Parents with sports-minded kids aged 10-16 years old: here’s one worthwhile thing to do this summer. Create and upload a video answering, “Why I deserve to win the Sony Ericsson Search for the FIFA World Cup™ flag bearer.” The winner will get to proudly carry a FIFA flag live on the pitch in South Africa and get to travel with his/her parent or guardian to the said country, complete with plane fare, pocket money and hotel accommodations.

To qualify, contestants must creatively answer the question in a 30-60 second video through a song, dance or any kind of performance. Interested candidates can submit as many entries as they want. Five finalists will each win the Sony Ericsson Kita, the gesture gaming phone wonder with 5-megapixel camera, photo geo-tagging, Net access, high quality media player and stereo speakers.

Five qualifying videos will be voted upon for the Philippines to decide who gets to be the first FIFA flag bearer. He or she will then walk the pitch with other young flag bearers and watch a thrilling FIFA World Cup™ semi-finals match firsthand.

“This will be the first time for the Philippines to participate in a FIFA World Cup™ event so we are inviting Filipino children to try out and give it their best,” said Dennis Manzano, Sony Ericsson General Manager.

More details are at clickthecity.com/sonyericssonfifa. Join in or vote for the top video of your choice. The grand winner will be announced on April 20, 2010.

# # #

I’ve worked in the United Kingdom but I never experienced studying there. What an awesome experience it must be. This country, besides being the hub of monarchy, offers much in terms of cultural and historical exploration. Thankfully, one can learn much about studying in the UK through the British Council in the Philippines, including ways on how to get scholarships there.

From January to March, the British Council launches Education UK, a campaign meant to inform Filipinos on the educational opportunities in the United Kingdom.

Held last January 29 at the Makati Shangri-La was an Alumni Counselling Session that gave prospective students insider information on what living and studying in the UK is like. Forthcoming on February 19 at Top Shelf, Fullu Booked in Bonifacio High Street is a Funding Options Seminar which will tackle the financial aspects of UK education and the scholarships that can be availed. Finally, there’s the Education UK Exhibition on March 5 to 6 at the EDSA Shagri-La Hotel. Representatives from UK universities will be on hand to speak directly to interested students and the specific courses available.

Admission to the public is free. For more information, log on to the British Council website.

It’s been ages since I visited the National Museum. I used to work in that hallowed building back in the 90s, because the Philippine Senate was housed there. It’s really such a shame to be ogling at museums in other countries and not loving your own. Must.go there.soon.

The National Museum today has undergone a complete transformation. In fact it can already compare with its counterparts in Asia and beyond. It boasts of an extensive art and artifact collection housed in 21 galleries and spanning two colonial-era buildings. What can be seen in its historic walls? The works of great men like National Artist Fernando Amorsolo whose ongoing retrospective at the museum features his best works and drawings.

Somebody says one of the best gifts you can give to yourself this Christmas is the gift of cultural understanding and appreciating art. It is the gift of having a Grand Tour of the National Museum. Who can disagree with something noble like that? Details after the jump:

“Ever wondered what the Manunggul Jar is saying with its two spirits steering in the afterlife? Did you know that the 400 year old galleon trade linked us culturally and historically to both Spain AND Mexico? Ever paused to get the full picture of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium and how the painting created our nation? Have you ever seen a full complement of the very best of paintings and sculptures by our National Artists? And the stories in their creation?

Everyone’s who has been on John Silva’s Grand Tour of The National Museum say this three-hour experience of being guided through their history has been inspiring, educational, and well worth it.

For this holiday season, treat your friends (Balikbayans love it) and family to the best gift ever, the gift of learning one’s culture and past. As a special bonus, the National Museum has a retrospective on Fernando Amorsolo featuring his best portrait works and drawings. John will give an added extensive tour/lecture on the first National Artist and his artistic contribution to the world.

The Grand Tour of the National Museum is scheduled for the following dates: November 19, 22, 23, 26, December 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 20th, 2008. The tour begins at 10 am sharp and ends at 1 pm. The tour covers two buildings, 20 galleries from Archaeology, Anthropology to classical and modern arts and sculpture. The fee is 700 pesos per adult and 500 pesos per child. Walking shoes are recommended and the tour is wheel-chair accessible.

