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events

Celeteque True Results

I wasn’t reall able to take many photos, as I was co-hosting the event. But when my duties were over, I tried to snap as much as I could… Here are a few photos from the event.
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Philippine Fashion Week — RTW

Yesterday, I headed over to the Main Atrium of SM MOA to check out Philippine Fashion Weeks Ready to Wear Collection. I do not consider myself a fashionista — in fact, I dress kind of dull… conservatively. But of course, I was there for the photo opportunity, and more importantly, to support my friend Julius Tarog.

On display at the RTW collection show were designers Ava Paguyo, Eddie Castro, Efren Ocampo, Greta Castro, Julius Tarog, Nicky Martinez, Nikki Sonico, Pencil Diestra, Reian Mata, Ricky Abad, Twinkle Ferraren and Ziggy Savella.

Here are a few photos from the event.

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Live Free

Last Saturday, I experienced a concert of a different kind.

miniposterLife Haven, Inc., an organization promoting the Independent Living philosophy for persons with disabilities (PWD) held a benefit concert at Crossroads 77 to raise funds to continue their services of assistance to PWDs in need.

On hand to showcase their talents were a few special performers: the Beautiful Gate Performance Art Troupe from Malaysia, the talents of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Ballroom Dancers on Wheelchairs, Bahay Mapagmahal Rondalla on Wheels and the Sparkle Band, as well as an up and coming band, the Good Morning High Fives and one of my fave local bands, Juan Pablo Dream.

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Yahoo! Philippines launches Project Purple

Adhering to its company colors, Yahoo! Philippines has just launched an innovative endeavor in sharing Filipino passions with the rest of the world via its latest local venture, Project Purple.

The social movement actually began in the US with Yahoo!’s ‘Start Wearing Purple’ campaign, and has moved out of North America for the first time — with the Philippines as its first stopover, as Yahoo! Philippines GM Jojo Añonuevo realizing that “there are millions of creative, innovative and passionate Pinoys.”

Añonuevo added: “Project Purple is a social movement and is open to everyone — online and offline. We are rallying Pinoys to be Purple and utilize the internet to aim higher.”

The campaign aims to empower Pinoy Passions — to encourage and nurture the Filipinos’ natural creativity, innovativeness and drive to excel in their chosen fields. So much so, that six up and coming local artists have submitter their artworks to Yahoo! to be featured i a soon-to-be-released limited edition art book showcasing the perspectives of 20 different graphic artists from around the world. Also, local art group WeeWillDoodle will create a truly unique and one-of-a-kind art piece, using a Honda Jazz as their canvas.

At their launch, various artworks from up and coming Pinoy artists were on display, photos from local photogs were up for view (via a Flickr gallery) and WeeWillDoodle were on hand for a “on-the-spot” artwork creation, using the audience suggestions on what “purple” meant to them.

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Yehey! – Fish & Co.

Today, Yehey! in cooperation with Fish & Co. held a special blogger’s event for a few who were able to make it.

Bloggers were tasked to come up with variations on fish & Co’s hottest seller — their Fish & Chips. Grouped into four different nations (India, Malaysia, Japan and the US – Philadelphia), the bloggers set out to purchase necessary ingredients from the supermarket, rush back to the resto and plate their dishes.

We had a hard time deciding which group won, as all dishes were very uniquely prepared. But in the end, Group US – Philadelphia [comprised of Melo, Eric, Rowena, Eldelweiza and Mec] came out on top with their creation, Philly Fish Steak.

[bloggers in action]

[the creations]

Thanks to everyone who made it to the event!

Island Cove Adventure


Once again, Yehey has come up with another fun and exciting event for our special blogger friends out there.

Come this March 5, 30 bloggers will be treated to a day of adventure and games as they make their way to a great local destination: Island Cove. Bloggers will get a tour of the property, sample some of the food, take home some goodies and most importantly, challenge their will and pit their skills against each other in a team race across the huge estate.

Watch out for more updates.

More information.

Attention all bloggers!

Make sure to bring your cameras, shades, swimsuits and extra clothes. You’re gonna need it!

Molo Action Sampling

I just recently purchased an iPhone — something I have been lusting after for some time. Instantly, I fell in love with the phone. The functionality is seemless and the possibilities with this phone seem infinite. I can’t even begin to describe how convenient everything has become.

But enough on the virtues of the iPhone… as owners can easily attest to this, and haters can just keep on naysaying.

