It's More Fun In The Philippines DOT Slogan Online Pinoy Community Discussion Extravaganza

It's More Fun in The Philippines is the latest (second) tourism campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III's regime. Pilipinas Kay Ganda was the DOT's first slogan which was coldly received by majority of Filipinos both online and off because of its obvious resemblance to another country's tourism slogan. This time it is "It Is More Fun in The Philippines" turn to go under such scrutiny.

Wherever you go in the Philippines, it's the Filipinos that will make your holdiay unforgettable. Just ask anyone who's bee here. In fact, Lonely Planet guidebook calls us 'among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere'.


Find out for yourself why it’s more fun in the Philippines.
And make the most out of your next vacation.

The Republic of Philippines' Official Department of Tourism Slogan for 2012 It's More Fun In the Philippines http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/

Passing and Lighting the Torch on SM City Rosario's Seminar on Blogging

I was in SM City Rosario a little while ago and gave a talk to students and teachers regarding the basics of blogging. A few days ago Azrael Coladilla invited me and Iris Rebao-Pulga to be speakers in SM City Rosario's short seminar about the basics of blogging. I was a bit skeptical at first but eventually gave in. I said to myself that I must learn how to face one of my greatest fears in life which is public speaking. Thanks to the new found confidence I have acquired throughout these past few good years, I was able to overcome it after I started rolling and sharing my blogging wisdom.





I never thought that I would find myself speaking in front of an audience of 200 people which comprise of students and few teachers. I could still remember back at 2007 like it was yesterday, I was starting out as a clueless beginner in the blogging scene. I learned everything the hard way, committing every single mistake that a blogger should never do (in a monetization aspect that is) until I gave up. Later that year, the spirit of blogging called onto me (like the three ghosts of christmas past, present and future) so like a prodigal son who lost his way, I went back to blogging and the rest as they say is history.



It was my second time being in Rosario Cavite, it was a bit different from the first time I was there about 2-3 years ago. I believe they were just starting to build SM Rosario by then for I remember the area where the notable SM City now stand is a large construction site which caused heavy traffic in the narrow public road of Rosario back in the days. SM Rosario was spacy, homey and green. SM City Rosario uses natural lighting (like many SM City malls) to reduce lighting and conserve energy. I was a bit surprised to find out that we are going to speak on an open area in SM City Rosario's activity area but I eventually snapped out of a possible freak out moment. I waited a little longer and the rest of the team arrived.





Azrael started with a very engaging and interesting introduction to blogging. His talk didn't fail to amuse me and the rest of the audience. Taking a cue from the blogging master himself, I then followed up with a discussion about how to start a blog. I discussed about the basics of setting up a blogger (blogspot) account since it is the best and free platform to practice blogging and that is what I am more knowledgeable about. I also provided tips and various warnings on how to go about with blogging. Iris then closed the SM City Rosario blog seminar talk with kinds of blogs and monetization.





The talk was later followed by a question and answer portion. The audience was so active and eager to ask questions that bogs their mind (and I wonder why... hmmm insert dubious and sarcastic expression here hahaha) about earning money through blogs which wasn't even elaborately discussed but was vividly tackled in our discussion. We managed to effectively answer all of the questions. What concluded the Q&A segment was a teacher asking about blogging issues like intellectual property rights and blogging issues, that too was answered by various examples and our own personal experiences in the local blogging scene.





What made the whole experience memorable as how the two teachers heading the mob of students thanked us for sharing our knowledge. They told us that they were interested to try out blogging. We then told them that blogging is for everyone and that we are glad to impart the wisdom we earned through the years. It was life giving another life. Like passing of the torch to a new generation whom will continue on what most have established, creating, populating, helping the local Filipino blogosphere and the Philippines in general.



Again a million thanks to Azrael Coladilla and Iris Rebao-Pulga for the outstanding quality photos taken here. If it is a bit blurry then it is taken from my busted but still working digital camera hahaha.

