I’m truly at awe and speechless for this surprise! This is really something unexpected!  I feel so thankful and blessed with all the great things which are unfolding. With all the food bloggers around, I never thought my entry would even top the 1st round! Actually, I rarely join competitions. I’m simply happy with the things I’m doing. Eating out, doing crazy things, capturing moments and putting them all in writing is second nature to me. =)

Thank You So Much Sooo Pinoy for finding my entry worthy enough! I feel very honored to be part of this glorious event! I’m so excited to meet my fellow bloggers who qualified as well. I’m sure interacting with them and hearing their stories will be such a delight! I’m certain that this experience will be sooo awesome!

I’d like to thank all my friends for their support especially my partner in crime Frank Ruaya for believing in me and for the fantastic photos we create together with each adventure we experience! Of course, I’d like to thank our ever supportive editor-in chief Vince!!!

There is more to be done… sooo many places to see,  sooo many flavors to taste,  sooo many people to meet,  sooo many memories to capture and  sooo many stories to tell! This is gonna be an experience of a lifetime!!!

To read my official entry kindly click this link: http://www.wheninmanila.com/flavors-of-life-sweet-memories-bitter-ends-sour-notes-and-salted-eggs/ 

To view our humble blog, visit EATS A DATE  

When In Manila’s Very Own Mae Ilagan Tops Round 1 of The Sooo Pinoy Search for the Ultimate Food Blogger!

When In Manila, Dun & Bradstreet Philippines, Inc. is proud to announce the award winners for the Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge. The Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge was co-presented by Canon Marketing Philippines Corp.

Jaime Singlador’s photo entry bested hundreds of entries from around the nation, thereby securing the grand prize – a Canon PowerShot SX230HS camera. His picture of an industrious young Filipino amidst a field of golden grain wowed the judges with its simplistic beauty. In second place is Jordan Abella Madjus for his stunning shot of the Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin Island. He will receive a Canon Digital IXUS 115HS camera.

For their winning entries in their respective categories, the following individuals will each take home a Canon Powershot A800 camera:

BPOs as a Major Driving Force in Economy Growth – Mark Cerbo

The Global Filipino Businessperson in Action – Giovanni Navata

The Power of Information – Don MacKay

Famous Landmarks and Places in the Philippines – Giovanni Navata

Philippine Skyline – Hiram Abanil

SMEs: The Backbone of the Philippine Economy – Joel Forte

Overall Best Picture – Jaime Singlador

Overall 2nd Best Picture – Jordan Abella Madjus

Best Picture, BPO Category – Mark Cerbo

Best Picture, Global Filipino Category – Giovanni Navata

Best Picture, Power of Information Category – Don MacKay

Best Picture, Famous Landmarks and Places in the Philippines – Giovanni Navata

Best Picture, Philippine Skyline – Hiram Abanil

Best Picture, SME Category – Joel Forte

To view the winning photographs and for more info about DNB, please visit http://www.dnb.com.ph/content/dnbphotochallengewinners.

BusinessWorld and WhenInManila.com served as the media partners for the Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge.

*****

About Dun & Bradstreet (D&B): Dun & Bradstreet is the world’s leading source of commercial information and insight on businesses, enabling companies to Decide with Confidence^® for 170 years. D&B’s global commercial database contains more than 190 million business records. The database is enhanced by D&B’s proprietary DUNSRight^® Quality Process, which provides our customers with quality business information. This quality information is the foundation of our global solutions that customers rely on to make critical business decisions.

D&B provides solution sets that meet a diverse set of customer needs globally. Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions^TM to mitigate credit and supplier risk, increase cash flow and drive increased profitability; D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions^TM to increase revenue from new and existing customers; and D&B Internet Solutions^TM to convert prospects into clients faster by enabling business professionals to research companies, executives and industries, over the web.

For inquiries, please contact the Customer Value Management team at +63.2.7500082 or email sales@dnb.com.ph.

Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge Winners Announced:  Amazing Photos of the Philippines

When In Manila, you need make sure that you never ever let a day pass by without finding one way, big or small, to make that day special!

WhenInManila.com in cooperation with Jollibee now hopes to do just that! For one whole week…. for seven days…. we will be spreading our firm belief that Everyday Deserves a Sundae!

From Dec 12 – Dec 18, we’ll be giving out a bunch of gift packages everyday!

Everyday Rewarding Treats from Jollibee Strawberry Sundae

MONDAY: Manicure Monday – Win California Nail Spa Manicure & pedicure service + Jollibee GCs!

TUESDAY: Carsday – Car Care Kit & Dehumidifier kit + Jollibee GCs!

WEDNESDAY: Wednesday Shopping – SM Gift Certificates: P1000 + Jollibee GCs!

THURSDAY: Hairsday -Creations Salon (Glorietta 5 Ayala Center, Makati) GC worth P1000 + Jollibee GCs!

FRIDAY: Friday Blockbuster -Greenbelt 3 Cinemas: Gift Card (good for two) + Jollibee GCs!

SATURDAY: Saturday Relax – The Spa Greenbelt 1: P1000 Wellness Card + Jollibee GCs!

SUNDAY: SuperFacial Sundae -Let’s Face It Service: facial with feel-off or facial with jell-type + Jollibee GCs!

I’ll be announcing one winner EVERYDAY on Twitter!

All you have to do is answer the question and RT this statement below:

WIN gift packages EVERYDAY! Just RT & follow @VinceGolangco then tell him “Why do I deserve a reward from Jollibee?” http://bit.ly/taKRY7 

I’ll announce a winner everyday, at the end of the day, for 7 days, that’s Dec 12 – Dec 18!

When In Manila, don’t forget to Make Everyday “Berry” Special With Jollibee Strawberry Sundaes!

Everyday Deserves a Sundae… and LOTS of Prizes: Jollibee Giveaways EVERYDAY!

