Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012: The Photo Challenges

BEST PHOTO AWARD
Judge: Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc.
Prize: Basic Photography Classes (5 sessions) for 1 pax courtesy of FPPF
Start: February 18, 2012
Deadline: March 11, 2012 @ 11pm

IMPORTANT: Read the instructions carefully.

1. MEMBERS ONLY. This challenge is exclusive only to the members of Intramuros Bloggers Challenge group on or before February 18, 2012. 
2. EVENT PHOTOS ONLY. Only the photos taken during the IBC 2012 Food and Travel events may qualify as entries.
3. WATERMARKS & PHOTO ENHANCEMENTS. Use of watermarks and photo enhancements are allowable but not encouraged. Watermarks should be placed only at the bottom-right side of the photo. Use only 10-pt. black or white Arial font. Please see sample below courtesy of Ms. Aileen Siwa. (Tip: FPPF doesn't really recommend watermarks and photo enhancements on photo contests. Use your own discretion.)
4. FOOD PHOTOS. Upload photos taken during the Food Blog Challenge at Barbara's Restaurant on the wall of  http://www.facebook.com/BarbarasRestaurant. 
5. TRAVEL PHOTOS. Upload photos taken during the Travel Blog Challenge in Intramuros on the wall of  www.facebook.com/IntramurosManila.
6. CAPTION. Place the caption "This is a photo challenge entry to Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by www.intramurosmanila.asia."
7. TAG. Tag as many friends as you can on your photo. 
8. SHARE. Share it to all your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and others.
9. UNLIMITED. Submit as many photo as you can. More photos, more chances of winning.
10. VIDEO. Some or all of the photos shall be used for the IBC 2012 video.
11. ONE WINNER. Only one photo shall be declared as the Best Photo for IBC 2012.

Sample photo courtesy of AS Photography

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST RESTAURANT PHOTO 

Prize: 1 box Ferrero Rocher chocolates (24 pcs.) + goodies
Start: February 18, 2012
Deadline: March 11, 2012 @ 11pm

1. UPLOADED PHOTOS ONLY. Only the photos with prescribed watermark and caption uploaded on http://www.facebook.com/BarbarasRestaurant can qualify for the contest. 
2. TAG. Tag as many friends as you can to your photo. 
3. SHARE.  Share it to all your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and others.
4. CAMPAIGN. Campaign it to all of your friends to get the most comments and shares.
5. UNLIMITED. Submit as many entries as you can. More photos, more chances of winning.
6. ONE WINNER. The entry with the most number of comments and shares wins!

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST TRAVEL PHOTO 
Prize: 1 box Ferrero Rocher chocolates (24 pcs.) + goodies
Start: February 18, 2012
Deadline: March 11, 2012 @ 11pm

1. UPLOADED PHOTOS ONLY. Only the photos with prescribed watermark and caption uploaded on http://www.facebook.com/IntramurosManila can qualify for the contest. 
2. TAG. Tag as many friends as you can to your photo. 
3. SHARE.  Share it to all your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and others.
4. CAMPAIGN. Campaign it to all of your friends to get the most comments and shares.
5. UNLIMITED. Submit as many entries as you can. More photos, more chances of winning.
6. ONE WINNER. The entry with the most number of comments and shares wins!

Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012: The Wrap Up

Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012.

I thought at first that this project was an impossible dream. In the second module of my online classes at the Ateneo-Digital Filipino Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program, we were only given about two weeks to create a campaign for our blog. My blog is about Intramuros and in my mind, there’s just no other way that I can truly promote it but to let others experience the beauty of the Walled City by themselves. From the start I know that it is going to be an event for bloggers who shall be experiencing the Walled City and then create blog posts about it.

And yes! It turned out how I envisioned it to be.

IBC 2012 Official Poster | [Creatives by Cristel Diaz]

Three days of creating a full campaign plan. Ten days of making cold calls to potential sponsors and donors and convincing them to invest on my humble project. Three days of encouraging the heritage-loving bloggers to join IBC 2012. Two days of implementation. And then at last! All my efforts paid off. And this is my wrap-up post.

This post- I’d like to fill with my overwhelming gratitude to everyone who supported my project from beginning and until the end and for agreeing with my belief that there is so much to see within the Walled City- that the whole wide world deserves to know about.

