Pagbabago

"Pagbabago" ...or change. A simple word with a lot of meaning.

We all undergo so many changes in our lives - good or bad, slight or drastic, trivial or significant... as many might say, "change" is the only thing permanent in this world. But whatever change takes place, I believe what matters most is that we experience this change to be a better person.

I want to share my personal story of "pagbabago". If I were to mention my most significant transition or "change" in my life, it would be no other than the first time I met her...

This is my current girlfriend, and also my very 1st girlfriend.

I met her 4 years ago. At that time she was still working with my current company in a different department. At work she was the silent type and always busy with her duties. Me being the shy guy and sometimes being described as a "snob" by others, at that time I couldn't imagine how relationship came to be.

To meet up with her, I even had to ask the help of one of my female officemates so that I could get a chance to talk to her (how torpe can I get?). The first time we went out, I remember she called me weird because I didn't know how to react to some situations... but I did my best to cope up. :)

After a 2 weeks of dating and going out, she finally gave our relationship a "YES". Frankly, I did not expect it to turn out getting an answer so fast because I knew little of dating or courting (as in no experience). I admit I'm not handsome, and most of the time serious. I was very delighted that I now had my very first love affair.

The first few months of our relationship was a big adjustment for me. I remember one time she complained to me that I did not give her any attention.

"Why?" I asked. "What's the matter?"

She mentioned that I was a poor boyfriend because most of the time we go out, I wouldn't offer her to dine out and eat. And sometimes when we travel, we would walk all the way to our destination rather than taking a ride. What could I say? That was my way of life. My motto... going through life the cheapest way possible. Walk the extra mile, lining up on free taste counters, scrimping on food, buying the best bargains, etc. That was the "kuripot" way. But all that has to change if I wanted to keep her. I knew that we were very much different, so slowly but surely, I had to unlearn the excessive kuripot ideology.

First thing I had to unlearn is to scrimp on food. Before I met her, I don't take merienda breaks or eat out. But now I have her, I always tell myself, whenever we meet, I must allocate some budget for food. I always remind myself that eating out doesn't have to be expensive... what's important is we enjoyed our food together.

Spending and enjoying food with company was one of the first things I had to learn to make our relationship work. Enjoying food in any Goldilocks branch was my way of saving money and eating tasty Pinoy treats!

Also, I had a habit of walking the distance. There were times we walked from place to place because it was relatively near. But because of long office hours, a lengthy walk in the afternoon makes her weary. I never noticed that, until she said so herself. That was a lesson for me to be more sensitive to her needs.

walking the distance - one of my favorite kuripot techniques

I admit I was more of a loner before I met her. I was more into video games and never had a social life. This I had to change because I now share my life with someone I hold dear. And to help me with being more open to others, she introduced me to her family. She even asked my to become the godfather of her nephew. I was reluctant at first, but decided to say YES because it was the first time anyone asked me take an important role.

My godson, also my girlfriend's nephew is now three years old going on four. Funny, but his age also reminds me of how long our relationship is with her.

As time went by, I relationship with each other grew, and I started enjoying a lot of things and learn a lot of new stuff with her. Here are a few of my treasured moments with her...

1. I learned how to ice skate! Learning something new is really fun and memorable. We learned how to ice skate on our own at the Mall of Asia. I did not mind spending for the entrance fee (unlike before, I will fuss at the idea of spending) because I know it will be worth it. I even remember we were stumbling on each other at first...


2. I practiced singing more! Because she loves to sing, I have to follow suit or be left behind. Up to now, I am not that great a singer, but at least I am still trying...


3. I traveled a lot more with her. We would travel inside and outside of Metro Manila to enjoy the beauty of the Philippines.

I started paying less attention to spending for transportation, as long as we enjoyed our journey together...

4. I joined more contests. Before I met her, I was active in joining contests but suddenly gave up on it because I lost interest. But after a few months being with her, I decided to give contests a go once more.

Joining contests can also be a way to bond with each other more. We joined art, food and photography contests. Most of the time, we didn't win but the journey to creating them was fun. And we get twice the fun if we did win! :)

Some of the recent contest entries we made together include:

a) Goldilocks Cookie House contest. We submitted a photo entry of our cookie house that had a Pinoy themed bahay kubo. Unfortunately we didn't win but seeing our entry completed was enough reward.

b) Assembly Art contests. We joined an assembly art contest two years in a row which required the use of wrappers as art materials. We won 1st place and 2nd place in the succeeding year.

Our assembly art entry for the 1st year...

c) Photo contests. We would usually join photo contests that has a theme on food (probably because we both love to eat, hehehe). We work as a team taking turns as photographer and assistant.

And because, we kept on winning contests, I felt that God blessed me with my very own lucky charm. I know for a fact that she is because she has a lot of what I like in a lady: charming, witty, understanding, adventurous. The list goes on, and I am glad I have her. I realized that without her, I would have been enclosed in a nutshell where I never learned anything new, never met new people and never discovered new places.

I also learned from her the value of being more generous to others. If I compare myself now with the person I used to be, I can say that before, I was too afraid to spend my time and resources with others, not realizing the scrooge that I was.

And so, from time-to-time, I would visit my father in Antipolo city to treat him and the kids (also my relatives - nephews / nieces and their playmate neighbors) there with different treats specially after winning some contests we joined. It is also my way of saying thanks to my dad for all the support he also gives me whenever we win.

Going back to Antipolo with Goldilocks goodies. My father would prepare food for the kids because of his generosity. Whenever I bring food, he also share it with the kids. Check out this blog about the story of these kids from Antipolo city...

eager kids waiting in line for their Goldilocks treats!

kids doing their pose before merienda time!

My dad giving their share of Goldilocks macaroons! He did this to make sure everyone gets a fair share... see video below about 'what if he didn't distribute...'



