The artwork format is assemblage (a three dimensional artwork made of different materials put together to form one unified concept art piece or composition.). This contest is open to all Filipino students currently enrolled in public and private high schools in Los Banos, Laguna. The assemblage should be a result of a collaboration by a team of three students. Any other team composition is disqualified. The theme of this contest is “Unity in Diversity” in line with EU’s motto.

The team should submit their entries to any of the following schools by 30 March 2009: Philippine High School for the Arts and the Los Banos National High School.

The medium or materials to be used should be made of recycled materials, preferably those coming from the home and including from the community, like the following: tin cans, rubber slippers, bottles, cloth or textile materials, paper products such as papers, paper boards and boxes, plastic materials such as containers and old toys, metal pieces. Materials that deteriorate are not permitted.

The dimensions include: height – 16 inches including base, not smaller than 10 inches, weight – maximum of 20 kilos and cubic measure of 12 inches x 12 inches x 16 inches.

All entries should be accompanied by a short rationale explaining the concept of their entry piece. Rationale should be not more than five sentences with a maximum of 500 words.

Students also should attach the following information to their respective entries: name, address, contact landline and mobile phone numbers of the members of the team, the year and section of the members of the team, name of adviser, contact number of adviser, name of school.

The criteria for Judging are: relevance to the Theme – 40%; Durability & Stability – 20%; Aesthetic Significance and Uniqueness – 20% and Commercial Viability – 20%. The jury will be composed of artists and officials from the organisers.

All winning entries submitted for this contest will automatically be considered as shared property between the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines and it is understood that the winning entries will be displayed in the premises of the Delegation.

Five winners will be chosen and each will be awarded a trophy and a medal as well as special prizes from the Delegation. In addition, five finalists will be chosen and each will be awarded certificates. All the winning entries including finalists will be exhibited in a venue to be identified before the awarding ceremony. The awarding ceremony will be held during the latter part of May 2009. All winners will be notified by mail.

Further information: http://www.delphl.ec.europa.eu or (02) 8595124

My sister Dianne and I were able to meet Forrest Gump (portrayed by Steve Weber) during an event for bloggers at the TriNoma branch of Bubba Gump last October 21, 2008. Alongside with the meet and greet with Forrest Gump, Bubba Gump introduced their new and exciting dishes!

One of their new appetizers is the Dynamite Shrimp; an appetizer composed of shrimp poppers with a spicy Asian glaze. Dianne and I really enjoyed this appetizer. In fact, we could eat this one everyday!

Spicy Jambalaya Pasta is one of the great additions in Bubba Gump’s menu. A dish composed of shrimps and spicy Andouille Sausage over Linguini with Bourbon Street Tomato Sauce.

“That Chocalate Thing” is a special jar of warm flourless Chocalate cake, topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Whipped Cream, and drizzled with Raspberry Sauce. This is a dessert that you could share with your friends or family.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has branches in Trinoma (916-9314 or 916-9315) and Greenbelt 3 (757-5154 or 757-5104). You could also visit their website at http://www.bubbagump.com.ph/ for more information.

Here comes, Pocketful of Kids, the very first interactive toy village in the country. It is where kids and their parents or guardians get to experience first hand the popular American and European toy brands that encourage to wonder, to discover and to learn through play which is important to the growth and development of the kids. Pocketful of Kids is not your ordinary “look, but don’t touch” toy store. At Pocketful of Kids, you can play with the toys and interact with the other kids in the village.

“The notion of bringing learning into playtime is really something that Pocketful of Kinds wanted to push. Our vision is to provide high-quality toys that help children learn and ensure that these will aid significantly in influencing a child’s mind,” explained Natalie Tanchip, founder and owner of Pocketful of Kids.

The first interactive toy village in the country carries only top-of-the-line developmental toys from reputable American and European brands such as Melissa & Doug, Learning Resources, Educational Insights, HaPe, Educo, Alex, Tatiri among others. Aside from toys, Pocketful of Kids also features books and other services for kids like a health food section and playground. The toy village also extends its reach to parents and guardians through parenting seminars and workshops conducted by no less than child experts.

