Author: ajay

This modest space congratulates the finalists and winners of the Philippine Blog Awards 2008 which just had its successful run at One Esplanade last Sept. 21. It was blogger power at its finest, the awards having been organized by a group of bloggers and carried to fruition by a big army of blogger-volunteers. Everything, from the smashin’ AVPs to the emceeing and last-minute details, was done by bloggers.

I can still remember the first blogger event I attended in 2004 which filled a long table at Cabalen. Now, blogging in the country has come a long way!

Each year I feel obsolete, and each year I feel amazed at the wealth of blogging talents that keep cropping up. This is how I look at it because I judged the Blog Awards in some categories again this year. Doing so has always been an enlightening experience as it opens my mind to great blogs I haven’t added yet to my Google Reader. These are the blogs who we don’t get to see in the blog events, or get monetized, or who don’t receive 75 comments. Read: underestimated. I will always doff my hat to fellow bloggers who blog with aplomb and blog for the sheer love of it, treating it almost like science, or a well-researched dissertation. All i can say is: wow, people!

Souvenir photo with Noemi Dado and the PBA keynote speaker, Sen. Mar Roxas whose blog was also one of the finalists

Batang Yagit emerged the Blogger’s Choice through a well-managed campaign among Vis-Min peers. Senor Enrique appeared to be the winning-est gentleman with three awards in the best single post category, followed by The Jester-In-Exile who won two. Three blogging doctors brought home prizes as well (including an avowed atheist, who won for Best Personal Blog.) And I think Arpee Lazaro received the cutest award for his “It’s The Blogger, Not The Blog” citation. The rest of the winners over at the official PBA site.

You gotta hand it to the Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific to aim for domination in the budget airline market. This week, it announced that it will be flying to Osaka, Japan starting November 20, with a P1,999 seat sale for the destination until September 30. The new 5J flight goes to head with its closest competitor,Philippine Airlines, in cornering the Japan route. The only difference is that PAL flies to more routes in the land of the cherry blossoms,if we count its flights to Tokyo, Fukuoka and Nagoya.

Now, if you’ve been closely monitoring the news, Cebu Pacific’s aim really is to offer budget fares to the US. Probably something in the range of$400 to $500 for the mainland? Hah. It’s not too crazy to dream. Insiders say this will most likely come true next year, as the airline is presently in negotiations to purchase Boeing 777’s for the US takeoff.

Just have some questions though. How do you fly budget to the US, the Cebu Pacific way?

I can understand that there will be longer parlor games, but it’s bad enough that the food they offer on the domestic flights aren’t much to crow about. Hello Magic Flakes and other Universal Robina Products!!! Don’t know what kind of traveller the rest of my countrymen are, but I still want a hot meal of adobo rice at least. Still want to have a good menu selection to choose from, even if cheapos like us are flying budget, on a 13 to 15 hour flight. This is something the management of Cebu Pacific Air should consider and think about, should they launch that US flight.

This is also supposing most of us can get visas to travel legally, LOL. The opening of budget routes in supposedly plum destinations can only be good for the US and Japanese embassies in the Philippines, since gullible Pinoys will now flock to them to apply, even as they are the hardest places to get visas from. In the meantime, the US embassy visa horror stories continue, here and here

Downtown Manila is a place I never venture much these days. True, it’s a big part of my childhood, but somewhere in between, I ended up in the semi-suburb; living as I am now near a place with airplanes hovering above me, instead of jeepneys buzzing to death beside me.

Manila, it’s either you love it or leave it - the dirt,the smell, the sidewalks overflowing with goods from underground stalls,the noise and a thousand what-nots which make it one big,rough city.

Still, visiting the Alveo Land development Celadon Manila recently,you’d think twice about your impressions of Manila as an “ugly” place. I still can’t believe this is what they made of the former San Lazaro Race Track.

SM San Lazaro is the mall nearby. Good thing am not anymore house-hunting or I would have ogled the the prices. The Celadon Manila units we went to were priced somewhere between P9 million to P12 million for a three-bedroom affair with cathedral ceilings and an attic. Just like any other city, real estate in the center of Manila must be g-o-l-d

Still, the perks of being in a place like this is that everything you need’s near you. Like schools, the SM Mall and even the LRT station.There will be a cluster of retail shops inside the village too. To give the public a preview of its development, Celadon Manila has launched its lifestyle market called PICK Manila which will be ongoing till the remaining weekends of September,namely Sept. 21 to 28.

