Amway's Nutrilite Health & Wellness Expo at Market! Market!

In the fast paced life we live, we may forget what is really important to be able to enjoy life as it should be. We can live right by being healthy and fit, living life with zest, security and self-confidence.  How do we achieve this?  Nutrilite, the world’s leading brand of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, shows the way to a life full of energy through its Nutrilite Health and Wellness Expo on May 1 and 2, 2010, starting at 1:00 pm at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.  Entrance to the Nutrilite Expo is free.

At the Health and Wellness Expo, Nutrilite will give consumers the opportunity to learn new and effective ways to stay healthy and energetic. There will be two activity zones, the Energy Zone for high-energy exercises and games, and the Live Right zone for living and eating right for energy.

At the Energy Zone, there will be a 45-min Cardio Series that will precede the demonstration of high-energy exercises and games.   Plyometrics, Cardio Hiphop, Circuit Training and Yogilates will be among the new exercises to be demonstrated by fitness experts. These fitness exercises are designed as compact, fast paced effective ways to burn calories, perfect for people on the go.  High-energy exhibition games for badminton, futsal and ultimate Frisbee will also be demonstrated by leading athletes. 

  

For the Live Right Zone, there will be Nutrilite product booths to give Expo guests the chance to learn about Nutrilite products, as well as opportunities to learn about business options for their distribution. There will be a free nutrition consultation booth, a BMI reading and cholesterol-testing booth.  Guests can also take a stab at playing Wii fitness games. 

And to give Nutrilite Expo guests a souvenir of their visit, a photo booth with a giant trampoline will be installed to capture an energetic mount of daring guests.

So plan a visit to Nutrilite Health and Wellness Expo with your family!  It’s the energy boost that you’ve been waiting for.

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Nutrilite is the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest and process plants on its own certified organic farms.  Nutrilite products provide energy and zest for life.

Misa Baclayana marks the opening of National Heritage Month

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Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc. invites you to Misa Baclayana, a thanksgiving mass that marks the grand opening of the 2010 National Heritage Month, on

Friday, 30 April 2010

5:30 p.m.

Manila Cathedral

Intramuros, Manila

Misa Baclayana, a musical score for the mass impressive for its depth and beautiful harmony, was completed in 1827 and discovered in Baclayon Church in Bohol a few years ago.

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The mass features the Loboc Children’s Choir, who won first prize and earned the Gold Medal in the Children’s Choir category in the 6th International Folksongs Festival "Europe and Its Songs" held in Barcelona in 2003. The choir also received the grand prize, the Festival Cup, for achieving the overall highest mark in all categories, besting 12 other choirs from all over the world.

The Misa Baclayana will be officiated by His Excellency Jesus A. Dosado, CM-DD, archbishop of Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental. Accompanying organist will be Alejandro Consolacion of the Manila Cathedral and the Las Piñas Boys’ Choir.

Miguel Syjuco, 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize Winner, launches his winning novel, "Ilustrado"

Miguel Syjuco, Winner of the 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize, launched his winning novel, Ilustrado, at the National Book Store Glorietta 5 in Makati City on April 10, 2010. His novel also won the grand prize in the 2008 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the highest award giving body for literary writing in the Philippines. This is the first book launch  held in the Philippines, followed by a book launch in National Book Store Ayala Cebu on April 11, 2010.

Ilustrado will also be launched in the United States and perhaps in other countries as well.

Syjuco, a Filipino, won the illustrious prize of US$10,000 over four (4) other finalists namely: Kavery Nambisan of India (The Story That Must Not Be Told), Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi of India (The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay), Yu Hua of China (Brothers), and another from the Philippines - Alfred Yuson (The Music Child).

Joining me to the book launch and book signing is my friend, Paul Marquez, a blogger/writer from Zamboanga City, who just graduated from college (Mass Communications) and had a short vacation in Manila.

Try to catch this special offer of National Book Store: Get 20% OFF (PhP 308) when you buy the book, Ilustrado from April 8-30, 2010. Original price: PhP 385.

What others say about Miguel Syjuco's Ilustrado:

"Brilliantly conceived and stylishly executed... It is also ceaselessly entertaining, frequently raunchy, and effervescent with humor."

- 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize panel of judges -

"Through virtuoso use of language and a dazzling array of fictional techniques, it achieves all of its lofty objectives... It deserves all the accolades it has won. It is among the finest novels written by a Filipino. Perhaps, even by any writer."