—————————————————————————————-

WINNERS UPDATE 

Manicure Monday winner – @mediatrooper 

Carday Tuesday winner – @RodjTuls 

Shopping Wednesday winner – @janellecua 

Hairday Thursday winner –  @tweeterempress

Blockbuster Friday winner – @gracielleannep

Relaxing Saturday winner – @kenge19

SuperFacial Sunday Sundae winner – @mgviray 

Email me with your info and I’ll let you know how to claim your prize – Vince@WhenInManila.com 

If you didn’t win, don’t forget, I’ll be picking winners EVERYDAY this week! So keep Tweeting and good luck!

When in Manila and among the countless hard working yuppies like Frank and I, I’m sure you’d agree that we all deserve a break  and be rewarded for all our efforts!  It’s normal for people like us to dream about going on a weekend getaway or spend hours inside the spa however, if you don’t have the  luxury of time (and money) to do so, let us share to you one sure way to make that valuable free time of yours extra special — our secret? The Jollibee Strawberry Sundae!

The 25 peso bliss as I would like to call it, is my sure way to keep those migraines away!!

Allow me to show you how Jollibee plays a big role in the life of a yuppie like me!

You see, on a typical weekday afternoon, our whole team would often have a sweet satisfying Sundae breaktime  to shake off our stresses!  Our new addiction, the Jollibee Strawberry Sundae! Who could ever resist Jollibee‘s signature creamy vanilla soft serve topped with rich n’ thick strawberry syrup and strawberry bits??

quality break time bonding!

the sweetest way to perk up your day!

a “berry” sweet afternoon with the team

treats like these make office life fun

even my Korean boss loves it!

Our love for Jollibee treats don’t just end on weekdays of course! As for Frank and I who devote our weekends in going places to take photos as our reward to ourselves, it  has been a part of our routine to always make it a point to finish each memorable Sunday with a sweet ending with our friends and loved ones  with a filling meal at Jollibee! We believe that our blessings  are savored best when shared! Last weekend we invited his nieces to have a Jollibee dinner with us!

blessings are best savored when shared with loved ones

Frank enjoying his Champ!

My Korean Boss told me why she loves Jollibee’s Champ… she said it tastes really close to her favorite  Korean Bulgogi burger!

I couldn’t help but feel like a child again every time I eat my favorite Jolly Spaghetti!

their Palabok Fiesta also has its own distinct taste

Isa pa! Isa pa! Isa pang Chicken Joy!

Gusto mo? (Want some?)

Who could ever resist Jollibee‘s Peach Mango Pie?

warm crisp puff pastry filled with rich and flavorful peach mango filling!!

Of course, for our cool and  sweet finale, each of us had a cup of our favorite Jollibee Strawberry Sundae! I’m really glad to see this on their menu!

One thing I really like about  their sundae is that, its syrup isn’t too sweet and tastes fresh

a spoonful of Strawberry Sundae drives my stresses away!

girl talks become more fun indeed!

another berry memorable bonding  moment

I’ve been blogging about rewarding thyself for 4 years now and my desire to show people the goodness of life never ceases! It’s not really about the amount of money you spend but more on how and who you’re gonna spend it with! All through the years, I’ve come to realize that connecting to myself and my loved ones are the ones which make my life more meaningful because it gives me this sense of belongingness… a sense of home… and I may say that of all the fast food chains in the country, there is no doubt that Jollibee still reigns the best because personally, I feel I’m a part of it,  it’s something I can call my own!  As a Filipino food writer, no matter where my cravings would take me, the langhap sarap goodness of Jollibee will always have a special place in my heart!

Jollibee truly plays a big part in the life of every Pinoy! Loved by both the young and the young at heart, wherever they may be! It’s undeniable that we, the young professionals of today who are shaping the nation all grew up with its langhap sarap goodness!! I’m certain that Jollibee will still be adored by many generations to come! =)

So when in Manila, make it a habit to reward yourself with the sweet goodness of Jollibee Strawberry Sundae and make everyday  berry unforgettable!!

Jollibee Delivery

 Delivery Hotline: 8-7000

Join their official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines?ref=ts&sk=wall

Thank You so much to Badeth Compuesto and my partner in crime Frank Ruaya for

helping out with the photos.

To view more photos, kindly visit our humble blog EATS A DATE!

 Make Everyday “Berry” Special With Jollibee Strawberry Sundaes!

When In Manila and you want tickets to see the Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn part 1, then all you have to do is retweet something!

Retweet this statement:

8 tickets Twilight Breaking Dawn Nov18 Megamall. RT this & follow @VinceGolangco then tell why I should give you a pair http://bit.ly/tnMrPy 

Then tell @VinceGolangco why he should give you a pair of tickets. Tell that to him on Twitter and tag him.

We’ll pick 4 winners to each get a pair of tickets to The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn part 1 showing on November 18, 2011, 7:00pm at SM Megamall Cinema 7.

Winners will be picked on November 16 and will be announced on Twitter.

Winners must claim the Twilight tickets on Nov 17 or 18 at Vince’s radio station at Mellow 94.7, preferably during his show, The Wake Up Show from 6am to 10am. Address, map and directions on http://Facebook.com/TheWakeUpShow under the “address” tab.

This event is made possible by SPArkle. Find out more about them here -

http://www.wheninmanila.com/sparkle-an-oasis-of-calm-awaits-you/

or

http://www.wheninmanila.com/sparkle-slimming-massage-relaxation-spa-party-for-you-and-your-friends/

When In Manila, what are you waiting for?!!? Tell us why we should give you those Twilight Breaking Dawn tickets now!!!

When In Manila, the race for the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) is rounding up to a close, and our very own Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan is neck-to-neck with 27 other natural marvels all over the Earth for a spot in the prestigious hall of fame.

The Palawan Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO-appointed Natural World Heritage Site and, at 8.2 km long, is also the longest navigable underground river in the world. It stretches along a huge subterranean cave landscaped by natural limestone formations before flowing directly out to the South China Sea. Since being declared an official entry to the N7WN, the River has garnered an increasing amount of well-deserved media and tourist attention. Domestic flights coming to and going from the city has already been doubled, and the tourism industry in the region has boomed.