To see more of their photo coverage and their blogs you can follow them at facebook here:
Azrael Coladilla http://www.facebook.com/popazrael
Iris Rebao-Pulga http://www.facebook.com/irispulga

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Film Experience

A big thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines for giving us the opportunity to see the first part of the last Harry Potter film franchise in IMAX Theater SM Mall of Asia last November 17, 2010. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is currently on all major cinemas nationwide (Philippines) and the rest of the world. It is a definite must see movie.

I was then thirteen when I first saw the first Harry Potter film The Philosopher's stone so I technically grew up watching this film franchise. I am really thankful that I haven't read any of the Harry Potter books published (or listened to it since I am into audiobooks) as I saved myself from being spoiled on what will happen on this final leg of the film. What makes the viewing experience more worthwhile is having a good company with you as you watch. I was once again reacquainted with the Metro movie bloggers in this IMAX HP7 premiere screening. I really miss hanging around and socializing with them during various events, hope to get back to the local blogosphere scene in the days to come.

Photos by Azrael Coladilla.

Harry Potter picks up where the last three movie drops off, by taking a more darker tone and hoplessness feel to it. Hopelessness in the sense that everything seems to go against our protagonists, beloved characters dying and odds of winning diminishing. Of course in the back of our minds we know that there would eventually be a happy ending and that is what we are looking forward to on the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part by 2011. I recommend Harry Potter for all the fans and movie goers who grew up and followed the series. It is a great film to watch this weekend, or anytime of the week especially if you are free with your Hogwarts loving friends. It is not in 3-D though which doesn't take anything away from the film. Forcing the film to be in 3-D might eventually ruin the film like what recent movies did lately. If it is not meant to be 3-D then don't make it in 3-D. As the popular saying goes "If the thing isn't broken, then don't fix it."

Catch my full written review later of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 on CMAQUEST.

My iBlog 6 Day 1 Business Day Attendance

Last April 16, 2010 I experienced my first ever Philippine Blogging Summit (popularly known as iBlog) held at Malcolm Theater at the University of the Philippines Diliman. iBlog is an annual event for bloggers to understand and learn more about the multi-faceted world of blogging. Here is my iBlog 6 Day 1 coverage which focus on topics such as business, advertising and promotion.



iBlog 6, though on its six year was my very first iBlog event so I was really excited for it. The feeling that I will learn and grow more as a Filipino blogger through iBlog got me really excited. I left Dasmariñas City at around 7:30 in the morning which took me one and a half hours of travel time, thank goodness that I was not late.

Sa familiar faces like Flowell and Miss Janette who were busy setting up the stage for the actual program. Most of the attendees where people from PR companies, blogtrepreneurs, and other business-related organizations for iBlog 6 Day 1 was targeted for businesses and entrepreneurs wanting to understand how to tap blogs as a medium to promote their products and services. This was the schedule for day 1 on the 6th Philippine Blogging Summit:



Miss Janette Toral on the stage lead the first talk regarding blogging for business. An introduction and analysis of the factors that helps business through blogging.

Day 1 (April 16, 2010)

9:00 – 9:15 Opening Ceremonies (National Anthem, Welcome Remarks by JJ Disini)
9:15 – 9:35 Blogging for Business: Tapping Bloggers to Generate Buzz (Janette Toral)
9:50 to 10:10 Advertising in Blogs (Abe Olandres)

10:25 – 10:50 BREAK

10:50 – 11:10 SPONSOR talk (Ivy Jean Vibar)
11:25 – 11:45 SEO & Blogging to Promote Your Business (Francis Gary Viray)

12:00 – 1:30 LUNCH / NETWORKING

1:30 – 1:50 Measuring Blog Buzz (Carlo Ople)
2:05 – 2:25 Legal Concerns in Blogging for Business (Emerson Bañez)

2:40 – 3:00 BREAK

3:00 – 3:20 Blogger and Advertiser: What is the Win-Win Relationship? (Diana Paterno)
3:35 – 3:50 Online Attraction Marketing (Manuel Viloria)

4:05 RAFFLE and GROUP PICTURE

The speakers could only accommodate an hour or so of explaining their individual topics but that didn't get n the way of sending out the message to the audience.



