eSports Festival Cebu(eSFCebu) goes eSports Festival Manila(eSFManila) | Amazing PeSO

What is Philippine eSports Organization(PeSO) and who’s behind its success?

             Philippine eSports Organization(PeSO) is part of the huge world organization of eSports organizations called International eSports Federation(IeSF) which was founded by the Korean Government. The said federation aims to uplift eSports in the world and bring computer games to traditional sporting events such as the South East Asian Games, Asian Indoor Games and eventually the Olympics. International eSports Festival(IeSF) has over 70+ member nations in the world as of 2014.

             Philippine eSports Organization(PeSO) is founded by Brian Lim, an owner of numerous businesses in the country, and is operated together with one of the popular eSports icon here in the Philippines Irymarc “Tryke” Gutierrez.

Who is Alodia Gosiengfiao and what’s her role in eSports Festival Manila(eSFManila)?

             Alodia Gosiengfaio is an international cosplay icon and has been guesting and judging in different cosplay conventions around the world for the past few years. “She also has been featured in various magazines, newspaper and TV shows locally and abroad. She was named by UNO Magazine as one of the Most Influential Women in the Philippines and is the most popular cosplayer in the world according to THERichest.com.

             As a gamer herself, Alodia decided to come in and help organize eSports Festival Manila(eSFManila) to help and contribute the growth of the gaming and cosplay community.

             eSports Festival(eSF) for the past years have been a great success and well established by the organizers. eSports Festival Cebu(eSFCebu) is the most popular gaming event in Visayas and Mindanao which started back in 2012. It is the home of the national qualifiers of the IeSF World Championship. The winners of the annual event are sent to the eSports World Championship to represent the Philippines to compete against the best in the world.

• International eSports Festival Word Championship 2012: South Korea.
• International eSports Festival World Championship 2013: Bucharest, Romania.
• International eSports Festival World Championship 2014: Baku. Azerbaijan.
• International eSports Festival World Championship 2015: Seoul Korea.

             eSports Festival Cebu(eSFCebu) has set the standard for gaming events in the southern region and is currently the most anticipated event in the area. The organizers want to do the same in eSports Festival Manila(eSFManila). Alodia and Philippine eSports Organization(PeSO) aims to create a product that’s never been seen before here in the Philippines by bringing in gamers from different genres together from arcade, console, PC and even mobile games.

             Philippine eSports Organization(PeSO) and Alodia are well connected worldwide in terms of anime, cosplay, gaming and eSports, which mean the possibilities are endless for eSports Festival Manila(eSFManila).

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Japanese Summer Fiesta Bon Odori 2015 | Amazing Cebu

             Bon Odori or simply Bon Dance is a style of dancing performed during Obon. Originally a Nenbutsu folk dance to welcome the spirits of the dead, the style of celebration varies in many aspects from region to region. It’s a traditional summer festival in which Japanese honor their ancestors who have passed on, remember and appreciate all they have done for them, and celebrate their ongoing presence in the lives they enjoy today.

             I’d always wanted to check and experience Bon Odori personally even before the event was brought here in Cebu but there are so many things that hinder me on attending the first ever Bon Odori in Cebu last 2014. Who would not get excited attending an event having a purpose of deepening a friendship between Japan and Philippines, that would be just amazing for me. I’m so thankful that my new found friend Ivan invited me along with Kris, Donn and Dennis to go with them and enjoy Bon Odori 2015.

             But before giving you some details about this year’s Bon Odori, let me recap a little bit on what happened last year. Last August 8 and 9, 2014 Bon Odori 2014 was held at the Aboitiz Football Field having Japanese Culture Exchange Committee as the organizers. And more or less than 11,000 people participated the contest and double of that number were present and enjoying every activity. There were 110 Stalls occupying the field that showcased their products. The activities were Bon Odori Dance, Sinulog Dance, Portable Shrine, Yukata Contest, Karate Demonstration, Beans and Candy Shower, Cosplay Contest, Fireworks, Mochi Pounding and many more. Now enough with Bon Odori 2014, let’s get on Bon Odori 2015.