“As parents, we play a vital role in equipping our children with the opportunity for growth, innovation and learning. What more effective way to do is than by providing them with toys that boost their ability to learn,” added Natalie Tanchip.

My mother, sister Dianne and I had a chance to experience how fun and exciting it is to be in the first interactive toy village in the country. It is where we feel that we’re preschoolers all over again. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for everyone especially for the kids at the first interactive toy village in the country:

You too can experience the fun & excitement with your kids starting this Saturday, October 25, 2008 by visiting Pocketful of Kids, the first interactive toy village in the country located at 15/F Strata 2000, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas from 10am to 7pm or call (02) 634-7888 or (02) 634-2888.

Map:

More pictures:

“Art throughout history has always inspired change by always going beyond the frame,” said Dondie Bueno, 2nd Media spokesperson. “And with the OAAP, we aim for the Manila Outdoor Gallery Art Route to be a catalyst for change in the metro by pushing the boundaries of what billboards can be.” He added.

Located in key locations across the metro, Manila Outdoor Gallery Route is dubbed as the biggest outdoor gallery in Asia. It features artworks from 10 of the most promising Filipino artists such as Popo San Pascual, Riel Hilario, Eddie Boy Escudero, Jose Terence Ruiz, Mario V. Fernandez, gari Buenavista, MM Yu, Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Lotsu Mones, and Tina Fernandez of ArtInformal who also curated the said exhibit.

Through the Manila Outdoor Gallery Route, 2nd Media and OAAP aims to raise awareness that billboards are in fact effect channels for communication and are not just tools for advertising. “We want these painting and photographs on billboards to enrich and entertain people. We want them to engage in discussions about the artwork they saw at North Luzon Expressway or how they liked the one in Cubao better.” Bueno continued.

Here’s the glimpse of the biggest outdoor gallery in Asia:

If you’re a Filipino citizen and have what it takes to creater an original shirt design with the theme, “Why are you hurting your neighborhood? What’s wrong with you?” then Volcom needs you!

The best among original submitted graphic shirt designs with this theme will be picked out by Volcom and made into a limited edition shirt. The chosen designer will be featured by Volcom and enjoy the following awesome perks:

- A cash prize of Php 25,000.00
- A Php 10,000 shopping spree of Volcom stuff from Aloha Boardsports.
- Plus, media mileage and bragging rights for holding the title of being a Volcom Featured Artist

You can use any art or graphics medium. Just be sure to submit it in the following format:

- 16 ½” width x 23 ½” height JPEG format with 300 dpi
*Artwork should incorporate the Volcom stone

Upload your piece to http://www.volcomcallforart.com using the registration form found in the site. You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your entry.

All artwork must be in before midnight of October 30. Deadline extended until November 15, 2008 due to public demand! Results will be out by the 2nd week of November so start working on your all-original piece now, ’cause you just might be the next Volcom Featured Artist.

If you are interested in joining the contest, read the terms and condition of the contest at Volcom Call for Art website.

California Pizza Kitchen uses only fresh, premium ingredients sourced locally and from around the world. CPK is the pioneer in hearth-baked California-style pizzas. Cooked quickly in 3-7 minutes in approximately 500-degree heat, hearth-baked pizzas offer a different pizza experience. Aside from pizzas, California Pizza Kitchen also offers salads and appetizers, soups, pastas, focaccia sandwiches, desserts, smoothies, beverages and blended beverages.

Here are some pizzas you want to try on your next California Pizza Kitchen visit:

BBQ Chicken Pizza. The global pizza chain also carries classic bestsellers. Its most popular pizza, the Original BBQ Chicken, is one of the original recipes used by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, the founders of California Pizza Kitchen.

Greek Pizza. Diners can also experience a slice of adventure in the Mediterranean with the Greek Pizza. Made from Mediterranean spiced grilled chicken and Mozzarella cheese, this pizza is topped with a chilled Greek salad of cucumbers, red onions, fresh tomatoes, Greek olives, Feta cheese and lemon-herb vinaigrette; and served with homemade Tzatziki sauce and chopped Italian parsley.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Guests of the Make Your Own Pizza event were given the chance to savor their creations, which were served fresh from the hearth oven. One of these was the smoky sweet Jamaican Jerk Chicken, a pizza that offers a taste of the world. It is made from grilled Jamaican Jerk spiced chicken breast with our spicy sweet Caribbean sauce, Mozzarella cheese, applewood smoked bacon, mild onions, roasted red & yellow peppers and green onions.

Cajun Pizza. One of the newest offerings of California Pizza Kitchen, the Cajun Pizza is made blackened from the chicken and spicy Andouille sausage with a Creole sauce, roasted red and yellow peppers, mild onions and Mozzarella cheese.

The Philippine franchise of California Pizza Kitchen is owned by Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. and currently operates 6 branches located in Glorietta 3 (867-2115 to 16), Alabang Town Center (850-5771), Shangri-la Plaza Mall (687-7841 to 42), Trinoma Mall (901-3881 to 82), Greenhills Shopping Center (725-7377) and Powerplant Mall (895-3447).

Finally, the first ever lifestyle weekend market has come to Manila! Beginning September 7 to September 28 (Sundays only), Alveo Land’s Celadon Manila will open its doors to discerning urbanites across the metro as it ushers in PICK Manila – the first ever lifestyle weekend market in the city. Held every Sunday from 7AM to 2PM within Manila’s first integrated leisure community, shopaholics and foodies can explore the unique retail possibilities that the most culturally diverse city in the country can offer.

“Not only does PICK Manila let avid shoppers from all over experience the leisurely lifestyle which is the core of Celadon Manila, but more importantly it allows for our residents to come together as a community,” says Gutz Gutierrez, Project Division Manager for Celadon Park and Celadon Residences.

Well, what to expect when going to PICK Manila?

Celadon Manila’s PICK Manila offers bargain hunters a chance to indulge in a showcase of a diverse collection of eclectic home décor, unique clothing and jewelry as well as an array of organic food choices that’s sure to satisfy the metro’s most discerning palate. It is in Celadon Manila where I was able to buy the juiciest rambutan I’ve ever eaten.

Celadon Manila, the leisure community from Alveo Land, offers the opportunity for people to live, work, shop, meet and relax in one integrated neighborhood—underscoring a vibrant lifestyle experience.

Celadon Residences provides its residents with fully completed village park facilities like adult and kiddie pools, open playfield, kids’ playground, multi-purpose court and function rooms that encourage community interaction and fellowship, completing the uptown living experience.

Alveo Land Corp., formerly Community Innovations, sets the benchmark for innovation in Ayala Land. Armed with sharper foresight, unparalleled excellence and total commitment, Alveo Land Corp. is a real estate company that doesn’t just find the means to provide the most innovative homes, it looks for ways to make you live the life you deserve. For more information visit http://wwww.alveoland.com.ph or http://www.celadonmanila.com.ph email info@alveosales.com.ph or call (632) 848-5100 (Metro Manila) and 1-800-10-8485100 (Outside Metro Manila).

When I first heard about WordCamp Philippines, I hurriedly signed up hence, I’m camper number 003! Well, it really pays off to be early. Since I’m camper number 003, I won a special WordPress mug courtesy of GenSantos.com. It was really unexpected.

My mom and I attend the said event though she left before the plenary session. Supposedly, my sister, Dianne would also attend the said event. But because of her class, she wasn’t available to attend. Aside from my sister, I believe a lot also missed the event because there were a lot of unclaimed camper badges and even excess food. Nevertheless, the venue was jam-packed!

