Once I was in the office abroad a colleague of mine approached me and showed me the newspaper. The headline was about bombing somewhere in Mindanao. She asked me if it was that way always in our country. I quickly dispelled her view about Mindanao and I even said I really wanted to live in Davao (that's true!).
That incident made me sad. It also made me remember another colleague's story about his homeland, Pakistan. It was a very similar story. It's a PR nightmare for people who live there. Why? Because with the negative opinion about the region they won't be able to encourage tourists to go, much less invest. And one needs investments for progress.
I've been going to the Visayas and Mindanao region often in the past 5 years and from my observation, the Visayas region (specifically Cebu) has grown by leaps and bounds. There's been change in the Mindanao region (specifically Davao), but not as fast as what I've seen in Cebu. I'm basing this on construction growth because it's the most obvious one to observe.
I went to Davao and GenSan last weekend for the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit. I eagerly said yes to Avel when he sent me the invitation. I love going to Mindanao because it's so different there. Everybody's open, friendly and accommodating. I told Arbet while we were chatting during MBS that Mindanao bloggers are definitely more pro-active than their counterparts anywhere else. Why? Because they have limited resources and as Mayor Acharon said, "We have to be more resilient."
I have no doubt that the bloggers who attended the Mindanao Bloggers Summit would definitely help in changing the mindset of people about their region. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen.
And if you have not visited the region, you should! Here are some video blogs I did about Davao and GenSan.
More details about the trip at LakwatseraAko (Davao and Gensan)
I started writing when I was 8. My mom got me a journal where I could rant (prob so I won't be an annoying brat). I stopped writing for 8 years until the pen and then later on the keyboard called on me again. I blog because I like writing and that's just about it. Hope you get inspired though... Bite the apple!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Updates: Clear Black Night Halloween Party
Hey, hey the party's tomorrow and the organizers just wanted to sound off a few things:
1. You don't need the physical invitation to attend, this was just sent to those who registered early. Registration closes before midnight on October 30 to allow the organizers (and cooks!) to prepare for the party.
2. Wear sexy black. Black top and jeans is okay, but make sure you feel sexy!
3. The party starts at 7 p.m. and will last till the wee hours of the morning.
4. Don't forget to bring your camera! A little bird told me that some Miss Earth candidates will be attending the party.
Clear sent a teaser about the blog contest, mechanics are here.
1. You don't need the physical invitation to attend, this was just sent to those who registered early. Registration closes before midnight on October 30 to allow the organizers (and cooks!) to prepare for the party.
2. Wear sexy black. Black top and jeans is okay, but make sure you feel sexy!
3. The party starts at 7 p.m. and will last till the wee hours of the morning.
4. Don't forget to bring your camera! A little bird told me that some Miss Earth candidates will be attending the party.
Clear sent a teaser about the blog contest, mechanics are here.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
What's Wrong With these Photos?
Took this photo at the airport the other day, there's something off with it... check it out -
And I took this photo at GenSan when we arrived the other night... hmmm...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Meeting Forrest Gump
I had a fabulous time at Bubba Gump the other day. We came in a bit late and saw this guy looking a lot like Forrest Gump talking to bloggers.
I was baffled.
Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies and I watch it often on cable TV when it shows (and I still cry a bit each and every time during sad parts), so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw him at Bubba Gump. Is Forrest Gump for real?
Nah, the guy was Steve Weber, a motivational speaker based in the US. He visited Manila to promote Bubba Gump and their new menu which we managed to sample. Here's some of their new stuff -
Spicy Jambalaya Pasta - Shrimp and Spicy Andouille Sausage over Linguini with Bourbon Street Tomato Sauce (uber hot pasta that got the guys sweating! LOL)
That Chocolate Thing - A special jar of warm flourless chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, drizzled with raspberry sauce (it looked really sinful so I just tried a small piece)
I also loved the fresh green salad with special salad sauce (I don't remember though what it was, but it was really yummy).
And guess what, I finally won something from Cebu Pacific's in-flight game because of Forrest Gump! They made passengers guess a line from a movie and I won because of Forrest Gump! LOL.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Mindanao Bloggers Summit (Year 2)
I was looking over the activities for the Mindanao Bloggers Summit and whoa they actually have a SASHIMI NIGHT!!! Why? Coz they're doing it this year at the tuna capital of the Philippines -- General Santos City! (BTW, that's also where our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao, hails from).
I'm definitely NOT missing it this year! And I'm very excited to be part of the event! Woohoo!
See you guys there!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Aiza, a Funny Man and West Side Story
I tagged along with Sweetie for a couple of music events in the past few weeks.
1. Aiza Seguerra's launch of her international album, "Open Arms" at Eastwood. The album was recorded in Singapore and remastered in Japan and has been launched in a couple of Asian countries. Great album to buy since Aiza rendered a number of great hits as an acoustic version.
2. West Side Story. I thought I'd never get to watch West Side Story since it was already on the last weekend of its run, but lo and behold the Sweetie managed to get us tickets! West Side Story is one of my Mom's favorites and she always used to watch the film (on VHS) when I was a kid. And who can forget "One Hand, One Heart", an all-time favorite wedding song that our choir sings? And "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere"? I was in heaven the whole play especially since it was Joann Ampil who played Maria. And "Tony" was indeed a role made for Christian Bautista.
Oh and after watching West Side Story I bought a copy of "Kumpas", an orchestral celebration of Pinoy Rock music. The main reason why I got it was because Ely Buendia was featured for the 7-minute orchestra version of "Ang Huling El Bimbo".
3. I also got to watch Vhong Navarro and the Streetboys perform live during the launch of their album entitled "Let's Dance", a dancexercise instructional audio-video CD. I must say that dancing is one talent I do not have! BUT it's exercise that I need and after watching the Streetboys teach some veteran reporters do the "Hustle" I think maybe, maybe I can manage module 1 with Miguel (with doors locked `kay!).
And a super belated post about MYMP.
After a long-hiatus, MYMP finally launched their newest album, "Now". They mentioned during the interview that this album had more of a "country feel" and "Now" is n original song penned by one of their friends.
And looking at my CD-cabinet I could proudly proclaim that I have all of the albums of MYMP heh.
And since we're talking about OPM, I hope you guys can also check out "Scholars Sing Cayabyab". Bugoy's song, "Paano Na Kaya" is very sincere and he rendered it really, really well. I hope my neighbor doesn't mind that I usually leave the song playing again and again the whole day. (I wonder where I'll get the chance to have a photo-opp with Bugoy).
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Bloggers Night Out with Pantene
It was another fun night as bloggers converged once again at Taste Asia to take a peek at Pantene's newet product, the "3 Minute Miracle Treatment". The event started with a showcase on how the product works and Emilyn, a blogger, took the 3-minute challenge. The treatment is supposed to help repair damaged hair in just three minutes. (I'll probably try it out tomorrow since I have BHDs more often than not! LOL). Anyway, when Emilyn came back her hair looked really great (I wish my hair could be tamed just as easily).
The evening's highlight was Judy Ann's visit. Bloggers lined up outside to await her arrival and everyone had their cameras and phones up when she was onstage. The last time I saw her in person was back in college and I must say she looks really, really great! After Judy Ann's visit we just all sat back and listened to RJ Jimenez render his hits and some covers.
Thanks to Procter & Gamble, Pantene, Taste Asia and SM Hypermarket for hosting another party for bloggers!
Blog Posts:
Photos:
Pre-event Posts:
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