We made a game out of the remaining macaroons. We asked the kids to race for the remaining Goldilocks macaroons. See what happens!

Seeing the happy faces of the people you opened up to is reward in itself. Thanks to her, I was able to experience all these and more! Because of the pagbabago in me, I am no longer the self-centered person I used to be.

And this is my "pagbabago" story.

---fin---


P.S. Thank you Ariane, I have learned a lot about sharing and opening myself up to you, your family, to the kids, to my nephew and to everyone else. You showed me that I am truly blessed and that I do not need to be an extreme kuripot anymore. Thank you for sharing your life with me so that I could experience all these things.

If you're reading this 'wify ko', I am also sorry for the times I disappointed you and caused you to doubt my feelings for you. I know I have changed a lot ever since we first met, but I know I am far from perfect. There are a lot of things that I need to change so that we can be happier together. Please bear with me, and I will do my best to bring out he pagbabago in me no matter how hard it is.

Love you always.
---

This is my Entry to the Golidlocks Pagbabago blog contest sponsored by Nuffnang Philippines and Goldilocks. Deadline of this contest is extended up to September 30, 2010. Coincidentally, this date is also our 4th anniversary :). To get to know more about this contest, check out Nuffnang's Pagbabago Contest page.

Click here to read more...

Nescafe Coffee Buzz

If your talent is being able to start a good conversation, you might want to join Nescafe's Coffee Buzz contest. All you have to do is post an interesting topic that can be talked about, and you might be able to win 1 of 2 iPod Touches!

This contest is open to all Filipinos residing in the Philippines aged 18 and above at the time of joining.

Partial Contest Mechanics:

QUALIFICATIONS/DISQUALIFICATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS:

1. Open to Filipino citizens or person residing in the Philippines for at least a year, at least 18 years of age at the time of joining
.
2. Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI), OgilvyOne Manila, Proximity Philippines Inc., Deploy-Digital Manila, Publicis-Manila, Inc. and other official media partners and sponsors' employees and their relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity are disqualified from joining.

3. Promotion period is from 27 September 2010 until 01 November 2010, divided as follows:
Submission of Topics:

1st round: 27 September – 11 October 2010
2nd round: 18 October– 01 November 2010

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURES:

A. How to Join:
4. Those qualified and interested to join must search and follow the directions for joining in the “NESCAFÉ Stimulating Discussion” tab found on the NESCAFÉ PHILIPPINES Page on Facebook (“NESCAFÉ Fan Page” for brevity) at the time of joining.

B. How to Participate

5. From 27 September 2010 12:01 am server time until 11 October 2010 11:59 pm server time (“first round of submission” for brevity) and from 18 October 2010 12:01 am server time until 01 November 2010 11:59 pm server time (“second round of submission” for brevity) qualified participants may submit topics that he or she would like to be discussed by and among the members of the NESCAFÉ Fan Page.

6. To submit a topic, participants must submit their topics as well as the following information through the “NESCAFÉ Stimulating Discussion” tab on the NESCAFÉ Fan Page:
a. Complete name;
b. Date of birth;
c. Complete residence address, which must be in the Philippines and not be a P.O. Box
d. Contact numbers
e. Valid e-mail address
f. Link to their Facebook profile
7. The ten (10) topics will be selected based on set criteria.

8. The topics to be submitted must comply with all of the following guidelines:

a. Topics should not be offensive, disparaging or discriminatory to any person or entity, whether living or already deceased;
b. Topics should not threaten or charge with a vice or a crime any person or entity, whether living or already deceased;
c. Topics should not discredit or dishonor any person or entity, whether living or already deceased;
d. Topics should not use language that is impolite, malicious or offensive;
e. Topics should not draw out responses that would result to any of the foregoing;
f. Topics should not mention or draw out responses mentioning Nestlé as a company;
g. Topics should not mention or draw out responses about any food or beverage product except NESCAFÉ.
(Note: Some topics that will not be considered for judging include topics about sex, dangerous drugs, violence, crime, discrimination, racism and alcohol; topics related to breast-feeding and pregnancy; topics creating rumors or gossip; or topics making any reference to a specific person/place/brand/product/event)

9. A participant can submit a maximum of five (5) entries per submission round. In case he or she submitted more than five (5) topics, the first five (5) topics submitted will be pre-qualified based on the criteria found in these mechanics, however, only one (1) topic submitted will be included in the Top 10 at the discretion of the judges.

10. Participants whose topics were qualified and selected will be notified through the indicated contact details they indicated during registration.

11. During the duration and at any stage of the promotion, organizers of the promotion may disqualify participants who fail to qualify with the qualifications specified in these mechanics and their decision on the matter is final.

12. For the first round of submission, deadline for submission of entries is on 11 October 2010 11:59 pm server time while for the second round of submission, deadline is on 01 November 2010 11:59 pm server time.

13. By submitting a topic, the participant confirm that he or she has read the full mechanics of this promotion as specified in the NESCAFÉ Fan Page and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of the same.

C. How to Win:

14. All topics submitted will be screened based on their compliance with all the guidelines specified in item no. 9 of these mechanics.

15. The top ten (10) topics for each round shall be chosen in the presence of a representative from FDA based on the following criteria:

Criteria / Percentage

Creativity - innovative, imaginative and out-of-the box topic /40%
“Discussability” - people can easily relate with and respond to the topic /40%
NESCAFE essence - able to bring out inspiring and positive responses /20%

16. The participants who submitted the top ten (10) topics chosen based on the foregoing criteria for each round will each receive gift packs containing NESTLÉ-branded products worth P500. Among the top 10 topics chosen for each round, the participant who submitted the topic which garnered the highest number of score will entitle him or her to win one (1) 64GB iPod Touch worth eighteen thousand pesos (Php 18,000.00).