Online travel directory Travelbook.ph recently held a small gathering of travel bloggers to help spread awareness about the N7WN campaign. Folk songwriting icon and PP Underground River advocate Noel Cabangon graced the event to share his passion for the cause: “This win is for the Filipino people. This is for the country”.  As of late, voting trends for the River on the official N7W website has shown a decrease. Last year, the N7W Charter, the same group behind N7WN, held the New 7 Wonders of the World Campaign for which the Philippines had four entries, namely: the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the Mayon Volcano in Bicol, and the Tubataha Reef and even the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan. Unfortunately, none made it to the final seven. With the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the country is one step away from forever being remembered as the home of one of the most majestic sights that has ever been seen on this planet.

Every Filipino and every tourist who has been struck with awe by the Palawan Underground River are called to support the campaign.

When In Manila, vote for the Underground River by texting PPUR to 2861 or visiting www.n7w.com.  Online voting entails voting for six other entries from other countries; texting allows us to vote only for the Underground River.  Each SMS vote costs P2.50 (Globe/Smart) or P2.00 (Sun). Voting ends on November 11, 2011.

DUN & BRADSTREET ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE DUN & BRADSTREET PHOTO CHALLENGE

Manila, 25 October 2011 – Dun & Bradstreet Philippines (D&B) is inviting all amateur and professional photographers residing in the Philippines to showcase their talent by submitting entries to the Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge. Entries may be entered under any of the following categories: Philippine Skyline, Famous Landmarks and Places in the Philippines, The Global Filipino Businessperson in Action, SMEs: The Backbone of the Philippine Economy, The Power of Information, BPOs as a major driving force in economy growth. Multiple entries per contestant are allowed.

Those interested to join may view the complete mechanics and submit their entries by visiting the Dun & Bradstreet Photo Challenge website at dnb.com.ph/photochallenge. The contest runs from October 20 to November 20, 2011. Contest winners will become proud new owners of Canon digital cameras.

D&B Photography Challenge

Categories/Themes

1. Philippine Skyline

2. Famous Landmarks and Places in the Philippines

3. The Global Filipino Businessperson in Action

4. SMEs: The Backbone of the Philippine Economy

5. The Power of Information

6. BPOs as a major driving force in economy growth

Contest Mechanics

Eligibility

1. The contest is open to all residents of the Philippines, both amateur and professional photographers.

2. Photographs should not have previously won an award nor have been published in any publication.

3. Participants may use any digital or film-based camera.

4. Entries must be candid photos and not posed.

5. Entries should be the original work of the contestant.

6. Multiple entries are allowed.

7. Employees of D&B Philippines and Canon, their parents, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, advertising agencies, agents as well as the employees’ relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are NOT eligible.

Submission and Judging of Entries

1. Photo entries must be uploaded to the D&B Photo Challenge website at www.dnb.com.ph/photochallenge.

2. Each photo entry must be of high quality digital resolution in JPEG or TIFF format. The photo should have a resolution of 300dpi with a maximum file size of 2MB.

3. The placement of identifying marks, such as names, addresses, or any sign to insinuate information about the owner of the entry is strictly prohibited.

4. Each photo entry must strictly observe the following file naming convention: (category)_(last name)_(first name)_(entry number)of(total entries). For standardization purposes, please use the following category names:

- Philippine Skyline – skyline

- Famous Landmarks and Places in the Philippines – landmark

- The Global Filipino Businessperson in Action – filipino

- SMEs: The Backbone of the Philippine Economy – sme

- The Power of Information – information

- BPOs as a major driving force in economy growth – bpo

For instance, if Juan dela Cruz is submitting three (3) photo entries for the category Philippine Skyline his entries shall be named as follows:  skyline_delacruz_juan_1of3.jpg, skyline_delacruz_juan_2of3.jpg, and skyline_ delacruz_juan_3of3.jpg.

5. The contest will run from October 20, 2011 to November 20, 2011. All entries must be submitted by 11:59pm of November 20, 2011.

6. Judging of the photo contest will be from November 21 to 30, 2011 in the presence of a DTI representative.

7. Criteria for judging for each category are as follows:

Relevance to the theme/category                        40%

Originality and creativity                                    40%

Composition                                                         20%

TOTAL                                                                  100%

8. To maintain the anonymity of entries during judging, all photo entries will be renamed by D&B to the format (category)_(entry number).jpg when these are provided to the judges. D&B will maintain the master list which matches each entry to the appropriate contestant.

9. The picture with the highest overall score, regardless of category, will be awarded the Overall Best Picture award. The picture with the second highest overall score, regardless of category, will be awarded the Overall 2^nd Best Picture.

10. In the case of a tie, the picture with the higher score on the criteria “Relevance to the theme/category” will be declared the winner.

11. An entry may only win once. Hence, for example, winners of the Overall Best Picture and Overall 2^nd Best Picture will no longer be eligible for the Best Category Picture award.

12. Winners and their corresponding prizes will be announced appropriately.

13. The decision of the Board of Judges of the D&B Photography Challenge is FINAL and UNAPPEALABLE.

14. Prizes are as follows:

Overall Best Picture (1 winner) – Canon PowerShot SX220HS

Overall 2^nd Best Picture (1 winner) – Canon Digital IXUS 130

Best Category Picture (6 winners – 1 winner per category) – Canon Powershot A800 per winner

Terms and Conditions

1. Entrants must send entries as required in the contest announcement in order to be eligible. Entries received after the deadline set forth in the contest announcement are ineligible, null, and void. D&B Philippines will not be responsible for and will not consider incomplete or incorrect entries.

2. All winners will be notified by registered mail and email. If the winner does not respond to the notification within 10 business days, another winner will be chosen. Failure to respond within the time frames shall mean that the provisional winner forfeits the prize.

3. Upon notification, the final prize must be collected within 60 days. Prizes may be collected from the D&B Philippines office at G/F Convergys One Building (Mail & More Flagship Store), Ayala Ave. cor. Salcedo St., Makati City.