Reservations are essential so please contact 0926 729 9029, 0917 419 5928, 527 5082, or e-mail jsilva79@mac.com. ” Part of the proceeds will go to art appreciation classes for public school teachers.

The written word is alive and well, thanks to the annual staging of the Manila International Book Fair. This event, which started last Friday, September 12 will end on Tuesday, Sept 16 so there’s only three days left for bibliophiles to hobnob with their favorite authors, get your favorite books at a discount and attend mind-enriching seminars.

We saw in the schedule some interesting bits such as how to get published, productivity tips from top writers, a forum on book piracy, a cosplay workshop, how to earn from freelancing, and even a talk on “the business of blogging.” Here’s a handy list of what you’ll have to catch for the remainder of the book fair:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Meeting Room 4) Travel and Training Grants for Librarians Forum by Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science, Inc. (PATLS)

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Rooms 5 & 6) ICT FORUM by Diwa Learning Systems, Inc.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Choosing the Correct Catholic Bible by Sinag-Tala Publishers, Inc.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Stage Area) Pistang Panitik: Blog! The business of blogging.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Memorial Lecture on Library Pioneers of the Philippines: Dr. James Alexander Robertson by Philippine Foundation for Library Scholarship, Inc.

3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Meeting Room 3)Multiple Book Launching by Sibal Group

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Rooms 4 & 5) Book Launch by St Pauls

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 6) Bible Appreciation Seminar by Phil. Bible Society

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Stage Area) Salaysayan Finals
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

9:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Meeting Room 6) Tong Tong Tong: Tinig, Tunog at Talino ng Tulang Pambata by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

10:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Meeting Room 5) Pistang Panitik: Ganito Kami Ngayon
Renowned writers present an update on current literary practice in the Philippines

10:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Stage Area) Your Cosplay Story Contest

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Meeting Room 4) “Eagles Don’t Fly, They Soar” Book Launch by Shepherd’s Voice Publications

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Publish or Perish!
Want to get your writing published? Hear from editors and publishers on the challenges and the certainties. A no-holds-barred expose on the opportunities, the challenges and the real bottom line. Copywriting essentials-materials, time-saving methods, productivity secrets

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Meeting Room 6) Creating Effective Visuals for Children’s Books by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Room 5) Cosplay Workshop

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Stage Area) Salaysayan Eliminations
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Lit! (Meeting Room 4) Trouble-Free Freelancing
Quit your writing job and make your own writing career. A no-holds-barred expose on the opportunities, the challenges and the real bottom line. Copywriting essentials-materials, time-saving methods, productivity secrets
Seminar Fee: Php 300.00

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Behind the Pseudonym
Readings and Autograph Sessions by Celebrity Writers and Rare Personages

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 5&6) Product Launching & Search for “Batang Paolino, Batang Matalino” by Paulines Publishing House

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Stage Area) Musika at Pananampalataya by Jesuit Music Ministry

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

8:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Meeting Rooms 5&6) Forum on “Websites Evaluation for Research” and Awarding Ceremonies: “Honoring the Great Men and Women of Asia” by Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI)

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Stage Area) Pistang Panitik: Pop-Lit
Comic book artists, performance poets, storytellers, and literary innovators, present emerging forms in Philippine literature

11:00 AM – 12:00 NN (Meeting Room 6) Book Piracy 101: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask by Publishers’ Representatives Organization of the Philippines (PROP)

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Meeting Rooms 5&6) Cyber Infrastructure: Library in Focus by Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines (ASLP)

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Meeting Room 9) Reading, Responding & Reviewing by
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! The Right Script
Insider tips on storylines and scripts facilitated by independent and commercial screenwriters. With presentations heavily supported by film clips and graphic elements, to be produced in conjunction with hosts
Seminar Fee: Php 300.00