Abe Olandes, author of Yugatech discussed his experience and knowledge on advertising in blogging. Building that reputation to be recoognized by advertisers, placement patterns of advertisements on a blog, pricing for advertisers, and many more were the topics discussed by the author of the highly acclaimed Yugatech author. Being a recognized name on the Filipino Blogosphere not just by bloggers but mainstream companies as well, Abe Olandes was the right man to enlighten the audience with the in and outs of advertising through blogs.



The question and answer segment after each talk gave opportunities to some of the audience to learn more about the topic through a series of relevant questions. Mike Abundo spearheaded the series of questions right after each speaker was over with their topics. His questions are more likely to challenge the expertise of the speaker which in turn could either make the speaker shine as a reliable speaker or the opposite.





The Philippine Online Chronicles or the POC, a partner of iBlog 6 featured the new evolution of reliable news and blogging through the site. A mash up of traditional and new media, the POC is your source of quality Philippines news and relative discussions online.



In between breaks, bloggers and other media organizations got to the chance to socialize. I later joined Don, Rina, Alvin, and Fritz, fellow bloggers which made learning more interesting. It was also my first time meeting up with the jolly Dani and Ian.



Targeted more on the PR companies utilizing the power of blogging groups is another interesting topic for the day which made me wished that the PR agencies which I knew of (who have invited us in the past) were present to realize a perfect set up, a win-win relationship with bloggers. Didi Paterno discussed this topic which was also tackled in Carlo Ople's discussion on measuring blog buzz.

Though not really targeted for the first time bloggers, I appreciated and learned from the first day of iBlog 6. iBlog 6 Day 1 topics and discussions inspired me to become a better blogger by utilizing a blog's hidden potential of promoting one's name or business, which in return will yield new and better opportunities for bloggers, businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Market! Market! LazerXtreme Bloggers Challenge

LazerXtreme at the Market! Market! in Taguig City has recently invited a group of bloggers to experience their authentic brand of entertainment called laser tagging. What can the LazerXtreme, the first Multi-Level Laser Tag Arena in the Philippines offer?



Bloggers at the LazerXtreme Market Market in Global City Taguig

April 13, 2010 marks my first time in setting foot at the Market! Market! of the famous Global City in Taguig (another first for me) to cover and try out the facilities that LazerXtreme has to offer. LazerXtreme innovates the traditional game of tag into a completely new level, and thus the emergence of the term "laser tagging". Arm with light laser (L.E.D.) guns and vests that has laser or L.E.D. sensitive parts, laser tagging provides an enjoyable calorie-burning and quality bonding time with friends or loved ones.

I enjoyed the whole experience of both being an aggressive predator, tagging the opposite player, or as the agile prey, avoiding yourself from being "tagged" on the dark corners and alley of the LazerXtreme gameroom. The LazerXtreme also told us that a loyal costumer has incorporated regular playing on LazerXtreme as part of his diet and workout routine which later proved yielded favorable results, losing weight. Well, I can't see myself losing weight anytime in the future but I personally recommend LazerXtreme as a great way to enjoy a day's off with your family and friends. Just bring an extra shirt or towel though, for you will have entertaining fifteen minutes of fun with LazerXtreme.



LazerXtreme has been on the circulation for two years and have been improving their facilities and services throughout the years keeping them on top of the laser tagging entertainment provider on the Philippine market. Play as a team and defeat the opposite color on a Team Play game or go all out ala-Royal Rumble on a Free For All LazerXtreme game. Afterwards see who gained the most points in the laser tag and brag to your hearts content Hahaha.

