Empress Of Drac, A Cebuana Blogger

Last Thursday, I attended the VIP and Media Launching of Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 at Northwing Atrium, SM City Cebu.  The event was held in celebration of Havaianas’ 5th year of chic and colorful flip-flop customization.

When I received the invitation from the organizers few days before the event, I immediately told them that I can’t attend because I’m still in the office until 6PM (the event will start at 4PM).  Fortunately, they told me that it’s not a problem because the event will run until 8PM.  But, I was still doubting because I hate to be late when it comes to attending events or gatherings.  Being tardy is not just my thing.  I was just convinced to attend when all my co-CBS members who were also being invited were all sure that they will go.

Well, when I arrived at the venue (it was around 6:30PM), I was a bit confused of the event’s set-up.  I thought there will be some party or something, then it dawned on me that we were being invited to actually experience the process of customizing our own pair of slippers.

I saw a few of my CBS colleagues lining up in the Havaianas booth already checking out their customized pairs. And unexpectedly, for the very first time, I experienced the fun of customizing my flip-flops.

I chose the white MYOH 5 limited edition for my pair of soles and a pair of gray straps with a “glow in the dark” logo.  I then picked up the turtle and star pins to adorn the upper straps of my slippers.  And, voila!  My very first pair of Havaianas was born.  LOL!  Thanks a lot to Havaianas! (:

Photo Credits: Jorich Ponio and Michael Sinjin Pineda

Do you know that Havaianas became popular worldwide in 1998 after the the company customized a style of sandals for the World Cup that featured the Brazilian flag?  Havaianas is a Brazilian brand of slip slaps that has been around since 1962.  These flip-flops became wildly popular in the United States because lots of Hollywood celebrities were spotted wearing them.  The company’s famous slogan “Havaianas. The Real Ones.” was created to knock-out other companies who tried to imitate their brand styles.

MAKE YOUR OWN HAVAIANAS TURNS 5

It is time again for the fashion event anticipated by all fashionistas and stylistas. Havaianas, the world’s favorite flip flops brand, is celebrating its 5th year of offering Filipinos the chance to add personalized color and style to their lives—and their happy soles.

Havaianas, the first flip flops brand to offer pair customization in the country, holds its 5th annual Make Your Own Havaianas event at SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium from July 30 to August 2, 2010. In honor of this landmark anniversary, Havaianas aims to make this fashion event bigger, better and brighter than ever.

“We always endeavor to improve Make Your Own Havaianas every year” says Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. “This year, though, we can really say that we’re going all out. We’re celebrating the 5th installation of this trademark event in honor of all the Havaianaticos that show

Make Your Own Havaianas 2010 is the perfect venue to unleash your creativity and let your imagination go wild. Aside from the extensive color palette of Top and Slim soles and straps, Havaianas fans can choose from stylish new options—from silver letter pins and crystal studded pins to jelly, fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark Top straps.

True blue Havaianaticos (those obsessed with these comfy and stylish flip flops) can select a Philippine-designed MYOH commemorative sole and pin as mementos of this historic event. With all these options, you’ll never run out of creative ideas for your own personal version of the word’s favorite flip flops.
So head over to SM City Cebu Northwing Atrium from July 30-August 2, 2010 and Make Your Own Havaianas.

Reference: Answers.com

At first glance, the thought of initiating a worldwide event is like a vagary.  People are raising their eyebrows, some are pessimistic, and some don’t even give a deal.  The main point here is that, we successfully initiated something which would result to a global impact later on.  We don’t need to expect a lot because this is the first, and though we have some failures, we surely can learn from it.

I wanted to congratulate Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. for successfully launching the very first World Bloggers’ Day event at Parkmall Cebu just a while ago.  It’s actually the very first time that all blogging communities around the Philippines made representations for each group.

