| GGTV's 10th Header Contest |
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December 9, 2009
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I wanted to hold off until 4 months for the next contest, but with the hiatus coming up I figured it'd be a good time to change to a "wintery" layout and trudge out the lonely holiday.
( Rules Behind the Cut )
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| Much ado about the Philippine map |
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December 10, 2009
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Ever wonder how those shirts with Philippine maps came about?
Meet the genius behind the shirts. Rhett Eala is one designer we're surely envying right now.
 Rhett Eala by Kristine Soguilon
By Cecile van Straten
When I was growing up in the '70s there was no such thing as Philippine pride.
I remember being asked in San Francisco where I was from from. My instinct was to answer ‘Hong Kong'—the only other country I had been to.
I was 11 years old and didn't know better. My mom scolded me.
But times have changed. When I studied in New York in the early ‘90s, I yearned for my Filipino roots—anything Filipino from food to movies. I bought fried fish from Elvie’s and borrowed every single VHS tape from the Filipino store, even if the only ones left starred Gardo Versoza. Yup. I saw Machete I and II and lived to tell about it.
Living abroad has made me love the place I now call home. When I got back I started making Nora Aunor tees and clothing because I still believe Filipino cheesy is cool.
In 2005 Louis Claparols created Imelda Marcos tees and boleros and couldn't keep up with orders.
Many others made their own version of Filipino tees, like Team Manila, which has grown from a hole-in-the wall T-shirt store, to a hugely successful chain in the malls.
The late Francis Magalona continues to sells tons of tees under the FMCC (Francis Magalona Clothing Company) brand months after his death.
In short, nationalism is in the air more than ever, and it is catching.
Among all the brands mentioned here, I think the most phenomenal and relevant to the times would be Rhett Eala’s collaboration with Collezione shirts, which produces the My Pilipinas range.
Collezione used to be popular among the normy crowd in the ‘80s, and was known for it’s ‘key’ logo. While that key is hardly visible these days, it has been replaced by a more recognizable symbol—the map of the Philippine islands.
Here’s one brand that doesn’t need any more publicity. My Pilipinas is the brainchild of fashion designer Rhett Eala, now Creative Director of C2, the highly successful incarnation of Collezione, which now has over 18 stores nationwide.
While ordinary citizens and politicians have been sporting My Pilipinas shirts left and right, it was CNN’s Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida who has been chosen as C2’s brand ambassador.
“All the map shirts he wears, even the barong he wore at the CNN Heroes show was made by Collezione C2,” said Rhett. “I’m so proud of him. He was born with a good heart. A very kind and gentle person; he must have been a saint in his past life.”
CVS: Tell us again how and when you got into Collezione.
Rhett Eala: I was asked to join by Collezione’s managing director, Mr. Joey Qua, about three years ago. He needed a creative director to revitalize the brand. I liked the idea that the company manufactured their apparel in house and was not sourced abroad.
What was your first collection like and how did you come up with the Philippine logo?
My first collection for the brand was very preppy and colorful. The first incarnation of the map was there in a gold foil print.
Was the map inspired by Ralph Lauren’s enlarged polo player?
Not really although in hindsight I must have been influenced by the size of the pony. I wanted a symbol that best represented our brand, which is made entirely in the Philippines. I’ve been always intrigued by the map. The shape of our archipelago is quite interesting.
Was the collection an immediate hit and how surprised were you by the reception?
We immediately got a good response with our map shirts. It grew quite organically. There was an evolution from the printed to embroidered map, we are even beading it now. I’m still surprised how people respond to our products. Many of our customers feel so passionately for our brand. It’s amazing how Filipinos are so nationalistic. It feels good that I can help them express that.
How do you feel about/deal with knockoffs?
Well it is kind of flattering to be copied but at the same time frustrating. We are probably more copied than any other foreign sportswear brand [in the Philippines]. Our company is quite known for its quality and we just have to be on top of our game. We have to be one step ahead and innovate.
Can you easily tell which ones are knockoffs?
I can tell if it’s a knockoff a mile away. A friend of mine went to Greenhills about a month ago and saw a sign that said “Original Ret Eala (sic) map shirts available.” Then she asked “Original C2 ba to?” The salesgirl answered, “Hindi ho original Ret Eala yan.” Be careful with those knockoffs because most of them are made in China or Thailand. You’re not helping our economy and workers by buying those.
