangers. They also need to be partly awake so they can breathe. This makes them very unique from most mammals who lived on land.

Dolphin Lagoon

Have you gone dolphin watching? You might ask why they have to jump out of the water when swimming? This sounds funny but dolphins  jump in the air to save energy, as it consumes less energy traveling through air than water.

Walrus Shores
Unlike the dolphin, a walrus can sleep while it swims. When it's time to sleep, the walrus fill its throat sacs with air for them to function like floaters and keep them on water. 

Walrus Shores

Walrus can eat up to 120 pounds of food a day! They can consume 3000-6000 clams in one go! Sadly, walruses have been close to extinction for some time, because they are hunted for their tusks, oil, skin and meat.

Orca, the Great Killer Whale Pool.
Orca is a toothed whale belonging to the ocenic dolphin family . Although they're tagged as the killer whales they are not considered a threat to humans. They're the largest of the dolphin family. Orca are called  the killer whales not because they feed on humans but because they do sometimes kill other whales, hunting them in packs.

Orca, the Great Killer Whale Pool.

An Orca is literally larger than life! Imagine they can stretch up to 32 feet long and weigh 12,000 lbs - thats roughly 600 times our size! With that, they all have the second-heaviest brains among marine mammals - all those brain neurons make them easily trainable.

Sea Lion Coast
Sea Lions are known to be highly intelligent animals - we see them in parks- performing tricks not all animals can do. They are so smart they have also been trained to assist the United States navy!

Sea Lion Coast

Have you seen Sea Lions cry? That's not because they're sad - their tear ducts are simply removing the salt water from their eyes.  They do have clear eyesight but are nearsighted. But unlike us, they can see better in the water than on land.

Did you know that even if they live in water, sea lions don't actually drink water? they get all the water they need from their food! Amazing!

Emperor Penguin Park
Among the 17 species of penguins, Emperor Penguins are the largest. Being the only penguin that can survive the Antarctic's icy weather all year  round, they live in the Antarctic with an average life span of 20 years. To identify them, they are penguins with tall stature and yellow color around their necks.

Emperor Penguin Park

Their wings have the highest feather density of any bird species, but they cannot fly. Sad, right? But even if they cannot fly as seabirds, they can dive deeper than any other known bird species, and they use this skill to catch their food deep in the ocean.

Did you know that a group of penguins are called differently when on land and at sea? On land they are called a waddle of penguins, while at sea, a raft.

Pelican Aviary
If its not a typical bird and not a plane, it could be a pelican! Unlike other birds, pelicans have bold, black and white markings, blue legs, an enormous bill with pink pouch and yellow eye rings.  All pelicans have elongated bills and throat pouches. they have the largest bill among birds at 18 inches. They use this to catch fish and rainwater for drinking.

Pelican Aviary

So what are you waitin for? Definitely there are more reasons to go malling and enjoy summer at SM City North EDSA!

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Il Mercanti Experience

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Photo by Dessert Strip. Poster by Gian Pisuena.

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Il Mercanti Experience is to be held at Il Mercanti Food Bazaar (Metrowalk) on May 5, 2012 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

This event is strictly for food and/or lifestyle bloggers only who are committed to submit a post-event article about the event on or before May 12, 2012.

To sign up, please visit this link.

Highlands Coffee throws a pre-concert party for Republiq’s concert

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PRESS RELEASE: Highlands Coffee is the leading supplier and distributor of Vietnamese coffee products in Vietnam. A brand under Viet Thai International Joint Stock Company (VTI), Highlands Coffee is Vietnam’s largest coffee chain for 12 years now since it started in October of 2000.

Committed to serving people with uniquely Vietnamese coffee experience, Highlands Coffee combines the best of the modern and traditional Vietnam in its every cup of coffee. Highlands Coffee seeks to share this unique coffee experience with the world as it ended the previous year with significant partnerships to pioneer Highlands Coffee’s international expansion in the Philippines.