4. To redeem their prizes, winners must present: (a) the letter notification of winning from D&B Philippines; (b) a valid ID with picture; and (c) if through a representative, authorization letter from the winner. The representative must also present a valid ID and the letter notification from D&B Philippines. Winners living outside the Greater Metro Manila area may opt to have their prize delivered, with the delivery cost borne by D&B Philippines.

5. Prizes are not convertible to cash.

6. Taxes to all prizes, if any, will be shouldered by D&B Philippines.

7. D&B Philippines may use, reproduce, edit, display, transmit, prepare derivative works of, modify, publish, and otherwise make use of Materials in any and all media, whether now known or hereinafter created throughout the world and for any purpose—without compensation of any kind to the entrants. D&B Philippines reserves all right to use all photos for the marketing and promotional use for this campaign.

8. By submitting Materials to D&B Philippines, entrants represent and warrant that the Materials do not infringe any copyright, trademark, property rights, rights of privacy or publicity of any person, or any other right of any third party and that you have the full and unrestricted right to transfer the Materials to D&B Philippines free and clear of any claims or encumbrances.

9. Entrants acknowledge and agree that D&B Philippines shall have no obligation to post, display, or otherwise make publicly available any Materials submitted by you.

10. Entrants acknowledge and agree that Materials submitted they submit may be made available by D&B Philippines for viewing, rating, reviewing, and commenting by the public. Entrants acknowledge that comments or ratings that they disagree with or are unhappy about may be published or otherwise become associated with Materials that they submit to D&B Philippines. By submitting Materials to D&B Philippines, entrants waive any privacy expectations that they may have with respect to the Materials.

11. By entering a contest, entrants conclusively are deemed to have agreed to be bound by these contest rules and terms and conditions as well as by any rules specific to such contest. This is an irrevocable condition of entry.

This contest is co-presented by Canon Marketing (Phils.), Inc. BusinessWorld and WhenInManila.com are its proud media partners.

About Dun & Bradstreet (D&B):

Dun & Bradstreet is the world’s leading source of commercial information and insight on businesses, enabling companies to Decide with Confidence^® for 170 years. D&B’s global commercial database contains more than 190 million business records. The database is enhanced by D&B’s proprietary DUNSRight^® Quality Process, which provides our customers with quality business information. This quality information is the foundation of our global solutions that customers rely on to make critical business decisions.

D&B provides solution sets that meet a diverse set of customer needs globally. Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions^TM to mitigate credit and supplier risk, increase cash flow and drive increased profitability; D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions^TM to increase revenue from new and existing customers; D&B Internet Solutions^TM to convert prospects into clients faster by enabling business professionals to research companies, executives and industries, over the web; and D&B Online Trust Solutions to enhance credibility online and increase business opportunities.

Dun & Bradstreet Philippines Photo Challenge

My journey as a foodie started in 2001, when I met a man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with. We shared countless food trips, merienda breaks, midnight snacks and amazing breakfasts. I realized that these moments were more than just simple meals, but priceless memories of the different flavors of life.

I started documenting my food adventures (and misadventures) in 2008 (visit EATS A DATE) with my new baby… my very first digital camera! From then on, each experience seemed to become more special as I sat and took in every detail from every aroma, crumb, bite and mmmmm. My writings, my experiences and my blog, slowly gained more purpose…  I knew I was on the right track!

When In Manila, it’s time to get all dressed up with your pets!

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society / PAWS, in cooperation with Eastwood City, invites everyone to have a spooktacular time at their annual Halloween fund raiser

“SCAREDY CATS & DOGS : YEAR 8” to be held at the Eastwood Central Plaza on Oct 23 (sun).

Join the costume competition (Pets at 10am, Kids at 3pm) and win exciting prizes from Alpo, Friskies, KitKat, Koko Krunch & Frontline Plus.

Pet Costume Categories are as follows :

* Crypt Keeper’s Choice (Most Original Costume)

* Casper’s Choice (Cutest Kid or Pet in Costume)

* Phantom’s Pick (Most Creative Costume)

* Scream of the Crop (Scariest Costume)

* Midnight Society (Best Group of Kids in Costume)

* Halim-Aw-Aw Award (Best Native Dog in Costume)

* Hali-Meow Awardee (Best Native Cat in Costume)

* Best Ghoulish Partners (Best Pet & Guardian Tandem)

* Mr. Boogeyman (Best Male in Costume)

* All Hallow’s Eve (Best Female in Costume)

* Transylvanian Star (Best Pet in Costume)

All participants will receive Halloween loots bags, photo souvenirs, free face painting and maps for the Trick-or-Treat around Eastwood at 5pm.

The P250 registration fee will go to the PAWS Animal Shelter which is home to more than 300 animals rescued from cruelty & neglect.

Special thanks to McDonald’s, Cast & Frame, Eastwood Cinemas, the Philippine Star Pet Life Section and WhenInManila.com for their support.

Scaredy Cats & Dogs: Halloween Pet Costume Contest from PAWS

When in Manila, not everything needs to be costly — or even paid for! That’s right, Gupo is giving away TWO Apple iPhone 4S units for FREE! It’s another exciting raffle, only this time you can actually CONTROL your chances of winning! To find out more, visit www.gupo.com.ph and register to be a member for free!

At Gupo, you can avail of vouchers that give you access to huge discounts on terrific deals on food, travel, healthcare and other fantastic products and services. Enjoy also our many raffles and contests held almost daily at the Gupo Facebook Fan Page on www.facebook.com/gupotayo. Everything at Gupo is a completely winning experience, so come on down and join us in the fun!

iWin uWin iPhone 4S!

When in Manila and have a hankering for Filipino cuisine, make sure you join the search for the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger! The goal? To look for the ultimate food blogger and reward him / her with the ultimate epicurean delight: 101 restaurants, 10 destinations, all expenses paid! Need I say more? (I can feel your excitement now! Haha!)

