Earth Hour 2012 Photo Contest

Hurray! Good news to photo hobbyist and enthusiast! 

Earth Hour 2012 Photo Contest Mechanics

Tighten your hold on your camera and prepare to take your best shots as we go dark for one hour today as the Quezon City government in collaboration with Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department hold its Earth Hour 2012 Photo Contest. Read on to know the complete mechanics and prizes to look forward!

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Quezon City Government

Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department

(QC-EPWMD)

EARTH HOUR 2012 PHOTO CONTEST

A.   Contest Mechanics

1. All amateur and professional photography enthusiasts, ages 18 and above, and are bonafide residents of Quezon City may join the contest.

2. Photos must be taken in Quezon City during the Earth Hour Event on March 31, 2012 from 5pm onwards.

3. The photograph must depict the theme of the contest, “participation of people and communities” during Earth Hour, highlighting the spirit of environmental awareness and action. 

4. There will be two (2) categories for the photo contest:

         Category 1: People – Photographs featuring the “who” or the stakeholders of Earth Hour.  These may include portraits, small groups, crowds and 

                               the like.

         Category 2: Places – Photographs focusing on “where” Earth Hour took place.  These should give emphasis on the location or specific areas in Quezon City where Earth Hour was observed.

5. All entries must be in digital form and must be emailed at qcearthhour2012@gmail.com or qcearthhour2012@yahoo.com on or before 3 o’clock in the afternoon on April 10, 2012.  Entries submitted beyond the deadline will automatically be disqualified.  Each photographer can only submit one entry per category.  For each entry, a pair of “before-and-after” shots^[1] must be submitted together with the following attachments:

a. Scanned copy of any legal document or valid ID that can guarantee that the participant is a bonafide resident of Quezon City (i.e. driver’s license, SSS ID, passport, etc.)

b. Completed contest registration form (forms are available at the EPWMD Office^[2] and  QC barangay halls and may also be downloaded

(click to download entry form)

    Photographs must bear the following filename format:

    Name (space) Category (space) Before and Name (space) Category (space) After

    e.g.  JuanDelaCruz People Before

           JuanDelaCruz People After

6. The Quezon City Government shall have no liability for delayed, corrupted or lost entries. 

7. All entries must be an original material taken by the photographer and should not include watermarks, signatures, frames, date and/or time stamp or any other markings on the photo.

8. Digital manipulation is not allowed. Enhancements must be limited to basic post-processing such as adjustments of contrast, minimal color- balancing, sharpening, cropping, and dodging and burning.

9. Entries must be unpublished and exclusive to this contest within the duration of the photo contest.  It must not have been submitted and should not be submitted as an entry in any other contest within a year after the contest.

10. The Quezon City Government respects the rights of the photographer and recognizes that the copyright of the photograph belongs to the photographer. Nonetheless, by participating in the contest, the photographer shares his/her copyright to the Quezon City Local Government within the duration of one year after the contest.  The Quezon City Government will give appropriate credit whenever the photo is published and used by the Department for the purpose of information, advocacy, campaigns and promotions in all its future projects, whether print, online, or any other medium.

11. The QC Government has enjoined all QC stakeholders in the observance of Earth Hour, e.g., barangays, schools, government agencies, non-government organizations, malls, food chains, supermarkets and other establishments. It is the participant’s responsibility to obtain, prior to the actual shoot and consequently, submission of the photograph, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph in the manner set forth in these Contest Mechanics without additional compensation.

12. QC EPWMD employees, contest judges and their relatives (up to the third degree) are prohibited to join the contest.

B. Selection of Winning Entries

1. From all the submitted entries, five (5) judges composed of photographers and Quezon City Government representatives shall select 10 entries per category or a total of 20 finalists.  The judging process shall be audited by an authorized third party. The decision of the board of judges is final.

2. The 20 finalists shall be informed on or before 3 o’clock in the afternoon of April 12, 2012 through email and will be announced in the Quezon City Government website.

