Empress Of Drac, A Cebuana Blogger

More than 1,500 Cebuanos joined in the 7th annual Moonwalk: A Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) last Oct. 23.

Under a full moon, the participants walked from Cebu Business Park to Asiatown I.T. Park (AITP) where a short program was held.

Moonwalk was organized in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The event registered 1,354 participants. RAFI estimated at least 300 more participants who came in late during the assembly time and who were already waiting at the venue for the program but failed to properly register.

Participants of Moonwalk came from different walks of life. They include cancer patients, cancer survivors, students, members of cancer support groups, representatives of private companies, representatives of local government units and government agencies, and members of gay rights groups.

“In this Moonwalk, we are not just walking. We are walking our way to wellness,” Ronald delos Reyes, program coordinator of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of RAFI, said.

Breast cancer, which is characterized by an abnormal growth of breast cells, is most common in women ages 30 to 59. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Cebuano women, based on the Cebu population-based Cancer Registry of RAFI.

From 1993 to 2007, EJACC recorded a total of 3,005 reported breast cancer cases in Metro Cebu. EJACC found a continuous increase of breast cancer incidence in Metro Cebu over the past 10 years, caused by lifestyle and health-related factors.

Delos Reyes urged women aged 20 and above to conduct monthly self-breast examination, preferably five to 10 days after their menstrual period. He also advised yearly clinical breast examination for women aged 40 and above and annual mammogram for women aged 50 or earlier for women who have family history of breast cancer.

“Breast cancer affects anyone, but we can do something about it,” he said.

During the program, Mary Ann Alcordo-Solomon, a breast cancer survivor and Cebu Coordinator of cancer support network I CAN SERVE Foundation said that all cancer support groups are one in promoting awareness on breast cancer to Cebuano women.

The major partner for Moonwalk was The Walk in AITP. The event was also supported by other various groups and institutions, including Ayala Center Cebu, AITP, Cebu Business Park, Department of Health-Center for Health Development Regional Office 7, Destiny Medical Fund, Cebu City Government, Cancer Care Network of Cebu, Rotary Club of Fuente, Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente-Comm. based, Philippine Society of Medical Oncologists, Kahayag Network of Cancer Support Group, Cebu Cancer Fight, Cebu Breast Association, CAN with God, I CAN SERVE Foundation, and KALIPI Federation.

The Moonwalk is one of the programs under RAFI’s Integrated Development focus area, one of the five key areas in RAFI’s comprehensive approach to elevating lives and communities. Its other focus areas are Leadership & Citizenship, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, and Education.

Who among us haven’t heard of Climate Change or Global Warming?  I think most of us are aware of this issue but, not surprisingly, a lot don’t really care that much.  This, is because most of us don’t see this problem as a direct threat that should be acted upon immediately.  And with this kind of thinking, we are slowly digging our own graves in the valley of death.

To spread awareness about this global dilemma, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation (RAFI) and Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), join hand in hand in restoring the Philippine’s biodiversity through the Generation, Redemption, and Expansion of the Natural Resources initiatives in the Philippines (GREENIN’ Philippines) Program of RAFI.

RAFI and CEAP signed their partnership agreement on September 24 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.  This, ended the week-long 2010 CEAP National Convention.  Present during the the signing were CEAP President Fr. Gregorio L. Banaga Jr. and RAFI board of Trustees Treasurer Mikel A. Aboitiz.

With this partnership, CEAP hopes that it would bring influence not only to the children of their schools but also their families and communities.  On the other hand, RAFI is optimistic that the partnerhsip with CEAP will help GREEIN’ Philippines in spreading national awareness that would enable them to replicate best practices in environmental protection throughout the country.

What is GREENIN’ Philippines?

The GREENIN’ Philippines Program seeks to develop, protect, enhance, and co-manage denuded forestlands, including bushlands and degraded residual natural forests.  It was formed as RAFI’s  way of contributing to the country’s commitment of achieving the seventh goal of the Millennium Development Goals, which is to ensure environmental sustainability by reversing the loss of natural resources.

For more information about the GREENIN’ Philippines Program, please contact Neil Papas at 418-7234 loc. 515.

Photo Credit: Vernon Joseph Go

A whopping 400K in cold cash is the estimated prize for each category winner of the 5th RAFI Triennial Awards which will be announced on March 2012.

