Leader's Forum: Dialogue on Federalism with Senator Sharon Carstairs and Senator Aquilino Pimentel

The Office of Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr., together with the UP Pagdumala, and the Center for Local and Regional Governance brought to the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance Dialogues on Federalism: Leaders' Forum, with guest speaker Senator Sharon Carstairs from Canada, and Senator Aquilino Pimentel himself. Also in attendance were Senator Pia Cayetano, Congressman Antonio Cuenco and Congresswoman Faysah Dumarpa, among others.

Dean Alex B. Brillantes, Jr., of the UP NCPAG, welcomed and introduced everyone to the Leaders' Forum. After his speech, Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. introduced the guest speaker to the audience.

Basically the main topic presented, discussed and enlightened by Senator Carstairs were the Trends and Challenges for Federalism, how it was for the Canadians, and their experiences and dealings in their own country.

Senator Carstairs was able to briefly and concisely retold the history of Canada, and how Federalism came about in their region - its evolution, major political milestones to the current issues and trends of Federalism in Canada. She also told us about their financial, educational, health, and other sectors and how it interplays in the Canadian system.

For me, she clearly painted a picture of how Canada came to progress with their system. Despite the flaws and intricacies of Canadian Federalism (Yes, they do have problems too, like the Philippines), for me, it's ultimately about learning about these structures, and seeing if it will or will not, if it will help or will not improve our own system.

As Senator Pia Cayetano said, it's important that we initiate these dialogues and debates in order for everyone to be challenged and think about how it will or will not affect us in the end.

Jester, on the other hand, was able to record the whole lecture, and the question and answer portion which came right after the lecture. Go and see for yourself what Senator Carstairs and the Canadian experience has for us. Enjoy! :)

Ploning hits the UP Film Institute, and hopefully the Academy Awards

Ploning brought both the UP students, their family and friends, and Judy Ann fans to the special screening of the movie in the UP Film Institute (Adarna Hall) last Wednesday night.

It's a statement of support of the UP community to the bid of the Philippines to the Best Foreign Language Film Category of the 81st Academy Awards or the Oscars 2009.

"Ploning, a Cuyonon folk song, is essentially a plea from a boy to her lover for the latter to wait for him and remember him as he leaves her for a different land. The final verses of the song bare the boy's wish that the girl keep a stone wrapped with her handkerchief, as reminder that his love for her is undying. It's a lovely song, with a melody that encapsulates the emotional longing that the lack of physical intimacy emboldens. Slow, passionate, and moody, the song functions as both a narrative precursor and musical anthem of Dante Nico Garcia's film with the same title." as stated in Francis Cruz' blog.

Ploning was shown in limited release from April 30 to May 6, 2008 with Filipino subtitles in the Philippines before going to wider release and subsequent worldwide screenings with English subtitles. On August 2008, Judy Ann returned to Cuyo to grace the screenings and was awarded as the town's "adopted daughter."

Ploning Official Website | Ploning Multiply Site

10 Reasons Why YOU should watch and support Ploning:

1. The movie was graded an A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, the highest score possible in the Philippines.

2. Critics and filmmakers around the world (France, United States, India, China and Singapore) took turns in praising this motion picture and showcasing it as part of their own International Film Festivals. It's an official Selection to the 6th Paris Cinema International Film Festival, July 5, 2008 ^[4] and to the 1st Hong Kong Asian Independent Film Festival, November 16 and 21, 2008 ^[5]

3. High caliber character actors like Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre and Jojit Lorenzo accepted the roles with little exposure and dialogue given to them. Seemingly a testament to their faith in the movie’s quality.

4. Cuyonon actors were trained and hired to add authenticity to the film. All of the actors and even the major players in the crew has Cuyonon buddies to guide them as they film every scene.

5. Dante Nico Garcia is an authentic local of Cuyo Island who studied in UP and became Judy Ann Santos’s friend during her Mara Clara days. Dante grabs this rare opportunity to save the dying Cuyonon language. This is also his birthday gift to Judy Ann.

6. This movie made Judy Ann Santos transcend her soap opera image.

7. The film’s cinematography is simply superb. It is a visual candy that provides us an opportunity to know that the Philippines’ environmental beauty is beyond Boracay and Mayon.

8. Aside from the beauty of the island, Cuyonon’s rare culture was made public in the film.

9. It is seldom that a film that shows some tragedy would also be labeled by a lot of people as a feel-good movie.

10. This film is a saving grace for a dying local movie industry marred by traditional conservatism, censorship, dirty politics and commercialism.