3. The selected finalists will be asked to submit hard copies/ printouts of their photographs in A4 size or 8.27”x11.69” on or before 3 o’clock in the afternoon of April 13, 2012.

4. The 20 finalists’ entries shall be put on display at the Quezon City Hall Main Lobby from April 16 to 20, 2012 as part of the week-long celebration of Earth Day.

5. Awarding of winners shall be during the flag raising ceremony on April 23, 2012.

6. The criteria for judging the photograph are as follows:

    (40%) Thematic Relevance - Relevance of the photograph to the theme of the contest

    (30%) Creativity and Originality - Style, technique and skill

    (30%) Technical Excellence - Clarity and quality of photograph

    _____ 

    100% 

7.   The winning entries shall receive the following cash prizes:

ITEM	Category
	People	Places
1st prize	9,000 + Certificate	9,000 + Certificate
2nd prize	6,000 + Certificate	6,000 + Certificate
3rd prize	3,000 + Certificate	3,000 + Certificate
Honorable Mention (7 per category)	1,000 + Certificate	1,000 + Certificate

8.   Costs of photo developing, transportation/attendance to the event and other related expenses shall be shouldered by the participant.

[1] One photo before the switch off and another photo after the lights have been switched off for a total of two photos.

[2] EPWMD Office, 3F Quezon City Hall Annex Building, Diliman, Quezon City

MARIAN RIVERA IS APRIL 2012 COVER GIRL OF COSMOPOLITAN

The beautiful MARIAN RIVERA IS APRIL 2012 COVER GIRL OF COSMOPOLITAN Magazine.

This April, get ready to profess your "Marian Devotion" for our frank, funny, and fierce cover girl. Out in selected stores now. ;)

Photo by: Danish Connection
Art direction: Paula Pangan
Styled by: Ana Kalaw and Happy Lopez
Makeup: Robbie Pinera
Hair: Raymond Santiago
Manicure: Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa
Monokini: Soak Swimwear
Bangle: Karimadon
Ring: Chocolate Clothing Co.
Interview: Krizette Chu

Michelle Madrigal goes topless in April 2012 issue of FHM

Oh la la! Everyone is going topless this summer 2012. Michelle Madrigal also goes topless in the April 2012 issue of FHM to the delight of their male fans. Maybe it's the summer heat that prompts them to go topless.

Michelle Madrigal started her career in 2004 with ABS-CBN Star Circle Quest. She then transferred to GMA 7. She played villain roles at the Kapuso channel, making the lives of the lead actresses a living hell.

On the FHM cover, a topless Madrigal was photographed sitting on a beach, wearing only a flesh-colored bottom, with her right leg and right arm strategically positioned to cover her breasts.

 “Summer isn't over for FHM! Feel the heat with our hot and sexy April cover girl Michelle Madrigal. Woohoo!” the magazine said on its Facebook page.

 The FB post immediately received over 3,075 likes and 266 comments, mostly positive.

“I will make sure to buy a copy,” FHM follower Roland Reyes commented on the magazine’s Facebook page.

"Like na like ko ‘yan ...nakakagigil ‘yang si Michelle,” Josel Madarang wrote on the comments.

Over at Twitter, celebrities congratulated Madrigal for the cover.

“Way to go sisterette,” her sister, Ehra, said on Twitter. “Grab a copy of my sister's, uber hot FHM cover for the month of April!”

Actress Maxene Magalona, host Raymond Gutierrez and talent manager Annabelle Rama also tweeted their greetings.

This is not the first time Michelle Madrigal has appeared on the cover of a men’s magazine. Michelle Madrigal first cover was for the now defunct Maxim magazine, and was also previously featured on FHM.

