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Columbia 5th Eco-Trail Run in Liloan Cebu

melo — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:26:17 +0000

This February 5, 2012, 360 trail runners will be joining the Columbia 5th Eco-Trail Run in the mountain barangays of Liloan, Cebu as part of a drive to promote eco-tourism in this central Philippine island province.

Columbia Eco Trail Run in Cebu

This leg has attracted the most number of participants compared to its four other legs. The first trail run was held in Family Park. The second was in Barangay Pulang Bato, Talamban, then in Barangay Napo, Guadalupe. The fourth one was in Barangay Budlaan, Talamban.

Adventure Eco Trail Run

According to race director Ralp Pilapil, the eco-trail run, which features a 10.5-kilometer route, has attracted a lot of newbies. ”There are about 108 female runners and more than half of the participants are first-timers. We are praying for good weather, so that the participants will have more fun,” Pilapil said.

He added that the participants could expect an adventure-filled run and a very challenging route especially the part where runners need to cross a river. ”In all of our trail running races, we usually include a river,” Pilapil added.

Pilapil also emphasized that this is also one way of promoting trail running in Cebu because most of the Cebuanos are into road running.

”We want to show nature’s beauty, for our participants to appreciate it. We expect the participants to be surprised. One participant checked the route and was taken with the breathtaking view,” Pilapil said.

”During the race, aside from the river crossing, participants will be passing through a small waterfall and amazing rock formations,” Pilapil said.

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Jamaica’s Reggae Month to Celebrate Island’s Legendary Music including the sounds of Bob Marley

melo — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:38:08 +0000

Posting this to help my friends in Jamaica:)

February serves as Reggae Month in Jamaica, where fans can celebrate the music at its birthplace. Throughout the month a range of reggae-focused activities are held across the island with many of the events taking place in the capital city of Kingston. This year’s Reggae Month will commemorate the island’s 50th Anniversary of Independence with the theme “Reggae 50 – Jamaica’s Heart and Soul.”

Bob Marley Tribute Photo courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org

Jamaica’s Reggae Month activities are organized by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) and include a signature “Reggae Night” series. Reggae Nights are held every Wednesday in February at Kingston’s amphitheatre located at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. These special evenings comprise of a range of music including classical, jazz, mento and ska, a genre that has been made popular by artists such as No Doubt and the late Amy Winehouse. Reggae Night activities include performances by the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra, Gilzene & the Blue Light Mento Band, Maurice Gordon, and more.

“With the various events being held throughout the month, reggae fans will be able to celebrate the life and music of reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh and Gregory Isaacs,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch. “Reggae is performed around the world; however, Jamaica is where true reggae is experienced.”

Jamaica’s Reggae Month activities will include the following:

The Trench Town Festival, February 3 – 6
Trench Town, a Kingston neighborhood known as “The Motown of Jamaica,” was home to Bob Marley for much of his life and will be the site for a number of Reggae Month activities. Slated for February 3 – 6, the Trench Town Festival will include activities such as the “Trod the trod Bob trod” Fun Run, a Dancehall Night concert, Kid Fun Day, the Mr. & Mrs. Trench Town Pageant, a celebratory church service, and sporting activities.

Bob Marley Birthday Concert, February 5
Bob Marley fans will be treated to a “Bob Marley Birthday Concert” on February 5 at Emancipation Park in Kingston, followed by “After Dinner Sundayz” from 5 p.m. – midnight. This will be held at Tuff Gong International and will include live music by Zion Train Int’l.

Bob Marley Museum Cake Cutting, February 6
The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston will hold a special cake cutting ceremony on Bob Marley’s birthday, February 6. Following the ceremony, the museum will host an honorary “Birthday Jam Session” from 6 p.m. – midnight.

Best Of The Reggae Film Festival, February 18
The Jamaica Film Academy will host a screening of the “Best Of The Reggae Film Festival 2011,” highlighting several aspects of Jamaica’s Reggae culture through feature, documentary, short, and animated films. This preview precedes the 2012 Jamaica Reggae Film Festival, which will be held in Kingston from April 17 – 21. The film festival also includes the yearly “Make A Film in 24 Hours” competition, which is held to provide a platform for aspiring Jamaican film makers. Visit reggaefilmfestival.com/ for more information.

Bob Marley Public Lectures
There are several Reggae Month lectures being held to celebrate the life of Bob Marley, including a Public Lecture on the Life and Works of Bob Marley at the Multipurpose Community Centre in Kingston on February 6. Additionally, the University of the West Indies will hold a special Bob Marley Lecture at the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Kingston on February 16.