How the Rhett Eala label doing and what’s next?
I’m still doing bridal and special occasion gowns. I have a steady stream of clientele. I’m working on several big and small projects for 2010, which marks my 20th year in fashion. I might do a show or an exhibit.
Is there something you really want to do but haven’t done yet?
I want to learn how to ski and take good photographs.
With photos by Jo Ann Bitagcol
http://collezione-c2.com/
On Facebook
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December 10, 2009
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*i'll be talking to myself from now on*
stuff like this is made of pure win!
i love the jologs people (parang lahi), they're cultural phenomena on their own. i never knew they had a particular way of texting. that sounded kinda snotty. does this mean i only get cultured texts on my phone? yes i do. i'm so glad my friends can spell.
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| Ten days |
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December 10, 2009
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The first Hermès boutique opens in Manila
On 20 December 2009, Hermès will open its very first boutique in Manila under Luxury Concepts, Inc., a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc., under its president, Anthony T. Huang.
 Photo: Daniel LAMPA
The store, with a retail space of 120 square meters, will be located in the upscale Greenbelt 3 Mall in Makati.
The boutique was designed by Rena Dumas Architecture Intérieure (RDAI), the Parisian interior architecture agency that creates Hermès stores worldwide.
Hermès’ contemporary spirit will emanate from the shapes and composition of a store divided into two main areas: once passing the Hermès Ex-libris threshold, a bright space welcomes the visitors and is followed by a more intimate space dedicated to the ready-to-wear and jewelry.
 Photo: Quentin BERTOUX
The boutique will carry a wide range of products made with impeccable Hermès craftsmanship: bags and luggage, diaries and small leather goods, equestrian pieces, silk, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, jewelry, watches, belts, gloves, footwear, hats, enamel, Art de Vivre, tableware and fragrances.
 Kelly Cacao
 Birkin 30
 Bolide 31
Hermès was founded in 1837. Since its beginning in Paris as a maker of harnesses and saddles, six generations of enterprising artisans have opened up new domains and conquered new markets. Imbued with respect for the past and enthusiasm for the future, they transmitted to their successors the cult of beautiful materials crafted with excellence, the love of beautiful objects made to last and the spirit of innovation.
The company is now led by CEO Patrick Thomas and the Artistic Direction is led by sixth generation family member, Pierre-Alexis Dumas.
 Patrick Thomas
 Pierre-Alexis Dumas
http://www.hermes.com/
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December 9, 2009
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It's xmas! Narinig ko nanaman ang immortal na si Jose Mari Chan at biglang naramdaman ko ang lamig ng hangin.
Sarap! I love the ber months. It gives me an excuse to bust out my jackets, hoodies, boots and everything else that you can't really wear in a tropical country. Feeling reeeeesh haha!
You can't forget about the food that the ber months bring! Now is not the time to be conscious of whatever "fat" you have. Love yourself until New Year's then you can go back to punishing yourself for all the self-indulgent calories you consumed. Pilates or yoga your ass off, if needed be.
Ok then. That felt like too much writing. and I have to stop capitalizaing things. It's a reminder that something's up my ass. How can I be anal of capitalization when nobody reads this shit anymore. Ah, work. I see your evil, little head jerking back in a sudden laugh. You're following me everywhere now.
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| Cookie Monster Cheesecake! |
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December 9, 2009
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http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ourawesomeplanet/~3/gVkOiQBtkkk/symphony-of-flavors-cookie-monster-cheesecake.html ULTIMATE TASTE TEST 3.0 RATING: 3.7 out of 5.0
We got introduced to Symphony of Flavors through Jason of WheninManila.com. I actually stayed away from it because it was too rich, too sweet and too tempting -- even just by looking at it. I must admit I thought it would not make the 3.3 cut but it did very well at 3.7. A lot of people like it because it is especially made for those people who like a sweet, rich, overloaded cake. I must agree with one foodie that this would be perfectly paired with strong, black coffee (no sugar needed). Congratulations to Symphony of Flavors! Their Cookie Monster Cheesecake is quite unique and it would stand out among other usual cakes.
