Showing posts with label events. Show all posts

Take a Stand for Better Education

Productive individuals are consequences of productive teachers.

Fact: Public elementary and highschool education in the country are facing challenges. Philippine education is far from fine. 47,000 public elementary and highschools, a meager government budget, a thankless teaching salary and classrooms without walls. Coalition for Better Education dropped a lot of reality-check-bombs during the Blogger's Forum hosted by Philippine Information Agency.

From left: CBE President Jeffery Tarayao, CBE Executive Director Marilou Flores and PIA Cebu Information Center Manager Rachelle Nessia.

While sitting down trying to drink in all the introductions it struck me hard that I am clueless. Education issues I only hear about in the news are one by one becoming vivid and real to me as we got served with the hard facts from mouths of the people who have seen - firsthand the state of our education system.

I cringe, because in my own bubble, education is fine. I was, for a long time, under the impression that once you get in school you immediately get served your buffet of ABC's and 123's. When you digest them well, these are all you need to make good in life.

The issues keep coming but so are the many ways to lift things up for better education. Although our teacher's salaries and education budget are how much the government says they are, groups such as the Coalition for Better Education materialized to be education's other set of arms to hold on to for strength.

Since 2001 CBE has gathered education stakeholders, unite other groups, individuals and companies to take part in thrusting for better education in the Philippines. Their vision is to CREATE EMPOWERED LEARNING COMMUNITIES. They believe, and I agree, that education is a shared responsibility. We cannot solely blame the government for poor education. Everybody has to have a hand to lend.

During the Blogger's Forum, CBE introduced to us modules on Project Based Learning Energy Flashcards and Do Energy Flashcards. This is developing teaching tool that is K12 ready which innovates the standard way of learning. Personally, I find the method very interesting and engaging. We all learn in different ways, and I think Energy Flashcards have something to offer for all types of learners. Imagine giving this resource to our teachers, it is going to change things for the better.

CBE empowers our teachers, our main educators to produce better ways of teaching. They get introduced to teaching tools and methods that are attuned with the demands of the present and flexible for what lies ahead in the future.

For the why's and how's of joining CBE go HERE.
Follow PIA on Facebook and Twitter

This blog joins the thrust for better education. #iBLOGforBetterEducation

Captain Morgan and My Legendary Time

When you get an invite to party exactly right after a series of exams, you just do not say no! Never mind the fact that I do not have anything new to wear. The promise of something new to drink, a.k.a Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rhum, is lure enough for me. Got word from mamang Eden (my saint for everything grandiose) that Captain Morgan, the lovable rogue that he is, will be throwing a guaranteed legendary parteeeey over at my favorite party destination, Alchology.

You bet this DamnVixen was keen for an adventure!

Captain Morgan has been taking over the country's "it bars" lugging along with him his prized treasure chest. Customers are given keys to this chest where inside it is a trove of premiums which await the lucky new shipmates. Oh I did get my own key alright, however I was so into the beats, sounds and dancing that I lost my loot! I say blame it on the 3 full glasses of Captain and Cola I had downed that night! The drink mixes the unique blend of Caribbean Rum, mellow spices, and flavoring, with the right amount of cola and ice—the perfect serve for all occasion, any season.

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rhum is now available at an SRP of P350.00

Soon the notorious Captain Morgan will hijack your favorite bars and hangouts so that you can get a taste of Captain & Cola and get the chance to unlock his treasure chest for some special gear, just like how some of us in Cebu Fashion Bloggers had experienced! Holler to Rabsin, Marco, Mac, Lyka and Mark Monta for an awesome time!

Me, Mac, Lyka and Captain Morgan!

Don't mind my electric blue eyeshadow, just hustle over to Captain Morgan Philippines Fan Page to keep yourself up to date with the Captain’s adventures, promos, and other news.

Captain Morgan is distributed by Diageo, makers of Johnnie Walker, J&B, Baileys and BenMor Four Casks Scotch Whiskey among others, and the world’s leading premium drinks business trading in more than 180 countries.

Cebu Blog Camp 2011

School for me will start again soon since June is just around the corner. I might just conclude my summer starting with Cebu Blog Camp. The Programme is really very interesting with topics like basic photography and travel blogging 101. Im particularly looking forward to learning the do's and don'ts of social media marketing and that topic on blogging etiquette too. I got to attend last year's World Bloggers Day event at Parkmall. That was mighty fun with girlfriend Sweet in tow. *sigh wish you were here love!

It would be nice to meet and greet some familiar bloggers. Hopefully the very entertaining fashion bloggers show up and showcase the color blocking trend. Id love that!
Im expecting something a bit short of a camera exhibition. Big bulky DSLR's and big ass lenses will surely be paraded. heheeh I really want my picture taken by those toys! ;)
I rarely go to events with not much people I know on it, but Id love to go nonetheless just to tidy and prep up for a change.
Id love to see the Cebu blogging community up close.
Need I say about the food, contests and prizes? ahhha you got me!