Michelle Madrigal told her Twitter followers on Thursday this:

 “Thanks for all the great comments about my FHM cover. Please grab a copy! Have a nice day,”

Zest Air Sale Period: March 30 to April 2, 2012

Zest Air

Sale Period: March 30 to April 2, 2012 

Details:

• You could Purchase online or call their hotline at 855-3333 (7:00am to 11:00pm) or beyond 11:00pm at 852-4313 or 851-3302. 
• Inclusive of Fare and Taxes.
• Exclusive of ASF and Fuel Surcharge and 12% VAT.
• Limited seats only.
• FREE Baggage Allowance of 10 Kilos for MA60 Flights.
• FREE Baggage Allowance of 15 Kilos for A320 and A319 Flights.

Domestic Destinations	One-Way Fare
Boracay via Kalibo, Bacolod, Busuanga, Cagayan De Oro, Calbayog, Catarman, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Manila, Masbate, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Tablas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Virac	P4
Travel Period: August 1 to October 15, 2012 & January 15 to March 15, 2013
International Destinations	One-Way Fare
(To/From Kalibo or Cebu) Incheon (Korea), Busan (Korea), Shanghai (China) and Taipei (Taiwan)	P4
Travel Period: August 1 to October 15, 2012 & January 15 to March 15, 2013

Click here to book ZestAir now! 

S&R Members' Treat up to April 1, 2012

S&R Members are in for a Treat this 2012 as S&R once again offered huge discounts of up to 50% and buy 1 take 1 deals from March 28 to April 1, 2012.

Check out some of the discounted items on S&R's Facebook page. 

The Members' Treat started last  March 28 up to April 1, 2012 8AM - 9PM on the following S&R branches: 

• Bonifacio Global City
• Congressional
• Alabang
• Aseana-Baclaran
• Cebu
• Pampanga. 

S&R is exclusive to S&R members only. 

Membership fee costs P700 per year

MADONNA IS BACK WITH MDNA

I got invited by MCA Music to cover Madonna's newest Album MDNA @ SM Megamall Covered Walkway A at the stairway near the new Bus terminal last Monday March 26, 2012.  The 53-year-old 'Queen of Pop' returns to the spotlight with her latest album "MDNA".

"MDNA" is the twelfth studio album by American recording artist Madonna. 

Madonna lost none of her ability to push boundaries. Uptempo record "MDNA" sees Madonna continue her love affair with dance music in an album dedicated to club-friendly tracks.

The pop icon has explained in a yahoo article that the meaning of her album is actually “threefold”—a reduction of her name, an abbreviation for "Madonna DNA," and a “reference to ecstasy” and the “euphoria” often experienced by its users.

 

The first single from the album, "Give Me All Your Luvin'" was released on February 3, 2012. The single peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, extending her record as the artist with most top-ten singles in that chart's history. The second single "Girl Gone Wild" was released digitally on March 2, 2012.

UP Pep Squad- the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Cheerdance Competition champions performed a flash mob (a performance of a group of people in a public place) at Sm Megamall, following the worldwide release of Madonna’s 12th studio album “MDNA.” 

The UP Pep Squad created a spectacle for the curious crowd, the team of Juan and Juana grooved, performed stunts and assembled pyramids to Madonna’s latest tunes.

The album’s first single, “Give Me All Your Luvin'” featuring Nicki Minaj & M.I.A, claimed the top spot on the Billboard’s most popular songs played in dance clubs chart for the week ending March 31.

"It's amazing to be back in music. I like the intimacy of a recording studio and songwriting. I'm using a different part of my brain when I work on music versus when I'm directing a film. There are a billion more people on a film and I don't have that visceral outlet of being able to sing, scream... jump around. It's very different. I love doing both but it was nice to have the simplicity of songwriting after three years of writing a script and directing and editing and talking about my film, to sit down and play my guitar and sing a song. I almost cried."

—Madonna talking about her comeback in music after hiatus for directing her film

 

MDNA, the sensational new album from Madonna is now out in CD's exclusively under MCA Music and available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video or online via www.musicstore.com.ph. To download Madonna's music on your cellphone, text MDNA to 3456.