What Foodies Are Saying About Cookie Monster Cheesecake
"really symphony of flavors."
"not into cookies merged into cake. too sweet."
"too heavy but flavorful."
"will definitely come back for seconds - Best with coffee."
"no cheesecake taste but the texture is good"
"Had to go back for more."
"So Rich! Bring out the Lipitor."
"The best dessert today!"
"nice and siksik kahit small serving."
"dry and nothing great."
"Ultra Rich, Good for Sugar-holics."
"Rich but Great"
"Cookie blends well with Cheese Cake! Divine!!"
"Great for give aways."
"The Choco Chips used is a little overwhelming."
"I cannot distinguish the flavor of cheese cake from the cookie except for the texture."
"This was a nice salty sweet combo!"
"Wanted to buy for my mom but not available for sale :("
"I observed siya ang naiwan looks yummy but heavy."
"Good. Can taste the cream cheese! Delicious!"
"Felt Guilty Eating it -- Very Rich & Too Sweet."
"Very Sinful, But Very Good!"
The Symphony of Flavors Bakeshop Story by Margie Tan-CawSymphony of Flavors Bakeshop started as a home-based business nine years ago. It was originally just a hobby of the owners, a mother-daughter team. After a successful fund-raising project back when I was in high school, my mom and I were inspired to make this a tandem business. Our products started from developing old-time favorites that the family were craving for such as coconut macaroons, chocolate chip cookies, revel bars, cheese cupcakes and boat tarts. These were the items in our first product list back in Christmas of 2000. Since then, there was no more looking back, we kept on creating new products to offer each Christmas Season. The home-made goodness of each product that comes out of our kitchen is guaranteed, because up until now, baking is done by mom or me, no mass production and no scrimping on ingredients. For this year, we would like to offer something that would offer a burst of texture in every bite; hence, the Cookie Monster Cheesecake. Every bite will give you velvety smoothness, creaminess and with a little chewiness and crunchiness. Enjoy!
Cookie Monster Cheesecake (P1,000). Velvety cheesecake topped with chocolate chip cookies…smooth, crunchy, creamy!!!Symphony of Flavors Bakeshop Price ListBits of Pieces Carrot Cake …with cream cheese frosting
Revel Bar …fudgy bar of oats, walnuts and chocolate chips
Food for the Gods … buttery bars of dates and walnuts
Double Chocolate Brownies …moist and chocolatey!!!
Black Forest …fudge base with cherry ganache filling and chocolate crumble topping
Cookie Dough Brownie …two all-time favorites in one….choco chip cookie on a fudgy brownie
Chocolate Banana Toffee …a combination of banana and chocolate with a twist of crunch
Mango Butterscotch …chewy butterscotch bars with pieces of mango Box of 12: P125.00 Box of 30: P350.00
Box of 18: P200.00 Box of 48: P500.00 Cookie Jar Mocha Truffle …truffle-like cookies packed with a flavorful punch of rich chocolate and deep mocha
Oatmeal Mango …a twisted treat for mango lovers
Symphony Cookies …packed with everything addictive…walnuts and choco chips!!! Box of 18 (new packaging: in individual foil packs): P350.00 CHRISTMAS GOODIES - P 380.00 18 individually foil-packed bits of pieces and cookies of your choice in an elegant gold box adorned with ribbon BITS OF PIECES: Revel Bar, Food for the gods, Double Chocolate, Mango Butterscotch COOKIES: Oatmeal Mango, Mocha Truffle, Symphony Cookies Parade of Pies Three Mushroom Quiche (10”) …a healthy option! - P650.00
Mocha Brownie Pie (9x9) …a brownie treat with a blend of coffee and cream cheese - P500.00
Apple Tart (10’”) … cinnamon-coated green apple chunks, dotted with dulce de leche, topped with streusel on a cream cheese butter crust - P550.00
Banana Cream Pie (9”) - P500.00 Take a Whole Rum Butter Cake …a drunken buttery cake in a festive bundt pan - P550.00
Blackout Cake …layers of deep dark chocolate cake with dulce de leche filling, frosted with chocolate ganache - P575.00
Choco Banana Cake ...alternating layers of chocolate and banana cake filled with ganache topped with banana chips - P550.00 Caramel Buttercream Cake …layers of soft vanilla chiffon filled with caramel and frosted with buttercream - P550.00 Chestnut Cake ...vanilla cake with luscious chestnut filling - P600.00 Swiss Toffee Cake ...deep chocolate cake with toffee bits in between - P575.00 Cookie Monster Cheesecake …velvety cheesecake topped with chocolate chip cookies…smooth, crunchy, creamy!!! - P1000.00 Chicken Empanada - P30.00/pc