             This year’s Bon Odori 2015 was held last August 7 and 8, 2015 having D’ Family Park Talamban Cebu City as the venue. The activities were Sinulog Dance, Portable Shrine, Candy Shower, Bon Odori Dance, Karate, Mochi Making, Yukata Contest, Karaoke Contest, Cosplay Contest, Fireworks and Raffles. As I was approaching the venue, I can already sense the liveliness of the people celebrating the festival outside the gate and that makes me even more excited to witness the festival. People were wearing Japanese dresses (Yukata and Kimono) and cosplaying, eating, dancing, selling on the booths and other activities were all over the ground. There’s one activity that I love to witness, fireworks!!! I’m this very much obsess with colourful and sparkling lights and yes, Christmas lights are one of them. I even got sad when the very heavy rain fall that night and yes, I got wet but not that much because of the three handsome gentlemen I’m with. Good thing the heavy rain doesn’t last long, and just after it was gone the fireworks pushed thru. Guess I’m blessed enough to experience this kind of tradition and hopefully witness it again in Japan.

             The event was a really big success because many people enjoyed it. And by next year, on the coming Bon Odori 2016, let’s relive and captivate the moment as we will be celebrating again the Summer Festival here in Cebu in a Japanese Traditional Way. So don’t you miss it because I’m sure you’ll never regret it... ^_~ #WWRshares

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Badian Island Resort and Spa | A Paradise Resort

             My father was invited by his co-employee to have some summer escapade in an island that only known by few people. And since I’m such an explorer by heart, I did convince my father to go but of course together with the whole family, so I’m in. Before weekend comes I felt so tired because of some office tasks that I needed to fixed though still, I can’t get off my head the island that me and my family will be spending  the weekends. Then Saturday came and my father informed us that the place well be going was Badian Island, located on the southwest coast of Cebu. Since Badian was more than a couple of hour ride we did wake up earlier, like 4:00AM to catch the 5:00AM bus and get on the place  early so that we can get to explore the island longer.

             The moment we arrived on the island, I didn’t waste any time and get my exploration begin. I happened to get the information that its name was Badian Island Resort and Spa, the resort was built to provide employment to local residents around Badian Island and to help boost tourism in the Philippines. The resort offers the gift of holistic well-being by introducing natural spa treatment, yoga exercises and organic eating and drinking lifestyle. It also have an ionized seawater outdoor pools that can ultimately heal and revitalize the body. Badian Island Resort and Spa offers first-class room accommodations, WI-FI Internet access, international cuisines, fine dining entertainment, exciting excursions, yacht cruising, scuba diving and fun beach activities.

             Badian Island Resort and Spa has a total of 42 rooms having 10 Family Suites, 6 Pool Villas, 18 Junior Suites and 8 Badian Suites. The luxurious hotel resort situated on a private beach in Badian. Breakfast is included in the room rates and served daily. Children 3 years old and below were free of charge sharing existing bedding. Check-in time is 2:00PM and checkout time is 12:00 noon. The signature treatment and massage that Badian Island Resort and Spa offers were Badian Deluxe Four-Hand Massage (75 minutes), Warm Seaweed Bath (30 minutes), Seaweed Massage (60 minutes), Badian Hilot(60 minutes), Traditional Herbal Massage (90 minutes), Island Paradise Massage (60 minutes), Pure Indulgence (180 minutes), Badian Unique Discovery (120 minutes) and many more. The resort also offer some tour and excursion packages like Whale Shark Watching – Half day Tour, Dolphin Watching - with hotel owned motor yacht, Island Hopping - with hotel owned motor yacht, Bay Cruising - with hotel owned motor yacht, Kawasan Waterfalls Tour - with hotel owned private Land transfer, Dumaguete Tour - full day tour to this Negros with use of ferry and many more.

