My Boarding Pass to Planet Mars

NASA's newest spacecraft, Orion, will be launching into space for the first time in December 2014, on a flight that will take it farther than any spacecraft built to carry humans has gone in more than 40 years and through temperatures twice as hot as molten lava to put its critical systems to the test.

My Caliraya Adventure (Day 1)

I was invited by a marketing executive of a leading pipe maker Atlanta Industries Inc., owner of Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort, to attend a bloggers' event courtesy of the resort. As part of the resort's marketing campaign, the objective of the event was to increase awareness about Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort using the Internet as a medium of information dissemination. The former name of the resort is Caliraya Springs Golf & Marina Resort Complex, now the resort owner would like to repackage the resort brand into making it more sporty and adventurous. The resort would like to expand their customer base by targeting groups of individuals and corporate clients, positioning the resort as a perfect place to conduct their team-building activities.

The event I was attending to is actually the third of a series of bloggers' events. Of course, as part of my due diligence, I made some online researches to arm myself with some basic knowledge about the resort before going there. I just saw a couple of blogs and browse the resort's website. I was just wondering at that juncture that if the event was already on its third batch how come there is not much online hype about the resort. Uh-ohh, maybe the bloggers ahead of us have not yet posted their write-ups, I just assumed.  

Accessibility    

Caliraya Lake is situated in the towns of Lumban, Cavinti, and Kalayaan in Laguna. Its tranquil blue waters and the cold mountain breeze that blows from the Sierra Madre mountain and Mount Banahaw make Caliraya Lake a perfect place to relax away from the bustling metropolis. 

Caliraya could be reach by public or private transport. But, as always, whenever I would like to write a blog about an out-of-town place, I would always choose to commute going there. Because first in my agenda is the place's accessibility. So, I took public transport when I went to Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort in Cavinti, Laguna on September 27 to attend the overnight bloggers' event. Actually, it was originally scheduled on September 21, but due to Typhoon Mario, it was moved to another week.   

A rule of thumb when travelling sans a private vehicle is to "travel lightly". So, I and my companion didn't bring too much clothes and unnecessary stuffs with us. The write-up is meant for a blog, anyway; hence, instead of bringing a DSLR camera, I just brought my mobile phone and iPad mini with me. Their five-megapixel graphic resolution is hi-res enough for publication online. I didn't bring any jewelries as well just my water resistant Mossimo with red straps. I didn't bring maong pants as well for they are heavy in the bag. Just a couple of light fabric walking shorts, a pair of ultra-lightweight Voit sneakers, a denim jacket as insulation for cold temperature, a pair of rubber slippers, and my Eastpak travelling bag.      

Going back, there are several ways to reach Caliraya. But since I'd be coming from Manila, this was the route I've taken: I rode a Greenstar Liner bus in Buendia Avenue, Pasay City, going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna via South Luzon Expressway. The bus fare was Php140. Travel time was approximately two hours from the Buendia terminal going to Sta. Cruz.  

I got off the bus a few meters away from its Sta. Cruz terminal. There I asked some folks about going to Caliraya. The most convenient way, I was told, was to ride a tricycle, but the fare is Php300. I thought it was a rip-off; thus, I opted to take the other option--two jeepney rides. One was taking me to the terminal where all the trips were going to Caliraya. The fare was just the minimum Php8.50. At the terminal, I have to ride another jeepney that would take me to my destination. There were several other jeepneys plying to Caliraya, but I was told to take the one with the Caliraya (Lumot) signage, not Caliraya (Junction). I paid Php28 for the ride. I told the driver to inform me when we arrived at Caliraya. Travel time was about an hour.  

I didn't get bored during the trip because I enjoyed watching the rural scenery--seeing cows and carabaos, "bahay-kubo", mountain ranges, tall trees and vast greenery, among others--as the jeepney drove uphill.     