Symphony of Flavors Bakeshop
Margie Doreen Tan-Caw
Telephone: +63 922-7173737; +632 563-3029, 638-4251
Email: symphony.of.flavors@gmail.com
Visit symphonyofflavors.blogspot.com
Live an Awesome Life,
Anton Diaz
Founder, OurAwesomePlanet.com
Mobile: +63917-LOVEOAP (5683627)
Email: anton@diaz.ph
Follow me in Twitter: antondiaz
Add me as a Friend in Facebook: antondiaz
Subscribe in my You Tube channel: antondiaz
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| Dulcelli's Avocado Sansrival - Super Yummy! |
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December 9, 2009
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http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ourawesomeplanet/~3/oVer_2_pMB4/dulcellis-avocado-sansrival.html ULTIMATE TASTE TEST 3.0 RATING: 3.7 out of 5.0
 Dulcelli Cakes is our personal favorite and one of our best finds in the Ultimate Taste Test series. My wife loves Sansrival, and we would often only go for the tried and tested classic flavor. But Denise's Avocado Sansrival got Rache's approval and we ordered a few cakes ever since to share with a few people. If you ask anybody in the Ultimate Taste Test 3.0, Dulcelli Cake was the most raved about next to Dulcelin. During the taste test, the sansrival was a bit soggy already because it was a bit hot. Surprisingly, the Avocado Sansrival still managed to WOW the foodies. We agree that it is better served chilled. The magic is in the way it is able to capture the flavor of avocado with the right balance of sweetness (without being nakakasawa). Congratulations, Denise! If you are tired of your usual cakes, try Dulcelli's Avocado Sansrival. :) What Foodies Are Saying About Dulcelli Cakes"Wow Dessert Heaven!"
"Good delicious avocado taste! Chocolate was divine!"
"The Best.... I had two rounds of this"
"Really really good!"
"Yummy! New!"
"This could have been awesome if they get the nougat chewy!"
"I was looking for the crunchiness of the sansrival"
"Avocado sansrival, well-balance(d), sweet and really good! The avocado is not overpowering."
"Tama ang lasa ng avocado. really good."
"If you're used to the usual sansrival taste, this taste(s) a bit weird-- has an aftertaste but in fairness is an innovation."
"I like it very much and it's healthy specially avocado sansrival."
"Unique Avocado Sansrival."
"Avocado Sansrival should have been chilled."
"Avocado Sansrival was awesome!"
"Very interesting taste, a bit too sweet"
"nahuli ang avocado flavor."
"Loved the icing on the cake, avocado sansrival was just OK"
"It adds but a bit of a nice surprise should be better if chilled."
"Love it!"
"Yummy When Cold!"
"Unique Taste and Yummy!"
"The name delivers sarap!"
"Thumbs Up for the avocado sansrival - NOT CLOYINGLY SWEET"
"Avocado Sansrival is the HIGHLIGHT!"
"I will order Avocado Sansrival!"
The Dulcelli Cake Story by Denise MayorAfter graduating from college, I worked as a product developer in Maya Kitchen Culinary Center then worked at a Hotel in Asian Institute of Management as a Head Pastry Chef. After working for 2 years, i decided to put up a small business, supplying cakes to coffee shops. I started in 2005 when Gloria Jean's Coffee accepted me as one of their cake suppliers. (But I am no longer doing business with them...) So then, I offered my cakes to other coffee shops and restaurants. In 2008, I managed to supply more than 10 coffee shop outlets in Metro Manila. I am planning to expand my products more and to start accepting personal orders. But my problem is our kitchen is located in a hidden place in Malibay, Pasay, where customers will have a hard time picking up their cakes so I am planning to deliver the ordered cakes straight to their homes instead of them going to our kitchen and picking up their orders. Dulcelli Cakes is a home-based food business that specializes in cakes. We have been supplying cakes to several coffee shops in town (like Rustan's Le Gourmet, Attivo, Java Man, and some branches of Mocha Blends). We make sansrival, Kahlua choco cake, hazelnut torte, amaretto choc, White Opera, Lemon Torte, tiramisu and Decadence. Apart from making "the common type of cakes" I have mentioned, we would like to test our newest cakes -- "The Snow White Cake" and our "Avocado Sansrival", but since avocados are not in season and are very hard to find, we might not be able to make them regularly.