The morning sessions were divided into two tracks – the Deployment and Development track. The deployment track covered topics like Blogging 102 – Basics & Beyond (Jayvee Fernandez), WordPress for Corporate Web Sites (Hans Koch), Building a Blogging Community (Blogie Robillo), Video Blogging with WordPress (Kring Elenzano) and lastly, Blogging & Journalism (Danilo Arao). On the other hand, the development track discussed topics like Creating WordPress Themes & CSS Power (Gail Villanueva), Developing WordPress Plugins (Markku Seguerra), Organizing & Optimizing Your WordPress Blog (Ely Apao), WordPress as a CME/CMS (Karla Redor) and finally, WordPress & SEO (Hans Koch).

One of the talks that I’ve enjoyed the most is Kring Elenzano’s Video Blogging with WordPress. Her talk is full of fun and helpful information. I can’t even remember a dull moment during her talk. I believe everyone who attended Kring’s talk enjoyed it as much as I do. Upon registering for WordCamp, I was really looking forward to Gail Villanueva’s Creating WordPress Themes & CSS Power. I’ve been creating WordPress themes since I started using it in 2005. During that time, I didn’t pay much attention to mark-up, validation and others. In fact, my themes were made out of tables. Well, I’m currently struggling to finish a valid CSS & XHTML theme for my other blog. I find Gail’s talk very helpful too. I hope she uploads her presentation online because there was a problem in the projector (the text were too small).

Of course, the highlight of the event is the plenary session where Matt Mullenweg known as Mr. WordPress delivered the State of the Word and the Future of WordPress. Aside from Matt’s talk, several topics were also given attention such as Demystifying Google Analytics (Aileen Apolo), WordPress & Web Standards (Regnard Raquedan) and Making Money with Performance Ads (J. Angelo Racoma). The campers were also given the chance to ask questions to Mr. WordPress himself, Matt Mullenweg. Giveaways and prizes were given in between talks.

Before the WordCamp Philippines ended, Ms. Ria Jose, one of the organizers presented the Cebu Pacific Blogging Challenge wherein winners will receive 1 roundtrip ticket to the local destination of their choice (within Cebu Pacific’s coverage). The contest is only open to 18 years old and above. Hence, your honor is not eligible to join the contest. The funny thing is, Ria Jose even mentioned my name on the microphone.

Let me congratulate the organizers, sponsors, speakers, volunteers and the campers for a successful WordCamp 2008. Blogie Robillo, one of the organizers closed the program by greeting the campers, “See you in WordCamp 2009!”

Aside from WordCamp, Ned and Ardy Roberto releases marketing business solutions book. A pre-Wordcamp Philippines was held in Davao last September 4, 2008. WordCamp Philippines is the first Wordcamp in the Southeast Asia.

Ely Buendia Image courtesy of Pulse.ph

The band opened the concert with the song “Alapaap” at around 8:00pm this evening. The band sang more than 10 songs (15 songs according to some bloggers who watched the concert) before the scheduled 30-minute break. Ely Buendia’s sister, Lally went up the stage and said, “Because of the emotional and physical stress that he’s experiencing, we apologize for cutting the concert short. My brother had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Again we apologize and we thank all of you for coming here tonight.” The other members of the Eraserheads were also onstage when the announcement was made.

According to Ronald Esguerra, MTV Philippines Director for Marketing, Buendia is in stable condition. Buendia suffered a heart attack in 2007.

Just two days before the much-awaited reunion concert, Buendia’s mother passed away.

[With reports from GMANews.TV and Pep.ph]
Image courtesy of pulse.ph

RADIOHEAD MEDIA SOLUTIONS, INC. THE NEW PROMOTER OF ERASERHEADS: THE REUNION

Radiohead Media Solutions, Inc. announces the acquisition of the concert rights to the much awaited one-night-only Eraserheads reunion this coming Saturday, 30 August 2008. The Reunion is to be slated at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field.

Where to buy Eraserheads Ticket?
Tickets are priced at PHP 800 and 1300. For ticket reservation call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph and www.radiohead.ph.

I would strongly suggest that you buy your tickets on Ticketworld outlets than buying online. The Ticketworld website is experiencing a lot of errors because too many concurrent users are accessing the website. Tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Festival Mall, & Starmill Pampanga), and Ayala Malls (Greenbelt 1 & Glorietta 1 Cinema Booth).