Giant Lantern Festival 2013 - Schedule of Activities

The best giant lanterns come from Pampanga. And since it’s the Christmas season already, the most awesome lanterns will be on display as the Giant Lantern Festival 2013 kicks off on December 2, 2013.

Pampanga is a little far from Manila, and if you’re going to watch the competition on December 14, make sure to go there early to avail of tickets. You might end up traveling far only to watch on TV screens.

Here’s the Schedule of Activities:

• December 2
  • Flag Raising Ceremony and Unveiling of Schedule of Activities, City Hall CSFP, 8 AM
  • Press Conference, City Hall CSFP, 10 AM
• December 2-5
  • Inter-Village Christmas Decoration Competition, CSFP, 6 onwards
• December 6
  • Lantern Parade Competition (Elementary and High School), High Blvd. CSFP, 6 PM
• December 14
  • Giant Lantern Festival Competition, Robinsons Starmills, City of San Fernando, 6 PM
• December 15
  • Giant Lantern Exhibition for Diplomatic Corps, Robinsons Starmills, 7 PM
• December 15-21
  • Lantern Exhibition, Robinsons Starmills, 7 PM
• December 15-23
  • Lubeas, Poblacion Area (Every Night)
• December 20
  • Christmas Diskwento Caravan, in front of City Hall, 6 AM - 6 PM
• December 22
  • Lantern Exhibition, Telabastagan, 7 PM
• December 23
  • Lantern Exhibition, Greenfields, 7 PM
• December 24
  • Lantern Exhibition, City Proper, 11 PM
• December 25, 2013 - January 3, 2014
  • Lantern Exhibition, Robinsons Starmills, 7 PM
• December 27
  • Lantern Exhibition, Nepo Center, A.C.
• December 28-29
  • Lantern Exhibition, Marquee Mall, A.C.

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UP Fair 2013 - Schedule of Activities

U.P. Diliman University Student Council presents U.P. Fair 2013, a week-long event held at the Sunken Garden featuring concerts, shows, fair booths, bazaars, etc.

Here’s the schedule of events:

February 12: Bulkantahan – Unang Pagsabog Para Sa Pagbabago (Iuvenis Orbis Geological Fraternity)
Performances by: Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Spongecola, Silent Sanctuary, Ebe Dancel, Never the Strangers, General Luna, Hijo, Dong Abay and the Tanods, Join the Club, SAMARIA, Flying Ipis, Gaijin, Slapshock, Giniling Festival, Segatron, Hoodlum, Candycandy, Bad Hair Day, SUCKETSEVEN, Wasted Sopas, Dragon, Milky Summer, Naraia, Slickfinger, Jerry Something, CLandestino’s Manuscript , Kaya, From the Author, Half Way Out, Brickcity, The Squibs, Sheenola, Idioms and Disposition, Joop, Strands of Autumn, FIJ, Maxine Jarantilla

February 13: Kontrakultura II – Marked for Love, Marked for Destiny(UP Students of Destiny)

February 14: Roots – Music and Arts Festival(UP Underground Music Community)
Performances by: Up Dharma Down, Moonstar 88, Sandwich, Giniling Festival, Franco, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Ang Bandang Shirley, Ourselves the Elves, 3×2, The Etiquettes, Joop, Anton and the Salvadors, Extrapolation, With Fingers Crossed, Specterull,Maya’s Anklet, Ivan Theory, Lights in Transit, Stomachine, Hello World, Ulirat, La Passionaria.

February 15: Freedom Fair – Live More(Sigma Alpha Nu Sorority)

February 16: Speak UP – Loud, Proud and Unbound(University Student Council-UPD)

Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999) for only P100 (per night).

*All events start at 6:00pm.

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4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (2013) - Schedule and Ticket Prices

After the New Year (and my birthday), I now look forward to the pyromusical which happens February to March for quite a few years now.