The Cebu blog Camp is an event organized annually by the Cebu Bloggers of the Blog and Soul Movement which is the educating leg of the Philippine Blog Awards Inc. which has been running for already four years. This is the largest gathering of bloggers in Cebu.

THE CEBU BLOG CAMP 2011

is co-presented by

Bronze Sponsors

Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.

Media and Institution Partners

Official Web Browser

Official TV Media Partner

Official Online Print Media

Official Photo-Social Media Partner

DONOR

Academy for International Culinary Arts

Elating News Roundup

Ive been blabbing on my twitter how the past days have been so full of great news! It is indubitable how this day's greatness just tops it all.

Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding makes history as Prince William, heir to the British crown, marries a commoner Kate Middleton. They are now officially known as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. What a fairytale don't you agree?

photo credits to The British Monarchy Flickr

Ombudsman Resigns

On local news, the notoriously unfavored Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez rendered her official resignation to President Aquino. This certainly gets the gears rolling for the appointment of the next Ombudsman to take her post. Hopefully we wont get a rotten egg again.

Blessed John Paul

The most beloved Pope in our times, Pope John Paul II, was beatified last Sunday. This is another first in history as this is the first time that the current Pope seeks to canonize his immediate predecessor. The Catholic Church is on a crisis with all the abuse accusations thrown to their clergy. Let us pray to Blessed John Paul that despite all these, faith continues to endure.

Osama Bin Laden is dead!

United States President Obama shared the most elating news to the American people and to the world. The dreaded terrorist Osama Bin Laden is now dead and that his body is with American custody. Although this does not end the war on terrorism, this brings hope to us peace loving nations that hate can be subdued. Today many will sleep soundly in their beds well except for the guy who unknowingly did a live tweet on the Osama raid. Another one for World Peace yo! Best news ever!

Life is beautiful! Have a wonderful month of May!

FFP 24 Hour Read-a-thon!

I have officially jumped into the only marathon that puts my feet to rest. This is my way of appreciating literature and at the same time influence budding readers out there to continue thirsting after the written words of art. Reading takes me up to a pinnacle of emotions in a span of a few hours. And every single time, its a ride that drenches me all over with sensations the non readers could only feel in the course of slow dragging time.

Reading is my brand of heroine. I am going for a high dosage tonight. When my eyes could no longer read a word, only then will I have OD'ed.

My reading list for the read-a-thon in no order.

I am also inviting you to join this event hosted by Flips Flipping Pages, a community of Filipino book lovers. Learn about the mechanics here and sign up here to really feel being part of the occasion.

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,

And all the sweet serenity of books.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Honor Among Thieves

Honor, is that intangible and very valuable perception we have for ourselves that keeps our heads unbowed. Simply put, it is pride and selfrespect rolled into one. In the course of our life time, people around us will, once in a while, recognize our achievements as honors. However, it is knowing that you deserve the recognition that makes it truly an honor. Because honor, though how very little you may have of it for yourself, can never be taken away from you.

What do you call a person who gets something not rightfully his? A thief, and he hoards on honor. He intoxicates himself with the instant gratification he derives from fooling himself to believe that what he have are truly his. His coveteousness is insatiable that is why in order to continuously feed that want, they operate in numbers, in an intricate conspiracy of deception. It is a system that works so well until one of them will want some more.

And just like that, the honors a thief treasure most are snatched from his hands, leaving him empty instantaneously. He finds himself exposed and eventually will either rob his robber back or slump to self distruct.

We all have price tags. It may or may not be capable of pecuniary estimation. The fact is, we can be bought. When we do decide to trade, stop and think if the price we set for ourselves is the price we truly deserve. I believe that there is no honor in discounting ourselves, and that we become thieves when we bite off more than we ought to chew.

WE4WM5UEXU3Z

Fish18 = Young Loalde

Loalde has always been my mom's and aunt's favorite store. Their style and designs are very classy but not the kind that's too dressed up or too casual. They certainly offer the right feel for the accomplished woman, beautiful things I cant wear on a regular basis just yet. Finally they have decided to reach out to the young and hip generation (ehem! the likes of me!) as embodied in their brainchild Fish18.

I was lucky enough to get invites to Fish18's grand opening last December 10, 2010. I tagged along Mac, the new blogger for Style Cebu, because of her exquisite knack for anything fabulous. Seriously this girl has some fine tastes!

Ive no idea what Cool Casual means!

The store itself emits an old vibe that has quite a vintage taste in the air. Some of the fabrics used are from Loalde's collection dating as far back as 30 years. Despite the vintage feel, their wares are far from the boring old. They boast of apparels that showcase urban culture as seen from the the streets. I'm thinking sophisticated pop. But I'm not really one for details and descriptions. I only need to know that they have my size!

I was especially intrigued by their acid washed vests and cropped tees. I loved how they made patch worked clothes look elegant and stylish. The secret is the flawless craftsmanship impressed upon each item producing fine masterpieces that you can never pass as something mass produced.

