Paying it Forward Charity Project was held at St. Michael Archangel Church in Central Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Everyone really enjoyed the outreach and went home with a big heart & big smile on our faces. Just seeing those kids enjoying the party and so happy with the small give-aways we gave them could make you happy and sad at the same time. Hays! If only I have lots of money to do this everyday. Anyways, for more touching stories during the Paying it Forward Party please visit DBuzzToday.

I just want to thank everyone who helped me make this possible, especially to my Mom & her friends for the big donation, to Mayla of milesglimipses.com, Shang, Portia, Chona, My Nieces (Chelle, MM, Weweng), Eunice, My brother & his friends and to all my family and friends. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Until the next outreach everyone!!!

***PAHABOL***
- I need help for my next project this coming holiday season. Anyone willing to help? To Donate please email me at amecabalo[@]yahoo[.]com for details
- Things needed for the next Paying it Forward Charity Project: Rice, canned goods, noodles

The seminar proper started with the introduction of the Negros Bloggers logo designed by Mark Will Magallanes. Then the speakers talked about blogging 101 from the very basic (introduction, how to start blogging, free blogging platform, etc) to SEO and how to earn money from it. Then Mr. Tronco also discussed about why Negrense should blog.

This event was made possible thanks to Ms. Lorena of SM City Bacolod for the venue, Negros Daily Bulletin for the print ads, Sugarlandia Barquillos for the food, Eduardo Joven of Pinoy Recipe for the T-shirt, Eric and Lloyd for saying yes (biskan pro bono sya ), and to all Negros Bloggers. Kudos to us! Until the next event!

Panaad Festival, the “Mother of all Festivals“, showcases the history, culture, trade, agriculture, tourism, festivals and the best of what the cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental has to offer.

Well, last April 4, was the kicked off of the 18th Panaad sa Negros Festival and I was able to witnessed the said event with my friends. The highlight that day was the “Best of Festival Dances” competition were in 24 groups garbed in colorful costumes danced their hearts out to covet the title of the “Best Festival Dance” in Negros Occidental. And the winning group who went home with the title was the Bailes de Luces of La Castellana. Well, it’s a hands down to them for they really wowed the crowds with their performance.

Tigkalalag Festival of Isabela (3rd placer)

Aside from the “Best of Festival Dances” competition, the Lin-ay sang Negros 2011 candidates were also presented and special performances were also given by the Bacolod Masskara Festival and the Bacolaodiat Festival.

For most, especially me *smiles*, Panaad sa Negros means a hearty stomach as each City/Municipality pavilions offers delicious food. So yummy!!! We mostly hang-out at the Manapla pavilion for their famous and yummy puto cheese. And of course who could resist not having oysters for dinner? Or tasty diwal, shrimps and alimango (crabs)? Well, not us definitely.

Panaad sa Negros will commenced on April 9, 2011 so you still have more than 2 days to visit, enjoy and discover what Negros has to offer.

Salapan Festival of Pulupandan

18th Panaad sa Negros Candidates

Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos City (2nd Placer)

Tinabu-ay Festival of Murcia

And so when I heard that they’re going to play here in the Philippines that made me excited, especially when I learned that it will be held in Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City where I live and also the fact that my son, Ali, plays soccer in his school. The tickets were so hard to find and I heard that it was already sold out, luckily the day before the game a friend called me up and asked me if I want to buy tickets since her friend is selling them, so I said yes right away. That night around 11PM I drive to L’Fisher Hotel to get it. I bought two red tickets for me and my son which cost Php 600.

My son and I were excited that we even bought face paints right away, talking about excitement. Anyways, my friend painted my son’s left cheek with a Philippine Flag and on the other side she painted a soccer ball, while she put the colors green, blue and red on both cheeks of mine.

The traffic was horrible but we got to park near Grandville Subdivision, finally after 20 minutes on queue. At the Stadium there were designated area for each colored tickets and the first entrance were for the blue one while our ticket was located in the opposite end.