I haven’t been able to complete all the shows in each year because it’s really hard to reserve a number of consecutive Saturdays for that (kunyari busy).

I was only able to watch one show every year, and I promise to watch more shows this year. After all, eleven countries are competing this year, with the Philippines (not included in the competition for being the host country) to show off at the finale.

The 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

2013 Schedule:

February 16, 2013
Japan - Tamaya Kitahara
Finland - Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd.

February 23, 2013
Taiwan - Yung Feng Fireworks
France - Intermede Artifices

March 2, 2013
United Kingdom - Jubilee Fireworks Ltd.
South Korea - Hwarang Fireworks Inc.

March 9, 2013
Italy - Ipon Fireworks S.R.L.
The Netherlands - Royal Fireworks

March 16, 2013
China - Liuyang New Year Fireworks Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Australia - Fireworkx Inc.

March 23, 2013
Canada - Fireworks Spectacular
Philippines - Platinum Fireworks Inc. (Closing Exhibition)

Ticket prices are P100, P300, P500 and P1,500. Just go to http://smtickets.com for more details or you may call them at (+632) 470-2222.

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UP Mountaineers says “freedom for the mountains”

U.P. Mountaineers is inviting enthusiasts to its annual applicant’s orientation with a catchy message on its poster that says: “Freedom from mass climbing is freedom for the mountains.”

I couldn’t agree more.

The annual applicant’s orientation will be held on July 6, 2012 (Friday) at 6 PM at the U.P. Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City, and on July 7, 2012 (Saturday) at 7 PM at R.O.X Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

For more information, you may contact upmountaineers.35years@gmail.com. You may also call +63 927 799 0889 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/upmountaineers.

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Tour de So. Leyte 2012 Road Bike Competition

Join the 5th Gov. Damian Gaviola Mercado Tour de So. Leyte 2012 Road Bike Competition on June 24 and 25, 2012.

There are two (2) categories namely the Open Pro and Category B/Executive. Each team for both categories should have four (4) members.

Prizes for the Open Category:

1. P25,000
2. P20,000
3. P15,000
4. P10,000
5. P5,000

Lap Winner:

1st – P1,500
2nd – P1,000
3rd – P500

Prizes for the Executive Category:

1. P20,000
2. P15,000
3. P10,000
4. P7,500
5. P5,000

Lap Winner:

1st – P1,500
2nd – P1,000
3rd – P500

You may register at Silago Gym on June 23, 2012 at 4:00 PM for a fee of P1,000.

For more info, contact Dr. Wency Rich at 09177211787 or Jonas Gorgonio at 09179280264/09493926670.

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“World Stars of Ballet”

Ballet Manila and Manila Broadcasting Company present World Stars of Ballet featuring Lisa Macuja-Elizalde and Ballet Manila.

It is going to be held on June 8-9, 2012, 7:30 PM, at the Aliw Theater in Sotto St., CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Gracing the show are Yolanda Correa of Norwegian National Ballet, Paloma Herrera of American Ballet Theatre, Natalia Kremen of The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, Daria Pavlenko of Mariinsky Theatre, Aleksandra Timofeeva of Kremlin Ballet, Maxim Beloserkovsky of American Ballet Theatre, Yoel Carreno of Norwegian National Ballet, Dmitri Gruzdev of English National Ballet, Yevgeny Ivanchenko of Mariinsky Theatre and David Makhateli of The Royal Ballet.

This event is for the benefit of the Project Ballet Futures.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld (891-9999) with prices at P2,000 (Diamond), P1,500 (Gold), P1,000 (Silver) and P500 (General Admission).

Discounted prices are available when you buy in bulk. Buy 2 at full price and you can get your succeeding tickets (maximum of 4) at discounted price. Click here for more details.

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Ozine Fest 2012 on April 13-15!

Ozine Fest 2012 is going to be held on April 13-15, 2012 at the Megatrade Halls 1 & 2 of SM Megamall.