             There’s so many things I’ve experienced being in Badian Island Resort and Spa, experiences that I always love to remember. Thanks to all the staffs that accommodated and treated us very well on our stay. I so love to get back very soon. How ‘bout you? Wanna experience such a heavenly feeling and away from the hassle of being in the city? Then come and join me when I get back in Badian Island Resort and Spa.

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Use Your POWER to CHANGE Climate Change | Earth Hour 2015

"The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity... that's all there is. That's the whole economy. That's where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world."

             I attended Earth Hour event for the past four (4) years already and every year I'm on it, I always love checking out the activities. Now let me share some of the happenings in SM City Cebu last Saturday (March 28, 2015). This year's Earth Hour global theme was "Change Climate Change" and the Cebu City officials led the observance of Earth Hour with its partner establishment, SM City Cebu, turned off 50 percent of its electrical usage.

             Before the light was switched off, Mayor Michael Rama told the residents who attended the Earth Hour activity that extinction of mankind would be the consequence if people ignore the threat of global warming, climate change, and other environmental degradation. And he also added, "If we will not do it now, when? If not us, then who?". Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera said that energy conservation can be backed by other initiatives like proper waste segregation and waste disposition. Miss Theresa Sederiosa said that information campaign was done and it was time to make it a habit and not just an hour to magnify the result of energy conservation.

             Earth Hour was recognized as the world's largest voluntary action for environment and has reached 154 countries as of 2013, involving more or less 7,000 towns and cities all over the world. I also learned Earth Hour was started in Australia last 2007 and became a worldwide movement which uses the very simple act, turning off lights for 60 minutes. Philippines has been an active participant of Earth Hour since last 2008 and earned the status of being "Earth Hero Country". And I also took note that Cebu first participated in celebrating Earth Hour last 2009 and saved more or less 8 megawatts over the years.

             After counting, a mega outlet where the huge plug was mounted has been unplugged to signal that it was time to switch off the lights. Candles inside a paper cups formed "60+ Earth Hour SM Cebu" viewed the area. The festive tribal music started together with the fire dancers who played the fire amazingly and it did entertain the attendees for how many minutes. The Knapsack Dancer performed a shadow dance that story tell how important our environment was and how are we going to improve it so that our future generations can taste the sweetness of Mother Nature.

             While on the other side of the City, almost 5,000 bicycle enthusiasts gathered for the Earth Hour Night Ride at the Cebu Business Park to promote transportation sans carbon under the very bright moonlit and stars up in the sky. And in connection with the bicycling, SM City Cebu unveiled the newly bike racks located in the parking lot of the mall.

             'Til the next year's Earth Hour fellow citizen and may we all achieve the goal to make Earth Hour a habit and not just annually executed. ^_^

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Bloggers Forum | Rabies Awareness | Rabies Free Philippines

             On my elementary days, I was bitten by our own pet and got healed by the medicine that was injected on me. Though our pet doesn't have any rabies but just for safety precaution I did take those medicines. And now, since I so love pets especially dogs, I don’t want them to be not well treated and be feared by any human because it hurt me a lot. So the moment I was invited by Ms. Rachel of PIA-Cebu (Philippines Information Agency-Cebu) on a forum about Rabies Awareness, I didn't think twice.

 

The Guests of Bloggers Forum for Rabies Awareness:

Dr. Teodoro A. Dabocol (Regional Rabies Coordinator, Dept. Of Agriculture 7)

Dr. Mary Ann Gabona (Provincial Veterinary Office)

Dr. Pilar Romero (Dept. of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, Cebu City)

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Canal (Regional Medical Rabies Program Coordinator, Dept. of Health 7)

Some of the information I've got in the forum was the reasons for dog’s registration:

1. Dog's identity: (To Identity Real Owners of Dogs)

2. Will enable lost dog and its owner to be reunited;

3. Registered dogs can make pet owners liable for medical expenses in case of accidental bites (Provoke or unprovoked);

4. Could be recorded officially as stray or non-stray;

     - Registration should be compulsory

     - Charged owners a reasonable sum for registration would make owner think more seriously before acquiring a dog and prevent the destruction of

Unclaimed strays, but also of the many hundreds of unwanted dogs taken to veterinary surgeons to be put down (euthanasia);

    - One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just 6 years;

    - One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in 7 years.

