Buhay Coke Video Contest

(Photo lifted from http://buhaycoke.com/)

Required Content

Tell us why you love Coke by sharing a "Buhay Coke" story through a video blog.

Judging
Your post will be judged on concept, style and its popularity and should simply answer the question - is it a compelling video to watch?

Prizes
1st Place - 1 Philips LCD TV
2nd Place - 1 Apple iPhone
3rd Place - 1 Sony Cybershot 7.2 MP Digital Camera
4th Place - 1 Apple Ipod Nano
Consolation Prizes: Coke Zero

How to Join
• Videos must run for a minimum of 1 minute and maximum of 4 minutes and uploaded in Youtube.
• You may vlog in English or the vernacular.
• Include a link to http://buhaycoke.com/ and http://www.smhypermarket.com/ and include the following tags: Buhay Coke, Coca-Cola Philippines, SM Hypermarket, Philippines supermarket.
• To make an entry official, REGISTER HERE.

Deadline
• Entries should be posted on or before July 31, 2008.
• We will announce the winners on August 8, 2008.

Buhay Coke ng Bloggers

I consider Coca-Cola to be one of the biggest if not the biggest company, not only in the Philippines, but also, around the world. Coca-Cola Philippines has been existing for 27 years now, and I think that the Coca-Cola Zero product launch (correct me if I'm wrong, since I've only been in this planet for 20 years now) is the grandest ever.

Coca-Cola Zero® has been one of the most successful product launches in our history. In 2007, we sold nearly 450 million cases globally. Put into perspective, that’s roughly the same size as our total business in the Philippines, one of our top 15 markets. As of first quarter 2008, Coca-Cola Zero is available in 81 countries. - http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/brands/index.html

Yesterday bloggers, including myself and a lot of my friends and plurk-adas, were treated to a party at Taste Asia in Mall of Asia, Pasay. We had a "buffet-type" dinner by Taste Asia (of course) It was all delicious. We had a lot of games. Coke Zero-all you can! Free flowing drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike).

The Banana Dance, an emoticon in Plurk, was demonstrated and performed by my brother! Since he is really a dancer in real life, I kinda pushed him to demonstrate it to the public. Now, I think he's regretting that he did it (with lots of cameras/video cameras around he made his own "scandal") Woot! (If you want to see what I mean, refer to the video below - courtesy of Jeric).

After he demoed, there were more people who followed.He won tickets for any movie at IMAX, while the others won tickets to the SM Science and Discovery center. Twitter and Plurk friends who were picked were given SM Science and Discovery center tickets and Coke Table Set Collectibles respectively.

I was one of the lucky people who got the Coke Collectibles! I'm really happy that Jeric chose me. I really LOVE Coke. Even though I don't drink that much, and that I can say that I'm not an addict, I am addicted to or really into collecting Coca-Cola items, most especially cans and bottles from around the world.

Each registered blogger brought home a case of Coke Zero after!

I was with Ainna, Don, Tiff, Thea, Charles, Stephen, Blanch, Via and Jason, the Banana Dancer. More pictures of the event can be viewed in my Multiply site.

UrbanTakeover

I received this mail from Austria today. I was using the Wi-Fi over at Treats when my I saw my brother's plurk post about a letter that was delivered addressed to me. The very inquisitive brother opened my letter (how rude! >:P) and was surprised that the mail contained stickers.

I guess his instincts told him to search for what that was all about. Weeks or months ago, I emailed requesting for stickers on UrbanTakeover.

UrbanTakeover is an alternate reality game in your city.

You claim spots/territory by putting up stickers (in real life) and sending them a text message or entering the address on the website.

1. stick stickers in the city
2. mark your territory on a map
3. be notified, when someone crosses you

You want to stick with us? Let's conquer Manila! Visit the site, and join in the fun!

