The Level Up Camp 2010 Shirt

The Level Up camp shirts are now available for PHP 150. It is the official shirt of the Level Up Summer Youth Camp 2010 and only 300 pieces will be sold.

The Official Level Up Summer Youth Camp 2010 shirt

Unlike the other promotional products we sold in the previous summer youth camps, this year there will be no price adjustment for the camp shirt.

So, I encourage our camp participants to get their shirts right away so they can choose from the available sizes of XS, S, M, L , XL and XXL.

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The North Face 100: Trail Running Race to Test Your Endurance

The North Face 100 in Baguio-Benguet, Philippines to be held on April 24-25, 2010 is, so far, the most challenging race organized this year. In its third year, the North Face 100 is a real test of endurance for elite athletes and aspiring individuals.

The North Face 100, also known as tnf 100, is not your ordinary running race. It is a trail running race that traverses trails of Camp John Hay, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) grounds, Mt. Sto.Tomas and Tuba and finishing in Burnham Park.

The North Face 100 Trail Run (watch the video here)

This race, Asia's 1st Trail Running Ultra Marathon series, that will be held in the coolest place in the Philippines has four categories: 11k, 22k, 50k and 100k trail run. Registration fees are P500 for 11k and 22k, and P2,000 for the 50k and 100k. Registration kits contain the race jersey, bib, maps, and Side Trip Travel Magazine but special TNF 100 tokens await 50k and 100k runners who finish in their categories.

So what are you waiting for? Define your personal limits 6,000++ ft above sea level! Join The North Face 100 in Baguio-Benguet. Visit: www.thenorthface100.ph. This is guaranteed to be the most thrilling and challenging race that will test your mind, body and heart.

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Ipanema’s lastest Giselle Bundchen "Colorful Sea" Collection

The wife and I witnessed Ipanema’s lastest Giselle Bundchen Collection, tagged as the “Colorful Sea” at White Space Makati last March 17, 2010. Although I might not be a big fan of flip flops, the wife is. So you can say that I am somewhat exposed to these kinds of footwear because wifey probably has close to a dozen pairs!

What really got my attention is the talk that we watched during the event about environmental awareness, which Giselle Bundchen is known to campaign for. As one of the families that were struck by Ondoy, we knew how bad it can get. And a whole lot worse in the coming years, especially if we don’t do anything to slow down mother earth’s depletion.

Ipanema’s Colorful Sea Collection is said to focus on the preservation of Brazil’s turtle population as well as the welfare of our won local marine life. Thus, the ocean inspired theme collection.

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Where to Watch UFC 111 live stream for free

In a few hours fans will be witnessing St-Pierre fighting against Hardy via UFC 111 live streaming all across the internet. Although thousands of fans have already secured their tickets, a lot still have failed to buy one or subscribed via PPV.

As early as now, fans are searching for channels where they can watch UFC 111 live stream free. Although it can be a challenge. It will all be worth it when you get a working link. Feel free to share where you will watch UFC 111 live streaming on the comment page when you find one.

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Press Release: Honda team’s challenging spirit secures awards in Auto Rally

Below is press release by Honda Cars Philippines. I have not blogged about them for a while after writing posts relating to a variety of topics - from eczema to apidex reviews. But, now I'm back and am sharing this press release with everyone.

The Honda team bagged first place in the special stage run of Auto Rally held at the Pocholo Ramirez Subic International Raceway.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. recently joined Sunshine Television’s Auto Rally Corporate Challenge, an ‘on-time, all- the-time’ motorsports activity that involves effective time management, driving and navigation skills to win the competition.

The Honda team composed of Turbo Time’s Mike Potenciano and Lindy Pellicer, C! Magazine’s Jason dela Cruz and JC Pulido, yugatech.com’s Abe Olandres and pinoytechblog.com’s Calvin Lo, Honda patrons Mark Rosca, Jeff de Leon, Nico Fernandez and Rodan Fernandez collectively finished the special stage closest to the given time of 1 minute and 20 seconds.


