SM Manila Wi-Fi-ized

First was SM Marikina, SM The Block followed, and so on. Now, SM Manila joins the list of SM Malls to be connected online. Also included are The Podium, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Megamall Foodcourt, Southmall Las Pinas, Bacoor, and now SM Manila.

SM Manila today has its lower ground floor covered and the whole mall is expected to be fully connected by the end of September 2009.

In terms of speed connection, the result was average to good as per speedtest.net at almost 1MB speeds
And since this was held in the Foodcourt area, food from the SM Manila Foodcourt was also served. Participating sponsors are Lydia's Lechon, Chicken Company, Wok Yon, Kamay Kainan, Pinoy Toppings, Seafood Grill, Bodhi, Ilonggo Grill, and Tropical Hut. And of course, I got to try Sizzling Plate. Photo of their tenderloin steak serving shown below.
The tenderloin was good but the 'yellow' rice (I dare not call it Java rice) was dry and bland. It needs more improvement.

Overall, the Wi-fi testing and foodevent here at SM Manila Foodcourt was ok. Kudos to SM Malls and SM Manila's Free W-ifi connection!

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Cream-O Love = Mac Book Air

Cream-O is giving away a Mac Book Air laptop for lovers of Cream-Oholics who would be able to make an awesome video showing their Cream-O moment in an online contest.

Cream-O, the ultimate chocolate cookie fix, invites you to showcase your creativity in “Cream-Oholics Unleashed.” It is a wacky online video contest that offers the chance to win top-of-the-line gadgets. Check details here.

A sleek MacBook Air laptop, a power-packed Canon Vixia FS200 camcorder, and fabulous 16GB iPod Touch are in store for the top three winners.

Original videos must not exceed one minute in length and may be in MOV, AVI, 3GP or WMV format. All video entries must be uploaded to the official Cream-O website, www.creamoholics.com, on or before November 14, 2009.
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: originality and creativity; depiction of being a Cream-Oholic; and over-all impact and appeal.

Cream-O lovers can also visit the Cream-O website to vote for their favorite videos and participate in other fun contest and activities. Per BFAD Permit No. 1009 Series of 2009.

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MMA Philippi ne Local Council Launched

Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) and Internet and Mobile Marketing Assocaition of hte Philippines (IMMAP) partners to launch MMA Philippine Local Council today, August 26 at the SMX, Mall of Asia, Pasay.

From about 1M mobile subscribers in 1996 to 70M in 2008, mobile marketing offers tremendous opportunity for growth even including more advanced Bluetooth marketing. This is getting more relevant as PC and mobile usage statistics blurs.

With 26 council members as of the moment, the formation of the Philippine Local Council is a milestone for the industry and aims to foster the mobile advertising and marketing industry in the country through local participation from industry stakeholders to drive adoption of global standards, practices, and guidelines.

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Boomerang Awards 2009 Winners Announced

Right after the Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit, the Boomerang Awards followed with the announcement of the finalists and awarding of winners.

And without further adieu, the winners are:

Best Cyber Boomerang Awards Category

Palistuhan
by Proximity Philippines
(Gold)

Marlboro Levels
by Arc Worldwide Philippines, CO., Inc
(Silver)

Honda Jazz: The Fun Utility Vehicle
by Honda Cars Inc
(Bronze)

Best Mobile Boomerang Awards Category

Quaker Oats Eat Well and Win Promo
by Proximty Philippines / BBDO Guerrero
(Gold)

Pampers Hearts Club
by Proximity Philippines / BBDO Guerrero
(Silver)

Best Integrated Boomerang Awards Category

Sandbox
by: Smart Communications, Inc. and Wolfpac
(Gold)

Madonna Mania
by EGG
(Silver)

Pepsi 'Kada Can: Get Your Barkada on the Can
by Proximity Philippines / BBDO Guerrero
(Bronze)

Other finalists were:
Style in A Snap
by NuWorks Interactive

Palistuhan Campaign
by Publicis Manila

Best Innovation Boomerang Awards Category

Awesome Philippines Second Life Press Conference
by Philippine Department of Tourism
and Media Contacts Philippines

The innovation aspect of Awesome Philippines Second Life Press Conference might have come from the fact that the setting of the press conference was in a virtual island creating the country's newest and 7,108th island in count.

The virtual press conference was held May 4, 2009 with no other than Sec. Joseph "Ace" Durano himself talking in the conference. It was also the Philippines' first virtual press conference.