First of all, I’d like to thank my Ateneo-Digital Filipino mentors, Ms. Janette Toral and Ms. Fleire Castro, for patiently answering all my makulit questions and countless Facebook messages asking for tips and advices on what should be done and what more can be done. They are my greatest motivators and cheerleaders for getting this project done. Without them, I am not sure if I will have my own initiative to think about creating a project like this- in the middle of my work and other personal responsibilities.

But it turned out to be one of the most fulfilling things I have achieved as a blogger. Thank you so much, Ms. J and Ms. Fleire!

Our first Google Hangout | [Photo Credits: Ms. Fleire Castro]

Secondly, to IBC 2012’s generous donors and sponsors. I can’t imagine IBC 2012’s Food Blog Challenge without the FOOD and the Travel Blog Challenge without the TRAVEL. Your “yes-es” made all the difference for this project and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for being our “gateway” to get inside the “Walls”. Thank you Sir JC of Barbara’s Restaurant, Sir Carlos of Celdran Tours, Jeff of Mabuhay Guides, Mr. Sta. Maria and Sir Georgy Porgy of Castillan Tours, Sir Jun of Intramuros Administration and Sir Lito of Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. To my friends- Dan of URC’s Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ate Wyeth of Starbucks Philippines, Ruth of Ruthilicious and Kuya Jonel of GadgetGambit.com. To my family and to my ever loyal co-organizing friends who helped me during the event- Gian, Iris, Cristel and Marco. You are all gold to me! I thank God for you all!

Ms. Lorna Quion and Mr. JC Delos Reyes of Barbara's Restaurant

Mr. Carlos Celdran of Celdran Tours

Mr. Jeff Velasco of Mabuhay Guides

Me with Mr. Geronimo Sta. Maria and Sir Georgy Porgy of Castillan Tours

Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 is, to the truest sense of the word, an event for bloggers. Without my ladies and fellas’ from the crazy and beautiful world of Philippine blogosphere, IBC 2012 won’t be the same. You are the letter “B” in IBC 2012. It CAN'T be and WON'T ever be just- IC 2012!

The bloggers posing with the management team of Barbara's Restaurant

I’d like to thank you all for always being excited, for always having the need “to be there”, for always having that insatiable itch to express and share your thoughts to the world through your blogs, for taking extraordinary pictures which I can only wish I took and for crafting words that create positive impact and influence – I THANK YOU. This project is for you and for Intramuros. You are the modern-day bricks and mortar of the online world. The old Walled City called for our help. Thank you for responding with me.

Florencio Jusay, Jr., a blogging participant, dancing Tinikling with a Kultura Filipina dancer 

Let us all hope that in our own little way, we can usher many to discover what’s within the Walls and to experience the same beautiful experiences that we have had within it. Kudos to all of you!

Briefing the Travel Blog Challengers

Above all, I thank the Almighty who is the source of all beauty, creativity, gratitude and positivity. Thank you, Papa, for this wonderful experience.

San Agustin Church, the oldest church in the Philippines and the only surviving structure within Intramuros during the World War II

With all pride, I’d like to share to everyone the blog posts created by the participants of the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012.

The Food Blog Challengers at Barbara's Restaurant

Food Blog Challenge

February 3, 2012

Barbara’s Restaurant

It was jampacked that night at Barbara's Restaurant

Binausan, a Filipino folk dance that requires great amounts of balance and grace. We were wow-ed by this performance that night.

A Spanish-inspired dance by the Kultura Filipina dancers

Tinikling, a Filipino folk dance that uses bamboo poles

• Enzo Luna of Juan Manila Express
• Michael Joseph Romero of MykRome23 
• Jinkee Umali of Live Life Fullest
• Zheyme Manahan of Taste of Goodness
• Florencio Jusay Jr. of Fudfyt
• JayL Aquino of Blog-PH.com
• Kathy Ngo of Life is Kulayful
• Ma. Aleah Tacloban of Solitary Wanderer
• Cha Sy of Travel on a Shoestring
• Krystle Marie Pingol of I Love Kits
• Janese Halabaso of Lakwatsera Mom
• Hana Abello of Everyday Doll

Intramuros 1, the exclusive tranvia of the Intramuros Administration official and guests