This market may not be as full as the Salcedo and Lung Center Markets. Still, there’s something about weekend markets which just make you want to sample all the goodies and visit them all!

Thanks to GeiserMaclang for giving us this directory of exhibitors:

FOOD

1. Divine Treasures offers freshly cooked puto and puto pao made from high quality rice. To ensure the freshness of their products they only take limited order and cook only as you order. Aside from original puto, they also offer other delicacies such as yema cake slices and chicken and pork empanada.
2. All About Corn’s name says it all as it offers everything from sweet corn to corn on a cob for every foodie to munch on.
3. Kukziboz serves all-time Pinoy favorite native dishes like Tinolang Manok, Adobong Pusit and Bistek with a homemade style appeal that’s sure to remind you of your mom’s cooking.
4. Dalisay Sweets is one of the leading food manufacturing companies in the industry that manufactures and exports tropical fruit and vegetable preserves, purees, juices, concentrates, condiments, nuts and confectionaries.
5. LCRV offers sweet leche flan, yummy banana cake and delectable cassava cake.
6. Chevis Churros Corner offers a sweet taste of Spain for those who have a sweet tooth with its crunchy bread churros in three different flavors butterscotch, chocolate and caramel.
7. Big Hit Marketing’s variety of snacks ranging from french fries to siopao that will surely satisfy one’s hunger.
8. Penco Incorporated’s sweet success comes from powdered sugar and bakery products as well as natural dried mangoes and mango juice.
9. Duco Enterprise satisfies your sweet tooth with its wide range of confectionery from creamy peanut butter to honey bee syrup as well as an asssortment of bakery ingredients.
10. Thai Sticks & Steaks serves authentic Thai dishes like Bagoong rice special, Chicken Pandan, Catfish Mango Salad and Phad Thai with herbs and spices together with hefty servings of Batangas T-bone and ribeye.
11. Ivy’s Catering’s delectable Japanese fares like sushi, California Maki and Sashimi makes for the perfect Bento.
12. Cafe Amadeo aside from producing, promoting and marketing coffee beans, roasted coffee and brewed coffee is also part of the municipality of Amadeo which has been dubbed as the Coffee Capital of the Philippines on 2002 by Her excellency PGMA.
13. Fudge Cookies serves different varieties of your all time favorite cookies like oatmeal choco dip, choco chip, chunky domino, and brownies that’s sure to turn you back into a kid again.
14. Fresh Place is your springboard to good health with its selection of meat alternatives such as vegemeat, vegenoodles and tofu chips.
15. Kaunkit has the best Samar has to offer like its balayan, Bagoong na isda, binagol and pinyato, but for the more adventurous there is also one-of-a-kind Tahong crackers for you to try.
16. Villa Manaog Food lets you enjoy your favorite meat or seafood the healthier way by grilling.
17. Sweet Thoughts
18. Goldnest belives that chicken eggs are the centerpiece of a wide range of food and have always been a universal symbol of rebirth, medicine, omen and mystery giving a whole new way of looking at chicken eggs.

GO ORGANIC

19. Fresh Sugarcane serves fresh and clean extracted sugarcane juice that is a great preventive and healing source for sore throat, cold and flu. It also refreshes and energizes the body instantly as it is rich in carbohydrates.
20. Good Health Good Life lets you discover the amazing health benefits of VCO products like lotion, coco wine, sugar and vinegar.
21. Agri-Aqua Network International (AANI) is a duly registered corporation owned, operated and managed by established Filipino businessmen, professionals and practitioners that offers fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood.
22. Herbal Momma has everything you need to work your way towards a healthy lifestyle from supplemental vitamins made from real herbs to tasty herbal cookies.
23. Mister Herbs is a haven for enthusiasts of alternative medicine, offering indigenous herbal plants like the popular Lagundi and Pansit-Pansitan.
24. All Organics offers Milea Bath and Body Products made from all-natural ingredients soothes and relaxes you after a long day’s work.

FASHION

25. Pangarap Foundation started in 1989 by the Sons of Mary, Ina-anak Inc. and the Ladies of Charity of Pasay – a gospel-based integrated ministry for children in need of special protection and their families by teaching them to make decorative candles and bracelet rosaries.
26. Fix and Focus offers a variety of lucky bamboo plants which in Feng Shui is believed to bring its owner luck by bringing together natural elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal into balance.
27. Accessorize It / Asia Embroidery has the right accent pieces from glass photo frames, decorative glass boxes, candle holders, baskets, lampshades and other beaded works to decorate your home.
28. Casa Belle Enterprise will give your home that Asian tropical touch with its hand painted fans, weaved bags and baskets as well as fashionable hats for display which they offer in wholesale and retail.
29. HBA Marketing offers an assortment of shawls, table runners, turban and pillow case that can turn your living room, den or bedroom into a plush sanctuary.
30. Unique Novelties and Toys Corporation gives its customers a slice of China with Chinese inspired novelty items like wall scrolls, oriental copper bells, trays, coffee and tea cups, glass paper weights and other souvenirs.