Vegetarian Dinner

While strolling in SM Fairview yesterday afternoon, my mom saw Bodhi along the stretch of restaurants at the ground floor food court. And since I really wanted to try Bodhi out, and I guess the same goes with my mom, we decided to buy food there for dinner.

We were really inquisitive about the food they were selling there. We asked about everything they had and what it is made of. We then decided to take out the pancit (stir-fried noodles) (Php 40 per order), the beef steak which was their best seller (according to the lady who was assisting us) (Php 60 per order), and the barbeque with sauce (Php 55 per order).

To be honest, I didn't like it that much. I guess it goes without saying that beef and pork and chicken can't really be replaced by any vegie substitute pretending to be the real thing. (Or what I just ate wasn't really prepared well enough? But that's another speculation)

Any ideas, comments, and suggestions? They're really very welcome.

UP Centennial Items

The Siglo, UP Centennial Collection:

This isn't anything on the Centennial items that are being sold by UP. These following items are sold by the University Student Council, as part of their fund raising activities this centennial year. Earlier today, I bought the black jacket (because I think it is the coolest of them all!) for Php 800. The white and maroon ones sell for Php 700. Other items include a jersey, lanyard and the jackets.

Front

Back

These items sell really fast! Now you see it, and then you don't. After just like 5 minutes, everything's practically sold, gone. And did I say that the line started from AS parking lot (where they are selling) to around CAL already?

If you want to purchase any of these items, they will be available next week Tuesday and Friday at the USC Office in Vinzons Hall from 4pm-6pm.

The Ref Door Project

Wifely Steps is launching this blog carnival once again. It's called the Ref Door Project. I've joined her February Blog Carnival, wherein we submitted or blogged about anything we took with the shape of heart in the photo. It was great, so I am joining again.

1. Take a pic of it and post it on your blog.
2. Link back to Wifely Steps
3. Give Wifely Steps a shout out (via email or comments) so she can include your Ref Door in the round-up.

Deadline of entries is on Sunday, July 6, 2008.

And so, here's my entry to this blog carnival! It's an old refrigerator used to store the Coca-Cola items we sell before, when we still had a store. It's now a recycled ref turned pantry to fit all the groceries :)

What does your Ref look like?

UP Centennial Stamps

UP Centennial Stamp

The UP Centennial Stamp was launched in the celebrations last June 18, at the Oblation Plaza by the UP Officials headed by President Roman. "The 4 designs of the UP Centennial Commemorative Stamps include the Oblation, the Carillon, the UP Seal, and the Centennial Logo. These are featured in the Folder, Souvenir Sheet, and Official First Day Cover."

I was very happy to have purchased the stamps, right after the launch, for my collection.

You may place your reservations with the OVPA, UP System, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 925-6721 or 925-0984 c/o Jovie/Billy or e-mail at ovpa@up.edu.ph.

Continuing the Legacy

I'm actually really happy right now to find out that Gian took the duty as head of the Appreciation Day Committee. The Appreciation Day Committee or the A-day Committee is responsible for the events for that single day in the last few weeks of September (September 26 for this year) wherein students recognize and feel proud of their teachers and other school staff and employees.

I was once the head of it when I was back in 4th year high school, and I am proud to say that since then, all the heads of the A-day Committee (Sherwin, Rod, and now Gian) was with my team back in 2006. Go Gian! Continue the Legacy! :)

Related Articles:
A-day 2005 Photo Gallery
A-day 2005: Buhay Superstar!
Appreciation Day 2005

Happy Birthday C.S.A!

Today officially marks the 45th year of our beloved organization, the UP Chinese Student Association!

It is with great honor and pleasure that I launch our new website!

http://up-csa.org/

Please check it out! Also, we will be having our Grand Alumni Homecoming this school year.

Our alumni may contact Tasha Teh @ 09176678133 or e-mail her @ tashateh@yahoo.com for more details or if you want to help.

Please stay tuned for further announcements! :)

Please pass to ALL CSA members, alumni, and friends.

