LIGAO, ALBAY: Kawa-Kawa Sunset

LIGAO, ALBAY: Kawa-Kawa Sunset

I still vividly remember the first time my friends and I visited Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park.  It was a Holy Week and my town mates Elvie and Ruel fetched me from our store and asked me to join them for a joyride to Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park. Since I've never been there before, I readily obliged and off we went to the enchanted hill which is less than thirty minutes away from our hometown. 

Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park is located in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. The name of the hill was derived from its shape resembling a ‘kawa’ or large pot (cauldron, read (kôl dr n)). 

From the Kawa-Kawa summit, one can see a large crater. That's why Kawa-Kawa Hill is also called ‘the hill without a hilltop’. It offers a stunning 360 degree view of Ligao City and its neighboring towns, as well as sprawling green fields and nearby Mount Masaraga and Mount Mayon. On the slopes of the hill, dinorado (high-quality mountain rice), pineapple and vegetables are cultivated to promote agriculture and environmental awareness.

The Kawa-Kawa hill is famous locally as a religious destination because of the larger than life Stations of the Cross lining the 500-meter path to the crater and extending all the way around the crater’s 836-meter rim. During the Lenten Season, devotees flock to Kawa-Kawa to reflect and meditate on the Stations of the Cross as penance.

Recreation facilities and attractions in Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park now include a Philippines Eagle Scout Advancement Camp and Facilities, a volleyball court and horseback riding. 

From being a secret haven by the Bicolano's years ago, Kawa-Kawa Hill is now considered as one of Albay’s premier tourist destinations. It was developed by the city government of Ligao, Albay spearheaded by Albay 3rd District Rep. Fernando Gonzalez. 

Photo from Albay Governor Joey Salceda's FB account. 

Village Tavern Celebrates First Anniversary

Village Tavern Celebrates First Anniversary

Village Tavern Introduces new menu items and Wednesday Night Out promo

It has been one year since the first branch outside the US of Village Tavern landed in the Philippines, right at the heart of Bonifacio High Street. With welcoming interiors mixing both ye olde taverns of yore and a hunting lodge, this new kid on the block has cemented itself firmly as a must-eat place in the metro. Village Tavern opened to a smorgasbord menu ranging from healthy salads and whole-wheat flatbreads to specialties of chicken, pork and steaks.

In celebration of its first anniversary, The Bistro Group Corporate Head Chef Josh Boutwood whipped up new and exciting menu items that are sure to keep you coming back for more. “The new items in the menu are a gustatory celebration,” Boutwood declares. “At their heart are comfort foods that you would expect from your neighborhood tavern, should you have one, but with a hearty twist.”

To start with, try the small plates of Crispy Clams with Spicy Lemon Dip, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings, and Shrimp Balls with Cilantro Lime – perfect to share and to begin a feast. 

Shrimp Balls with Cilantro Lime

A literal heart- and show-stopper is the Roasted Bone Marrow, best eaten spread on its accompanying freshly made sourdough bread, then lightly dipped in apple cider vinegar.

Roasted Bone Marrow

If your heart – and your stomach – can still handle it, choose from pizzas and Tavern Specialties that delight the senses. With servings made for sharing, the Village Tavern is the ideal hang out for group dates, barkada nights, and even family gatherings.

Need a substantial main to impress and feed everyone? Then go for the aptly named Tomahawk, which is a 35-ounce of perfectly aged steak, hand-cut and grilled to your liking. There’s something new at every turn, as the anniversary launches items such as the exotic Ox Cheek with Truffle Mash and Poached Onions, Kansas Ribs, Lamb Rack, and even Cod Fish and Lapu Lapu with Pico de Gallo.

Tomahawk

As if that isn’t enough, Village Tavern is also hosting Wednesday Night Out, featuring half off on all wines by the glass, as well as all cocktails and liquors.

Says Chef Josh Boutwood, “With so many new restaurants in the metro, it can be quite difficult to create a following, especially as Filipinos become more adventurous. The new menu is our way of saying thank you to our loyal patrons – those who have their favorites and keep coming back for more, and of course, those who are always on the lookout for something new, something exciting, something to thrill their palate.

Village Tavern is located on the second floor of Bonifacio High Street Central. It is part of The Bistro Group, known for bringing in global franchises and for launching original exciting restaurant concepts. For more information, like VillageTavernPhilippines on Facebook and follow villagetavernph on Instagram.

VELOCI: His and Her Watch

VELOCI: His and Her Watch

Oh la la! Travel on shoestring level up and got invited to the Veloci watch Blogger get together. The Italian-inspired VELOCI watch collection gives new life to iconic silhouettes of classic watch designs through the play of differently-colored dials and watch straps to bring about a young, fresh, and stylish look. 