For the full mechanics, please view the PDF file provided by Nescafe...

Pointers:

- There are 2 deadlines for the two periods of the contest. 1st deadline is on Ocober 11, 2010, 2nd deadline on November 1, 2010.
- You can submit a total of 5 topics per submission round.

Personal note: It's kind of difficult to think of a creative topic, at the same time "discussable". Think too much, and your topic becomes alien in nature... :(

For more information about this contest, visit the Nescafe Facebook fan page.

Click here to read more...

Win 2 tickets to Awit Awards from SM Cinema

SM Cinema is giving away two tickets to the 23rd Awit Awards to the first 20 to upload their MTV on their Facebook fan page!

The 23rd Awit Awards will be held at the SM Centerstage, SM Mall of Asia on September 30, 2010 at 6 p.m. This promo is open to all who can claim the tickets and attend this concert event (living in or near Metro Manila).

To upload your video:

a) head over to the SM Cinema Facebook page.
b) if you're not yet a fan of this page, simply "like" this page.
c) after becoming a fan, you may now upload your video. You can upload your video through the following methods...

- on the SM Cinema wall click the camera / video icon then select the video on your PC, after that click share.
- click here... This will lead you to the videos uploaded by SM Cinema fans. Then on the top left of the page, click "add videos."

* follow the instructions on how to upload videos on Facebook then click save to complete the upload.
--------
I uploaded my music video and I was the 5th to successfully upload it. Therefore, as of writing, there are 15 slots left (if no entry was disqualified, hehehe). I only counted those videos uploaded starting September 23, 2010. So if you are interested in winning yourself tickets to the awards night you'd better hurry! Now is the time to upload your video.

On a personal note, I have concerns about the promo. Some of the previous entries (including mine) used copyright music content although the video portion are all original. Since SM Cinema did not mention restrictions in using copyright content, it seems it is alright to use them but I still posted this question to SM Cinema just for clarification.

For more information about this promo, visit the SM Cinema Facebook page and inquire...

Click here to read more...

Restoring 1M Hectares of Philippine Forests - How can I help?

Philippines, we have a problem...

Our country's forest area is slowly being reduced through the years due to many factors that affect our society. According to a blog in mongabay.com, we are losing 2 percent of our forests each year. Less than 20 percent of our original forest cover remains today.


If this continues, in a couple of years, there will be nothing left of our precious resource.

Some of the reasons cited for our forest's decline include:

a) modernization - we sacrifice our forests for the sake of being an industrialized nation. We need to harvest more lumber for constructing modern infrastructure like buildings, roads and bridges, and produce more paper for schools and offices. Little do we care about the impact it does on our forests.

b) urbanization - The Philippines right now is nearing 100 million in population, and rising! Our forests on the other hand is dwindling because of our need to have more space for subdivisions and lumber for constructing homes and condos. Our government already has its hands tied with the current population boom.

c) corruption - because of widespread corruption, the government is not able to do its duty to protect the forest sanctuaries from illegal loggers. This problem was even cited by the DENR because they themselves failed their task to watch over activities of illegal logging (source from Phil. Daily Inquirer).

d) greed - illegal logging is one of the major reasons why our forests are dying. Illegal loggers will never stop doing their thing because obviously, there is a lot of money to be made in the illegal trade. And while illegal loggers freely corrupt our forest reserves, the DENR is doing a poor job in stopping them.

e) neglect - while we know that problems exist with respect to our forests, we barely lift a finger to stop these from happening because we are too fixated on our own problems rather than the environment.

The crisis endangering our forests must be addressed immediately, or we will suffer the consequences of flooding and climate change. We must act now before we forever lose our forests.

How do we restore 1 million hectares of Philippine forests?

As bloggers and as citizens we can do the following to restore what has already been lost. We can do the following steps to make reforestation a reality.

a) spread the word - We need to inform our fellow Pinoys that there is a problem that needs to be fixed. By telling others, through words, advertising or through blogs, we can make a difference. We need to tell our kababayans that we have to move NOW so that we can mobilize and start restoration of 1 million hectares of forests. We tell our fellowmen the effects of deforestation - like what happened last year when typhoon Ondoy flooded most of Luzon to convince them to move.

b) put some sense into our leaders - We have to tell our government officials that we need the revival of forest lands. It is through our leaders that efforts of the masses can be more coordinated. Without leadership, restoring our forests will be next to impossible. We hope that our current president, P-Noy can push for moral change in the DENR so that corruption will not hinder them from stopping illegal loggers and their trade.

c) Do our share - We can volunteer in the reforestation process. We can sign up with groups dedicated in protecting the environment. The Haribon Foundation can help bring about this change, and through them we can become a lending hand in protecting nature.

Restoring 1 million hectares of forest land is impossible by yourself, but by reaching out and combining all our efforts, someday we will reach this target, and perhaps do even more.
---fin---

This is my entry to the Haribon Foundation's blog contest on How to Restore 1 Million hectares of forest land. To know more about the contest, you may visit the Haribon Foundation contest page and the Haribon Foundation fan page on Facebook.


To join...
1. Like Haribon’s Fan Page on Facebook!

2. Answer this month’s question through your blog, “How can you help in restoring
1M hectares of Philippine forests?” Note: Answers must be posted on the participants’ BLOG (multiply, blogspot, Facebook notes etc.) and NOT posted directly on Haribon's Fan Page

3. Participant must include the promo details below their answer
4. Link your blog entry to Haribon’s Fan Page
5. The answer with the highest number of ‘like’ votes wins the prize. Two winners will be chosen each month. Winners will be announced on September 15 & 29, October 13 & 27, November 10 & 26.
6. Promo runs from September 1 until November 26, 2010

Click here to read more...