Travel Blog Challenge

February 5, 2012

Intramuros

Redge of Starbucks Intramuros initiating a coffee tasting that day

Ms. Racquel Flores of Intramuros Visitors Center before the 12-minute video documentary about Intramuros

The facade of Fort Samtiago with the image of St. James of the Moors

A painting of the last few days of Jose Rizal by the National Artist, Carlos "Botong" Francisco

• Michael Joseph Romero of MykRome23 
• Zheyme Manahan of Taste of Goodness
• Sumi Go of The Purple Doll
• JayL Aquino of Blog-PH.com
• Kathy Ngo of Life is Kulayful
• JC Ordonez of Technophobia
• Estan Cabigas of Langyaw
• Karla Mae Brazil of As Told by Karla
• Ethel Joy Caguitla of Memorya at Memorabilya
• Dan Patacsil of The Wandering Wonder
• John Paul Suba of Strawhat JP
• Ruel Umali of RuelUmali.com
• Krystle Pingol of I Love Kits
• Jinkee Umali of Live Life Fullest

The paved floors of Calle Luna and Rela de Palacio near Plaza San Luis Complex

Reminders: The Best Food and Travel Blog Entries shall be declared very soon. Please keep yourselves updated with IntramurosManila.Asia blog. Also, the Photo Challenges shall be rolled out in a short while. Please bookmark this page or follow the blog through these social networks:

• http://www.facebook.com/intramurosmanila
• http://www.facebook.com/groups/149354788501994/
• https://twitter.com/#!/iammarkdelgado
• https://plus.google.com/114121094409189275989
• http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/intramuros-manila
• http://feeds.feedburner.com/Intramurosmanilaasia

A blackboard with special messages from the blogging challengers for me. Thanks Kathy for this awesome surprise!

Thank you and hope to see you on the next Intramuros Bloggers Challenge!

Sakaytamis: The Purple Jeep

That night on my home, I happened to chance upon this purple and colorful jeepney carrying an oversized image of Nescafe 3-in-1 Sweet 'n Mild, Nescafe's newest variant of instant coffee.

It was a sight to behold! It stood out among the rest of the "King of Manila Roads" with its vibrant colors and design. It seemed like a "female" jeepney among the steel-colored jeepneys in the middle of the road. Can it be the new "Queen of Manila Roads"?

[Source:  http://www.facebook.com/nescafe.ph  ]

Sakaytamis is part of the marketing campaign of Nescafe Philippines in promoting their newest instant coffee variant. In their Facebook fanpage, it was said that Sakaytamis jeeps offered free rides during all of the Mondays of January 2012 from 7pm to 9pm. So cool! I wonder how this brand activation went.

If there's a lesson this jeepney-wrap big idea is telling me, it can be that marketers should make use of the ordinary, the usual and the run-of-the-mill to create something extraordinary in order to get noticed.

THINK MARKETING LESSON #1: To get noticed, make use of the ordinary, the usual and the run-of-the-mill to create something extraordinary.

Disclaimer: This blog is a result of the Community Manager’s viewpoints based on his daily encounters with the many interesting campaigns that captured his attention. He is not in any way connected with the teams behind the campaigns featured herein. Neither with the competitors. For questions, comments and suggestions, you may use the comment box below or send him a letter at markjosephdelgado [@] ymail [.] com.

Tokyo Cafe

It was my first time at Tokyo Cafe. As usual, when I'm new to the place, I'll ask for a recommendation. The friendly waitress who served my table told me to try out their Chicken ala Pobre.

Since I was a big fan of chicken and mayonnaise (need not be together), this dish was a big hit for me. It was sprinkled with sauteed garlic and the chicken was juicy and tasty. I really like it!

Sole Service Spring/Summer 2012

Inspired by international street style and the outdoors, Sole Service found its niche as a unique source of footwear for Manila’s hip and trendy. Sole Service reinvents classic pieces and creates a wide variety of designs with fresh and modern shapes, fit and feel.

Sole Service Manila recently released its S/S 2012 dual campaign featuring back to back day and night theme.

Apples & Almonds Cupcakes

Hear ye! Hear yea! Cupcake lovers! There's a new sweetie in town.

(Drum roll here.)

Apple & Cinnamon and Banoffee! Perfect for Valentine's or anytime. =)

Up above are the delicious cupcakes made by Apples & Almonds. I am so proud 'coz it's made by a senior from college and it's nice to know that she actually ventured to this kind of business which I am such a big fan of-- sweets!

