Blogapalooza: The Second Time Around

Last October 25, bloggers and business came together at One Esplanade to connect, and collaborate together. It was my second time going and I was really looking forward to it. I'd say I was more prepared and equipped this year which made my stay more enjoyable and informative. 

I went to the event this year with my good friend Lally Gonzales of www.lallysreflections.com and with a new found blogger friend Mommy Lei of www.eislei.com. We arrived after lunch as we attended Rackell of www.mylittleworld.com's daughter's baptism. It was a busy Sunday but it was worth it. 

This year's them is about #ResponsibleMedia and how bloggers and brands can be mediums of positive and principled journalism. I know some will not agree that blogging is journalism but I think looking at the blogging world as such makes bloggers become more accountable for their action, words, and blog. It is about time that bloggers use their power to connect, collaborate, and empower each other not only as bloggers but as media persons. I learned alot about responsible media by listening to the talks and how I cam be a promote positive and responsible blogging. 

Anyway, here are some stories on what happened during the event. Upon entering the venue we were welcomed by the I Am cardboard Ph booth. Really had fun trying out their product and I'd actually suggest it to some friends who are getting married. I think it will be such a great souvenir. 

Chips Delight booth was also such a delight to see. They have a christmas themed area where they showcased their products. Got myself some cookies too!;) 

Victoria Court was there and we played games but unfortunately I did not win anything. Haha!;) 

Here are the other booth and companies I got to interact with and played some fun games in. 

Got to take home these freebies too! 

Thank you, Blogapalooza 2015 for having me in your awesome event. Got to learn more about blogging and collaborating with brands that may help me with my mission as a blogger. Thanks also as I have met wonderful bloggers in the event! Till next year!;)

7 Places to Learn History in Manila

Just recently my mommy blogger friends and I went to Museo Pambata for our playdate. Will share more details about that on my next post, so please keep on reading my blog. ;) 

Anyway, I have been wanting to write about places to visit here in Manila to learn history and at the same time kid friendly too. I don't know why I couldnt get myself to write but like a message from the universe I saw this in Museo Pambata: 

This is just great! Excellent, even! My family and I now have our checklist to visit here in Manila. We've been living here for more than a year and all we can bring Enzo to is the near malls around the vicinity. Gets a little boring now, especially as Enzo's growing up already. 

1. Museo Pambata 

The first hands-on discovery for children in the Philippines. With interactive exhibists on history, culture, the environment, science, health, and career options as well as special shows and programs, it is the ideal place for alternative learnig, family fun and wholesome environment. 

Entrance fee: 

FREE for Manila residents with ID 

Php150 for adults

Php120 for children 

2. Manila Zoo 

Manila Zoo is situated in Quirino Avenue Adriatico Street Malate Manila, home to a variety of animals seen here in the country. One of the controversial animals here is Maali, a 40 year old elephant. Some animal activits fight to free Maali into its natural habitat. Manila Zoo although stands firm to keep Maali in their care. 

Entrance Fee:

Php20 for Manila residents

Php100 for adults

Php50 for children

Php75 for students

3. Luneta 

Luneta is home to Jose Rizal's statue and a must see place for every Filipino and tourists as well. Luneta Park offers a lot of activities fit for all members of the family. It has alot of other places to see within it like the butterfly garden, Chinese garden etc. There are free events and activities that happen there that everyone can enjoy. 

4. Intramuros

From the story of Noli Me Tangere, Anak ng Pasig songs, and geandest weddings in Manila Cathedral, Intramuros is a repository of history and stories. It has the nicest scenic views, scrumptous streetfood and unique restos. Concerts also happens in this four walled streets. 

5. Quiapo Church 

                  Photo from      

       mikeajero.blogspot.com

Quiapo church is known for the Miraculous Black Nazarene. Devotees pray religiously in the Black Nazarene as it is believe to favor their prayers and desires. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is also one of the grandest as devotees come together to pay tribute to him. My father is a devotee and I remember him joining the crowd and walking barefoot. 

6. National Museum Planetarium 

             Photo from National

     Museum Planetarium FB Page

National Museum Planetarium is a projet of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1975. Its main function is to disseminate astronomical information through shows, lectures, and galleries. At the moment, Planetarium shows are closed to public but their galleries are free for all visitors. 

7. Malacanang Palace 

     Photo searched from Google 

Malacanang Palace is one of the tourist spots in Manila where the president resides. You can walk from San Miguel ave and see the walls of the palace. 

Out of all the seven places, my family and I have been to only two of it. What I love about lists is that I always have a new place to go and I don't have to think too much!;) Will post about our Museo Pambata and Manila Zoo trips next time. 

Do you have other places to suggest for us to visit? Comment away!;) 

ENERGIZER NIGHT RACE MANILA 2015: To Benefit Bantay Bata Children

How far can you go to light up someone else’s life? For the expected 2015 runners of Energizer Night Race Manila, all it takes is a step further on the road.

On June 27, 2015, witness how the road of Filinvest City, Alabang beams up as 3,000 runners dash their way to help the children of Bantay Bata 163.