The search is indeed on for the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger. As part of Unilever Food Solutions’ Soo Pinoy advocacy, Unilever is now on the hunt for THE Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger. The good news? As long as you love food and you can write about it, you, my dear, can join! No joining fees / no big number of fans / no proofs of purchase required to join. Fun, yeah? I am close to suggesting that this is the best food blogger contest ever.

Unilever Food Solutions’ Sooo Pinoy Ambassador Mae “Juana Change” Paner

Like what I’d always say, good things come in trilogies. The search for the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger will be come in three rounds. To join, bloggers need to submit an article, explaining why they deserve to be the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger. I am not part of the panel of judges, but as the representatives of Unilever and I have discussed, entries do not necessarily have to be Ms. Universe material, but they have to be something that comes from the heart (that loves to eat, I guess teehee).  To qualify, your entry should be received by October 24, 2011. Click here to find out more.

Entries will be judged according to creativity, quality of the write-up, and popularity among the readers. Chosen blogs will be qualified to join the 2^nd round, and those who pass round 2 will advance to the final round. For the love of surprises, Unilever is yet to announce what rounds 2 and 3 will be, but I bet it will be as challenging and as fun as the ultimate prize!

Sooo Pinoy Judge Anton Diaz with friends from Unilever

The Search for the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger kicked off last night with a sumptuous dinner in Milky Way, Makati. An array of Filipino dishes have been served, and were arranged according to region.

Shroooms!

Beef Morcon from Luzon

Sinigang na Sugpo

Segue: It actually excited the foodie in me when I read in the invitation that the kick-off dinner was to be held in Milky Way. I have tons of Milky Way stories, all owing it to a good friend of mine (may he rest in peace). Often, when I was in his area, the restaurant of choice had to be Milky Way Rockwell. If Je were around, he would’ve loved it last night. I’m sure he would like the Soo Pinoy concept, too. He would’ve liked the idea of promoting Filipino cuisine. If there was one person whom I had to thank for introducing me to food trips, I would thank Je. If there was one person that had the love for food, it definitely would be Je Bautista. Now that I’m thinking about it, we’ve gone from Le Souffle to Lolo Dad’s to that siomaian near the now defunct Kolumn Bar to that bulaluhan in Kalentong – all for the love of food and eating.

Honestly, I’ve never thought of Filipino food in this light – colorful, wonderful, and filled with stories. I like and agree to what Unilever Food Solutions Ambassador Mae “Juana Change” said about food – there are so many stories that revolve around it.  This is very true, especially to the Filipino household. Recipes that have been stubbornly followed, with passion, and passed on from generation to generation, weaving family stories with it; celebrations, birthdays, fiestas, all filled with food; food from different regions in our beloved Philippines – all with stories well kept. I think everyone of us have been asked, “Kumain ka na ba?” at least once, when paying someone a visit. That nice greeting that’s as warm as newly cooked rice, making anyone who hears it feel welcome.

It is simply so awesome to be part of a race that celebrates blessings that grace the stomach.

Going back to the kick-off dinner.. Milky Way served classic Filipino dishes  such as sinigang na sugpo, beef morcon, and pork humba (ok you can wipe the drool off now lol); our very filling dinner was capped off with desserts such as turon, halo-halo, and buko pandan.

Pork Humba and Pocherong Maya Maya

 Turon

Buko Pandan

When in Manila, or wherever you are in the Philippines, I hope you would also help promote Filipino food as a world-class cuisine. Won’t you agree when I say that it’s high time that Filipino dishes get the recognition it deserves? Let us change the mentality that Filipino dishes are only served at home. There are actually a lot (and I mean A LOT) of  awesome restaurants that serve equally awesome Filipino dishes. There’s Romulo Café in Sct. Dr. Lazcano, Café Juanita in Kapitolyo, and Bale Dutung in Pampanga, to name a few. There are a whole lot more across the Philippines, waiting for you to discover them. I may be a fan of paella, pasta marinara, and lamb gyros, but the simple thought of Ilocos empanada makes my heart clap. As a kid, I’ve enjoyed numerous summers in Ilocos plazas, with orange crumbs all over my face. I fondly remember my lola (from my dad’s side) with pig entrails in one hand, and a basin of marinated ground pork on her side, ready to make Vigan longanisa (yup, I’m Ilokana and proud to be one). She will go on for hours, patiently filling the entrails with meat, careful not to pierce it, until I get restless and play and she will “Haan ka gamin makulit, ading!” me (wag ka kasi makulit / stop being playful). Our food is as colorful as our lives, and the stories that come with every bite are the stories that helped shape the Filipino as a person.

With Tash from Unilever

Breaking bread with blogger friends  :)

When In Manila, I salute Unilever for their search for the Soo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger. I commend them for encouraging, and even rewarding, people to develop the love for Filipino cuisine. So if you think you have a great love for Filipino food, I say you start writing now and be on your way to becoming the Soo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger! Good luck to everyone, and enjoy your gastronomic journey.

Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger Search on Facebook

facebook.com/SoooPinoy

 Soo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger Contest – Promoting Filipino Cuisine One Dish at a Time

You can also expect that I’ll be there because yup, apart from being a radio jock on weekends and a contributor for when in manila, I also sometimes put my wedding photographer hat on and I want to share with you here real quick, why I love being a part of the Imagine Nation Photography group and why I always get excited when we participate in bridal fairs.

I’ve been an Imagine Nation photographer for almost two years now and I must say, my life has been fully blessed in so many ways since. From being able to book one of their now master photographers Toto Villaruel and now senior photographer Noel Salazar for our wedding (whose photos to this day still take my breath away and where one has surprisingly made its way to being the poster for this particular bridal fair) to being one of the companies boudoir photographers representing the boudoir dolls, the journey with Imagine Nation never ceases to amaze me.

Imagine Nation Photography is headed by John Mateos Ong and the rest of the team is made up of young photographers who don’t only have a passion for photography but also have a passion to serve God through the work that we do. From volunteering to teach basic photography classes to providing free prenup marathons to help couples lighten their burden of costly prenups, we try to take our love for photography to unique and different heights.