- Antonio A. Hidalgo, chairman of judges for the English Novel category,  

2008 Palanca Awards -

"This dizzying and ambitious novel marks an auspicious start to Syjuco's career... Though murky at times, this imaginative first novel shows considerable ingenuity in binding its divergent thread into a satisfying, meaningful story."

- Publishers Weekly -

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International Dance Day celebrates LRT Dance Express (April 29) & Contemporary Gala Dance Map (April 30)

The Contemporary Dance Network Philippines invites you to come and join in the 2010 Contemporary Dance Map celebrations of the International Dance Day.

Opening with Moving Dance @ The LRT Dance Express on April 29,  2010 at 1pm and 5pm at the LRT Line 2 (Purple Line) with performances at Legarda, Katipunan & Cubao stations in the train while it is on transit. Our concept is to blur the line between the normal and the everyday with the idea of “performance."

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April 30, 2010 concludes the International Dance Day celebration at the Dance Forum space in 36-e West Avenue Quezon City at 8pm. Tickets are at PhP 200 each and student price at PhP 100 each.

Participating groups are Airdance, UP Dance Company, Lyceum Dance Theater, Chameleon Dance Theater, Benilde de Romancon Dance Company and Myra Beltran’s Dance Forum.

Come and celebrate: “Dance knows no class, no race, no boundary, Dance is for all!” 

Visit www.airdance.com.ph or www.contempodancenetphil.org

Watch Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical

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You may have heard that Elle Woods is hopping on a plane to dazzle us with her talent in the upcoming Atlantis Productions’ presentation of Legally Blonde The Musical.  Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the hit film that catapulted Reese Witherspoon to stardom, Legally Blonde The Musical features Nikki Gil as Elle Woods, the girl who doesn’t take “no” for an answer.  When her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious," Elle packs up Bruiser and her designer clothes, hits the books and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law.  Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

As you and your fab femme friends get ready for the funniest musical of the year, remember that the best way to do so is by using your Metrobank Credit Card!

Simply accumulate P15,000 spend* on your Metrobank Femme Visa or any other Metrobank Credit Card and you’re on your way to getting up to 50% off on tickets to the exclusive June 25, 2010 gala at the Meralco Theater. Just submit your charge clips at any Ticketworld outlet for validation.  

Don’t miss out the opportunity to unveil the Elle Woods in you! Get your tickets now! Call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 for details.


Be updated with the latest Metrobank Card promos here: https://www.metrobankcard.com/promos/whatsnew.aspx

adidas Training introduces BodyMapping Technology & Core Performance line

This spring/summer 2010, with the CLIMA365 range, adidas unveils a unique technology, focusing on women’s body temperature regulation. The BodyMapping technology is a breakthrough concept, defining female-specific heat and sweat zones in order to place fabrics directly where they are needed the most, and delivering optimized function to provide maximum comfort during workout. 

BODYMAPPING

When it comes to endurance training, the most important factor is temperature regulation. In collaboration with the University of Loughborough, the adidas innovation team (ait) measured heat and sweat production of men and women after exercise using thermography. Based on this research, adidas is the only brand highlighting the importance of gender differences. 

  

“Our gender-specific bodymaps are an industry-leading tool showing the significant differences between men and women during exercise. Men and women sweat differently; bodies get warmer and cooler differently. The Bodymaps provide an advanced level of insight that allows adidas to create the ultimate in comfort and functionality in performance garments,” says Bob Monahan, Senior Designer of the adidas innovation team.

In contrast to a man’s body, the female body maps show that most women’s heat zones are the center of the back as well as the calves, whereas women’s core sweat zone is the midpoint beneath the breast and lower back. These gender-specific results are combined into one single map, indicating the different functionalities that are needed in each zone to facilitate evaporation, conduction, or wicking. With BodyMapping technology, the CLIMA365 focuses especially on the sweat zones of a woman’s body. By placing wicking materials in the area below the breasts and lower back, maximum comfort can be ensured since this will keep you dry without sacrificing potential heat loss. 

The highlight outfit consists of the blue Clima Gym Image Tee (Art. No.: P44180) and the white, slim-fit Clima Track Top (Art. No.: P44129), both featuring BodyMapping technology with ionic mesh in the back wicking zone. The black Clima Kickflare uses a mesh pattern in the lower back to protect you from sweat accumulation. The super-lightweight and flexible Clima 75 Trainer (Art. No.: G15438) completes the outfit, providing you with ventilation and moisture transport.  