AVOCADO SANSRIVAL (P790) – cashew-almond meringues layered with avocado buttercream.
(size: 8 X 8 square) CHOCO MALLOW FLUFF (P700) – Moist and fluffy chocolate cake, filled with caramel custard and topped with marshmallow icing. (size: 9 inches round)
DULCELLI LAB by Denise Mayor
746B M. Patinio St. Malibay, Pasay City 1300
Telephone/Fax: +632 799-8010
Mobile: +63922 816-2468 Free Delivery within Makati Area and Magallanes Area.
Live an Awesome Life,
Anton Diaz
Founder, OurAwesomePlanet.com
Mobile: +63917-LOVEOAP (5683627)
Email: anton@diaz.ph
Follow me in Twitter: antondiaz
Add me as a Friend in Facebook: antondiaz
Subscribe in my You Tube channel: antondiaz P.S. The Choco Mallow Fluff was just OK for us. Also, the packaging needs to be improved. They should get their packaging from Jennifer. :) 
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| Let's Help Make Pinoys the Ultimate Thailand Explorers! (Please Vote!) |
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December 9, 2009
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http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ourawesomeplanet/~3/Z4doQq4metc/the-ultimate-thailand-explorers-are-pinoy-please-vote.html 
Congratulations to Michael Paul & Jennifer for winning a slot in the Finals in The Ultimate Thailand Explorers! They are the only Asians among the top 5 finalists and they are now in Koh Samui, Thailand exploring the island for the finals. You can follow their adventure here: www.tinyurl.com/mikejenkohsamui (Ang galing nila mag-blog about their Thailand adventure...) Please vote for Michael & Jennifer for them to win the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Travel Competition! 
You need to be logged in to vote because The Tourism Authority of Thailand is awarding TWO (2) Thailand Holiday Packages and 2 HTC Android phones to 2 voters, each valued at US$2500. You can vote once per day, and each vote is a raffle entry. Who knows, you could be lucky this Christmas? I have no doubt that, with the Pinoys' help, Michael and Jenny will become THE Ultimate Thailand Explorers. :) Again, please vote everyday here: Michael Paul & Jennifer UTE Finalist for Koh Samui
We're in the Finals of the Ultimate Thailand Explorers!
by Jennifer
The Philippines is officially in the finals of the Ultimate Thailand Explorers. Because of your support, young couple Michael Paul and Jennifer Caspe-Cocuaco took in the most votes for Koh Samui. They were able to garner 4,821 votes, trailing far behind were Singapore with around 3,594 votes and the United Kingdom with 3,054 votes.
The Ultimate Thailand Explorers is a travel competition organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event was created by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in order to publicize Thailand’s five top tourist destinations: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. Teams of two from around the world, as selected by judges and online public voters, will get to explore the diverse attractions and activities in these destinations in order to showcase the reasons these destinations have earned numerous international awards.
The goal is to inspire other travelers to visit Thailand and experience the country's unique attractions for themselves. A total of 192 teams around the world joined the competition. Michael and Jenny were the only contestants from the Philippines who made it into the semifinals. With only 5 teams left to represent Thailand's 5 tourist destinations, they are now the only Asians competing in the finals. The other 3 teams are from the United States and one from France.
Michael, a travel consultant from Zamboanga City met Manila-based writer and TV producer Jenny at a singles retreat sponsored by Victory Christian Fellowship Quezon City. After 4 years of solid friendship, they got married and settled in Zamboanga in October 2008. Sharing a passion for travel and adventure, they decided to join the competition when they read about it through a website that advertised online contests and freebies called Boy Kuripot (http://boy-kuripot.blogspot.com).