All novices in the auto rally discipline, members of the Honda team took the challenge to learn the techniques of the competition. “I was invited to join the 2010 Sampaguita TV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge. I said sure even though I had no idea how an auto rally works. It turned out to be one of the most mentally challenging but fun activity I have ever participated on.” said Calvin Lo. Understanding and developing the skills needed for this type of motorsports became more fun and easy under the kind guidance of 10-time National Rally Champion and Honda Cars Laguna General Manager Vip Isada.

Meanwhile, apart from the team award, the tandem award for the special stage was awarded to Honda patrons Mark Rosca and Jeff de Leon who rode the 2.0 liter CR-V. “We broke down the raceway into segments and set a target time per section. We particularly focused on the last stretch of special stage which was on a hairpin. We knew the CR-V pretty well and were very happy how agile it performed in the raceway. ” said Mark Rosca. Also, the tandem of Nico Fernandez and Rodan Fernandez who rode the 1.8 liter Civic won one of the stages of the competition. “We were very fortunate to have Mr. Isada as our team advisor. We basically followed his advice. We paid more attention in completing the courses and focused on the time thereafter.” said Rodan Fernandez.

Taking inspiration from its founder Soichiro Honda, the Honda team bore the challenging spirit that led them into winning Auto Rally awards on its first undertaking. Honda’s famed challenging spirit and involvement in a wide range of motorsports has enabled the company in developing advanced products and technologies.

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Win "How to Train Your Dragon" Premium Items at SM Cinemas Online Promo

SM Cinema is holding an online promo at www.smcinema.com. All you need to do is to visit their website and answer "How to Train Your Dragon" trivia question/s and you can win "How to Train Your Dragon" premium items.



Type rest of the post here
The movies showing at SM Cinemas currently are How to Train Your Dragon (in 3D), The Book of Eli, Alice in Wonderland and When in Rome among others. You can watch them anytime, even after taking your adipex. So, visit www.smcinema.com and avail of their promo.

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I'm Training to Win

I’m training to win! Yes, I’m training to win a limited edition Team Pacquiao shirt from Nike.com.ph. It is actually a new campaign that Nike has where participants are encouraged to send a video where they’re doing the most number of push-ups they can make in three minutes or less.

Each push up will earn the participant a raffle entry for a chance to win a pair of Nike MP Trainer SC 2010 Low. For a participant to increase his chance of winning, he can send one entry per day until March 31, 2010. Whether you are young or in need of wrinkle creams, you can join.

I joined and am now currently leading but others are slowly drawing closer. The key here is to do push-ups regularly and consistently. You can check out the details of the contest at http://nike.com.ph/training-is-everything.

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The Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp

Last Saturday, I took my son to the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp held at the EDSA Shangri-La Mall. My son participated in the free workshops offered in the talent camp and below is a collage of some selected pictures.

The different activities in the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp

Details of the Promil Pre-school i-Shine Talent Camp can be read below.

Press Release:

Discover your Child’s Potential at the Promil Pre-School i-Shine
Talent Camp

Every parent wants to see their child become all that he could be. Mothers especially would want to provide basic training, continuous encouragement and full support to their children every step of the way. They believe that in their child lie unlimited possibilities – and that is why Promil Pre-School goes hand in hand with mothers to help children achieve their full potential.

Nurturing A Child’s Natural Wonders

As school is about to end, the coming months will be a great time to explore a child’s budding talents. That is why this March, a free workshop called Promil Pre School's i-Shine Talent Camp, will be staged in select malls nationwide, where kids can explore their talents as their moms lend them the needed encouragement and support.

As they enter the talent camp, moms and kids will be led to three different interactive areas, each representing the three stages of nurturing a child’s talent: Observe, Play and Encourage.

OBSERVE
Live performances showcasing outstanding talents, interviews from parents and child experts, and free workshops will be the main highlight at the Observe booth. Moms and kids will be given the opportunity to interact with the talented kids and experienced teachers, and get to know them better, especially on how these artists have developed their talents through the years, and what child experts recommend to parents to help nurture their child’s talents.