Thunderbird Resorts Express Your Art Photo Contest II – Go Green

Thunderbird Resorts holds its annual photo contest that awards huge cash prizes to the winners. A grand prize of 250,000 pesos is at stake for this year (2010). The current theme is Express Your Art Photo Contest 2 - Go Green.


The purpose of this contest is to raise awareness of TREES (Thunderbird Resorts Efforts on Environment Sustainability) program. Sponsored by Thunderbird Resorts, Caltex Philippines and Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation Inc.

This contest is open to all professional and amateur photographers, eighteen (18) years old and above, and residents of the Philippines.

Partial contest mechanics (from the TB Resorts contest page...)

Who Will Qualify

This photo contest is open to all professional and amateur photographers, eighteen (18) years old and above, and residents of the Philippines.

Rules on Submission of Entries

a. An entry consists of:
- 1 completed contest registration form
- 8” x 12” print of the contest entry
- soft copy of the contest entry with file extension .jpg or .tiff

b. Participants may submit a maximum of 5 entries per category.

c. Participants, when submitting entries, may combine several contest entries in one legal size brown envelope. 1 picture is equivalent to 1 contest entry.

d. All photos submitted should have been taken during the duration of the contest, which is from October 1, 2010 to December 10, 2010. Entries shall contain metadata to ascertain the date of the photo shoot.

e. All entries will be received until December 10, 2010.

f. Participants may download registration forms from www.thunderbird-asia.com.
* For your convenience, click here for the registration form in PDF format...
* Click here for the release form in PDF format...

g. All entries should be free of watermarks and other markings. Entries should not contain any borders.

h. Submitted Photographs shall be exclusive to this contest. It must be unpublished and it must not have been submitted and will not be submitted in any other contests.

i. Black and white and color formats are accepted. Images should not contain drastic alteration. Elements should not be added nor removed. Color and contrast adjustments are acceptable. High Dynamic Range (HDR), Infra Red (IR) and Stitched Photos are not accepted.

j. All entries should meet the contest criteria. Failure to do such will result to rejection of the entry.

k. The participant shall guarantee that forwarded entries are taken by him or her. No other entity has rights, claims or interests on the submitted photographs. To this end, the participant shall execute the Undertaking, upon submission of the participant’s entry within the prescribed contest period.

l. For photographs with people as subjects, consent is required from person(s) being photographed. Participant must provide a signed written personal release from person(s) who appear in the photograph. This should be submitted together with the photo contest entry.


Deadline and Submission of Entries

All entries must be received until December 10, 2010. The contest organizers are not responsible for any postal or technical delay in the transmission of the entries. All entries must be received by Thunderbird Resorts at its office at...

24th Floor, Salcedo Tower,
169 H. V. dela Costa Street,
Makati City

...on or before December 10, 2010.

All entries should be mailed or personally submitted inside a sealed envelope to:

Thunderbird Resorts: Express Your Art Photo Contest II – Go Green Photocontest c/o Jocelyn Henares
24th Floor Salcedo Tower 169
HV Dela Costa St.
Makati City 1299


Criteria for Judging

a. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Thematic Relevance 40%
Originality 30%
Technical Excellence 30%

b. Theme Categories
Awareness: pictures depicting sensitive designs that balance sustainable technology with the environment (i.e. green engineering: solar energy, wind power, energy efficiency, etc). Designs that are feasible, economical and portray not only the reduction of pollution but also minimizes the risk to human health and the environment.

Balance: pictures that illustrate ecosystem protection and management. This may include programs such as water conservation and waste management or activities like coastal clean-up, tree-planting, marine protection, organic garden, and the like.

Commitment: photos that show corporate social responsibility programs such as health services, educational training-related projects and livelihood programs to help generate income and employment for local people. This also includes activities that focus on volunteering, personal growth and environmental responsibility. The idea is to capture compelling environmental degradation in the country as well as attempts to remediate past damage. The photos should be striking to make the audience realize that they need to change their mind-set to become better custodians of earth. All entries must portray an accurate reflection of the contest theme, without alteration (other than standard optimization, including removal of dust, cropping, adjustments to color and contrast, etc.)


Prizes

Grand Prize - Php 250,000.00
The entry with the highest rating from the entire contest (comprising the 3 categories) shall with the Grand Prize. In case of a tie, the judges shall decide the Grand Prize winner by majority vote.

• Category Prizes:
The category prize winner shall be the entry for each category with the highest rating except the

Grand Prize Winner.
- Awareness – Php 50,000.00
- Balance – Php 50,000.00
- Commitment – Php 50,000.00

• 10 Consolation Prizes of Php 5,000.00 each (selected from the consolidation of all entries, regardless of catergory).
----------------

Pointers:

This is a very prestigious contest, so expect a high level of competition for this one. On a personal note, I wanted to join a Thunderbird Resorts photo contest two years ago but backed out because I know my point-and-shoot camera equipment is not at par with the more serious photographers. You might need a DSLR camera to be competitive here.This is because the contest is in partnership with FPPF (Federation of Phil. Photographers Foundation), one of the largest camera clubs in the Philippines, and some of it's talented members will definitely join, raising the level of competition.

You are only allowed 5 entries per category. Also, you will have to print your entries on an 8" x 12" photo paper together with its soft copy and mail them to their office. (see above)

High Dynamic Range (HDR), Infra Red (IR) and Stitched Photos ARE NOT ALLOWED.

For complete mechanics and guidelines of the contest, visit the Thunderbirds Resorts photo contest 2010 web page. For inquiries,you could email Jocelyn Henares at jahenares[at]thunderbird-asia.com.

Click here to read more...

Win 2 Tickets to Nido Science Discovery Center

Damicaye will be giving away 2 tickets to the Nido Science Discovery Center. All you have to do is post an interesting definition of SCIENCE. The winner will be selected (not chosen at random) based on creativity and accumulated points based on the tasks given for this contest.

image of Nido SDC from damicaye blog site...