The event started with an Invocation led by Willand Cuna (CBS member), followed by a welcome address by Miss Ma. Carla Estella, PR Officer of Parkmall, Cebu.  This was followed by the presentation of the blogging communities from around the Phillippines by Mark Monta, founder of Cebu Bloggers Society Inc..  Three blogging communities sent in their presentations: Manila Bloggers’ Network (headed by Azrael Coladilla), SOCKSARGEN Bloggers (headed by Avel Mananzala), and Davao Bloggers (headed by Ria Jose).  And, of course, Cebu Bloggers Society Inc. had also presented a short AVP about their organization.

After the blogging community presentations, Mark Monta presented the newly elected CBSI officers to the public.  The following are Cebu Bloggers Society Inc.’s newly elected officers.

President - Vernon Joseph Go
VP for Content Management - Michelle Louise Maglasang
VP for Corporate Affairs - Agnes E. Jimenez
VP for Education - Jerry Gervacio
VP for Marketing - Michael Sinjin Pineda
VP Membership - Clarence Andrew Mongado
VP for Ways and Means - Mark Monta
Treasurer - Bryan Karl Yuson
Secretary - Wilhelmina Sarawi
Auditor - Jorich Ponio
BOTs for Special Projects
- Gerrymie Tampus
- Guada Conception Esmena
- Mark Alessandrew Abitona
- Prince Ryan Gilig
- Ruben Licera Jr.
Ombudsman/Legal Counsel - Atty. Ethelbert Ouano

The presentation of officers was then followed by the unveiling of Parkmall’s monthly blogging contest.  Agnes Jimenez, the Events Coordinator, presented the contest’s guideline and mechanics.  This blogging competition is open to all Cebu-based bloggers.

The bloggers then enjoyed a sumptuous dinner prepared by Parkmall’s best food tenants.  The event ended with the awarding of the blogger of the day, the one with the best cast-away outfit, and a closing remark by CBSI’s new president, Mr. Vernon Joseph Go.

A lot of raffle prizes were also given during the event.  By the way, Ricky dela Cruz of Rabsing.com, won the best cast-away outfit contest.  Atty. Ethelbert Ouano and Doyzkie Buenaviajie were the men of the event (emcees).  Thanks a lot to Parkmall’s Marketing Team, headed by Madam Judith Letty Sellner for the major support and sponsorship.

N.B.: Before ending this post, I would also want to give special thanks to the special team behind World Bloggers’ Day’s online launching.

Graphics and Design - Jim Villaflores
Press Release - Bert Padilla
Post & RSVP - Michelle Louise Maglasang
Article - Milafel Hope Dacanay
Wikipedia Release - Jerry Gervacio (to be published later)
Others - Mark Monta, Agnes Jimenez

Photos will follow later.

Can’t get enough of summer?  Here’s another summer event that would surely get you wild and wet.  PARADISO: The Ultimate Summer Kick-off and Outdoor Dance Party.  This ass-kicking summer gig will be happening this  17th of April at Tambuli Resorts- East Wing, Mactan, Cebu.  Gates will be open by 1PM and the party will start from 3PM onwards.  There will be a Sunset Chill-out Session, BBQ Party, VIP Area, Activity Booths, a Visual Show Arts by 9PM, and a lot more.  Invite your friends now and get get ready to rock your summer!

PARADISO is summer’s ultimate outdoor and dance party. Last year, Paradiso 2009 set the standard. This year, don’t miss out as we raise the standard higher. We are kicking-off the beginning of summer this April 17, 2010 (Saturday) at the Tambuli Resorts-East Wing.

Feel the vibe and bring out the energy of Cebu’s clubbing scene to the beautiful shores of Mactan with the mixes of Encore and Natural Born Klubbers’ BOMBI “The Bomb” Balquiedra, Manolet Dario and Chico Cristobal on live guitars and Fusion recordings and The Suite’s FUNK AVY. Let loose to the mixes of Cebu’s own Lady DJ Nikki Taylor and VUDU’s resident DJs Maxie Perez and Marlon Orellano, with live tribal beats by DJ LEANDRO ZAYCO and The Patiqueros featuring the Hutaru Flare Troupe.