Digital Technology for Social Change (British Council)

[Source:  http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines  ]

What is the project all about?
The British Council is going all around the Philippines to give FREE seminars on how the youth may foster change through the use of digital technology. It’s all about incorporating social media with social responsibility. Gone are the days that blogging, tweeting and uploading photos were just mere pastimes or hobbies but through the seminar the young people will be given a new perspective- how to foster change through social media.

Where and when will the project be held?
The first two legs were held last January 26 and February 4 in Manila and Davao, respectively. The next three legs shall be held at the following venues and dates:

• Bacolod on February 13, 2012 at University of Saint La Salle
• Baguio on February 20, 2012 at Saint Louis University
• Naga on February 27, 2012 at Ateneo de Naga University

How to join the project?

• You must be 18-25 years old and must be actively engaged in community development. They highly encourage applications from minority groups.
• You must fill out the Application Form which can be downloaded here.
• Email the application form to changemaker@britishcouncil.org.ph
• Deadline of submission is at 12:00nn of the following dates:
• Bacolod on February 2, 2012
• Baguio on February 10, 2012
• Naga on February 17, 2012
• Successful applications shall be posted on British Council Philippines’ Facebook page.

What if I can't come during those dates on those venues?
You can participate in the webinar which may be livestreamed during the event dates.

Where to get more details?

BRITISH COUNCIL
Website: http://www.britishcouncil.org/philippines
Email: changemaker@britishcouncil.org.ph
Facebook: British Council Philippines
Twitter: @BCPhilippines
YouTube: britishcouncilphils
Multiply: britishcouncilph.multiply.com

4th Manila Transitio 1945

[Source:  http://carlosceldran.tumblr.com  ]

MANILA TRANSITIO 1945
Date: February 26, 2012, Sunday
Time: Tour @ 4:00PM
Meet-up Venue: Fort Santiago Ticket Booth

In February of 1945, the City of Manila was completely destroyed in a battle between the United States Armed Forces and the Japanese Imperial Army. An estimated 120,000 people were lost and our beloved City of Manila was never the same again.

This February 25th, to mark the 67th Anniversary of the Battle of Manila, Walk This Way Tours and Carlos Celdran will present the 4th Manila Transitio 1945. This art event hopes to become an annual commemoration/memorial where we as Manileños may reflect upon the passing of this event in our history.

The evening will start with a sunset tour of Intramuros at 4:00pm.

Art installations and musical performances will follow at the main field of Fort Santiago at 7:30pm. Stay posted for the listing of participants.

The evening will be highlighted by the release of spirit balloons.

Reasonably priced food and refreshment will be available.

Picnic baskets and bringing of your own refreshments allowed. Bring enough to share with others if you wish.

Cost: PAY WHAT YOU WANT.

*Php100.00 or more is RECOMMENDED.

This post was reblogged from http://bit.ly/wC5v2O.

Alay Kay Rizal sa Buwan ng Sining

Where There is LOVE by Ateneo Chamber Singers

IBC 2012: Best Travel Write-up Mechanics

BEST TRAVEL WRITE-UP CHALLENGE
Judge: Mr. Ivan Henares of Ivan About Town
Prize: An exclusive tour around Intramuros and Rizal Park with Castillan Carriage and Tours plus the book Intramuros of Memory authored by Dr. Jaime C. Laya and Esperanza B. Gatbonton
Deadline: February 10, 2012 @ 11pm

MECHANICS:

• WORDS. Using 1,000 words or less, create a blog post about your Intramuros Wall-king experience.
• PHOTOS & VIDEOS. As much as possible, do not place too much elements and big watermarks on your photos. You may also insert videos.
• STARBUCKS. Include a little bit about your Starbucks Intramuros experience. 
• CODE. At the bottom of the post, place the mandatory element. See it below.
• COMMENT BOX. When you're done, place the link to your post at the comment box below.
• TWEET. Tweet your post! Use this format: I blogged about my Intramuros Wall-king experience for #IBC2012 by @sleekinthecity [Insert short URL here via bitly.]
• SHARE. Share your post to your other social networks too such as your Facebook wall, groups, pages, Google Plus and etc. 