The roster of judges include:

• Norman Agatep
• Agapito "Jun" Alcantara from Asaia Brewery
• Donald Lim of Yahay Corp.
• Professor Tommy Lopez (Professor of Asian Institute of Management; University of Makati)
• Jihee Nam - VP Digital Media of MTV Network for Southeast Asia & Greater China
• Ed Mapa Jr. - Managing Director, Media COntacts Phils
• Jos Ortega - CEO, JWT Manila
• Tony Sarmiento III - VP CReative INtegration Ace Saatchi & Saatchi
• Mohammed Sirajuddeen CEO Rapp Asia
• Ian Stewart - Head of Asia: Friendster
• Arthur Policarpio - President: Snapworx

That comprises the 2009 Boomerang Awards winners.

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IMMAP Summit Day 1

This is my first time to attend IMMAP's Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit. I got my free delegate pass for this prestigious conference through a blog entry I wrote for a contest together with Regnard.

Held at SMX, Mall of Asia earlier, the event was opened with a speech from IMMAP president Arthur Policarpio. It also had huge international and local names for speakers including Sandra Puno from Nestle Philippines, Rahul Vasudev from MediaCom Interaction and George Foo, Chief Operating Officer of iHub Media Pte. Ltd for Facebook.

Seminar topics ranged from the new marketing landscape in terms of digital media, how to mix digital with the three traditional media outfits, and leveraging on the power of Facebook.

However, some of the talks were somehow rushed to adjust as time allocation between talks were very close.

Although, some speakers discussed only general topics and played it safe, some shared daring viewpoints and presented provocative statements. Most prevalent was James Lafferty's challenge to digital service providers of lowering "down the cost hypercompetitively." This did not rest quietly though with other speakers who said that 'cheap' is actually relative.

Yahoo Head of Marketing for Emerging Markets Bennet Porter also shared insights from their latest digital campaign in the Philippines called Yahoo Purple Hunt.

Tony Sarmiento III of Ace Saaatchi & Saatchi stirred some thoughts on the topic of digital creativity that delivers results. His primary case was that of Burger King's Whopper Sacrifice Facebook application which was so effective it was 'sacrificed' by Facebook itself. :)
The summit was well-attended as I estimate the crowd at about 80% seating capacity. I heard that this 3rd IMMAP conference had the biggest venue compared to the previous years. I just hoped that there were more readily available power outlets for laptop users since the summit is for the digital-savvy audience anyhow.

The summit was also followed by the Boomerang Awards in the evening.

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Goodyear Philippines Roadshow: “Goodyear Pa Rin!”

Goodyear in the Philippines just celebrated its 111 years of safety innovation with their first “Goodyear Pa Rin!” nationwide roadshow at the SM Mall of Asia over the weekend of Aug 21-23.

The three-day event featured activities such as Ride and Drive clinics, car displays, and Women with Drive sessions conducted by Goodyear’s top racing endorsers and a Ride and Drive by the Tuason Racing School.

From the kick-off event in SM Mall of Asia, the Goodyear Pa Rin! will hit other SM malls in Batangas, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao

“We are excited about this opportunity to work closely with our partner-dealers and top racing endorsers and bring the best Goodyear products and exceptional Goodyear retail experience straight to our customers and the public,” said Goodyear Philippines president Dave Morin.

The Ride & Drive Clinic taught safety driving techniques via a lecture and a free one-on-one, hands-on driving program by the Tuason Racing School. It specially focused on the Excellence tires with 3-Zone technology usually for luxury sedans and other passenger vehicles.

Goodyear Pa Rin! also opens the highly successful Women with Drive session to the public. Women with Drive, is an advocacy campaign specially designed for females to empower them with basic auto maintenance and troubleshooting skills. The session educates participants on road safety and equips them with knowledge of a vehicle’s different areas, including the engine, fluids, electrics, belts, hoses, wipers, under body and tires. The sessions are conducted by the country’s top racers and Goodyear endorsers.

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Philippine Blog Awards 2009 All Set

This year's Philippine Blog Awards 2009 is made bigger and better! From last PBA's one location and awarding night, they are bringing it to the other two major islands of the country making the awards nights truly nationwide.

"The Philippine Blog Awards is a yearly event that aims to give recognition to outstandings blogs in but not limited to the Filipino Blogging Community. The Philippine Blog Awards is organized by the Philippine Blogger Awards Inc. a non-stock and non-profit corporation." - main site of the PBA

After the October 9 Megatent Events Venue at 30 Meralco Avenue, Bgy. Ugong Pasig City in Metro Manila, subsequent awards night will be brought to Cebu City on the 17th and to Cagayan De Oro City on the 24th. Special awards for the respective localities of the Visayas and Mindanao will also be awarded.