GARY V ON HIGHER GROUND

GARY V opens the summer season with a series of 8 concerts at the Music Museum, marking his 29th anniversary in the industry and the 25th year of his company Manila Genesis Entertainment & Management, Inc. Stricken by Type 1 juvenile diabetes for 30 years now, this unmatched performer has been a shining beacon of inspiration in the country and he remains complication-free and still, on top of his game. Gary has consistently inspired his millions of fans through his craft as a singer, musician, songwriter, video producer, dancer, actor, musical arranger and a multi-awarded television host/performer for 9 years on the undisputed top-rating musical variety show, “ASAP.”  

After visiting typhoon victims in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan for UNICEF, Gary V jumpstarted the year with a new segment on “ASAP 2012” entitled “With Love: Gary V” – a spin-off of his platinum CD under Star Records and his much-talked about television special which aired seven times on ABS-CBN and MYX in 2011 and twice on The Filipino Channel. The segment features Gary as he showcases stories of love, forgiveness, redemption, and faith while he sings songs that celebrate the beauty and goodness of humanity. “With Love Gary Valenciano,” the CD compiles the soap opera and movie theme songs which he performed and recorded for ABS-CBN and Star Cinema. Just this March, Gary, together with the ASAP team, flew to Cagayan De Oro to shoot a video with a courageous flood victim for his segment.  All these efforts led to “On Higher Ground,” a fundraiser for UNICEF and the Shining Light Foundation, two faithful partners dear to Gary V, who has been National Ambassador for UNICEF for 14 years now

 In his stellar career, one of Gary’s most celebrated corporate relationships was with Coca-Cola with whom he had a contract for over ten years. Two years ago, he was tapped to launch their refreshing product, Real Leaf, and this year was invited again to record “Tuloy Ang Happiness” the 100th Year official anthem of Coca-Cola with Sarah Geronimo and Someday Dream, with powerful appearances at the Gala Night at Makati Shangrila as well as the “Concert Ng Bayan” at SM MOA last March 26. 

The country is excited for Gary’s much awaited return to the silver screen via an upcoming movie under Straight Shooters Media entitled “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” which he will star in together with Zsa Zsa Padilla, Eugene Domingo, Sam Concepcion, and Ogie Alcasid. He has appeared in 13 films for Regal Films, Seiko Films, Viva Films, and Star Cinema.

For his concert series at Music Museum, fans can look forward to witnessing Gary V in his best element as he performs his greatest hits as well as some of today’s hottest chart-toppers, party anthems, and homegrown favorites. Fans can also expect groundbreaking and pioneering technology and excellent audio-visuals through their corporate partners Videosonic and Soundcheck.

“I’m very excited and at the same time a bit nervous because we have come up with new routines and a lot of surprises for this series,” says Gary. “I am particularly excited for our opening production number. It will be awesome. I really hope it works the way I envisioned it.”  Gary V will be performing with two world-class musicians, Awit Awards 2008 Best Female/Best New Female Singer Julianne and Juan Miguel Salvador, formerly of Rage Band and now the musical director of Authority, which represented the country in the 2005 Global Battle of the Bands in London.

“Gary V: On Higher Ground” happens at Music Museum on April 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27; and May 9 and 10. The show will be for the benefit of UNICEF and Shining Light Foundation. The show is supported by ABS-CBN, MYX, Smart, Soundcheck, Videosonic, Gold’s Gym, Aficionado, Coca Cola, Goldilocks, Lee, Universal Records, Star Records, Studio V, Essensuals Toni & Guy, Fernando’s, with media partners: Radio High 105.9, Crossover 105.1, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Tambayan, Magic 89.9, DZMM 630, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Business World, People’s Journal and People’s Tonight.  