Ali with friends

I can feel and see the spirit of happy people to be part of such an exciting event. There were booths at the Stadium selling Askals memorabilia and little stores selling sodas and food. It was very Filipino and it reminds me of the event PANAAD. It is the same atmosphere but then people who went at this event wanted to see the Azkals win!

So when we arrived we found our seats right away. We were seated besides my friends and their two sons who also go to the same school as Ali. Everybody was in an ecstatic mood, especially when the Azkals went out. The crowd were shouting their hearts out and cheered as if there’s no tomorrow. The game with Mongolia was full of surprises; the first goal came in the 1st half when #13, Calindong, made a goal in the last minutes. We were jumping, cheering and hopeful that there would be another goal but sad to say every attempt was blocked by the goalie. But we didn’t went home disappointed ‘coz as the 2nd half was about to end Team Philippines made another goal, thanks to the heartthrob Phil Younghusband. The score was 2-0 favor to Team Azkals. The rest of the match Team Mongolia wasn’t able to a make goal though I think they played dirty. One of their players was given a red card that means he was thrown out from the game and can’t play for the rest of the match. When the game was over, there’s a firework which lasted for about 20 or so minutes that captivated the crowd and you can hear their “ohs & ahs” while singing to Pinoy Ako.

The crowd

The Azkals paraded around the Panaad field waving the Philippine Flag to celebrate their victory and thanked everyone for their full support because the stadium was full-packed. It was really a great feeling being there, being able to watch the game, being able to celebrate with their victory, and so proud to be a Pinoy. Everyone was really in a celebratory mood. Well, it was my first time to watch an adult pro Soccer match and I can’t wait for the time that the Azkals will play again here in our City, Bacolod. This time, if ever they’ll have another home-court game I’ll make sure to buy and secure my tickets ahead.

Azkals bonding with Ali

It was one of the best moments of my life, and I am proud to be a Filipino and be part of a very much-awaited Soccer match. And glad that they held the First game of Azkals here in Bacolod. And I keep wondering if ever the Azkals will have another home-court game would they play again at the Panaad Stadium? Here’s hoping!

Ali proud to be Pinoy!

**This is a Guest post by Shang Sia. Got stories to tell? Share it with us! Be a Lagawan Guest Blogger

We were asked to register before 12 noon and I arrived at the venue 30minutes early. I guess I’m not that excited  (ehem!) Well, actually I went there early to meet my friends Melay, Ruel and Chino. I was expecting enthusiasts to flock the event but unfortunately only a few showed up around 30 more or less, maybe due to a not so good weather.

Photo Op first before working on the theme…

After registration, we were then given ID’s and shirts to be used during the challenge. We were excited as this would be our first time to join a photo challenge together. I was supposed to join last year Canon Photo marathon in Tagaytay but unfortunately we had an emergency so I wasn’t able to join my blogger friends. So I’m so glad that I was able to finally experience it this time. Yes, maybe not that grand as the Canon Photo Marathon but its okay. The important thing is we had fun.

waiting for the next theme…

We actually joined the photo challenge to have fun, to improve & challenge your skills in photography, to bond and to share our photos to everyone which we did but I still need lots of improvement with my photography skills. I really did my best but I guess my best wasn’t that good enough?

taking advantage of the wedding and lightings for the 2nd theme: Cultural or Spiritual

We were given 3 themes with a time limit of 1hour and 30minutes each to conceptualize, shoot and download. We can shot anywhere we want as long as we were back before the time ends and at our own risk. The 3 themes were: Beauty of Bacolod, Cultural or Spiritual and Fashion in Motion with an added theme bonus for SM Eco Bag. During the 1st and 2nd theme, we actually run around the city to shoot from the Government Center, Lagoon, Overpass, and Plaza to the Seminary and Church. But during the 2nd theme we were caught in the heavy rain so we went back really wet but happy. No rain can stop us from enjoying this challenge, I tell you.

fooling around while waiting for the next theme…

Well, I join just for the sake of joining and I didn’t expect to win but I’m happy to say that my entry for Fashion in Motion was selected as one of the top 5 finalist. Woot! Woot! Happiness!!! Until the next photo challenge guys!