8 reasons to go”Back to the Ranch” and attend the Xavier School Alumni Homecoming

Here are 8 reasons to go”Back to the Ranch” on Nov 29:

1. Enjoy the hot music of the all female pop vocal group Mocha.
2. Swing out with the 80’s local rock band Zoo. (Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of the American rock band Journey, will be performing with them)
3. Get a chance to win 1 of 3 cars, or all 3 if you’re lucky.
4. Get the P50,000 cash incentive for your batch if your year has the most alumni representation during the night.
5. It’s a valid pass out of the house and from your daily household chores.
6. Have a good old boys night out legally.
7. Grab one of the 12 international round trip tickets from PAL, Cebu Pacific Air & Sea Air.
8. Own one of the cool watches from Lucerne.

And here are more reasons — FREE Entrance! FREE drinks! and FREE food (yummy)!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s GO BACK to the RANCH on Nov 29.

Note: Each raffle ticket entitles the bearer a chance to win 1 raffle prize only. In case the ticket number is drawn more than once, the bearer shall be entitled to the higher raffle prize. The smaller prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be drawn again.

The Blue and the Gold: Back to the Ranch Xavier School Grand Alumni Homecoming

The Blue and the Gold (Back to the Ranch)

The AAXS invites the Xavier community to attend the 2008 AAXS Homecoming, "The Blue and the Gold (Back to the Ranch)" on Nov. 29, Sat., 6 PM, at the the GS quadrangle.

It will be a time to celebrate with old friends, teachers, and classmates. This year's event will also pay tribute to outstanding Xavier students who have brought honor to the school this year, in the field of sports and academics. Entertainment will be highlighted by the performance of the popular 80s rock group Zoo, plus other artists. Another good news is that entrance is free!

Like all previous homecomings, this celebration will benefit the Xavier School Educational & Trust Fund which supports a growing number of scholars. Anyone can contribute by buying the raffle ticket which will offer three brand new cars and several roundtrip international tickets as major prizes. The tickets are available at the AAXS office and cost P2,583.00 each.

A Holy Mass will kick off the event at 5 PM at the Angelo King Multi-purpose Center.

The Alumni Homecoming during my time :)

The Silver Jubilarians, Batch '83, and the 2008 Homecoming Committee will be giving away the following exciting prizes during the Grand Alumni Homecoming:

• 3 Brand New Chery QQ
• 2 Samsung Flat Screen TV 32"
• 4 PAL Tickets (Australia, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong)
• 3 Cebu Pacific Tickets (Macau, Hong Kong, and Bangkok)
• 2 Invicta Watches from Lucerne
• 6 SEA Air Tickets (Boracay)
• 3 Tagaytay Highlands Overnight Certificates
• DVD Players
• MP3 Players
• Institute Santre Slimming Package

There will be a total of 83 prizes to be given away. So come one, come all and let us have fun in the RANCH! For more, Batch 83 is giving P50,000 cash to the batch with the most number of attendees.

Plurkybar Plurk Application by Martin Gomez

My uncle, Martin, blaming me as his reason for being addicted to Plurk, created such genius invention - The Plurkybar! :) So you might ask, "What's a Plurkybar?" Here's his explanation on his creation lifted from his post, "Plurkybar: extending a bar to your life(line)".

Plurkybar is “an immensely simple Plurk sidebar for Firefox.” Just download it and you’ll be able to plurk within Firefox without having to have a dedicated window or tab. It automatically refreshes every minute so that you’re assured that you get the hottest, freshest, latest plurks available in your timeline.

Here's what it looks like on my Mac OSX 10.5.5. (see photo below)

If you like what you see, you can download Plurkybar 0.1 now at his site. He's also asking for your feedback, comments and/or suggestions. Go land on his site, and see what Plurkybar is all about! :D Enjoy plurking!

Krispy Kreme's New Caramel Apple Pie for the Holiday Season

This season, Krispy Kreme's got a very special holiday treat for you - NEW Caramel Apple Pie!

"Fresh pick of the season" - Caramel Apple Pie, for a taste reminiscent of mom's apple pie, we take our doughnut shell, fill it with apple filling and topped it with caramel kreme and graham cracker crunch. Best enjoyed with our Krispy Kreme Hot Chocolate or our Krispy Kreme Coffee.

Plus, we've made a holiday box with gift tag that's perfect for gift giving and for every dozen doughnut purchase, we'll share a holiday greeting card that comes with FREE Maple Iced doughnut! You can also bring your friends and design 3 Snowman Doughnuts for only P125!