This contest is open to residents of Metro Manila, Philippines (or to those who can claim the tickets in the Science Discovery Center at the Mall of Asia) only.
---------------------
I participated in this contest and this is how I define SCIENCE.

SCIENCE is the...

Systematic
Collection of
Information
Essential to
Nurturing
Creativity in
Everyone! :)

*By the way, you do not have to define SCIENCE through acronyms. I just did so because it looked cool... :)

Ways to join and earn additional points (from the Damicaye contest page)

1. Follow me on twitter @dmcayetano (1pt) and tweet your answer using following format
@dmcayetano #SCIENCE is......

2. Tweet this contest using this format (1pt)
@dmcayetano How to win tickets to Science Discovery Center http://t.co/7lQYgdU

3. Become a fan of my Facebook Fanpage Damicaye (1pt)

A. Go to the Facebook Page of Damicaye (where everything is free) and add yourself as a fan

B. On your Facebook Wall, share your definition of science by tagging us in . Example: “@Damicaye (where everything is free) Science is my favorite subject." To learn how to tag, type in the “@” symbol then follow it with the world “Damicaye” This will prompt a drop-down menu box which will present you “Damicaye (where everything is free)” Click that and you should see the “Damicaye (where everything is free)” become a blue link.

C. After writing your definition, click the attach link icon and paste the URL of this post. (http://damicaye.blogspot.com/2010/09/trip-to-science-discovery-center.html)

D. Afterwards, change the privacy restriction of this post to “Everyone” by clicking on the lock icon just left of the “Share” button.

4. Blog your answer and insert the link of this contest (5pts)

You can send as many entries as you want. The deadline of this contest is on September 30, 2010. Tickets will be valid from October 1 to 23, 2010 only.

UPDATE: The contest deadline is extended up to October 31, 2010! The tickets that will be awarded to the winner can be used up to December 14, 2010.

To know more about this contest, hop over to the damicaye contest page. Good luck to all of us! :)

Click here to read more...

Yugatech: Show Me Your Oldest Photo contest

Join Yugatech's Show Me Your Oldest Photo Contest and get a chance to win a 14 megapixel GE X5 digital camera! Just submit the oldest photo with you in it. Winner of this contest will be determined at random but there are special prizes that will be given away to chosen entries (criteria not determined).


This contest is open to all readers of Yugatech.

Here is my entry to this contest.

click photo or here for actual size...

Description: This is a photo of me being given a bath by my grandmother. This was taken when I was exactly 21 days old. Time can change a lot specially in the physical sense if I compare my grandma and myself today and our old photo. But I believe that even through the years some things like strong bonds never change...

Date taken: May 20, 1978

-------
If you want to join, just submit the oldest photo with you in it. Just post the link of your photo on the Yugatech contest page.

Contest guidelines:

* Maximum size is 500 pixels* in width (no height requirements). This is maximum width of the comments section below the blog post.

* Use the IMG html tag when posting the photo in the comments so it shows up automatically.

* Post only one photo per comment entry. Also one qualified entry per email.

* Follow the sponsor (girlteki.com) of this promo on Facebook and Twitter.
* Follow Yugatech on Facebook and Twitter.

Deadline of this contest is on September 30, 2010.

To get to know more about this contest, visit the Yugatech contest page.

Click here to read more...

Star Movies Redefines Movie Marathons

Star Movies has an interesting contest which aims to redefine the meaning of Movie Marathons. Join this movie marathon contest and be the last person watching the movie. You will have a chance to win 100,000 pesos!

To join this contest, you will have to do the following...

a) To join, tune in to Star Movies everyday from September 24 to November 5, 2010.

b) You have to catch the brand bug of a popcorn tub which will be appearing on your TV screens 12 times a day. Once you see it, take note of the movie that was showing when it came out, the time, and date.

c) Send your answers together with your name and contact details to entertainment.marketing[at]ph.startv.com.

On November 9, 2010, 100 lucky viewers will get a chance to participate in the Star Movies Movie Marathon contest.

So if you have cable TV, tune in to Star Movies to and watch out for that "popcorn tub" image and e-mail your answer.

Pointers:

Too bad I don't have cable TV at home so I could not personally check this on their channel or join this contest. An article about this is published in Philstar.com. Check out this link which also talks about the promo.

Although it isn't written in the article, if you are planning to join, make sure you are physically fit with no heart problems whatsoever because this is a physical endurance contest. This might be dangerous to your health if you are unfit/sick. Endurance contests like this have waivers for you to sign absolving the organizers from all liabilities / fault if anything untoward would happen to you.

Since it came out from an article on Filstar.com, this contest is probably exclusive to Philippine residents.

UPDATE: According to Star Movies Philippines on Facebook, the more entries you send to them, the better the chances of getting picked for the contest.

The Movies Movie Marathon Activity will be held on November 9 at the Newport Cinema located at Resorts World Manila.

For more information about this contest, you may try to e-mail them at entertainment.marketing[at]ph.startv.com or try to watch out for additional ads on the Star Movies cable channel.

Click here to read more...

Panasonic Asia's 3D Explorer Challenge

Join Panasonic Asia's 3D Explorer Challenge, and you may be able to win a 50" 3D HD TV (Wow I love to play my video games with this kind of TV) and other electronic gadgets like camcorders and Blu-Ray disc players. Mystery prizes will also be given away.


This contest will be tough as it is open to the following countries. - India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Participants must be 18 and above at the start of the contest period to be eligible.
-----------------------
Personal request:

Please vote / like my entry to this contest on Panasonic Asia Facebook fan page. 1 like = 1 point. The highest score at the end of the contest will determine the winner.

to vote...
a) click the like button on the wall of Panasonic Asia Facebook fan page.
b) click the image below. It will lead you to my official photo entry on Facebook (looks like an ID). Click the like button on Facebook.