Football Match
A special Bob Marley “One Love” Football Match will be held on February 22, to honor Marley’s love for the sport. The game will be held at Constant Spring Football Field in Kingston.
Reggae Month 2012 is presented by JaRIA in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board and through the support of the Ministry of Youth and Culture. Reggae Month was officially declared by Sir. Kenneth Hall, then Governor General of Jamaica, on January 24, 2008.

For more information on Reggae Month in Jamaica or to book a Jamaica vacation, please go to > www.visitjamaica.com.

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2nd International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge promises to be more fun

melo — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:04:47 +0000

The Department of Tourism Davao Regional Office and the municipal government of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur recently launched the 2nd International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge slated this April 28-29, 2012.

Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge

“Davao boasts of fun ‘Islands to Highlands’ Adventures that will take you from the white sand beaches, breathtaking island destinations, scenic mountain ranges, to plunging waterfalls and more,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez in a statement. “Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country, is one of them,” he added.

Dubbed as one of the toughest adventure races of the Philippines, the competition is a 24-hour extreme challenge for up to 35 participating teams. It will start from the beach lines of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, as participants navigate themselves through the town’s tough trails and raging rivers, scale the boulder face of Mt. Apo, and culminate in the skyline of the country’s highest mountain.

For four consecutive years, the conduct of the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge has made the Davao Region the leading destination for eco-adventure tourism. It will be running on its fifth year as a local competition, and second year as an international race.

“We certainly welcome both our international and local tourists, who will come over and experience this exhilarating extreme sports challenge. As they race their way to complete this journey, they will surely have fun seeing all the sights in Davao and in Mt. Apo, at the same time experience the warmth of the Filipino people,” added Secretary Jimenez.

This extreme sports adventure will entail four disciplines: mountain biking, trekking, white water tubing, and road running. The race is open to teams with three members (2 racers and 1 logistics crew) each.

The Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge aims to create awareness among outdoor and sports enthusiasts and the people on the importance of conserving the environment, cultivating the value of sportsmanship and the spirit of camaraderie, and developing a lasting peace and order situation in Mindanao through sports.

Major supporters include event coordinator ROX (Recreational Outdoor eXchange) Philippines, Aboitiz Power Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Hi Primer Group of Companies, Zest Air and Columbia Sportswear.

“It’s more fun in the Philippines, and especially in Davao, as the 2nd International Boulder Face Challenge promises to be an unforgettable adventure experience,” said DOT Region XI Director Art Boncato.

To participate, one may register online at http://www.boulderface.com.

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Black Nazarene Quiapo Fiesta Procession Route 2012

melo — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:09:18 +0000

Every January 9, Black Nazarene Procession also known as Quiapo Fiesta was being held in Quiapo Manila. This procession is the most attended religious procession in the country, in fact last years event was attended by almost 7.5 million devotees.

Black Nazarene Quiapo Fiesta

The Black Nazarene procession committee of the Saint John de Baptist Church in Quiapo recently released the route for this year’s celebration on Monday, January 9, 2012.

The said procession will start at 8 a.m. so make sure to check the parade route to avoid the traffic in this part of the historic City of Manila. As early as 5 a.m. on January 9, the southbound lane of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo), from Andalucia – Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and España – P. Campa and Lerma will be closed to traffic so avoid these streets for your convinience.

According to the organizers, here is the route that the procession will take:

From the Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park), left to Katigbak Drive through Padre Burgos Street, left Taft Avenue through McArthur Bridge, right Palanca Street through under Quezon Bridge, left to Quezon Boulevard, right Arlegui Street, right Fraternal Street, right Vergara Street, left Duque de Alba Street, left Castillejos Street, left Farnecio street, right Arlegui Street; Left Nepomuceno; left Aguila, right Carcer Street, right Hidalgo Street through Plaza del Carmen, left Bilibid Viejo through Puyat Street, left Guzman Street, right Hidalgo Street, left Barbos Street, right Globo de Oro through under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca Street, right Villalobos Street through Plaza Miranda, and then inside Quiapo Church.

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized statue of Christ that a priest bought in Mexico and brought to Manila in 1606. Since 1787 the statue has been housed at Saint John the Baptist Church in Quiapo.

For more than 200 years the church has been placing the statue on a gilded carriage every January and pulling it through the streets of Quiapo with millions of devotees.