 

CORE PERFORMANCE

Also available, for spring/summer 2010, is adidas Core Performance line. adidas and Core Performance have developed and designed a new training range for pure performers, featuring the absolute best sport performance technologies, functionalities, and elite design to maximize your training and provide 360° support for all workout movements.

  

Core Performance apparel provides greater freedom of movement thanks to its unique pattern cut. The removal of seams from the critical pivot point on the shoulder improves fit, allowing the arm to lift without the garment rising up. For women, this season’s highlight outfit is a pink CP Fit Tank (Art. No. P46149), which has an integrated high impact inner bra with the miCoach Sensing Technology™ compatible technology inside and special X-Static mesh materials at the back. 

The CP Premium Trainer in black and pink buzz (Art. No. G15144) is a first-class training shoe and offers optimal comfort and stability for core and strength training workouts thanks to adidas’ advanced footwear technology innovations. The adidas Speedcut Technology™ ensures a proper foot placement during quick cuts and fast lateral changes. It enables the female consumer to maintain her performance while reducing the risk of injury. Well-placed quarter panels provide support and stability for lateral movements. The integrated lace construction allows perfect fit adjustment to the personal requirements and the shape of the female foot; narrow in the heel part, wider in the front. Furthermore, special mesh inserts and midsole cut-outs guarantee temperature management without compromising on cushioning and comfort. 

adidas Men’s Training features a Core Performance footwear and apparel, as well. The Core Performance Optigon II is the premium training shoe and offers optimal support and stability for your core and strength training workouts thanks to adidas’ ForMotion™ and SpeedCut™ technologies. “The adidas and Core Performance partnership has been in place for over a decade, and we are honored to support the launch of this innovative range of footwear and apparel with proven nutrition and training programs,” stated Mark Verstegen, President and Founder of Core Performance.  

SHOP, TRAIN, WIN!

With every P2,500 single receipt purchase of any adidas Training products, receive an adidas training kit worth P1,500. This includes a copy Men's Health or Women's Health magazine, an adidas shoe bag, and three pairs of adidas socks. This summer, be better with adidas apparel and shoes, which have been engineered to help you achieve your training and fitness goals.

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About CLIMA365

adidas CLIMA365 is an umbrella concept which encompasses all the CLIMA system technologies, CLIMACOOL®, CLIMALITE®, CLIMALITE® Cotton, CLIMAWARM™, and CLIMAPROOF®, providing a head-to-toe approach to temperature optimization. In turn, this enables athletes to stay dry and comfortable and perform at their optimal body temperature of 37ºC in any given temperature or weather condition, allowing them to do their sport 365 days a year. 

About Core Performance:

Core Performance provides sports training, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle programs and content that is developed by the experts at Athletes’ Performance, the world leader in providing integrated performance training services to elite athletes, including thousands of veteran professional athletes across all major sports and leading international teams. For more information please visit www.coreperformance.com.

Krispy Kreme's Newest Sweet & Savory Creations

Before, Filipinos have only known the doughnut as the sweet, round-shaped dough – and nothing more. However, global doughnut brand Krispy Kreme changed this with the introduction of its infamous confectionary inventions in partnership with popular brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Snickers and Oreos (to name a few). Suddenly, Manila was abuzz with excitement – the welcome arrival of Krispy Kreme has signaled a bright doughy future.

This 2010, Krispy Kreme is back to offer something deliciously different as it launched its Baked Creations held at the its branch in Ayala Venue, Makati City on March 4, 2010.  This event was hosted by Mark Gamboa, Krispy Kreme's Marketing Manager. It's a privilege to  be one of the few (not only in the Philippines, but in the whole of Asia) who have tasted the newest creations of the world's #1 doughnut chain. This newest addition to the line of Krispy Kreme offerings comes in two new menu groups: the Kruffins, an American style hand made muffin-with-a-hole filled with rich and delicious fruits, nuts or chocolate with varieties which include Double Chocolate, Apple Streussel, Blueberry and Classic Kruffin.