We love being part of the wedding industry, it is through there that we get to share not only our talents but are also continuously inspired by the love that we see all around us all the time. It’s that love that we see in weddings that move us and make us want to capture those special moments each and every time we click that shutter button.  It’s what makes me hyped up during bridal fairs, it’s the thought that we’re one more step closer to showing couples through our work, just how special their love truly is. 

As much as I would love to go on and on about why you shouldn’t forget to drop by our booth this weekend, let me now share with you our work the best way I know how —  Through our photos. I hope you enjoy them and I do hope we see you there!

To see and learn more about our team and our work, do check out www.imaginenationphoto.com

“God Makes Weddings Beautiful. We simply Capture Them.” – Imagine Nation. Creativity from above. 

and of course, here’s that bridal fair poster we didn’t realize would get picked and which my husband and I are still over the moon about (hahaha, yes, I guess vanity does have a way of creeping up on us too you every now and then. )  It was taken by Noel Salazar :)

THE BRIDAL EXPO will also be coming up with new ideas and programs for this 8th bridal fair. Couples can look forward to participating in some fun activities such as bridal talks, raffles, forums and of course, a lot of special promos form the many suppliers. Plus a “FRANCHISE BUSINESS SHOWCASE” and a HONEYMOON DESTINATION, will also be given away to one very lucky couple. 

Other highlights of the expo will be performances from different choirs, strings, quartets plus a much awaited fashion show from new and well known wedding designers from the country that ought to get a lot of couples excited at the thought of planning their own weddings. 

Be sure to log on to their website in order to get your free passes to the event!

So when in Manila this weekend and ready to plan an awesome wedding, be sure to make your way to the 8th Bridal Expo at the PICC! 

See you there!!

The Bridal Expo

October 8-9, 2011

phone: 395.5009

email: bridalexpo2011@gmail.com

website: bridalexpophilippines.com

When In Manila, get yourself ready for Four Long and Amazing Nights of Bavarian Food, Beer and Music by German Club Manila at Sofitel Philippine Plaza:  OKTOBERFEST – 20 to 23 Oct 2011.

At the Sofitel, unlimited San Miguel Beer and Bavarian food buffet will be served to the tunes of traditional Bavarian music from Oct 20th 6.30 pm when the first beer cask will be tapped in Manila— in line with 201 similar ‘Oktoberfests‘ worldwide! 

This is the 2nd year of this German festival in Manila but way back Oktoberfest was actually an extended wedding celebration of a German Prince and his beautiful bride who wed in 1810. The unique thing about it was that the royalty extended this invite to all their citizens who feasted on the finest dishes and home-grown beer (till date considered a ‘food’, not a drink!)  

German club in Manila with an array of sponsors have promised extravagant raffles–Tickets to Munich, Over-night stays at premium hotels and resorts and Cash as well as Gift Coupons. Beauty Contest for fun and of course the crazy Beer Drinking Contest will be the chief attractions. These events brought nearly five thousand people to last year’s Oktoberfest….and this year Sofitel is ready to host 6.5 thousand!

Bollywood movie fans can think of the ‘Tomatina festival‘ in the recent hit ‘Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara’ and get the idea of what this is gonna be lyk…

Helpful Rumour:

I have heard that Friday 21st is already sold out but Thursday and Saturday are still open for bookings. So is Sunday, 23rd Oct 10am-12 noon- which is traditionally a family day.

Kids games, pool-side fun, inflatable jumping castles, magicians, face-painters and food will make an ideal Sunday by the sea-shore Sofitel. Non-drinkers can have their sodas and colas and something called ‘Cali’ which is 3% alcohol in Pineapple soda and enjoy the lavish food spread. 

Traditional favorites of authentic Bavarian fare are Pork Knuckles, Apple Strudel, Red-cabbage and a huge variety of gourmet Sausages. Vegetarian options are also there: Check out my non-alcoholic beer mug and Veg Platter: Potato and Bread dumplings and Stir Fried veggies…Aren’t I having as much fun or more as my more daring counterparts…well-almost… :lol:

This four day fest is actually an abbreviation of the traditional 14 day long celebration. In Munich, only the beer brewed within city-limits was allowed to be served. When In Manila, the natural outcome is to celebrate with the ‘World-famous Philipino brand’ SAN MIG ! Next year they even plan to produce special Oktoberfest Beer.

 As I said, Oktoberfest is really a celebration of the love-story of the German Crown Prince and Princess Terese who wed way back in 1810 and celebrated an extended wedding where all citizens were invited to endless drinking and most lavish and rich food. No doubt, Filipinos have loved the concept! Aren’t they as crazy (or more) for Beer, Music and Eating out as the Germans! I find it intellectually stimulating—how every culture has its greek god Bacchus worshipping version. HoLI festival in India for my Indian friends is similar. ‘Do crazy things Day’ kind of affair…. and its a class-less , friendly, family affair, not a clandestine get-high pub crawl. At least it was not meant to be. 

I was told by a German, ”Remember– for us — BEER IS ‘FOOD’! ” So in that spirit and given the lovely location of the fest, I am gonna take my family to get a taste of German festivities right here in Manila (Sunday morning). BTW the Filipino staff dressed in Bavarian Costumes looked so cute :) and the fair garden setting with its benches and tables is a total ambience!

When in Manila, do you have the need to dress up everyday? Whether you are going to work, school, a date, the mall – anywhere – are you conscious of what you are wearing? Well, you better be! Especially when going to Eastwood Mall. This is your chance to get featured by the MEGA fashion team. (Yep, you’ve read that correctly! The MEGA fashion team featuring YOU!)

Mega Magazine, in partnership with Eastwood Mall, launched Style Spies at Eastwood Mall last September 29, 2011. So what exactly is Style Spies? Basically, the MEGA fashion team will be roaming around Eastwood Mall every Friday, from 6:00 – 8:00 in the evening, spotting people who are fashionable enough to earn their 15 seconds of fame. If the MEGA fashion team likes your outfit, they will feature what you’re wearing on the fashion installation located at the second floor of the Eastwood Mall. This is your chance to show the world your stylish prowess.