And also the disadvantages of stray dogs:

1. Destruction of property;

2. Sometimes causes road traffic accidents causing death/injury to humans;

3. Cost of hospital treatment/human vaccination/other injuries;

4. Injuries/attacks on humans and farming livestock;

5. Cost of life and anxiety;

6. Scattering garbage

    - neuterized dogs are less likely to stray and would not cause unwanted pregnancies if they did stray;

7. Rabies and other zoonoses;

8. Overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats;

9. Death/injury of animals on the road.

10. Fecal and noise pollution.

Please be aware of these Region VII Bite Centers:

Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, Daro Highway, Dumaguete City

Siquijor Provincial Hospital, Siquijor

Mandaue City Health Office, Tribunal, Mandaue City

Cebu Provincial Health Office, Capitol Building, Cebu City

Lapu-lapu City Health Office, Lapu-lapu

Cebu City Health Office, Bite Treatment Center, Cebu City

Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital, Talibon, Bohol

Danao District Hospital, Danao City

Minglanilla District Hospital, Minglanilla, Cebu

Tuburan Health Center, Tuburan, Cebu

Argao District Hospital, Argao, Cebu

Medellin Health Center, Medellin, Cebu

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#SM2SMRunYear5 | I Love #CebuRun

Congratulations to all the winners of the SM2SM Run Year 5...!!!

6K MALE CATEGORY:

1st -John Darryl Manus 19:42.93

2nd- Michael Largo 20:09:21

3rd -Robert Daang 20:30.41

6K FEMALE CATEGORY:

1st-Cherry Andrin 24:05.93

2nd-Keisha Mae Delechos 25:01.85

3rd-Irish Delechos 25:48.88

 

12K MALE CATEGORY:

1st-Joebert Carolino 40:32

2nd-Elmer Bartolo 40:53

3rd-Jordan Bac-ong 41:04

12K FEMALE CATEGORY:

1st-Ruffa Sorongon 49:08

2nd-Lovely Fe Andrin 50:24

3rd- Jhanine Mansueto 50:43

12K FOREIGN CATEGORY MALE:

1st- Jackson Chirchir 37:11

2nd- Abraham Missos 40:48

3rd-James Mebei 42:07

12K FOREIGN CATEGORY FEMALE:

1st- Kemboi Patrober 54:49

2nd-Mae Cherryl Wuttke 1:18:38

3rd- Shiori Momoi 1:24:09

 

21K MALE CATEGORY:

1st- Raphael Poliquit, Jr 1: 09:38

2nd-Ireneo Raquin 1: 09:54

3rd- Eric Panique 1:10:09

4th- Eduardo Buenavista 1:11:45

21K FEMALE CATEGORY:

1st-Mary Joy Tabal 1:12:19

2nd-Mary Grace de los Santos 1:23:32

3rd-Christabel Martes 1:27:23

4th - Jennylyn Nobleza 1:30:36

21K FEMALE FOREIGN CATEGORY:

1st Irene Kipchumba 01:21:12

2nd Susan Chepkwony 01:27:16

21K MALE FOREIGN CATEGORY:

1st -Alex Melly

2nd -Willy Tanui

3rd-Elphiz Kiptarus

 

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REVVING UP CEBU: Miss Cebu 2015 Coronation Night