Thank you very much!

CLASSES UP TO HIGH SCHOOL SUSPENDED! [EDITED]

REPORT
Classes up to high school suspended in Metro, 12 provinces
By Katherine Evangelista

INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:42:00 06/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Classes up to high school level are suspended Monday in Metro Manila and 12 surrounding provinces due to typhoon-spawned floods, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said in a radio interview.

Considering the risk of floods, pre-schools up to high schools will also be closed in the provinces of Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Pangasinan, Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Norte, Lapus told DZMM radio.

Further announcements will be made later after an updated forecast is issued by the state weather bureau, he said.

Local authorities have the discretion to suspend classes based on the situation in their respective areas, Lapus said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT
Classes at all levels suspended in Metro, nearby provinces

INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:42:00 06/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Classes at all levels are suspended Monday in Metro Manila and 12 surrounding provinces due to typhoon-spawned floods, a report said.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080622-144150/Classes-at-all-levels-suspended-in-Metro-nearby-provinces

UP's Centennial

Last June 18, 2008 marked the 100th Birthday of the University of the Philippines. Celebrations were supposed to start 05:30 a.m., with the Photo-Op of the 100 Oblation poses; but unfortunately, it was canceled due to reasons unspecified. Instead, it officially started 08:00am at the Oblation Plaza, where every department, college and student were represented.

But before the official start of everything, it kicked off with the Parada Patungong Oblation Plaza (Parade going to the Oblation Plaza) with the U.P. Constituents, GHQ and QC Bands around the Academic Oval. Basically the bands, while playing, fetched all the contingents waiting around the Academic Oval.

After everyone arrived at the Oblation Plaza, we started with the singing of the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, which was led by the bands and the choirs present. (U.P. Symphonic Band, GHQ Band, QC Band, U.P. Cherubim and Seraphim, U.P. Staff Chorale and Dean Ramon Acoymo)

Right after the national anthem, we sang the U.P. Naming Mahal (U.P. school song), which followed by the singing of Happy Birthday U.P. (to the tune of "Happy Birthday to You") after.

President Emerlinda Roman gave a speech after, on the balcony of the Quezon Hall. Being on top of everyone and commanding everyone's attention is the most amazing way to deliver a speech, really. Nearing the end of her speech, she pulled off a "text" joke, saying that the text message/ announcement coming from the higher ups was late/ just arrived. Everyone was shouting and really ecstatic at that moment.

She later announced that as per approval of the Department of Budget and Management and signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the centennial bonus of 20,000 pesos will be released to the UP workers. She instructed all accounting offices to process the pay already. Everyone was jumping, very happy with that news.

After the speech, the newly elected officials of the University Student Council were sworn into office.

After that, President Emerlinda Roman, and other U.P. officials led the launch and the unveiling of the new U.P. Centennial Stamps.

Almost everyone was holding red/maroon and green balloons for the synchronized release of the balloons at the end of the event at the Oblation Plaza. The emcee counted from 1 to 20. After he said 20, everyone bid goodbye (and of course, wished for good fortune and a good year also) and released their balloons to the skies.

I bought a set of the U.P. stamps for my collection (watch out for the centennial stamps post later). Everyone headed to Vinzons Hall for some food and refreshments, and the launch of the Vinzons Hall, as a more student-centric establishment.

UP National College of Public Administration and Governance

More Photos at 100 Photos in UP's 100th

Hang-Out Place

I recently knew about this "new" hang-out place I will surely be frequenting this semester. Where can you get food galore, air-conditioned place, and free wifi all at the same time? Well. There's no better place to have all those than in Petron Treats along Katipunan Avenue.

Since I have 4 and 1/2 hours break, I guess this is the best place to kill time and just enjoy, and probably read and study if I have some stuff, right? :P

I saved 28 pesos today!