My final entry to the “Cultural or Spiritual” theme. I’m supposed to submit another photo but another participant had the same concept (or almost the same) as mine so I changed it to this

***First, third and fifth photos taken with Sony digicam (yea!, Sony for Canon photo challenge hehehe..)

New Executive Chef to Spearhead Marriott Manila’s Kitchen Team

Positioning itself as one of the most-sought-after dining destinations in Manila’s famed culinary scene, Marriott Hotel Manila takes pride in introducing a young and vibrant newly-appointed Executive Chef– Meik Brammer.

33 year old Brammer is a native of Beirut, Germany and started his career breakthrough at the famed Reneissance Zurich Hotel as a demi chef. He took charge in the banquet, outside caterings, and in the lunch buffet in the all-day dining restaurant which gave him the “Associate of the Month” recognition.

Chef Meik’s flamboyant, sociable personality creates a distinctive flair for being flexible as he interacts with the guests. He describes himself as “an outgoing person who would like to interact with guests and delight them in every way possible from a culinary point of view.”

Executive Brammer’s assignment in different hotel properties in Asia, Middle East, and Europe brings a distinct culinary mastery in the international market. He subsequently joined JW Marriott properties in Kuwait, China, and Thailand where he acquired unrelenting creativity and precision in the kitchen which landed him the position of Executive Chef at Hua Hin Marriott Resort Spa in 2006. At the same time, his exposure in a variety of cultures and cuisines has gained invaluable knowledge in both classical and modern techniques throughout his gastronomic journey.

Fuelled by his love for eating and cooking, the young chef also likes to travel a lot. With Chef Meik’s larger than life personality, he looks forward injecting it throughout the hotel’s dining experience. He adds, “Marriott Hotel Manila’s signature fun, high-quality dining experience in a welcoming setting has surely won the hearts and palates of many guests.”

Marriott Hotel Manila general manager Richard Saul says, “We ensure that we hire top-of-the-line talent. In the increasingly competitive gastronomical scene, we understand that our sophisticated clientele expect only the best. Chef Meik’s leadership in the culinary team ensures that we present our guests with distinctive and superior dining offering in the finest Marriott tradition.”

Marriott Hotel Manila is set in the world class entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila across NAIA Terminal 3. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Bonifacio Global City and Makati Business District. Blessed with a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest rooms that offers luxurious bedding, high-speed internet, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV and the new remote jack pack plug-and-play system. Hotel facilities include Quan Spa, 6 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom, 5 superb restaurants, outdoor pool and a health club. To know more about the hotel and its promotions, call (02) 988 9999 or visit www.marriott.com/mnlap

Lagawan.info is campaigning for Silay City’s “Cheese Tacos” in Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas to win 2 Million Pesos! Please vote and support this campaign.

The city of Silay City is regarded as the “Paris of Negros” for its collection of perfectly preserved heritage houses, thirty of which are considered historical landmarks. It is the second city next to Vigan, Ilocos Sur to have been declared as a Museum City. It is also the site of the new Bacolod-Silay Airport. At the very slope of Mt. Silay lies a monument which symbolized the bravery of the Filipino guerrillas which led to the liberation of Negros from the Japanese invasion.

So take a walk around this historical town while enjoying their unique modern specialty – Cheese Tacos.

TO VOTE FOR SILAY CITY, NEGROS – “CHEESE TACOS”:

1. Buy one Eden 35g, 180g or 500g pack at any supermarkets, public market stalls, groceries, convenience stores or sari sari stores nationwide.
2. Write the following information on a piece of paper attached to one (1) empty pack Eden pack size:

a. Name of Favorite Featured Town : Silay City, Negros
b. Name of Eden Dish for that Town : Cheese Tacos
c. Name
d. Age
e. Complete Address
f. Contact Numbers
g. Signature

3. Submit entries at Drop Boxes within participating Towns or mail entries to

Prime Cast Event Concepts Plus, Inc.
Lower Ground Level, Grayline Ventures Building,
14 Arayat St. Boni, Mandaluyong City

OR:

ABS CBN Foundation Inc.
ELJ Communications Building
Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City

4. Deadline for Submission of Entries is on December 2, 2010.

5. Send as many entries as you want. The promo period is from September 4-December 2, 2010. The promo shall be announced on TV through participating ABS CBN Shows.