-----------------------
TERMS & CONDITIONS: (complete rules lifted from this page...)

These Terms and Conditions shall apply to all parts of the Panasonic 3D Challenge (“Contest”).

By his/her participation, the participant irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Registration for the Contest

To participate in the Contest, participants must submit an online registration form at www.panasonic.asia/3D/registration.aspx (“Entry”). Participants have to upload a photo to create an ‘explorer’. For each successful registration, a confirmation will be sent to the email address provided in the registration form. Emails addresses used must be the same as the participant’s Facebook email – only valid email addresses will be accepted. Participants must log-on with their email address and password to begin the Contest.

About the Contest

The Contest includes a series of questions which will be released over a period of 10 (ten) weeks. Participants are required to answer as many questions as possible each week. Points will be awarded for correct questions. Points will not be awarded for resubmitted answers. Additional points are also awarded for every ‘like’ of your explorer on the Panasonic Asia Facebook wall – 1 Like = 1 Point.

Qualifying Period

The Challenge starts on 14/09/2010 at 0900hrs GMT+8 and ends on 22/11/2010 at 2359hrs GMT+8. All entries must be received by the closing time and date.

Eligibility for the Contest
The Contest is open to all citizens and permanent residents of the following countries:

• India
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam

All participants must be eighteen (18) years of age as at the start date of the Contest.

Each participant shall make full and honest disclosure of particulars as requested in the Contest. Any misrepresentation of any facts or particulars may result in disqualification, forfeiture or withdrawal of any prize won at Panasonic‘s sole discretion.

Employees and their family members of Panasonic Group, Panasonic’s advertising/promotion agencies or other firms involved in the design or conducting of the Contest are not eligible. “Panasonic Group” means Panasonic, its affiliate companies and subsidiaries.

Announcement of Results
The winner of the Contest will be posted on the Panasonic Facebook fanpage (www.facebook.com/panasonicasia) and notified via e-mail by 20 December 2010.

Panasonic 3D Explorer Contest
Three (3) grand prize winners and five (5) consolation prize winners:
1st prize: 1 (one) set of 3D Home AV set consisting of a 3D TV + 3D Blu-Ray Player +1 pair of 3D Eyewear
2nd prize: 1 (one) 3D Camcorder
3rd prize: 1 (one) 3D Blu-Ray Player
Consolation prizes: 5 (five) Mystery Prizes

They will be determined based on the highest number of points earned over the duration of the contest.

Panasonic reserves the right to substitute the aforementioned prizes without prior announcement or notice.

The prizes are not transferable and not exchangeable. Panasonic‘s decision is final in all matters relating to the selection of winners and no enquiries or correspondence will be entertained.

Delivery of Prizes

The winners will be notified on the details of prize delivery after the results are posted. In the event a winner cannot be contacted at the e-mail address indicated on the entry form or fails to respond within five (5) business days, the prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner, at the discretion of Panasonic.

The winner must furnish either his/her passport or identity card for verification purposes when his/her prize is delivered.
-------------------------------

Pointers: Online voting is a factor for determining the winner (1 like = 1 point).

There will be a set of questions to be answered every week. Make sure you answer them all correctly because if you submit a wrong answer, the score you get will automatically be credited to you and cannot be revoked / canceled. Retaking the test will not change your score for the week. To lessen your chances of mistake, check out their twitter account and Facebook fan page for clues.

The highest pointers will be determined by the sum of the online votes received, your correct answers and bonus answers to questions released via twitter and/or Facebook.

Deadline for this contest is on November 22, 2010 at 2359hrs GMT+8. Good for us Pinoys and Singapore citizens, this is actually our time zone. Just make sure we do not follow Filipino time (if you know what I mean...)

To be updated with this contest, you may visit the following sites...
Panasonic Asia Facebook fanpage,
Panasonic Asia on twitter and
the Panasonic 3D Explorer website.

Click here to read more...

Recent contest and promo prizes collected...

I would like to write about some of my previous winnings in recent contests and promos. I'm sure a lot of us out there are skeptical that 'contests' and 'promos' are not real, bogus or rigged. Probably some are, but in most cases they are real. You just have to be patient enough to wait for the results and keep on joining.


Most of the time, we will not be able to win but keep going, keep trying, and put your best effort into it. This is my way of learning something new and practice what I have learned.

Some of my previous winnings are as follows...

Mapanghingi Ka Ba birthday blowout - I was able to receive a gift pack for winning a blog anniversary photo contest thanks to Sir Richard Mamuyac of Mapanghingi Ka Ba, Freebies for Every Juan. Included here are food magazines, 2000 pesos worth of dental GCs, a Guyito stuffed toy, a Unilab Gift pack and a notepad. Simple items indeed but winning them is a lot more fun than buying them.

ADTEL consolation prize - Recently, Adtel was kind enough to present me a consolation prize for their blog contest. Actually, I was not expecting anything to win because originally, there was only one prize at stake - the Adtel Solar Kit (click here for more info). Here is what I got from them...
It is a solar lantern that can be charged using solar power or normal electricity. It's very useful indeed in times of brownouts. The light is produced by LED (light emitting diodes) instead of fluorescent lamps. This reduces the amount of energy consumed while in operation.

Smart Prepaid Load - I recently joined a contest called Epic Fail on Smart Buddy Facebook page that had a cellphone as grand prize. Too bad I was the epic fail (hehehe). I only won the consolation of 100 pesos load. It's still good enough considering that I do not consume a lot of load anyway. Special thanks to the people from Smart.