I was able to hunt down the very endangered/elusive species - the Toki - for more, the FREE RIDE Toki jeep, which I rode from the College of Arts and Letters area going to NCPAG. I must admit that I felt happy that I got to ride in it. Hey, it's not everyday you can see free rides in UP--so don't blame me ^^;;

Not only that, after my class in NCPAG, I wanted to ride the Free Toki going to the Arts and Sciences building (Palma Hall), but I failed to do so because the jeepneys weren't stopping for us. That's so unfair and so infuriating, really. There were 3 Tokis that passed us, but they weren't stopping or giving a hint that they'll stop at all; this is why I opted to ride the Free Ikot instead of waiting for nothing.

Another thing that I noticed is the ignorance of people about the free ride. They still try to reach and give their payment, only knowing after the driver says "libreng sakay po" (the ride is free) that the ride is really free.

Well, to emphasize, it's true that not everyday you get free rides in UP, so I guess people were really confused at the same time really thankful for it.

Because of this treat con advertising promo of Accenture (yes, fine, there, free advertising for the company...haha) I was able to save 28 pesos -- not bad, not bad! That's one very cold drink from CASAA or some place else to quench my thirst from the very warm and humid mornings in UP.

I am sure that this free ride every Tuesday until December thingy going around made everyone happy today, even though they don't really know why they are given such comfort. But after a while, I think they'll be aware of this and would kill one another just to get a free ride? (I hope not!)

Thank you for the free rides! ;)

We Have A Cute Rat!

Where can you find this little cute rat? ^^

Only in UP Chinese Student Association - outside AS 101, Palma Hall ^^

Logbook Design By: Kimberly Tan-Afuan and Claire Florentino

Yugatech Shirt

I received this package 2 days ago. It's the shirt I won from Abe's Tradeport registration thing. It's a perfect fit. Thanks! :)

Free Rides in UP

Every Tuesdays, my first class is in CAL. I have to spot this jeep right away to go from CAL area to NCPAG for my PA 141 which follows right after my class in CAL. Good luck to me and to all in hunting this jeepneys down! Php 7.00 savings is a lot, when compounded/ added from June to December. :)

PDA Scholar's a Xaverian

Pinoy Dream Academy scholar Rafael Ting, more known as Inaki, is the 13th pick among the 25 "dreamers" (Pinoy Dream Academy scholars).

Only 16 lucky dreamers will get the chance to be included in the Academy and be mentored and taught by only the best - headed by PDA Headmaster Ryan Cayabyab, Voice Master Kitchy Molina, Performance Master Joey Javier and Voice Mentor Monet Silvestre.

Pinoy Dream Academy is a Philippine franchise from Endemol, the brains behind the Big Brother and Deal or No Deal local franchise. It is their goal, with Pinoy Dream Academy, to give "pop star hopefuls a chance to be a step closer to their dream."

We can follow them at PDA Überture with Host Billy Crawford every 5:30pm Mon-Fri, PDA Primetime with Host Nikki Gil every 9:30pm Mon- Fri, PDA Performance with Toni Gonzaga on weekends at 7:45 PM.

Xaverian Pride! Woot! :) LUCEAT LUX!

Photos from Pinoy Dream Academy site

Bloggers at Collezione C2 High Art and Fashion

Juned, Sara, Tita Noemi, Jason

Joy, Jason, Dante and Arpee

Above: Riva, Marco, Loy and Karol from DLSU. They were the people I earlier mentioned who are in my age group *hehe* Oh, and Marco's the nephew of Rhett Eala, the genius behind the patriotic tees of Collezione C2 :) Below: My photo with Rhett

I took home one of the six limited edition Rhett Eala prints which were auctioned off to the media/public in a mock auction during the Collezione C2 My Pilipinas launch. This piece was signed by the artist himself.

New Coke Items from Malaysia

One of my org-mates gave me these coke products from Malaysia. 2 more added to my collection. Thanks a lot! :)