Hurry, these treats are good just for this season, so come and visit the nearest Krispy Kreme store and grab a dozen to share with your family and friends!

Happy Holidays!

Visit www.krispykreme.com.ph for more details.

Eis Bar, Kidnapped and La Salle-ized!

Tippi's bear Eis Bar (which went to all places here and there and to continents beyond the Philippines') was kidnapped - by me! Bwhahaha ^^ I turned him into a Lasallian Archer (using Adi's stuff during the recent overnight at their place). Now, I'm sure Tippi will get mad at me if (IF) she sees this o.o I hope she doesn't read this blog that often. Or else it's time to say good bye...

Season of Giving: 12 Cups with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf launched 12 Cups with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Give in to Giving, seeing it as an opportunity to spark the passion of our generation.

Partnering with 12 organizations that cater to different advocacies - Kababaihan Gabay sa Bayan (KAGABAY), Caritas Manila-Restorative Justice, The Philippine Animal and Welfare Society (PAWS), Bahay Tuluyan, Haribon, Cartwheel Foundation, Kythe, Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), Philippine Cerebral Palsy Inc., Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM), Resources for the Blind, and Philippine Business for Social Congress (PBSP) - The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s wide selection gives its customers a chance to support the cause they are most passionate about.

“Sometimes all one needs is a start,” says Paolo del Rosario, Director for Marketing “If you’re one of the many who have continuously pledged, year in and year out to get involved or want to help but don’t know what organizations are out there, The 12 Cups with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Give in to Giving Promo can serve as your springboard.”

Having long been a supporter of following one’s passion, with activities like The Zen of Tea, a tea appreciation seminar with Master Tea Blender David DeCandia and What’s Your Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Story? for ardent storytellers, Give in to Giving also has something for art lovers. Featuring limited edition commemorative journals designed by 12 of the most important Filipino artists today will be given away as a token of appreciation to those that participated.

“If you ask me, with the abundance of blogs, social networking sites and mobile phones, the passion of our generation is really that we share a piece of ourselves to others,” say del Rosario “Through Give in to Giving, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf hopes this will start a changing our generation for the better, one cup at a time.”





The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is located at TriNoMa, SM The Block, Gateway, Ortigas Park, Paseo Center, Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia, Convergys Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Alabang Town Center, Rockwell, Robinson's Ermita, Grreenhills Promenade, Robinson's Galleria, eastwood, Tomas Morato and 2 more branches in Cebu. Visit their website at http://www.coffeebean.com.ph.

PLONING at UP FILM INSTITUTE on Nov 26!

The University of the Philippines Chinese Student Association
together with KAISA will show Panoramanila Pictures'

PLONING

in the University of the Philippines Film Institute on the
26th of November, 2008 (Wednesday) 5pm and 7:30pm

Tickets are priced 100 pesos (non-UP students) and 80 pesos (UP students) for both screenings. There will be an open session with the cast during after every screening.

You may contact me at superbong(at)gmail(dot)com or at 09178619022 for tickets.

Ploning Synopsis | Let us promote and support our bid to the Oscars 2009! :)

Related Posts:

• Azrael's Ploning screening on Nov 26th
• Dresden Doll's Event: Ploning
• Letsgosago's "Ploning is now complicated"
• Superbong's Ploning at UP Film on Nov 26
• Shopping Finds' Ploning - Philippines Bid to the Oscars Best Foreign Language derby
  

Delifrance's My Secret Santa: Manila 's Biggest Kris Kringle Celebration

Year in and year out, party after party, the art of exchanging gifts has fallen into a creative rut as presents become more predictable, and recipients whittled down to a selected few.

Luckily, trendy French cafe Delifrance is adding a dash of daring and a large dose of generosity to the usual kris kringle, turning it into a metro-wide phenomenon.

With just a click on the My Secret Santa website (www.mysecretsanta08.com), Filipinos can shed off those tired Christmas hats and don, instead, a Secret Santa suit with a bottomless sack of freebies to give away.

"The My Secret Santa campaign is the first and biggest kris kringle celebration Metro Manila has ever been," says William Tan-Untiong, President of Delifrance Philippines. "We have removed all the usual constraints of gift-giving. Now, everyone can become a Secret Santa and send delectable Delifrance treats to as many of their friends and loved ones. And yes, it's all for free."

Secret Santas partaking in this grand holiday gesture can choose from two special goodies: Almond Star Cookies (available from November 10 to 23) and Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti (available from November 24 to December 7).