At long last, the driver told me to alight for it's already CRC, the term they've used to call Caliraya, which actually means Caliraya Resorts Club. but when I called up the event organizer to inform him about my presence in the vicinity, I was told that it wasn't the right place for I was in their competitor's lair. I was told that Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort was far ahead and would take about a 20-minute ride. Oh, well! The trip was getting more exciting, I psyched myself. The trip alone was already an adventure on its own. 

As I talked to some folks there, I've learned that whenever one mentions Caliraya to jeepney drivers they would assume that one would be going to CRC. But in my case, I should have told them "golf course". So, lessons learned. "Caliraya" is for CRC or Caliraya Resorts Club; "golf course" is the local name recall for Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort.

After a quick rest with matching merienda at the CRC canteen, I looked for any public transport that would drive me there at my destination. I was worried that time for I was late by almost three hours. Suddenly, there was a tricycle and the trike driver was offering to bring me to Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort in the resort's clubhouse for a fare of Php300. Whoa! That's truly a rip-off. The fare of the trike driver in Sta. cruz was actually a bargain! So, I haggled and the fare went down to Php200 but it would be just at the gate of Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort.    

But, wait, how about this old trike driver, whom my companion was dealing with, who was willing to take us to the gate of Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort for only Php80. Okay, that's reasonable, so I turned down the younger trike driver. As we are about to close the deal with the old trike driver, suddenly, a jeepney was fast approaching. It stopped right there on where we stood to allow some passengers to get off. Without wasting any time, we hurriedly boarded the jeepney. The fare was only Php8.50 from CRC to the "golf course".  

Arrival 

After an hour, we finally reached our true destination. There I saw a billboard at the center island showcasing the water sports and adventure one could experience in Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort. Then, on the left side, there is a "Caliraya Springs" engraving. "So, this is it!", I exclaimed.

I immediately called the event organizer and he dispatched a van to fetch me and my companion. The sight of a sprawling landscape and rolling hills and the smell of weeds and grasses have brought a calming effects to my numb legs and asses. 

The Hyundai van carried us to the Marina or activity center of the resort. There I saw the majestic appeal of the serene waters snaking through the lake and the bluish water in the infinity pool. I took some snapshots of the mountain ranges and the vast landscape. After all, our "adventurous" rides were all worth the while.

We were given a bottled water each as our welcome drinks, but it would be more refreshing, I told myself, if we were offered the Basil with Tarragon in Lime Tea--the chosen welcome drink for that day as stated in the event's itinerary. It is customary for me to taste cuisines and drinks native or special to the place I visited. 

After a brief talk with the event organizer, I was led to my Amihan Villa by a member of the resort staff. The villa is on the other side of the lake, so we crossed a zigzag wooden bridge. While crossing the bridge, I saw some white ducks wading in the waters, a couple quietly paddling their kayak, and the sun beginning to fade.  

The villas are actually "bahay-kubo" or nipa huts. These spacious villas can each accommodate up to eight persons. they have no windows, just doors made of strong fabric and a see-through curtain. But what is interesting is the pillars that support the bamboo structure for they are made of PVC pipes. "How innovative," I wondered. The resort owner Atlanta Industries Inc. has incorporated their products in the design of the villas.

The villas are all lined up along the lake shore where the obstacle course is also set up. On the back of the villas is a phalanx of trees and mountain ranges, serving as natural fences.

Since I was late, I wasn't able to join any activities lined up for that day. I just to a short nap. Then, we were called to gather in the clubhouse for our dinner. The van took us, bloggers, to the site.  

We proceeded to the View Deck. I've seen some more event participants there, but there were no familiar faces. No introduction was made by the event organizer to introduce one another for familiarity sake. A moment of silence, and finally, dinner was served: yang chow fried rice, hainanese chicken, inihaw na dory, chop suey, and the special Caliraya Spring bulalo were the main course. The dessert was pandan salad. The food was great!

Nightcap

After dinner, I was toured in the clubhouse by the marketing executive who invited me to the event. He showed me the entertainment facilities (billiards and videoke rooms), accommodation (hotel rooms), locker rooms (made of wood), and the sauna and massage area. I heard him offering me to try the spa and have a relaxing massage, but when I was about to nod he immediately turned about by saying there was already a group going to use it. Oh, well. Such would supposedly serve as a perfect compliment for a tired body. I just took a sigh.    

After taking some snapshots of the place, we went back the Marina. We gathered there to have a bonfire activity. Then, we headed back to our respective villas. We would start our activities at 7:00am tomorrow, so we better have an early good night sleep. 

At the Amihan Villa, I took a half bath, brushed my teeth, and put on Off Lotion to my arms and legs (to repel insects and mosquitoes). I drank the bottled water given to me earlier as my welcome drink bottoms up to cap the night.    

  

The cool breeze that kept wafting through my hair while I was lying on one of the mattresses made me feel sleepy. Suddenly, my eyes closed gradually 'til I went into a deep slumber. The chirping of nocturnal birds and rustling of leaves served as my sweet lullaby. Surely, I would feel rejuvenated the moment I wake up. The fresh air, cool temperature, and serene atmosphere made me feel like sleeping in a hotel suite with acoustic walls cooled by a 2-hp air-conditioner. But the only thing is, when I'm "lucky", I will end up snuggling some creepy crawlers. Because I saw earlier before going to sleep two fireflies, a moth, a giant bug, and three big ants roaming about on the villa's bamboo floors and mattresses. I just shooed them away before turning off the lights. And that's the wonder of nature within reach at Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort.

Watch out for the next blog, My Caliraya Adventure (Day 2), to be posted soon.

Sunday's One-Two Punch

At last, I finally had a good time to relax and enjoy my weekend after taking up a month-long review for a series of exams (i.e., Series 7 and 63). And what a pleasant Sunday to start the week!

First, our very own Pambansang Kamao Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao had won a title bout over the British boxing pride Ricky “Hitman” Hatton via a knock out on the second round. I've just watched the fight on television as I've ran out of tickets to view the fight on some theaters or sporting venues which would telecast it on real-time mode. Nonetheless, I still had a really good time watching the ring duel while munching peanuts and popcorn.

However, I just find it too short for a classic match. Although, I had a hunch that the Pacman would win the bout, but I never thought that it would be that fast and easy. Well, it only shows that Pacquiao's victory over Oscar Dela Hoya is no fluke!

With that very impressive win, no doubt that our Manny is the best pound-for-pound boxer in this era. In fact, boxing promoter Bob Arum had said in one of his interviews that he thinks that the Pacman is the greatest fighter of all time.

Thus, I am rarin' to see the match between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which may be staged this coming October as per some ring insiders.

Right after watching Manny Pacquiao in action, I proceeded to the PICC Plenary Hall to attend the coronation night of the Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2009 (thanks to Emilou of Slimmers World for the tickets).

The girls were all stunning in their swimsuits and evening gowns. And all of my bets had won an award.

The lovely Contestant No. 17, Kim De Guzman, had bagged the title of Miss Bikini Philippines World and the top prize worth around Php2-million, and the right to represent the Philippines in the Miss Bikini World contest which will be held in Europe. My other bet, Contestant No. 1 Kimberly Brandon, a tall and gorgeous mestiza, had won the Miss Bikini International and the right to represent the country in the Miss Bikini International to be held in China this coming October.

On the other hand, black beauty Contestant No. 8 Mariella Castillo won the 1st Runner-Up, while the 2nd Runner-Up went to Contestant No. 20 Jocel Kusain.

The event was hosted by Paolo Bediones with guest singer Richard Poon, serenading the lovely candidates during the latter part of the show prior to the question-and-answer portion. Much like the Pacquiao-Hatton fight where several celebrities were spotted in like Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson, sultry singer Miriah Carey, local showbiz couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, ex-Ilocos Sur governor Chaviy Singson, etc., there were also guest celebrities posing as judges in the bikini pageant. They were former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, dramatic actress Eula Valdes, showbiz talkshow host Butch Francisco, and showbiz columnist Ricky Lo.

Miss Bikini Philippines 2008 titleholder Elena Lopena, on the other hand, graced the awards night for the turn-over ceremony. Likewise, Slimmers World bigwigs like Joseph Roy, Maureen Roy, Helen Camacho, Angeli Chua, to name a few, were in attendance to provide full support to their big event.

By the way, you may watch for the TV telecast of Miss Bikini Philippines 2009 on May 9 at around 10:30 p.m. at Channel 23.

Soothing experience at Canyon Cove

I'm sharing with you some snapshots of my visit to Canyon Cove. Please refer to the photo gallery below.

This exclusive beach resort is located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The place is like the ones you see in Europe, according to one frequent European traveler. In addition, one Fil-American guest even said that the resort is even more beautiful than the beach resorts in Guam. No wonder, the swim wear segment of the recent Miss Earth beauty pageant was held at Canyon Cove.

Indeed, the place is really nice. The tropical atmosphere and the views are magnificent. You will feel a soothing experience as the cool wind wafts through your hair while watching the sunset under the shade of palm fronds or simply viewing the vastness of the sea with wavelines responding in azure caress of white crescent shore.

Those who have stayed overnight at Canyon Cove waxed rhapsodic about how the evening became a virtual invitation to romance as a crisp, nippy air circling about the place.

Moreso, its amenities are great! You have choices of accommodation, whether to stay in the condotel suite or apartment unit. The foods that are being served have a wider variety from native to oriental and western dishes. The water recreation facilities are almost complete. Aside from the big swimming pool, there are these water sports equipment like the banana boats, motorized bancas, water bicycles and jet skis, which you can ride for a minimal fee. Likewise, scuba diving and snorkeling activities are being offered.

Visiting Canyon Cove is worth the while, and I'm raring to go there again this coming summer.

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Topping-off of Ridgewood Tower 1

Last Saturday (Dec. 20), I was in C-5 Road in Taguig to attend the topping-off ceremony of the Tower 1 of Ridgewood Towers. The condominium project, as per the head of marketing, is the lowest priced top notch condominium in The Fort Global City. In fact, it is lower by 35% to 50% than the neighboring residential establishments.

So what do you think? Is this a bargain or a rip-off?

The price is so affordable for a prime condominium that is strategically located in a high-growth business area.

Going back to the topping-off ceremony, actually, the event was just a repeat performance. It was intended for the sales and marketing people and their buyers / clients to witness the unfolding development that is happening in the project.

The ceremony proper started at about 10:30am, which was led by the president of the marketing subsidiary. The event was attended by top brokers and agents in the real estate industry, together with some clients. A very short program was held, followed by a brief discussion on the project.

By the way, original topping-off ceremony, was held on Dec. 10, wherein top honchos of the parent company, affiliate developer and marketing subsidiary were in attendance.

Two straight guys trapped in a gay-lesbian affair

Last week, I asked a friend, my high school buddy, to go with me to attend a launching of a new publication, Ketchup Magazine, on Dec. 18. I thought it was another sexy magazine for men because the image in the invitation depicts two seductive women in their lingerie. (By the way, thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Yu for the invites.)

In a nutshell, we went to the event which was held at The Library in Malate, Manila. We arrived at around 9:00pm. The front desk staff advised us that the main show had just finished. Nevertheless, we proceeded inside the venue. But we were surprised to learn that we were actually attending a gay-lesbian affair. Ketchup Magazine is a publication designed for the third sex – homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders. And we've seen a lot of them roaming about and socializing with one another inside the venue hall.

Now, we suddenly became conscious and paranoid that we felt like being regarded as one of them.

After taking some pictures of the models still on-stage for the photo-ops, we hurriedly left the hall and proceeded to the buffet area. Although, the usual guest accommodation and hospitality accorded to us by the events staff made us a bit comfortable; however, it somehow made us all the more feel uneasy. What if someone out there who knew us, saw us in the event and made a big fuss out of it?

To relinquish our dire situation, we just went with the flow of events so as not to be out-of-place. We happily conversed with some of the models and staff. I also took snapshots every now and then while I and my buddy enjoyed our flavored vodka and sumptuous hors d' oeuvres.

By the way, I'm blogging this new experience to make the record straight. :)

XX-Mas Parties

If there is such a thing as “gross redundancy”, then this one would be very much qualified.

Imagine, this is my first time to attend a Christmas party held in two distant venues. Likewise, this is my first time to attend two separately-dated Christmas parties held by virtually one organization, and held on the same venue.

Got confused? Well, here are the details.

• Last Dec. 5 and 6, the parent company of our subsidiary firm hosted a Christmas party. The first night was held at the exclusive Canyon Woods in Metro Tagaytay, then the extended party (the following day) was held at the Canyon Cove, a private beach resort in Nasugbu, Batangas.

• On Dec. 17 and 18, the subsidiary firm hosted a Christmas party at the Canyon Cove. The big boss of the parent company, who is also the big boss of the subsidiary firm, was also in attendance.

Based from the information above, here are the double-double incidents:

• Two Christmas parties held by one organization (i.e., holding firm G2 Global).
• Two Christmas parties held on a common location (i.e., Canyon Cove).
• Two separately-dated two-day events (Dec. 5-6 & Dec. 17-18).
• Two venues with both names start with “Canyon” (Canyon Woods & Canyon Cove).
• Two related companies – parent firm and its marketing subsidiary.

Nonetheless, I'm still thankful to the organization and never mind if it's redundant. It's free, anyway.

Glimpses of Canyon Woods

Want to live in an exclusive community where you can be neighbor with big time politician, movie star, or successful entrepreneur? If yes, then you better get a piece of the Canyon Woods pie before stocks run out.

The resort projects, like condominiums, condotels, apartments, maisonettes, townhomes, and residential lots, are selling like pancakes to high net worth individuals.

The mini-mansion on your left is the vacation house of ex-Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson. See the photo gallery below for more breath-taking views.

The relaxing view of the place is indeed a perfect weekend respite to a tiresome professional, busy executive, longing OFW, and health-conscious retiree. Furthermore, the Canyon Woods Residential Resort is boasted of the cool and breath-taking view of the mountain and lake of Taal. Its lush greenery, rolling terrains and country chalet-style houses truly delight the senses. Furthermore, it is affiliated with Interval International, the most prestigious vacation exchange network company in the world.

Cruising nights at Dutdutan '08

For an exclusive two-day affair (from mid-morning 'til dawn), Dutdutan '08 & Cruzin' Nyts have brought once again the best local arts on skin and on wheels. The much-awaited tattoo expo and car show event in the Philippines was held at the spacious A. Venue Hall located in the upscale district of Makati City on Sept. 19 and 20, 2008.

Highlighting the event were a tattoo competition showcasing the works of some prominent local tattoo artists, and an auto design competition brandishing some of the country's best custom cars. Live band performances from today's hottest rock bands and a bikini pageant had provided more spice to those who attended this one-of-a-kind urban lifestyle experience.

At this period of evolution from underground to mainstream, Philippine tattoo artists and custom car makers have shown vast improvements in their respective crafts. Their artworks can compete internationally.

The 2008 Real Hottest Uno Girls Party does not reach boiling point

A leading men's magazine in the Philippines, Uno Magazine, held the celebration of its annual event yesterday at the cozy A. Venue Hall in the bustling Makati City. The event is meant to give recognition to Uno's 10 hottest girls as determined by online poll votes.

The crowd is pre-dominantly male, as expected, which consisted mainly of yuppies and other urban professionals, with a good number of metro sexuals. Hence, testosterone level is very high, waiting for some sparks from the show.

However, the supposedly "hottest party" in town was not hot enough after all. It didn't even reach 100°C. In fact, my expectation is that it would reach 111°C as emblazoned on my shirt.

For one, hottest girl numero uno Anne Curtis didn't showed up to flaunt her demigod beauty. The showbiz "dyosa" just addressed her fans via a VTR, which seemed not acceptable as there were sighs and boo-boos heard from the crowd.

Another one is that the waiting period from gate open to show proper is quite longer. The event's main menu lasted for just an hour, while those who trooped to the party hall waited standing for about two hours.

Lastly, the girls didn't show much skin. The crowd were expecting the models to take off their sexy outfits and show off their skimpy swimsuits, see-through lingerie and colorful tee-backs; but, the girls didn't took an extra mile. But I like their pole gyration, it's sexy and provocative.

Overall, the "hottest party" turned out to be just a "teaser party". The models' poses and outfits in the magazine were a lot hotter than their live performances. So, buy Uno's next issue to see the difference.

The Philippine International Motor Show goes greener on its second show

Of course, we are all aware that the “green” traffic signal means “go” and it's time for vehicles to move forward. But the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) does not only move forward, but it leaped forward on its second staging of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

The four-day event, which was concluded yesterday (Aug. 24), was again held at the spacious World Trade Center Manila in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. The theme, “Drive the Future: Towards Safer and Cleaner Motoring”, is more focused on the “green technology” in an effort to step up the drive against global warming.

CAMPI was able to bring under one roof about 15 global auto brands, together with numerous leading local and imported brands in affiliate and support industries. Furthermore, the event yielded more than 100 vehicles on display, with several environment-friendly cars became the center of attraction. As per estimates, this year's event has broken the 60,000-visitor benchmark that was set last year.

With that figures, we can say that the event is not just another motor show, but rather it is a show of strength by the local auto industry. Amidst soaring fuel prices and runaway inflation, the Philippine auto industry continues to experience double-digit growth, with total unit sales rising to 14.2% from previous year level. Hence, auto makers remain optimistic.

**See related blogs:

○ Philippine auto makers shifting to higher gear

Glitches in the Miss Real Estate Philippines 2008

The Philippine Real Estate Festival, touted to be the biggest and grandest real estate event in the Philippines, has just concluded its affairs last Saturday, July 26. The three-day event was held at the SMX Convention Center located inside the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

Overall, the event was a big success. It was spearheaded by Ms. Rose C. Basa, Chairperson and President of Core Spaces International. (Congratulations and thanks for the invite.)

One of the highlights of the event was the staging of the Miss Real Estate Philippines pageant. It's a good experience to witness the “next prestigious beauty pageant “ of the land. The pageant is only on its second run, yet the industry acceptance is overwhelming with prominent and big real estate developers with the likes of Ayala Land, Mega World, Eton Properties, SM Investment, et al. have joined the fray, fielding their own gorgeous and stunning candidates. Likewise, the panel of judges were composed of bigwigs, socialites and VIPs.

From an audience perspective, the show ran smoothly and it's perfect! However, from someone who has an inside crack, it's not. Like any other shows, it also has its own lapses and petty troubles.

First glitch I've noticed was when the judges were introduced one by one, not all of them were mentioned – about two of them, which prompted the host, as instructed by the event organizer, to announce another set of “new” judges after an intermission number. The new batch composed of the two original judges not mentioned in the “initial” roll call, together with the event chairperson and an event director. (Organizers as judges... hhmmm, that's for the record.)

Second glitch happened during the evening gown parade. When host Ariel Ureta announced the name of the first candidate who will enter the stage, no one came out. The music background has long been ended and still no show from the candidate. There might be a miscommunication transpired backstage. Hence, the host jokingly quipped when the candidate finally stepped on the stage that it was a “dramatic entrance”.

Then, the last glitch transpired during the awarding of special awards. The Miss PLDT award went to the “wrong” person, which prompted the event director to scold a show coordinator for not giving the award to the sponsor's bet. Hence, moments later, host Ariel Ureta blurted out “surprise!”, then he mentioned the awarding of another Miss PLDT award with a segue way: “Di ako halata ha (laughs)”. As a result, there were two Miss PLDT awardees. (So, whoever said that business, politics and media don't mix?)

Anyways, since the show started an hour-and-a-half late from its official start time (which is just normal), it's already an hour before midnight and it's not yet finished. Since, I still have some errands to do, I decided not to wait for the announcement of winners. Thus, I could not tell you who won the coveted Miss Real Estate Philippines.

Nonetheless, I have with me some snap shots taken during the show. Just pick your bet and you be the judge!

Take a peek at FHM Victory Party 2008

FHM Victory Party is an annual event in honor and celebration of the 100 Sexiest Women who are chosen via online polls by the public. Yesterday's celebration was held at the World Trade Center Manila located at Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The coveted top spot or the sexiest of them all went to our local Marimar now Dyesebel, Marian Rivera, besting earlier favorites like Katrina Halili, Christine Reyes and Angel Locsin.

Here's her video clip. Watch her as she strut her wares on the catwalk with her signature Marimar dance moves.

Want some more? Here, enjoy a gallery of snap shots taken during the event.

Whew! The place is pretty hot for an average cool Joe. The show provides a good R&R for business people and yuppies alike who are always on the go. Not recommended, though, for those who are suffering from heart ailments and high blood pressure.

**See related blogs:

http://kalambacal.blogspot.com/2008/07/mastervillas-fhm-promo-mess.html

MasterVilla FHM promo's a mess!

A friend came to me to share his disappointing experience regarding the MasterVilla's FHM promo. MasterVilla is the current advertising vehicle use to promote Master products of Sara Lee. Refer to a copy of the brochure (back portion) attached below, which outlines MasterVilla's promo mechanics.

Promo Mechanic No. 5 reads:

Owners of the MasterVilla T-shirt are encouraged to attend the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World Event on July 17, 2008 at the World Trade Center where the raffle winners will be drawn

Promo Mechanic No. 6 reads:

At the FHM event, they must wear the MasterVilla shirt and proceed to the Master Booth to register and win Master giftpacks.

Very enticing marketing gimmick, indeed. I'm sure a lot of guys have availed of the promo and Sara Lee must have been counting their profits from it.

But my friend thinks the MasterVilla promo is a hoaxed! Let me share to you his story why he said so.

Yesterday, July 17, my friend went to the World Trade Center Manila to attend the FHM event, hoping to be among the first 100 persons wearing MasterVilla shirt who would gain free access. (Hhmm. I sense some thing wrong here. Promo Mechanic No. 5 does not mention of any such "first 100 persons" provision. To my understanding, as long as you own a MasterVilla shirt, you can attend the FHM event courtesy of Master.)

My friend arrived very early to the venue. The models were still rehearsing then. So, my friend was so sure at that time that he made it into the "first 100 persons".

After taking some snap shots of the models, since he brought his DSLR camera with him, he now proceeded to the MasterVilla booth. He talked to a chubby gay there and inquired about his free access. But he seemed not aware of the promo, so the chubby gay endorsed my friend to the person in charge of the booth who is also a gay but with a mustache.

When my friend now asked the gay with a mustache about how to claim his free access, he was shocked when he was told that the promo only pertains to the raffle. That they'll be picking 100 lucky persons who will win Master gift packs and the prizes at stake (refer to Promo Mechanic No. 7). In short, there is no such promo of a free access to the FHM event!

But my friend explained to the gay with a mustache that he was told by a their promo girl in SM mall where he bought his Master products about the FHM promo, and that's why he learned that only the first 100 persons would be given a privileged access by Master.

But instead of apologizing to my friend for the "misinformation" given by their promo girl, this gay with a mustache allegedly gave him a shabby treatment.

"That S-O-B gay didn't even bother to check my claim to their head office", said my friend.

Unfortunately, at that time, my friend wasn't able to bring with him the MasterVilla brochure. He only brought the shirt and the raffle coupon. Thus, he had no basis whatsoever to prove his claim.

But knowing my friend, he never gives up easily. He told me how he approached a couple of FHM event organizers just to acquire, or even buy, a ticket to the event; however, his efforts turned out futile due to the organizers' strict stance.