PARADISO beckons the collective vibes of beach and partygoers. Brace yourselves for massive sound, lighting and visual effects. Allow your senses to be captivated by a visual show that will embark you on an epic journey into a higher dimension. Be there and ascend to the island’s ultimate beach and dance event

PARADISO is presented to you by PLDT myDSL Beyond Broadband. In cooperation with Tambuli Beach Resort, Cebu Beach Club, Metrografix,Sunstar Daily,Sarmeinto Construction, San Miguel Corporation and Department of Tourism. Also brought to you by Y101-Always First, Havaianas, Proctor & Gamble , Nescafe, Nestea Fit, Island Souvenirs and Island Banca Cruises. And in part with Ila Puti, Cebu Central.Com, Kumpara 63.com. This event is powered by A. Salonga. For inquiries and ticket reservations, email paradisoevents@gmail.com or contact 0932.779.8689 or 0915.438.7351.

What is PLDT myDSL Overdrive?

• It is a series of events which includes a speedster bus roaming around the country.  Its main aim is to go beyond broadband.

What is inside the speedster bus?

• Unlimited broadband connection thru netbook and lappy terminals.  (Cool!!)

Inside the Speedster Bus

What are these series of Events?

• March 24, 2010 - Overdrive 2010 officially kicked off with the arrival of a newly decked out Speedster bus roaming the streets of Talisay, Mabolo, Mandaue and Mactan.
• March 27, 2010 - myDSL crew hit PC shops in SM City Cebu for raid upgrade.
• March 28, 2010 - Groundbreaking partnership with local cable channel RCTV in a free event dubbed LIVE and LOUD at Parkmall Grounds.
• April 11, 2010 - Speed Circuit Car Drifting Exhibition.  See the hottest rides at the SM Northwing Open Parking area.

Diva Montelaba of Starstuck 5, one of the launching’s guest

Photo Credit: Jose Farrugia

Vice Mayor Rama assisting the handing ceremony

Globe WiMAX brought good news to 6 Cebu City Elementary Schools yesterday, during the handing ceremony held in Zapatera Elementary School.  Along with Vice Mayor Rama, Globe handed a year contract of free Wi-fi connection to Banilad Elementary School, Bario Luz Elementary School, Kamputhaw Elementary School, Lahug Elementary School and Zapatera Elementary School.

This event is carried out thru Globe’s ISP (Internet in Schools Program), which is a part of their vision to become a leader in ICT for education.  This program is the major education initiatives of Globe utilizing Globe Broadband to provide free internet for one year to applicable public schools all over the country.

Public schools which have wireless internet connection through WiMAX will have easy access to a wide range of information useful in enhancing the learning process.  However, Vice Mayor Rama warned that the students’ access must be limited to educational websites only.   Browsing adult and illegal websites are prohibited.

About WiMAX

WiMAX is the newest and cutting-edge wireless broadband technology offering by Globe.  WiMAX has improved reach versus other wireless technologies as WiMAX covers greater distances and is 33% faster and 25% more affordable than other broadband providers.

Catch one of Cebu’s most talented singer and songwriter, Cattski Espina, in her 10th anniversary concert dubbed as “Cattski 10” this 20th of March at the Outpost.  She will be performing along with other famous local bands and musicians like SHIELA & THE INSECTS, JUDE GITAMONDOC & Friends, HASTANG, LUI CASTILLO and 22 Tango Artists ZAFRA and UNDERCOVER GRASSHOPPERS.

In this concert, Cattski Espina will be launching her first album for 2010 which is dubbed as TEN.  It’s composed of her most memorable songs from her previous four albums. The main purpose of this is to acknowledge her 10-year contribution to Cebu’s local music scene.  This album release also aims to promote her tracks online.