They only make limited pieces so y'all better take your pick asap!

Fish18 is located on the 2nd level of The Northwing at SM City Cebu. Follow them on twitter here and check out their Facebook fanpage too!

Stereotyped, Maligned, Bismirched

This blog post is fueled by my support for a classmate in law school, Jed Carlo Lazaga who is a victim of last Sundays bar exam blast. He was wrongfully named as the suspect of the afore mentioned incident.

There are probably a few names that some malicious people call us just to spite us and incite our anger. A few of those names could probably set us on fire instantaneously. Nothing irks me more than being called stupid because I know for a fact that I am not. But what is being called stupid compared to being tagged and accused as a murderer, a bomber to be exact? Now that is social death.

Mr. Lazaga was a pointed to as the bomber man by a group of Tau Gamma Phi members who dragged him into an unmanned police booth where he was slapped, mauled and robbed to boot while being made to answer for the bombing incident.

The police was quick to present his name to the media as the suspect because they needed to appear to have been prompt and efficient in taking control of the situation. This is a classic case of dont judge a book by its cover. They probably looked at Mr. Lazaga as an easy prey who looks the part of a suspect that can make the police look good again.

Unfortunately for them, Mr. Lazaga is backed upped by a team of brilliant lawyers that will fight to the teeth just to protect their student. I imagine the police are probably dumb founded and cursing themselves AGAIN for picking someone not from Manila as the escape goat/fall guy.

If Mr. Lazaga had not been a law student, had he not been a stranger to Manila and if he had been just a plain citizen who was curious of the merry making on the streets then most probably he will have remained as a suspect and suffer for something he did not do.

I dont know how the police can clean their act and for how long their reputation remains tainted I just wish that they would now see that the only way for them to be seen in a different light is for them to start doing their jobs the right way. Its going to take a loooong time so please start now and no fuck ups this time.

August In Ruins

August has passed, whew!! I hate to say it but the past month had been mostly a showcase of disappointments and distractions and how badly I had managed my disposition during those crises. Yes crises, as in multiple problems had emerged ganging up on me like crazy. Remember that cliché about wrong decisions having a domino effect? That was exactly how August went on for me. It was as if fate decided to give me a series of armor piercing tests just to mess me up.

So far, August holds the record for the most fuck ups I did this year. Made me realize that I am weak against my impulses and that if I dont practice discipline soon, I fear I will become self loathing.

I am not a person who dwells on the what might have beens. I have no regrets, but I dread that the day will come when I look at the mirror all I will see is a woman who could have been.

Happy August moments

Basty's 3rd Bday

Liz's 25th Bday

I dont want to dwell on the sad parts that happened. I only pray that we all get to move on and great September with a renewed hope that everything will be alright.

August was a such a month full of extreme emotions. Ecstasy and misery almost just hours from each other. Im moving on to a brighter month having known more of myself because of the past months lost battles. Though faltered, I still stand.

SPOLIARIUM

Spolarium by Juan Luna

I am in outrage! How many more tragedies do we have to suffer and take part of to realize that we have fucked up as a country? How many dead bodies do we need to count in order for us to take charge of our nation? How many more of these ridicules could we stomach?

The Filipinos I know are the kind who will fight to the death just to protect their own. But just like a wild horse, we have been broken, our wild hearts had been tamed to conform to too many a conquerors whims. We lost our identity a long long time ago, sad to say until now we have never regained it back. For centuries we were taught to be envious and insecure, perfectly brainwashed to believe that we were only second best.

The Spaniards, Americans and Japanese all treated us like dogs. And so "independence" we gained. We are no longer under foreign rule, but why do I still feel the leash on my neck? It is because we are repeating the cycle of hate, this time the infliction is upon our own blood. Having been treated inferior for a long time caused us to recoup by wanting to be the master and superior this time and since we are still weak to take on others, we resulted to taking the nearest Filipino down.

This is how it is with us now. I see it, I live it and it sucks to know we are really going to be it. By "it" I meant a whole country dedicated to destroying itself my gnawing at its own wound, never allowing it to heal. We are infected by disease and its time to seek for the cure. Let us all heal from the oppressions we had to suffer, please let us truly rebuild our nation.

p.s Winning the Miss Universe crown is not going to be redeeming in any way..

Boo Silva! Boo!

All of the other fights I liked. All the other fights were impeccable, impressive and really outright raw. Silva and Sonnen's fight, to me, seemed just a bit short of a Hollywood show, if not totally concerted. Commercialism at its finest! I've seen Anderson Silva's stances, moves, agility and a good chunk of his infamous octagon prowess. Simply put, I feel he had doused those skills, literally spitting at his own face by willfully lowering his guard down and just "tanked" Sonnen's aggression. He brought disrespect not only to himself but to all those who trained him and he did it twice! To err is human to err again is stupid!

You still are the best in your division, hell I even think you can take GSP, but your integrity had been pounded down to dust and its your own doing. Kudos to a great broadway-ish show!