 

The Pull Aparts – the North Carolina original hand-rolled balls of dough, pulled apart and laid to form a doughnut like sweet bread, filled with sweet or savory varieties such as Cheese, Bacon & Cheese, Sausage & Cheese and Cinnamon. Like the doughnuts everyone has grown to love, these new Krispy Kreme sensations are the perfect companions to Krispy Kreme’s freshly brewed Signature Coffee.

Since the 1930’s until now, Krispy Kreme has continually responded to the growing clamor of the doughnut brand’s loyal fans for their globally-famous delights which include the Original Glazed – made from a secret recipe that has been passed on from generations since the store was first established at Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. From then on, it has already built a fan base of well-known personalities, which include NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, pop star Beyonce, and even hot Hollywood celebrities like Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Kidman.

In the Philippines, the popularity of the doughnut chain grew the moment it came in 2006 at its very first branch at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig. And with the fresh, mouthwatering pastries that come out of Krispy Kreme’s conveyor belt, its fame is destined to glaze everyone. Rick Cavanaugh (Director of Research & Development) also shared to us some interesting information about the  Krispy Kreme's products, some historical background, and how Kruffins & Pull Aparts came about.

Grab the new Krispy Kreme baked creations in the dougnut chain’s Greenhills and Ayala stores. You may also visit any of the following Krispy Kreme Branches: Bonifacio High Street, Greenhills Shopping Center Drive-Thru, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma Cinema Level, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia Drive-Thru, Ayala Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, SM City Annex (North EDSA), Annex 2 SM Fairvew, Eastwood, Marquee Mall Pampanga, SM San Lazaro & SM Manila (coming soon) or call +63.917.8053000 & (632)633-2313. Also, be sure to log on to www.krispykreme.com.ph and be a Friend of Krispy Kreme to get updates.

e-Games Launches Dragonica in the Philippines

IP e-Game Ventures Inc., (e-Games), online game subsidiary of IPVG Corp, and publisher of the leading MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) titles RAN Online and CABAL Online, is proud to announce its newest online adventure game, Dragonica.

Dragonica is more than just another MMOG. With RPG elements and an 8-way, side-scrolling system in full 3D, the gameplay is fun, intuitive and won’t be a hindrance even for first-time MMOG players. For advanced players, Dragonica also has a combo system wherein you can chain your attacks along with special skills to deliver added damage against your opponents. No matter which level you are in, Dragonica has something to keep you playing.

Dragonica has the following features:
    •    8-Way side-scrolling arcade-style system
    •    Playable with either a computer keyboard or dedicated game pad
    •    A total of 28 playable character classes
    •    Easy to use game interface
    •    Anime-style avatars and humorous skill animations
    •    Upgradeable player housing system
    •    Exciting instanced dungeons with epic boss monsters
    •    Easy to enable PvP system which can hold up to 12 participants
    •    Cute pets which can be mounted and used in battle
    •    Fast-paced and action-oriented PvE and PvP battles

Gil Edeza, COO of e-Games, expressed his excitement over the launch of Dragonica in the Philippines. “Dragonica has the potential for bringing all kinds of gamers together in one game. Dragonica’s easy-to-use interface and gameplay system will appeal to casual gamers and first-time MMOG players, while the game’s RPG elements, combo system and PvP battles will be attractive to veteran players.” 

Dragonica is being played by hundreds of thousands of players from Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia, U.S.A, Europe and Southeast Asia. Nominated as “The most anticipated game” by Gamespot Korea after the GStar 2007 convention, Dragonica is still gathering rave reviews from all over the world for its innovations in online gaming. Dragonica is developed by Barunson Interactive of Korea.

Mr. Luie Lee, CEO of Barunson Interactive, comments, “We are pleased to be partnering with IAHGames in Southeast Asia. With their expertise and experience, combined with IPeGames’ local market knowledge, we are confident that Dragonica will be a big hit in the Philippines.”

Heidi Mendita-Garayblas, Vice President for e-Games, said that Dragonica’s widespread appeal is rooted in its uniqueness. “Dragonica, though side-scrolling, is the first to use 3D graphics to enable more freedom of movement. With its humor and use of pop-culture references, it’s easy to have fun while playing this game.”

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About Infocomm Asia Holdings Pte Ltd (IAHGames):
Headquartered in Singapore, IAHGames is a leading publisher, operator and distributor of interactive entertainment. The company currently operates award-winning titles including EA SPORTS™ FIFA Online 2, Granado Espada, Dragonica and distributes Take Two Interactive products such as Grand Theft Auto IV ™ and the NBA 2K® series.