Main category awards include Technology, Travel, & Entertainment. Special awards like Foregin Blog and Blogger's Choice are also among the special categories.

Nominate or recommend your favorite blogs now!

Know more about Philippine Blog Awards here

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Ninoy Aquino Day: Araw ng Dilaw

A few weeks after the passing and burial of Cory Aquino, the Philippines commemorates tomorrow - August 21, the sacrifice of another Aquino - Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of Ninoy Aquino's assassination back in August 21, 1983 when he was shot in the head upon returning to Philippine soil amidst heated political turmoil.

Although, the results of the case remain in questionable shadows, the Filipino people is sure of one thing - that Ninoy, as the hero he is, died for a worthy cause - the freedom and democracy of the Filipino people. As his famous quotable line today remains with his memory:

"The Filipino is worth dying for."

A circulating email accounts and facebook event shares similarly:

"To commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino and to honor the memory of President Cory Aquino, the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation is declaring August 21, 2009 as “Araw ng Dilaw”. This Friday, every freedom-loving Filipino is urged to wear something yellow. We ask everyone to light a candle as a way of keeping the spirit of Ninoy and Cory alive and of reciprocating their love for the Filipino people. Motorists are likewise encouraged to turn on their hazard lights from 6pm to 7pm as a sign that the Yellow Spark has been ignited in their hearts. "

August 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day and is observed as a public holiday in the Philippines.

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Digital & Essential: The 3rd Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit 2009

With the theme "Digital Delivers," Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) organizes this year's Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit for the third time. It shall be held on August 25-26, 2009 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines.

Digitally Cost-Effective

In this times of global recession and belt-tightening, the marketing budget continues to contract as private companies minimize expenditures. This year's marketing summit focuses on digital marketing's ability to deliver results at noticeably lower cost compared to TV and regular print ads.

More than ever, the practicality of digital marketing is most appreciated.

Digitally Growing

Continually growing in leaps, Internet users in the Philippines is now at about 23 million and mobile phone users at 63 million. This sector of users is dominated by the youth who is most adept to new technologies.

More than ever, the power of digital marketing is most prevalent.

Digitally Measured

In contrast to TV ads which has a measured audience through estimates and population sampling, digital marketing through ads can be measured through visual impressions and click-throughs. Performance and measurability are highlighted for more objective results in aid of wiser business decision making.

More than ever, the effectiveness of digital marketing is most essential.

Digitally Delivering it

With key topics on digital marketing including new trends, viral video, mobile content, and online campaigns, the marketing summit aims to address marketing issues amidst challenging times with a focus on digital marketing.
Conference speakers include Nandu Nandkishore (CEO, Nestle Philippines), James Lafferty (General Manager, Procter and Gamble Philippines), Kent Wertime (President, Asia Pacific OgilvyOne Worldwide), Fernando Fernandez (Chairman, Unilever Philippines), Anton Diaz (Awesome Planet), Yahoo, and Smart.

Different case studies of 2009 Boomerang Awards Gold Winners in various categories would also be presented. This shall provide actual learning from real life situations and experiences.

So if you are a chief executive officer, advertising manager, corporate communication manager, or involved in marketing/advertising using the internet and mobile, this conference is for you!

Register online now and get discounts! Check this online reference for details such as program schedule and speakers.

I personally want to attend this two-day event as well for its relevance. I intend to learn more about digital marketing which is very close to the blogging industry. I'm sure I would get a lot of insight from this conference.

I hope to see you at the upcoming Digital Delivers! The 3rd Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit 2009!

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"Biggest Loser Asia" taps Fitness First for Live Auditions in the Philippines

Fitness First will host the upcoming launch of the Biggest Loser Asia which is coming to Asia for the first time. One of its objectives is to help change the lives of people around the world towards the positive direction.

Live screen test auditions for participants who want to be part of the show will be held in Fitness First gyms around Asia. In the Philippines, live screen test auditions will be held exclusively at Fitness First at SM Megamall on the 15th of August 2009 (Saturday) from 10am-4pm, the same day as the "Let's Go Surfing" event.