During the Press Briefing for the results of nominations last 20th of August, 2010, RAFI announced that they received 262 nominations from Visayas and Mindanao for the RAFI Triennial Awards.  They received 128 nominations for Eduardo Aboitiz Award for Outstanding Institution and 134 nominations for Ramon Aboitiz Award for Exemplary Individual.

The press briefing highligted the award committee’s major activities to raise nominations from Visayas and Mindanao.  Strategic partners like 2GO, Sunstar Network Exchange, and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Cebu Chapter were also present during the event to show their support.  The award’s team had traveled 15 major cities in Visayas and Mindanao to garner competent nominees.  They were also being helped by the previous winners.  And, it was noted that most nominees are males and the highest number of nominees are from Region 6 and Region 9.

Before the end of this year, 10 semifinalists (5 nominess from each category) will be selected and will undergo intensive validation process for each location until the awarding date on March 2012.  In the final process, the top 5 finalist will become part of the Triennial Circle of Lauriats.  The finalists who will not win would still receive 100K each.

RAFI Triennial Awards Facts Sheet

• Launched on December 6, 1996 during the foundation’s 30th anniversary to commemorate Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son Don Eduardo Aboitiz whose efforts have expanded from that of traditional philantrophy into democracy-based and people-oriented endeavors.
• The RAFI Triennial Awards is conferred every three years to give ample time for the extensive screening and validation process of nominees.
• The RAFI Triennial Awards was established to recognize individuals and institutions who have committed themselves to building a more humane, equitable and caring society.
• The RAFI Triennial Awards honors those men, women and organizations who, through their efforts to bring about change and better the lives of the less-privileged, reflect the philanthropic, humanitarian and holistic ideals and values of the RAFI founders, Don Ramon Aboitiz and Don Eduardo Aboitiz.

Photo Credit: RAFI

This is my very first attempt in Video Blogging.  As part of Cebu Bloggers Society Inc.’s election coverage, I conducted a few interviews a while ago, asking feedback from voters about Election 2010.  This is the first video that I uploaded because the guy I interviewed has detailed answers.  I inserted a transcript in this video because there’s a feedback that the audio quality is not that good and also, the language is in Cebuano.

Aside from this video, you can still catch up the latest 2010 Election news by visiting our cebu bloggers homepage.  CBS members are also simulcasting from different social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, Plurk, and Yahoo to bring you the latest Election 2010 updates.  You can also follow me in Twitter to get the latest Election happenings from my point of view.

By the way, here’s the detailed transcript of the video above.

>>What can you say about Election 2010?
It’s not organized and it’s very crowded.
The past elections were more okay since you only have to go inside your precinct’s room and vote.
Now, you have to line up and get a priority number and wait.
>>Any feedback about the PCOS machine?
It’s okay.  Actually, this election is nice if each precinct has its own PCOS machine. 1 PCOS machine serves 5 precincts, the main reason of the delay in voting.
>>What is your overall rating for Election 2010?
Well, it’s okay but I cannot tell if all can cast their vote.  There are some people who plan not to vote anymore because of the slow process.
>>Can you now conclude that the election is cheat-free because it’s automated?
I think it’s difficult for someone to cheat because the ballots are inside the machine.
>>Okay.  Thanks.

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.

March 23, 2010 - Thakral Group announced its plan to expand their presence here in Cebu in the press conference held a while ago at Coral Room, Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City.  This Singapore-based multinational company intends to focus on the Southern market for its four IT subsidiaries, namely - Thakral Infotech, Technopaq, OrionElec and Raffles Solutions and Services.

During the press briefing,  Teddy Sumulong, Thakral’s General Manager, talks about the company’s high enthusiasm of the booming Cebu IT market.  He shares his vision and go-to-market strategy with the local IT media and industry bloggers.  He believes that the Philippine market, in general, have matured to a level of sophistication and understanding wherein the value and importance of information technology is no longer deemed as a peripheral but a critical component in order to operate and remain competitive.  Cebu and the other business districts within the region have similar level of maturity and goals to succeed within their respective markets.  Sumulong says the Thakral Group recognizes the tremendous opportunities of Cebu and its nearby cities can offer.

For a start, the Thakral Group will be hiring around 5 to 6 people as the pioneering staff in their distributing branch in the city.  They will also find strategic partner-resellers to distribute products from IT giants like EMC, IBM, Lenovo, and a lot more.

In Philippines alone, Thakral Group has already have 500 resellers.  The company has a 12-year experience as authorized distributor of IBM, Red Hat Linux, Oracle and Acer.