VVeloci watches are made with stainless steel watch cases, high grade Japanese movements and equipped with high quality NATO straps.

Each Veloci timepiece comes with three (3) high quality NATO straps of different colors and color patterns. The straps come off quite easily and one strap fits all wrist sizes. Whether your wrists are tiny or big worry not because all straps are adjustable because they come with several extra holes and the strap itself can be shortened via looping! Check them out!

 Mix and match!

 Which Veloci strikes your fancy?

COOL

With Veloci watch numerous combinations and style choices, you can wear different ensembles to match your mood. 

For more information on VELOCI watches you can check them out in various ASPREY stores and selected L TIMESTUDIO boutiques and TIME GEAR boutiques or you can check out www.facebook.com/Asprey.ph

Stay cool this school year with Outdoor Products

Stay cool this school year with Outdoor Products

Carry around all your school must-haves in style as Outdoor Products makes it easier for you to find the right backpack that fits your personality.

Veering away from the usual style of backpacks, Outdoor Products’ selection is filled with edgier designs while maintaining the youthful appeal of each piece. Inspired by all things fun and fashionable, the brand focuses on offering backpacks and other travel gear that are made of the finest materials, ensuring quality and practicality without ever compromising style.

Keep your netbook, tablet, books, notebooks, toiletry kit, and whatever it is that you want safely inside your Outdoor backpack and enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about not being able to secure all your belongings in just one bag. For added convenience, keep everything well organized so you need not worry about not being able to find your pen, cellphone or wallet when you need it most.

Plus, Outdoor backpacks’ lightweight material made from CORDURA® Fabric makes them easier to carry around, putting less strain on your back while making it very durable. The material is ensured to withstand any abuse that your backpack might encounter. Along with Outdoor Products’ special CORDURA® fabric is its Seamlock feature, which ensures durability while maintaining the brand’s unique sense of style and versatility. Wherever you’re going or whatever you plan to put inside your Outdoor backpack, you’ll be able to enjoy Outdoors’ durability. CORDURA® fabric is best known as a durable, versatile and reliable material, constructed using high tenacity fiber technologies, weight for weight, CORDURA® fabrics are exceptionally durable. No matter how it is used, CORDURA® fabrics are “best-in-class.”

Already popular in stylish Asian countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and the US, Outdoor Products’ appeal mainly lies in its youthful designs. From metallic colors, fun brights, unique prints and special collaborations like with its recent one featuring Hello Kitty, Outdoor Products presents a wide selection of options that any stylish guy or girl will love. The variety in sizes also allows you to easily choose which piece will most likely suit your packing needs.

Especially best suited for the youth, Outdoor Products allows everyone to express their individuality in style.

Outdoor Products is available at Duty Free Fiesta Mall Fashion Rack Baguio, Fashion Rack NAIA 3, Fashion Rack Subic, Landmark Makati, Landmark Trinoma, Lonely Planet, RDS Abreeza Mall, RDS Calasiao, RDS Ermita, RDS Galleria, RDS Magnolia, RDS Palawan, RDS Pampanga, Rustan’s Alabang, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Tower, SM Davao, SM Las Pinas, SM Lipa, SM Makati, SM North EDSA, SM Pampanga, Tripologie Alabang, Tripologie Boni High Street, Tripologie Eastwood

Acer Goes “InTENse” at 10

Acer Goes “InTENse” at 10 

Launches InTENse breed of Acer products for the modern explorer

We got an invitation last Saturday, May 18. 2013,  to the 10^th anniversary celebration of Acer Philippines today, May 21, 2013, the company that brought us those sleek, ultra light laptops, its with a grand event at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

With the theme “InTENse,” Acer became more aggressive and pioneering over the past 10 years, and is now a major player in the electronics/IT industry in the country.

Offering its success to customers and partners, Acer is now focusing on today's breed of everyday explorers, those who continuously reinvent themselves and the world they live in to enhance, expand, and simplify the way they do things. The campaign showed how Acer has strived to be part of people’s lives, a go-to device for their needs. It also paves the way for the “recalibrated” Acer to emerge—bolder, more imaginative, more forward-looking and definitely more intense.

Acer’s 10^th anniversary celebration is graced by the company’s stakeholders, clients, members of government, media, and friends in the IT and business sectors. Acer Philippines General Manager Manuel Wong said, “it’s been a good 10 years and certainly they are looking to more inTENse years and beyond!”

“Looking back, we met many challenges but we sailed through all of them, thanks in large part to a highly motivated, driven and determined Acer Philippines team. Now that we’ve moved past 10 years, it’s not impossible anymore to look at 20, or even 30, years of bringing innovative and quality products to Filipino IT consumers,” he said.

Acer's new inTENse products

As a fitting highlight to its 10th anniversary bash, Acer will unveil its new inTENse products using different personalities who embody each product’s character.