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19th Philippine Travel Tour Expo 2012 Schedule

melo — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:01:26 +0000

I’m sure you have travel plans last year that didn’t push through so here’s the Good News! The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is now preparing for the biggest travel and tourism industry event for this year – The 19th Philippine Travel Tour Expo 2012.

Philippine Travel and Tour Expo 2012

The 19th Travel Tour Expo 2012 is scheduled on February 17 to 19 at the Mall of Asia / SMX Convention Center Halls 1, 2, 3 & 4 in Pasay City. You can now start planning for your next trip, do check out list of Philippine Holidays for 2012 to maximize your time in your desired destination.

Last year’s event was attended by more than 60,000 visitors and over 450 booths featuring 200 firms who exhibited their travel products. This year, PTAA organizers promise visitors an even bigger travel options and special packages that will be offered during the 3-day annual travel event.

The 19th TravelTour Expo 2012 is organized by PTAA with the Philippine Department of Tourism. This years official carrier is the Philippine Airlines.

Follow the TravelTour Expo on Twitter www.twitter.com/traveltourexpo and Facebook www.facebook.com/traveltour.expo . For more questions and inquiry you may call Fairs & More (Event Manager) at 845-1324/759-6680 or the PTAA Secretariat at 552-0026 to 29.

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Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012 Schedule

melo — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:27:29 +0000

Are you ready to watch another spectacular international fireworks competition in Mall of Asia. Get your camera ready and capture great fireworks display from different participating countries for this year’s Philippine International PyroMusical Competition 2012.

Photos Courtesy of Angel Juarez of www.lakwatsero.com

The 3rd Annual International PyroMusical Competition will be from February 11 to March 17, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia.

3rd Philippine PyroMusical Competition

Official Competition Schedule:
Feb. 11, 7pm – South Korea vs. Malta
Feb. 18, 7pm – United Kingdom vs. Spain
Feb. 25, 7pm – Finland vs. Portugal
Mar. 3, 7pm – China vs. Netherlands
Mar. 10, 7pm – Australia vs. Canada
Mar. 17, 7pm – Italy vs. Philippines

Ticket Prices would be P1,500/ P500/ P300/ P100. For ticket reservations, call TicketWorld at 02-891-9999, TicketNet 02-911-5555 or SM Tickets at 02-470-2222

This year, eleven countries will compete for the coveted international top prize. Get tickets now and experience the pyrotechnic spectacle and be your own judge. Who do you think will win this year?

Checkout Philippine International Pyromusical Competition on Facebook! Are you looking for affordable hotels in Baguio City? Visit Out of Town Hotels and search for the cheapest hotels rates in Baguio. Visit It’s more fun in the Philippines on Facebook.

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North Pole Christmas at SM City North EDSA

melo — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:04:48 +0000

All the kids want to go visit Santa at the North Pole but not all the mom’s and dad’s can afford a trip from Manila, Cebu, or Zamboanga to the North Pole! In fact, there’s no need to because now you can visit Santa and enjoy a true North Pole Christmas right here in the Philippines.

Santas FirePlace

The Northpole Christmas at SM City in North Edsa is the next best thing to heading to the ‘real’ Santa’s homeland in the great white north but it happens right here, recreating the place where Christmas began in all of its glory. This is where the little ones and the big ones who still have Christmas in their hearts go to make their Christmas wishes and bring their yuletide dreams to life.

Mrs Claus Kitchen

The big fella himself is ho ho ho ing his way here and he is plenty happy to have you visit. He brought all the fun and excitement of the North Pole with him to share with the world.

Santas Den

What’s so special about the North Pole? Well, aside from being the home of Santa and Mrs. Claus, it’s also the home of elves that make toys, reindeer (including one with a big red nose!) and of course the North Pole Village.

Santas Gift

In the North Pole Village you can learn about the elves, how they make the toys, and of course – if they can find a moment in their busy schedule you can take a picture and whisper your Christmas wishes to old St. Nick.

Santas Mail Room

Mrs. Claus has brought her whole kitchen and is baking cookies for the family while the reindeer are getting ready for thier big night in the reindeer shed. With tours, gifts, activities and fun, this is the best way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year right here in SM City North Edsa!