Corporate Profile

Founded in 1905, Thakral Group is one of Singapore’s largest homegrown conglomerates with operations spanning 35 countries and employing in excess of 10, 000 people worldwide.  While Thakral’s roots were in trading and textiles, the group has since forayed into electronics distribution, real estate, hotel establishments, manufacturing, IT and value-added consulting services.

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.

This coming May 2010, every Filipino will have their taste of the first ever automated election here in the Philippines.  This is a very significant milestone in our country’s history given those long years of tedious manual election process that not only gives burden to our teachers and volunteers, but has also left doubtful and questionable election results.

Through the PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan System) machine, an automatic counting of votes will take place.  This won’t only make the task of our teachers lighter, but would also lessen massive cheating during election.  But, before anything else, we must know first how reliable this automated system is.  Below are important facts and details about Smartmatic’s PCOS machine.

Basic Functions

• Takes a digital copy of the ballot and record it
• Counts the number of votes automatically

Note: The number of voters per precinct is already known by the machine. (There are only 7 precincts (data) per machine.)

Advantages

• Speeds up election process
• Lessens the doubt of the authenticity of the election results

Photo by Michael Sinjin Pineda

Reliability

A lot of pessimists are raising their eyebrows and are asking questions on how reliable this automated system is.  Let’s check the following facts.

• PCOS machine and ballots are precinct specific - For security purposes the machine unit won’t read ballots that are not listed for that specific precinct.

• Ballots are equipped with security features - All ballots have unique bar codes and have ultraviolet ink (an invisible one) which will confirm its authenticity.

• The Data inside the machine is secured - A PCOS is a stand-alone machine.  This means that it is not connected to a network.  A network connection only occurs for 5 minutes every time an important update is being sent to the main server.

• 128 Bit Data Encryption - A 128 bit encryption means that there are 2 (raised to the power 128) - or 3.4 with 38 zeros after it - possible combinations that could access the data inside the machine.  In layman’s term, it will be almost to impossible for a hacker to penetrate the system since that number of combinations can’t be processed within 5 minutes (the length of time the machine is allowed to connect to a network).  This kind of data encryption is actually used by banks to maintain a 24/7 security to their automated teller machines.

Now that we already know how this automated system works, let’s proceed to the basic dos and don’ts in voting.

Rules in Voting

• Do not overvote - The machine won’t count your votes if you select candidates greater than the expected number (i.e overvoting for President)
• Undervoting is okay
• Fully shade each oval - In shading the oval for the candidate of your choice, you must fill it at least 50% so that the system would recognize it.  If it’s less than 50%, then the machine will not recognize it and will consider the selection as nothing.
• Don’t put unnecessary markings on the ballot

More

• Precinct result is automatically transmitted to the Comelec website - This means that every time an update of votes will take place, the data will be automatically displayed to a web page that can be easily accessed by the public.  This way, everyone can tally votes simultaneously.
• Initialization reports of votes are printed using a thermal paper - A thermal paper can last up to five years
• The overall election process will only take place within 11 hours
• PCOS Machine’s back-up battery will last from 14 to 16  hours -  This is an emergency procedure if in case a black out will occur.

After reading the above facts and guidelines, all we need to do now is to be more vigilant and let’s make sure that what the Comelec told us will come into realization.  Anyways, if you wanted to know more about the candidates who are running for the office this 2010 election, you might try to visit Political Arena.  Hope you learned something from this post.  Cheers!

He has better skin complexion, and has this wholesome aura in person. (I think he has a facial routine in Belo.  Hahahahaha!)  I had the opportunity of meeting him along with my fellow blogging cyborgs when Kevin, CBS spokesperson, organized a one-hour interview that was held in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, IT Park about a month ago.

Honestly, I’m not campaigning for him, nor do I have any plans of giving my precious vote  to him on the upcoming 2010 presidential election.  It just happened that Kevin is his die-hard supporter here in Cebu.  The blogging cyborgs got no other choice, but to interview him. LOL!

Anyways, after listening to his very nice platform and observing how he carried himself during the course of the interview, I think that he’s not bad at all.  I don’t want to be so bias.  Let’s give our beloved senator a chance to prove his capability.  I mean let’s give all those people who are vying for the presidential seat a chance to prove themselves.  Just think of it.  What will happen if no one is interested to become a president?

N.B.: Senator Mar Roxas was 30 minutes late.  Hahahaha!

Photo Credits: Doyzkie