PLAY
At the Play section, interactive booths will expose children to the various performing arts such as music, singing, acting and dancing. The booth will allow kids to play with the instruments, learn and interact with other participants. Workshop facilitators will be there to help the kids explore their interests and develop them into talents.

ENCOURAGE
Meantime, both mothers and children will keep their hands busy at the Encourage booth. Activities such as drawing, painting, arts and crafts will allow kids to try various creative tools such as crayons, paint and clay, side by side their mothers who will serve as their guides.

Parent-kid tandems who participated in all three activities will definitely be rewarded with a special Promil Pre-School i-Shine gift pack which contains a kiddie backpack and free Promil Pre-School. They would also earn the chance to win exciting prizes coming from Promil Pre-School’s partner establishments in the raffle.

Have fun at the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp

Both mothers and kids will certainly enjoy as they both unravel and develop talents at the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp in the following malls: Trinoma Mall (March 13 to 14), EDSA Shangri-La Mall (March 20 to 21), NCCC Mall Davao (March 27 to 28), and Ayala Center Cebu (April 10 to 11).

Promil Pre-School, a powdered milk drink for children 4-7 years old, partners and supports all parents in developing their child’s talent. It contains Nutrissentials – a unique combination of essential nutrients to help optimize a child’s full potential. Watch out for other Promil Pre-School activities throughout the year as you observe, play and encourage your child’s full potential.
Pres

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To Buy a Brand New or Previously Owned Car?

This weekend, I was faced with two choices. My wife and I have been saving up to buy a brand new car but during a reunion with her class mates in high school, she met a former class mate who is selling his car. Thoughts of buying the second hand car are now being entertained and if the price is favorable we might end up buying it.

I am bent on selling the second hand car if we get it at the price we want and fast track our savings. We do not want to deal with car insurance companies and the registration so I am really planning to sell it right away. Again, that’s if we get it at the price we want.

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The Level Up Summer Youth Camp Cost

Our summer youth camp is just a few weeks away and I am feeling the sting of it. I have been busy this past few days with contacting committee heads for their finalized budgets as requisition will be made next week.

The Level Up Summer Youth Camp 2010 is an expensive event. As I looked at the rough computations I saw that it would take at least P1.2 million (PHP) to make the event possible which will have a maximum of 1,000 participants.

We are now in the process of finalizing every detail in the camp from the registration procedures to facilities like exit signs and team building equipment. We hope and pray that we would be able to reach our goal of 900 and see young people profess faith in Christ and surrender to full-time ministry.

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Press Release: Honda Honors 10,000 Rule-changing City Owners

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. marks another milestone as it reaches 10,000 City sales since the introduction of the 3rd generation City in January 2009. Sale of 10,000 City units in just 14 months signals how the City has successfully changed the rules in the subcompact class.

“The Honda City’s over-all value for money package has gained worldwide market acceptance. Loaded with functionality features yet low in maintenance and fuel consumption costs, the City’s popularity has gone beyond Asia and has reached Africa, Middle East and European regions. Here in the Philippines, we are truly honored and grateful for receiving warm support from the market. This enabled us from realizing one feat after another. Apart from 10,000 City sales for the 3rd generation model, the City also posted its highest monthly sales of 811 units in February. City sales also continue to increase with 18% growth as compared to January sales and 9% growth versus February of last year. Since 1996, local City sales have reached almost 54,000 units. We thank all City owners for making all these achievements possible. Their non-stop support drives us to continue improving our products and services that will suit their changing needs.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, president and general manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.


As a sign of its heartfelt appreciation, Honda gives honor to its 10,000th City owner, Ms. Maria Fe Ramos. Ms. Ramos, who bought her unit from Honda Cars Kalookan Inc., is actually a first-time Honda owner. “I’m very proud and surprised to know that I was the 10,000th City owner. Upon reading good reviews from the internet about the City’s amazing fuel consumption and after seeing how the bold beige color makes the City look more elegant, I immediately made up a decision. I knew right away that the City is the ideal car for my needs.” said Ms. Ramos.

10,000th Honda City owner

As a simple token of appreciation, Ms. Ramos receives an exclusive lifestyle package and Honda premium items.