So, he went home very, very disappointed. He felt cheated. He felt duped. His day was ruined!

By the way, I and my friend had an agreement beforehand to meet up in the FHM event, since I'll be going to the said event too. The show has already started and no shadow of him still in the venue. I was wondering then why he hasn't showed up yet in our meeting place. But now I know the reason why.

Tsk. Tsk. In a way, I feel disappointed too, not to my friend, but to the MasterVilla promo for not keeping up to its promises. There's a lack of coordination between the event organizer and the marketing staff of Master.

Anyways, let bygone be bygone. Here's to you my friend to cheer you up. Watch this video clip and I hope you would have a nice day after viewing this. :)

POST-SCRIPT:

I just got an info this morning from a reliable source that those who arrived to the venue wearing MasterVilla shirts were allowed free entry. But it was after the FHM staff manning the entrance made some confirmations with Master staff in the events. At first, the FHM staff wasn't aware of any such promo set-up, thus those guys wearing MasterVilla shirt, were denied entry. Luckily, one of the guys brought with him a MasterVilla brochure which became their basis to prove their claims.

I texted my friend awhile ago about this, and it kinda pissed him off all the more. He called me up, cursing Sara Lee, telling me he swear he won't patronize Sara Lee products anymore, and that he will throw all his Master stuffs into the garbage bin.

My sympathy is on you my friend. But I will not condemn the whole Sara Lee, but I promise you I won't anymore buy Master products. Afterall, I'm beginning to like Blue Soda's Deep Ocean hair gel. same quality strong-hold gel at an affordable price. Likewise, I'll switch back to my old favorite Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear as my facial cleanser. By the way, try these products, my friend, they're really good!

**See related blogs:

○ Take a peek at FHM Victory Party

NASA gathering one million names to be sent to the moon

Since May 1, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has invited the public to join the excitement of the first mission in its exploration program to return humans to the moon by 2020.

According to the NASA website, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), which is scheduled to launch on the last part of this year, will map the moon surface in extraordinary detail and help future human missions to the moon locate safe landing sites and vital resources on the moon.

I just sent my name this morning in support of the program, and got my electronic certificate of participation after a very short while. To join, click this link and submit your name as per instruction: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/main/index.html

The names will be placed on a microchip that will be installed on the LRO spacecraft and travel to the moon. The deadline for submitting names is June 27, 2008.

So, hurry! There are only few days left.

The first zoo in Asia is losing its grandeur

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, or simply known as the "Manila Zoo", had opened its doors to the public on July 25, 1959.

Being the first zoo to be built in Asia, the Manila Zoo already provides a legacy of world-class entertainment and education to generations of adults and children alike, whereby the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the animals.

Located on a 5.5-hectare land in Malate, Manila, the zoo consists of about 500 animals, composing of more than a hundred species with 30 variety of mammals, 63 reptiles, and 13 types of birds.

Last Easter Sunday, I went to visit the zoo for no apparent reason; but I guessed, it's more of boredom. During those times, I was craving for something new aside from going to malls.

After 26 long years, I found myself wandering about the zoo. And I was saddened by what I saw and discovered. This is not the same Manila Zoo that I've known when I was just a 10-year old kid. The place is somewhat a mess with too many vendors roaming around. A sight and smell of garbage can be sensed in every nook and cranny. Seeing the lone elephant is heart-breaking because elephants are family-oriented and they love having companions. And to add to my disappointment is the disappearance of a number of popular zoo fixtures. Imagine a zoo with no lions, giraffes, rhinoceroses, leopards, gorillas, kangaroos and chimpanzees? I'm pretty sure that your day in a zoo wouldn't be complete without catching a glimpse of these marvelous animals.

The Philippine government has to act fast and bring back the glory of the first zoo in Asia. Drastic measures must be taken to improve the place and the living conditions of the zoo's denizens. If there's a need for additional funding or privatizing the zoo, then do so by all means. Lives of the animals, and also plants, are at stake here! The more the situation worsens, the more we prolong the agony of these lovely creatures.