One of the first online games companies in the world to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification for “Distribution and Operation of Online Games”, IAHGames executes a unique “One Market, One Asia” strategy that offers developers and publishers a one-stop distribution service for multiple countries. For more information, log on to www.IAHGames.com

About IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games):
IP E-Games is a publicly listed company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: EG) which operates the online gaming business of technology conglomerate IPVG Corp. (PSE: IP). IP E-Games is ranked as the leading online games publisher in the Philippines and holds top MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) titles such as RAN Online, CABAL Online, and Presidential Award recipient Korean game Granado Espada. Other games include high-fantasy MMORPG Runes of Magic, Chinese Mythological MMORPG ZX Online, Korean adventure games such as Dragonica and Nostale Online. The casual games of IP E-Games are published under X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play), a joint venture company between IP E-Games and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), the digital arm of GMA Network Inc. (GMA7). X-Play publishes the no.1 online dance game Audition Dance Battle, MMO First person shooter OP7 and online rhythm game, Bandmaster.  IP E-Games strategic minority investors include the Philippine Star Group and E-Store Exchange (an affiliate of GMA7). For more information, visit www.e-games.com.ph

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Yahoo! Philippines presents The Meme of the Week Challenge

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Yahoo! users in the Philippines will have a fun new opportunity to express their creativity, passion and views online in the Meme of the Week challenge that started on April 21, 2010 and win some cool, amazing prizes. Yahoo! Philippines launched the Meme of the Week challenge which calls for users to create the most unique representation of their views on topics ranging from sports to celebrity gossip, using text, music, pictures and videos on Meme by Yahoo!.

To know more about the Meme of Yahoo!, I have a previous post entitled, "A new microblogging platform called Yahoo! Meme" (January 16, 2010). You'll get a glimpse on how Meme works and why so many people are now hooked with it.

Meme is a great way for Yahoo! users to share personalized and interactive content that goes beyond text, including while on-the-go from their mobiles.  Now, with the Meme of the Week challenge, it is also a great way to win. Aimed at fostering online creativity, the challenge will reward creators of the most popular, original and relevant posts with prizes every two weeks with iPod nanos and coveted Yahoo! premiums. The final winner will receive a grand prize of the recently-launched Apple iPad.

Participating in the competition is easy. People with a Meme account simply need to register for the Meme of the Week competition at the Meme of the Week landing page http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/memeoftheweekph, that went live on April 18, 2010. New Meme users can sign up for an account at http://meme.yahoo.com. The competition began on April 21 and will end on June 30, 2010.

About Meme

Meme is a light blogging and self-expression tool that allows consumers to connect to the things that matter most to them.  To put it simply, with Meme by Yahoo!, getting the word out is super easy and oodles of fun.

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! attracts hundreds of millions of users every month through its innovative technology and engaging content and services, making it one of the most trafficked Internet destinations and a world class online media company. Yahoo!'s vision is to be the center of people's online lives by delivering personally relevant, meaningful Internet experiences. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit http://pressroom.yahoo.com or the company's blog, Yodel Anecdotal (http://yodel.yahoo.com). 


20 Fellows to the 1st Thomasian Writers Workshop (May 17-22, 2010)

Note: The result below shows no category for the fellows, whether they were chosen as a fellow for poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction. City of the fellows is likewise not included.

The office of the Writer-in-Residence of the University of Santo Tomas is announcing the names of the 20 fellows for the very first Thomasian Writers Workshop which will be held this summer at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) campus in Manila.

The 20 Thomasian fellows are: Gertrude G. Arquillo, Den Owen L. Cacho, Keith Mannuelle G. Pereña, Chiara Francesca V. Quiocho, Dominique Allison C. Santos, Lourdes L. Nieva, Patricia Marie O. Pura, Raydon Largado Reyes, Kristinne Nigel C. Santos, Carmela Marie M. Sagritalo, Erin Ramona Milagrosa H. Singson, Rose-An Jessica M. Dioquino, Christina Beatriz A. Castro, Ma.Jayle Ann Marie Z. Meer, Alvin Ringgo C. Reyes, Paul A. Castillo, Joyce Anne Tolentino, Julie Anne de Leon, James Luigi Tana, and Dennese Vzmyn B. Victoria.