Almond Star Cookies are almond-topped, gluten-free cookies that are a delightful cross between a light macaron and a sweet meringue. As a playful twist to the classic German Christmas cookie, the Almond Star Cookies can charm the most discerning sweet lovers in town.

Meanwhile, the Chocolate Chip Almond Biscotti can turn up the holiday cheer with its choco-nutty goodness. Paired off with a steaming cup of Delifrance espresso, the Chocolate Almond Biscotti becomes an invigorating treat for those late-night coffee chats.

"My Secret Santa is more than just virtual greetings. Everyone who receives an e-mail gift coupon can redeem it for real treats at participating Delifrance stores in Metro Manila," explains Tan-Untiong. "What's great also is how the cycle of giving and receiving repeats itself. Those who get a gift from a Secret Santa can become one themselves by paying forward their goodies, so to speak. This makes for a wonderful spirit of gift-giving."

With its My Secret Santa campaign, Delifrance is set to create Manila 's biggest kris kringle celebration-a feat that makes this Christmas memorably sweet for all Filipinos.

To participate in the My Secret Santa campaign, simply log on to www.mysecretsanta08.com. For additional questions and inquiries, please contact the Main Office at 642-0021. Visit Delifrance branches at AIM Conference Center, Glorietta, Insular Life Bldg, RCBC Plaza, SM Makati, Ayala Tower 1, Valero Makati, Zeta Building Legazpi Village Makati, Robinsons Place Manila, U.N. Avenue, Festival Supermall, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, The Podium, C5 Libis, St. Luke's, Greenhills Theater Mall, Roosevelt Greenhills, Philippine Heart Center, Shell SLEX Southbound, Shell SLEX Northbound, Shell NLEX, NAIA - Domestic, NAIA 2 - International, NAIA - Old Domestic, NAIA 3, and International School Manila.

Congratulations to the Winner of RedBox's Wii Barkada Party Contest

And the Winner of the Wii RedBox Barkada Party is Spife:

Thanks to all those who submitted entries to the contest, to RedBox and GeiserMaclang for making this contest possible, and to Luj for picking the winner.

Winners may call and schedule their Wii Party at GeiserMaclang Unit 7C, 114 Tuscan Bldg., V. A Rufino St. , Legaspi Village, Makati City. Tel. No. 02.812.8828 / 02.812.9199 / 0917.523.4624

Elation Buffet and Shooters at Grand Terrace Event Place

Elation: The Finest Chocolate and Shooters Buffet launched last Friday at The Grand Terrace events place in Quezon City. It's the brainchild of the Abesamis sisters, combining flowing chocolate indulgence with shots of self-concocted alcoholic delights to reach the state of elation.

Speaking as a foodie, the chocolates were good, but it could be improved. The shooters were okay. For the price, and from the turn-out (though I really thought that people who went were really a lot younger than me - and I'm just 20), the event for me was a success! :)

Winner shot of the night! Summer, Winter, Autumn and Fall :3

You may check out the Elation Buffet Site for more details.

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Congratulations to the Winner of Bratpack's Bag Diary Contest

*drum rolls* And the winner of the Bratpack Bag Diary contest is... Richard Mamuyac, with "Watch Your Back."

I love looking at people’s behind. Don’t get me wrong. I am not sick nor a pervert. What I mean is that I am just fond of checking out passing stranger’s backpacks.

I have been a fan of backpacks since kindergarten. Though I have a couple of messenger bags in my closet, I am more comfortable with bags on my back than sling baggage on my shoulder.

That’s why a head turner for me is either a sexy woman or a nice looking backpack. Sometimes while I am in a fast food shop along a busy street, I would find myself looking at passersby. Big bags… small bags… blue bags… red bags. It’s like I am watching a parade. There’s even creepy backpacks shaped like a coffin or Jack Skellington of Nightmare Before Christmas while others are bag version of cartoon characters from grandma’s Betty Boop to that annoying- but-kids-love-him Barney the Dinosaur.

My most favorite backpack is the yellow Jansport that I bought from Bratpack in Robinsons Galleria in 2003 which I considered as my best buddy during my 2-year stint as an OFW in Saipan, Northern Marianas . I bring it anywhere I go, from our quarters to our work station to the different islands of the tiny nation. Each mark, dirt and scratch on my bag is a reminder of the places I’ve been and experiences worth remembering.

But I committed one stupid thing that still haunts me until today. That is when I traded my Jansport bag for a luggage a month before I came back to the Philippines for good. I was forced to make that decision because I really needed a big luggage for my things which a friend was willing to give in exchange for my battle-tested bag.