Making steps outside its home country, Highlands Coffee’s rights for distribution in the Philippines was given to Digital Paradise, Inc. (DPI), operator of the country’s largest internet cafe chain, Netopia. Now, Highlands Coffee extends its efforts to share a unique coffee experience to Filipinos as it ventures to offer its signature drinks to Café Republiq’s menu.

To celebrate its partnership, Highlands Coffee throws a pre-concert party for Republiq’s concert featuring Grammy award winning DJ/producer, Afrojack. Headed by the President of DPI, Michael Lacy, Highlands Coffee treats its guests to a whole night of great fun and unique experience at Café Republiq.

DJ Afrojack live in Manila

Highlands Coffee Now at Republiq, Resorts World, Manila

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Premium Vietnamese coffee brand, Highlands Coffee, expands and reaches out internationally, for the first time in 12 years. Highlands Coffee has chosen the Philippines as its first international destination for expansion because of Filipinos’ love for coffee. Highlands Coffee may now be enjoyed at Café Republiq in Resorts World, Manila.

Highlands Coffee at Café Republiq

Recently, my sister invited me to go with her on Afrojack Concert Party from which a pre-party celebration was held at Republiq. The café republic initially appealed to me because of its relaxed pace, somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book, or meet with friends.

The place was dimly lit which add to feelings of privacy. It has a tall lampshades between black elegant couches and candle lights in each marbled table top which I find romantic. ^^ The interiors gave a cozy impression with European influence too which fits with the bar as it looks sexy in style and elegant.

Highlands Café bar  - showcasing bottle of wine

Café nong, highlands black coffee version was one of the coffee's that I tried.

Vietnamese roasted bean

 It was a freshly brewed pure black coffee served in a cup and coffee filter.

I guess its pure for the serving is only 1/4 of  a cup.

I'm not actually into clubbing, really. And I'm happy cause this coffee saves me!  Café nong  kept me awake all through the night!

A picture of me (in the middle) together with co-bloggers.

Classic Sansó: Revisiting Earlier and Best-known themes

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In the past decade, internationally renowned artist Juvenal Sansó introduced a new series of works called his Moderno series which were inspired by memories of his travels. Moderno explored intense and highly colorful creative interpretations of particula views and sceneries he had found memorable and which were indelibly etched into his subconscious. Moderno had several critically acclaimed shows both in the Philippines and Singapore. This year, with his forthcoming show Classic Sansó, the artist revisits some his earlier and best known themes. These themes are his landscapes and seascapes as well as his floral paintings.

(Acrylic on canvas)

Fortuitous Wonder (Acrylic on canvas)

An Overflowing Cup (Acrylic on Paper)

Sansó has always found water alluring and admits being captivated by its energy, beauty and mystery. He is enthralled by water whether it be for its vibrant tides and motion or for it sotthing, calming and tranquil attributes.

Quaint and Picturesque (Acrylic on Canvas)

Likewise flowers have been another stellar inspiration that has continuously challenged, inspired and motivated the artist. With these works Sansó succeds in bring his viewers to a world of strong feelings and emotions.

A renowned painter, Juvenal Sansó is one of the best-know members of the Philippine Modernist movement. Having graduated from the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philipines, he has his contemporaries, National artists Jose Joya, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Napoleon Abueva (His batchmate in UP).

Juvenal Sansó

 His teachers were National Artists Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino. A foremost master, Sansó has had a long and stelalr career capped by a number of awards and recognition including a King's Cross of Isabella knighthood from the King of Spain, membership into the Order of Chevalier from the French Government, and a Presdient Medal of Merit from the Republic of the Philippines. His works are represented in the collections of some 40 museums in the world including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institute, the Museum d' Arte Moderne in Paris, the Rosenwald National Gallery of Washington, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His collectors include the Rothschild Family, Nelson Rockefeller, Vincent Price, Elsa Schiaperelli, Jean Cocteau and many prominent, American, European and prominent Filipino families.

With rare artworks culled from the artist's studio on canvas and on paper, Classic Sansó is a much anticipated revisit of the artist's favorite themes. It shows Sansó at his very best, full of life, full of engery and full of passsion for his art.

Classic Sansó opens to the public at the Podium

 

Me in the middle together with fellow Bloggers