“It’s time to give that spark of hope to the children assisted by Bantay Bata,” said Claire Guevarra, senior brand manager of Energizer. “Ever since our first Energizer Night Race, it’s always about giving back, running for a cause and sharing the positive energy”, added Guevarra.

The Energizer Night Race 2015 is the first open run which challenges the participants to run as many three-kilometer loop as they can in 120 minutes. Every three-kilometer run will equate to P100, 000 and will be donated to Bantay Bata as part of its operation and medical treatment funds.

According to Vincent Lizo, Energizer Philippine’s business director, a one-of-a-kind running event such as the Energizer Night Race bears truth that no competition is needed if we want to help improve the lives of children.

“Many fun runs have their own target beneficiaries, and it is interesting to note that the Filipinos are one with their fellow men in their fight against diseases, poverty, and the onslaught of ill-fated calamities,” Lizo said. “But we designed the Energizer Night Race to solely focus on the essence of helping”, added Lizo.”

A runner’s every 3k loop will be monitored through radio frequency identification (RFID). Kilometer markers in the race route will also be available to serve as the runners’ references. Moreover, a manually operated Energizer battery meter will light up every time a runner finishes a three-kilometer run. This battery meter will compile all the three-kilometer runs every runner makes until it reaches a one million benchmark. This will be put on view through an LED display onstage, and in the start and finish arc.

MJ Tiquia, Energizer brand activations manager, said that the company wants to offer its loyal followers a different experience each year so they can enjoy with their family and friends.

“We would like this year’s run to be a venue of fun and excitement for everyone who will join, so we’re focusing on their enjoyment this time more than anything else,” Tiquia shared. “Beyond the beneficiaries, we will focus on our goal to provide that “fun” for the runners so we can radiate the positivenergy to everyone” said Tiquia.

“With the race kit priced at 700 pesos, which includes race singlet, race bib, Energizer headlight, Energizer cap, Schick razor and access to pre and post race activities, we are inviting everyone to come and join us in this event. This is a good venue to bond with families and friends through a healthy activity like running, at the same time helping a common cause which is to raise P 1,000,000.00 for the children of Bantay Bata 163” added Tiquia.

The registration may be over, but you can still be one with the advocacy by being there and cheering on the runners. The support that we can give to the racers and most especially to the children beneficaries of Bantay Bata will significantly help boost their confidence and hope. Let's be one not only in having a healthy lifestyle but more on being one with the plight of the poor. 

EVENT: Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp

Tomorrow is National Heroes' day, and it is one of the holiday that Filipinos should always celebrate and commemorate. I am a Pro-Pinoy person, I like OPM, Pinoy Rock Bands, Filipino literature, local products and anything that has Filipino taste or blood on it. I also love reading about Filipinos doing great or becoming famous in any industry they are in. I also love Pinoy bloggers and I feel proud having to have read and know some of them. So what does it have to do with National Heroes' day? Well for me they are modern heroes in whatever field they are in. There are also unsung heroes in the country that are not recognized but has done enormous change in social change and do what they can wherever they are. 

Let me use an excerpt from Bob Ong saying: "Paano ka tutulong sa mundo, kung nadadapa ka sa sarili mong bansa" or in English "How can you help the world, if there are hurdles in your country"(I don't remember the exact words but its the same thought) As an NSTP teacher I always tell that to my students that we have to help wherever we are, do whatever we can with the time, effort and resources that we have. I encourage them to do one small goodness to anyone everyday and it will definitely go along way. I have written about one of my friend, Carolyn Tongco, one of the founder of Artist Madhouse and for me, she is definitely a hero. 

If you believe in the same philosophy as I do, come an be part of Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp tomorrow at Commune Cafe, Makati from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Leading the event is Hero Of D Day (HODD), a non-profit social media organization that believes there is a hero in all of us. Founded by a group of passionate individuals wanting to affect positive social change, their vision is for people to recognize the hero within and become everyday heroes themselves – mindful of the abounding good around them, grateful for these, and inspired to pay it forward.

To do their part, HODD collects stories of heroism and publishes them online. They also partner with organizations involved in social advocacies, community development, and nation building. They launch programs meant for personality and skills enhancement as well. One such program is the HODD Huddle, the HODD community meeting. Here, participants have the opportunity to learn more about the organization, attend workshops, and meet other individuals dedicated to the cause.

At the upcoming HODD Huddle Zero to Hero: A Hero Sharing Boot Camp, talks and activities await Fellow Heroes. Andy Samaniego, a commercial lifestyle photographer and visual artist, will be giving tips on taking artful photos using a smart phone. Karen Galarpe, the City Editor for GMA News Online, will present social media writing tactics. Eric Melendez, a writer and researcher for non-profit organizations, a contributor for Esquire Philippines, and a renowned fictionist, will be speaking about writing for social causes and how to creatively tell a story. HODD Correspondents are set to share their experiences on finding heroes in their daily lives as well.

All in all, the day promises to be fun, educational, and inspiring. Get tickets today athttp://heroofdday.org/hodd-huddle/. Give P100 at the door for a Hero Of D Day kit and a certificate.

For more information on Hero Of D Day, visit www.heroofdday.org. Like them onfacebook.com/heroofdday.org and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @heroofdday. For inquiries, email info@heroofdday.org.