<---- Travel Write-up mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a Travel Write-up entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 

IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Travel Write-up mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 6, 2012.

IBC 2012: Best Food Write-up Mechanics

BEST FOOD WRITE-UP CHALLENGE
Judge: Mr. JC Delos Reyes of Barbara's Restaurant
Prize: Dinner for 2 at Barbara's Restaurant
Deadline: February 6, 2012 @ 11pm

MECHANICS:

• WORDS. Using 1,000 words or less, create a blog post about your Barbara's Restaurant experience.
• PHOTOS & VIDEOS. As much as possible, do not place too much elements and big watermarks on your photos. You may also insert videos.
• CODE. At the bottom of the post, place the mandatory element. See it below.
• COMMENT BOX. When you're done, place the link to your post at the comment box below.
• TWEET. Tweet your post! Use this format: I blogged about my Intramuros Wall-king experience for #IBC2012 by @sleekinthecity [Insert short URL here via bitly.]
• SHARE. Share your post to your other social networks too such as your Facebook wall, groups, pages, Google Plus and etc. 

<---- Food Write-up mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

BARBARA'S RESTAURANT
Facebook: Barabara's Restaurant
Email: barbarasrestaurant@yahoo.com
Mobile No.: +63 917 838 7545

This is a Food Write-up entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 

IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Food Write-up mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 6, 2012.

IBC 2012: Final 15 Travel Write-up Challengers

CONGRATULATIONS!

1. Enzo Luna
2. Michael Joseph Romero
3. Jinkee Umali
4. Zheyme Manahan
5. Sumi Go
6. JayL Aquino
7. Kathy Ngo
8. Ferdinand Bondoy
9. Cha Sy
10. JC Ordonez
11. Estan Cabigas
12. Karla Mae Brazil
13. Ethel Joy Caguitla
14. Cristel May Diaz
15. Lloyd Salac
16. Dan Patacsil
17. Bernie Sy

KEY ACTION STEPS:

• FREE SLOTS. I still have three more free slots. Please share to your blogging friends how can they join us in this activity. You may send them this short link: http://bit.ly/zNKkOk. 
• CONFIRM. To confirm your attendance, send me a PM via Facebook with your mobile number and pre-qualifying entry with complete mandatory elements (they change regularly). Catch me at www.facebook.com/markjosephdelgado
• REMINDERS.Read carefully the event details and important reminders below.

EVENT DETAILS:

• 1:00pm - 1:15pm - Meet-up at Starbucks Intramuros. As a challenge, I won't be answering any inquiries on how to get to Starbucks Intramuros. Also, punctuality for the meet-up shall be rewarded with a free beverage coupon by Starbucks, where will we be staying for an hour. And lastly, choosing of tour guides is on a first come first serve basis. If you are eyeing a slot for a particular tour guide, do your best to be on time. 
• 1:00pm - 1:40pm - Caffeine fix at Starbucks Intramuros. Starbucks Intramuros is one of the most unique Starbucks stalls in the whole Philippines. You will know why. I'm sure you will want to hang out inside it and get some caffeine into your system while taking some pictures before the tour. There are just some rules on picture-taking that we need to observe while inside the coffee shop. These things shall be relayed to all of you during the event.
• 1:40pm - 2:00pm - Tranvia transfer to the venue. No blogger should miss this exciting experience. But I'm afraid those who won't be able to make on or before 1:40pm shall have to walk or ride a pedicab to the venue. Ask the Starbucks folks where did we go. (Keyword: Club Intramuros)
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Snacks while meeting. Some special reminders before the tour while munching some snacks in a very exclusive place within Intramuros. (Keyword: Mulligan)
• 3:00pm - 6:00pm - Walking tour. All I can say is that I am very much excited about this part.
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm - Parting of ways. Before we part ways, there shall be some short reminders and quick survey form to be accomplished. Afterwards, see you on the next Intramuros Bloggers Challenge!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. INTRAMUROS. Research about Intramuros as early as now to get a teaser of what you will have before the walking tour. 
2. TOUR GUIDES. Research about the tour guides. This will help you a lot in getting ideas on how to maximize your tour on Sunday. We got Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides and Castillan Tours.
3. UPDATE. Update the mandatory element from your pre-qualifying entry regularly to avoid being disqualified. The mandatory element can be found at the bottom of this post.
4. BE COMFORTABLE. You will be in a walking tour. Wear the most comfortable clothes that you have. And as much as possible avoid bringing heavy stuffs.
5. EXCLUSIVE. As much as we want you to be accompanied by your friends and loved ones, this event is exclusive for the blogging participants only.
6. PUNCTUALITY. Be on time. Punctuality shall be rewarded.
7. AVOID BACKING OUT. Avoid backing out a couple of hours before the event. Give me at least 12 hours to search for someone to take your place.
8. PHOTOS & VIDEOS. Take really good pictures and videos. You might win for yourself a free Basic Photography Workshop courtesy of our sponsor, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a pre-qualifying entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 

IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 6, 2012.

IBC 2012: Final 15 Food Write-up Challengers

CONGRATULATIONS!

1. Enzo Luna
2. Michael Joseph Romero
3. Jinkee Umali
4. Zheyme Manahan
5. Florencio Jusay, Jr.
6. Sumi Go
7. JayL Aquino
8. Kathy Ngo
9. Ma. Aleah Taboclaon
10. Cha Sy
11. Krystle Marie Pingol
12. David D'Angelo
13. Janese Halabaso
14. Mark Chino Pantua
15. Han Abello
16. Ria Hazel Lumanog
17. Lloyd Salac

EVENT DETAILS:

• Venue: Barbara's Restaurant inside Plaza San Luis Complex in front of San Agustin Church
• Time: February 3, 2011 @ 5:40pm

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. RESEARCH. Research a little about Barbara's Restaurant. This will help you a lot in the upcoming challenges.
2. UPDATE. Update the mandatory element from your blog entries regularly to avoid being disqualified. See the mandatory element at the bottom of this post.
3. BE COMFORTABLE. Bring less stuffs with you as much as possible and wear the most comfortable outfit too.
4. INVITE. Invite your other blogging friends to join the Travel Write-up Challenge on February 5! We still have few more slots. Deadline is extended until February 2, 2011 @ 11pm!
5. EXCLUSIVE. As much as we want you to be accompanied by your friends and loved ones, this event is exclusive for the blogging participants only.
6. PUNCTUALITY. Please do come on time. You have to witness the cultural show right from the start!
7. AVOID BACKING OUT. Avoid backing out a couple of hours before the event. Give me at least 12 hours to search for someone who will replace you.
8. PHOTOS & VIDEOS.Take really good pictures and videos. You might win for yourself a FREE Basic Photography Workshop courtesy of our sponsor, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation.

<----Pre-qualifying mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a pre-qualifying entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 

IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 3, 2012.

Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012: Let the Challenges Begin!

EVENT DETAILS:

A blogging challenger may choose one or both challenges below.

• Food Write-up Challenge
• February 3, 2012 
• 6pm - 8pm
• Registration is FREE but donations are very much welcome =)
• Travel Write-up Challenge 
• February 5, 2012 
• 1pm - 6pm
• Registration is FREE but donations are very much welcome =)

CONFIRMED RESTAURANT PARTNER

• Barbara's Restaurant

CONFIRMED TOUR GUIDE PARTNERS

• Celdran Tours
• Mabuhay Guides
• Pilipinas Pilgrimage
• Castillan Tours

OTHER CONFIRMED SPONSORS

• Intramuros Administration
• Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc.
• Payless Pancit Shanghai
• Ruthilicious
• GadgetGambit.com

GUIDANCE & MENTORSHIP

• DigiEntrepreneur
• DigitalFilipino
• Third Team Media

NEW MECHANICS FOR JOINING (UPDATED AS OF FEB. 1, 2012):

• Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 is open to all bloggers who are members of the following Facebook Groups on or before January 29, 2012. <- Please note that this is not the deadline. 
• For bloggers wanting to join starting February 1, 2012, below are the mechanics.
• Food Write-up Challengers
• Deadline of submission of entries is until February 1, 2012 @ 11pm. 
• Pick the best food entry that you have from your blog. (Previous entries are good enough. The sponsors would just like to see your writing style. No more word limits.)
• Insert the Mandatory Element below your blog entry. You will find it at the bottom of this post.
• Paste your blog post URL, full name, email address and "Food" at the comment box below.
• You're done! Please keep posted for the announcement of the Top 15 Food Write-up Challengers!
• Travel Write-up Challengers  
• Deadline of submission of entries is until February 2, 2012 @ 11pm.
• Pick the best travel entry that you have from your blog. (Previous entries are good enough. The sponsors would just like to see your writing style. No more word limits.)
• Insert the Mandatory Element below your blog entry. You will find it at the bottom of this post.
• Paste your blog post URL, full name, email address and "Travel" at the comment box below.
• You're done! Please keep posted for the announcement of the Top 15 Travel Write-up Challengers!