Debuting in the US in 2004 with NBC reality television, the Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit viewed by millions, airing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. This is the first reality show where obese contestants are challenged and encouraged under guided expert supervision to undergo strenuous physical and mental training in order to shed kilos. The contestant who loses the most weight not only wins a grand cash prize of USD 100, 000 but also gains a healthier and better quality life!
Biggest Loser Asia aims tol help change the lives of obese Filipinos who want to take up the challenge of shedding bad lifestyle habits and embracing healthier ones. The Biggest Loser Asia does not only look into the physical challenges of the contestants’ personal journeys but also their emotional and psychological trials and tribulations as they lose the kilos, inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

“We are extremely excited about being a part of The Biggest Loser weight loss reality TV show in Asia. This is a great opportunity for the Filipinos to show their dedication and commitment to staying fit and healthy” quips Fitness First Philippines’ Country Manager, Mark Ellis,

Anyone can apply online from June 22, to August 31, 2009 at www.biggestloserasia.com (click here) and/or turn up at the LIVE auditions and on screen test events at the four selected countries in Asia which are the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

LIVE auditions and screen tests in the Philippines will be held from 10:00am – 4:00pm at Fitness First at SM Megamall, Philippines on the 15th of August.

You may watch The Biggest Loser US version season 6 now on the Hallmark Channel, every Tuesday at 9pm (SIN, MAL, PH, HK), 8pm (TH, WIB).

To join the Biggest Loser Asia or for inquiries, please call 848-0000 or visit www.fitnessfirst.com.ph.

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G.I. JOE: Rise of the Cobra - Cartoonish But Cool

G.I. JOE: Rise of The Cobra is your typical out-of-the-comic action adventure film who brings the story to the movie screen. But don't worry, you won't be disappointed.

It would most probably satisfy what most of the audience would expect out of G.I. Joe movie - a highly fictionalized story and a lot of CGIs; but still enjoyable to watch.

The best part for me would be the Paris urban road chase. It's fast, heart-pumping, awesome, and certainly gathered some shrieks from our movie housemates.

Story-wise, I believe it was able to establish what it wanted to tell about how the GI Joes and Cobra would come about. Snake Eyes had a simple but deep character to portray.

This prequel was for the most part, made to establish the story for the sequel. And with that, I expect the part 2 to be more bombastic and engaging. This is what I am excited about.

Thanks to TV5 Shake mo TV mo for the special screening invite of G.I. JOE: the Rise of the Cobra

Watch G.I. JOE: Rise of The Cobra and enjoy. Don't think much. :)

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Gear up for NESCAFÉ Soundskool Band Competition!

Sounds Cool? Yes indeed! This year's NESCAFÉ Soundskool kicked-off with a blast last night at Paseo de Bahamas in Robinson's Manila! The place was jam-packed as Letter Day Story and other Nescafe Soundskool bands brought the house down while live band aficionados enjoy the mix of music.

NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool (www.nescafe3in1.com.ph/soundskool)

The NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool is an inter-collegiate competition open to young, unsigned bands in the Philippines. From its beginnings as a battle among student bands in the Greater Manila Area in 2005, the competition has become one of the country’s anticipated music event. NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool has produced some of the Philippines hottest young bands, including former grand prize winners Hilera (2005) and Letter Day Story (2008).
Letter Day Story

It was not until yesterday that I heard Letter Day Story live and I should say they are awesomely awesome! For a non-rock-band fan like me, I think that's something. :) The other band members other than the voclist were equal-level performers who connect with their listeners. Judging from their music style, performance and charisma, Letter Day Story has a long way to go and a great potential to be placed along the likes of Eraserheads in the future.

More on NESCAFÉ Soundskool

This year, NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool Battle of the Best College Bands, is widening its reach to around 400 colleges and universities nationwide.
The participants undergo music training programs with a series of workshops conducted by local music industry icons like Sandwich’s Raymund Marasigan, 6Cyclemind, music executives from Sony BMG Philippines, and previous finalists Gracenote, Hooligans, and Project.

"...we feel that it’s important for these young musicians to fully grasp the fact that unless there is a clear method to their creative madness, all their talent and hard work may land them back to where they began,”

explained Eileen Rose Bangcoro (NESCAFÉ marketing promotions & events manager).

NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool 2009’s theme is “Huwag Na Magtago! Magparamdam Ka Na!” Aside from the intense music training workshop, one-on-one mentoring with some of the Philippine music’s hottest performers, and a live jam session with their idols during the Grand Awards Night, 13 finalist bands from different parts of the country will compete for PhP250,000 and a record label deal with Sony Music Philippines.
Young bands interested in joining this year’s NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool can get contest details from the recruiting tour now being held at various schools.

Sponsors for this year’s NESCAFÉ 3in1 Soundskool include Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Ix Chel, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Videos

Letter Day Story Performances

So, wanna be the next Letter Day Story? Are you ready to be famous? (Handa ka na bang sumikat?) Log on to www.nescafe3in1.com.ph/soundskool for competition guidelines, schedules and updates.

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SM Southmall Las Pinas Rides Wi-Fi Bandwagon

SM Southmall Las Pinas joins SM Supermalls' list of Wi-Fi enabled malls.