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Trouble-Free Freelancing
Quit your writing job and make your own writing career. A no-holds-barred expose on the opportunities, the challenges and the real bottom line. Copywriting essentials-materials, time-saving methods, productivity secrets
Seminar Fee: Php 300.00

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Rooms 5&6) Book Launching by UST Publishing House

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Stage Area) Storytelling / Puppet Show by Abe Craft & Toys

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Stage Area) Tai Chi for Managing Stress by InnerSun Consultants

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Lit! Won in 30 seconds
How successful copywriting wins the client and the customer’s mind. Eye-raising and exciting presentations by advertising copywriters. A “show and tell” copywriting workshop

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Meeting Room 4) Travel and Training Grants for Librarians Forum by Philippine Association of Teachers of Library and Information Science, Inc. (PATLS)

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Meeting Rooms 5 & 6) ICT FORUM by Diwa Learning Systems, Inc.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Meeting Room 4) Choosing the Correct Catholic Bible by Sinag-Tala Publishers, Inc.

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Stage Area) Pistang Panitik: Blog! The business of blogging.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Meeting Room 4) Memorial Lecture on Library Pioneers of the Philippines: Dr. James Alexander Robertson by Philippine Foundation for Library Scholarship, Inc.

3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Meeting Room 3)Multiple Book Launching by Sibal Group

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Rooms 4 & 5) Book Launch by St Pauls

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Meeting Room 6) Bible Appreciation Seminar by Phil. Bible Society

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Stage Area) Salaysayan Finals
by Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)

The Manila International Book Fair list of exhibitors are the following:

A-Z Direct Marketing, Abe Craft & Toys, Academic Book Sales, Adarna House, Adbox Book Distributors, Alexan Commercial, Alhoda International Publication & Distribution, Anvil Publishing, Asia/Pacific Circulation Exponents, Asian Books (A Different Bookstore), Asiatype Distribution, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Belview Co., Inc., British Council, C & E Publishing, Catholic Book Center, CD Books International, Cengage Learning, Central Books Supply, Christian Literature Crusade, Church Strengthening Ministry, Claretian Communications Foundation, Cogent Consulting & Technologies, Cosmos Bazaar, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cyclophil Educational Promotion, Diwa Learning Systems, EDCA Publishing & Distributing, Edcrisch Internationa, Elsevier (Singapore) PTE Ltd, Emerald Headway Distributors, Eternal Publication, F & J de Jesus, Fastbooks Educational Supply, Felta Multi-Media, Filway Marketing, Forefront Book Co., and Fujian Publishing Industry Trading.

Gentle Star Trading, Gilbert Emerson Marketing, Global Learning Media / Verve Multimedia, Goethe-Institut Manila, Golden Books Services, Goodwill Bookstore, Gunnar Lie & Associates Ltd., High Access Line Philippines, IBC Book Consolidators / IBC Infotec, Ibon Foundation, Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Info-Ed Marketing, Instituto Cervantes-Manila, Isa-Jecho Publishing, Jesuit Communications, Jing Si Books and Café, John Wiley & Sons (Asia), Katha Publising, Lighthouse Educational Corp., Lighthouse Inspirational Books & Gifts, Linar Educational Materials, Logos Publications, McGraw-Hill Education, Megatexts Phil., Mind Mover Publishing House, National Bookstore, National Historical Institute, Network Magazine Subscription Services, Inc., New Century Books & Gen. Merchandise, New Day Publishers, OMF Literature, Pahina, Inc. / Book Wagon, Paulines Publishing House, Pearson Education, Philippine Bible Society, Philmont Academic Solutions, Phoenix Educational Systems, Powerbooks, Precious Pages, and PSIcom Publishing.

Rarebook Enterprises, Rex Group of Companies, Roman Instructional Media Resources, Saint Mary’s Publishing, Shepherd House Publishers, Shepherd’s Voice Publications, Sibal Group, Sinag-Tala Publishers, St Pauls, St. Augustine Publications, Stiftung Gralsbotschaft (Germany), Summit Publishing Co., The Bookmark, The Century Gifts Corporation, Tradewinds Books, UST Publishing House, University of the Philippines Press, Vibal Publishing House, Wiseman’s Books Trading, Word & Life Publications, World Health Organization, and WS Pacific Publications,.

