Empress Of Drac, A Cebuana Blogger

The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry reveals the top 23 micro-entrepreneurs for the search of Women In Need, Now Entrepreneurs and Role models (W.I.N.N.E.R.S) last July 23, 2011 at St. Theresa’s College Campus.  These 23 micro-entrepreneurs were selected from 72 candidates, each representing a barangay in the City of Mandaue.  Below is the list of extraordinary women who have risen from poverty and became role models in our society.

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The search for W.I.N.N.E.Rs (Women In Need, Now Entrepreneurs and Role models) aims to recognize women micro-entrepreneurs from Mandaue City who are supporting their families and are struggling to rise from poverty through their small business ventures.

The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the local government of Mandaue City opens this search for the model women entrepreneurs whose stories of courage perseverance and creativity will inspire other women to be empowered.  Read here for more details about WINNERs.

Though blogging has already made a significant mark here in Cebu, there are still some niches that Cebuano bloggers haven’t explored yet.  One of this niches is political blogging.

In my estimate, there are already hundreds of bloggers all over Cebu but the ones who focus on political writing can only be counted by my fingers.  Most Cebuano bloggers are focused on writing about events, businesses, foods, travels, lifestyle & leisures and the likes.  It seems like Cebuanos are not that interested in blogging about local politics.  Is it because of our laid back lifestyle or it’s just that most of us are not inclined to politics?

The Filipino Blogosphere: Political Expression, Communication, and Participation after the forum photo

Last 5th of March, Miss Mary Grace P. Mirandilla-Santos, a researcher from SIRCA (Strengthening ICTD Research Capacity in Asia) shared the result of her research and study about the A-List Filipino Political Bloggers and their Readers in a 3-hour forum attended by local media and members of Cebu Bloggers’ Society, Inc..  Her study reveals that Filipino Political bloggers are mostly males with ages ranging from 25 to 34 y/o, based in Metro Manila, college educated, employed with high income, veteran internet users, and have broadband internet connection both at home and at work.  These findings show that political blogging is not rampant here in Cebu or in any other parts of the Philippines.

Political blogging may not be rampant here in Cebu but we do have significant and extremely influential political bloggers here.  They are Mr. Jerry Gervacio of Ambot Lang and Kevin Ray Chua of Mar Roxas for 2010.  I know them personally because they are my colleagues in CBSi, an organization of premier bloggers all over Cebu.  Sir Jerry’s and Kevin’s blogs can become a blueprint or inspiration for all Cebuanos who are planning to start a political blog.

Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., in partnership of Be! Experiential Trainings & Exist Global, will hold a series of group development sessions and trainings for CBSi members scheduled on March 19 & 26 and April 16 & 23, 6:30PM to 9:30PM.  This series of group sessions will be held in TechBar, G/F i1 Building Asiatown IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City.

Mr. Thaddeau Y. Engaling II, Cebu’s group development & training expert and the head of Be! Experiential Trainings, is the main facilitator during all the group sessions.  Be! Experiential Trainings is composed of training and development facilitators bonded by a shared passion for facilitating corporate team building services utilizing fun-filled, adventure-based experiential learning activities as a medium.

TechBar, Cebu’s newest gathering venue for IT and business related activities and discussions, is the main venue for all scheduled sessions.  TechBar is owned by Exist Global, an international software development company.

These group sessions is part of CBSi’s team development strategy for the year 2011.  CBSi is not only focused in promoting Cebu through blogs but is also dedicated in enhancing its members skills and capacities.

Have you noticed that of all foreign people who live, conquer, and settle down here in the Philippines only the Chinese has remained, has kept their roots, and has truly “conquered” the country?

The Chinese people have traded with and settled in the Philippines thousands of years before the Westerners discovered the archipelago.  They considered the Philippines one of the golden lands far to the south.  In Cebu, most of the Chinese settlers are traders.  It is noted that they made a big community located north of Fort San Pedro (within the district of Parian) in the early 16th century.  They lived primarily through the trade they conducted while traversing the length of the Parian estero.

Today, the country’s richest and most established business man is a Chinese - Mr. Henry Sy, one of the world’s multi-billionaires, owner of SM Malls.

The Very First Cebu Chinese New Year Festival

Xin Nian, the first Annual Cebu Chinese New Year Festival was held last February 5, 2011 at the Ayala Center Terraces.  It was a festive celebration of Chinese food and culture highlighted by colorful presentations featuring authentic Chinese dynasty era costumes and fashion show.

All Cebuanos and people who watched and participated in the celebration were greeted by the mesmerizing live performances of the auspicious lion dance and ribbon dancing.   Authentic and exotic Chinese delicacies and street foods were scattered everywhere prepared by the finest chef and cooks from various participating hotels and restaurants all over Cebu.

Xin Nian is set to be a yearly event to highlight the Chinese New Year. It is the first project under CCTC’s (Cebu City Tourism Commission) “What’s New in Old Cebu” campaign, a drive to introduce new events to the city to further encourage and attract local and foreign tourists to visit Cebu. (Event Photos to follow.)

Cebu Bloggers Society Inc., in partnership with TechJobs.ph and SM City Cebu, and in participation of the Bethany band, had successfully held their very first Christmas Gift Giving & Caroling Outreach last 19th of December 2010 at Duljo Fatima, Cebu City.  Forty-seven homeless families received gift bags and were serenade with beautiful Christmas carols.

Forty-seven families enjoyed the short Christmas activity initiated by the Corporate Affairs Committee of CBSi.  These families were carefully selected by the local DSWD according to their economic status (poorest of the poor). And although there were only a few members who extended their help during the actual event, a lot of volunteers came from TechJobs.ph, the newest job portal in the Philippines.

The Bethany, a fast-rising band in Cebu, made the Christmas outreach livelier by serenading the families with heart-warming and jolly Christmas songs.  Some of the attendees even danced and sang while Luis, the band’s vox, effortlessly entertained the whole crowd.

The CBSi’s Corporate Affairs Committee would like to thank the following for the very successful Christmas Outreach.

Major Sponsors are TechJobs, SM City Cebu, and in partnership with the Bethany band.

Blog Sponsors: Janmck Hilado, Bert Padilla, Rodel Lagahit, Orville Tadle, Aika Baylon, Milafel Hope, Mark Abitona, Ruben Licera, & McBilly Sy.

Photo Credit: Coolots. (: