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Philippine Travel Exchange 2009

The 9th Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX 2009) will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on September 2-4, 2009, with the theme “Explore, Experience …….. The Philippines is made to be traveled”. The event, which is organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), brings together travel professionals for a marketing push designed to promote the country’s image and tourism opportunities. The Travel Exchange (TRAVEX),...

June 21st, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Cebu Pacific’s Local Fare Sales

Cebu Pacific is currently offering special fares for select local flights, with some restrictions. Here are some of the of the ‘Go Lite’ seat sales: P288 departing from Cebu, to Dumaguete (new flight) P288 departing from Manila, to Busuanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Laoag, Legaspi, Naga or San Jose (Mindoro) P588 departing from Manila, to Bacolod, Caticlan (Boracay), Calbayog, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela; new flight), Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao or Virac P588 departing from...

June 20th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Video: Make-up for Filipina Skin

I have found a new YouTube channel to obsess over. First, let me tell you that I’m not a huge user of make-up. I don’t wear it everyday. But lately, I’ve been inspired to try to be more polished and put together. I don’t know why, maybe a midlife crisis coming on, LOL. Nah, I’m not that old, but even so, I’ve been thinking that this might be a good time to experiment with new style. It was perfect timing when I discovered Aubrey’s channel, where she gives tutorials on achieving different...

June 19th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Video: The Wedding of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo

Their wedding was highly anticipated, their love story well-known and when Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos tied the knot on April 28, 2009, it was billed as the secret wedding of the century. The private ceremony was held at daybreak at the San Juan Nepomuceno Church in San Juan, Batangas. The reception was held at the Balai, Anilao Beach Resort. All the preparations were held in secret, and no media was allowed at the actual event. Only family and close friends, all of whom wore white, were invited....

June 17th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Celebrate Philippine Independence Day

June 12 is celebrated as Independence Day in the Philippines. It’s a holiday, and a time to reflect on what freedom means to us Filipinos and to our native land. We have so much to be proud of, from heroes, natural bounty, acts of bravery and simple patriotism. May these inspire us to love our country even more: the literary gifts and martyrdom of Jose Rizal the courage of Macario Sakay and Andres Bonifacio the tenacity of Cory Aquino the patriotism of Ninoy Aquino the vision of Fidel Ramos...

June 12th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Video: Charice Sings New Single “Note to God”

Here’s a video of Charice’s performance of her brand new single “Note to God” at the Oprah Winfrey Show on May 18, 2009. Before Charice sang, Oprah gave an overview of the career of the 17-year-old singer, which included the following highlights: a previous appearance on Oprah a performance accompanied by David Foster singing with Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany duet with Celine Dion in Madison Square Garden Charice signing an album deal a glimpse at her life in the Philippines Charice’s...

June 11th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Charice: News and Photos

Charice has continued to carve out an international career for herself with her soaring voice and youthful charm. The 17-year old Filipino singer has just released her single, "Note To God", which was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. It was first heard on "Oprah’s Search for the World’s Smartest and Most Talented Kids" on May 18, 2009, and is available for download on Amazon.com. Charice has also signed on with 143/Reprise Records to release...

June 10th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

At Home with Raymart and Claudine (Barretto) Santiago

This month on Good Housekeeping (Philippines) Magazine, the cover features happily married sweethearts Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago. The issue promises a look at the couple “away from the camera”, how they are as husband and wife, and as parents to their little ones, Sabina and Santino. For a peek into their home, which was designed in part by Raymart, here’s an older clip from Chika Minute. Raymart and Claudine have grown up in the entertainment industry, but they also seem to...

June 9th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Filipino Innovation in Food and Fashion

I love to try new things. Adventures in food and fashion are part and parcel of any travel experience, IMO. After all, getting a taste something new and different is what traveling is all about. And sometimes, the new and different experience is right in our own culture. These featured posts from Filipino blogs are a prime example. If you’re a Filipino, you probably already know what “sukang maanghang” (spicy vinegar) is. Chili peppers steeped in vinegar. It makes my mouth water just thinking...

June 8th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Fil-Am Artist Fred DeAsis Bags Top Honors at Art Walk

Filipino-American artist Fred DeAsis’ artwork, “Trois Koi” was given the top award at the 4th Annual Highland Park Art Walk festival in Illinois. The Art Walk, which is organized by the non-profit Anatomically Correct, is “a juried exhibition of artwork by Illinois artists displayed in merchant windows”. The award was announced on June 1, 2009 and will be Fred DeAsis was born in the Philippines and currently lives in Chicago. His work currently focuses on “kut-kut”, an ancient Philippine...

June 4th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Wedding Supplier: Black and Silver Photography

It’s the day before June, the “weddingest” time of the year! Countless Filipino brides are preparing for their wedding, and one of the most important choices is that of photographer. After all, once the wedding day is over, all you’ve have left are the husband, the rings, and the memories! Making sure that you have the perfect photographer will go a long way to preserving the emotions of your special day. Maybe Black and Silver Photography, by husband and wife team Bobby and Maritoni Eleazar,...

May 31st, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Make Your Own Havaianas 2009

Fans of the “world’s best rubber flip flops” should scoot off to the Rockwell Tent at the Power Plant Mall this weekend. The “Make Your Own Havaianas 2009” event is going on during mall hours from May 28 to June 1. You get to make your own unique pair of these popular footwear, blinged up with with flags, Swarovski pins and whatever you may fancy. Anton at Our Awesome Planet has some tips for you to make the most of the event. Make Your Own Havaianas 2009 May 28 to June 1, 2009 ...

May 28th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Pinoy Links (5-27-09)

I’m going to send you around to several links which caught my attention today. First is this must-read from veteran columnist Armando Doronila on Iloilo Views. Joseph Estrada is, unfortunately, not cured of his hallucination that he can do something good for the Philippines. Despite being ousted and convicted for plunder, he continues to dream of regaining political power. But Doronila says he is “damaged goods”, and I hope to high heavens that he is right and that the masses see it in 2010. There’s...

May 27th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Fil-Am Graduates Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University

The Philippine flag was proudly flown during this year’s Seniors’ Convocation at Georgetown University. The reason was that Filipino American Raymond Patrick Tolentino has finished summa cum laude with a degree in English from Georgetown University. His achievement did not go unnoticed by the Philippine Embassy to the U.S., which released a statement. Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa congratulated Tolentino, saying his achievement was an inspiration to all youths regardless of their...

May 25th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Video: Gabe Bondoc’s “Chasing Pavements” Cover

I stumbled upon a guy with a guitar and a cool goose-bumpy kind of voice. This is Gabe Bondoc, a Filipino-American “guitarist, singer, songwriter, nerd” (those are his own words, mind). I tell you, I am such a sucker for such a voice as this. Add an acoustic guitar, and I am truly a fan! Gabe’s latest video is the guy’s half of Disney’s “A Whole New World”. Feel free to “record” a duet with him, and post it as a video response. He makes me wish I could sing well enough to do...

May 23rd, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Social Networking Site Fil.Am is Up and Running

Carlos Tabora has launched a social networking site specifically for Filipino-Americans. The ingeniously named Fil.Am aims to be a hub for the Filipino-American community, and welcomes anyone who wants to learn about the lifestyle and culture. It’s free, of course. And just like MySpace and Friendster, you will have your own profile and blog. You’ll be able to share photos, videos and more, plus interact with a community that shares the same situations, challenges and triumphs that you have...

May 21st, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

TAYO, Fil-Am Literary Magazine, Seeks Submissions

TAYO, the first literary magazine specifically for Filipino American youth, is accepting submissions from writers and artists. The magazine, based in Southern California, aims to “empower Filipino American youth through various forms of creative art”. It focuses on the Filipino American experience, although submissions that are outside this topic are also welcome. The magazine publishes poems, essays, short stories, drawings, photography, paintings and other art. The deadline for this round...

May 19th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Pinoy Joke Time: Wise Guy

This joke was forwarded to me, and I thought I’d share it with you. We all need to laugh once in a while! A lawyer and a Filipino are sitting next to each other on a long flight. The lawyer is thinking that all Filipinos are so dumb that he could get over on them easy. So the lawyer asks if the Filipino would like play a trivia game. The Filipino is tired and just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines, and tries to catch a few winks. The lawyer persists, and says that the game is a lot...

May 18th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra’s Debut

The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) is set to make Fil-Am history tomorrow, May 17, 2009, with its debut performance at the Saban Theatre (formerly the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills). The FASO is the first Filipino symphony orchestra formed and based outside the Philippines. It was established in Los Angeles and is comprised of both students of music and professionals who are based in Southern California. Robert “Bob” Shroder is the Conductor and Musical Director of FASO. Tomorrow’s...

May 16th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More

Fil-Canadian Elise Estrada: Wild Card Nominee for MuchMusic Video Awards

Filipino-Canadian singer Elise Estrada has been steadily making a name for herself in Canada’s music industry. To her name are wins in an international singing competition, a TV series, and hits from her self-titled debut album. Next month, Elise is looking to add another feather, or two, to her cap. She is the Wild Card Nominee in two categories of the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVA’S): Favorite New Artist and Favorite Canadian Video. To be the final nominee in these categories, Elise...

May 13th, 2009 | Philippine Culture | Read More