Pantene special delivery - I was surprised to see that I have a special delivery package from Pantene. I just joined their promo and they gave me free shampoo! I jokingly told my mother that the internet is one big grocery store only that this store is giving away the merchandise for free! (Hehehe)

There are still more, but I wouldn't like to mention them all here. It really isn't my intention to brag. My point is this: You can only win something if you would dare try. Maybe someone would think that these are just 'small things' but put them together it's really a big thing.

Hope this would inspire more people to keep on trying and keep on winning! My motto: The internet is our treasure map! So good luck and happy hunting to all!

:)

Click here to read more...

Axe Can You Be The Real Star Contest

Do you want to feel like a superstar? Axe Philippines is holding this contest called "You Can Be A Real Star (and get a taste of the VIP style!)". Get a chance to be treated in style, complete with VIP table at the event, unlimited booze, chauffeured cars, dinner and personal bodyguards. Plus get to hang out with hot AXE Girls!


Contest is open to males 18 and above residing in Metro Manila and fans of Axe Philippines on Facebook.

Complete Mechanics:

1. The promo is open to Males, 18 years old and above, who are residents of Metro Manila and are fans of the Axe Philippines Facebook fan page.

2. To join, come up with your most creative answer to "What is your idea of the ultimate music star experience?" Submit your answer on the JOIN section of the BE THE REAL STAR Tab on the Axe Philippines Facebook fan page.ONLY ONE (1) ENTRY PER PERSON IS ALLOWED.

3. Promo period is from Sept 20 to Sept 26, 2010. Winners will be announced on Sept 27, 2010.

4. 3 winners will be selected and will be treated to VIP treatment at the Big Fish event, "Above and Beyond", on October 1, 2010 at the World Trade Center. The package includes: VIP tickets for the winner and 2 friends, VIP table at the event, unlimited booze, chauffeured cars, dinner and personal bodyguards. The winners will also get to hang out with our extremely hot AXE Girls!

5. Winners will meet the AXE team as the designated point (TBC), and will be brought home by the AXE team after the event.

Pointers: Deadline is on September 26, 2010. If you're interested then join this soon since the contest period is relatively short.

Contest doesn't say anything about likes/votes or random pick (raffle) so try to be as creative as you can in giving your answer.


For more information about this contest, check out Axe Philippines on Facebook.

Click here to read more...

Why Travel? My Let's Go Sago contest entry

Why Travel?

I always considered myself a home guy. I never had any real interest in traveling. If I would look back five years ago, this is how I describe my leisure trip...


Yes, that was how I enjoyed life. Eat, play video games (or watch movies and anime) and sleep late. If by chance you would ask me "Where was the farthest place I traveled?", I might answer, "I went to the magical, mystical world of Azeroth..." (for those who don't know this place, it's a fictional country from the popular video game Warcraft).

That was years before... until I met my lovable TRAVEL BUDDY! :)

* Meet my lovable travel buddy! Always wanting to explore new places and try out exotic dishes.

My TRAVEL BUDDY a.k.a. girlfriend often wants me to go out with her. At first, I was reluctant to go travel with her because of the following reasons...

a) I didn't want to spend a lot of money
b) I didn't want to get my feet tired
c) I already saw that before on TV! Why bother?

But because of her sheer enthusiasm, powers of persuasion and the times we quarreled because I did not want to go :( she eventually convinced me to change my views.

Because I wasn't used to the idea of Philippine travel, we first started out visiting nearby popular landmarks within the city. Our favorite was Rizal Park (Luneta Park). We picked this destination because it was relatively near our homes and she knows I am a cheapskate when it comes to paying for transportation.

* Revisiting history. Jose Rizal's monument is one the famous landmarks that define Philippine history. This public park can accommodate local and foreign tourists alike.

After our leisurely stroll, When late afternoon came, we would sometimes go to the bay area and wait for the sun to set. I have heard many people say sunsets in Manila Bay are breathtaking. The first time I went there with her, I did not expect much, but I brought along a point-and-shoot camera so that I could see for myself and capture the moment.

* Appreciating the beauty of nature. The sunset at Manila Bay is one of the most breathtaking scenes our country has to offer. Seeing this golden sunset made me realize that going out to travel can show you that the world is filled with fascinating scenes best experienced first-hand.


When it comes to food, when we go out, she would suggest eating those cheap turo-turo foods sold by street vendors like fish balls and kwek-kwek. Later on, when we started traveling to farther places, we started eating out in local restaurants. She introduced me to this food called sisig. I know this food is common even in local carenderias but without my TRAVEL BUDDY, I wouldn't dare try it. Seeing me eat something I am not used to often made her laugh! She would constantly remind me we should enjoy this because "This is our food trip!" Overtime, I got the hang of eating street food and sisig.

* Trying out new dishes. Here in this photo was the first time she introduced to me sisig. Sadly, I was a late bloomer and was not exposed to these kinds of Pinoy food.

The more my TRAVEL BUDDY exposed me to travel, the more I wanted to see what is in store for us. A lot of colorful events here in the Philippines is a definite crowd favorite such as the Flores de Mayo festival held every month of May. Year-round, municipalities in the Philippines hold their festivities in the grandest possible manner attracting tourists by the thousands. Hopefully, one day, me and my TRAVEL BUDDY will be able to witness together grand festivals in the Visayas like the Sinulog. The last time I experienced this was may back when I was still a small kid... I sure missed it. :(

* Being a part of a grand festival. A lot of colorful events here in the Philippines is a definite crowd favorite for local and foreign tourists. It is definitely fun to be part of the celebration.

As my enthusiasm for travel grew, so to was my eagerness to learn photography. Seeing the beauty of the Philippines is one thing, but interpreting and sharing its beauty with other people is more fulfilling. Even if I travel to the rural areas, I still get to see the beauty and wonder of the Philippines.