Cattski Espina is the vocalist of the popular Cebu band “Cattski” which has been around the local music scene since 2000.  The band has already produced four albums: CATTSKI EP, VACUUM MY INSIDE, SOUND MINDS SPEAK VOLUMES, and KISMET The Singles.  Other band members include Anne Muntuerto (guitars) and  Junnell Codilla (drum).  You can listen to  Cattski’s songs and music videos in the following websites.

http://www.reverbnation.com/cattskimusic
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CATTSKI/61804610273?ref=mf
http://cattskisings.multiply.com/

Cattski also maintains the following blogs.

http://cattski.blogspot.com/
http://cattski.tumblr.com/

Are you one of those Google fanatics who always miss the chance of attending their conferences and events because most of them were held in Manila or outside the country?  Well, now is your chance to catch up with the biggest search engine in the world.

Google Japan will be sending their Software Engineer, Dan Cedric Delima here in Cebu to lead an innovation forum entitled, “ Inspiring Innovation: the Google Way”  on Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Conference Hall, Library Building, UP Visayas Cebu College.

The whole day event will begin with talks in the morning which will feature developments in open source, Google maps  and their applications. An award for the best Google application will be given in the afternoon following a DevCon Hackathon.

This Innovation forum was organized  by  Google, UPV Cebu DOST Technology Business Incubator , GTUG – Cebu, Developers Connect (DevCon), Philippine Emerging Start-Ups Open (PESO), Brain Gain Network (BGN) and the Ayala Technology Business Incubator (AyalaTBI). The Innovation Forum is one of the regular tech forums that AyalaTBI holds in Makati and regional centers in the country with partners. It has been running since 2007.

The event is free.  Interested participants may call  232 49995 for details.

Do you want be FAMOUS? Do you want to join the ranks of Rhian Ramos and other famous celebrities?  Are you 16 to 20 of age?  If your answers are all yes, then it’s your time to shine!  Join The Search for the PLDT myDSL WatchPad Crew Auditions in Cebu.  Check the following guidelines and announcements for more details.

This exhilarating journey begins with the question “Why should we pick you to be a part of the Watchpad crew?”

Answer this in a 2-3 minute video, and you might just be one of the ten finalists that will be chosen from all over the Philippines.

Application forms and live auditions booths will be set up at the following venues:

March 2 & 3, 2010
Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

March 4, 12 & 20, 2010
VUDU at the Crossroads on from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

March 6, 2010
The University of Cebu (Banilad), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

March 11, 2010
Bigfoot Mactan, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Qualifications:

* 16-20 years old
* currently enrolled for the school year 2010
* passionate about making a difference
* articulate in English and Filipino
* net savvy and shares a passion for music, fashion, fitness, film and technology

Prizes: The 5 winners will each get

* a laptop with free one-year myDSL subscription
* a chance to be part of WatchPad events, campaigns and ads
* P100,000 in cash.

The ten WatchPad Crew finalists will be unveiled and subject to online voting on April 26.  The top five with the most votes will be the newest members joining the ranks of Rhian Ramos, champion drifter Alex Perez, Isabel Oli, Gino de la Peña, Viktor Aliwalas and Steph Henares. The five new WatchPad Crew members will each win a laptop with free one-year myDSL subscription, a chance to be part of WatchPad events, campaigns and ads and P100, 000 in cash. Deadline for uploading videos directly on the WatchPad site should you wish to use this option is on April 15.

Be famous for all the right reasons and be a part of the coolest crew in town with PLDT myDSL WatchPad. Spread the word to all Cebuanos and grab the chance to possibly represent Cebu.  For more details, go to www.PldtWatchpad.com.

PLDT myDSL Watchpad, the country’s pioneering internet TV, just keeps on getting bigger and better. PLDT myDSL subscribers can now experience internet TV viewing at its best and the hottest shows from 18 free channels to choose from on their DSL-powered PCs, some of which are not available on local Cebu cable: Channel [V], CNN, National Geographic, E!, PBO, CNBC, Cartoon Network, Animax, History, The Biography Channel, Crime and Investigation, Living Asia, RCTV, Go, Splash, Smart Shopping, TBN-Word and myView.