Santas Photo Booth

Pay a visit to Santa’s Den and get a chance to meet with him, enjoy the festive spirit, and definitely don’t forget to do a little Christmas shopping while you are there:

Events:
· Santa Meet & Greet: Every Sunday (December 11, 18, & 25) 4pm
· Santa Memories: Every Monday and Friday (November 21 to 25, 28 to 30; December 1 to 2, 5 to 9, 12 to 16, 19 to 23, 26 to 30; January 2 to 6, 9 to 10) 4pm to 6pm
· Photo Opportunity: November 12 to January 10, mall hours

Ho, ho, ho! Those North Pole cookies sure do taste good and the Mrs. Claus Kitchen is a favorite with the kids and the gourmands. Gingerbread men, Christmas cookies, and Christmas cakes make Mrs. Claus Kitchen almost as much fun as Santa’s Den Events:

· Cupcake Decorating by Goldilocks: Every Saturday & Sunday (November 19, 20, 26, 27; December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 31; January 7 & 4pm
· Cake Decorating by Goldilocks: Every Friday (November 25; December 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30; January 6) 4pm
· Photo Opportunity: November 12 to January 10, mall hours

SM City North Pole

And just in case you didn’t send your wishlist to Santa yet, you can always pay a visit to Santa’s Mailroom where letters from kids and adults all over the globe arrive to tell the big guy exactly what people want. Lucky for Santa he has a bunch of hard working elves to help him with all those letters! Not to mention working in the Toy Shop! Events:

· Christmas Arts and Crafts & Coloring Session: Every Saturday & Sunday December 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 31; January 7 & 3pm & 5pm
· Photo Opportunity: November 12 to January 10, mall hours

Santa’s Toy Shop is where all the goodies and gizmos get made and you will be amazed at the dexterity and charisma of those tiny little guys. They make the perfect gifts for boys and girls of all ages – but you better be nice! Whether you are looking for trains, dolls, stuffed animals or other perfect gifts, this is where you will find them.

Events:
· Gift Drive Donation by Bearhuggs: November 12 to January 10, mall hours
· Photo Opportunity: November 12 to January 10, mall hours
· Gifts We Love for People We Love – Bearhuggs & Sanrio (Limited edition toys) : November 12 to January 10, mall hours

Raindeer Barn

It’s a little bit of everything with events in the Reindeer Barn too! And don’t let Dad worry about the cost, because it’s free!til Christmas Eve, when they go around the world with Santa to give gifts.
Events:
· Storytelling “A Day in the Life of an Elf”: Every Saturday ( December 10, 17, & 24; January 6) 5pm
· Christmas Film Viewing: Every Friday ( December , 9, 16, & 23) 4pm
· Photo Opportunity: November 12 to January 10, mall hours

Get a Picture of You Kissing Santa!

SM City North EDSA is the place where it all happens and you can have your picture taken Kissing Santa until January 10th during mall hours.

Visit their website at www.smnenorthpole.com and also like them on facebook at www.facebook.com/smnedsa
Holiday Mall Hours Schedule

December 2 to 30 – 10:00am to 11:00pm
(except on Dec 3, 10, 16 to 23)
December 24 and 31 – 9:00am to 7:00pm
January 1 – 12:00nn to 10:00pm

Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club and Miss Earth join hands for mangrove reforestation

melo — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:46:25 +0000

Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast recently welcomed to its shores candidates of Miss Earth 2011 for its fourth annual mangrove-planting activity at the Pico de LoroBeach and Country Club (PDLBCC).

Miss Earth 2011 Delegates Planting Mangroves

Candidates representing several countries including Guatemala, US Virgin Islands, Northern Ireland, Estonia, Netherlands, Panama, Slovenia, Puerto Rico, Madagascar and Hungary went to Nasugbu, Batangas to participate in the activity put together with the help of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and several local communities.

Miss Earth 2011 Contestants in Hamilo Coast

Mangrove-planting is part of Hamilo Coast’s commitment to Coastal Resource Management. Star Tuason, senior assistant vice-president for Property Management of Hamilo Coast shares, “we really are devoted to the protection of our environment from reef to ridge.

Miss Earth 2011 delegates in Nasugbu Batangas

In addition to coastal clean-up, solid waste management, tree-planting, and use of renewable energy, we have been doing mangrove reforestation and rehabilitation for several years now.” Tuasonadds,“wedo not stop at planting; we make an effort to take care of the saplings and seedlings by doing monthly checks to make sure most of them grow to be mature mangroves.”