I don’t know whatever happened to my backpack. But I’m pretty sure it still good to use simply because it is a Jansport. As for the luggage with Chinese characters on the tag, I found a great use for it in keeping old clothes, bags and shoes.

That’s why this Christmas, I already told myself that I will get a new Jansport backpack by hook or by contest like this :-)

The pieces were rated by my guest judge, Martin, based on the following criteria (see criteria below). Richard's topped all 10 entries submitted through the comments page and through superbong(at)gmail(dot)com with a score of 25/30. Congratulations!


Thanks to all those who submitted entries to the contest, to Bratpack and GeiserMaclang for making this contest possible, and to the guest judge, Martin Gomez.

You may claim your prize at GeiserMaclang (c/o Arbee Panga) Unit 7C, 114 Tuscan Bldg., V. A Rufino St., Legaspi Village , Makati City Tel: 812.8828/ 812.9199, 0917.605.8122

Bratback Launches in Greenbelt 5

Bratpack invited Bloggers the other day to its flagship store launch, which was designed by multi-awarded graphic house Team Manila, in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Bratpack, or The Bag People, as they coined and proud themselves proves to be the quality bag authority since 1997.
But now, it not just turned choosing a bag that will fit your style and personality a Science, but also, they introduced new brands that cater to more lifestyles like skate brand DC and Sector9, Sanuk the surfers and beach bums, Skull Candy for music lovers, as well as Eastpak and Life is Good.

Bratpack is conquering a new territory, more people and of course, much more personalities.

The scrumptious dinner, which consists of pasta, sandwiches, barbecue salad, fried kangkong in lumpia wrapper, turon and kakanin, that was prepared for the bloggers was catered by Travel Cafe Philippines - also located in Greenbelt 5.

Bratpack is a member of the Primer Group that carries global brands that makes for a practical and personal billboard of expression for urban dwellers, promoted through collaborations with the indie art and music scenes’ finest. Inspire. Interpret. Express. For inquiries email bratpack@primergrp.com or visit their website at http:/packsforbrats.multiply.com.

Bratpack has branches at Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Davao, SM The Block, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall and Ayala Cebu.

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Jugno's Monster Pizza

One weekend, when my parents left all 3 of us siblings at home while they went out of town, we decided to order in food for lunch. Jugno's Monster Pizza, the famous 20 inch pizza that will really wow you because of its size. We got the Cheez to Cheez, Spicy Taco Monster, Jugno's Monster Special and Mexican Amigo'. We only paid for Php 519, all in all. It came with 2 kinds of sauces (one white, which reminded me of the sauce used in Shawarma; the other, the more mexican burrito-ish one)


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Tin Hau at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Besides boasting about its exceptional services, Mandarin Oriental is known for its restaurants, namely Paseo Uno and Tin Hau. My family recently ate at Tin Hau while we were checked in at the hotel. All I can say is that this is one of the best, if not the best Chinese restaurant in town.

Jason and I got the Set Menu 1, while my parents and shobe got the Set Menu 2. Their Privilege Club Set Menus are Php 850+++ per person and are good for 2. (exclusive of government taxes, local taxes and service charge)

For starters they served us with one of the best "service peanuts" (if you get what I mean). Then followed by our Sio Mai and Scallop dimsum. Heavenly!

Then came the Braised Fish Soup, Auntie Song style.

I didn't know what was the Auntie Song style all about when I was sipping the hot yummy soup. It was until I researched later did I know that Auntie Song is supposedly a famous cook in Hang Zhou, from the Nan Song Dynasty, 800 years back up to the present. (talk about recipe perfection).

Poached green vegetables with seafood and egg white in superior consomme followed.

Wok fried fragrant rice with roasted pork,

the Chicken stewed with eggplant, Szechuan Style,

and then the Crisp fried shrimp with sliced almonds and mayonnaise.

Lychee with almonds came for dessert. The best lychee and almonds ever.

Later that evening, we came back again for the Dimsum Platter. I tell you, their dimsum's to die for. It's a MUST TRY when you eat at Tin Hau.

Tin Hau at Mandarin Oriental is located at the 2nd Floor of the hotel. Open for Lunch/Dim sum: 11:30am-2:30pm and Dinner: 6:30pm-10pm (Monday-Sunday). You can contact them at (02) 750-8888 loc. 2424 or 2422 for reservations. Manager: Ernest Lau Chef: Hann Furn Chen. Dress code is Smart Casual.

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