OLD MECHANICS FOR JOINING:

• Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 is open to all bloggers who are members of the following Facebook Groups on or before January 29, 2012. <- Please note that this is not the deadline.    

• Pinoy Bloggers
• Bloggers Support Each Other
• Proudly Pinoy Bloggers
• Bloggers Support Group

• To join, just simply answer the question “Why is it more fun in the Philippines?” using 100 words or less. Photos and videos may also be inserted. Entries should be posted in their participating blogs containing the Mandatory Elements. You will find it below this post.
• After completing the entries with the Mandatory Element, their entries, full names, email addresses and chosen challenges should be posted at the comment box below this blog post. Afterwards, they may share their entries to their social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, NetworkedBlogs and others.  
• 15 lucky bloggers for each of the 2 category sets shall be chosen to participate in the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 using the following set of criteria:

• Substance - 40%
• Creativity - 30%
• Compliance to Word Limit, Mandatory Elements & Grammar – 30%
• Bonus points may also be given to entries with Likes, Comments, Retweets, Shares and Tagged Friends. =)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• How do I know if I were chosen as a Blogging Challenger?

Aspiring Blogging Challengers should keep themselves posted with the announcement of the Top 15 Blogging Challengers to be posted on IntramurosManila.Asia. It is highly recommended that they follow the blog through these social networks:

• http://www.facebook.com/intramurosmanila
• http://www.facebook.com/groups/149354788501994/
• https://twitter.com/#!/sleekinthecity
• https://plus.google.com/114121094409189275989
• http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/intramuros-manila
• http://feeds.feedburner.com/Intramurosmanilaasia

• Can I be creative in my entry by adding images and videos?

Yes. There are no limits to creativity, only with the number of words to be used.

• What kind of challenges shall the Top 15 be facing in IBC 2012?

IBC 2012 is divided into 2 challenges: Best Restaurant Write-Up and Best Travel Write-Up. A Bonus Challenge may also be presented during the event.

• What are the incentives of being chosen as one of the Top 15 Blogging Challengers?

The bloggers for the Restaurant Write-up Challenge shall be dining inside an elegant restaurant inspired by the old Spanish-Filipino houses with daily Filipino cultural presentations.

The bloggers for the Travel Write-up Challenge shall be touring Intramuros with the top-caliber tour guides in the country.   

Aside from the exciting prizes they can win from the challenges, this campaign is also a good chance for them to contribute to strengthening the country’s tourism through blogging and social media promotions.

• What are the mandatory elements required for the entry?

IMPORTANT: There will be new additions to the mandatory elements from time to time. Please bookmark this blog post. And don't worry this is not included in the word count. =) 

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element below. Don't forget the links. ---->

This is a pre-qualifying entry to the Intramuros Bloggers Challenge 2012 organized by IntramurosManila.Asia. 


IBC 2012 is fully supported by the Intramuros Administration, Barbara's Restaurant, Celdran Tours, Mabuhay Guides, Pilgrimage Pilipinas, Castillan Tours, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc., DigiEntrepreneur, DigitalFilipino, Third Team Media, Payless Pancit Shanghai, Ruthilicious, Ruthilicious Fanpage and GadgetGambit.com.

<---- Pre-qualifying mandatory element above. Don't forget the links. ---->

This post was updated last February 6, 2012.

Adobo Reflections and the Magic of Adobo Connection

After a very good massage yesterday, I decided to cap that night with an equally good dinner.

Alas! There’s a newly opened restaurant in 500 Shaw Zentrum Building in Shaw Boulevard, just a few blocks away from the office. No need to search for a place any further.

Adobo Connection is located at G/F 500 Shaw Zentrum Bldg., Shaw Blvd., Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City.