There will be Battle of the Bands, Anime Figure Photoshoot Contest, Horror Booth, Karaoke Contest, Art Contest, Indie Artist Booth, Eating Contests (yes, your read it right) CosPlay Competition (of course!) and a lot more.

For more info regarding the event, you may visit www.ozinefest.com or www.facebook.com/ozinefest.

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Alay Lakad 2012

I was supposed not to do the Alay Lakad this year in exchange for a pilgrimage in Mt. Maculot, but I remembered I made a vow to do it every year so I crossed out that mountain in Cuenca from my agenda to walk to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for the third time.

(Click here to view my Alay Lakad 2010 post or here for the Alay Lakad 2011 post.)

Melford and I left the house at almost 10:00 PM on Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012. We originally planned to take a bus to Ortigas but buses were rare and there was already a large crowd gathered at the bus stop, presumably all going to Antipolo.

We decided to go to Pasig instead and start walking from Simbahan ng Pasig. Mepot, who was doing the Alay Lakad for the first time, was overwhelmed with the amount of people going to Antipolo when we reached Ortigas Avenue. Most of them were in groups, some were with their families that included toddlers, while some were with their significant others, holding hands while walking towards Antipolo.

The only stop we took was when we decided to eat at a 24-hour Jollibee store we passed by along the way at around 12:00 AM. No more until we reached the First Station of the Cross.

Here’s Mepot at Jollibee:

He has just graduated from high school. Compare him with the pic below I took in 2008 with Princess (also inside a Jollibee store). I’m sure it’s not the same white t-shirt, though. LoL!

It was my first time to do the station as the people I had been during the previous years wanted to just go up to the church and rest. The words of God imparted in loud speakers in each station somehow uplifted my faith and inspired me more.

It was 2:43 AM when we reached the first station, and 3:56 AM when we reached the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It was still closed at the time but people liked to go up to the guarded front door, throw coins inside the church and make a wish.

It was easier to get near the church doors because it was either a little organized this time, or fewer people did the Alay Lakad this year.

Those who wanted to wait for the church to open at 5:00 AM were prohibited to stay at the front of the church, and instead were made to wait at the side. Others opted to flock at the nearby Petron station, the vast space near USA 88, inside Villa Dolorosa, or in the fastfood restaurants in the area that took the opportunity to earn more by opting to open 24 hours for the Alay Lakad season.

On our way back, we had arroz caldo from a carinderia near USA 88. It was far from being as good as my mother’s lugaw but was still good enough to fill a tired and sleepy person’s tummy.

It was already daylight when we got back to Tikling, the place where you could catch a bus going back to Manila.

After a few minutes of sitting inside an air-conditioned bus, however, I started feeling the blisters on my feet. I knew it would take a few days to heal, but I also knew Jesus suffered more than just blisters to save me.

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Cars and Girls at the MIAS 2012

The Manila International Auto Show was held at the World Trade Center from March 29 to April 1, 2012. Car enthusiasts of all ages flocked the venue especially on the last two days which fell on weekends.

I went there with K, my climb buddy, last Saturday afternoon. And we picked the wrong day cuz a religious organization held its alay lakad on the same afternoon, causing traffic in the complex.

It was a fun afternoon, though, the luxury cars were real feast to the eyes.

Top car brands that participated were Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Porsche, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevrolet, BMW, Subaru, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, Mitsubishi and much more!

But while others went there for the cars, some got more interested in the models.

What took away my attention, however, were the vintage cars that were so taken care of they looked brand new.

And this, for me, was the winner:

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Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic

In line with the celebration of Women’s Day, All Terra Cyclery together with Women's Health, 99.5 RT and San Mateo Sports and Tourism Council presents the Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic.

It will be held on March 24th at the Divine Mercy MTB Park in Guitnang Bayan I, San Mateo, Rizal.

Learn the basic mountain biking skills to enjoy trail riding better, be able to race faster and even smoke past some guys in the pack.