LazerXtreme was also featured on an episode of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho back at 2009, a testimonial that it is indeed one of the most promising and popular entertainment facilities in the Metro:



LazerXtreme started providing laser tag group gameplay since May 30, 2008. Now on its second year, the first Multi-Level Laser Tag Arena in the Philippines will be opening its second branch in Alabang Town Center anytime soon. As explained by the marketing head of LazerXtreme new laser games will be available on the new branch. So will wait til then for the next review.

For an in-depth look on the rates, photo galleries, and what to expect on LazerXtreme you can visit the LazerXtreme Official Website at http://www.lazerxtreme.com.ph.



LazerXtreme
4/F Market! Market!
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
856-6467 or 69
http://www.lazerxtreme.com.ph

Bloggers Come and Join the iBlog: The 6th Philippine Blogging Summit

Blogs are like stars in the bright clear sky, numerous! Each having their own place in the vast depth of cyberspace. Others are shining so brightly while some have just began its life. iBlog has been an annual event for new and established bloggers in the Philippines to cross paths to share and learn from each other about blogging. Whether you are a personal, photo, family-oriented, music, money making, general, entertainment, literary blogger etc. iBlog will help you get acquainted and become an effective blogger based on the category of your blog.



Join the iBlog: The 6th Philippine Blogging Summit for two days this April 16 and 17, 2010 at the Malcolm Theater, UP College of Law, UP Diliman, from 8 am to 5 pm. Registration is free. All you need to worry now is the transportation and managing your schedule for any/both of the two day learning summit. Listen from fellow established bloggers as they share the different aspects and responsibilities of blogging in this age of information and technology.

To register and learn more about the key speakers for the two-day event you can visit iBlog's Official Website here:



iBlog: The 6th Philippine Blogging Summit
http://iblogph.org/

This would also be my first iBlog Summit experience so I am really excited to enhance and develop my skills and knowledge in Blogging. I wasn't able to atend the 5th Philippine Blogging Summit because of some issues but this year yours truly would be on both the events. So hope to see you guys there!

I think it is the right time to make contact cards. Numninumninum

A Once in a Lifetime 999 Blog: CMABLOGS.COM - New Name for Life On A Pencil

September 09, 2009 (Wednesday) - This is a very special blog post because for some reasons. Well, this is posted on one of those once in a lifetime dates... the 9th day of the 9th month (September) of the 9th year since the millennium (2009) simply A Lucky 9.

What better way to celebrate this momentous date than to acquire a new URL name or address for my beloved personal and events coverage blog Life On A Pencil. Life On A Pencil now turns to CMABLOGS. Yep! You can now reach my blog via...



www.cmablogs.com

So why CMABLOGS.com?

If you don't know yet my very first blog dates back as early as 2007, and that is CMAQUEST which is my infotainment and magazine blog. CMAQUEST's name came from my Initials, Christopher M. Aquino and my Quest. That time I was just started blogging and it generally is a personal blog but after some personal issues I left that blog but the "call of blogging" was inevitable and so with a new found spirit I made Life On A Pencil back at 2008. This is where the real challenge began, maintaining a personal blog and an entertainment blog while I was studying back in college. We don't even have our very own computer that time, so I have to go to an Internet Cafe just to blog.

Fast-forward that to today, I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a home-based internet job and have (I guess) established myself as a good (that's one better way to put it) blogger. I have finally bought and gave CMAQUEST its own domain name and I promised myself that not long enough Life On A Pencil will soon follow. Finally the right time has come.



www.cmaquest.com

There are two reasons why I consider September 09, 2009 lucky. Well, the first one is like what I said earlier (the 9-9-9 thing), and the second is that two of my blogs can finally be easily accessed through their new (hopefully "catchy") shortened URLs of CMAQUEST.COM and CMABLOGS.

This is just one of those milestone but not necessarily mean the end.
Expect more blogging from yourstruly, C.M.A. a.k.a. Chris A..
For we've only just begun...



Hahaha sorry can't help but to play this song after that last statement. Featuring The Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun". Makes me also recall the 1408 horror movie.