…….. because if you haven’t tried it, now’s your chance to infuse your culinary life with some Parisian flavor. Tell us what selection you like from their present range, and get to sample the Delifrance Tray Couture creations for free. Commenters in this blog who give the most creative answers will each be given a Delifrance Tray Couture gift certificate.

Think now:

Are You a Henri?

Premiere Clubhouse and Shrimp Pesto Pasta

Or an Amelia?

Seafood Deluxe Clubhouse and Pomodoro Angel Hair Pasta

Possibly a Cherie?

California Chicken Clubhouse and Garlic Pesto Pasta

Or maybe a Philippe?

Tuna Onion Mayo Clubhouse and Beef Stroganoff Pasta

Well, am probably a Henri because that’s their top-of-the line Tray Couture offering and the combination of shrimp & pesto on pasta is simply superb. Amelia is delightful too because I like kani slices on my bread (on salads too!) and angel hair pomodoro is a classic. Still have to try the other choices, and I hope to before the promotion ends on September 30.

Now, you may wonder about the name. After all, the last time I heard about couture, it was used to describe a Valentino gown. Delifrance Tray Couture is nothing but the French gourmet sampler personified. Your blah-blah lunch interpreted in a pleasing creative way. How about pumpkin soup in a shot glass and a luscious praline artfully swirled with chocolate sauce? Head on now to Delifrance to find out. Eating tapsilog in a styro box will never be the same again

The written word is alive and well, thanks to the annual staging of the Manila International Book Fair. This event, which started last Friday, September 12 will end on Tuesday, Sept 16 so there’s only three days left for bibliophiles to hobnob with their favorite authors, get your favorite books at a discount and attend mind-enriching seminars.

We saw in the schedule some interesting bits such as how to get published, productivity tips from top writers, a forum on book piracy, a cosplay workshop, how to earn from freelancing, and even a talk on “the business of blogging.” Here’s a handy list of what you’ll have to catch for the remainder of the book fair:

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

9:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Meeting Room 6) Tong Tong Tong: Tinig, Tunog at Talino ng Tulang Pambata by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

10:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Meeting Room 5) Pistang Panitik: Ganito Kami Ngayon
Renowned writers present an update on current literary practice in the Philippines

10:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Stage Area) Your Cosplay Story Contest

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Meeting Room 4) “Eagles Don’t Fly, They Soar” Book Launch by Shepherd’s Voice Publications

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Publish or Perish!
Want to get your writing published? Hear from editors and publishers on the challenges and the certainties. A no-holds-barred expose on the opportunities, the challenges and the real bottom line. Copywriting essentials-materials, time-saving methods, productivity secrets

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Meeting Room 6) Creating Effective Visuals for Children’s Books by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Room 5) Cosplay Workshop

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Stage Area) Salaysayan Eliminations
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Lit! (Meeting Room 4) Trouble-Free Freelancing
Quit your writing job and make your own writing career. A no-holds-barred expose on the opportunities, the challenges and the real bottom line. Copywriting essentials-materials, time-saving methods, productivity secrets
Seminar Fee: Php 300.00

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Behind the Pseudonym
Readings and Autograph Sessions by Celebrity Writers and Rare Personages

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 5&6) Product Launching & Search for “Batang Paolino, Batang Matalino” by Paulines Publishing House

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Stage Area) Musika at Pananampalataya by Jesuit Music Ministry

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

8:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Meeting Rooms 5&6) Forum on “Websites Evaluation for Research” and Awarding Ceremonies: “Honoring the Great Men and Women of Asia” by Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Stage Area) Pistang Panitik: Pop-Lit
Comic book artists, performance poets, storytellers, and literary innovators, present emerging forms in Philippine literature

11:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Meeting Room 6) Book Piracy 101: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask by Publishers’ Representatives Organization of the Philippines (PROP)

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Meeting Rooms 5&6) Cyber Infrastructure: Library in Focus by Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines (ASLP)