If you are deemed as one of Manila’s most fashionable (for that night, at least), the MEGA fashion crew will feature your outfit on megastyle.ph. Awesome, right?

I have never believed that dressing up should be a task, and that people should suffer for style. Fashion, maybe, (vanity?) but not for style. Style is something innate, and just like what YSL said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal”. I’ve always said that I dress myself up because that’s what’s comfortable for me. Just like people who find wearing jeans and tees, I find comfort in wearing dresses and brogues. Sometimes I motivate myself to dress up because it actually feels good to do so. Will you agree with me if I say that dressing up gives a nice feeling? After all, aesthetics is a school of philosophy.

In any case, I hope this project of MEGA Magazine will motivate you to dress up as well! After all, Eastwood has already gained its reputation as a fashion haven here in Manila. What’s a better place to be seen at, right?

So make sure that you dress your best when in Manila, especially when you’ll be spending your great Friday night in Eastwood! Who knows, the MEGA fashion crew might just be waiting for you.

Photos by Carla Inductivo.

Mega Magazine

megastyle.ph

Style Spies at Eastwood Mall by MEGA Magazine

This is for you if you want to win P10K for blogging

A blogging contest  for Filipino bloggers living in the Philippines was launched on 17 September by Easy Pha-max Phils. Inc. at the Blogapalooza One held at Fully Booked in Fort Bonifacio Global City.

Open to professional and amateur bloggers, the contest has a theme “Why I should be an Easy Livelihood member” which candidates have to develop in not more than 500 words.

For interested bloggers to be able to develop the theme, they will  be invited by Easy Pha-max to attend a half-day Easy Livelihood seminar which the company conducts  every Saturday.

Bloggers will be asked to come to any of these dates, Sept. 24, October 1 /8/ 15.

The contest begins on September 25 and ends October 25. Five winners will be selected and this will be announced on November 4 in the company’s Wheatgrass C.A.N. Facebook page.

The top winner will receive P10,000. Four consolation prizes will be in cash, from P2,000 to P5,000 according to ranking.

The contest, according to Easy Pha-max, is an opportunity for bloggers to know more about the company’s products and services.  It will also be a door-opener  for any blogger to earn additional income by becoming an entrepreneur at a very small investment of P5,000.

Mechanics of the contest are posted on the company website at www.wheatgrasscan.com.

Easy Pha Max Wheat Grass Blogging Contest: Win 10K Cash!

In a world where more and more people seem to be dressing in the same way, a fashion warrior must dare to be different. Having to witness the actual drama brought me a different light as what you see on the boob tube is incomparable to its actuality.  Executive Group Creative Director Suki Salvador says, “Backstage is the new front stage” and this show is directed to offer people a unique peek into the fashion industry.

In this episode called High Street Fashion, the contestants are up once again for another grueling fashion shoot. Their fashion choices and attitude will either make or break them.  Everyone has their own different approach, it doesn’t really matter if they go along well with their team mates, in my opinion, the finished product matters most. In simple equation, if one got the right attitude, everything should be spontaneous- the talent, the authenticity, the strive to perfection. Being fashionably challenged, I have witnessed that a few of the teams had difficulty showcasing High Street Fashion theme. Bring on the challenge!

One of the great things about Manila is that more things are happening, even within a small neighborhood, at any moment than any human can comprehend. The High Street Fashion photography allows us to freeze one of those moments and study all of the small dramas that were taking place.

Believe you me when I say it ain’t easy as pie. Armed with my own camera and shooting like a mad dog , made me realize one thing. If one has the passion, everything just flows placidly. The MEGA Fashion Crew effectively showcases purportedly unscripted dramatic situations, documents actual events, and highlights these people sense of fashion and professionalism. I felt I was also one of the aspiring contestants, on the photographer category, of course. Having the theme High Street Fashion , groups were dispersed into the streets to come up with their respective presentation. I was actually more focused on how the contestants handled not the shoot itself, but the way they handled the unexpected forces shooting from the streets is what amazed me more. Literally takes a lot more ounce of courage, as I myself felt its intensity.

Public utility jeeps, cabs and cars, even six-wheeler trucks were no joke. My companion even reminded me a couple of times of either vehicles passing by while taking my shots or that I was already an inch closer to rolling down the basement car park . I was so engrossed and a few noticed how serious I was when it comes to dealing with photography.  Some groups even had the brilliant idea of having the construction workers’ cooperation in helping them with their shoots. The weather wasn’t really as friendly when I went, it was chilly yet humid, makes the shoot much more difficult.  The team that survives shooting on the city streets will emerge as the victors for this specific challenge. Again, the high street fashion challenge will determine who stays and who leaves. Those who find the right route are deserving to still be in the race to be Mega’s Top Fashion Crew.

Episode 8 High Street Fashion will also showcase 50th Avenue’s 1st Anniversary Campaign. The final looks will be featured at 50th Avenue’s display window. Another first is that the guest mentor will double as the guest judge. In this challenge, high street fashion will determine who stays and who leaves. Those who find the right route deserve to still be in the race to be Mega’s Top Fashion Crew.

Fortunately you don’t have to work in the world of fashion to look and feel great When In Manila. If fashion rules your heart, by all means go for it. The MEGA Fashion Crew will serve you the fashion tips and treats; it can be your channel to your new venture in fashion.

MEGA Magazine invites you to witness yet another milestone in the publishing-television industry.  Catch MEGA Fashion Crew every Saturday 7pm, with replays on Sundays, 10am only on ETC.

Generation MEGA Season 2: MEGA Fashion Crew is created for television by the MEGA Publishing Group. For the latest updates, visit www.megastyle.ph or like MEGA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/megamagazine or follow MEGA on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mega_magazine.

When In Manila, never in a million years would I have imagined that we’d help build an event to better create a link between the Business World and the Blogging Blogosphere!

Blogapalooza is an event envisioned by my team at WhenInManila.com where we thought to find a way for businesses to meet influential social media experts.

It’s really a one of a kind B2B: Business to Blogger type of networking event!