Connect To The World from SM: An SM City Bacoor Bloggers Event and WiFi Testing Experience

A little while ago August 30, 2009 (Sunday) I attended the SM Foodcourt's Bloggers Event and WiFi Testing at SM City Bacoor, just some 30-45 minute ride from my hometown of Dasmariñas, Cavite. This is my first WiFi testing events because usually I don't have any WiFi enabled device but this time I brought one.



SM City Bacoor in Cavite is one of the busiest SM SuperMalls in the region as it is located between the Province of Cavite and Metro Manila. It has continuously proven through the years that it is a great place for everyone: shoppers, couples, friends, and families. Now to add up to their many services, a free WiFi internet connection can now be experience at SM City Bacoor.



When Azrael arrived we proceeded at the Lower Ground Floor, SM City Bacoor's Foodcourt to register and join the WiFi testing participants and bloggers. What welcomed us is a buffet table of epic proportions...



See what I mean?





We accompanied a group of bloggers on the table after we filled up the registration sheets and ready our wifi testing arsenals...





I used the Sony Play Station Pocket (PSP) to access the WIFI connection but the connection is a bit slow, probably because of the distance from the main WiFi Source but noticing how Azrael's internet connection is doing I think the WiFi connection is good, you just have to position yourself at the right area.

Later, the kind people from SM Bacoor told us that the food is already up for grabs and we can now try SM City Bacoor's Foodcourt Cuisines which we did...









And I thought the event was about the free WiFi Testing event only. As how things look like back then it turned out to be a food tasting blog event by SM City Bacoor featuring SM City FoodCourt Establishment's Best of the Best



After taking photos of those already filling to the eyes cuisines, we finally decided to dig in on each of the SM City Bacoor FoodCourt's Best Cuisnes.



I would like to thank and recommend the SM City Bacoor FoodCourt Tenants who shared their dishes with us. Do patronize SM FoodCourt's Food Establishments: Lydia's Lechon, ISDA, GotoKing, Kamay Kainan, Smokin Hot, Inihaw Express, Kusina ni Gracia, Oriental Bowl, SeaFood Grill, Baliwag Lechon, Hen Lin, Bibingkinitan, Shawarma, and MegaMelt.

Food after food came in from the different tenants of SM FoodCourt. I've never been served with so many dishes in my life and as much as I would like to taste them I have to pass. Maybe next time, SM FoodCourt and with the new free WiFi Internet connection guess I would really like to dine there often (whenever I am at SM City Bacoor that is).



A best blog contest about the SM City Bacoor Bloggers Event and a raffle for those lucky participants was announced after the meal. What is up for grabs for the best blogs and raffles are:





After almost an hour of blogging the SM City Marketing Team checked the bloggers who are the candidate for the best blogpost of the day. Here is Lace, who later arrived after us, together with her sister. Catch her blogging at http://suzakulace.blogspot.com.



The raffle was then held and luckily we won a couple of prizes like...



Me, Chris A. who won a Aim Global "Liven" Coffee at the SM City Bacoor Bloggers Event



Az also won a box of Liven Be Alive with Nature Coffee. We have tried the coffee earlier and we can say that it tastes good and did I say it is healthy? Yes, it is!



It is time to brush up and improve my basic knowledge on Microsoft Office Application for I've won a 12-Hour Scholarship Microsoft iCafe eLearning Portal Program.






Lace and Paola (Hope I got her name right) won the best blogs of the day and each receiving a new cellular phone. I forgot to take the pictures of the rest of the winners guess I'll pass the ball to Az who took more photos than I did.

For more photos you can check my Facebook Photo album and Photo Coverage here:

SM Bacoor Bloggers Event and WiFi Testing in Bacoor

You can also check the blogs of the rest of the participants whom I asked earlier:

http://derickcreme.wordpress.com
http://lizacastronuevo.blogspot.com
http://akosikuyamarlon.blogspot.com
http://pagkakaisa.blogspot.com
http://dadersss.blogspot.com
http://lhaine01.blogspot.com
http://paola-silverlining.blogspot.com