Miss Earth Delegates at Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club

Mangroves are tropical trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal areas. They are highly productive ecosystems which are not only able to provide a range of valuable forest products, but also play crucial roles in the life cycle of many commercially important species of fish and prawns. Paolo Pagaduan, WWF Philippines project manager says that “mangroves provide sanctuary and breeding grounds for some fauna. They are also natural barriers that protect the banks from storm surges and tsunamis.”

WWF has been working with Hamilo Coast since the beginning of the development projectin 2004 to make sure it is sustainable; and since Miss Earth continues to build its reputation as the most relevant and worthwhile beauty event in the world by celebrating beauty and environmental responsibility, the activity spearheaded by Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club is in perfect synergy with the pageant’s emphasis on environmental protection programs.

The candidates were very happy to be able to do their share in preserving nature and all of them look forward to actively promoting and getting involved in the protection of Mother Earth.The winner of Miss Earth will serve as the Ambassador to environmental protection campaigns worldwide.

Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club at Pico de Loro, Hamilo Coast is for members only. For reservations please call 02-8580333 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

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The 6th Flow : SurfYogaSamba Weekend Retreat

melo — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:02:30 +0000

The Flow:SurfYogaSamba weekend retreat is a boutique three-day experience that will spark your spirit and leave your body and mind relaxed and revitalized! Learn Vinyasa Yoga and Yin Yoga with Monica Manzano, surf the waves with Luke Landrigan, dance to the samba beats of Escola de Samba de Manila, nourish your body with delicious gourmet meals and raw food snacks and witness the spectacle of thai lantern lighting.

Flow Surf Yoga Samba

Package rate is PHP 8,750 which includes 1 Vinyasa Yoga lesson, 1 Yin Yoga lesson, 2 Surfing lessons, 2 Brazilian batuccada samba drumming lessons, roundtrip private transfers from Manila-La Union-Manila, 3D/2N aircon accomodation at San Juan Surf Resort, healthy gourmet meals and snacks, Flow shirt and a tote bag with freebies.

The 6th Flow:SurfYogaSamba Weekend Retreat is sponsored by Para’Kito, Rudy Project, Belo Essentials SunExpert, Headware, Yoga+, Beyond Yoga, Pulse Yoga, Strip, Browhaus, Made for Movement, Moringana, Brownbelly, Zola, Ish, Beachbaby Clothing San Juan Surf Shop, Total Fitness Magazine, Onesport Magazine, Expat Magazine, and When In Manila.

Energize your mind, body and soul! Be part of an experience of a lifetime.

To register, visit www.flowsurfyogasamba.multiply.com.

To receive more updates and details on the retreat visit www.facebook.com/flowsurfyogasamba and follow us onwww.twitter.com/surfyogasamba.

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How to Get Black Eyed Peas Manila Concert Tickets for Free!

melo — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:18:53 +0000

Here’s something very cool that has just come up. No doubt that you’ve heard that the Black Eyed Peas will be having a concert here in Manila. The concert is getting a lot of buzz and people are incredibly excited about it. One thing that is a bit of a bummer is that tickets are a bit on the expensive side and this is a bit of a bummer for a lot of hard working folks who would love to see this amazing band perform here.

Black Eyed Peas Free Concert Tickets

Still, there is a chance you could get tickets for free! Seriously.

McDonalds is giving away tickets to this concert every day. Every order for McDelivery of 250 php or more qualifies you to get a chance to win a pair of tickets for the Black Eyed Peas. The Black Eyed Peas will be playing live in Manila on the 25th of October and that means you still have about a week of lunch, dinner, or breakfast where you can use McDelivery and see if you can get some tickets for free.

What you order is up to you, since McDonalds of the Philippines is making a minimum purchase but not dictating what you have to order. And if you are worried that they’ve already given the tickets away for the day – you can check on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph?sk=app_208195102528120 to see how many tickets are still available for that day.

The concert will take place at the Mall of Asia complex and if you want to try to buy tickets you can pay anywhere from 1000 php to 10,000 php per ticket! As for me, I’d rather eat some great McDonalds food and see if I can win!

The multi Grammy award winning Black Eyed Peas are causing a lot of buzz, in part because Filipino, Allan Pineda together with Ferghi, Taboo and Will.i.am have just wrapped up their 6th international concert tour and are promising to make this the biggest Filipino live dance party in history! The band is going to go on an indefinite hiatus after this concert and so this may be the last chance to see them perform live anywhere in the world!

So, I’m eating McDelivery every day this week and even if I don’t win – I’m still lovin’ it!

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