Aspire R7 Notebook

Humanity has proven how powerful a touch can be in opening new avenues for creativity and spontaneity. For those who believe in the power of an inTENse touch, Acer launches the Aspire R7 notebook, where certain components were repositioned to optimize hand movement. Acer moved the touch pad above the keyboard, smoothly working with the hand movement to and from the screen and pad.  Aspire R7 notebook is installed with the latest generation Intel processor so fast and efficient processing will surely get you ahead of others.

Aspire P3 Ultrabook

For people who value inTENse freedom and flexibility, Acer offers the Aspire P3 Ultrabook with 10-point touch technology that provides freedom to use it either as a tablet or with a keyboard. With color-rich HD display and Dolby surround sound speakers, the device provides the best in multimedia experience in a compact, portable form.

Acer’s Iconia A1-810 tablet

Meanwhile, for inTENse performance, Acer’s Iconia A1-810 tablet, a fully functional tablet with a larger display, one-hand handling, quad-core processor, gyroscope for immersive game play, and Acer Touch WakeApp for quick access to favorite programs from sleep mode is for you.

Acer Liquid E2 smartphone

How about inTENse play? Then the Acer Liquid E2 smartphone (8MP autofocus camera and 2MP front camera, 1.2GHz quad-core processor can capture your fancy if you’re on the lookout for a powerful yet affordable smartphone.

Aspire V5-122P notebook

But for those who look at inTENse charisma, then Acer’s answer is the Aspire V5-122P notebook. Ultrathin and super light, it is easy to carry around but levels with pricier gadgets, with a larger touch pad, full keyboard size, good display that reduces eye fatigue and 10-point touch.

Acer is also launching other products for the new generation of users like the Aspire V5-473 PG notebook powered by the latest generation Intel processor for those with an inTENse and spontaneous personality, the Acer K335 LED projector if you’re looking for inTENse brilliance when making presentations, the Acer TravelMate P245M also powered by the latest Intel processor for business travelers who value inTENse productivity even when on the road; and the Acer Veriton N and M Series of advance Intel powered CPUs for businessmen looking for inTENse power to power up the successful enterprise of the future.

For more information about Acer and its line of inTENse products, visit www.acer.com.ph.

# # #

About Acer

Established in 1976, Acer is an information and communication technology company dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale and support of innovative products that enhance people's lives. Acer's green supply chain delivers environmentally friendly PCs, displays, projectors, servers, tablets and smartphones — tools our customers need to explore beyond limits and experience more. Ranked No. 3 for notebooks globally (IDC 2012), Acer employs 8,000 people, and 2012 revenues reached US$14.7 billion. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2013Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

MISS EARTH PHILIPPINES 2013 WINNERS

MISS EARTH PHILIPPINES 2013 WINNERS

Hail to the queens!

From left: Bernadette Mae Aguirre (Eco-Tourism), Nancy Leonard (Water), Angelee delos Reyes (MPE 2013), Kimverlyn Suiza (Air), and Alma Cabasal (Fire)

It prides itself as the only beauty contest that promotes beauty for a cause, one seedling at a time! The Miss Earth Pageant : Continuing A Legacy of Beauty and Responsibility. Miss Earth is an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness. Now on its ninth (9th) year, MISS EARTH FOUNDATION, INC. is a non-stock, non-profit organization which ably serves as the environmental-social-humanitarian outreach arm of the MISS EARTH® organization worldwide. With its dedication to propagate environmental awareness and initiate changes with small and big impacts, MISS EARTH® winners, as well as delegates, become spokespersons and role models using their influence to send the urgent messages across.

MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH serves as the Ambassador to environmental protection campaigns in the country and will represent the Philippines in MISS EARTH.  My favorite Miss Zamboanga City won as Miss Philippines-Water! 

2013 Final Results

Congratulations:

Miss Philippines-Earth: Miss Olongapo City (Angelee delos Reyes)
Miss Philippines-Air: Miss Nagcarlan, Laguna (Kimverlyn Suiza)
Miss Philippines-Water: Miss Zamboanga City (Nancy Leonard)
Miss Philippines-Fire: Miss Phil. West Coast USA (Alma Cabasal)
Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism: Miss Sta. Maria, Bulacan (Bernadette Mae Aguirre)

-Photo number one and three is from the official FB Page of Miss Earth Philippines.

GONDOLA RIDE AT THE GRAND CANAL

Gondola Ride at the Grand Canal

Gondola Ride at the Grand Canal

Have you ever dreamed of taking a romantic and leisurely ride aboard a Venetian gondola along the Grand Canal while being serenaded by the gondolier who sings Italian opera melodies? 