        This 2015 is the 35^th year of SINULOG FESTIVAL and 31st MISS CEBU CORONATION NIGHT. The latter will be held today(Wednesday, January 14, 2015), 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. If you don’t have a spare time to be at the place you may also watch there live telecast on STUDIO 23 and streamed on Cebu City Tourism. Miss Cebu 2015, 12 finalists are Hanica Rachael Arshia Ong, Febb Flores, Mary Cyrielle Wong, Aivy Mae Castro, Katherine Jumapao, Rio Liza Vestil, Lucena Rose Magdadaro, Catherine Mier, Rosalyn Clavano, Ma. Genefe Navilon, Domenic Reynes, and Wynonah Van Joy Buot. 2015 pageant theme is “REVVING UP CEBU”.

        CEBU proudly crossed the threshold of becoming the country’s most popular tourist destinations more than thirty one years ago, an accomplishment that was by no means typical. It was the era of martial law, political rallies and stuff that tourists were not willing to experience. This island in the Pacific had mounted the SINULOG FESTIVAL just a few years before the eighties, its hotels and resorts, together with the Tourism Commission had mounted two sales blitzes in at least ten US cities inviting Filipinos to come home through chartered flights. In fact, direct-chartered flights from Osaka, Japan and several other points in Asia were a regular occurrence, bringing in tourists to enjoy the city’s historical and cultural attractions, golf courses, dining and entertainment offerings to complement the island’s beaches and spectacular dive sites. CEBU became a star. Tourism became a driving force, an economic engine of growth that continues to hum with a consistent power in the belly of this city. At about the same time in the past, the Cebu City Tourism Commission launched the search for the quintessential Cebuana to embody the indomitable spirit of the city that refuses to be intimidated by anything. Creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial drive, can do outlook and the willingness to collaborate and partner to make things happen- all coming to fore to meet challenges.  Miss Cebu, in a sense, gave a face and a voice to this dynamic metropolis and the entire island as a major tourist destination, representing Cebuanos as one of the world’s friendliest and most welcoming.

        The stage is set for a spectacular show within a show featuring the best of Cebu and various entertainers including celebrity guest Tom Rodriguez. It will be hosted by Paulo Varela, Jonathan Cimafranca and past Miss Cebu winners. To highlight Cebuano creativity, the candidates will be wearing the creations of Cebu’s top designers with maquillage by the Make Up Artists Club of Cebu. For the opening number, the Miss Cebu beauties will be wearing “Pusô-inspired” creations by designers Alejandro Godinez, Barbie Alvez, Peewee Senining, and Rey Villegas. Another segment will feature the “Modern Maria Clara” with creations by Yvonne Quisumbing, Brian Aloquin, Protacio, and Edwin Ao. The glamourous evening gowns will feature the “Red Terno” as interpreted by Albert Arriba, Marichu Tan, Jun Escario, Ditas Rodriguez, Wendell Quisido, Philipp Tampus, OJ Hofer, William Manahan, Dino Llorren, Arcy Gayatin, Ren Manabat and Harley Ruedas. It will be an ode to how Cebu has revved up, grown and developed into the thriving metropolis it has become yet still manages to remain rooted in its rich culture and heritage, seamlessly blending old with the new, traditional with the modern, giving it its unique character. Miss Cebu 2015 is presented to you by The Cebu City Government through the Cebu City Tourism Commission and Cebu City Tourism Foundation Incorporated. It is co-presented by. ABS-CBN Corporation, Ayala Center Cebu/Cebu Holdings, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Dr. Rhigel Jay Alforque Tan and Mr. Rey Amoguis Espina. Diamond sponsors are AMA Computer College Cebu – Mabolo Cebu, Gems and Designs, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Megaworld Cebu PropertiesIncorporated, NGenius IT Hub NK SERVICE CENTER, Philippine Airlines, and SM City Cebu.

        For more information, please contact the Cebu City Tourism Commission office at (032) 412 4355 or visit www.facebook.com/misscebupageant.

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