The fellows were selected by a panel of English and Filipino poets and fictionists led by UST Writer-in-Residence Ophelia A. Dimalanta. The workshop will be held from May 17 to 22, 2010 at the St. Raymund’s Building in UST and the last two days of the workshop will be held in a resort in Laguna.

The six-day workshop will focus on poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction both in English and Filipino. To conduct the workshop are major figures in the local literary circle, such as Dr. Ophelia A. Dimalanta and Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista. They will be assisted by other Thomasian writers Eros Atalia, Carlomar Daoana, Lourd de Veyra, Michael M. Coroza, and Al Dimalanta. Guest panelists will also be invited during the workshop proper.

For more information, you may email: aldimalanta@gmail.com.

This first-ever exclusive Thomasian Writers Workshop is only one of the many activities that the UST is holding for its students, alumni, and faculty members in conjunction with the celebration of the University’s 400th year in 2011.

Related Link: Call for submission to the 1st Thomasian Writers Workshop

15 Fellows to the 49th Silliman National Writers Workshop (May 3-21, 2010)

National Writers Workshop Director-in-Residence Rowena Tiempo Torrevillas, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Silliman University, are pleased to announce that the following young writers have been accepted as fellows for the 49th National Writers Workshop scheduled on 3-21 May 2010.

Fellows for Poetry:

Gian Paolo Simeon Lao (Ateneo de Manila University)

Dominique Allison Santos (University of Santo Tomas)

Jacob Dominguez (University of Santo Tomas)

Oscar Serquina Jr. (University of the Philippines-Diliman)

Fellows for Fiction:

Aaron James Jalalon (University of the Philippines–Mindanao)

Jenette Ethel Vizcocho (University of the Philippines-Diliman)

Gilda Ysobel Galang (Ateneo de Manila University)

Anne Carly Abad (Ateneo de Manila University)

Gino Francis Dizon (Ateneo de Manila University)

Jose Carlo Flordeliza (De La Salle University)

Ida Anita Del Mundo (De La Salle University)

Samantha Echavez (University of the Philippines-Diliman)

Fellows for Creative Non-Fiction:

Kelly Marie Tulio Conlon (University of the Philippine–Mindanao)

Miro Frances Capili (University of the Philippines-Diliman)

Christina Mae del Rosario (Ateneo de Manila University)


Related Link: Call for submission to the 49th Silliman National Writers Workshop

15 Fellows to the 3rd Rogelio Sicat National Writers Workshop (April 28-May 4, 2010)

From Panitikan website:

The Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature (DFPL) of UP Diliman announces the names of 15 young writers accepted to the Third Palihang Rogelio Sicat (DFPP 2010 National Writers Workshop). 

Writer Edgardo M. Reyes, author of Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Laro sa Baga, will be the guest panelist of the annual literary event named after Rogelio Sicat, the renowned fictionist in Filipino and a contemporary of Reyes.

The workshop will be held in Baler, Aurora from 28 April to May 4, 2010 in cooperation with the provincial government of Aurora headed by Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo and Congressman Juan Edgardo M. Angara. 

Fellows for Tula (Poetry):

Louise Vincent B. Amante (UP Diliman; Binangonan, Rizal)

Ma. Monica V. Antonio (UP Diliman; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan)

Joseph Immanuel Casimiro (AdMU; Taytay, Rizal)

Camille Josephine C. Cruz (UP Diliman; Makati City)

Christa I. De La Cruz (DLSU Manila; Parañaque City)

China Pearl Patria M. De Vera (UP Diliman; Quezon City)

Alvin Ringgo C. Reyes (DLSU Manila; Quezon City)

Alvin Capili Ursua (Calayan Educational; Lucena City, Quezon)

Om Narayan A. Velasco (UP Diliman; Manila)

Fellows for Katha (Fiction):

Aidel Paul G. Belamide (UP Los Baños; Silang, Cavite)

Jennette T. Bongo (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation; Lucena City, Quezon)

Johannes L. Chua (DLSU Manila; Malabon, Metro Manila)

Rafael Carpio Cañete (UP Diliman; Marilao, Bulacan)

Christine Giselle Espino (UP Diliman; Manila)

Cara Cristina B. Red (UP Diliman; Cainta, Rizal). 

The workshop faculty includes Edgardo M. Reyes, Roland B. Tolentino, Luna Sicat-Cleto, Romulo P. Baquiran, Jr., Eugene Evasco and Vladiemir Gonzales. Workshop co-directors are Jimmuel Naval and Reuel Molina Aguila. 