The eliminations for the Ultimate Thailand Explorers started last September 1, 2009. The couple submitted an audition video, which they themselves made in Zamboanga's Pasonanca Nature Reserve. Armed only with a DSLR camera and portable stool to act as their tripod, the couple made an audition video for the competition. Their video became a crowd favorite with over 15,000 views and they were chosen to be part of the 25 semifinalists.
For them to get into the finals, their entry had to receive the most number of votes from the public through online voting. A campaign was made with the help of friends and family here and abroad, various internet cafes, schools, local and national newspapers, and through popular social networking websites Facebook and Twitter.
Michael and Jenny recently had the privilege of dialoguing with global world icons like chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov, businessman Donald Trump and Live Aid founder Sir Bob Geldof during the recently concluded South East Asian Youth Engagement Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where they represented the Philippines along with 59 other youth delegates from all over the country. The day they arrived from Malaysia, they received an email from the Tourism Authority of Thailand announcing that they have been declared as the official finalists for Koh Samui.
Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand, is the second most popular island destination in the kingdom, thanks in part to its airport that connects the island to a number of international destinations. Koh Samui features spectacular beaches, outstanding dining and a comprehensive array of extreme sports. Michael and Jenny will be in that island destination from Dec. 7-18.
"We can't wait to snorkel, scuba-dive and try out the spa treatments in Koh Samui. We're also doing some serious adventure by gliding on top of a rainforest in one of the longest zip lines in Asia! We hope to be good ambassadors of our country. Our ultimate goal is to be able to meet the King of Thailand and send him our good wishes," says the couple.
They will share their experiences to a worldwide audience by publishing their articles, photos and videos through the internet. Even before they left for their adventure, Michael and Jenny already started chronicling their personal stories and insights about Thailand in the official blog issued by the contest organizers: www.tinyurl.com/mikejenkohsamui
So how will the final winner be determined? The Ultimate Thailand Explorers winner will be determined by the highest number of online votes from the public. The voting period will commence on December 1, 2009 and will end January 8, 2010. A person may vote once a day throughout the voting period.
The good news for supporters is that two lucky voters will also have the chance to experience Thailand through a luxury travel package to be awarded by the contest organizer. Every vote made during the competition is equivalent to a raffle entry. With more votes, you'll get more chances of winning. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is awarding TWO (2) Thailand Holiday Packages and 2 HTC Android phones to 2 voters, each valued at US$2500.
Lately, the Philippines has been highlighted internationally with the historical win of Pacquiao over Cotto and the awarding of CNN Hero of the Year 2009 to Efren Penaflorida. Let us keep this winning streak going and show our support by voting for the Philippines’ very own Ultimate Thailand Explorers. Cast your votes here: www.tinyurl.com/mikejenkohsamui (Reminder: You need to be logged in to vote.)
Live an Awesome Life,
Anton Diaz
Founder, OurAwesomePlanet.com
Mobile: +63917-LOVEOAP (5683627)
Email: anton@diaz.ph
Follow me in Twitter: antondiaz
Add me as a Friend in Facebook: antondiaz
Subscribe in my You Tube channel: antondiaz P.S. Let's help our fellow kababayans win the Ultimate Thailand Explorers contest. We are currently behind in the votes. Please login and vote here: Michael Paul & Jennifer UTE Finalist for Koh Samui
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| RIP: jul dizon |
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December 9, 2009
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http://thefashpack.blogspot.com/2009/12/rip-jul-dizon.html  yesterday afternoon, just past five o'clock, we received a text from janina dizon hoschka: "my beautiful mom jul dizon is now holding hands with god." we were a bit shocked. did this mean she was... the message continued: "interment will be at heritage in taguig starting tomorrow. mom wanted everyone to wear white. thanks and please pass to everyone her life touched." apparently, she had lost her battle with lymphoma cancer. everyone is familiar with the jeweler jul B. dizon and her vivacious daughters janina and candy, who are established jewelers themselves. just last july, they celebrated their anniversary, as well as launched a one-off collection designed by one of their regular clients, lucy torres gomez. we wish we could say we own a jul dizon, but ever since we lost our wedding ring years ago, we've become allergic to expensive jewelry (or is expensive jewelry allergic to us??). last year, we had the opportunity to sit and talk to jul dizon during a press con for a previous anniversary event at the peninsula manila. we were a bit early, so there was lots of time to chit chat. we found her to be a really lovely, really classy lady. she gave us a background of her history, her jewelry business, and how her children were continuing her legacy. we're glad we got to know her even just for a little while...