“Gary V: On Higher Ground” will be directed by Gary and son Paolo Valenciano with Musical Direction by Mon Faustino. Tickets are priced at Php 3,500.00, 2,500.00, 1,500.00, 1,000.00, and 500.00. For tickets contact Ticketworld (891-9999), Music Museum (721-6726; 721-0635), and Manila Genesis (706-2170 to 71; 0915-4975225; 0908-8871397).

Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano (born August 6, 1964), better known as Gary Valenciano or Gary V., is a Filipino musician. He is also dubbed as Mr. Pure Energy.

Concert Schedule base from his official website:

March 31, 2012

ALABANG COUNTRY CLUB SUPER RAFFLE DRAW

Alabang Country Club Polo Field

 

April 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, May 9 & 10, 2012

On Higher Ground

Music Museum
 

Pop icon GARY V ascends to new heights in his Music Museum concert series On Higher Ground! Take flight with the country's best multi-awarded singer as he performs his most beloved songs with ground breaking visuals. Hurry...reserve your tickets now!

TICKETWORLD: 891-9999

MUSIC MUSEUM: 721-6726, 721-0635

GENESIS: 706-2170-71, 0915-497-5225 or 0908-887-1397  

AGA MUHLACH FOR CAM SUR CONGRESSMAN?

AGA MUHLACH FOR CAM SUR CONGRESSMAN? Seen almost every weekend are Aga Muhlach, wife Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach and children.

Aga Muhlach considering running for Congress in Camarines Sur? 

                               "It’s a…I mean, why not? Tagaroon kami."- Aga Muhlach

Naman! Di nga? May kababayan ako na ganyan ka gwapo???? Aba sana nga makatulong po kayo sa mga kababayan ko sa Cam Sur.

 Kaya pala lagi sila ng kanyang misis na si Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach sa CWC every weekend.

 Aside from wakeboarding pala ay may balak siya na maging congressman sa aming bayan.

I wish you all the luck po! Sana maging uliran ka po na lingkod bayan! So asahan na po natin mga kababayan Mister AGA MUHLACH FOR CAM SUR CONGRESSMAN?

Photos from forum of Pinoy Exchange thanks guys! 

BIANCA GONZALES GOES TOPLESS IN ESQUIRE MAGAZINE COVER

 

Yes, you read it right! BIANCA GONZALES GOES TOPLESS IN ESQUIRE MAGAZINE COVER.

Sizzling Hot Summer it is for Esquire Magazine. Real men will be so happy about Esquire Magazine's latest Cover Girl Pinoy Big Brother and Umagang Kay Ganda host Bianca Gonzales who posed half-naked for Esquire Magazine's April 2012 issue.

 

I wonder what will be the reaction of Big Brother?

Twitter netizens as expected reacted to this arresting pose!

Bianca Gonzales consider this photo shoot as her sexiest to date.

The 29-year old Bianca Gonzales is the writer of her own cover story!

KATNISS WINS IN HUNGER GAMES third-best opening weekend ever with $155 mil

KATNISS WINS not only in the Hunger Games but also in the box-office results!

The Hunger Games opened stronger than all four Twilight films.

It's the third-biggest opening weekend ever, behind only Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 ($169.2 million) and The Dark Knight ($158.4 million).

It’s also the best debut ever for a non-sequel, crushing 2010′s Alice in Wonderland ($116.1 million), and it represents the top opening weekend for any picture outside the summer movie season.

CHICKEN DELISH

Upon the invitation of a fellow blogger, we visited the Best Food Forward fair this March 2012. It was raining cats and dogs when we arrived at the event being held at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City. It was a good thing that we have an umbrella with us in the car or else we will be soaking wet.

After we showed our tickets (courtesy of Richard Co of Tales from the Tummy; thank you so much Richard and Irene!), the receptionist asked us to fill up a survey form which they said will be included in the raffle. Then off we went inside the tent and began our food exploration.

 

Inside, Chicken Delish is one of the stalls that caught my attention. It has an attractive poster that is not only eye catching but also very colorful. Chicken Delish sells fried chicken twice fried and coated in tasty sauces that enhance the taste of the fried chicken.