We realized that there are lots of small and medium sized businesses who can’t quite afford to throw media events. Not only would it cost too much to rent a venue, pay for food, prepare giveaways and lease out an event management team, but they also don’t know which bloggers they should invite!

It was from this need, plus our desire to meet more bloggers and businesses that we came up with Blogapalooza!

Blogapalooza promises to bring together 100-150 influential bloggers and social media marketers into a venue where businesses, big and small, can come present their brand, products, services, widgets and thingamajigs to the online bloggers and writers. In turn, bloggers tend to share things they like with their thousands of readers, fans and followers.

Best of all, we ask all the businesses participating to bring samples of their brand, products, services, widgets and thingamajigs so that the bloggers can fully experience it! This in turn makes for one hell of a giant gift bag for each blogger attending! An added bonus aside from getting to meet businesses interested in online social media marketing.

Originally, we thought this was a cool idea and we might get a few businesses and a few bloggers wanting to come…. not long after launching, we realized that we were in way over our heads!

After hundreds of bloggers applying to receive an invite and over a hundred businesses also applying to be a presenter, we had to cut it down to 150 bloggers and about 50 presenters and sponsors.

150 Confirmed Bloggers Attending Blogapalooza ONE on Sept 17

We’re really overwhelmed by the positive outpour of support and thank you all for this wonderful surprise for our first ever Blogapalooza.

THANK YOU to our 50 Partners, Sponsors and Presenters

For those wanting to attend, but were not invited to this, do not worry as we’ll be having Blogapalooza 2, The Online Christmas Gift Giving Guide very soon!

When In Manila, for more info about Blogapalooza or if you want to be part of the Blogapalooza community for updates on future events, check out our website at http://Blogapalooza.WhenInManila.com

Blogapalooza Website: http://Blogapalooza.WhenInManila.com

Blogapalooza Facebook: http://Facebook.com/Blogapalooza

Blogapalooza Bloggers Event Kicks Off! First B2B: Business to Blogger Networking Event!

 “The Young and Reckless” on September 15^th at B-Side The Collective in Makati.  The purpose of the event is to feature the new breed of future Filipino entrepreneurs by blending the talents of music and the young minds behind some of the newest and strongest Filipino brands in the market today.  

Featured Brands:

SOULe Footwear (facebook.com/​soulefootwear) Drone Clothing(facebook.com/​DroneClothingCo) Nick Automatic (nickautomatic.com) Gnarly! (gnarly.ph) Bring Rings (facebook.com/​ilovebring)

With performances by:

Blue Boy Bites Back, Imbue No Kudos, Faintlight, Teenage Daydream, Sirens, Pull-It Surprise

Entrance: P150 (1 free beer), P350 (1 free beer and t-shirt)

Giving away a pair of tickets for this one for you and a friend. Stay tuned for more info on how to win them.

I tried a few times to finish this massive burger called The Tower Burger, in 2 minutes, and I could not pull it off!

The Demolish the Tower Burger Challenge at KFC asks you to show down on a KFC Tower Burger and to get it all on camera for a chance to win a trip to Singapore to see the F1 races!

All well and may sound easy enough,  but let me tell ya, it’s not that simple! This burger is HUGE!

Anyway, here’s my first FAILED attempt at doing so. I swear I tried much harder on my other attempts, but still to no avail. Will update you if I find a way to get this done!

How about you? Ready to win that trip to Singapore? Well here’s the complete mechanics for the Demolish the KFC Tower Burger Challenge:

1. Buy one KFC Tower Burger.

2. Take a video of yourself eating the Tower Burger in 2 minutes or less. For video to be considered valid or qualified it must show:

a) That 1 Tower Burger if completely consumed within 2 minutes

b) The video is not edited, cut, or spliced together.

3. Upload video on YouTube.

4. After the successful upload, get the YouTube URL of your video and enter it into the KFC Demolish the Tower Facebook app, together with your name, mailing address, email address, and mobile number. Find that here – https://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines

5. Deadline of uploading of videos is on September 16, 2011 (12 midnight).

Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do much better than I did!

When In Manila, you’ll see the love for the classics all over. From the music, to the entertainment and especially the fashion!

It’s only fitting that we bring back the classics every now and again to remind us of how cool things were back in the day.

For many, Tretorn brings back nostalgic memories of grade school when students in the 80s and 90s were required to wear the Swedish shoe brand’s classic tennis shoes in gym class. The Tretorn Nylite tennis shoe, born in 1967, is regarded as the first luxury sports shoe.

Worn by Björn Borg in the era when tennis stars made rock stars blush, and immortalized by 1980′s The Official Preppy Handbook, the Nylite epitomizes Swedish minimalism, making it a favorite for over 50 years.

Now Tretorn is asking you to “Wear Them YOUR Way” and win P10,000.00 in cold hard cash!

“Dreams in Transit”

WhenInManila.com

THE NYLITE PROJECT “WEAR THEM YOUR WAY” CONTEST!

How To Join?

Call for entries are being done through Facebook (www.facebook.com/tretorn) and through all Tretorn retail locations (Tretorn Galleria, Rockwell Powerplant Mall and all Res|Toe|Run stores where Nylites are 10% off)

Contest Period?

September 1 – 30, 2011

What To Do?

1. Style Yourself wearing your classic Nylite shoes!

2. Take a creative photo of yourself… emphasis on creative!

3. Send your photo to: thenyliteprojectph@yahoo.com with a short caption within the contest period!

Criteria?

All photos will be judged based upon the following scale:

Score from Top Bloggers [40%]

Overall Impression [20%]

Creativity [20%]

Originality [20%]

All entries will be posted on www.facebook.com/tretorn

The Prize?

Winning Photo Will Be Announced October 14, 2011. Winner will receive:

Winning Photo Featured Internationally on www.thenyliteproject.com

PhP10,000.00 in Cash

PhP 5,000.00 in Tretorn Gift Checks!

So When In Manila, show some love for the classics and show the world exactly how you’d “Wear Them YOUR Way!”