And I think they're learning after having wi-fi enabled almost 10 malls of SM as of present. Still supported by PhilCom Corporation ISP, today's bandwidth is very good based from the surfing experience and speedtest.net results:

It is also the writer's first time to be at SM Southmall, Las Pinas. The trip from Makati took about an hour. It's good that there was no traffic at this time.
The activity was initiated with a ribbon cutting for the launching of the Wifi service followed by a set of live band performance by Kenyo.
And finally, we dropped by Beraldi in the area for a cup of coffee and some pastry before we left for home. It took me two hours by bus from Alabang to Balintawak, Quezon City; whew!
SM has previously launched the same Wi-Fi services/technology at other SM malls including SM Megamall, SM Megamall Foodcourt, Podium, SM The Block, and SM North Edsa.

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Corazon Aquino Burial set as Special Non-Working Holiday

August 5, 2009, Wednesday, has been declared by the Malacanang Palace as a non-working special holiday in observance of the funeral and burial rights of the former and late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino.

The private funeral of Aquino will be held at the Manila Memorial Park. She will be laid to rest beside her husband and Philippine hero Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.

The special holiday was declared to allow the public to see the last few moments of the Philippine freedom icon Cory Aquino.

Currently, the public who wants to view and pay their last respects to Aquino's remains are allowed in LaSalle Greenhills from 5 p.m. yesterday until Monday. Viewing proper is from 7am to 4am of the next day.

Some photos of the wake, click here.

GMA Live Video Coverage today here .

Our prayers are for the late president Cory Aquino.

Thank you for inspiring the Filipino people to fight for their freedom in 1986 and to continually cherish them eversince until your last breath.

Rest in peace.

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LetsGoSago.net to host "Lets Go Surfing"

The "Lets Go Surfing" anniversary charity project of LetsGoSago.net is finally all-set on August 15 & 16 bringing a bus of bloggers to San Juan La Union! It will be held at the Billabong Surf School and San Juan Surf Resort in Urbiztondo Beach.

Sponsors

Main sponsors of the event are the Philippine Dept. of Tourism and Bico Australia. Other sponsors include SM, Starbucks Coffee, and VMV Skin Research Centre + Clinics.

The event media partners are Qtube of QTV (Official TV Media Partner), Men’s Health & Women’s Health Magazine (Official Print Media Partner), Web.Com.Ph (Official Web Hosting Partner), Yehey.com (Official Online Media Partner), and CreatiVoices (Official Podcast Partner)

It is also supported by Havaianas, GeiserMaclang, Travel Factor, DigitalManila.blogspot.com, and JumpShotsPH.com

Benefciary

Main beneficiary of the event to whom part of the registration fee will be donated to is WWF-Philippines to support their cause and local operations.

Surfing Event

The bloggers and other regular participants are expected to enjoy the two-day event by learning how to surf, not on the internet, but on real ocean waves! The activity goes well with the nature of the organizing Philippine emerging travel blog - Let's Go Sago!.

The surfing lessons are guaranteed to be safe as each student blogger is trained one-on-one by a surfing instructor. The team of surfing instructors are actually led by Philippine top surfer Luke Landrigan (May 2009 Cover of Men' Health Magazine).
Food Trips, Night Beach Party, & Raffle Prizes

Other activites in the event include food trips to La Union's best food stops including Halo-Halo de Iloko and Midway Grill.

The event will also be covered by QTV station's Internet TV show Qtube Filipiono-Australian model Andy Smith.

There will also be a night beach party at the evening of day 01 where awesome raffle prizes like :

* (10 pairs) Havaianas Flip Flops
* Awesome Bico Australia Surfing Accessories
* (3) VMV Hypoallergenics’ Armada Sport 70 Sun+Light Screen worth more than 1K each.
* Webhosting packages from Web.com.ph
* Starbucks Coffee Vouchers from Starbucks Coffee
* Branded loot bags from JumpShotsPH.com
* Travel Factor T-shirts
* More surprise items
and
* the Grand Prize of a free surfing trip to Baler, Aurora including private bus transfers, accommodations, and surfing lesson

The blogger participants would also be getting lootbags from the sponsors and partners including Starbucks coupons, Men's Health and Women's Health Magazines, Travel Factor travel agency t-shirts, and Web.com.ph webhosting packages.

On the way back to Manila, the group will also be passing by Tarlac's famous floating restaurant - Isdaan - for some photo opportunity for the shutterbugs.

Register NOW and join Sago in his anniversary charity project - "Lets Go Surfing!"

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