One of the more interesting applications I came across (and purchased) is Molo. Basically, it works like a Holga or Lomo Action sampler… but on a digital level, in camera.

Simply choose the type of photo output you want, click on the diagram and take a shot… and the software will do the rest for you.

Here are a few sample shots I took over the weekend:

[faux mickey mouse and friends]

[the eb babes]

Coalition for the Deserving

Trying to break archaic traditions in the Philippines is a difficult task — especially when these traditions are steeped in dirty politics and corrupt governance. But it has to start somewhere.

Enter Coalition for the Deserving

The Coalition is comprised of four political parties (Aksyon Demokratiko, Reporma, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan and Bigkis Pinoy) attempting to bring a new system of choosing the next president and other key leaders of our country, without regard to party affiliations. These four parties are trying to break the old ways of popularity voting and aiming to instill the discipline of choosing our leaders with the qualities of a deserving individual: capacity to inspire, trustworthiness and genuine compassion.

Yesterday (02 February 2009) at the Manila Hotel, the Coalition was officially launched, with members from the four political parties in supportive attendance… along with members of the press and a bunch of bloggers.

In the launching, former SEC Chairman and current Coalition spokesperson Perfecto Yasay, Jr. presided over the events and fielded the questions thrown at the assembly.

And in one excerpt from his speech, Yasay summed the Coalition’s vision: “…the Coalition for the Deserving implies two basic levels of worth, value or merit: First, deserving means that the people who choose our leaders have the right to expect the rewards of good governance, that they are the sole legitimate beneficiaries of dedicated and selfless leaders. Second, that the leaders the Coalition will select an support on the basis of measurable standards that will be applied in determining their fitness to govern, will be deserving of the confidence and unqualified support of our people.”

No longer should we vote for the most entertaining, the best looking, the smoothest dancing, the most eloquent, silver-tongued candidate. Popularity and “winability” should not be factors in choosing our leaders. Rather, we should look for individuals with character and ability to do the job at hand. In other words, we should seek the deserving.

Along with the Coalition for the Deserving, Yasay is also calling on “every true Filipino, especially the youth to join us in this noble and great cause, as the entire Philippines clamor desperately for change.”

For more information, you can check out their website.

[bloggers with atty. Nick Conti and Coalition Spokesperson Perfecto Yasay]

[bloggers with atty Nick Conti]

more photos

a taste of americana

Together with a few invited bloggers, I experienced a taste of Americana over at T.G.I.Friday’s, Bonifacio High Street. We were treated to a great meal and a bit of entertainment in celebratory anticipation for the inauguration of the United States’ 44th president.

Here are a few photos from my cell phone…

[red, white and blue all around]

[u.s. flag, Filipino beer]

[marilyn monroe]

[wonder woman]

[jonel's sago with a message]

DOT and MTV casual dinner

As part of an ongoing campaign to promote our beautiful country, DOT and long time partner MTV hosted a casual dinner tonight, over at The O Lounge of Alchemy.

The topic: DOTs (and MTVs) plans for next year. The guests of honor: none other than Tourism secretary himself, Joseph “Ace” Durano and Undersecretary Edu Jarque.

And as an added treat, Christine Gambito (Happy Slip, to the uninitiated) was also present at the event, to add a little color to the festivities.

Through a candid gathering, Secretary Durano made a few plans for next year known. The biggest of which is a culminating event to take place sometime in November entitled Rockipelago — a massive gathering of Fil-Am musical performers. Of course, names were withheld, so as to keep a tight lid on the bands involved… but a few hints were dropped, so we can all speculate.

Being that this was the first time the DOT got involved with an event as informal as the one held last night, i.e. a casual dinner with bloggers, it was quite surprising to see Secretary Durano and Undersecretary Jarque so at ease. In fact, Sec. Durano was so comfortable, he was the one cracking a few jokes to get the bloggers in a light mood.

As the evening progressed, and ideas were exchanged, we were even treated to a bit of magic by Kel Fabie.

All in all, I think it was a good night. Bloggers were given the privilege to find out first hand some of the plans that the DOT will be rolling out next year, together with MTV… and Secretary Durano was able to gather some insight into the mind of a blogger.

Watch out for more info in the coming months, as we see some of these plans unfold.