When I entered, I was greeted with smiles by the two ladies at the counter. As usual, when it’s my first time at a restaurant, I always ask the one-million dollar question, “Miss, ano ‘yung bestseller?” (English: Miss, what’s the bestseller?) Impressively, the shorter lady answered me quickly, “Sir, you may try our Modern Adobo or Kuya’s Adobo. Both are bestsellers.”

SEASONS OF LOVE by KeyStrings: A Recital-Concert

What: SEASONS OF LOVE by KeyStrings: A Recital Concert

Who shall be performing:

• KeyStrings Ensemble
• Keytrings Students
• Quest (Hip-Hop/R&B artist who released an album last 2010 called Revolution produced by Sam Milby. Visit his YouTube Channel here.)
• Avant Garde Singers
• Lola Lydia (The main beneficiary of the event. She's a street fiddler playing in Manila and was featured by Howie Severino in iWitness. You may view the documentary here.)
• PinoyViolinist

When: January 14, 2012, 6:00pm

Where: PhilAm Life Theater, United Nations Avenue, Manila

Ticket prices:

PHP 1,000 - VIP (inclusive of cocktail and backstage pass)
PHP 750 - Mid-row Seats
PHP 300 - General Admission

How to reserve tickets:

• Carl Ureta - 0915-967-0356
• Liza Coroneza - 0922-858-8701
• JM Besana - 0922-893-5935
• KeyStrings Office - (02) 346-5935

I am so sure you guys will enjoy this benefit-concert-recital by KeyStrings! I've got the chance to work with the group during the wedding of a friend in Caleruega and I must say that I really enjoyed the performance because I am accompanied by a very talented and professional group of musicians. We did "Marry Your Daughter", "Forever", "Knocks Me Off My Feet" among others. So if you have a passion for music (especially the violin) and would like to enjoy a concert while helping someone (Lola Lydia), please do book your seats now. 

Also, please do check out their event invitation on Facebook. Click here. 

How Steve Jobs taught me how to live in 2012: A New Year's Blog

I don’t know much about Steve. I only know him through the most amazing phone I have ever used in my entire life. The phone was very useful- takes good enough photos, videos, easy to access notes (which I use a lot especially when I think of ideas to blog about) and recognizes Chinese characters (something that is very useful to me in my line of work). I also know that Steve was good at creating impactful presentations- something that I have always tried to achieve whenever I pitch my ideas or do trainings.

Steve Jobs was famous for his "One more thing...", which is actually the most important part of his presentations.
[Photo Credits:  http://www.todaysiphone.com ] 

A few days before 2012, I happened to chance upon his video talking in front of graduating Stanford students recorded last 2005. I wasn’t a viral-video-watcher type of person but something with the video made me click on the play button and listen to Steve. (I wasn’t even a real fan that time (not just yet…) but the video was very inviting, as if it was something that I needed to watch during that time.)

What the heck is Odeng?

One day, I happened to pass by the food court of SM City Sta. Mesa, the mall of my childhood. And then, something caught my eyes (and nose) that forced me to a halt from a hasty walk towards the elevator.

Mmmm… It smelled yummy and looked yummy. And it looked new and intriguing too.

Introducing Odeng. Tadaa!

Odeng, the smaller, is 12 pesos per stick. Odeng, the bigger, is 27.

Being the ultra-curious kind of being I am, naturally, I found myself buying a stick after asking the sales lady the question, “Ate, ano ‘to?” (English: Miss, what’s this?)

5 More Juicy Reasons to Revisit Baguio

Baguio is called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". But regardless of the season it is still is one of my favorite cities to revisit again and again. In my recent trip to the city, I found five reasons for anyone to visit (or revisit) it. Enjoy!




1. Ukay-Ukay. Baguio City is the Ukay-Ukay Capital of the Philippines. It is said that the first Ukay-Ukay stores appeared in Baguio City. Coming from the word “hukay” meaning to dig, Ukay-Ukay shoppers dig deep upon layers and layers of shirts, jackets, hoodies, cardigans and etc. in order to search for the best item that they can find. Today, Ukay-Ukay stores are not only for shoppers who are looking for some thrifty finds and pre-loved items. Even fashionistos and fashionistas alike visit Ukay-Ukay stores to look for stylish and hard-to-find stuffs for less.