For more details, visit or call:

San Mateo Municipal Tourism/HRD Office Secretariat
Municipal Hall Bldg. Gen. Luna St. Guitnang Bayan I,
San Mateo, Rizal
Tel. # 570-2072/584-8361

Celebrate Earth Hour 2012 - March 31, 8:30 PM

Earth Hour 2012 is coming near, and everyone who loves the planet should participate.

I’m sure everyone is aware, in one way or another, how devastated the Earth is. Pollution, barren mountains, climate change – just a few of the adverse effects of our high demands for living and the clamor for new technology.

I’m sure it doesn’t hurt to turn off the lights for one hour, and it’s quite more exciting this year because more countries are participating.

From its inception as a single-city initiative -- Sydney, Australia - in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global symbol of hope and movement for change. Earth Hour 2011 created history as the world's largest ever voluntary action with people, businesses and governments in 135 countries across every continent coming together to celebrate an unambiguous commitment to the one thing that unites us all -- the planet.

But then again you can go beyond the hour to show how you care for our only home in the vast space called the universe.

Earth Hour 2012 happens on March 31st, Saturday, at exactly 8:30 PM.

Show how you care by switching off your lights for one hour, then go beyond the hour.

For more television, movie, and music updates, like/follow The Ultimate Fan on Facebook and Twitter.

Even fireworks come in groups

After the Lucy Hale meet and greet at SMX last Saturday, I headed to the Seaside Blvd. of MoA cuz I was supposed to meet my friend Jonget to watch the first Pyromusical this year with.

It was actually the first time I would be shooting fireworks with a DSLR and I haven't tinkered with the camera much so I expected fail shots early on.

I didn't buy tickets since the SMX event ended at 6-ish and I knew the sea wall area was already full. Aside from that, I was still waiting for my friend and it would be so hard to meet inside the ticketed areas. (It happened to me and my sister two years ago.)

I watched the show beside the shawarma stand near the Ferris wheel amidst the crowd that would like to watch the Pyromusical for free as well.

Anyway, the show ended without Jonget showing up. The last I ate was lunch, but I didn't want to eat alone so I went home with a grumbling stomach. I really find it hard to eat alone in public places on a crowded day. Sitting alone at a table amidst groups of people in a crowded resto makes me feel more alone. LoL! Not that I have a problem with being alone. I just find it awkward.

Jonget texted sometime later telling me he's already on his way to MoA. I texted him back that I was already on my way home.

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Lucy Hale Loves Bench

Lucy Hale, star of the television series Pretty Little Liars, was at the SMX yesterday courtesy of Bench.

She's the newest endorser of the top local brand. She's cute, bubbly, almost talkative. Fans knew she could sing and was asked if she'd be releasing at least a single soon. She said there are plans, but refused to sing a line or two when the audience shouted "Sample!"

She's so accommodating, even kind, and has no superstar attitude (at least from what we saw on the stage).

She signed the shirts of the Facebook winners, had photo ops with the Twitter winners, signed autographs, and answered questions from the press and bloggers.

Tim Yap hosted the event which started at 5 PM (instead of the announced 4 PM). And because I haven't been to an event like this that started on time, I arrived at 4:30 PM. :D

But before Lucy Hale went to the stage, the audience was treated to a mini-fashion show. Pretty female and male models paraded in front of the audience.

Lance Howard, who was on television lately for being the boyfriend of PBB evictee Wendy Tabusalla, also walked the ramp.

On my way out after the event, I saw the most-good-looking-male-model-at-the-event sitting idly in one corner. Asked him for a photo and he was so kind.

Ben Chan himself was also there. He sat with Lucy Torres-Gomez and her daughter Juliana who was with another kid.

It was a fun Saturday, especially that the first of the four pyromusical Saturdays at MOA's Seaside Blvd. happened right after the Bench event.

I was supposed to meet with my friend Jong for the pyromusical but something happened he wasn't able to get there. I ended up watching alone in the middle of the crowd. :(

The Valiente Bloggers Event

I was at Pepeton's Grill yesterday for the Valiente Bloggers Event.

It seemed like ages when I last went to that part of Quezon City. It made me nostalgic of the time when I was still writing novels, traveling two long hours via ordinary bus with a printed out 120-page manuscript inside my bag, holding it like a newborn child.

I went with Jun. The invite said 2 PM. We arrived at 2:30 PM. The event started around 3:30 PM.

We left exactly 5 PM and Jun was a little nervous because he still had a presentation to make at 5:30 PM. From Mother Ignacia, he had to travel all the way to McKinley where his office was.

I actually don't know what happened because we still haven't talked since after the event. LoL!

They gave out these cute Valentine cups as a token for attending the event. V daw kasi could mean either Valiente or Valentine's.

The above photo was taken by Jun. He's supposed to be my videographer but I kinda knew he would get the DSLR from me once he saw it. So I ended up taking videos.

BTW, Valiente is a remake of the 90s afternoon soap and will be shown on TV5 starting Monday, Feb. 13th. It stars JC De Vera, Oyo Sotto, Nadine Samonte and Niña Jose among others.

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The Best of Anime 2011

The Best of Anime is an annual event for anime fan. After its successful debut last year, it is now one of the much-awaited anime event in the country.

The Best of Anime 2011 happens on September 17-18, 2011 at Function Rooms 4 and 5 on the 3rd level of SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

This event is organized by Primetrade Asia in association with the Manila International Book Fair.

For more info on this event, like The Best of Anime on Facebook.

Likewise, you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Play Big – Up-size Your Game This Summer

How would you like to play NBA 2K11 on a 100 square meter screen? Creativeworx Inc. will kick up the heat this summer by bringing PLAY BIG – a one-of-a-kind event where virtual athletes and fighters can have a larger than life gaming experience on May 20, 21 and 22, 2011.

The CCP LED board, which measures 100 square meters, will be the screen for participants as they play NBA 2K11 using PS3 as their console. This is the first time in the Philippines that a screen this huge will be used for a gaming event.

The press release:

Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, and Derrick Rose… on a 100 square meter screen!

Yes, we’re kicking up the heat by bringing you PLAY BIG, a one-of-a-kind event where virtual athletes can have a larger than life gaming experience.

Convert those NBA semifinals woes and joys into your very own epic tournament by playing NBA 2K11 on the giant LED board beside CCP. Show off your skills, wow the crowd, and get a chance to win Php10,000 plus your very own PS3 console!

To register, simply log on to www.facebook.com/playbigscreen2k11, LIKE it, and follow the steps on our wall or call us up at 5325400 loc 108. Registration ends on May 18, 2011 (Wednesday). LIMITED SLOTS left!

Be there on the first event day, May 20, and witness our physically challenged friends play basketball! Is that awesome or what?

So what are you waiting for? Up-size your game this summer! Grab a friend and join PLAY BIG today!

This event is brought to you by Creativeworx Inc. in cooperation with Infinite Grafix and Outdoor Advertising Inc.

Alay Lakad 2011

The Alay Lakad from Ortigas to Antipolo Cathedral is a yearly thing for many. It wasn't my kind of thing before, finding it silly and nonsensical. It was a form of repentance as well as sacrifice to commemorate the suffering of Christ. But I knew only the minority of those who do have the true intentions.

I knew it's better to just go to church or read the Bible and ask for forgiveness of your sins through sincere prayers, than to show the world you're doing a pilgrimage just for the purpose of showing off.

I must admit I did the Alay Lakad last year just for the fun of it, but halfway through the walk, I realized sore feet and aching leg muscles make you more in touch with what Jesus Christ had to go through to save us. Not that we had to go through the same physical pain like those who choose to be nailed to the cross, but a little bit of pain makes your faith stronger (at least in my own experience).

We were still in Antipolo last year when I made the vow to do it again this year, and the years to follow as long as my feet and legs could still carry me. The people who joined me last year even promised that we'd do the Alay Lakad together. But something happened that I ended up cramming the last minute to invite people to go with me. And thank you to these people for joining me this year:

It was a small group, but I love small groups better than big unruly ones. And besides, it's easier to move from one place to another when you're not that many.

We arrived at the Antipolo Cathedral 1 AM, but since the church was still closed, we spent the night at Via Dolorosa. The toll of walking got to us the minute we laid our backs on the sapin na sako we bought for 10 pesos each.

We woke up quite late so we reached Antipolo Cathedral around 7 AM, which was a good thing because the campers in front of the church were already gone. After saying a quick prayer, I decided to bring my group to the Mystical Cave which was a few kilometers away from the church.

None of them have been there yet so I figured it would be fun.

We had to climb these steps in order to get to the opening of the cave, which was in the middle of the hill. I heard it's seven storeys down but people only go to the main cave.

We climbed the hilltop first. There are three crosses there where people, well, take pictures. I bet they used to pray up there but we didn't see anyone who did. Aside from the scorching heat of the sun that morning, there's really no  place to kneel and pray. It's all rough stones and blaring sun.

After the hilltop, we entered the cold sanctuary of the Mystical Cave. It's supposed to have stalactites and stalagmites forming religious figures but honestly, I find it not as convincing. And besides, we found a part of the cave manually altered. I just forgot to take some pics cuz it's at that part where you have to duck/crawl in order to get to the other side.

No offense, though, to those who believe. But really...

And I'm not sure but the below photo is supposed to be like the Holy Family or something.

So you can get a guide to show you around and explain what certain formations are, but there's no fixed guide fee. "Bahala na po kayo." And I really shy away from those kinds of arrangements. I just know I'd end up paying more than the normal.

How to get to Inday Nelly Deles Mystical Cave (our way)

- walk from SM Megamall to Antipolo Cathedral :)
- from the church gates, hire a tricycle to take you to the Mystical Cave (P150.00 as of Lent 2011)

Pulp Tickets

Went out tonight to buy tickets for the Pulp Summer Slam happening this Saturday, April 30, 2011.

Quite excited. I'm going with my friend Bryan and my niece and her fiancé. But no, I wasn't the one who payed for all four. I'm not that kind :D

I promise to be extra careful this time. I lost a cellphone at last year's Pulp and I don't wanna lose anything this year.

E-Games' Domination V

I was at the e-Games Domination V last April 2. I arrived at SMX around 4:00 PM while the Shure Band was performing. The band was the 2nd place winner of the battle of the bands during the R2D5 NCR leg.

The event was hosted by Eri Neeman and two other girls I didn't get the names of.

SMX was packed but I think there were more attendees last year. Well, correct me if I'm wrong but I could barely roam around last year. Or was it just the floor plan this year that made it seem more maluwang?

There were computers for free play but the line was oh-so-long. I just busied myself with watching Ran Online's "Flip Top" challenge in the game's booth. The last two standing battled it out on the main stage.

The judge was no less than Gloc9, who confessed that he doesn't freestyle himself. He just chose the one with better construction and rhyming. The one in black, named Gabby(?), won the battle, while the one in red, I guess, will be dubbed "Yo!" after that.

Audition Dance Battle also had a dancing event. Just like in Ran Online's, teams of three dancers were screened at the Audition booth and the last two remaining groups battled it out on the main stage. And one group was so obviously better than the other.

Of course Team 1 (the all-male team) won.

Highlight of the event was the cosplay competition. I had two favorites:

Unfortunately, none of these two won.

Open category was won by Rolando Logronio, a familiar name in cosplay, as Hades and Eli Chan(?) as a nymph from some anime.

E-Games category, on the other hand, had Christian Umali in the second place and Zyka Managad (?) in the first place. Zyka cosplayed a character from Granado Espada.