More than the usual subcompact sedan, the City combines modernism with practicality through its sophisticated styling and class-leading features. It is equipped with an i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power output of 120 ps for 1.5 liter variant and 100 ps for 1.3 liter variant. Always at the forefront of promoting green motoring, the City, just like any other Honda models, complies with EURO 4 levels even if Philippine government only mandates EURO 2 levels to ensure cleaner emissions. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution with Brake Assist (EBD with BA) are also standard features for your better peace of mind in times of emergency situations.

To be part of this amazing feat, visit any of Honda’s 26 dealerships nationwide or check out www. hondaphil.com for more details. Just always remember to try before you buy. Be smart! Test drive!

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Watching the Paramore: Live in Manila with Wifey

The Paramore: Live in Manila concert in the grounds of SM Mall of Asia was a blast for me and my wife. We had the opportunity of getting VIP tickets and were there as early as 6:30pm and the concert was scheduled to start at 8:30pm.


Of course, my wife and I did not come in hip hop clothes but we did not try to fit in either, knowing that the crowd there would be mostly sporting "emo" fashion. It was exciting because it was the first time my wife and I watched a rock concert together. It was a date and a great experience for both of us.

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Pacquiao vs Clottey Live Stream Buster: The Build Up Show

The Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream alternative is the build up show. I happened to stumble upon a build up show of "The Event" which is the fight of Manny Pacquiao against Joshua Clottey for the world welterweight championship.

This is what will people who are searching for the Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey live streaming can watch while waiting for the real thing. I embedded the video below which I got from a boxing site. I just want to thank alza1988, whoever you are, for sharing this YouTube video.





Above is the Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream buster - "The Event" show builder.

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Touring Lopez Museum and Library

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to join a tour of the Lopez Museum and Library located at the Ground floor of the Benpress Building at the corner of Exchange Road and Meralco Avenue in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The title of the exhibition was “After the Fact” which attempts to establish lineage and re-collected past.

In the “After the Fact” exhibit at the Lopez Museum I appreciated different works of artists that not only presented culture and history but also created awareness about other issues in our society.



The photo above is the Red Book of Slogans (2009) by Kiri Dalena which was inspired by Mao Zedong’s Little Red Book, is a compilation of the slogans used by student protesters in the 70’s.

Below is Ben Cabrera’s (BenCab) Soldiers (Heroes of the Past). This was made for the Philippine centennial celebration but the purpose was to give recognition to unnamed faces, not just the well known heroes and personalities, who were most of the time in the frontlines of battles to bring freedom to our country.




One other painting I appreciated was the Quiapo Nazarene Festival (1964) painted by Jose Joya which expresses the different things that happen in the festival in Quiapo every January.



The museum also has a library where students and researchers can benefit from digitized copies of paintings, rare books and publications and other educational materials.








Lopez Museum and Library celebrated its 50th anniversary in February and launched the book Unfolding: Half a Century of the Lopez Memorial Museum and Library. This book contains the institution’s history and its preserved works in the library which also serves as a testimony of the passion and generosity of the Lopezes to preserve the rich history and culture of the Philippines. It is sold at the Lopez Museum and Library for P2,800 (with box) and P2,500 (without box).

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I am Part of the Marist Alumni Basketball League

It was early this year when I bumped into on of my best friends in Facebook during the elementary years who is part of a team in the Marist Alumni Basketball League. It started snowballing since then and I have connected with my other batch mates from Marist School where I studied from Grade 1 to 6.

Team Sison (Marist Alumni Basketball League)

It was my friend whom I connected with who told me about the Marist Alumni Basketball League where alumni from Marist grade school and high school from different batches were organized as a basketball league. I was glad to be invited and have joined them for four games now, the latest of which was last Saturday. The photo above was taken after winning our game against a lower batch. I hope that next week our game would not be in conflict with the Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream match.

Who would have thought that after twenty-two years I would get to see my friends again. I remember the times when we used to carry textbooks, play around, and visit in homes of our classmates after our class. And after so many years we now have our own families and have different paths pursued. Yet, through the Marist Alumni Basketball League we are able to connect again.