Here are some photos from the event…

[happy slip is in manila]

[christine and Sec. Durano enjoying Kel's magic]

[group shot with MTV Asia Director for Marketing Partnerships Yvonne Tey, Undersecretary Edu Jarque, Happy Slip and DOT Secretary Ace Durano]

more photos
photos from az
fran’s photos

noemi’s entry
jonel’s entry

Yehey's PoPinoyan partay

With bands, food and booze aplenty, it was all smiles at the Yehey! PoPinoyan Christmas party last night at Grilla Bar and Grill along Kalayaan.

Clients, partners, bloggers, users and Yehey! employees mingled with each other in an eventful evening, hosted by poet / writer / actor / host Juddah Paolo.

A full buffet, free flowing alcohol, a few prizes and some great, up and coming bands fueled the party atmosphere, as Yehey! gave thanks to everyone that braved the traffic and attended the party, as well as recognize the support that everyone gave for a fruitful 2008.

As an added treat, and to celebrate our Pinoy Pop Culture, a few hundred lucky guests also got to take home a t-shirt with their favorite lines from movies, songs and various other popular media over the past few decades.

Thanks to everyone who made it.

Here are a few photos to browse through…

[the banners]

[sample PoPinoyan shirts]

[our host, Juddah Paolo]

[kel showing off some of his special brand of magic]

[hamming it up for the camera]

[roots of nature guitarist]
more photos

Az’s photos
Ada’s photos
Tina’s photos

Yehey! Popinoyan


In case you still haven’t done so, you can register for Yehey!’s Christmas party and celebrate what it is to be Pinoy. And if you’re one of the first 50 to get in line, we’re also giving you a chance to come up with Pinoy Pop culture taglines / statements that you can place on a t-shirt for you to take home.

So if you’re proud to be Pinoy and want a chance to take home a few cool prizes, as well as celebrate with Yehey!, make sure to register for the party!

Make Your Own SuperBowl Blogger's Event

A few bloggers were invited to partake in sampling new dishes that Super Bowl of China has to offer, this Yule season, including their new Christmas Roasts of Whole Chicken Stuffed w/ Holiday Machang and Christmas Ham.

To make things more interesting, bloggers were also given a chance to decorate their own bowls, to celebrate the festive season.

Here are some photos from the event.







more photos on multiply
Az’s photos
web magazine’s take on the event
edelwiza’s version
check out CelestialMajesty’s photos

"00" Fleming

Went to the John “00″ Fleming Trance party at the A-Venue with Kan, just to check it out. As usual, we didn’t stay long, but I was able to take a few snaps with my cellphone.



Fully Booked Bloggers Event

As a lot of other bloggers have posted their experiences from the blog event, I will simply put a few photos from the happenings. And since I was hosting the event, with members from Fully Booked, I really didn’t have time to snap photos.






more photos
Az’s photos

Whip up Your Own Super Bowl!


Another blogger event is coming up… and this time around, you get to try out some of the new dishes that Super Bowl of China is offering, as the Chinese resto is adding a number of gustatory delights to their already spectacular menu.

Be one of 30 bloggers that will get an invite to this flavorful event by registering here.

RSVP: Kankan Ramos or Jona Oboza at 910-6427/0917-8687438 or email superbowl@teamyehey.com

bookworms and bloggers


Attention all bookworms and bloggers! Yehey! and Fully Booked will be holding a one of a kind event this November 28 at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street.

Give your brain a bit of a workout and exercise your biggest muscle.

If you feel that you want to be part of this, email fullybooked@teamyehey.com, RSVP Kankan Ramos or Toni Alvarez.

You can also find more info over at the microsite.

Up Dharma Down @ Yehey!

Terno Records artist Up Dharma Down came over to the Yehey office for a quick chat event to promote their new album, ‘Bipolar’.

Here are some photos from the event.





Acel @ Yehey

Former Moonstar88 vocalist, now solo artist and proud mommy Acel Bisa-Van Ommen came over to the Yehey office yesterday for a quick Chat Event with the users and to promote her new album, ‘Silver Lining’.

Here are a few photos from the event.



more photos and info

Amazing Philippine Beauties

The Philippines is known for it’s hospitable people and beautiful destinations. However, unbeknownst to the majority, is the group of amazing beauties that can be found performing in the Manila Film Center in Pasay City.

Recently, the same group behind the performances held a pageant to crown this years queen, and perhaps become a part of the troupe.