The 29th Manila International Book Fair is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. For details, call 890-0661 or 896-0682, log on to www.manilabookfair.com, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.

There’s been a backlog of blog posts ever since the house move, so I’d just like to give the heads-up to the following products I tried recently:

Havaianas…. I Heart! Summer is for flip-flops and I adore the pairs of Havaianas I got recently, especially the one with “Blogger Ajay” spelled out on the straps. The latter is a result of the “Make Your Own Havaianas” event I attended recently in the Rockwell Tent. In the past, I would have shunned a signature brand for my tsinelas (slippers) since it’s just tsinelas anyway. But I like how Havaianas lets you express your individuality with a large selection of styles to choose from. At the “Make Your Own Havaianas,” you can embellish your slip-ons with Swarovski studs, letters in the alphabet or symbols like headphones and further customize them with lacinhos (“little laces”). The Rockwell Tent was filled to the brim with Havaianas fans and am sure next year’s event will be another hit.

D & G IS FOR DAVID & GOLIATH! I love my PJ’s and I blog, in fact, in my pajamas. So when David & Goliath gave bloggers like moi a chance to try their products, I didn’t choose a tee but their pajama line. Yes, they do have them and unkempt me is shown here wearing their “I Only Have Ice For You ” PJ. Don’t really know what this means (since am not turning frigid anytime soon ) but David & Goliath has made a name for their wry sense of humor anyway. The brand recently unveiled their Little Losers line-up where you can choose from tags like “Mr. Fartface,” “Mr. Tightwad” and ” Ms. Spoiled Brat.” Hurray! They even have a “Bloggers Suck” tee. David & Goliath has freestanding stores in Bonifacio High Street, Power Plant Mall, TriNoma, Robinsons Place Midtown, Greenbelt 5 and inside Rustan’s Makati.

Zen Zest is a Filipino home and beauty brand I patronize. Bought in fact their room and linen fragrance as gifts last Christmas.Their publicist Claire recently gave me their coconut conditioner and shampoo to try and am now using it. I guess they got me at the word ‘coconut’ and I just love the familiar coconut scent. For Father’s Day, Zen Zest is offering a 20 per cent discount off special packages of their coconut oil and aromatherapy items. Check it out!

My favorite breakfast at the moment is the McDonald’s Hamdesal. You know how some people say that McDonald’s bread wins over Jollibee? Well,a m simply floored (floured?) by their pan de sal version. It comes in ham, ham & cheese, & ham & egg flavor. W00t! The best things in life cost less than a dollar (39 pesos), with free coffee to boot!

My whole family loves Jollibee. It is the ultimate Filipino icon.

I love the fact that you can eat a decent meal there for less than $1.

And it’s so true. “The Jollibee mascot is more popular than Mickey Mouse in this part of the world.”

Jollibee is Filipino. Filipino is Jollibee.

Now, for some piece of news.Jollibee has branched out to a cartoon show on television. In a family-oriented format called Jollitown.

The show features your kids’ favorite mascots.

“Yum is the imaginative young science expert who loves solving puzzles and mysteries through experiments and high-tech gadgetry. Cheerleader Hetty is the group’s big sister and is looked up to for her sweet, nurturing ways, neatness and self-discipline. The funniest and most athletic of the bunch, Popo loves sports but never neglects his studies and thus always gets good grades. Twirlie, the star performer who loves to sing and dance, is ever curious and inquisitive. And as everyone’s best friend is Jollibee, always good-natured, smiling and playful, he is a natural leader who sets an example for his friends with his courteous , helpful and kind ways.”

- from the official announcement.