Gondola at the Grand Canal in the background

Dream no further as you can make your dream come true. You can head to the Venetian Resort-Hotel nearest you and take the gondola ride with your friend or love one along the Grand Canal.

Gondolier aboard the Gondola

In case you feel that the 15-minute gondola ride is not worth the amount you will shell out (about MOP118 per adult in Macau and about US$19 per adult in Las Vegas), you can always watch in the sidelines and enjoy the European-like surroundings at the Venetian Resort-Hotel. 

"Blue Sky" above the Grand Canal

Here you can enjoy your gondola ride or your leisurely walk below the blue sky without worrying that rains will ruin your day.

Why?

If you look closely at the "blue sky" above the Grand Canal, you will notice the blue sky-painted ceiling that makes you feel like you're outdoors. Even at night, the clear blue sky never turns dark. So here you will experience a 24-hour daytime.

TAIWAN: PLEASE FILIPINO, DO NOT KILL ME!

TAIWAN: PLEASE FILIPINO, DO NOT KILL ME!

Taiwan's Presidential spokeswoman Lee Chia-fei at the press conference

Has the Philippines lost a good friend and trading partner now that Taiwan has rejected the apology of the Philippine government? Today's announcement of Taiwan President Ma is sad and unfortunate indeed.

Antonio Basilio, Philippine representative to Taiwan

During a very late press conference held early morning past 0100 hours today (May 15, 2013), Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou and National Security Council announced that they cannot accept Philippine pledges delivered by MECO (Manila Economic and Cultural Office) representative Antonio Basilio in writing... and so Taiwan will proceed with the sanctions immediately effective today: 

• to freeze hiring OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers)
• to recall TECO (Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office) representative in the Philippines 
• and for MECO representative to return home to Philippines...
•  +++ 8 more sanctions to be announced later at an international press conference after President Ma meets with 8 other ministries....

Let me quote a TVBS report as translated by BING.

Antonio Basilio, left, Philippine representative to Taiwan, with Taiwan Foreign Minister David Lin

PUBLIC OUTRAGE CONTINUES in the wet markets and supermarkets in Taiwan. Each stall posted anti-Filipino signages saying they will not sell their fish, meat, vegetables to any Filipino... and plea "PLEASE FILIPINO, DO NOT KILL ME!!!"

PUBLIC OUTRAGE in the wet markets and supermarkets in Taiwan

WE DON'T SELL TO FILIPINOS. PLEASE DO NOT KILL ME.

Taiwan deemed the pledges written by MECO representative Basilio were not sincere enough... and such response came very late than the allotted deadline as well... he announced via press conference at past 0100 hours this morning... I think this further showed 'disrespect' to Taiwan... as many locals here feel that the Philippines was not earnest enough in its action, and the authority given by Pnoy to MECO representative was not enough to meet all of the 4 reasonable demands by Taiwan government/ victim's family.

Signage at a fish market stall

Apology from the representative of the Philippines yesterday. President Ma held a national security meeting in the morning and, in the end, they decided not to accept the Philippines apology. 

Taiwan's Presidential spokeswoman Lee Chia-fei at the press conference

"The Philippines' thoughtless perfunctory authorization is not enough. We repeatedly express our strong dissatisfaction, so we will freeze Filipino workers' applications, recall our representative to the Philippines, and ask the representative of the Philippines to go home. Later, the Office of the President will hold an international press conference." 

Because of the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in Philippine waters (by the Philippine Coast Guard) on Thursday (May 9, 2013), the Taiwan government imposed a 72-hour deadline to the Philippines to comply with 4 demands. At 7 o'clock this morning, the Taiwan President convened the national security meeting. Taiwan's Presidential Palace said that the Philippine Government lacks sincerity and will freeze Filipino workers' application immediately, recall its representative to the Philippines, and ask the representative of the Philippines to return to "help  properly handle" the case. 

In addition, President Ma said that if, by 6 o'clock in the afternoon today (May 15, 2013), the Philippine Government is still unable to meet our 4 demands, 8 inter-ministerial sanctions will be implemented. The Executive Yuan will hold a press conference later to discuss its foreign government position. - source:TVBS as translated by Bing and Fellow Jean Kho FB Post

Sorry to burst your bubbles, Mr. President Aquino. What went wrong? Kaawaawa po yung 87,000 OFWs talaga and their families back home. (The 87,000 OFWs and their families back home are indeed pitiful.) Takot na daw po silang lumabas sa ngayon. (  They are reportedly afraid to go outside at present.) To the Taiwanese please understand and have compassion in your heart that the fault or sin of one Filipino is not the sin of every Filipino.  The same way sa mga kapwa ko Pinoy hindi po lahat ng singkit ay Taiwanese huwag po tayong manghusga at huwag na huwag po tayong mananakit. World peace.