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Got VIP Tickets to the Paramore Concert on March 9

Yaaaay! My wife and I are going to the Paramore concert on March 9, 2010, 8:30 pm at the Mall of Asia concert grounds. This afternoon we got the complimentary VIP tickets from a friend who is also the owner of the restaurant Little Asia which has a branch in the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill in Taguig City.

VIP tickets to the Paramore concert

Paramore has released the following albums (discography):

Studio albums - All We Know Is Falling (2005), Riot! (2007), Brand New Eyes (2009)
EPs - The Summer Tic EP (2006)
Live albums - Live in the UK 2008 (2008), The Final Riot! (2008)


I am now brushing up on my knowledge of the band and their songs and am excited. The last rock concert I went to was when another Christian professing group (P.O.D.) had a concert here in Manila. I am more excited now because for the first time I will be watching a rock concert with my wife. It's a cool date alright!

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Encountering A Careless Doctor

Last week, a church member called me and asked prayers regarding her child that had a very high count of white blood cells. The doctor who checked her was too careless to make assumptions that gave the mother quite a scare.

They gave the child an x-ray to rule out a certain disease but made an assumption that it was probably leukemia, the cancer of the blood. And, of course, what parent would not worry about a child when a medical professional gives a diagnosis that has to do with cancer like leukemia or malignant Mesothelioma. The parent was referred to a specialist, a hematologist, and eventually discovered that it was just gastroenteritis and not leukemia.

I respect doctors, but in the case of the parent that I talked to, I think it was very unprofessional of the doctor to say things like that carelessly. I am just glad for the parent and her child that it was not cancer.

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It's Time: Sun Life Financial's Advocacy

Last Saturday I attended an event by Sun Life Financial, entitled “It’s Time: Empowering Filipinos So that They Can Achieve Financial Security,” at Buenisimo in Eastwood Mall, and had the chance to listen to their advocacy. Two of the four celebrity advocates were present, Pam Magalona and Bam Aquino who shared how they became advocates of It’s Time.

Photo with Bam Aquino

In the “It’s Time” campaign by Sun Life Financial, they presented some statistics about the Filipino’s attitude and mindset regarding finances. One slide that got my attention was that out of 100 Filipinos aged 65, 45 are dependent of relatives, 30 are dependent on charity, 22 are still working and only 2 are financially independent. This shows how many Filipinos, even at the age of retirement, are far from being financially secure and independent. That is a sad truth.



The campaign/ advocacy was entitled “It’s time” because Sun Life Financial wanted to challenge Filipinos to assume an active role when it comes to financial needs - act now, it’s time! They want that we would start to respond with urgency and immediacy - seize the day, it’s time! They hope to counter the objection of most Filipinos, “no money, no need, no hurry” - the power to choose is in our hands, it’s time!

Pia Magalona shared from her own experience how having a life insurance helped her family when they lost Francis Magalona. Bam Aquino, with his experience as a professional financial advisor, shared about investments and starting it early and regularly in one’s life.



To bring the advocacy closer to the people and to engage the public better, an on- the- ground activation was launched Feb 5 to encourage participation and engagement of the target public and to finally transform awareness of the advocacy into action by prioritizing life insurance and investments more than rv financing or other stuff.

The It’s Time Activation kicked off in Shangri-La Mall on Feb 5 and will tour different malls in Metro Manila and the provinces until May 10.

Taking the It's Time Challenge at the Eastwood Mall

Take the It’s Time Challenge for a chance to win a trip for two to Switzerland at the following venues: Eastwood Mall (Feb. 26-28), SM Mall of Asia (Mar. 5-7), SM Lucena (Mar. 19-21), Ayala Center Cebu (Apr. 9-11), Limketkai Mall Cagayan de Oro (Apr. 16-18), SM Davao (Apr. 23-25), SM Iloilo (Apr. 30 – May 2), and SM Bacolod (May 7-9).

For more information, visit www.itstime.com.ph.

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