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| how YOU can save the Philippines (for real) |
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December 9, 2009
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Konbanwa from Japan! I'm here until Sunday for the last leg of the Denso Youth for Earth Action. It's below 10 degrees. Nalulurkee ang Southeast Asian blood ko!
This entry (which was originally in two parts) was first published in the WWF-Philippines Facebook site and the Definitely Filipino site, which has over 300, 000 fans. Imagine of all of us put together did all the fifteen here. I really think the best way to show love for country is in the little things. Panis na yung namamatay sa Luneta noh. Ika nga ni Ghandi at ni Efren Penaflorida, "Be the change you seek." I did all fifteen of these before I could write about them.
Since this is my online journal, my candid comments are included in parentheses :)
1. Hold that straw! Plastic straws are among the most abundant debris found on beaches. Marine animals nibble on these, thinking they’re food. Remember: you are fully capable of drinking without the help of a plastic appendage.
(During the International Coastal Clean-Up and UP Clean-Up, we found so many of these. KADIRE.)
2. Donate those tarps! Tarpaulins are made of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable stuff. Instead of throwing them away, donate them to Earth Day Network, an environmental NGO that turns them into schoolbags for less fortunate children around the Philippines. Contact Ms. Binggirl Clemente at earthday_village@yahoo.com for more details.
(Tita Binggirl is AWESOME. She inspires me everyday.)
3. Chuck those (disposable) chopsticks: when dining at any Asian restaurant, bring your own reusable chopsticks. Though wooden chopsticks are biodegradable, they take a long time to decay and just add to the volume of solid waste in dumpsites. The annual production of chopsticks uses up to 90, 000 tons of wood, which comes from trees—climax of the plant kingdom and lungs of the earth.
(I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT MY FRIENDS AND I BRING CHOPSTICKS EVERY TIME WE EAT IN OMAKASE. WHICH IS AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH. Or else Ms. Fernandez goes into a bitch fit with matching hampas sa lamesa.)
4. Think big, buy big. We Filipinos have a tingi-tingi culture where everything must come small. Imagine the amount of waste we’d reduce if we bought in bulk! Instead of buying in sachets, reach for the big bottle. When traveling, just put the contents in smaller, refillable bottles that you can buy in any department store.
5. BamBOO YEAH: instead of planting a tree, plant bamboo—it’s a kind of grass, which means it grows faster. Other bamboo bonuses: it doesn’t need fertilizer, generates 35% more oxygen than a tree, and stores more CO2.
(My dad and I planted bamboos to celebrate his 55th birthday.)
6. When buying ice cream, choose cones over cups. Note: cones are edible, cups are disposable.
(Besides, hindi ba mas fun kumain from a cone?! Mas feel mo ang pagiging bata debah?)
7. Be a botante and not a bobotante: in the upcoming 2010 elections, read up on your candidates. See if there’s any green platform behind the yellow, the orange, and the hand symbols.
(Uuuuy ALAM NA.)
8. Spread the word: one person can make difference if she reduces her waste. But if she tells others, then those others tell even more others, then we can begin to effect change. It may be important to practice what you preach, but it’s equally important to preach what you practice.
9. Paper or plastic? One ton of paper bags is equivalent to 17 trees and generates five times as much solid waste as plastic. One ton of plastic bags consumes 11 barrels of crude oil and takes 1000 years to decompose. The answer: neither - bring your own!
(Last time my mom and I went to the grocery, we were busy talking so mamang bagger put them in plastic bags. Then we freaked out and said we had an ecobag with us. So the mamang bagger put the plastic bags in the ecobag. FAIL. Tinanggal namin malamang!)
10. You can carry an eco-bag or just put your purchase in your own bag. While you’re at it, tell the cashier that you don’t need a plastic bag ‘cause you want to save the world. Trust us, it’ll make her smile.
(And it always does. I do this all the time.)