Annalyn Jusay Zoglmann and her husband own Chicken Delish. Manning the booth of Chicken Delish is Annalyn Jusay Zoglmann's better half. He said Chicken Delish started with their passion for eating. 

 I was given 4 yummy sauce choices by Annalyn's husband. I got to taste four sauce varieties:

• Korean
• Pinoy Bbq
• Sriracha
• Soy and Garlic flavor

I used different dip sticks to taste each of the 4 sauce flavors. And boy, I was bowled over by the delicious sauces!

The Korean Barbecue sauce is my favorite. So I chose Korean Barbecue Sauce for my chicken. The cost is P90 for Four-piece chicken wings while P120 for two-piece drumsticks. Imagine? You are certainly getting more than what you paid for!

 

These are the Korean Barbecue flavored chicken pieces served by Annalyn's husband. He personally deep-fried again the fried chicken pieces until they turned golden brown. He then coated the Fried Chickens with Korean Barbecue sauce and sprinkled sesame seeds on top of each chicken piece as a final touch. This is very delicious! I super like this. I wonder how he cooked the chicken pieces into near perfection. You see, he fried the chicken pieces into flaky and crunchy crusts that don't sag when the sauce were applied.

 You could buy the sauce in this special bottle for only Php 150.00

Verdict: Chicken Delish Korean Barbecue Flavored Chicken is a must try! It is absolutely delicious. I love good finger food! 

This restaurant is waiting to be discovered! You'll definitely love Chicken Delish. I am sure you'll enjoy its fantastic tasting chicken dishes as much as I did. So what are you waiting for?

According to the owners, whether you want to dine-in or take-out, you could drop by there location at their stand alone store location @ Caltex Gas Station, Dona Soledad Avenue, Better Living Subdivision, Paranaque City.

 

BULLYING IS UNCOOL

 

BULLYING IS UNCOOL

 

BULLYING other people whether you are in preschool or at work or with a group is uncool.  A lot of people had experience bullying one time or another.  And bullying is never ever right. So if someone bullied you don't just sit there and cry, report it to proper authorities like your teacher or the principal and to your parents. ( But if they too, is uncool then that's a problem).

This guidebook was illustrated by Angel Villanueva. I never met her personally though, so I really don't know the story behind the book. The book is so precise and concise and I believe the illustration conveys to the reader how important it is for parents and teachers to act before it is too late. I don't know if this is for sale or just part of the exhibit at the 5th floor of Shangri-La Mall in Edsa, Quezon City that opened last Saturday, March 24, 2012. If this is for sale I think parents ought to buy this for their kids.

The book will be worth every penny! This can help your kids act accordingly if they were being bullied by their classmates or peers. Rather than buying trash books why don't you look for this one?

 If all else fails, there is karma! And it is very powerful. Happy Reading!

AIRPHIL EXPRESS SEAT SALE UNTIL MARCH 27, 2012

Air Phil Express

Sale Period: March 25 to 27, 2012

Travel Period: June 1 to August 31, 2012

* 10 kilos free baggage

Details

• Quoted fares for Domestic and International Flights are for one-way only.
• Fares are with 15 kilos Free Baggage Allowance.
• Philippine Government Tax not included.
• Fare is not guaranteed until the final purchase.
• Priced from Origin to Destination or Vice Versa.
• Subject to rules and conditions, please review carefully.

Domestic Destinations	One-Way Fare
Manila to Busuanga, Laoag, Legazpi, Masbate, Naga, Puerto Princesa, San Jose (Mindoro) or Tuguegarao	P288
Cebu to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Caticlan*, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legazpi, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Surigao, Tacloban or Zamboanga	P288
Davao to Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, or Zamboanga	P288
Zamboanga to Davao, Jolo or Tawi-Tawi	P288
Manila to Bacolod, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan*, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Tacloban or Tagbilaran	P588

Click here to book AirPhil Express now!