However, what makes this “amazing” is the fact that these beauties actually belong to the masculine variety.

Check out the photos…







Yes, they are men.

I met Forrest Gump

Just this afternoon, Bubba Gump invited a few people from the media and press to experience some of the new dishes being offered in their branches.

The food was aplenty. Old favorite dishes were served up, as well as some of the newer fare. There was so much food, that I simply sampled the dishes, to make sure I got a taste of all the flavors.

ON THE MENU:

Appetizers:

  • She Crab Soup – blue crab and caviar bisque
  • Dynamite Shrimp – Shrimp Poppers cracklin hot with a spicy Asian Glaze

Salad:

  • Grilled Shrimp Salad with Garlic-Cilantro Dressing – Crispy Romaine tossed with a Garlic-Cilantro Dressing and topped with tender, marinated Shrimp, fresh roasted Red Bell Peppers and Pine Nuts

Bubba’s Shrimp Specials:

  • Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry – Tender sautéed Shrimp with crispy Vegetables, all tossed together with a sweet and spicy sauce, served over Rice
  • Spicy Jambalaya Pasta – Shrimp and Spicy Andouille Sausage over Linguini with Bourbon Street Tomato Sauce

Fresh Catch Specials:

  • Mediterranean Trevally (Talakitok) – Fresh Trevally pan-seared with Grape Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, herbs and Capers
  • Fresh Cajun Pompano with Mayan Salsa & Shrimp – Garlic fresh Cajun Pompano and grilled Shrimp placed over a bed of Jasmine rice and served with Salsa Fresca

Forrest’s Favorites:

  • Grilled Dory with Jambalaya – Grilled Cream Dory over a spicy New Orleans style Jambalaya with tender Shrimp and Andouille Sausage
  • Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs – An all time favorite at Bubba Gump.

Dessert:

  • That Chocolate Thing – We’re not sure what to call it, but we know you’ll love it! A special jar of warm flourless Chocolate Cake, topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Whipped Cream, and drizzled with a Raspberry Sauce. You’ll say, “I HAVE TO HAVE THAT CHOCOLATE THING!”

As, I didn’t have my camera with me, I had to make do with my cell phone camera. So here are some of the photos of the food… and of Forrest.

[party atmosphere calls for party hats]

[the Dynamite Shrimp]

[Grilled Shrimp Salad with Garlic-Cilantro Dressing]

[Mediterranean Trevally]

[Kankan meets Forrest]

Sam Milby @ Yehey!

Sam Milby came over to the office for a quick Chat Event and to promote his upcoming concert on the 25th of this month at the ALIW Theater.

Here are a few photos…




We will be giving you a chance to win free tickets to his concert, as well as other autographed prizes. The microsite will be up soon.

more photos

trenZa salon one year anniv

With a fedora on my head and a feather boa around my neck, I was feelin rakenroll!

trenZa salon celebrated their one year anniversary last Friday, and treated bloggers and media (and their families) like rock stars, offering their various first rate services — everything from hair spas to foot scrubs to nail art (even glitter tattooing) — for free.

Ceremonies were kicked off with a spread of various dishes and desserts, before a short speech. Then, it was all rock and roll. Guests filled the seats to get their treatments, and even had a chance to create bracelets or necklaces, while waiting for their turn at some pampering and relaxation.

Here are some photos from the event…

[elaine gets some curls]
[gettin some ink done]
[sitting in the kids' corner]
[thumb(s) up for the shear]
[little rock stars starting early with the attitude]


[princess allana gets some curls too]
[az's first time...]


[rockin the fedora and boas]
[apple displays her apples]

more photos
see alvin’s photos
see az’s photos

Bo’s Coffee Club @ High Street

Bo’s Coffee Club held it’s second blogger’s event last Friday, in their Bonifacio High Street branch. It was a cold and rainy morning, so hot mugs of our favorite brew awaited all the visitors.

Again, President and CEO Steve Bentitez introduced Bo’s to the bloggers, before initiating the “create a coffee” contest.

Here are a few photos from the event…

[coffee beans, pre-roasting]
[comfy corner for two]


[sack of beans]


[cooling off the roasted beans]


[creating their concoction]


[zee, arpee and noreen enjoying the cheese rolls]


[the amazing biyahilo]


[biyahilo and arpee]


[our winners, audrey and abbie with steve benitez]

more photos
alvin’s photos

read Biyahilo’s take