11. Bring your own water bottle! 2.7 million tons of plastic are used for bottled water annually, about 90% of which end up in landfills. An average mineral water bottle costs about P20. If you stop buying one or two bottles a day, you can save up to P1120 a month. While you're at it, bring your own tumbler too! When you’re going to meet your friends for coffee, hand the barista your own tumbler or ask for your drink in a mug. Starbucks Philippines even gives a P5 discount for those who bring their own!
(Anyone who knows me has seen my huge ass water bottle na mukhang pang dispenser. My Japan Starbucks tumbler is from Bun-Chan, from Japan talaga haha!)
12. Need to reload? Go to your nearest e-load or autoload suki! Those prepaid cards are made from and individually wrapped in plastic.
(I realized this when Ma said she doesn't like buying cards.)
13. Learn to love refillables! When buying pens and highlighters, choose those that are refillable, like Stabilo. That way, when the ink runs out, you no longer have to buy new ones. Just walk to your nearest bookstore and ask for a refill.
14. Eliminate phantom drain: Believe your charger when it says BATTERY FULL - it does not lie. Plugged chargers still consume energy.
(This is my pet peeve. I walk around the house unplugging stuff. I've turned into my father :| )
14. Give me the “green” light: Replace those incandescent bulbs into Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs). They may cost a bit more, but think long-term: CFLs consume ¼ of the electricity and last several years longer. Plus, they look like vanilla swirl ice cream!
15. Tara na, biyahe tayo! Have you trekked the Banaue Rice Terraces, chased after whale sharks in Donsol, and viewed the Chocolate Hills of Bohol? Explore your country’s natural resources to remind yourself what it is you are saving. After all, you can only protect what you love, and love what you experience.
(This is like, my personal mission. 2010 will be Cam Sur, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Camiguin. PROMISE. I need to step foot on Mindanao soil!)
The late Ninoy Aquino said that the Filipino is worth dying for. Echos. Allow me to rephrase: the Filipino is worth living for and most definitely worth greening for. Now go forth and greenify :)
PS: feel free to link, re-post, etc.
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| HEALTHY SHABU SHABU |
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December 9, 2009
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Healthy Shabu Shabu
2/F SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Center, Bay City
Pasay City, Metro Manila
+632 556-0354
Every so often, I get cravings for steamboat. Fresh ingredients cooked just the way you like - what's not to love? I like the individual servings because buffet style is too filling, but this one the servings are just enough to be full and be satisfied. I only order the fat beef because it's the cheapest on the menu (LOL!) and meat + balls + veggies = perfection!
When I traveled to Taiwan a few years back, I remember a slew of steamboat restaurant scattered around the city - for the 8 days I was there, we had steamboat meals at least once a day. I wish we had more selections of shabu shabu style restaurants here in Manila - going to the same places can get kind of repetitive. :( But nevertheless, I LOVE steamboat and can never get sick of it!
The one that we frequent is Healthy Shabu Shabu. "Healthy" because it claims to have NO MSG in the soup - which ummm, I don't really believe! EEEE! But yeah, if the marketing works, why not? :P They have branches at pretty much every single mall here in Manila, so when a craving hits, you're set to go. :)
The entrance
It was a pretty slow night! No other customers!
Extensive menu with pictures!
Pouring the soup on the individual pot
Sate, chopped garlic, chopped chillies. "special" soy sauce
Mix mix mix
Fresh ingredients! Yummy!
Fat beef! (Scary red though!)
Simmer simmer simmer
Squid balls and Shitake mushroom. Nom nom nom!
A side order of Tempura!
Goodnight, MOA! :)
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| Waking up with tears |
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December 9, 2009
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My lovely Tita Jul Dizon passed away yesterday from lymphoma edema.
Whenever I hear of someone dying, I take it and carry on. It's the morning after that hits me.
My heart goes out to her daughters Jenny and Candy, her children, grandchildren, husband.
She was one of my mom's best friends.
She was an encourager, a smiler and giver.
Will always remember Tita Jul's warm, infectious smile.
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| Chuck/Blair promo |
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December 8, 2009
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FAN MADE
I had to make a couple promo for a contest I'm in and who better than CB, right?
It's not great 'cause I made it in like 2 hours... but I hope you like it anyway :)
Song: Bad Romance by Lady GaGa
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