For more information on Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas please visit www.sarapngpasko.com

LMAO Off-Broadway is not playing at the Time Square Arts Center in the heart of Manhattans Theatre District. So if you want to be part of this funny original Musical Comedy visit their website to see the performance schedule and to buy your tickets.

Café 5845 promises the public a record-setting dining experience as they will be offering different menus everyday for the month of August. The cafe and the MIHCA chefs will also bring to life the record-breaking 5,845 scrumptious dishes for everyone to get a taste of.

It will also serve pasta such as Penne amatriciana with Shrimp & Mushroom, BBQ Pork w/ Cheesy Béchamel Sauce as one of the main courses, Vegetarian pizzas to satisfy vegetarian guests and of course, sandwiches such as Chicken and Cheese Panini lined up in the menu, guests are sure to indulge in a unique dining experience.

Cafe 5845 is located at SM Mall of Asia North Living Seaside Boulevard area and it is very accessible to the public. The café’s design is a reminiscent of a quite and classy European café-complete with an impeccable view of the Manila Bay.

The launching of Cafe 5845 was hosted by Dimples Romana. Also present during the occasion were Steve Tan (SM MOA’s AVP), Cecille Ang (SM MOA’s Marketing Head), Timmy Ong (Kraft Foods Philippines’ Brand Manager) and Alex Dan Tacderas (Kraft Category Manager for Cheese and Spoonables).

Well, all-in-all Café 5845 is a place where you can relax, unwind and chitchat with your friends and family over a unique and scrumptious dish only served at the Café. You could talk anything and everything you can think of from family life to your favorite LMAO Off-Broadway Musical, travels, movies and a lot more. Well, what’s best with Cafe 5845 is that it’s really affordable even though it’s a Guinness World Record holder. So I will definitely recommend this place to everyone and be part of the World’s first cheese Cafe and enjoy the world-class culinary talent of Filipinos.

*****

Café 5845
SM Mall of Asia North Living Seaside Boulevard

Cafe 5845 classy European look

The Guinness Marker found at the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) and Kraft Foods Philippines (KFP). After successfully pulling off 5,845 cheese-infused dishes this marker testifies to the Guinness World Record™ win of the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) and Kraft Foods Philippines (KFP) last December 14, breaking India’s record with only 4,668 in 2007.

Surfing is one of the world’s most popular sport which is being promoted by DOT Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano who himself is an avid sportsman.

Also supporting are the Sport Climbing Association of the Philippines, Sunken Pleasure Ultimate Frisbee Club, Progressive Volleyball Center and Power Up Climbing Gyms.

The top three winners in climbing, volleyball and frisbee will represent the country in the next Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

“This is also in line with the DOT’s attracting tourists in still undiscovered places all over the Philippines. It will give the locals to do promotional activities and sustain their activities the whole year round for economic activities,” said Leni I. Pajarillo, tourism operations officer of the OPRD.

At least 400 participants are expected to register for P500 for the clinic and competition, excluding other charges for individual clients.

Professional surfers from the Philippine Surf Academy will be around to teach local and foreign participants who are taking up surfing for the first time.

Surf instructors from the local surfers of Bagasbas beach which has a very good safety management are eager to help out.

Other activities such as sport climbing, beach ultimate frisbee and, beach volleyball will also be offered to the registrants.

What’s more, lifeguards and instructors who have undergone accreditation with the Australian Surfing Institute are eager to welcome surfers with plenty of surfboards, courtesy of OPRD and DOT Region 5.

Aside from that, entertainment of reggae music and ska will be offered to outdoor enthusiasts.

For help on directions on places to stay at the beach or in town, the Camarines Tourism Council could be contacted at 054-7213087 or Provincial Tourism Officer Edgardo Reyes at 09165783096.

Further details for the six-hour trip from Manila and transportation information can also be obtained by calling up Paolo at cell phone no. 091758278 or the DOT office at Kalaw Street, just beside Rizal Park. (PNA)