Some of my travel photos I have taken ever since I traveled with my TRAVEL BUDDY...

school of fish fighting for the last morsel of food in a Nuvali pond. It is interesting seeing fish cramped up this way. This was taken as me and my TRAVEL BUDDY headed home from Tagaytay.

I took this photo when I chanced upon two boys collecting well water in a small sitio in Antipolo City. This photo became one of the top 40 finalists in the GTZ Water is Life photo contest 2009. (Entry 31)

I took a photo of Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo City taken after strong rains hit this area.

eagle's eye view of Lake Taal

photo stitched shot of a Tagaytay landscape...

My TRAVEL BUDDY has shown me that the beauty of Philippine Travels is not just found in the places and the scenery. It can also be found in the people, events, the food and the warmth and hospitality given to us by the locals. I have learned a lot since I opened myself up for travel... and I have yet to see a lot more, and get to meet interesting people too.

So, if I ask myself right now "Why travel?"

After being enlightened by my TRAVEL BUDDY, I now have a lot of reasons...
a) to rediscover history
b) to appreciate the beauty of nature
c) to try out new dishes!
d) to meet new people
e) to celebrate and have fun!
f) to further enhance my photography skills
g) to share with others the beauty I have seen

Combining all these reasons, I travel because I have seen for myself first-hand that there is more to life out there than just staying inside my room.


Thank you and love you so much my TRAVEL BUDDY...


This is my contest entry for the Let's Go Sago blog contest. Join this contest and get a chance to win travel goodies! Deadline of this contest is on September 18, 2010. For more information on this contest, visit the Let's Go Sago! anniversary contest page or at the Let's Go Sago Facebook fan page.

Click here to read more...

The New Ensembles Holiday Collection by Louis Claparols

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you feel that you need to keep up with the latest in holiday fashion, you may want to check out Ensembles, newest Holiday Collection featuring designs by Louis Claparols.
Ensembles has featured highly talented fashion designers for their collection before. Previously, James Reyes and Debbie Co featured their work for the Ensembles designer series. This year, it's Louis Claparols' turn to show-off his unique talent.

Louis Claparols is one of the most celebrated fashion designers today. He is also the elected president of Young Designers Guild (YDG)

Carmina Villaroel is the official endorser for the 2010 Ensembles holiday collection. Check out some of her official Ensembles promo images below...

Carmina wears a reddish dress with printed swirl design

Carmina wearing a sleeveless velvet dress which is part of the Ensembles Holiday Collection

blue short sleeve dress with diamond detail

What makes the Louis Claparols holiday collection appealing is that the designs have a 'geometric' feel to it. A combination of diamonds and swirls make up most of the collection, which for me, makes the wearer of the outfit have this neat and clean look (and at the same time doesn't look dull at all...)

Here are more images for the 2010 Ensembles Holiday collection.

Pencil Skirt with Diamond Detail in Black - this design looks cool and clean for office and semi-formal attire

Sleeveless trench dress with diamond detail

If you want to know more about the newest holiday release from Ensembles - The Louis Claparols Holiday Collection, you may visit the Ensembles Facebook Fan page, at the Ensembles website, or follow them on twitter. You may also check out their collection in different Ensembles outlets or in The Row. Check out their store locations here...

By the way, feel free to check out Ensembles Facebook fan page so that you might be able to win free merchandise by joining their ongoing promos and contests!

So fashion up now before you get caught up with the crowd on December!
:)

Click here to read more...

Powerbooks' Create Your Own Superhero Facebook Contest

Join the Powerbooks' Create Your Own Superhero art contest and get a chance to win one graphic novel of your choice. Submit a digital artwork of your own superhero creation to Powerbooks to enter.
This contest is open to all fans of Powerbooks on Facebook.

Mechanics:

1. Be a Fan of Powerbooks Facebook Fan Page

2. Submit an artwork of a superhero of your own creation and get the chance to be one of three winners to get a FREE graphic novel of your choice!

3. The Superhero artwork should include:

* Superhero Artwork
* Superhero Name
* Description of Superpower/s (in 200 words or less)

4. Artwork Terms & Conditions:

* The artwork can be made using different approaches like vectors, collages, traditional art, cartoons, 3D graphics, or combination of any of these techniques. Traditional art such as illustrations/drawings/paintings, etc. will also be accepted as long as these are scanned by the Participant. Powerbooks will not accept hard copy files.

* All entries should be the participant's original interpretation of the contest theme and not lifted from other sources. Powerbooks will not be held liable for any copyright infringement committed by the (participant).

* Participants have the freedom to interpret the contest theme as creative and imaginatively possible provided that they stay true to the theme.

* The entry should not have been previously entered into any other competition.

* Participants give Powerbooks the right to upload their artworks for the website & other promotional activities.

* Only 1 entry per participant will be accepted.

5. E-mail your artwork to marketing[at]powerbooks.com.ph

6. Artworks will be uploaded in Facebook on October 1, 2010 for voting. The three (3) winners will each win a graphic novel of his/her choice.
7. Criteria for Judging:

* 70%: number of "likes" votes from the fan page
* 30%: overall appeal of submitted artwork (from judges' votes)

8. Three (3) winners will be chosen at the end of the promo and will be announced in the Powerbooks Facebook Fan site.

Claiming of prizes:

1. To claim their prizes, winners will proceed to Powerbooks Greenbelt 4 and present a valid ID.

2. The prizes will be given to the winners for FREE provided that these terms are met:

* The winners must personally claim the prize.
* The prizes are non-transferable and not convertible to cash.
* The book is available.
* Box sets are excluded.
* The cost of the book will not exceed P2,000. In the event that the cost is over P2,000 and winner still prefers on getting the book of choice, excess amount will be shouldered by him/her.

Personal Note: More weight is given to the online voting so ask your friends to vote for you to get a better chance of winning.

For more information about this contest, visit the Powerbooks fan page on Facebook.

Click here to read more...