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Meeting Room 9) Reading, Responding & Reviewing by
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! The Right Script
Insider tips on storylines and scripts facilitated by independent and commercial screenwriters. With presentations heavily supported by film clips and graphic elements, to be produced in conjunction with hosts
Seminar Fee: Php 300.00

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Trouble-Free Freelancing
Quit your writing job and make your own writing career. A no-holds-barred expose on the opportunities, the challenges and the real bottom line. Copywriting essentials-materials, time-saving methods, productivity secrets
Seminar Fee: Php 300.00

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Rooms 5&6) Book Launching by UST Publishing House

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Stage Area) Storytelling / Puppet Show by Abe Craft & Toys

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Stage Area) Tai Chi for Managing Stress by InnerSun Consultants

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Won in 30 seconds
How successful copywriting wins the client and the customer’s mind. Eye-raising and exciting presentations by advertising copywriters. A “show and tell” copywriting workshop

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Meeting Room 4) Travel and Training Grants for Librarians Forum by Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science, Inc. (PATLS)

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Rooms 5 & 6) ICT FORUM by Diwa Learning Systems, Inc.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Choosing the Correct Catholic Bible by Sinag-Tala Publishers, Inc.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Stage Area) Pistang Panitik: Blog! The business of blogging.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Memorial Lecture on Library Pioneers of the Philippines: Dr. James Alexander Robertson by Philippine Foundation for Library Scholarship, Inc.

3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Meeting Room 3)Multiple Book Launching by Sibal Group

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Rooms 4 & 5) Book Launch by St Pauls

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 6) Bible Appreciation Seminar by Phil. Bible Society

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Stage Area) Salaysayan Finals
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

The Manila International Book Fair list of exhibitors are the following:

A-Z Direct Marketing, Abe Craft & Toys, Academic Book Sales, Adarna House, Adbox Book Distributors, Alexan Commercial, Alhoda International Publication & Distribution, Anvil Publishing, Asia/Pacific Circulation Exponents, Asian Books (A Different Bookstore), Asiatype Distribution, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Belview Co., Inc., British Council, C & E Publishing, Catholic Book Center, CD Books International, Cengage Learning, Central Books Supply, Christian Literature Crusade, Church Strengthening Ministry, Claretian Communications Foundation, Cogent Consulting & Technologies, Cosmos Bazaar, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cyclophil Educational Promotion, Diwa Learning Systems, EDCA Publishing & Distributing, Edcrisch Internationa, Elsevier (Singapore) PTE Ltd, Emerald Headway Distributors, Eternal Publication, F & J de Jesus, Fastbooks Educational Supply, Felta Multi-Media, Filway Marketing, Forefront Book Co., and Fujian Publishing Industry Trading.

Gentle Star Trading, Gilbert Emerson Marketing, Global Learning Media / Verve Multimedia, Goethe-Institut Manila, Golden Books Services, Goodwill Bookstore, Gunnar Lie & Associates Ltd., High Access Line Philippines, IBC Book Consolidators / IBC Infotec, Ibon Foundation, Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Info-Ed Marketing, Instituto Cervantes-Manila, Isa-Jecho Publishing, Jesuit Communications, Jing Si Books and Café, John Wiley & Sons (Asia), Katha Publising, Lighthouse Educational Corp., Lighthouse Inspirational Books & Gifts, Linar Educational Materials, Logos Publications, McGraw-Hill Education, Megatexts Phil., Mind Mover Publishing House, National Bookstore, National Historical Institute, Network Magazine Subscription Services, Inc., New Century Books & Gen. Merchandise, New Day Publishers, OMF Literature, Pahina, Inc. / Book Wagon, Paulines Publishing House, Pearson Education, Philippine Bible Society, Philmont Academic Solutions, Phoenix Educational Systems, Powerbooks, Precious Pages, and PSIcom Publishing.

Rarebook Enterprises, Rex Group of Companies, Roman Instructional Media Resources, Saint Mary’s Publishing, Shepherd House Publishers, Shepherd’s Voice Publications, Sibal Group, Sinag-Tala Publishers, St Pauls, St. Augustine Publications, Stiftung Gralsbotschaft (Germany), Summit Publishing Co., The Bookmark, The Century Gifts Corporation, Tradewinds Books, UST Publishing House, University of the Philippines Press, Vibal Publishing House, Wiseman’s Books Trading, Word & Life Publications, World Health Organization, and WS Pacific Publications,.

The 29th Manila International Book Fair is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. For details, call 890-0661 or 896-0682, log on to www.manilabookfair.com, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.