Jollitown is coming to GMA7 on April 13, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Set the date

Robles painting, courtesy of Galleria Duemila

In behalf of my good friend Mimosa who works at the Galleria Duemila, here’s the following press release. I’ll be attending the exhibit opening at 6 p.m. if only to taste the muy delicioso brewed coffee of Madam Silvana Diaz that Mimosa is raving about. Do drop by if you’re artistically inclined and let’s savor the pastries and the coffee Galleria Duemila is located at 210 Loring St. Pasay City. For location and exhibition inquiries, please call 831-9990 and 833-9815, or email duemila@mydestiny.net

“On August 3, 2007, Roberto Robles opens another solo show in Galleria Duemila, where he has showcased his works since 1995. “It is a summary of more than ten years with Silvana Diaz and Galleria Duemila,” the artist says with a smile.

It was his correspondence with a poet he met abroad that inspired the title of this exhibit. He would write her at the end of a letter, “I must get back and attend to my stones.”

“It began that I was attending to my stones and I had lain down to rest, but my sleep was interrupted by the sound of ripe mangoes falling on my roof.”

Robles is known for his works in stone as well as his paintings. He studied sculpting stone in Japan and Korea, working with marble and granite, respectively. As of late, though he feels that he has been interrupted in his work with stone. Perhaps titling his exhibition “Attending to My Stone” will return him to that.

His basic outline for this exhibition is a summary indeed, of fleeting moments, with life being difficult but always beautiful and meaningful, of feeling delight with the simple joys and learning to appreciate each day. The exhibit will feature more of Robles’ paintings, and some installations. As with his previous works, there is a Zen-like quality to his paintings, as always finding solace in nature, which the ancestral home where he lives and works in Batangas affords him. The artist is always contemplative, a continuity of past works, an ongoing narrative of his story, which is the story we all have…for he believes we all want the same thing: Harmony with life.

His paintings are that of early mornings, watching the sun come up through the foliage of the mango trees. You can feel the peacefulness of the mornings, warmth and light breaking through the darkness. It makes us ask, we are here, but now what? Like a poet, he poses this question to the universe, at the same time celebrating fundamental and simple joys, remembering, touching base with home…“layering of memories that is put into canvas with strokes of paint or into the stone”

This exhibit will surely garner Roberto Robles further critical acclaim.”

Not too long ago, some sweet-talking hotel salesperson convinced me to get a couple of hotel membership cards. Thankfully it was something I don’t regret putting my money on. Am a hedonist and believe there’s nothing wrong in treating my family to some luxury every now and then. Recently, one of my favorite five-star digs in Manila Bay launched their VIP card and am putting out this press release because I’ve tried the place and it’s highly-recommended:

For a fee of P4,999 ( a little more than $100 annually), one can get the Diamond Hotel’s privilege card called the “Indulgence.”

What’s included in the membership kit:

- one Indulgence Certificate for an overnight accommodation in a Superior Room at an exclusive rate of P4,500 inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at the Palm Court Cafe

- two Indulgence Certificates for an overnight at a Superior Room at an exclusive rate of P3,300 during Holy Week and December 16 to 30, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two at Palm Court Cafe.

- one Indulgence Certificates for a Diamond Hotel complimentary and personalized birthday cake for every member that dines at any of the hotel’s participating restaurants on his/her birthday

- two Indulgence Certificates (3 passes each, 6 passes total) for poolside privilege from 7am to 6pm

- one Indulgence Certificate for a free trial at the Health Club

- Minimum 20% discount in all hotel outlets namely Yurakuen, Palm Court Cafe, Sky Lounge, Poolside Bar, Kohikan and Restaurant Le Bellevue

- 20% discount at the Diamond Spa

- Gift Certificate(s) when you avail of the hotel’s banquet services

- Discounts from the following: Air Philippines, Aquamundo Scuba, Breakfast at Antonio’s, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, Holand Tulips, IMAX Theater, Kultura Filipino, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Schwarzkopf Professional, SM Bowling Center, SM Department Store, SM International Skating Rink, Southeast Asian Airlines, Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, Swiss Deli & Bistro, The Grill by Antonio’s, Titania Wine Cellar Inc., Wine Depot

Blogger’s Note: Do I understand that there’s no free overnight accommodation at all? Time was when these VIP cards gave out such a freebie. The DH Indulgence Card looks more like a discount card then. Maybe we can try calling 528-3000 for inquiries