Workshop coordinators are Erick Dasig Aguilar (0908-7491066) and Mixkaela Zosa Villalon (0918-2771553). Email: palihangrogeliosicat@yahoo.com.ph 

Related Link: Call for submission to the 3rd Rogelio Sicat National Writers Workshop

16 Fellows to the 10th IYAS Creative Writing Workshop (April 25-May 1, 2010)

Note: This time, the organizers did not include the school & the city of the fellows.

From University of St. La Salle Bacolod site:

The IYAS Creative Writing Workshop proudly announces its roster of Fellows for 2010.

The Fellows for Fiction:

Fred Jordan Carnice (English)

Roselle Jimeno (English)


Vernan Jagunap (English)

Francis Dizon (English)


Anne Carly Abad (English)

Arbeen Acuña (Filipino).



The Fellows for Poetry:


Gian-Paolo Lao (English)

Alyza Mary Taguilaso (English)

Charmaine Carreon (English)

Arbeen Acuña (Filipino)

Noel Fortun (Filipino)

Rogerick Fernandez (Filipino)

Paul Randy Gumanao (Cebuano)


Glenn Muñez (Cebuano)

Elsed Togonon (Kinaray-a)

Simplicio Gadugdug (Boholano)

The panelists for this year are Dr. Dinah Roma-Sianturi, Dr. Elsie Coscolluela, Dr. Genevieve Asenjo, Dr. Danilo M. Reyes, Dr. Anthony Tan and Prof. John Iremil Teodoro.

The IYAS Creative Writing Workshop is sponsored by the University of St. La Salle and the Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center of De La Salle University and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The 10th IYAS Creative Writing Workshop is set on April 25- May 1, 2010.

Related Link: Call for submission to the 10th IYAS Creative Writing Workshop

Fitness First's Lose Big Program will surely wrestle to fight obesity

The world witnessed how participants of the hit reality TV series, The Biggest Loser Asia, shed the pounds and emerged with not only fitter bodies but renewed spirits. The competition which culminated its Season 1 on the 1st week of March 2010 was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bringing the same promise of successful life-changing weight loss to the Philippines is Fitness First with its very own Lose Big Program especially designed by Biggest Loser Asia Blue Team Trainer and Fitness First Asia’s Regional Fitness Manager Dave Nuku.

 Before & After

The Lose Big Program was launched at New World Hotel (formerly Renaissance Hotel) in Makati City on March 24, 2010. It takes on two teams of eight for a total of 16 participants with a qualified trainer leading each group. The intensive program and structure allow participants to achieve their weight loss objectives together with people who share their needs and motivations.  Qualified participants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 and above or a body fat of 35% and above to be able to join as the program is designed for that weight class.

 Before & After

The program, open to both Fitness First members and non-members, is a 13-week exercise and nutrition weight loss group-workout program that specially caters to people who have the will and desire to lose the weight but need initial guidance and structure.

 Before & After

Dave Nuku explained that many people who want to lose weight only have the desire but don't have the right program for their weight class and needs. That is why losing weight is far from happening. But with the Lose Big Program, specific needs will be addressed, ensuring significant weight loss and at the same time having a healthy lifestyle.

 David Nuku

 Before & After

“Fitness First continues to give people the opportunity to be healthy and fit individuals by giving them programs that are best suited for them. With our world-class personal trainers, people not only come out with actual results but with better control of their diet, weight and lifestyle,” said Mark Ellis, Country Manager, Fitness First Philippines.

Rolled out in four phases, the Lose Big Program tests one’s courage, determination, maintenance of momentum, and finally, total control of one’s body and weight. Each phase accomplished is a feat that will propel participants to go further and push themselves beyond their limitations. At the end of the 13-week program, participants would have significantly lost the unwanted weight gain they used to carry and be able to plan their own fitness regimen.

The Lose Big Program becomes available in selected Fitness First clubs beginning on the first week of April 2010 on a first-come, first-served basis. 

About Fitness First
Fitness First is the number 1 global fitness company and the world’s largest fitness operator with 545 clubs worldwide and 18 clubs nationwide. For inquiries call (632) 848-0000 or visit www.fitnessfirst.com.ph. Or email: losebig@fitnessfirst.com.ph.